The Light to my Darkness

Chapter 15: Adrift

Back in Elder Tsuno's village a while earlier, a yellow skinned alien, with black pupils, red scleras and an elongated skull was lurking around in the air when one of the Namekian warriors had gotten wind of his Ki signal and surprised him by knocking him behind the head with a powerful double-axe handle. He raised his Ki, and the warriors quickly made their way over and secured his capture.

They didn't get too much out of him, since Gohan and Krillin had told them pretty much all they needed to know. The only useful piece of information they'd managed to divulge was that Frieza planned to destroy Namek after making his wish. Being the peaceful race that they were, the Namekians did not mistreat their prisoner. They didn't even bind or gag him, just kept him inside a hut, under close surveillance.

XXXX

"Krillin, notice that?" Gohan asked, in the midst of their training, a good while passing since Vegeta had awoken.

"Yeah I do." The bald man nodded. "Vegeta's headed our way!" A galvanized smile lit his face. "This is great! We can go and rescue Bulma now!"

"Sounds like a plan!" Beamed Gohan.

"Alright Gohan!" The older warrior grabbed his young companion's shoulder. "We'll have to travel via hover bike once again. Remember to keep your energy suppressed, got it?"

The half-Saiyan nodded his assent and his companion checked the dragon radar.

"It looks like he's left his dragon ball with Bulma!" Krillin felt even more thrilled, his faded morale taking a huge upsurge. "Perfect! This'll lead us right to her! Man, won't Vegeta be surprised when he faces Nail?!"

After saying their goodbyes to their three Namekian allies, the duo left.

XXXX

Vegeta was flying straight towards the dragon balls, trying his best to root out the regret that had embedded itself in every cell of his body. Now there was no doubt that Bulma hated him and that disgusted him! Why?! She reviled him from the very beginning, didn't she?! Perhaps, but somewhere along the line, she'd developed a sense of affinity towards him and as revolted as he was by the mere though of it, he had too! Only now, when he'd lost it, or rather, had thrown it away, did he realize that being cherished and accepted by another, wasn't really as unpleasant a feeling as he had imagined it would be.

'Fuck!' He mentally kicked himself. 'I'm acting like a fucking weakling! She means nothing to me!'

But if that were so why couldn't he just fucking kill her and be done with it?! Just how had she managed to creep her way into the inner depths of his soul, where no one dared trespass?! He shook his head, deciding to dwell on it later. There had to be some way to root her out of his system, so he could think straight once again and be the cold, calculated and callous warrior he was from the very beginning.

'I have to be careful.' He warned himself. 'There's no doubt she's going to try and steal my wish. I cannot let her do it!'

He briefly considered what would happen if he did go along with her plan, i.e. reviving her friends and then using Earth's dragon balls to become a Super Saiyan. No, it presented far too much risk! Whether or not those weaklings lived was none of his concern! Becoming a Super Saiyan and destroying Frieza was all that mattered! If by some miracle he managed to collect all seven dragon balls on Namek, he couldn't waste his auspicious moment! If he outmaneuvered Frieza once, the tyrant would be on his guard the next time and that would make his quest all the more perilous! He needed to stay alert! The old Namekian fool he'd spared did hint that a specific process was required in order to make the wish. He hadn't considered it before, but since Bulma was from Earth and her planet had dragon balls, it would be plausible to presume that she was privy to such a process. Namek's wish-making process may have been different from that of Earth, but there was no point taking any chances. Once gathered, he needed to keep the balls away from her at all cost, lest she steal away his only chance at revenge!

XXXX

"Hmmm. The Saiyan's coming our way, Elder." Nail stated.

"So it seems."

"Nail, please be careful." Dende's heart rate began rising greatly.

"Don't worry, little brother, I'll be fine, I promise." He smiled back reassuringly, before knitting his eyebrows straight ahead as he readied himself.

XXXX

Just as Vegeta was minutes away from the final dragon ball, he sensed a high power level not far away, all on its own. An evil smile lit his face as he recognized the Ki signature as belonging to none other than the mighty Zarbon himself! The last dragon ball could wait! If he were to secure the five Frieza had collected, he needed as little opposition as possible! Taking care of his blue-skinned nemesis was a major step in the right direction!

'Perfect.' He thought, smirking wickedly. 'Another one of your lackeys is about to be crushed by my hand, Frieza. And soon, you'll be joining him in hell!'

The Saiyan promptly tucked the dragon radar into his breastplate and flew over to Zarbon, full-speed.

XXXX

"He's headed elsewhere." Nail stated, furrowing his eyes, before he sensed another power level. "I see. He's flying straight towards one of Frieza's men."

"Good!" Dende exclaimed furiously. "I hope they kill each other!"

"You must not wish such evil upon others, young Dende." Guru chided. "Even our enemies."

"But Guru, look what they've done to this planet!" His bodyguard argued. "We-"

"I understand Nail." Interjected the Grand Elder. "However, the Saiyan has not yet spilled the blood of any of our people."

"He's still evil!" Dende grit his teeth as he brought both his fists up. "He killed Gohan and Krillin's friends on Earth and if it wasn't for him, Frieza would never have known about the dragon balls or come here, in the first place!"

After a tense moment of silence or two, Guru spoke.

"You are right, Dende." He affirmed. "However, I do sense some small change in his wicked heart." He let out a weary sigh. "I have a feeling that, like us, he too has suffered by Frieza's hand."

XXXX

"Vegeta's heading straight towards that other guy." Gohan said. He and Krillin were currently headed over in Bulma's direction, via hover bike. "Zarbon, I think his name was. There's gonna be another intense battle."

"Whoa." Krillin sensed it too. "I must say, knowing the way Vegeta annihilated Dodoria like that earlier on, I don't think this Zarbon guy will fare much better. That bastard's on a whole other level now."

"True." Gohan concurred, before brooding for a moment or so. "He's going to be distracted, so why not fly over to Bulma, lower our Ki signal and get her someplace safe?"

"You sure about that Gohan?" Krillin asked, raising an eyebrow. "If he senses us out, we're done for. Even with our new strength."

"I know, but what's more important to him?" The boy argued. "Getting rid of Zarbon or us? Besides, with our increased power, he may not recognize us. Trust me Krillin. We can make it to Bulma's in no time and then we can take her with us to Guru's."

"Alright Gohan." Krillin relented. "We'll do it your way then."

"Hold on." The boy said. "Let's wait until he engages Zarbon. That way he'll be distracted."

"Right!"

XXXX

Within roughly 15 minutes, Vegeta began nearing Zarbon and soon afterwards, the two ex-comrades faced off.

"Vegeta!" Zarbon growled.

"So." Began the Saiyan Prince, "We finally meet again Zarbon. What a surprise. I've already disposed of that useless Dodoria. Now I plan to do the same thing to you!"

"What?!" The blue-skinned alien exclaimed in disbelief. "There's no way you beat Dodoria by yourself! You're lying!"

The two continued exchanging verbal blows. Zarbon underestimated Vegeta's power and reproached him for having betrayed Frieza, while Vegeta went on about how, unlike his ex-comrade, he was never fitted to a life of slavery and now with the hope of the dragon balls, he could finally wreak vengeance upon him and Frieza, both.

XXXX

"That's our cue Krillin." Gohan signaled. "Let's get flying. Vegeta's going to be engaged for at least a little while and we're not far from Bulma's. Remember we need to be at top speed!"

Krillin bobbed his head and de-capsulized his hover bike, putting it back in the capsule case, before the duo zoomed towards their friend.

XXXX

"Frieza feared the Saiyans!" Vegeta proclaimed, "Which means he's afraid of me!"

"Don't flatter yourself." Zarbon responded smugly, "What Frieza feared was the entire Saiyan race rising up against him. All alone you're no threat to anyone."

Vegeta began attacking Zarbon without delay, outperforming him at every turn and even deflecting his most intense blast with ease, laughing all the while at his opponent's inferior strength.

The Prince continued toying with him. An inverted kick on top of the head from Vegeta, landed Zarbon straight to the ground and a side kick from behind sent him skidding ungracefully across the grass, marring the near-flawless features of Frieza's right hand man.

As Vegeta chuckled at his opponent's pathetic display of power, Zarbon got up and after a moment or so, his painful wheezes slowly began transforming into insidious laughter. Vegeta's mirth died out and began frowning dubiously at his older and bigger foe. That was not the response he expected.

"Well, I have to admit." Zarbon began, "You do impress me Vegeta. Your fighting skills have come a long way since the last time we met, but not quite far enough."

Zarbon got back to his feet and smirked at Vegeta, stifling a few laughs all the while.

"So I'm not strong enough to beat you huh?" Vegeta asked. "Funny because that's what I thought I was doing, unless you're trying to tell me you've been holding back."

"That's right." Confessed Zarbon.

Vegeta shook his head and chortled, foolishly believing that his opponent was simply getting desperate and/or delusional.

"Go ahead, laugh if you want." Zarbon said ominously. "I'm about to wipe that stupid smile right off your face. It's time I showed you my true power." He gently brushed away two thick emerald strands from his face, as he continued. "You ever hear the saying, 'beauty is only skin-deep'? Well right now, you're only seeing the beauty."

"Is that so?" Derided Vegeta. "Well pardon me if I hadn't noticed. Let's see it!"

Zarbon sniggered, before spreading out his arms without warning. His muscles suddenly augmented to three times their normal size and soon his whole body dilated, becoming so much- uglier. He looked absolutely hideous. What manner of beast was this?!

"With great pleasure, I introduce you to the beast!" Zarbon proclaimed in a monstrous voice, completely antithetical to the beauty, elegance and finesse that were the blue warrior's trademark characteristics.

Zarbon landed a swift running knee-strike on Vegeta's midsection, knocking the wind right out of him, before the Prince even knew what had happen. He proceeded to land blow after blow and grabbed his face with both hands, head-butting him repeatedly on the forehead, so hard that the Saiyan felt his skull crack.

'What on Earth?!' Vegeta thought in dismay. 'I never knew he could transform! I can't toy with him! I must fight him at full power!'

The Saiyan quickly flared his Ki to it's maximum, as the two juggernauts clashed full force.

XXXX

"Zarbon's power spiked like crazy!" Gohan exclaimed, completely at a loss.

"Yeah, what the hell?" Krillin thought audibly, unsettled by it all. "He was holding back that whole time! There's no way Vegeta can beat him now!"

"This is bad Krillin!"

"What? What do you mean Gohan?" The bald man narrowed his eyes, disapprovingly. "It's just Vegeta. I say, let him die, for all we care!"

"I understand what you mean Krillin, but at least Vegeta didn't kill those Namekians." Gohan argued. "No matter how bad he is, he's still better than Frieza."

"Well when you put it that way, maybe." Krillin said, sighing and scratching his head. "Well, either way, let's get to Bulma as quick as we can. We've got a mission to complete!"

"Right!"

And so the duo continued their trek.

XXXX

Zarbon was repeatedly besting Vegeta, while the Prince was breathing in a rasped manner, had one closed eye and nasty bruises suffusing on his forehead. Things were certainly not going as planned. But he refused to give up! He was intent on destroying Frieza! Zarbon was nothing but a sycophant and he refused to be beaten by someone as detestable as that!

The blue fighter grabbed Vegeta from behind in a full nelson, midair, when suddenly, he caught wind of a mild odor, submerged beneath the fragrant smell of lavender soap, yet unable to escape his highly sensitive olfactory senses.

"Goodness Vegeta, you reek of sex!" He stated in his monstrous voice. "I don't know it escaped my attention earlier hahahahaha!"

"Shut up!" Vegeta yelled back.

"So, who've you been fucking, little Prince?!" Zarbon chortled. "Please do tell! You know, I'd love a turn myself!"

"I said, SHUT UP!" Vegeta roared, managing to slip an arm free and use it to repeatedly elbow his opponent's midsection, until he was finally forced to let go. Zarbon clutched his aching ribcage, groaning painfully. The Prince was panting heavily. Shit! He couldn't let this bastard find out about Bulma! Dammit, why the fuck did he even give a shit?! Let him take her for all he cared! He snarled furiously! No, he couldn't let anyone touch her! The mere idea of it made his gut tighten in disrelish! She was his and only his! He'd never felt so possessive before in his life and as much as it sickened him, he was unable to suppress the feeling!

Zarbon wiped some blood off his lip, before smiling evilly at the Saiyan.

"You seem agitated, Vegeta." The elite warrior noted, furrowing his brows ominously. "Don't tell me you've found yourself a little fuck-toy and aren't willing to share?!"

"SHUT UUUUPPPP!" The Saiyan Prince bellowed as a magnificent blue aura, more potent than before, flared around him, overwhelming fury deluging every boiling blood cell in his body, at the thought of his beastly opponent getting his repulsive hands on Bulma! No, he wouldn't allow it! No one but himself, had any claim over her!

"What the?" Zarbon had disbelief writ all over his face, as his opponent launched towards him with newfound speed and strength.

With power he didn't know he had, Vegeta began ravaging Zarbon.

After taking a few blows, Zarbon powered up to his max and began trying to counter. The incensed Saiyan was much stronger than he had thought! He could no longer take him lightly!

Though briefly managing to tap into a hidden larder of strength, Vegeta's attacks weren't really affecting Zarbon as much as he'd hoped and he felt his reserves fade fast. He was on his last foot.

"Impressive Vegeta, you really have come a long way." Zarbon commented between slightly heaved breaths. He could clearly see his opponent's overt fatigue. "But you cannot keep this up much longer and you know it!"

"I WILL NOT LOSE!" Vegeta proclaimed in a blaring bellow of rage and resolve, as he barraged his opponent with blast after blast, exhausting the last vestiges of his energy. His breathing was more strained than ever before and his eyes widened in shock and horror as the smoke cleared and he witnessed a furious Zarbon, piercing his very soul with a deathly glare. The elite was not completely unscathed and was even having trouble breathing. Several bruises and lacerations were visible, violet blood oozed out of his wounds, but unlike the Saiyan, he was still in the game.

"BASTARD!" He yelled, as he rocketed towards Vegeta, ramming the top of his head straight on the Prince's face, crushing his nasal bones and worsening a severe cut on his bottom lip, in the process. As Vegeta landed on the ground, Zarbon quickly straddled his waist and disfigured his face with wrathful blow after wrathful blow, before finally stopping and glaring at the Prince's battered form.

Vegeta's face was marred with injuries and completely bloodied. This must have been what Kakarot had felt like when he'd defeated him on Earth. He could barely help it as his lips slightly quirked up at the memory.

"What's so funny, monkey?!" Zarbon sneered.

Vegeta chuckled a little, barely able to open his better eye.

"You may have- changed form- Zarbon-" Vegeta rasped out and chuckled a little more, between breaths. "But- you still- hit like-"

Vegeta continued coughing repeatedly.

"Like what?!"

"A girl." He coughed out and laughed a little more.

"WHAT?!" The mutant roared in a mix of disbelief and rage.

"That's right." Vegeta said, in a drained voice. He knew when he was beaten and when to cut his losses. He realized now that there was only one chance for him, only one way out of this whole mess, though it presented a perilous risk. "You think you can hurt me- weakling?"

Zarbon snarled and punched him hard, right across the jaw. Vegeta let out a hiss of pain, before forcibly turning his bloodied and fractured face towards Zarbon once again.

"Fool- I've withstood the brunt- of Frieza's- tortures-" The Prince wheezed, his voice laced with pride, "And not once- did I- grovel- before him! What chance- does- a lickspittle like you- have?"

Zarbon roared angrily at him and again punched him hard in the face, but it wasn't quite enough to put his lights out.

"Go on- Zarbon-" Vegeta smirked as best he could, tilting his face up. "Wipe that 'stupid smile'- from my face."

Zarbon hollered as he continued pounding Vegeta, but that exasperating smirk of his was as perpetual as ever.

'That's right Zarbon.' Vegeta thought gleefully, drinking in every ounce of pain as though each one was a refreshing flute of blood orange champagne. 'Don't let up. The more you hurt me, the stronger I'll become once I heal. And when I do, you'll be the first person to taste the wrath of the Saiyan Prince!'

Vegeta knew he would soon end up in the heart of the enemy's territory, but it was bound to happen one way or another. At least this time, his powers would rise dramatically. He had formed the perfect plan, but had to act meticulously if he were to execute it. One wrong move and he'd be within the lizard's grasp, back to square one or worse. The Prince eventually lost consciousness, but he was still able to retain his smug look, as he imagined Frieza's face contorted in absolute rage, shame and horror, once the lizard realized that the dragon balls he'd worked so hard to gather had slipped right through his fingers. And as for Zarbon, oh boy, his end would be one for the record books, he'd personally see to that!

Zarbon glowered down at him! He hated that look! It was aggravating him to no avail! If he killed Vegeta now, he'd be taking the easy way out! He said he would wipe that smirk off his face and he was intent on doing just that, no matter what! Vegeta was out cold! His best bet was to take him to Lord Frieza! Then he could torture him incessantly! Frieza would be most impressed! With that thought in mind, Zarbon reverted to his original form, hoisted Vegeta's unconscious body over his shoulder and headed back towards his master's ship.

XXXX

"Vegeta's Ki signal's vanished." Gohan noted.

"Yeah, my goodness." Krillin commented in disbelief. "Even with Goku here, how the hell can we beat some that powerful, not to mention Frieza?"

"I don't know." Gohan replied, shaking his head. "Let's not think about it now though! We have to rescue Bulma!"

"You're right!"

About fifteen minutes later, the duo arrived at their intended location.

XXXX

A long while after Vegeta had left, Bulma decided to hit the shower and rapidly began cleaning his infernal scent off of her, but not before spraying the room with an overdose of perfume that muffled the raw smell of sex permeating through the air. She hated him more than anyone, anyone other than herself that is! She'd willingly tainted her very being, by mixing her blood with that of a genocidal beast!

'How could I be so naive?!' She cursed herself. 'How could I give myself away to that fucking bastard and betray Yamcha like that?!'

She'd damned her soul and over what?! A good fuck?! No, it couldn't be just that. She could swear she'd felt something more! The heiress shook her head fiercely. No, there was absolutely nothing between the two of them, except disgust and abhorrence! That fucker called her a 'whore'! She meant nothing to him! He could die and burn in hell for all she cared! In fact, the sooner the better!

She let out a somber sigh of despair, her shoulders slumping. As forgiving and sweet as Yamcha was, she knew he'd never let this go, assuming he was brought back to life and she couldn't blame him at all. She'd taken him for granted, assuming he'd always be there for her. Maybe she'd overreacted when she dumped him last year. It wasn't like he stood her up on purpose. Puar told her that he was just broke, but she didn't even want to hear his side of the story. Bulma let out another sigh, deciding not to dwell on the past. If she and Yamcha weren't over then, they certainly were now. Things could never go back to the way they were before. The best way she could make amends was by reviving him and all the others.

Her thoughts came to an abrupt halt as she heard footsteps headed her way, whereby a nasty snarl contorted her visage.

XXXX

Krillin and Gohan were now inside the bedroom of Bulma's capsule's house.

"God, I can't even breathe in here." Gohan wrinkled his nose.

"I know right?" Krillin did likewise and heard the shower running inside. A smile lit his face as he sensed his friend's Ki. Boy, wouldn't she be excited when she saw the two of them?! He knew he was!

He went over and knocked on the door.

"FUCK OFF YOU PIECE OF SHIT!" An angry and shrilling voice roared back, causing both Krillin and Gohan to wince and clasp their ears. After a moment's pause, the demi-Saiyan boy spoke up.

"Bulma, it's us." He used both hands to echo his voice. The heiress' eyes suddenly widened, her jaw going fully ajar, as recognition hit her like a freight train. "It's Gohan and Krillin."

"No- w-w-way." Bulma was completely dumbfounded. "B-But h-how?!"

"Come on outside and we'll tell you all about it!" Krillin grinned. "You have no idea how good it is to hear your voice again, Bulma!"

"Krillin, it is you!" The heiress twinkled, as she quickly began cleaning herself off. "How'd you guys get here?!"

"It's a long story." The bald man responded, "We'll tell you everything, once you're finished! We'll be waiting in the living room, so we don't suffocate to death." He quipped.

"Sure thing!" She quickly rinsed off the soap she'd lathered on her body, before drying up with a towel and getting dressed in a pair of hot pink, silk pajama bottoms, red flip flops and a powder pink, cotton singlet. She immediately made a run towards the living room and the moment she saw the duo, she ran up to them, got on her knees and pulled them flush towards her, in a tight embrace, tears of joy brimming her eyes.

Krillin's cheeks flushed a deep shade of red. Gohan, on the other hand, felt extremely awkward. The only one who used to do that to him was his mother.

"I'm so happy to see you guys!" She gushed. "I can't believe you're here."

Krillin looked as though he was completely lost in his own little dream world.

"Err, Bulma?" Gohan broke the companionable silence that ensued.

"Sorry guys, it's just been ages since I've seen anyone from home." She said, as she withdrew, placing her hands on both their shoulders. "Let's go get comfortable and you can fill me in on everything, okay?!"

"Sounds good." Affirmed Krillin, perusing her closely, as he noticed hints of distress she was trying to mask behind her overjoyed expression. "Is everything okay, Bulma?" He asked concernedly.

"Yeah, it's fine." She replied, forcing a strained smile. "Let's just sit down, alright?" She replied, her voice cracking slightly with the last few words, as she headed over to the sofa nearby, plopping herself in the middle and gesturing for the duo to sit on either side of her, as though she needed to be sheltered by their company, after all the time she'd spent with him.

"Alright." Krillin nodded weakly, deciding not to press the matter, figuring she may have been hurt and upset because honestly, who wouldn't be, in her situation? He began heading towards her, with Gohan hot on his heels.

As they sat down, Krillin and Gohan elucidated the situation to their friend, explaining how they'd planned to leave Earth to go rescue her and that Goku would be arriving in a short while, though they didn't know exactly when.

"Goku's coming!" Bulma beamed. "Wow, this is great! I already have a dragon ball with me now."

"Yeah we know." Krillin frowned. "We saw Vegeta take it."

Her expression turned somber as she heard his name.

"Bulma, you don't have to worry about him." Krillin reassured.

"Worried?!" She growled back, causing the bald warrior to cringe. "Who said I was worried?! I hate him! I hope he goes and gets himself killed!"

Krillin smirked.

"You don't have to worry about that B-"

"I told you I'm not worried!" She snarled, whereby Krillin cowered in his recess of his side of the sofa, holding his hands up in surrender.

"Umm, Bulma, what Krillin means is that Vegeta's gone." Gohan clarified.

All color fell from Bulma's face as she looked at the boy in horror.

"W-What?" She spluttered out, her hands trembling.

"He was fighting one of Frieza's goons and we sensed his energy disappear." Krillin elucidated further. "He's dead Bulma! He can't hurt you anymore!" He surmised that Vegeta must have been the reason behind her agony.

Bulma felt her eyes water as she unwittingly planted her palm on her throbbing heart. Dead? Was Vegeta really dead? Why was a wave of despair unlike any other, beginning to crash down upon her? Isn't this what she wanted?

"Bulma, are you okay?" Gohan asked solicitously, placing a hand on her shoulder.

"I need to use the bathroom." Bulma slurred in a broken voice, standing up as she dashed over to her intended location and locked the door behind her. She went over to the flush and began to retch, tears beginning to spill rapidly, one after another.

'Why?!' She though in anguish. 'Why does it hurt so bad?!'

Twenty minutes passed by as her mind continued flashing through the short memories of their time together, when she'd first seen him, a bloodthirsty fiend ready to finish off her friends, when they'd arrived on that Frieza planet, when he'd protected her from Cui and the others and when they'd made love the first time. At that moment she'd never felt happier all her life. It was as though he'd washed away all the sorrow and misery within her, as he constantly pleasured her body and soul in ways she'd never experienced before. Soon afterwards he fell asleep on top of her, breathing raggedly against her neck as she held onto him firmly, never wanting to let go and wishing it would never end, hoping against hope that he'd shed away his husk of evil and let love prevail. She should've thought better.

Their second bout of sex was purely physical and he'd shoved her away soon after it was all over, as though she were a piece of trash. Not long afterwards, everything went downhill, when he'd declared his true feelings towards her. But was that really how he'd felt? He said as much, didn't he?! Then why?! Why could she still feel him inside her?! If was as though there were some sort of link binding the two of them together and as tenuous as it was, she could still feel it, as though he were still- alive?! No, it couldn't be! Gohan and Krillin sensed him go! He had to be dead! But what if- why did she even care?! Letting out a hiss of frustration, before sighing dejectedly, she rinsed her face clean before heading back out to her friends.

XXXX

Earlier, right after Bulma had left, Krillin and Gohan stared at each other incredulously, both nonplussed and completely at a loss for what had just materialized. After a while, the older warrior broke the uncomfortable silence.

"Gohan, I-I don't understand." He said, confused and solicitous at the same time. "I thought- I thought that news would've made her happy."

"I wonder Krillin." The half-Saiyan boy began, as he tried to piece together the disarrayed situation. "Maybe the two of them- well, you know-"

"Quite Gohan!" The bald warrior scowled, raising a fist up threateningly, whereby the younger boy flinched defensively. "Bulma'd never do that! She's with Yamcha for goodness sake!" He paused for a moment, glancing upwards. "Well, was. I know they broke up and all, but still." He once again frowned at his child companion. "Bulma wouldn't, okay?!"

"Uh- wouldn't w-what?" Gohan asked perplexingly.

"Well you know- what you were going to say."

"You mean she wouldn't make friends with him."

Krillin smacked himself on the forehead, blushing embarrassedly. Yep, training under Master Roshi certainly had left his mind in the gutter and he'd completely forgotten that this was Goku's son.

"Umm, well, is that what you think Gohan?"

"Maybe." The child answered, tilting his head downwards and frowning.

"But she said she hated him." Krillin argued.

"I don't know Krillin." The boy replied. "Piccolo always used to say the same thing about my father and me, but after a while I just stopped believing him."

"Well yeah, but- why would she?"

"I'm not sure." He sighed and recalled what that Namekian elder had told them. "You remember what Elder Tsuno said? That Vegeta seemed kind of undecided in the beginning, when he was about to destroy his village. Maybe it was cause of-"

"Bulma?" Krillin interjected, pausing awhile, his jaw hanging. "But- but that- that doesn't make any sense."

"I know." Gohan replied. "But- maybe he's not as bad as we thought."

"Gohan, he's our enemy!" The bald warrior growled, before his expression went blank. "Or was."

"Maybe we can ask Bulma about it."

"No Gohan, leave her be for now." Krillin shook his head disapprovingly. "She needs her space. Heaven knows what she's been through."

"Alright."

Many minutes passed by.

XXXX

Bulma headed out of the bathroom, having been able to clear her mind a little. Yes, Vegeta was still alive! Somehow she just knew it! Question was, why did it even matter to her?!

She went over to Krillin and Gohan and plopped herself on the sofa between them, as she let out a dismal sigh.

"Umm Bulma?" The bald warrior looked at his friend blankly. "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine Krillin." She gave him a strained smile. "Sorry about that, but I'm okay now, really."

"O-kay." He replied, deciding to drop the issue. "Uh- well, I'm going to go collect the other dragon ball. You two sit tight, okay?"

Gohan and Bulma both nodded in unison and Krillin zoomed off. He was still more baffled than ever. What exactly had gone on between Bulma and Vegeta? Did they really befriend one-another as Gohan had suggested? Or was there something more? He shook his head fiercely.

'I'm being an idiot!' He self-chided, as he continued his trek. 'Bulma may act a little unorthodox sometimes, but she's definitely smarter than that!'

XXXX

Zarbon chuckled in glee as he headed back towards Frieza's spaceship with an unconscious Vegeta. Oh yes, he could just see the delight on his master's face!

About forty minutes later he arrived and had the Prince placed in a regeneration tank. He himself spent a good ten minutes or so in a tank himself. Loath as he was to admit it, Vegeta had caused him far more trouble than he would've expected. The Saiyan was alive, but he didn't know if he would be able to regain consciousness. He'd been beaten up really bad, after all. He shook those thoughts aside, as he reached the throne room.

"Lord Frieza, it's Zarbon."

"The door's open." Replied the Lizard Lord, as he peered out the window, his arms folded whilst he was still airborne. He floated back down and whirled around, staring at his right-hand man for a tense moment, before continuing. "So, did you find the village?"

"No, I've come to tell you that I was able to apprehend Vegeta." He informed. "He's currently in a regeneration tank, under the watchful eye of Appule."

Frieza chuckled slightly, before laughing hysterically with glee.

"My, my, this is good news Zarbon!" He commended. "Nice work! I'll finally teach that stubborn monkey of mine, to whom he belongs! I see you've been in the tank yourself. He must have caused you quite a bit of trouble. Did you not use your powers of transformation?"

"I did, but he was still a force to be reckoned with." Zarbon replied adamantly. "I don't know how, but he's much stronger than before."

"Hmmm, sounds interesting."

"That's not all." Zarbon stated. "He said he killed Dodoria as well."

Frieza snickered as he heard that bit of news.

"Good riddance."

"My Lord?" Zarbon asked, wide-eyed. While he wasn't a big fan of Dodoria's rashness, he was still one of their own.

"Dodoria got what was coming to him." Frieza stated callously. "He was a waste of space and I would've probably killed him myself sooner or later. He was really beginning to grate my nerves. I suppose he underestimated Vegeta and paid the ultimate price."

"Not that it would've made any difference, Lord." Zarbon remarked. "Vegeta's power was far greater than Dodoria's. He even caused me trouble in my transformed state. His resilience is amazing. Oh and get this, Dodoria told him the truth about how Planet Vegeta met its end."

"I see!" Frieza scowled. "I must say, I am very disappointed, since I wanted to tell him myself and witness the look of abject despair in his eyes, right before killing him." He sighed in disgruntlement before shrugging his shoulders. "Oh well, I guess torturing him to death will have to do."

"About that, Lord Frieza-" Zarbon bit his lip.

"What is it, Zarbon?" The lizard narrowed his eyes.

"I don't know if he'll regain consciousness, but if he does, I was hoping I could have a stab at him first." Requested the elite warrior.

"Well." Frieza paused a moment to consider, before nodding in assent. "Since you have done me a great service, I give you leave to do with him as you please. But he must regain consciousness, no matter what it takes. If I know this crafty little monkey, he's likely to have found a dragon ball and hidden it."

"Yes, Lord Frieza." Zarbon mumbled nervously before bowing. Just as he was about head out the door, however, he swivelled around as he remembered something else. "Oh, there's one more thing."

"Yes?" The lizard asked impatiently.

"Vegeta smelled of sex." He stated plainly. "It was faint and I could tell he tried to clean it off, but you know how potent my sense of smell can be."

"Oh?" Frieza contemplated for a moment and soon recalled the little verbal exchange between Vegeta and Cui they'd all heard over the scouter. "It must be the one Cui had mentioned: some blue-haired woman, if I remember correctly. Vegeta claimed to have killed her, did he not?" (A/N: Refer to Chapter 8).

"Yes, now I remember!" Exclaimed Zarbon, as it suddenly dawned on him. "But why would he say something like that?"

"Hmmm." Frieza mused. "It does seem strange. He's never kept a woman around after a single fuck. He probably did not want us to catch wind. I did not pay it much heed at the time, but it is unlikely that he would bring some girl all the way to Namek, just to do away with her. Why he did bring her here is the real question. Vegeta is not the type to mix work and play. He's always been very dedicated to his craft."

"Yes and there's something else too." Zarbon continued. "Vegeta seemed very possessive of this girl."

"Really, are you sure?" The lizard asked, eyeing his underling with sharp scrutiny.

"Yes, I'm positive." The elite nodded.

"This is great news." Frieza suddenly grinned, as he felt a rush of crazed delirium resonate through him. "If she is still alive and he really was stupid enough to have formed an attachment with some worthless female after everything I've put him through, I can use her as leverage to make him mine once again, only this time he wouldn't dare to betray me, lest he wishes to look on as I skin alive his little whore and maul her to death, but not before I take my time ravishing her. Finding her should not be too difficult, I believe. I'll just have to beat it out of Vegeta. Though it won't be easy, he's always been quite the stubborn little monkey."

"Y-Yes, L-Lord Frieza." Zarbon stammered, forcing on a strained smile. "But I think I have a better idea."

"And what would that be?"

"You know how prideful Vegeta is and how good I am with women." He smirked.

"Ahhh you sly dog!" Frieza chuckled, figuring him out within moments. "Very well then, I suppose I'll leave everything to you. After all, you have demonstrated your worth. Consider this your reward for a job well done."

"Thank you my Lord." He smiled gratifyingly and bowed, as he left the throne room and headed over to Appule, in the recovery room. Unlike many of his affiliates, he'd never indulged in the rape or ruination of others. Being a great admirer of beauty in both males and females, the whole idea seemed extremely repugnant to him. Plus he knew that nothing would hurt Vegeta more than seeing that girl of his scream in ecstasy, as he had his way with her! His lips quirked up at the thought. He arrived in the room shortly after.

"How is he?" Zarbon asked Appule.

"He's holding steady." Replied the purple-skinned alien. "I've managed to stabilize his vital signs for now. But he's still in critical condition. He may never regain consciousness."

"He's got to make it!" Zarbon exclaimed. "You revive him at all costs, do you understand?!"

"Yes sir." The doctor croaked out.

'If he truly has hidden a dragon ball, then we need him awake, no matter what it takes.' Zarbon thought in consternation.

XXXX

Gohan peered at Bulma for a few moments, unsure of what to say. The heiress looked at him confusedly before glowering, beginning to feel peevish under his scrutiny.

"What?!" She growled.

"S-Sorry, B-Bulma." The boy averted his gaze, scratching his head sheepishly.

"No, I'm sorry Gohan." She replied, her expression softening. "I shouldn't yell at you like that."

"It's okay." The demi-Saiyan shook his head. "It's nothing."

"So uh- how've you been?" She asked awkwardly, after a short while.

"Good- I guess."

After an uncomfortable pause, Bulma let out a dejected sigh.

"I'm sorry I'm such terrible company kid." She said apologetically. "Usually I'm not so glum all the time, it's just-"

"Just what?" Gohan asked, after she cut off mid-sentence and turned away.

"Forget about it."

"Bulma, it's okay." Gohan said, tenderly placing his small hand on hers, in a gesture of support. "I'll- I'll understand."

The heiress let out a wry laugh.

"You're a nice boy Gohan, but I don't think you will." She responded.

"I will, I promise!" The half-Saiyan said adamantly, tightening his hold on her hand. "I- I- I lost Piccolo too." He said, his face downcast, as tears brimmed his big eyes. "He died protecting me." The child whispered.

Bulma gaped at the boy, completely dumbstruck.

"He- what?"

"He died for me." Gohan repeated.

Bulma continued staring at her best friend's son incredulously. Piccolo, the same monster who was literally an inch away from ending Goku's life, who tried to kill everyone of them and take over the planet? Sure, she'd been saddened by his demise too, but the last thing she'd have anticipated was that in his dying moments, he'd do something so noble!

"I know what you must be thinking, but he changed Bulma." Gohan stated fervently. "And- if you feel the same way about Vegeta, I- I understand."

Bulma withdrew her hand from the child's tight grip, as a frown twisted on her face, her gaze averted from his.

"I don't!" She stated, in an enraged, dismal and aggrieved tone. "I hate him!"

"O-Oh."

"I wish he- I wish he'd never come to Earth!" She exclaimed in a broken voice. "I wish none of this had happened!"

"Did you mean what you said Bulma?" Gohan asked, after a brief pause. "Did you really wish him dead?"

"Can we not talk about him anymore, Gohan?!" She snarled at the half-Saiyan. "I just want to get him out of my system already and you're not helping!"

"S-S-Sorry." The child whimpered, shrinking back. Boy, Bulma was just as intimidating as his mother, if not more!

"No I'm sorry, kid." She replied, distress embedded on her countenance. "You're a good boy Gohan and I know you're trying to help but- he just- wasn't who I thought he was."

"You mean Vegeta?"

"Hmmm." She gave a half-hearted, mumbled reply.

"But he did spare that Namekian village." Gohan stated, whereby Bulma knit her brows at him, questioningly. "Did he- do it because of you?"

"I don't think so Gohan." She sighed. "They were a means to an end, just like I was!" She grimaced.

"Is that what he told you?"

Bulma didn't reply.

"Piccolo used to say things like that to me all the time, you know." Gohan smiled wistfully. "I never really believed him though, at least not after a while." Bulma gazed at the boy curiously, before he continued. "Maybe- maybe Vegeta was kind of the same."

"I don't know, you really think so Gohan?"

"I can't say Bulma, you knew him best." The boy replied. "Piccolo always put on a cold front, but as he was dying, he told me how proud he was and that I was like the son he never had." Tears began streaming down the child's cheeks at the memory of his dying mentor's very last words, a sombre look embedding his face.

Bulma was totally awe-stricken. Piccolo really did that?! Unreal! It was clear to her now, that the Earth-born Namekian was on their side! She smiled and wiped the tears off Gohan's face.

"Hey, it's alright, we're gonna wish everyone back kid." She vowed, her tone maternal. "Piccolo too, okay?"

Gohan's face flushed mortifyingly, as he realized he was crying.

"Alright." He smiled back and after a short pause continued. "And- if you want to wish Vegeta back with Earth's dragon balls once Piccolo returns, I- I understand."

"Gohan, I-"

"It's fine Bulma." He interjected reassuringly, placing his small hand on her shoulder. "I'm okay with it, trust me. And I know dad would be too, plus Frieza's really powerful and Vegeta was working against him. We need all the help we can get. Maybe he can join us like Piccolo did. I wouldn't mind."

Bulma's eyes began glistening, as she averted her gaze. Gohan was so forgiving, kind and innocent, just like Goku. But after what she'd done, she felt she didn't deserve his consolation. She'd betrayed Yamcha. If her friends knew about it, they'd most likely loathe her and rightfully so. The very thought of it made her want to burst her eyes out.

"You're a good boy Gohan." She looked at him warmly, as tears began cascading down her beautiful face. "I wish I was more like you and your father." She exhaled despondently, as her lips quivered and she continued in a cracked voice. "You're both so sweet and selfless. All I care about is myself and what I want. I never make room for anyone else."

The demi-Saiyan felt his heart constrict upon hearing that.

"That's not true Bulma, don't say that." He wrapped his small arms around her neck, as he embraced her from the side. "You saved all of us. We'd be dead if it wasn't for you."

The heiress felt guilt flood through her as she felt the skin on her neck and shoulder dampen from the child's tears and was unable to stop herself, as she turned his way and embraced him back, winding one around his waist and placing her other hand on the back of his head, as she began to cry on his shoulder, feeling more vulnerable and in need of comfort than ever before.

"Shhh, It's okay Bulma." Gohan crooned in her ear. "It's okay."

"It's not okay Gohan!" She sobbed. "I did something horrible! I can never forgive myself! Everyone will hate me now!"

"That's not true!" Gohan stated vehemently. He could no longer help it as Bulma's anguish passed onto him, as though it were contagious and he too began to weep. "We came here for you! Everyone was devastated when you were taken away from us! How could anyone ever hate you, after what you did for us?!" With those words he tightened his hold on her, as though needing to convey to her that she wasn't alone and that she would always be cared for.

"I'm so sorry, I'm sorry for everything." She said to no one in particular.

"Don't say that!" Gohan entreated in a pained voice, the tears cascading down his face. "I'm the one who's sorry! I was the one that failed you! I was too weak to protect you, just like I was Piccolo!"

"You weren't."

"I was."

The two continued wailing on each other's shoulders, solacing one another as they let out all their tears, sorrow and frustration. Long moments passed and neither one was willing to let go, as they held on fervently.

"Thank you." Bulma finally said.

The boy pulled away and smiled at her. Bulma smiled back endearingly, placing her hands on either side of the child's face and kissing his chubby cheek lovingly, causing a huge blush to smear across his face.

"If I ever have a kid, I hope he's just like you Gohan."

"Thanks Bulma." The half-Saiyan replied sheepishly, before looking at her in plea. "And uh- please don't tell anyone about this, especially Krillin."

"Only if you don't." Replied the heiress, smiling.

"Sure thing!" Gohan grinned.

Bulma felt a lot more inspirited, her battered morale taking an upsurge, thanks to little Gohan. The child epitomized everything that was pure and innocent, everything she'd lost when she handed herself over to Vegeta. She shook her head, deciding not to dwell on it. There were more important things at hand and she knew that!

Krillin made his return about a half hour later, with the one-star dragon ball in hand.

"Hey guys!" He beamed as he opened the door. "Check this baby out!"

"Whoa, nice Krillin!" Gohan exclaimed.

"Good work!" Bulma gushed. The bald warrior explained to them that Namek's dragon granted three wishes instead of one.

"This is great!" Gohan enthused. "That means we can wish back everyone killed by the Saiyans and by Frieza's men, even Vegeta."

"Uh- you mean wish back the people Vegeta killed, well, technically he didn't kill anyone, but-"

"No I meant we can- uh- wish Vegeta back." Gohan clarified.

"Gohan, did you hit yourself on the head?!" Krillin scowled in fury. "Why on Earth would we want to do that?!"

"We'll probably need his help against Frieza." The boy argued. "Especially since dad's not here yet."

"No!" The bald man replied resolutely. "It's not happening, end of story!"

"But Krillin-"

"Guys, can you stop it already?!" Bulma growled at the two warriors. They turned in her direction, whereby she let out a dismal sigh, before louring. "Look, we can't make a wish with just two dragon balls and as for that asshole Vegeta, we don't even know that he's dead, anyway!"

The duo looked at her curiously for a moment.

"Bulma, we sensed his Ki signal vanish." Krillin stated. "There's no way-"

"I know that Krillin!" Bulma hissed back. "Look, I don't know how, but I just have a feeling he that he's still alive. Even if he's not, I could care less about him. Wish him back, don't wish him back, it doesn't matter to me, anyway!" She lied.

"But- didn't you say you wanted him d-"

"I know what I said Krillin!" She snarled back, causing the warrior to flinch. "I don't want to talk about him, alright?!" She continued in a softer voice. "Let's just focus on finding a way to gather the rest of the dragon balls."

"Sure."

XXXX

About an hour had passed, since Vegeta had entered the regeneration tank. He'd been awake for a while, but had suppressed his Ki, feigning unconsciousness, as he waited for the opportune moment to make his move!! Yes!! Soon six of the dragon balls would belong to him and he'd have just one more to collect!! Every fibre in his body was deluged with frenzied excitement at the prospects of finally attaining godlike power!!! He would become a legendary being, feared across all plains of existence and Frieza would suffer and beg for mercy, before he ended his miserable life!