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Chapter Text

The Beginning

Frieza stood rigid, his gaze set on the curved glass window, staring into the thick, all-consuming darkness of space. His arms were crossed behind his back, his fists clenched so tightly he was drawing blood. The purple liquid ran down his knuckles and dripped to the floor as his tail whipped the ground irately and with such force that it crumbled, "How dare those worthless fools attack my planet?!"

Zarbon swallowed heavily and drew back. Being around Frieza in this mood was dangerous, "The squadron is initiating planet fall as we speak. The people of Sehtd will soon regret that they revolted against you, Lord Frieza!"

The rage about the ambush and an open resistance against his authority seethed in Frieza's guts, "They sure will." Frieza turned around, his cold stare on Zarbon, "Where has that damned monkey got to?"

"I have sent for him, Sire. He..."

The gates to the conning tower slid apart and one of Frieza's base soldiers followed by the Saiyan entered. The Soldier kept his gaze low, the laser gun trembling in his hands. Beads of sweat ran down his face, "Vegeta, as you ordered..."

A bright beam of violet light flashed. The energy ray faded into static crackling, leaving a delicate hole, just above the heart. Twitching, the soldier lay, eyes wide in shock as he coughed blood.

Lowering his hand, Frieza exhaled deeply, "Soothing." His eyes fixated on the Saiyan, "Step forward."

Vegeta walked past the body without a glance. Bowing before Frieza ever so slightly, he kept his gaze, "You have summoned me, Lord Frieza."

Frieza's tail lashed through the air, the monkey's recalcitrance angered and amused him, "The situation on Planet 419 requires your...particular talents. So far you've proven useful in conquest. Let's test your skills in subtler matters."

"An elimimation, Sire?"

"No. You are to collect an asset. More valuable than the planet itself."

"What am I to retrieve?"

"A scientist."

Vegeta's eyes narrowed. Frieza had his share of brilliant minds forced into labour and he never showed any interest for their safety. All were expendable to Frieza.

"Irreplaceable. You will not waste time on rebels. You are not there to play."

Vegeta's scouter buzzed against his temple, the mission file flashing before his lense. He tapped to read. "Consider it done."

A familiar anger soared and Frieza's tail lashed, coiling around Vegeta's throat, "And mind your tone, when you adress me, monkey."

Frieza squeezed. Vegeta's windpipe crushed. His muscles strained, clawing helplessly at the scaly tail and Frieza dropped him. Vegeta fell to one knee, coughing, but still defiant. No emotion showed, only the Saiyan's tail flicked with irritation. "Yes...Master."

Teasing out reactions and breaking him became increasingly hard. Frieza cocked his head. He relished forcing the Saiyan into submission all the more.

"Don't fail me. Vegeta. It will have...consequences."

oOo

Vegeta examined his neck, the swollen skin burning against his gloved fingers as he made his way to the launch hub. He got off lightly. Frieza allowed him a certain insolence. Others would have long been killed - executed on the spot. His fists clenched. Rage and anger boiled up, mixed with overwhelming helplessness and it came crushing down on him like a super nova, burning away his self-control. 

Yelling out, he plunged his fist inside the metal wall, denting it and his knuckles split open. He was powerless, not in control. Giving into his reality sent a self-loathing through him, it was disgraceful. If Frieza had taught him one thing, it was to never show weakness. He exhaled and composed himself.

The soldiers guarding the station stepped aside with Vegeta approaching, keeping their gazes low. The pod bay was humming with activity. Ships launched and landed in quick succession. High ranking Captains yelled orders and the lower soldiers hurried to obey. Repair squads, faces greased with engine oil and tool belts strapped to their waists, bent over machinery.

Vegeta crossed the station to his allocated ship, a space pod designed for two passengers. He climbed in. Hissing, the red glass cut cover sealed shut, dipping him in ruddy shadow. Punching the controls, he locked the coordinates in. Estimated arrival: T-minus two hundred FST.

The ship launched and catapulted into the void. Vegeta leaned back, exhaling deeply as he folded his arms. Relief swelled.

A new mission. Away from Frieza. It almost felt like freedom.

Soo :) Only a short chapter, but there is more to come! Hope you didn't mind the little tfs-refrence :D
Thank you for reading!

Chapter Text

Just another mission?

The arrow on his scouter blinked, directing him towards a square building with mirrored glass windows. By the looks of it, a goods depot. Vegeta took cover behind a turned over transportation vehicle. Smoke soared from its engine and oil leaked from a broken tube. Vegeta waited to move. The rebels were in heavy combat and he itched to join the fight. But his orders were unambiguous. Don't destroy the rebel forces. Avoid any confrontation. Don't compromise the mission. If this asset was as valuable as Frieza made it seem, screwing up this assignment wasn't an option, if he wanted to live.

Jumping, he abandoned his cover and ran towards the depot. A blinding light at the edge of his vision, he turned his head and a blue energy blast raced towards him, "Shit."

The Saiyan dived headlong. The blast exploded on his back, hurling him through the air. He smashed into the glass front, the impact knocking the air from his lunges. He fell to his knees. Another blast. He rolled sideways, shooting an energy beam, yelping as it struck its target. He fixed his gaze on his attacker, wiping blood from his neck. Tapping his scouter, his lips curled as the device produced a power reading. Vegeta's image blurred. Reappearing, he wound his arm around the scabby neck. The creature choked, eyes growing wide as he reared in Vegeta's grip. The Saiyan slammed the yellow neck around. Cracking and the Sethd limped. The corpse hit the ground. Vegeta flipped him with a kick, "Pathetic piece of shit."

Turning away he entered the complex. Dead bodies piled on the floor. He adjusted his scouter, his objective was close. Running he followed the black flashing arrow and reached the storage, shattered glass crunching beneath his boots. Corpses littered the floor, blood pooling, a metallic stench in the air. A hot sting cut thourgh him. He wasn't dead already, was he?

He heard choked whimpering and his scouter vibrated, still giving directions. He ran around a stocked storage shelf and the scouter alerted the find of the target object. It wasn't what he'd expected.

One of Frieza's man had a young woman bent over a desk, smothering her underneath him. Vegeta's eyes narrowed. Was this a joke? This was the scientist, the valuable asset?! A cowering girl?!

He jerked the soldier off her and he crashed against a metal shelve, supply packages falling down. Vegeta advanced, sneering, "Deserting your squad for this? I wonder what Frieza would say?"

The reptile like alien groaned, holding up his hands in defense, "Frieza never has to know. No harm done. Take her yourself. What do you say?"

Vegeta laughed softly. Lifting his hand, a blue energy sphere formed in the centre of his palm, air hissing with static, "Oh, don't worry. I won't tell."

The soldier backed away, the blue glow of the KI reflecting in his pupils, "Wait! No, please-"

The Saiyan released his blast and reduced his opponent to a pile of ash, "Better."

Vegeta turned around, the girl cowered beneath a window. As he advanced, she lifted her gaze, pointing the soldier's laser cannon at his heart. Tears stained her face, but her expression was fierce, voice ice cold, "Stay away. I'll blast you, I swear."

"With that toy? Don't make me laugh."

His smirk faded as he caught sight of her. She was clearly Saiyanoid, but with aqua hair and shimmering blue eyes. Her skin pale like a moon. He froze. He'd never seen such exotic colouring on something that looked so much like a Saiyan.

A loud explosion pulled him back, "Fucking fantastic. What now?!" he looked at her, "Stay put!"

He turned to the group of yellow Sethd stepping through a hole in the wall.

They started laughing, "Well, well. Look what we've got - one of Frieza's dogs. All alone."

The smallest one waved his hand, signaling his comrades to attack, "Make him regret, ever setting foot on our planet."

Vegeta tapped his scouter, assuming his fighting pose. He was getting pissed, there was no time for this shit, "You bastards are outclassed. You just don't know it, yet."

"Kill him."

All seven lunged to attack. The Saiyan vanished in blur. Yellow goo spattered as all seven assaulters slumped, their heads rolling on the floor. Disgusted, Vegeta wiped gore off his face and hands. It was time to get out. The Saiyan turned for the woman and froze. She was gone. The window stood wide open, angling on its hinges.

Anger rushed through his system and he kicked one of the heads growling irately, "That bitch!"

The Saiyan reactivated the tracker. His scouter rattled and beeped, locating her. He blasted a huge hole in the outer wall and the entire building collapsed as he stepped outside.

She wasn't far, but he had to be quick, before she got herself killed. He ran, kicking up dust as he dodged blasts and jumped over the dead. Frieza's soldiers and the Sethd were in battle, both sides fighting bitterly.

The girl came in sight. Vegeta launched, but a Sethd intercepted him, shooting his laser gun. Vegeta was faster. He advanced, ramming his arm through the yellow creature. The alien twitched and Vegeta pushed him off without a glance. Kicking off, he sped mid air, closing in. She was running and Vegeta cut off her way. She shrieked, tripped and fell hard on her back. The laser gun in her grip hurled in the dirt.

Vegeta towered over her, arms crossed over his chest, "Going somewhere?"

He was pissed.

Bulma heart hammered. Her hands shook as she searched for the gun - too far. She slowly moved backwards, "What do you want from me?"

His cold, black eyes dug into her and she chilled. There was no emotion, no mercy, only coldness, "Orders. You're coming with me, to Frieza."

Frieza?! Bulma's heartbeat quickened and her stomach turned painfully. She fumbled for the gun, felt the weapon on her fingertips and with a quick move grabbed it. Jumping to her feet, she pointed the gun at her pursuer again, triumph on her face, "I don't think so. You'll let me go, understand?"

"Hurt me?" To her dismay he started to snicker, "With that absurd thing? Try it."

Her face got cold and she shot, panic overwhelming her. The blast bounced off his chest and her eyes widened. He grabbed her roughly and tore the blaster out of her hands. Smirking, he crushed the gun to shreds. Tightening his grip, he brought his face close to hers, "Run again, and you'll regret it."

The threat in his voice was unmistakable, but she eyed him right back, defiant and unfazed, "Fuck you."

Bulma voice dripped with contempt. Since her abduction, she'd been threatened, beaten and literally gone through hell. By now it took more to make her cave in. He just stared at her, almost amused and astonished about her retort. Finally, he let go of her scoffing, "Brave...or just unbelievably stupid."

Bulma had been holding her breath and exhaled deeply. She ignored the pain in her arm from his harsh grip and looked around for another escape route.

The soldier pulled a remote out of his armour. His eyes grew big, "Down!"

"What-?!"

He threw himself in front of her, red blasts racing towards them. The energy waves hit him right in the chest. The force of the blow threw him back and they both crashed down. His heavy body pressed against hers and Bulma was unable to move, her ribs aching.

Stunned, he forced himself up and fixated the attackers. It was seven of them, advancing. The Saiyan tensed. He was losing control of this operation.

"You...you saved me..." Her voice only a whisper.

He turned to her, half of his chest plate ripped off, exposing his muscled torso. His breathing was ragged. Burned skin glistened with blood, a gash gaping across his chest. He spat some blood, "Don't flatter yourself. Orders. I couldn't care less if you lived or died."

He bent to pick up the remote. It was broken. Cursing, he crushed the controller. Grabbing the girl around the waist, he threw her over his shoulder. She shrieked as she punched and kicked in his hold, "What the hell are you doing?! Put me down!"

"Shut up." He kicked off the ground, "I'm getting us out of here. Keep screaming and I'll make sure you do stay quiet."

He flew high in the air and she dangled over his shoulder. As the ground grow smaller below them, she tensed in fear and clawed her arms around him until he landed at the rim of a massive crater. In the distance they saw some figures advancing quickly.

"Damnit!"

Letting go of her, she fell off his shoulder and landed right on her face. Spitting dirt she looked at him furiously, "You absolute jerk!"

Irritated and half smirking he returned her gaze, "You're still alive. Quit whining."

With a mixture of annoyance and pity, he pulled her up by the back of her shirt and together they slid down the crater until they reached the space ship at the bottom. He still had her by her shirt, the ship opened and he threw her in. She landed roughly in the seat as he jumped in next to her. The red glass cut cover shut with a hiss.

Punching orders into the controls, the pod took off.

He carefully leaned back, features twisting in pain and she stared at his wound. It was deep, his skin burned, the flesh red and raw, "You're bleeding bad."

He caught her sight and scowled, "What? Never seen blood before?! Pathetic-"

A loud bang, the pod shell jarred and the ship shook. Bulma was thrown against the capsule. Stars exploded and her vision blackened. 

An electronic voice engaged: 

Warning! Critical damage! Warning! Critical Damage!

Chapter Text

 YAY, UPDATE! Enjoy :)

Chapter Text

Soo, guys next chapter is up :) Have fun!

Small Talk

"So, your name is Vegeta?" Bulma pulled her knees to her chest, shifting into a more comfortable position. If she was going to be stuck here, she might as well get some information out of him. She needed to know what she was up against, to prepare herself, make plans.

When she started out into space, one thing became obvious; Frieza was the bad boy on the block. Great and terrible. The most powerful being in the universe. His presence alone was enough, it came like a cold chill and a suffocating weight. Anywhere she went was this enormous empire built on only him. And if he could keep someone as strong as Vegeta under his control, than Frieza was more terrifying than she dared to imagine.

Vegeta's brows furrowed, his voice low in resentment, "I let you sit. Don't push my patience, woman."

Vegeta lay sprawled in the sand, his eyes closed, sweat glistening at his temple. Bulma's gaze wondered his body. His dark suit was shredded at the arms and thighs, exposing tanned, scarred skin. Her sight lingered on his defined muscles, tracing his arms, his stomach, sliding lower...Girl, pull yourself together!

She huffed, "For your information, my name's Bulma, not Woman!"

Vegeta pinched the bridge of his nose, exhaling hard, "I don't care what you call yourself."

Her audacity made his head ache. Both of them. He hated how this girl triggered his instincts, worse, how easily he gave into what she wanted. Best to just ignore her, before he did something he'd regret.

To his annoyance, she wasn't backing down, "Well, you're clearly not human, are you?"

That made his ears perk up. So, she wasn't Saiyan after all, "Your race is called human?"

Bulma nodded, "I'm from planet Earth." She hesitated - cautious now that he was reponding, she didn't want to push him back into silence, "So...what are you? I haven't seen many who look like us. Like you."

Against his own better judgment, he answered, "I'm a Saiyan. And we are nothing alike."

"Saiyan, huh?" Her eyes flicked to his waist, "Does every Saiyan have a tail like yours?"

"You are asking a lot of questions." He pushed up onto his elbows, eyes narrowing. "You're a scientist."

"Is that why Frieza wants me?"

"You tell me."

"You don't know."

Silence fell. Bulma studied him, realizing he wouldn't give more information. Either he didn't have any, or he'd caught onto what she was doing. She knew how to get people to tell her things, things they didn't mean to say. Men were easy. Especially, when they wanted to impress a female. Or when they were provoked. Since this guy was far from impressing her, it left option two.

"Not strong enough to question your master, huh? Frieza must be something if he can make you fetch like a dog."

His features hardend. How dare she. Jaw ticking he rose, but the motion ripped pain down his spine and he hissed through his teeth, cursing. That damned crash.

"You okay?"

His head snapped towards her, startled and Bulma herself was surprised about the concern in her voice.

His hands clenched, "I am a warrior! Pain means nothing to me, you stupid girl! The blood of the strongest warrior race to ever exits runs through my veins. How dare you pity me! How dare you look like a Saiyan while being weak and pathetic. A race like yours shouldn't even exist! It's an insult! I'd kill you right now if Friez-"

He cut himelf short, realizing how much he'd let slip. His fists relaxed, jaw tight, irate at his own temper.

"You will shut up."

Well. That struck a nerve. Anger made him talk, but not in a useful way. Clearly there were deeper issues with this one, and she wasn't about to uncover them.

oOo

The sun drifted towards the horzion, casting the desert in deep orange light as shadows strechted long across the rocks and trees. The air cooled sharply, a chill wind cutting through the stillness. In the dust beside her, Vegtas's scouter buzzed to life, vibrating against the sand.

"About time."

"What's happening?"

The Saiyan ignored her, gaze fixed on the reddening sky. A black speck appeared, hurtling closer. Their ship. Growing bigger, the pod slammed into a massive rock formation, shattering it to rubble and forming a crater in the desert sand. Gusts of cold wind whirled up dust. Debris drabbled.

Vegeta stretched and suppressed a groan as he got up, his movements slow and stiff. He loomed over her, bent down and gribbed her chin, harsh and unyielding.

"It's time. Frieza's waiting for his asset." His eyes burned into hers, "Why his interest in someone as frail as you?"

Bulma glared back, her aqua eyes bright against the dying light and he lingered on her unusual colouring.

"Let's find out. Can't be much worse than this, can it?"

Vegeta laughed, humorless. "You've got no idea."

Bulma froze as he rose his fist. The rock she'd been cuffed to crumbled in a loud shatter. Her heart pounded as she blinked at him. He smirked.

"Jerk!"

He ignored her bleating, yanking her up by the shoulder. Blood came rushing back into her limps, pain flaring, head bursting as her vision blackened. She stumbled, knees buckling and fell.

The Saiyan crossed his arm, unimpressed, "What is it now, woman?!"

Bulma held her aching head, "I need water. I don't know about Saiyans, but humans dehydrate when stuck in a desert wasteland without fluids."  She glared, elbows scraped raw from her fall, "Oh, and thanks for not catching me!"

"How pathetic."

Still, he could tell she was in rough shape. Burnt skin, body bruised, cracked lips. She wouldn't last long. He scoffed. It was absurd how little those humans could withstand.

Vegeta tapped his scouter, linking to the pod's system. It blinked across his lense, responding to his commands. The ship lifted from the crater, gliding over. The hatch hissed open. Vegeta's jaw twitched. A one-seater. Idiot!

He ducked inside, pried open an compartment beneath the seat, and pulled out a small silver case, stacked with blue spheres and orange cubes. He snapped one orb free and shoved it at her.

She eyed it warily, "What's that?"

Vegeta exhaled in annoyance, "Hydro Sphere. Concentrated fluid. It'll rehydrate your system. Take it, or I'll force it down your throat."

He wasn't kidding. All the same, she was running dangerously low on fluids. Her mouth was parched and dry her body exhausted. She put the sphere in her mouth. Instantly, it burst into cool liquid, flowing down her throat. Relieve waved through her. Amazing.

Vegeta broke a orange cube, handing her a chunk, "Two of these feed a Saiyan easily for a week. High nutrition."

She took it without hesitation. Sweet, chewy. Energy spraked back to her body. She inhaled. "I feel better. Thanks."

Vegeta turned his back, popping down a sphere and a cube himself, "I can hardly deliver you to Frieza half-dead."

Bulma scoffed, "So charming, Vegeta."

The sound of his name made him stiffen. She pronouned it strangely, but it was almost...melodic. Annoyed, he shook it off, scowling at himself.

Bulma peered into the pod and blinked, "This is a joke."

The Saiyan gave her a gruff sigh, "I'm not thrilled either. I plan to snap the neck of the imbecile who sent it."

Again, he wasn't kidding and Bulma suppressed a chill.

Vegeta climbed in first, giving her a curt nod. Bulma slid inside and sat between his legs upright, determent to not lean against him. Her eyes immediatly caught the control panel and her scientific heart leaped. Advanced engineering, sleek design, beyond anything earth had. She reached out to examine the controls.

A strong hand caught her wrist.

"Don't you touch a damn thing!" His grip tightened, forcing her eyes up to his, "Understood?!"

"Yes! Jeeze, calm down!"

Vegeta let her go and punched in the launch sequence. The pod hummed, lifting off the ground it rose softly to the sky, accelerated and slammed upwards. Bulma wasn't prepared. She gasped as the force smashed her against Vegeta's hard chest. Her fingers clawed instinctively at his thighs, feeling the heat radiating from his taut muscle.

Pinned against him, Vegeta's wounded chest throbbed, but her scent filled his lunges and his self-control faltered. The warmth of her body up against him, her grip on his legs, it woke something feral inside. His beast stirred. He felt her stiffen. His tail had coiled tightly around her waist on its own accord.

What the hell? Traitor!

If he yanked it back now, she'd know he hadn't meant it. So he held her tight until the pod broke the atmosphere and gravity released inside the pod. Only then did he retract his tail.

Bulma exhaled, relieved as the pressure around her waist eased. She twisted slightly, ready to ask how long they would be stuck like this, when a computer voice interrupted:

"Atmosphere: breached. Deep space mode: activated. Estimated time of arrival: 3 rotations FST. Activating hyper-sleep mode."

"What's a hyp-" A Fine mist sprayed into the cabin, cutting her off. Both she and Vegeta were knocked out cold.

Chapter Text

Who finds the line I stole from Battle of Gods ?! :D

My Beta contributed a lot to this chapter :)

All Glory to Frieza

The pod flew through the infinity of space, past galaxies and stars that blazed in the darkness. In the far distance a tiny dot grew closer. The ship's sensors engaged and a robot voice started speaking, "Initiating: Podfall sequence. Deep Space Mode: deactivated."

A fine mist sprayed inside the pod. A heavy blanket lifted from his senses as mind and body awoke from the induced sleep. He felt rested, but his body was still broken.

Her delicate frame leaned against him, her head huddled against the crook of his neck. Light like stardust, he barely noticed her weight. She was still out, the effects of the sleeping gas inhibitor yet to kick in. Her position revealed a good view of her full breasts and curvy waistline, but his gaze paused on her pretty features, the blue hair...he stiffened, scowling deeply. Enough of this madness! He'd deliver the girl to Frieza and be done with it. To hell with her.

The drugs showed effect and Bulma woke up, whooshing filling her ears. She was disoriented, looking around in confusion. Slowly her brain kicked in, "That stuff? What the hell - I was completely out…"

"It's supposed to do that"

Bulma rolled her eyes, "No kidding. Ugh - leaves one hell of a hangover."

Her gaze moved to the glass airlock. The pod raced through a blury red gaseous substance that reflected against the curved glass and freckled her skin with refracted light. They broke through the red fog and a giant space ship emerged out of dark space.

"Podfall in T-minus five FST. Brace for entry. Disengage: heat shield."

"Frieza." She whispered, a cold chill suffocating her. Her hands trembled and she clenched them in her lap, breathing her panic away.

The ship came closer and the pod reduced its speed. A port hole opened and the ship slammed into a flexible membrane.

"Podfall successful. Disembark ship. All glory to Lord Frieza."

The hydraulic pistons whizzed and the hatch opened. Vegeta grabbed both her arms and leaned in, his tone low and mocking, "All glory to Frieza."

Bulma chilled and the Saiyan chuckled as he pushed her out. The pod bay was bustling with Frieza's men. Their size, thuggish demeanour and brute strength cowed her. Bulma recoiled and bumped against Vegeta's chest. For a moment his hand rested on her waist, steadying her, his presence calming. The feeling however was short lived. A tall soldier with light green skin, long braided hair and fine features approached, his gaze locked onto her. Bulma's mouth ran dry, "Frieza?"

Vegeta laughed snidely, "No, Zarbon. Frieza's pampered lapdog."

"Watch your mouth, monkey."

"Make me." Vegeta snarled.

Zarbon bared his teeth, as his gaze trailed over the Saiyan, the dirt, his torn up armour and the raw gash on his chest. "Your state is a disgrace. Trusting a mere monkey with this. We should've known better. What a piteous performance."

Vegeta crossed his arms scoffing, "What's it to you?"

Not further catering to Vegeta's provocations, Zarbon's attentions shifted to Bulma, "The asset. I'll take it from here. Lord Frieza will deal with you later. He's... unimpressed, Vegeta."

Zarbon reached for the Earthling, but Vegeta yanked her back, "And let you damage her, then blame me? Not a chance." He gripped Bulma's arm, pushing her past Zarbon, "Besides, my orders are clear. I deliver the asset!"

Bulma shot him a glare, but didn't dare to speak and Vegeta lead them along the circular corridors of the ship, with Zarbon following closely behind. The bright artificial light burned her retina, the recycled air scarping at her throat. Soldiers, equipped with scouters and ray guns hurried the hallways, resiling to the metall walls as Vegeta and Zarbon approached, their presence demanding respect.

At a secured gateway, Vegeta punched a pin in a keypad. Hissing the gate dissolved upward into the ceiling. How dramatic…Bulma froze. But Vegeta forced her forward and they entered a circular room, studded with windows. An alien like a lizard stood at the very end, examining an orange planet that loomed in space.

Zarbon bowed deep, "The Saiyan returns with your asset, my Lord."

"About time." He spoke quietly, the voice laced with menace and Vegeta next to her stiffened.

Frieza approached. His cold aura cloaked her as his red eyes fixated her, calculating and merciless. Bulma squared her shoulders, forcing herself to straighten.

A smile played his lips and he bowed before her, his tone smoothing, "Bulma Briefs. Welcome aboard. It's a pleasure."

She crossed her arms in front of her chest, "Must be, because it sure isn't mine."

Frieza's smile widened amused, "You're a bold one." He circled her, "Though boldness is not as self-serving as you'd think."

"Kidnap and monologue? Or do you actually have a reason for dragging me here?"

"Kidnapped? A misunderstanding, I'm afraid. My monkey didn't treat you too harshly, I trust. If he did, I'll correct him...severely"

Vegeta kept his eyes cast downward and Bulma turned to him with a concerned look.

Frieza let out a burst of laughter that made everyone's blood run cold. "You amuse me, Miss Briefs. Truly. I've not encountered anyone quite like you."

Bulma's eyes narrowed, "Maybe you should get out more."

A wisp of anger wash over Frieza's face, but it was quickly gone, "l'm familiar with your work. You're accomplishments at such a young...impressive. I see great potential."

"You can't afford me."

Zarbon and Vegeta exchanged a glance, twitching with the anticipation of the Lizard King's outburst.

A dark chuckle, "Cost is no object, I assure you. I'll give you a lab, resources, everything you require."

"Why me? Don't you have enough brilliant scientists, already?"

Frieza stepped closer, "None of them are you."

Bulma was on the brink of a hysterical break down. All of this was surreal, absurd. She'd been ripped from home, was a thrust away from being raped, abducted by a bloodthirsty thug, in a pod that blew up and crash landed, nearly passed out from dehydration, and now a psychotic galactic emperor wanted to play mad scientist with her! She didn't care what he wanted her to do. She'd had enough!

She laughed bitterly, "I'm not doing a damn thing for you."

Frieza tensed, clearly he wasn't used to such tone, "Zarbon." he snapped, his smile gone.

She felt him in her back. Sharp claws dug into her and he slammed her head down. She cried out, squeezing her eyes shut. The force would split her skull! Then, sudden stillness. The pressure stopped.  She risked a glance. Vegeta stood beside her, his hand clamped on Zarbons arm, locking him in place.

Zarbons face tiwisted in fury as he yanked, trying to pull free, "How dare you..."

"Is that what you call restraint?" Vegeta snarled, cutting him off, "Look at her! She's fragile. That blow would have killed her. Control yourself!"

Zarbon hissed at him, but then noticed her blood on his hands. Letting go, he and rammed his knee in Vegeta's stomach instead, unrestrained and vicious. The Saiyan collapsed forward, sucking in sharp breaths of air.

Bulma backed away but Zarbon slapped her across the face and she hit the ground, blood running from her mouth. Bulma steadied herself, breathing hard, her cheek still pressed to the floor, face numb and eyes tearing. Shame and rage burned through her veins.

Zarbon bent down but Frieza stopped him, "Wait."

Winding his tail round her neck, Frieza pulled her up at his eye level, leaving her just enough air to breathe, "You see, Zarbon can be...persuasive. Reconsider, girl."

Bulma lifted her gaze to lock with Frieza's cold stare, fire blazing up. Hatred boiled her veins. Defiance. Her lips still slick with blood, she spat straight into his face, "I'd rather die than be your slave."

Silence filled the room. Zarbon and Vegeta both paralyzed. Frieza didn't wipe the blood away. He just stared at her. Unreadable. Blank.

Then the coils of his tail loosened from her throat, gently lowering her to the ground, as though she were something fragile. A thin, delighted smile curled across his lips. Such resistance. It had been quite some time. We’ll, then he'd break her mind rather than her body.

"So much spirit. Refreshing. But pointless. You'll bend to my will. One way or another."

Frieza turned back towards the scene as he looked back and forth between Bulma and Vegeta. "I am suddenly reminded of another interesting thing. Zarbon, you see humans are curious creatures. They form bonds with almost anything. I am told that some of them hold great pride in not valuing their own health and well being, but instead put the life and safety of the subjects of their bonds ahead of their own. Despite none of them having any measurable fighting strength and only a handful of them with intellectual prowess, like Miss Briefs here, they are willing to withstand great amounts of pain if it means sparing someone else."

Bulma could do nothing but hold her gaze at the Lizard Lord. It seemed that he was not arrogant enough to not do his homework, and she was quickly losing power in this game. She swept her blood-crusted hair out of her face, "Make me."

Frieza's hand fisted, she was pushing his patience, "I will destroy your little planet Earth - along with every living thing on it."

Frieza's words sent an electric shock through her.

"You look surprised. I may have taken over your planet, but most earthlings are still very much alive. Surely you don't want the death of billions on your conscience, do you?"

Bulma stared at him. She couldn't believe it, was earth really still there? Could anyone she loved still be alive? He could be bluffing, but could she really take that chance? As she struggled on the inside she kept a neutral face. "How do I know you are telling the truth? That my planet still exists?"

"That is easily remedied. Computer, show me planet N674, live feed."

Instantly behind him a holo-screen appeared with the prettiest sight Bulma had seen in years. It was her little blue marble.

"But surely this could just be an image. Ah! I know the perfect way to prove it to you, that this is in fact live. Show me containment zone 8."

The view changed to zoom into the remnants of East City, soldiers guarding the borders of an encampment, "Sergeant."

One of the men snapped at attention. "Yes Sir, Lord Frieza, Sir."

"I would like you to help me, you see I have to verify that what I am seeing is in fact in real-time and not somehow fake."

"Sir?"

"I know. Fetch someone from the detainees and kill them, that surely will prove to my guest that I am telling the truth."

"Yes, Sir."

Bulma couldn't believe it; he was just going to end someone's life to prove a point. "No! I believe you. Really! Don't do this!"

"But, Bulma, my dear, I don't want to leave any doubt in your mind that this is in fact real. I know! Sargent, I want you to find a young woman with blue hair. Surely a request that specific couldn't be staged."

"Yes, Lord Frieza."

Bulma's stomach dropped as the soldier dragged a frail girl into view, blue hair almost the same shade as her own. Too thin. Too scared. 

"State your name."

"M-Marron..." The words barely left her lips. A flash of light and the girl's skull burst appart. Her body crumbled like a ragdoll, lifeless on the dirt.

Bulma felt all fight leaving her. Desperation flooded her insides. She bit back the tears burning her eyes, her body trembling as she forced herself to stand straight.
Her voice cracked, but the words came out anyway, "When…do you want me to start?"

So, I hope you liked it! There will be more of Vegeta in the next chapter.

Chapter Text

Watch Dog

Vegeta's eyes followed Friez as he sat down, his tail loosely swinging over the backrest of his throne, "You've come to your senses, Bulma. I'm glad. Our...collaboration will be more than satisfactory."

She didn't answer, her hands shook and she clenched them. She could have been in shock, but Vegeta saw the fight still flaring underneath, it wasn't completely gone like so many other's had their wills broken when they met Frieza. It surprised him, but she wouldn't last long. Everyone broke against Frieza…everyone but him.

"Vegeta."

The command snapped his attention to Frieza. Curling his finger, he beckoned him closer. The Saiyan obeyed, bracing himself for the enounter. He bowed, the motion stiff from Zarbon's blow.

"Report." Frieza drawled, reclining into his seat.

Vegeta recalled the past events. Killing the backslidden soldier, the attacks, capturing the girl, her resistance, the destroyed pod, the crash, her repeated escape attempts and her insufferable behaviour throughout. He left nothing out. Hiding details from Frieza was pointless. The very tools given to him betrayed his every move.

When he finished, Frieza chuckled, "Quite the fierce one. Gave you trouble."

Vegeta's gaze grazed her, indifferent, "Dealing with her was...different. Still, she bent eventually."

"I see. She requires a gentler touch, than you're accustomed to."

Vegeta looked him in the eye, "I'm accustomed to kill and conquer, Master."

Frieza laugh was quiet and cruel, "You two are alike. Stubborn. Unreasonable. In need of harsh correction..." The tip of Frieza's tail tapped the floor, "Still, I expected better of you, my little monkey. A lost pod. Lost time. Disappointing."

The Saiyan bowed his head just enough to avoid provocation, his jaw tight, "I secured the target and delivered her, my Lord." 

"Not good enough." A hard edge played Frieza's lips, "You're blocked from missions. Since punctuallity eludes you, you'll serve differently, and guard the girl. Escort her. Keep her save, I advise you."

Zarbon grinned smugly from the side, "Indoor duty for the mighty Saiyan. How fitting."

Vegeta's hands fisted, his pride flaring. Frieza knew how to get to him. Not pain, but degradation.

Frieza's crimons eyes slid to Bulma, voice mocking, "You see, Miss Briefs, Vegeta is very familiar with the level of obedience I demand. And the methods I use to shape unruly subjects. Aren't you?"

Disgust bubbled in his stomach, "Very...memorable practices indeed, Master." His tone was bland, but his insides were burning.

"Quite. We made sure you remember your place." Frieza looked over the girl. She was not reacting anymore, just staring at the floor a small push away from a catatonic state. A broken toy was no fun. He'd need gentler hand with this one. How tideous.

Frieza huffed, and turned towards Vegeta, "She's your responsibility for now. Make sure she's stored properly. You wouldn't want her to get hurt, because of foolish actions. And you..." His eyes flicked over Vegeta's bloodied gash and ripped off chest plate, "...get yourself fixed up. Your state is disgraceful. You shame me. Dismissed."

Vegeta kept his composure, the insults sliding off, but his pride beneath the surface bled. He grabbed the girl by her shoulders and tilted his head, "As you wish, my lord."

Frieza turned his glare on Zarbon, "As for you, Zarbon, I believe we need a talk about how to handle valuables..."

oOo

The gate slammed shut behind them, sealing Frieza away. Vegeta let go of her. He leaned his head against the cold white metal, arms crossed loosely behind his back. Eyes closed, he breathed out. Pain and relieve mixed with exhaustion. 

Bulma's gaze lingered on the wall, that seperated them from the monster behind, eyes glazed. Her voice was faint, flat, "Frieza, huh?"

A bitter smirk tugged at his lips, "Charming, isn't he?" Vegeta pushed himself off. Pain flashed through him and he stiffled a wince, then felt her fingers brush his shoulders.

"Are...are you okay?"

"Spare me your pity." He jerked her hand away.

She narrowed her eyes at him as her concern dropped to anger, "Well, excuse me for being nice!" she snapped.

Vegeta blinked at her. Was this really the same woman who moments ago looked shattered at the hands of Frieza? She was clearly battered the strain of the past weeks, obvious, but she stood up right, glaring at him. He had clearly underestimated her. In all his years in Frieza's service, he had never seen anybody stand against that maniac as she had. Or at least she was the only one who'd survived. Despite her frailty, she had the spirit of a true fighter, a Saiyan even. He was clearly superior to her and still...he huffed, "Move."

The ship was full of soldiers and Vegeta kept her close, his hands fisting at his sides. Him, the Prince of all Saiyans reduced to a girls watch dog - a new low.

They passed a turnstile to change level and a soldier pushed past, his gaze lingering on Bulma. Vegeta snarled and hurled the low ranking scum against the far wall, "One more glance, and you're dead." The young alien with ears like a fox cowered and Vegeta fixated him, "I'll kill anyone who so much as touches her. Orders from Frieza. Spread the word."

"Y-Yes, Sir." The soldier bolted down the hall.

Bulma watched him dissappear, "Wow."

He rolled his shoulder, "What?"

"Ever heared of positive reinforcement?"

Vegeta scoffed, "Don't be ridiculous. Disobey, you die. Simple. Keeps everyone perfectly in line."

"Hard to argue with that."

At least it would keep her from being ripped apart by a pack of hungry soldiers. Supressing a chill, Bulma coiled her arms around her middle and she hurried to keep pace with Vegeta

Sticking closely to him, Bulma studied his broad back, "Why did you do it?"

The Saiyan turned sharply, "Do what?!"

His dark eyes were held in place by her blue ones, "Zarbon. He would have killed me. But you stopped him."

Vegeta's muscles tensed, a reflex when facing a fight. Truth was, her death would've served his interests - Frieza's plans ruined, Zarbon punished, the girl gone. But his instincts had betrayed him...

"You're my responsibility until I'm discharged. Your death would've been my failure."

"And Frieza doesn't forgive mistakes..." Bulma said more to herself, but she held his gaze, then, "Not that you'd care. But...thanks."

The Saiyan scoffed at her, "Don't be naive. Gratitude is weakness. Admit to an imbalance of power and you get exploited."

She looked at him, not sure to laugh or cry, "You're impossible, Vegeta."

Her blue eyes caught his and he felt unable to move, something about her, he couldn't place it. Very aware of their closeness, he saw her light skin, the swollen lip and dried blood, her body only inches away. He felt the urge to touch her, pull her close. His tail loosened and…Vegeta snapped back. He scowled. His features darkening, he pushed away the unsettling sensation.

Losing his patience he seized her. Her arm ached under his harsh grip as he dragged her along the corridor. They stopped at a shiny black gate embedded in the white metal. It was secured with a keypad and Vegeta unlocked it with his code. 

"You can't just lock me in here!"

"Watch me." He shoved her inside and the gate snapped shut.

Bulma slammed her fists against the metal, "Bastard."

Futile. Her arms fell limp. Then there was silence. She was alone...Bulma's head spun…Frieza. Marron's split skull flashed before her eyes and she writhed with the image. Her back hit the wall and slowly, she slithered to the ground, her energy draining. All the strain and pressure released themselves. The realization of what had happened hit her with brutal force. Pods slamming into Earth, the bloody hole in Krillin's chest, Gohan's fearful eyes. Everything she'd suppressed boiled over inside. Her body trembled from her uncontrolled sobs, tears burning her skin. She wound her arms around her knees and pulled them close. And she just cried. Her anger, the fear and abuse - it all came out and after a while, her tears simply ran dry. She took slow measured breaths, her hand fisiting.

You'll regret the day, that you set eyes on earth, Frieza.

Bulma got up, wiped the tears off her face and took in her surroundings. It was a square room, with a single bed. At the left was a door and she pushed it open - it was a bathroom. She couldn't remember the last time she’d taken a shower. Taking off her ripped and bloodstained clothes, she jumped into the small cabin. She turned the water on and cringed, it was ice cold. She looked down on herself. She was bruised, her skin blistered, knees scraped open and every muscle ached. Blood and dirt mixed with the water and coloured it red. Despite the cold, Bulma closed her eyes and let the water run over her. Her existence felt surreal…her mind wandered to the Saiyan. Something about him seemed…focus. He was too dangerous.

oOo

The liquid drained from the tank and Vegeta opened his eyes. He lifted his hand and removed the oxygen mask from his face. The vitreous capsule opened. The liquid streamed off him as he stepped out.

A doctor typed into a computer checking on the Saiyan's data, before he looked up, "You suffered severe damage to your spine and third-degree burns to your chest. We've restored all functions."

Vegeta rubbed himself dry with a towl, "Good."

The doctor cleared his throat, "You should be more cautious, Vegeta. The extent of your injuries - if you keep ending up here, your body won't-"

Veggeta's gaze snapped up, "Giving me orders?" he asked quietly.

His opponent stiffened, "What? N-no, I..."

He turned his back, "Thought so. What I do is none of your concern."

A new chest plate and black suit lay waiting, neatly folded and he got dressed. Flexing his muscles, he stretched and bent. No pain. As good as new. Perfect.

He snatched his new scouter from the table and left the medical wing.

He walked through the ship. The scene in Frieza's throne room replayed before his eyes and his hands fisted. He reached an access hatch and followed a narrow spiral staircase, that led deep inside the ship to the engine rooms, the low hum of the power units filling the air. Vegeta tapped his scouter and it scanned for power signatures. No match. Good. He pushed another button. The device vibrated, making a connection, then there was a voice.

"Vegeta. I was wondering when-"

Vegeta cut him off, "You back on F1, Nappa?"

"No. Our operation was a disaster. We needed to blow off steam and ended up on Dravonn - the Velvet Pit, remember? The little strapping one asked about you." Nappa chuckled, "You've made an...impression. Raditz is trying his luck with her sister and I was just- "

Vegeta snarled, "Cut that crap. You'll leave now."

 A pause, then Nappa's voice came back, reluctant, "Wanna tell me why?"

Vegeta lowered his voice, "I need information. About a project involving a new scientist. Frieza can't know. Handle it quiet."

"Understood."

"I'll arrive on F1 in six rotation FST. I want results by then." Vegeta didn't wait for an answer and broke the connection.

Chapter Text

 This chapter is M rated and contains sexual content!

Sorry that I kept you waiting!

Chapter Text

Secrets

The landing site was framed with lights, that blinked franticly as the space ship touched down on Frieza Planet 1. The engines shut down and the constant humming that filled the ship died away.

Around fifty soldiers lined up on both sides of the ship's entrance to welcome their master. Vegeta stood at a viewing port and watched the activities outside. Awe, fear, and pride appeared in the soldiers' faces as they waited for Frieza to make his entrance. Vegeta scoffed and turned away before Frieza came in sight. He slowly made his way to the exit and disappeared amongst the other soldiers.

Pale light gleamed through the grey sky. The ground was dusty, dead. Scorched soil dappled with rocks and parched vegetation stretched out into the distance.

He walked towards a big complex, Frieza's headquarters and that familiar galling sensation wound inside. Instead of entering, he headed towards a lavish statue of polished black stone, Frieza had errected of himself in a delusion of grandeur. By its base, Radtiz and Nappa stood waiting for him.

Both straightened up. Nappa smirked, threshing amicably the younger Saiyan's shoulder, "Long time no see, Vegeta."

The Prince halted, kepping the trail of soldiers that headed inside the complex in his field of vision, "Your assignment with Dodoria took longer than expected."

Raditz laughed, "That fat pink sludge fucked up the tech scan. The natives had machinery that outmatched Dodoria's troops. Big losses on out side. We had to retreat and wait for reinforcements. Supply lines collapsed." Raditz grinned bitterly, "Frieza wasn't impressed."

Vegeta was tired of hearing about a failed mission and quickly switched gears, "What have you learned?"

"The tech scans need work and Dodoria's knobs shrink when he lies…"

Raditz was interrupted by a slap to the back of his head from Nappa, "No talk about special project or a new scientist. Nothing." Nappa leaned against the statue, not bothered by Raditz' glare, "But remember the extension of the west wing Frieza ordered to build two cycles ago?"

"Yes, the new training center for his recruits. What about it?"

"There's talk. Rumors. High security, limited access" Nappa had Vegeta's full attention and the older Saiyan continued, "Since we had no other leads, we started there."

Vegeta nodded, "Go on."

"Well, at first we looked for anyone involved during design and construction of the center, but we couldn't find any. Not so much as a steel bender." Nappa cracked his knuckles grinning, "So I paid Kiwi a visit. He manages Frieza's labour resources and I know a little…secret about him. With some persuasion, he let me have a look at the staff records. Turns out everybody involved in the construction got sent to Frieza planet 174. Slaves, builders, engineers, you name it. Shortly after a meteor strike hit the planet. They are all dead."

Vegeta strained, "Meteor strike?" a bitter tone swung in his voice and he huffed, "So, Frieza destroyed the planet to wipe out everyone involved in the extension."

"Exactly. But there is more. Since the completion of the construction project, the numbers of new scientists and engineers sent to work at the facility each month haven't decreased. But the rations haven't increased, either."

"He's burning through men." Vegeta let out a short laugh, "They all couldn't do what Frieza wanted them to…"

...and that's why he needs the girl. It's all adding up.

"Still more, Vegeta. I tried to enter the training center, but my access was denied. Same with Raditz. A specific batch or unlocked code is needed."

"No training center?"

"Oh, there is."

Vegeta crossed his arms, "It's a cover."

Raditz cracked his neck, "That's what we thought, too. Remember that chick from planet Meric I hooked up with?" Vegeta gave him a sharp glare. He clearly didn't remember, nor gave a fuck.

"Anyway," Raditz continued unfazed, "She's the head of structural planning. I went there, got her…distracted and swiped the original building layouts. Guess what!"

Vegeta clenched his jaw, "Spit it out already!"

"The entire building is…"

Vegeta's attention was drawn away, his gaze fixed on the entrance to the ship. Zarbon was just exiting and the girl was with him. Shortly before planetfall Frieza had withdrawn him from guarding her. Zarbon taking over his job could only mean that the frog was in on Frieza's plans.

"Raditz! Follow Zarbon. Find out where he takes her."

Raditz turned, confused. "Wait-what...holy shit, Vegeta! You didn't say she was Saiyan."

"She's not idiot!"

"She looks it. Change the hair to black and slap a tail on her tight round ass and you've got yourself a nice little Saiyan number."

Nappa tapped his scouter, "You'd also have to add about 600 points to her energy reading to get to the lowest acceptable power level for a Saiyan."

The third class Saiyan laughed, "Details, Nappa. I would only be using her for one thing, and she doesn't need a power level for that. Look at those tits!"

Vegeta's tail lashed the air like a whip. Sensing the danger, Nappa quickly wrenched Raditz's tail sending him crashing to his knees, "Touch her," Nappa warned "and Frieza will skin you alive, you fool. There's a reason why he's keeping her so close."

Nappa's words shook Vegeta out of his rage, "Raditz, get up. Observe her. I want to know every fucking detail."

Still stunned, Raditz blinked, then scrambled off.

Nappa looked at Vegeta, "Wanna tell me, what this was all about?"

Vegeta slowly unclenched his fist, ignoring Nappa's question "Go on!"

Nappa pulled a sheet from his armour and spread it, "See the size of the ground supports? Three times the size of the others. Yet, this building has less floors. Also, the flooring is raised. Meaning..."

"Half the structure is underground." Vegeta finished, eyes narrowing.

"Exactly. According to the resource department a bunch of high tech lab equipment was purchased and went missing. I think there is a laboratory underneath that training center."

Vegeta stared at the plan. His skin ran hot and cold. He'd been right all along. And if he wasn't mistaken, then Zarbon took the woman to that secret laboratory right now.

oOo

Fine lines lanced through the milky crystal gate that glowed in deep purple. Bulma examined the alien material and reached out to touch it, but Zarbon turned to her and she quickly pulled her hand back.

The frog gave her a dismissive glance and Bulma hastily lowered her gaze, "This is the headquarter of Lord Frieza's Empire. You will be stationed here."

Bulma kept her head down, "Yes, Sir."

Zarbon sneered, "I see you've learned your place, girl. I knew, Lord Frieza would bring you to heel."

Bulma bit her tongue. Hard. Taking a deep breath, she clenched the tablet in her hands.

Easy girl

The headquarter was an impressive complex of several connected buildings, towers and halls. The wide corridors were packed with soldiers. Zarbon lead her through doors, sally ports, halls, staircases and soon Bulma lost her orientation. Everything looked the same and the buildings were huge.

On a staircase a soldier passed her and almost made her trip over. As she grabbed the railing for hold, she caught a glimpse of him. Her head jerked up...was that…did I just see …Goku?!

He was tall and had black thick hair that almost reached the ground. Only at second sight she noticed the tail around the man's waist.

Another Saiyan?!

Before Bulma could process this, she ran straight into Zarbon who had stopped at another access control. She dropped her tablet. Zarbon scoffed, but didn't bother to look at her as he entered his code. Bulma bent down to pick her tablet up. She was at the exact right angle to see every digit. She smirked.

You might as well have written it down and given me the code you pompous ass!

They passed the secured entrance and followed a long corridor, which lead underground, until they stopped at another secured white door. The walls around were high and made out of a white substance Bulma didn't recognize.

Zarbon turned to her. She had to look up, since he was at least 6 inches taller than her, "Check your tablet for your personal pin code. It's a ten-digit number. Do not share it. It will give you necessary access. Allowing another to use your code will result in punishment."

Then maybe you should try hiding yours better.

Bulma turned her tablet on. She scrolled down to her inbox and opened a new message, which contained her pin. Bulma entered the code. The gates slid aside and they both entered.

Her heart drummed hard against her chest as her hands slick with cold sweat.

The room was circular, fully equipped with high tech instruments, data processors, computers, different types of microscopes and the devices she had trained on, on the ship. She trailed her hand along the surfaces and various breadboardings, fighting her shaking fingers.

A pair of shiny black metal bands lied on a board, just big enough to fit around a wrist.

"Those rings were designed to cause high amounts of pain." he picked one up, circling it around his index finger, "Unfortunately they don't adjust to the respective power level of the delinquents which gets them unwantedly killed. Well, where is the fun it that, right? So, fix it."

Bulma's expression didn't give away her disgust about the device or her surprise. This wasn't difficult or challenging, simply basic physics. This was a test.

Zarbon put the bands back, "You'll be given deadlines for each task. Delays will be punished. You're allowed to move freely around this complex. No one is to harass you or touch you, understood?"

"Yes, Sir."

A purple alien followed by a smaller female entered the lab. The taller one was a soldier, wearing standard Frieza armor while the girl was dressed in grey rags.

"Finally Cui! I see you found someone suitable."

Cui pushed the alien girl between her shoulder blades, her bright eyes widening in fear.

Cui started to clatter out information, "Halfway intelligent, five cycles in the service of the cold empire, rank: slave, familiar with the workflow and compound layout and operations." He looked at Zarbon, "She meets the requirements."

Bulma starred at the slave. Her muscles strained.

Zarbon examined the slave girl and nodded in agreement, "This is your assistant. She will get you orientated with the compound. Clean the lab, your quarters, be bound by your instruction and support you in the laboratory."

Assistant, yeah right! Bulma knew what this really was, surveillance. This girl couldn't be trusted. Even if she was being forced to do it, even if Bulma felt bad for her being a slave, Bulma knew she could never rely on this girl, or they both might get killed. She would have to be even more careful now. Still, the girl didn't seem to be a skilled or trained spy. Rather a common slave. That made no sense. This meant that Frieza likely had other means of getting the information that he wanted.

"That is very generous of Master Frieza." Bulma forced herself to bow her head, "Convey my gratitude to his lordship"

Zarbon looked down at her, obviously enjoying her servitude. He pointed at the metal bands "Get to work."

Zarbon and Cui left, leaving Bulma in her lab, alone with the slave girl.

oOo

Nappa leaned back in his chair as Vegeta ended his report. They sat in a corner of the refectory, their scouters on the table. It was a good place to have conversations no one should hear. The constant noise level made it hard to eavesdrop, and their presence in this location didn't raise suspicion.

Nappa had been on sentry duty the last night and now they both waited for Raditz.

"Frieza is planning something with the girl?"

Vegeta nodded. He was certain. The secret lab, the killed scientist and Frieza's effort to keep everything covered.

"So what's the plan?"

"Gather information. We'll stay at the headquarters. You and Raditz will only take on short assignments with a close proximity to F1. Frieza has blocked me for any missions. I'm only allowed to leave, when receiving a direct order. I've been gone too long with taking on all those long distance assignements. And he is aware of it." For once, Vegeta didn't mind having to be close to Frieza. It gave him an excuse to stay on F1 without attracting suspicion.

Raditz collapsed into a chair and pulled up a bowl of food, "The girl's a scientist. She's damn hot by the way. I'd definitely fuck that even with her next-to-nothing power level."

Vegeta felt the unruly urge to ram his fist in Raditz's face, and the Saiyan Prince clawed his fingers into the table, bending the metal.

Raditz was busy stuffing his mouth with food, "Zarbon brought her to the R&D complex."

"He didn't take her to the west wing?!"

Raditz shook his head and took another bite. 

"She got her own lab, and a servant Cui brought. Looked like a slave from the laundry to me." He swallowed a huge chunk of food,

Vegeta's head jerked. The laundry?

"She has her quarters in the east wing. The slave showed her around the complex, apart from that, they spent all their time in the lab."

Vegeta barely listened anymore, "Describe the slave."

oOo

The dwellings of the slaves were on a secluded part of the complex were they didn't disturb the military routine.

Vegeta waited, concealed in a corner, the seedy entrance of the slave lodgings in his focus. It didn't take long and the first wave of drudges made there way to their sleeping quarters. Vegeta scanned their faces but she wasn't amongst them.

Another group approached and now he saw her. Her red skin and yellow eyes shimmered in the half light, as she walked passed him. She lifted her head and looked at him, a smile flitting over her face. The Saiyan motioned her to follow him and they disappeared into an empty room.

The door shut and without order she began to undress herself, but Vegeta stopped her. Instead, he advanced, making her back off into a corner. Her gaze flickered, unsure, from him to the floor and back. She rocked a little, her fingers grabbing the seam of her rag. She was intimidated. Good.

"How did you become her servant?"

Her face paled, "I...I didn't want to...Cui choose me. I d-didn't try to get a-away…"

Her voice got a paniced edge, "I'm only helping. Clean, pick up supplies,..."

Vegeta's fist clashed against the wall. The blow barely missed her face and made her jump with fright. The Saiyan's tone dropped to a low threat, "Don't you lie to me."

She blenched, her voice trembling, "I'm not…not allowed to talk about it."

He exhaled in impatience. Moving closer, the space between them shrunk and her back pressed against the cold metal wall, "You're not allowed to meet me here, should I report you?" His voice was quiet, but low and menacing, "If I decided that you of no use for me, what would stop me from ending you right now? You are easily replaced."

His threat lingered in the air. He waited. It didn't take long for his words to show affect. Her body shook, when she answered, "I have to report to Zarbon about her activities. He wasn't specific, simply anything."

Looked like she was unaware of the circumstances. A random choice. No threat for Frieza and his secret project, but a useful surveillance.

"What is she working on?" Vegeta's voice shook a little from suppressed agitation. The pieces slowly started to fall in place.

"Just a torcher device. She has to improve those metal bands."

That wasn't what he'd expected to hear. He knew those bands. Frieza had used them on him a couple of times, for the bastard's amusement. Usually they were for unruly slaves...this wasn't adding up...why bother an obviously high skilled scientist with such irrelevance. There had to be more to it!

He clawed his fingers in her shoulders, "Are you sure?"

The girl nodded.

Damn it! He needed more information.

Good thing, that idiot Zarbon provided him with his personal little spy. Vegeta loosened his hold of her "You are going to report everything you see and hear to me before you report it to Zarbon. He is up to something and he believes you to be loyal to him. He thinks you have no reason not to. But you are mine."

She lifted her gaze and looked straight at him. Something had changed. Her fear was gone. And Vegeta realized, she was proud that he needed her help...what a fool she was. He would let her live until she served her purpose, after that she was nothing more than an end that needed tying.

"You keep your mouth shut unless I tell you otherwise. Not word to anyone!"

She nodded, "I am yours."

Vegeta stepped away from her. He was quite pleased with himself. He relished when his plans came together. There were few that could match up with him, when it came to strategy and tactics. The Saiyan smirked.

You won't know what hit you, once I'm done with you, Frieza!

Vegeta didn't move or say anything and his toy, unsure what to do, headed for the door, but the Saiyan slid in front of her, blocking the way out, "Not just yet. Turn around."

I hope you liked it. My Beta and I are having a lot of fun with this story :D

Chapter Text

 A wire, a bridge, a plan

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 Kudos to my beta!!

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 Kudos to my Beta :)

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 Kudos to my Beta! She is just great! This chapter was such a struggle to write! -.-

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 This is a long chapter! I hope you will like it.

September 2025: chapter under revision

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Kudos to my Beta! This story profits so much from both of us adding to its content!

Thank you so much for your feedback! And there is Vegebul in this chapter (at the very end)!

Secrets Revealed

"What do you mean, you haven't been able to decode the virus?" The small fish-like woman knelt before Frieza, wincing with the emperor's fallaciously calm voice. Her gills folded and unfolded frantically as she answered, "My Lord, we have never dealt with an infiltration like this. The virus has infected the entire system, corrupting the files and has utterly outmaneuvered our security."

Frieza sat in his hover throne, he had come to the IT Department himself after he had reviewed unsatisfying reports. It was a spacious room that bordered the north control room with dozens of high tech computers. The other IT workers, also cowered on the ground, watching the exchange between their team leader and Frieza, "I have given you THREE DAYS to get his situation under control! All operations are on halt and I am losing a lot of money with every minute this 'thing' is in the system! And you are telling me that you have nothing to show for it?!", Frieza was in rage, "THIS IS UNACEPTABLE!"

The room had gone absolutely silent. The alien burst into tears, "Please, I'm begging you..."

Frieza didn't hear what his subordinate was saying. The only thing he felt was his self-control slipping. Suddenly, his tail wrapped around her torso. A quick squeeze, an ugly crunch, and the fish woman was torn in half. The room was enveloped in blackish red light and a deafening bang...in less than a second, it was all over. The dust settled, the room was destroyed, body parts, goo, and fluids draped all over the place. Smoke and electricity fizzed out of ripped power cables. Glass crunched under Frieza's feet as he sat back down. He seemed clam now, only his fingers clawed into the leather of his armrest, "Zarbon!"

"My lord?" the frogs voice was neutral, like nothing had happened. Frieza left the wrecked room and his servant followed him to the hallway outside, "I need you to assemble a new IT Task Force."

Zarbon paled, "That might be difficult, Master."

"Come again?" the lizards tone was jovial.

His manservant hesitated then he said, "I'm afraid, we currently don't have any men with such a skill set available." He cleared his throat, "On request of his lordship King Cold, we have sent half of our IT-crew to his support for a big project and all the rest who weren't here are currently traveling to Planet Pluton in order to prepare the outsourcing of our IT infrastructure there."

There was a short pause, where Frieza said nothing, then, "Come again, please."

Zarbon was confused, "My lord?"

Frieza whipped his tail. Lashing it right at Zarbon's stomach, he sent him flying until he landed on the floor. The toad held his lower abdomen, coughing. He was on the ground and had to look up to his master, who was pressing him down with his foot, "You do remember what I did to the monkey the other day, my dear friend?"

Zarbon nodded.

Frieza smiled, "Very good! So please, come again."

Zarbon's voice was on a trembling edge, if he didn't come up with something he… "The Earth woman."

The pressure on his back was lessened.

"You captured her because she was a great mind, surely she could fix this with her skills. If you wish, I'll get her working on it. It won't compromise your special project, since the component parts she requires are still in production. In the mean-time we can send for part of the IT team sent to Pluton."

Frieza continued his progress through the corridor, "Thank you."

oOo

The numbing coat of unconsciousness ripped off him in an instant. The Saiyan let out an agonized groan as his eyes flipped open. He was on the ground, lying in his own dried blood, his limbs heavy. With a lot of effort, Vegeta pushed himself to an upright position. His back and chest were on fire. His vision blackened as his arms started to shake from the strain and he warily leaned against the wall. The cold of the metal was a relief for his torn up back. He groaned, damming Frieza to rot in the deepest pit of hell.

That asshole really had outdone himself this time. He had been tortured before, but this had been on the brink of what he could handle. It would not have taken much more for him to beg for an ending. His fingers clenched. Frieza

The floor was covered in his gore. He looked down on himself to examine the deep cuts across his abdomen and ribcage. Vegeta took a closer look at his stomach and was astonished to see, that someone had tended to his most severe wounds and cleaned them. He was confused, running his finger along one of the deeper cuts. The wound was almost healed. Dainty pink skin had grown and sealed the slash. Not even Saiyan self-healing abilities worked that fast. This didn't make sense; Frieza would have never sent someone to fix him up...and then he remembered.

The glimpse of blue, the smell he had been sure he'd imagined while delirious. He inhaled and there it still was, that smell. It was faint, but it lingered under the metallic scent of his blood, sweet and familiar. Now, he was certain. She had been here!

Vegeta couldn't make sense out of this. Nobody here helped another without having an ulterior motive. She must have gained some sort of advantage for herself by doing this. His features darkened.

oOo

The ringing sound of the siren disrupted the silence, indicating the start of the next shift. Around fifty bodies began to move in their beds, but Char was already awake. The slaves were placed in dwellings with triple loft bunks, made out of metal. There were no mattresses or blankets, no one thought much of the comfort of a slave.

She got out of her bed and slipped in her grey smock. She lined up in the queue for the washing place and waited. She had been assigned to work in the laundry until the component parts were finished and she'd be needed again in the laboratory. She hadn't spent a long time in the labs, but it was an improvement to working, cleaning and folding laundry day in and out. Bulma didn't demand a lot of her and the extra attention she got from Vegeta was worth having to learn a new routine. But it had been quite a while since she heard from him, not since before he left for his last mission. There were rumors that he had returned, but she had not put much stake in them because she knew that he would want to know about the scientist.

After she'd cleaned herself she left the dwellings. She had her gaze cast down, her eyes empty. Being invisible was the best way to stay alive in this place. But suddenly her head hitched, starring at a silver-sliding gate that she passed. It was him! She stopped short and some of the other slaves bumped into her. She could feel his energy signature more clearly now, but it was weak. He was hurt! She didn't move her gaze fixed on the door. The other slaves starred at her and warningly shook their heads. Char didn't care. Vegeta's energy, usually strong and powerful, was now barely there. Her heart cramped. He was hurt, bad, but there was nothing she could do! She was no use and tears shot to her eyes. Vegeta needed her help!

She heard a sharp hiss and turned her head. Her bunkmate jerked her head and Char saw the supervisor coming her way. But he hadn't seen her yet, as he picked out random slaves for body searches. Char still didn't move and the other girl quickly pushed her back in line and Char reluctantly let her. She stared at the door and everything around her just blanked out. All of a sudden, someone grabbed her and Char jumped in fright.

The supervisor, a weedy bone faced soldier, shoved her against the wall and pushed his body against hers, "Carrying anything forbidden, Sweetheart?!" His words were mocking, as his hands groped her breasts.

"No, Sir.", she said quietly. The soldier felt her up, squeezing and rubbing her. A shiver of disgust ran through her and she closed her eyes and endured it. What other choice did she have? She would later clean herself so Vegeta wouldn't pick up on the smell of another male on her.

"What a good girl." Smacking her ass, he pushed her back in line and Char made her way down to the laundry.

For the next twelve hours, she worked, but her mind was with Vegeta. What had happened to him? Why was he locked up and injured so badly? A few times, she reached out her senses, searching for his energy, but the distance was too far. After work, Char lied in her bed awake. The only thing in her mind was Vegeta. She felt sick with worry about him, until she couldn't bare it anymore. She slipped out of her bed and snuck out. She knew, she could get executed for this, but didn't care.

She went to the door she knew Vegeta was behind, and just stood before it. The corridor was the main route out of the slave lodgings, so there were never many soldiers around and Char didn't attract much suspicion. She knocked and called out but got no reaction. Suddenly she felt unease coming up. The other slaves began to shift around in fearful anxiety and then backed up on the wall, falling to their knees. Char looked up the corridor and saw one of Frieza's high-ranking commanders approaching, and quickly shifted to the wall next to the door and knelt down. Her gaze was fixed on the floor. The commander came her way, Char's heart skipped a beat.

oOo

Vegeta sat propped up against the wall. The pain was there, but bearable as long as he didn't move and he concentrated on the wounds he needed to heal. He estimated that he had been locked up for around three days now. Nobody had come, well except for that human bitch, and he began to wonder what other punishment Frieza held in store for him. Whatever it was, it wouldn't bring him to heel. He wouldn't stop until Frieza cowered in the dust before him and then he'd kill that bastard slowly, painfully. He would rip out every limb... the gates to his cell slipped apart, pulling him out of his thoughts of revenge. It was Dodoria.

The fat alien stood in the threshold, laughing, "Man Vegeta, you look like shit!"

Vegeta swallowed his throat was dry, which made his voice hoarse, "At least with me, it's temporary..."

"I see you haven't lost your matchless sense of humor."

Imperceptibly, Vegeta leaned his head back on the wall, in an attempt to hide his exhaustion. He wasn't in the mood to deal with this idiot, "What do you want?"

"It is your lucky day! It turns out the system was infiltrated with a virus that messed up the data. You're off the hook, Vegeta. You are to stay on standby until you're needed again."

"Great." Vegeta felt a warm twinge of relief in his stomach, which was then replaced with self-disdain. Being eased about evading more punishment, Coward!

He grabbed his scouter. The Saiyan gathered what was left of his strength, and pushed himself up. He gritted his teeth searing pain flashed through every fiber of his being. Sweat shot out of his pores, but he stood upright, his breathing heavy as he had trouble drawing air into his lunges.

Dodoria watched his every move, "You need a hand?"

"I'm fine!", Vegeta hissed. He took a few steps towards the door, but had to grab hold of the wall for support as his sight blurred.

"I can see that." Dodoria turned to the corridor outside, "Oi, you, Slave! Yes, I'm talking to you! Get in here and take this wreck to the med bay."

Anger overcame Vegeta, "I said I don't need hel...", but the broke off halfway as he saw the slave. It was his fuck toy. Her yellow eyes darted through the room in horror about all the blood. She then looked at his wounds and seemed even more horrified. She stood there stock-still, until Dodoria gave her a hard shove, "Are you that useless?! Move already!"

She stumbled forward, anxious not to look Vegeta in the eye. Her red skin almost glowed in the half light of the room. He glared at her, but then reluctantly put his arm around her shoulder for support. In this condition he would never make it to the medical wing by himself.

Dodoria rubbed his hands, "Look at you two lovebirds. I never thought that day would come, Veggy. I am so proud!" Dodoria deadpanned.

Vegeta's hand fisted, "I will end you!"

"Joke's on you. You know, I would crush you!", he slapped Vegeta's shoulder, sending sharp pain down his back. "Well, I've got to go, unlike some people I have missions to finish!" And before Vegeta could say anything, Dodoria left.

The Saiyan let out a growl, but he slowly unclenched his hand and looked down to his toy, "What are you doing here?!" He bared his teeth, "Didn't I order you to stay away from me?!"

Shifting his weight, he began to walk and she put her other hand around his waist for support. He was tempted to slap her arm away, but then had to admit that he couldn't walk without her help. Char shifted a bit closer, taking in Vegeta's warmth and scent. She loved his closeness, "I felt you, locked up in that cell. I knew you were injured. So I came back after my shift, I wanted to help you Master."

Vegeta's brows furrowed, "What do you mean, you felt where I was?"

"I...I can feel energy. I don't need a scouter to read or locate power signatures. I came by the cell and recognized your energy and that it was weakened." she hesitated then she added, "I was worried about you, Master."

Vegeta stopped abruptly, starring at her, "Are you telling me that it is possible to feel someone else's Ki?"

She looked up to him, "My mother taught me that technique. She could also hide her power signature. Many of my people could. Lot's of them hid and escaped enslavement when Lord Frieza's soldiers invaded my planet."

Vegeta remembered, he had been part of the squad that had ransacked her planet. Frieza had been in need of more slaves but the yield had been unsatisfactory. If she was telling the truth it would explain why they didn't find more. "Is your people the only ones that can do this?"

"I don't think so, my father did business with other aliens before, they could read without scouters as well. It's one of the things that sets Lord Frieza's men apart…they all use scouters."

"Tell me, how is my power compared to that pink blob?"

Char was silent for a while, "He is stronger…but you are injured."

"Tch."

"I could teach you, it's not hard to do.", Vegeta's hand clenched painfully on her shoulder. "There is also a technique to control the output of your energy, you can suppress it. I use it to get around here."

It could deceive scouters! Vegeta felt agitation growing inside him. If this was true, the possibilities were endless; advantages in battle, deceiving Frieza's power scans! No one would know how strong he really was... His hold on his toy's shoulders losened and he made her look at him, "You will show me, understand!"

First her eyes were round in disbelieve then she smiled up at him, "It will be my pleasure, Master."

Vegeta kept on walking. In silent.

After another ten minutes, they reached the medical wing. He left her behind and went inside the med bay. The doctors saw the Saiyan and the condition he was in and immediately started treatment, doing scans and tests on his body functions and fluid balance. One of the Doctors looked up from his clipboard, "Why am I not surprised to see you in here? What have you done this time? You look like ground beef!"

Vegeta ignored the comment and entered the regeneration tank. The vitreous capsule filled up with liquefied Saiyan DNA and as soon as the fluid made contact with his skin, the pain disappeared, his body eased and he drifted off into a light sleep.

After a couple of hours, the treatment was completed. He put on a new suit, boots, and gloves. Testing his muscles, he bent and flexed them everything was healed. The Saiyan clipped on his scouter and turned it on. There was a message from Research and Development urging him to fill out the survey about the capsulizable pods he tested on his mission on Neso. He scoffed and deleted the message; he had more important things to do. It was time that he dealt with the Earthling.

oOo

Bulma sat on the bed in her quarters, a thin blanket wrapped around her. She had her tablet on her lap and she stared at the screen. Her finger hovered over the file of the 3D Space map, she had copied onto her tablet the day she manipulated Vegeta's mission. The fingers of her other hand drummed nervously on her knee, as she hesitated to open the file. Annoyed with herself she let out a hiss, "Don't be ridiculous. Just do it!"

She opened the map and swiped right to the image of her blue marble. She felt a lump in her throat, but zoomed in, until she could look up close at West City. It looked like the map had been updated, there was not much left. Almost everything was destroyed to make way for Frieza's containment camps. Soldiers were everywhere guarding the place. Her parents might be somewhere in there, or they were dead, already. She had no idea...Bulma felt like she should cry, but couldn't. There were no tears left to shed anymore. It was the same picture everywhere East City, Nicky Town, Ginger Town...her people mustered and captured like animals. She felt nothing inside but that overwhelming determination to make Frieza pay for what he had done to her and her people.

You won't get away with this, freak. I swear by every god in this universe!

She couldn't look at this anymore, it was unbearable. Bulma swiped back out, with a little bit too much force and found herself in a completely different galaxy, named Strawberry Nebula. There were two planets in the displayed frame, one dark blue, the other blood red. Bulma was just about to shut the file, when the name of the red planet caught her attention; Vegetasai.

She stopped short, that sounded familiar...zooming in, she looked at the planets surface. There seemed to be nothing but red desert. Bulma opened the attached file. The latest entry was Planet destroyed by asteroid. Now, she was curious.

She read the information, and her eyes grew wide with every word. Once Bulma finished, she blew the air out of her lunges. The Saiyans had been a warrior race that had worked for Frieza. Vegeta was from royal blood. He was the prince of the Saiyans, he was given to Frieza by his father at the age of seven. He had only been a kid, ripped from his home. Just shortly after almost his entire race got wiped out by an asteroid.

A cold chill ran down Bulma's back. Had Vegeta been forced into Frieza's service as a kid? The files sounded like he had been some sort of pawn or hostage to keep his father, the king, in line. This would explain Vegeta's resentment and irreverence towards the lizard.

She turned the device off and for a few seconds she just starred at a spot on the wall, "He's been here since he was seven. Where was I when I was seven? Who would I be if I had been here?"

Bulma knew, everything in the Cold Army was designed to break its soldiers spirits, to conquer their wills. Despite that, Vegeta was still defying Frieza. After all those years...

Maybe he was just mad that he wasn't powerful enough to beat the lizard?

Maybe he wants to be like Frieza?

Maybe he wants to end Frieza?

"Maybe, you're over thinking this, old girl." She sighted and checked her watch, it was time. Soon there would be a shift change in the laboratories, which gave her a good opportunity to slip into hers and do some work. She wanted to exacerbate matters with her virus. At first it had been there to distract attentions from her sabotages, but then she realized how efficiently the virus disrupted Frieza's system, and how much more damage it could do, if she put a bit more effort into it. She grinned wickedly and 20 minutes later Bulma sat in front of her computer, the source code of her virus on the screen.

Then everything happened really fast.

The control light on top of the door blinked. It opened and before Bulma could react, she found herself pressed down on the desk, a strong hand painfully locked around her neck. A voice, low and cold appeared in her ear, "Why?"

Bulma immediate recognized him. It was Vegeta. She felt panic piercing her stomach, but tried to play it cool, "Have you lost your mind?! Let GO of me!"

"Well now, you are not in the position to give me orders, are you?!", she writhed in his grip, but he was too strong for her. He gave her a hard shake, "Answer me!"

Bulma barred her teeth, "What are you talk..."

He didn't let her finish. He pulled her up, flipped her over, and smashed her back on her desk. He used too much force and the human let out a pained yelp. Tools and test tubes fell to the ground shattering to pieces. Vegeta had trouble controlling himself, as he felt the rage seething in his veins. He towered over her and the earthling had to look up to him. His features were dark, the face a scowl, "Don't lie to me, bitch. My cell reeked of your smell! You where there! You came and treated my wounds. WHY?"

The thoughts were racing in her head. She was trapped, "I...y-you were dying...I...wanted to make things up to you. You have saved me life like ten times and I...I owed you! The solder in the North tower." This didn't even sound convincing to herself. Bulma cursed.

Vegeta's eyes narrowed as he fixated her. He leaned in on the woman, grabbing her chin with his gloved hand. He put a lot of pressure on her jaw, making her wince. He made her look into his dark eyes, "I've had enough of your scheming. I will spatter your brain all over the floor if you don't tell me the truth!"

Her eyes flashed, "We both know, Frieza will kill you, if you lay a finger on me!"

He began to chuckle, "I think, Frieza will be very interested in your little nightly adventures. How about I tell him about your little detour to the north control room, the day Blueberry attacked you? Or better yet, your unauthorized shifts in this lab, like this one right now."

She looked shocked and scared now, Did he know?

"Oh yes, I know. You really thought this would go without notice? That you could get all your projects done so fast, but you really have to spend hours here in secret to get them done?"

Bulma's shock faded and she scoffed, "You know nothing. Do you really think Frieza cares how long I have to work to get projects out?"

Vegeta was bluffing, he knew that she wasn't secretly working on Frieza's projects. You know nothing. He smirked. She'd walked right into his trap. The human just confirmed, she was up to something. He put his face closer to hers, her scent was threatening to distract him, but he had to get it out of her, "Why would you risk your life to help me?"

He was close, any closer and they would be making out, his lips looked enticing for a homicidal Saiyan Prince. He was warm and smelled good, too…FOCUS, BULMA! What was she going to do, she couldn't tell him, maybe Char would come in see and run to get help, maybe Zarbon would come…gods, it was a sad day when she was hoping for Zarbon to come save her. She got lost in her thoughts and Vegeta's eyes…oh wait he wanted her to say something.

"I owed you. You shouldn't have been punished, it wasn't your fault."

"What the fuck is it to you if Frieza punishes ME? It's not like I took the punishment for you…"

Bulma looked down and away.

He starred down on her with his black eyes, filled with disdain, before he averted his gaze and got up. Slowly, he got an idea what she had done. The Saiyan walked to the computer, "Maybe it's time to find out, what you really have been up to."

Bulmas heart begann to race, but could do nothing than watch, how Vegeta went through the computer and her tablet. Through all the data, the evidence about her doings. There was absolute silence, where his face darkened, while he connected the dots.

His head slowly lifted, "It was you?! You did this. You created that virus everyone is talking about. You manipulated the files from my mission. That's why everything went to shit on that god forsaken planet!" His hands clawed into the metal surface of the desk, bending it, "And then you came to me, because your pathetic human conscious couldn't take the guilt."

Bulma got up, slowly. Calm. Her back ached from her impact with the table, "I never meant for anyone to get hurt!"

Vegeta's body went rigid. His tendons bulged out of his forearms, "You never meant...you realize, you sent me and everyone else to their deaths on that planet!"

"They were going to kill everyone there, I had to do something."

"Look at you!", the Saiyan laughed angrily, "You are no better than Frieza. You use people like pawns in your game against him and have the audacity to claim that you are working for the greater good, as if you aren't exactly like him. The Nesokians were always dead, you fool. You think you know suffering and that somehow gives you the right to decide who lives and who dies?"

The blood shot in Bulma's face and head. Her fingers clawed to fists, "And who should? Frieza? YOU?!"

The Saiyan's voice was dripping with contempt now, "You sit here in your lab and play your games, you have pity for all the pathetic slaves that are here. Well, you are a slave, just like the rest!"

"You mean like YOU!...You have some balls to stand there and tell me that I'm a slave, well at least I've done something. I am fighting back! What have you ever done? You are Frieza's dog! You can rant and rave all you want, but WHAT HAVE YOU DONE? You follow his orders, you kill millions in his name, you even like it! And can you tell me one thing, one person, that you have ever saved or ever fought for, other than yourself!?...You are a COWARD who has GIVEN UP!"

That crossed a line, "You wretched BITCH! You know NOTHING about me!" Before Vegeta knew what he was doing, he had his hands around her throat, his voice shaking in rage, "I could crush you without a thought, by mistake, with just a flick of my wrist. That's how little you are, that's how insignificant your life really is!"

For a flash, the world seemed to stand still. There was silence. Bulma didn't move in his grip starring at the prince, without fear, as a true Saiyan would do. Vegeta looked back at her piercing blue eyes, barring his teeth, but she didn't cave. The seconds dragged ad infinitum. Then, suddenly, he released his hold and left her to fall to the ground as he turned and exited the lab.

Okay, don't get used to such long chapters :P I hope the next update won't take that long. I am really curious what you're thinking about Char. I want your honest opinion. I usually don't like OC's, but she kinda snug her way into this story. It's not my fault, really! :D

If you want to support me even more, then you could think about becoming a (p)atreon. Check out my page and get some sweet perks :D My username on (p)atreon(.com) is pukeko10.

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Wow, it has been ages! But I'm super happy to be back and getting this story going again :)

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Hello guys! Well, 2017 has been a really hard and draining year for me, but things are slowly getting better, so I hope there will be more updates in 2018!

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Thank you foxyrules, for being my beta. We have been working together for almost four years now and I am so happy about that!

If you haven't read my Vegeta/Bulla one shot Daddy's Magic Plasters yet, I highly recommend it :D

Friends and Enemies

"Zarbon!"

Zarbon entered Frieza's chambers and bowed his head, "Yes, Lord Frieza?"

Frieza was facing a holo-screen on the wall, it had an image of his family portrait; himself, his father, brother and mother, "I have received some interesting news from my brother. It seems that he has been affected by a virus similar to ours and he is experiencing difficulties with his communication signals."

Zarbon looked up in astonishment, "Is he asking for help to fix the problem?"

Frieza's tail slammed down on the floor, "He says he is warning us to be careful and is offering his head of communications to come and help fix the problem."

Zarbon eased his shoulders, perhaps this would mean that he could finally hand off this damned project to someone else, "If he is affected as well, maybe he didn't send it."

"No, you IDIOT!" Frieza turned his gaze towards the frog, "He is not affected by a virus, but he KNOWS. He knows and he is rubbing it in my face!" Frieza's tail thrashed once more. "We have a leak. Someone is feeding him information, and I want to find out who it is!"

"Sire, I beg your pardon, but I don't understand. If Cooler is the one who sent the virus, then wouldn't he know you're affected without having an insider?"

Frieza walked closer to Zarbon, "Leave it to you to be so naïve." His hand caressed the frog's face, then suddenly lifting up his second by the throat, "If he was affected by the virus, he wouldn't have tried to contact me only now. His message didn't get sent until after our communication lines were re-established. Cooler managed to penetrate my systems with a virus, but has no way of knowing if he was successful! So someone must have told him!" The green man was now turning pink, Frieza dropped him and he fell to his knees gasping for breath, "You will find out who is my brother's spy Zarbon, and you will bring him to me, ALIVE!"

Frieza turned back towards his thrown, "Dismissed."

oOo

Bulma sat by herself, close to the entrance to the refectory on a table. No one took special notice of her. She was glad about that. Since she had been here, she had managed to blend into Frieza's army as one of his many scientists, giving of a meek and unremarkable appearance.

Bulma eyed her breakfast, her lips curling in distaste. It was some sort of greenish mush that smelled like old eggs. The food wasn't meant to taste good, but to provide Frieza's soldiers with a high amount of nutrition and energy. So she ate her meal doing her best to imagine it was her mom's delicious pancakes...man she missed her mothers cooking, a soft bed too, a hot shower, chocolate, an unburdened life...

A hulking frame shifted into her view, interrupting Bulma's day dreaming and a soldier took a seat diagonally across from her. She took a look at the intruder on her good memories. It was Nappa. He had a bowl placed before him, filled with more of the green mush and began to eat, seemingly taking no notice of her. Again, Bulma felt small and breakable in his presence. She couldn't help but to be intimidated by the Saiyan. He was massive, much bigger than Raditz or Vegeta and gave of an aura of raw brutality that made her blood run cold.

"Stop starring at me, human! Could you be any more obvious?!"

Bulma didn't like being talked to like that, but quickly pulled her attentions back to her food, as Nappa was right. If anyone got suspicious, or found out that they were plotting together, they'd be dead.

She ate a spoonful, "What's the news?"

He was seated far enough from her, so it didn't look like they were eating together, but close enough to have a conversation.

Vegeta's second in command punched his scouter, pretending to receive a call, "Telling Frieza that the virus was infiltrated by Cooler has clearly had an effect. As I said it would. Word is, the bastard is unhinged and rattled, unsure about his next move." Nappa snickered, "By extension, the death rate of his minions has gone up, too."

She felt fierce satisfaction at the news, "So, we have hit a sensitive spot. Good. How did you find all of this out?"

"Unlike the prince, Raditz and I make friends, not enemies."

Bulma chuckled, "Fair enough. What are they saying is the reason for his anger?"

"There are plenty of theories, but nothing close to the truth. Raditz and I have been spreading the rumour, that Cooler is behind all of this. Give it another day or two and it will be the number one topic in the entire headquarters."

"And as soon as Frieza hears about it, he will be forced to act."

Nappa scraped the last bites out of his bowl, "He can't risk being perceived as weak, especially after the damage the virus did. Soldiers might turn on him, defect to Cooler. He has to bolster his authority, after being challenged like that. He has also attempted to reach the Ginyu Force, but they are still out of a 21 light year range." He eyed her, "You did a pretty damn good job, corrupting his communication."

Bulma felt a unpleasant tug in her stomach, "Ginyu Force?" That name rang a bell, but she didn't know why.

"They are Frieza's most elite fighters, highly trained and incredibly powerful. He only resorts to them when shit is about to hit the fan."

Bulma smiled. Frieza was getting desperate. At this rate they might spark a war between Frieza and Cooler. At best they would destroy each other, at worst they might discover the entire plan and join forces against her, but at least it would keep Frieza distracted while she found a better way to inflict damage to his empire. Vegeta's only concern was defeating Frieza, but Bulma knew the entire empire and Kold machine would need to come down. There were thousands of possibilities how all this could go awry, but Bulma shoved that down as good as she could. There was no winning, without taking risks.

She glanced at the Saiyan, "Thank you for doing this."

Nappa gave her an angry stare, "Let me be clear on one thing; I am not doing any of this for you, neither am I approving of you pulling Vegeta into this conspiracy! It's madness and it WILL get us all killed! But I am bound by his orders and my loyalty to him and I'll follow where ever my prince leads."

There was silence. Bulma contemplated having enough faith in a single person, who wasn't herself, to follow blindly into the abyss. It must be a Saiyan thing, Bulma was as loyal as they come and she would never betray a friend, but if she thought things were going sideways, she would definitely take matters into her own hands to make sure things went right. She had yet to meet the person whose judgment she would substitute for her own. She would feel much better if the behemoth would get on board, though, "Good to know how things stand, especially since we're supposed to work as a team."

Nappa only scoffed, "Team, heh, that's a laugh. I'm watching you, don't think I will let you lead Vegeta to his doom." his brows furrowed in disapproval.

Bulma took another spoonful of gruel, "Don't you think Vegeta is smart enough to make decisions and weigh the repercussions? He is well aware of the stakes. He doesn't need a babysitter, Nappa."

That hit home; Nappa's fist hit the table. Bulma managed not to flinch.

"You're' messing with his head, Woman! He can't see straight, is blinded by your Saiyan like appearance and attitude! Who can blame him, he hasn't set eye on a Saiyan female since he was just a boy. Of course he'd get confused. He..." Nappa broke off, realizing that he had revealed too much.

Bulma chuckled, seems that provocation works on any male.

His face turned red, "You did that on purpose!"

Bulma looked at him with innocent blue eyes, "I don't know what you're talking about."

Pushing his chair out, the Saiyan got up, muttering under his breath, "None of this would have happened if that damn maniac hadn't blown up Vegetasei. Vegeta would be king by now, mated with a powerful Saiyan female, producing offspring, you wouldn't be nothing, I would be commander of his troops..."

Bulma's ears perked up, "I thought your planet was destroyed by an asteroid?!"

Nappa straightened, his back to Bulma, "Yeah, that's the official version..." And with that Nappa left, stomping out of the chow hall.

Bulma was stunned, Frieza had destroyed the mother planet of the Saiyans. Slowly she began to comprehend the extent of Vegeta's hatred for Frieza. The Saiyan concealed it well, but it seemed like she had only seen a glimpse of it, when Frieza had tortured him. Not only had Frieza taken Vegeta from his home, he'd also annihilated it, robbing him of his birthright and title. What a horrible fate. Vegeta was forced to grow up in Frieza's claws. What does that do to a child? Frieza seems to have taken a special interest in Vegeta, remembering the files she read and the way Frieza acted towards Vegeta. His little side project, maybe?

Bulma couldn't imagine the things that Frieza must have done to Vegeta, to shape him into the warrior, he wanted the boy to be. An icy chill let her heart cramp...she halted, standing in front of the door to the laboratory. She couldn't remember leaving the refectory. She closed her eyes and shook the dark thoughts. Stay focused, girl.

Bulma entered her lab. Char was already there and Bulma gave her a smile, the girl didn't return. Bulma suppressed a sigh. Since the incident a couple of days ago, Char had been distant and cold and Bulma was unsure how to handle the situation. She had conflicting feelings.

Bulma felt sorry for Char, being so shamelessly exploited by Vegeta, then she was angry at the damned Saiyan for playing with the girl in such a way. But after all, what business was it of hers, to tell either one who they should or shouldn't be with. But deep down when she pictured the tryst in her mind, there was anger and maybe just a twinge of jealousy. The more time Bulma spent with Vegeta, the more the feeling of jealousy grew. No, I'm not jealous. It's his attention I like and I have never been one to share...not that I had to.

The reality was, Char was fatally attracted to Vegeta and that made her a liability. Bulma didn't know what to do, but Vegeta had ensured her, that he had things under control. But then again, she highly doubted that Vegeta was capable of comprehending the depth of female emotions, let alone the levels of bat-shit crazy that come with a spurned woman.

Battling with herself, and in the light of Char's behavior, Bulma finally decided to address the topic and smooth the waters, "Char will you come here for a minute?"

The girl was busy cleaning the lab equipment. Giving the scientist a glare, she threw the sponge in a bucket and grudgingly sat down on the chair Bulma offered her, the red glow of her skin reflecting on the brushed steel of the seat.

Bulma ran her fingers through her hair. Oh boy, this is gonna be fun.

"Listen, what you saw the other day, it wasn't what it looked like. I tripped and...I mean there is nothing between me and... what I want to say is, I am not int-..."

"Just keep your hands off him!"

Bulma blinked. That was new. Char had always been quiet and reserved, frightened even, but now how she sat before her, shoulders squared, her voice firm. She was different.

"As I said I'm not interested in him. Vegeta is not my type AT ALL. I mean that scowl of his, and his attitude? He is rude all the time and don't get me started on that ridiculous hair. And let's be honest, he's pretty short, too! And those excessive muscles! I mean what does he have to compensate for, am I right?!"

Bulma laughed nervously. Man, she was a bad liar sometimes.

The slave didn't listen to her babbling, her yellow eyes flashing, "I am his, do you understand?! I have been helping him. I have been teaching him! Vegeta needs me, NOT you!"

The smile was wiped off Bulma's face, a queasy feeling bubbling in her guts instead. Seems like things were a lot more complicated than she'd anticipated.

"Char, I..."

She couldn't finish. The lab gates opened and Vegeta was pushed inside, followed by Zarbon, who had the Saiyan by the neck. Vegeta's nose was bleeding, his lip busted, and his face swollen and blue from bruising. Zarbon looked pissed.

Earlier

Sitting in the dust, Vegeta leaned against the base of the garish Frieza statue, outside the headquarters. It was a warm day. The Saiyan had his eyes closed, one leg bent, and his arm loosely hanging across his knee, as the sun warmed his body. A shadow shifted before him, blocking out the warming rays. Vegeta didn't have to open his eyes to know who it was. He'd felt him approaching long before. Vegeta was quite pleased with himself. He'd gotten fairly good at this ki reading technique.

He looked up, "What is it Zarbon?"

Fury was written across the frog's face, "What exactly do you think, you're doing here?!"

"What does it look like? I'm taking a nap. At least I was, until you showed. That pretty mug of yours gives me nightmares."

Zarbon grabbed the Saiyan by the collar and hurled him to his feet, "You are defying my command, ape! You were ordered to be with the earthling, to help her get that database up and running again! She sent me a message, that you weren't present today or yesterday!"

"That wench was getting on my nerves."

Zarbon's features twisted in anger, and Vegeta was pleased to see a good portion of distress, too. He knew, Zarbon was running out of time, getting that virus under control and Frieza was loosing his patience.

"Ah I see, you need to be put in your place again, Saiyan scum!"

Zarbon smashed his fist in the Saiyans stomach, three, four, six times with brutal force. Vegeta couldn't breath, groaning in pain, as every blow pressed the air out of him. His hands went to his stomach, as he blundered forward, sinking against Zarbon's shoulder, unable to support himself.

"Oh Vegeta, I don't think I'm in the mood for cuddling!" Zarbon clawed his sharp nails in the Saiyan's spiky hair and pulled his head back, "How many times do you need the stuffing beaten out of you, before you will learn to obey, to bend before your betters!?"

"Hell will freeze over, before I submit to the likes of you!" The prince rasped, fighting to drag air into his lunges, "You have no pride. You're a pathetic worm that licks Frieza's ass. It's disgraceful!"

"Is that so?" Zarbon wrenched Vegeta's head down, breaking the ape's face against his knee. There was ugly crunching. Blood sputtered from Vegeta's nose, running down his mouth and chin. For good measure, Zarbon battered the soldier's face in a second and third time, before letting off, "How does that feel, huh?! You filthy piece of shit!"

To his credit, Vegeta had managed to stay on his feet. He felt dizzy his face numb as he bled all over his suit and amour. His mouth filled with blood and he spat some on the ground, before fixing his gaze on Zarbon.

Zarbon's chest heaved, his body trembling. He itched to report the monkey's disobedience to Lord Frieza, but couldn't without admitting to having put the Saiyan so close to his lordships secret project. His master was growing impatient, especially with Cooler coming into the picture. If Zarbon didn't get the systems back up soon, he'd be facing horrid punishment. Vegeta had given him the perfect excuse to work off some of his frustration, but it sill couldn't shake the fact, that he was running out of time. He fisted his hands, to stop them from shaking.

Zarbon sneered, "Look at the mess that you made of yourself." He grabbed the Saiyan by the neck and pushed him forward, "The two of us are going to the scientist, now! And you will be a good little lab monkey and do as your told, or may the gods help me, I will beat you within an inch of your worthless life!"

Zarbon was done with the games. His interest in the earthling aside, he had to increase the pressure. Things were progressing too slowly. And his head wouldn't be the one rolling!

The frog dragged him trough the complex. Vegeta kept a rigid posture, upholding his dignity; as far as that was possible with a bashed in face. They reached the lab and Zarbon shoved him inside, his hand locked around Vegeta's neck. The Saiyan wrested himself free and his eyes met Bulma's. She looked at him clearly shocked, her gaze wondering over his demolished face and blood drenched armor, before shooting him an apologetic glance. Vegeta scoffed.

This had been Raditz' idea. Keeping Zarbon unsuspicious and of their backs, by him refusing to help Bulma with the database, making Zarbon believe that there was nothing to worry about. This way, not only his toy would be reporting to Zarbon keeping him at ease, but the frog also had actual proof. With the little down side, that the Saiyan was bound to get his ass beat. But is seemed to be working. Vegeta crossed his arms and glowered, Zarbon was such an idiot...

His toy sat next to Bulma on a chair, stared at him as well, her eyes teary at his sight, but she backed off on the wall, when Zarbon approached Bulma.

Bulma bowed her head, "Sir?"

"I've brought you Vegeta. He will be on time from now on and as pliant as a battle suit and won't be making you anymore problems, right Vegeta?!"

"Go to hell Zarbon!"

Frieza's menservant closed his eyes for a moment - giving into Vegeta's provocation wasn't a good idea. If that ape ended up in the tanks, cause Zarbon lost it, the recovery of the database would be delayed even further.

Zarbon put his braid of green hair behind his shoulder, "How long is it going to take you, to get the database back up?"

"As I have told you before, by the end of the week..."

His fist hit the table causing Bulma to shudder, "That is not good enough! I want this thing up, now! I don't care how you do it!"

Bulma made an effort to flinch and jump in fright, which wasn't hard. Zarbon seemed very close to loosing it; maybe this plan had gone a bit far.

Zarbon took a deep breath, struggling for composure, "His lordship's patience has reached the end of his endurance. I won't be able to save you from punishment, if that virus isn't swiped from the systems within the next 24 hours. That includes getting the long range communication working, too!"

Bulma hid a smirk. Seemed like the air was getting thin for Zarbon, "I will do the best I can, Sir." She gave her voice a shivering, fearful edge.

Suddenly the frog was right up against her, her chest pressed firmly to his, his lean fingers running up Bulma's pale arm, as she had the sleeves of her coat rolled up to her elbows, "I'm sure you'll be fine..." He breathed, "You are a smart girl. Don't let harm come your way..."

"I...", Bulma tensed, "...Ahh!..." Suddenly there was a stinging pain on her lower arm. She gasped and felt blood running. Zarbon's sharp nail had pierced her skin and slit it open. She looked at him, a wave of revulsion and dread washing over her. Zarbon's eyes followed the thick stream of rich blood that trickled down her arm. His features were wildly twisted, a primal, animalistic, downright brutal sheen in his eyes. It was the face of a monster.

A crash of equipment came from the other side of the room; Vegeta had knocked over some stuff, pretending to fall to the ground. That seemed to shake Zarbon out of his daze, and his features returned to normal. Bulma quickly grabbed a cloth from the desk, wiping of the blood, she put distance between her and the toad.

"You've got 24 hours." He turned towards the exit. Suddenly, Bulma felt really sick.

Zarbon walked past Char, but she barely noticed. She was focused on Vegeta. Neither Bulma nor Zarbon had seen it, but Char had. The Saiyan had been boiling at the sight of Zarbon's advances, Vegeta's hands had clawed into a metal caster, bending the steel, teeth bared, his tail lashing out, causing Char's heart to twist in pain.

Bulma pressed the cloth on her cut and the fabric turned red as it got soaked with her blood. She was shocked, but didn't let it show, "Seems like I'll have to fix Frieza's systems for good this time." She went to the sink to clean out her wound and bandaged it.

Vegeta didn't say a word. He was staring at her bandaged arm, his face unreadable, but Bulma's mind was occupied with another issue; she had to find a way to protect herself from Zarbon.

How in hell am I supposed to do that?

oOo

Sweat dripped from Vegeta's temples, the drops dappling the floor. He did a fast sequence of kicks, punches, flips, and rolls, grunting in effort, his muscles contracting from the stress. The earthling's bands vibrated on his skin, an invisible force tearing on him. He dropped down to the floor for push-ups, counting down from 10,000.

It didn't take long and he was in a flow, his mind utterly focused on his body...8880...8660...8440...there was nothing but his smooth movements and the pain coming with it...7700...6680... a constant flow of sweat pearled down his nose and chin...4420...the gate to the room slid open, the noise pulling him out of his routine, loosing his beat Vegeta's hand slipped and he smashed to the ground. GODS DAMNIT!

Vegeta sat up, "Why are you here?"

"We said, we'd practice today. After you left the lab, I helped cleaning and came straight here after."

The Saiyan didn't look at her, "I don't require your help anymore. I've mastered the technique."

"Oh." She slowly walked forward, falling to her knees before him. Crawling, she closed the gap between them and pressed her hand against his crotch, "I'm sure we find something else to do..."

Her hand slid upwards, tugging on his waistband, when he caught her wrist, "No."

Bulma had warned him that he shouldn't keep toying with the girl, and their encounters were less and less stimulating. It was becoming more and more difficult to push the blue-haired beauty from his mind which, for some reason, made the idea of coupling with the red-fleshed creature unpalatable.

"No? Are you tired? Let me do the work then. I know what you like, my prince." she came even closer, "Or would you rather fuck me senseless, I'd sure love that..."

"I said, no. You're distracting me from my training!" Vegeta pushed her off, "This arrangement works on my terms. I have more important things to do, then having it off with you. You're so desperate it's pathetic. Now, get out!"

Char looked, like she'd been slapped. She didn't have to be told twice. Suddenly it was unbearable to be in his presence and she fled the room, hot tears burning in her eyes.

She stumbled through the corridors, tears running. She made it to the slave lodgings, into her dorm and climbed her bed. The dwelling was empty, the other slaves she had worked with before had started their shift hours ago.

She curled up in her cold bed and cried, cursing Bulma for taking Vegeta from her, cursing her miserable existence, cursing Zarbon and the powerlessness she'd felt when she'd discovered his unspeakable inclinations.

She felt desperate and alone.

Vegeta. She was his. He'd been the one to give her life purpose again, after years of mind numbing slavery. She refused to give up on him. Through him she'd tasted freedom once again.

She opened her eyes, the tears running dry.

She was DONE being helpless, DONE being pushed around and over shadowed.

Something inside her burst free.

She felt her old self awaken after years of oppression. The woman she'd been before Frieza had taken and broken her, resurfaced. Her sharp canines sparkled in the half-light, the salt of her tears crusting her cheeks. The ruthlessness she'd worn like a second skin in her past life emerged and she embraced it with terrible bliss. Her skin glowed brighter than ever before; it was like a haze had been lifted from her existence.

It was time to take action, to take what was hers. Char's fingers fisted, feeling the delicate scar on her palm, as a plan shaped in her mind...Vegeta would be hers.

oOo

"The ship is ready for take off, Master."

"Very well." Cooler's lips twisted into a smile, "Let's pay my dear baby bother a visit then, shall we?"

Lord Cooler rose to his feet, amusement sparking in his eyes, as the engines powered up and his ship lifted. It had been far to long, since he'd seen Frieza.

This was going to be fun.

I was a pretty disappointed when no one left a comment on the last chapter. I put so much time and effort into this and it really is discouraging, when there is no feedback at all. If you didn't like what I worte, feel free to tell me that, too! It only helps me to get better :)

I've been really getting into tumblr lately, so come and find me there too, if you want.

Special thanks to my patrons Rasilina and M! As a little thank you, I wrote a Vegebul one shot, called Music and Memories.

Chapter Text

Power Play

Bulma watched the slaves dragging box after box in her laboratory. Frieza had put her back to work on his omnious project after she'd eventually had no choice but to rid his systems of her virus, or she would risk accusations of being involved.

She however had made it credible to Zarbon, that parts of the planet database were irreversible destoyed. Bulma had been tempted to erase all information about the northern quadrant, including the Milky Way and planet Earth, but eventually decided against it, as it could rise unwanted suspicion. So she'd settled for wiping a good portion of the western quadrant, that bordered on Coolers empire.  She'd also planted a pesky bug, that would cause the long- and short range communications to glitch from time to time and Bulma was satisfied with that.

Her plan to focus Frieza's attention on Cooler was working. Her victory however had only been short lived. 

With Bulma's access to Frieza's systems she'd learned that Cooler had taken course to Frieza Planet 1. Bulma remembered her panic at those news.

This would set events in motion she would not be able to control. The screwdriver in her hand begann shaking and Bulma quickly put the tool down and hit her hands in her pockets, clenching the fabric. She took a slow meassured breath. This could mean her doom.

She didn't see that coming. By making Cooler the culprit for the virus, it hadn't crossed her mind that he'd actually find out about it and make a move himself and not Frieza. Bulma cursed herself. That brought in risks she could not calculate for. The mere illussion of being in control, that had ensured her sanity over the past months, was crumbling to bits.

Cooler must have a spy among Frieza's men. Bulma felt her control slipping, like a wet piece of soap. Triggered by these unpleasant events, Frieza had put even more pressure on her to fix those damned devices.

The hands in her pocket had stopped shaking and Bulma grabbed for the screwdriver, forcing herself to focus on her taks ahead. She gave Char a nod, "Let's setup, Malaka expects my first report tomorrow!"

The slave girl didn't look at her. She simply grabbed a wrench and began working.

oOo

Bulma sat astride the chair, her arms dangling over the backrest, as she scrolled through the blueprints on her tablet. Her face was stern from concentration, tipping the chair forward. Bulma was racking her brain, but still didn't understand the purpose of the machine. Her insight was very limited and Frieza's scientist, that ugly bird Dr. Malaka, fed her as little information as possible. She only new that she was working with a small part of a much much bigger set up and that it was for utilizing matter of some kind. She also new, that the whole thing gave her a very very bad feeling.

She needed to find out what Frieza's project was. Not that she hadn't tried. She had swiped every folder, file, database and server, but NOTHING. Not as much as a footnote. Frieza had been very thorough in not leaving any traces behind, which gave Bulma an even worse sense of foreboding. Whatever Frieza was planing must be very bad.

Bulma sighed. Not that she didn't already have enough on her plate, with overthrowing Frieza, Coolers recent travel plans, Zarbon's advances, Char's jealousy, keeping the Saiyans in line and last but not least Vegeta. If things weren't so serious, she'd break down laughing. The pressure and stress were gnawing away at her...

The smooth sound of the door to her room opening gave Bulma a start and her chair tipped. She caught her balance and glared at the intruder, "Damnit Vegeta! Just because you spied out my code doesn't mean, you can just walk in on me! Did no one teach you any manners?!"

"Pity you weren't naked."

For once Bulma was at a loss of words. Her mouth stood open, but no sound came out. The Saiyan stood there, legs apart, arms crossed - his aura was confident, down right cocky and Bulma had trouble tearing her eyes away from his biceps. Did he look even bigger? His chest seemed broader, his thighs thick with hard muscle. Her gravity bands worked…Bulma felt the unruly urge to rip off his clothes, and looked at his face instead. It didn't help. There was still bruising, a light shade of blue on his cheekbone, from his clash with Zarbon. Holy shit, he looked fucking delicious.

"What do you want?"

The Saiyan threw something her way. It was the controller for her ribbons. The rotary button had a crack and was stuck.

"You broke it." she assessed

"Fix it." he ordered

Bulma's brows furrowed in annoyance, but she pulled a pair of small pliers out, "I'd appreciate it, if you'd be careful with my stuff!"

He let out a snicker and she heard him moving. He was behind her, watching her over her shoulders. Intuitively she inhaled, her heartbeat accelerating, as his scent filled her airways.

Bulma had trouble concentrating. Vegeta leaned in and her tool slipped, "Fuck."

"I'm making you nervous."

"Don't flatter yourself..."

Deftly, she bend the end of the wire and the button ran smoothly in its socket. Bulma turned to face the Saiyan.

Their eyes met. The air sparkled from tension. His hungry look let her throat run dry.

The Saiyan kicked the chair, hurling her to her feet. Effortlessly, he lifted her off the floor and shoved her against the edge of the table. She felt his hard grasp around her waist, possessive, as he pushed her thighs apart. He leaned in, his chest pressing up against hers. He clawed her flesh and pulled her closer with a painful yank to her waist. Her knees were on either side of his hips - his gaze capturing her. He fixated on her like a predator.

And I'm the prey

The thought made her dripping wet.

She put her hand on his chest, his muscles a steely bulk under her fingers. She clawed the fabric and pulled. She felt his hot breath on her skin, the Saiyan let out a deep growl.

"I'm not your plaything!" she breathed.

His lips lay on her carotid, feeling the blood pulsing though her veins, "Your body tells a different story. Your heart is racing. Like a hunted animal."
He bit down on her neck, hard. Bulma yelped. She grabbed his hair and jerked his head back, their gazes crossing for a heartbeat. Bulma pressed her lips on his mouth. Instantly, she lost ground, an insane feeling flooding her system. She had found heaven in this god forsaken hell.

He stiffened, pulling away, "What in hell are you doing?!"

Bulma cocked her head, trouble coming back to reality "I'm...kissing...you?!"

"Kissing...?!" he sounded sincerely confused.

"Don't Saiyans kiss?"

"How am I supposed to know?!" His hands were placed on her thighs and Bulma was well aware of the pressure of his touch, the dominance and possessiveness. It would be easy to get lost in him, cede control...

Bulma's lips twirled into a grin, "I'm sure you'll love it."

Fleetly, she slipped of the edge of the table and onto her feet. She flung her hand around Vegeta's strong neck, shoving her weight against him, she pressed her mouth on his. His lips were soft - enticing. She ran the tip of her tongue around, playfully biting his lips. She could feel him deferring, waiting, studying.

Preying upon the Saiyans surprise, Bulma forced him further backwards. As his shoulders made contact with the wall, she pushed her tongue inside. For a split moment nothing happened. The soldier was frozen. Bulma worked his mouth. Slowly, he regained his composure and returned the kiss.

His tongue was rough, the kiss hard. He snatched her hips and urged her body towards his. Bulma gasped, arching her spine. The Saiyan flung her around, caging her. They were making out like teenagers. Bulma had trouble remembering how fun passion was. She moaned and gasped, his smell in her nose, his heat on her skin and she let out a sound of protest, when Vegeta broke their contact.

His face was flushed, even a bit breathless, but he gave her a wolfish grin "I like kissing."

"You are a fast learner for sure."

"I'd long be dead, if I wasn't." he replied slyly.

Bulma smirked and leaned, pressing her lips on his. He tasted so good! His hands trailed to her stomach, tearing on her shirt, there was ripping and his hands lay on her bare belly. Her skin prickled. She moaned. His hands moved lower and lower, making Bulma's heart beat faster and faster...

The heat was pooling between her thighs, every thought centered on the Saiyan's touch.

Vegeta grinned in their kiss.

He was rubbing and teasing her, his fingers wet. Her legs threatened to give way, but he'd pinned her, there was no escape.

"You will come for me..." he ordered quietly.

She was so close, the Saiyan had found the right spot. Burma's breath faltered, moaning she pressed her head against Vegeta's collar bone...she was so close...he kept rubbing and her ball of heat was about to explode, her muscles began contracting and...his fingers were gone. Bulma almost lost her balance, her knees weak. Her eyes flipped open, staring into merciless black.

"Look at you, all wet, like a bitch in heat." he lifted his fingers, wiping them dry on her pants as his expressions shifted to something more playful, "Two can play this game."

Bulma let out a shaky breath, coming back from heaven to hell, "You god damn son of a bitch."

Vegeta snickered, "Did you think, I'd forget the little stunt you pulled on me?!"

The corner of her mouth twitched, "No, actually not..."

Turning away, he grabbed the remote control for the gravity bands, his tail lightly brushing her breasts.

"Asshole."

He listened with smug complacency to her cursing, highly satisfied with himself.

"The thing with Cooler -  Nappa and Raditz are on it..." Vegeta said as he left the room.

oOo

She walked down the corridor. Her heart was drumming so hard in her chest, it felt like it wanted to bust her ribs. But she was determined. No one would stop her from seeing him. Her mind felt numb and focused at the same time. She lifted her arm, and entered the access code. It hadn't been hard to spy out. That bastard was careless. Char found herself in Zarbon's quarters, empty, as expected.

The door in the far end was closed, but she could feel the weak energy behind it. For minutes the slave stood there, petrified. She looked at her palm, the followed the course of the thin scar with her eyes, and her body went rigid. Quickly she moved and pushed the door open.

A shape crouched on the floor. A thick ring of steel was around his neck, anchored to the wall with chains. The slave girl was stunned from the sight of his abused body. He was strewn with wounds and scars. Some violations looked old, others were fresh, blood running. Her stomach turned and she fought down the urge to vomit.

He stared at her with blood shot eyes, "Char..." his words were a hoarse crackle, "Sister..."

"I had no idea, that he...h-had you." Her voice broke, hot tears wetting her face, "I thought you were dead."

"He won't let me die."

"What has he done to you, Liyd?", she fell to her knees and pulled her brother close. He was gaunt, she could feel every bone.

He didn't react to her embrace, "Don't ask."

"It doesn't matter. I'm getting you out of here."

"No!"

"What?!"

"This is were I belong. My Master wants me here." His stare was empty, words hollow.

Char didn't understand, "I have everything planned. We've been pushed around enough. We are leaving. Very. Soon."

"NO!" His gaze got hectic, "If I go, he will punish me...a-again."

"Liyd!"

"I won't...I...w-won't...please..." He was shaking, his body rocking back an forth. "I will stay. Not. Leaving. No. No."

Aghast she starred at her brother, "What has Zarbon done to you?"

He withdrew himself, crouching back into the wall.

"LIYD!"

But he didn't react to her anymore. Huddling he stared right through her, his hands grasped protectively around his middle. Suddenly Char felt weak, defenseless. What had happened to her brother, her rock? Her ruthless leader when they had run their city, led their clan? His authority, his confidence, his strength?

He had been broken.

Her brother was gone.

oOo

Damn, he'd wanted to fuck her senseless right against that wall. The Saiyan exhaled slowly. This had been worth it. She knew her place now.

His erection pushed against his spandex. He was so hard. He needed release.

Vegeta found the closest bathroom stall and locked the door. His hard dick sprung free. He stroked himself, as he imagined fucking that blue minx into submission. Vegeta groaned, as he came hard. His breathing was strained, but his shoulders softened, as the tension left him. He tilted his head back, grinning. Next time, he'd fuck her brains out like there was no tomorrow.

His thoughts jumped when someone else entered the room and heared the rustling of a scouter, that was about to locate power signatures. Vegeta quickly suppressed his energy and levitated off the floor.

"I accept the transmission."

Oh great, it was that idiot Cui. Now he was going to have to sit through some pathetic booty call between a squid and who knows what.

"Lord Cooler."

Wait, what?!

"I stand ready for your command…Yes…I'll be sure to have everything ready for your arrival…no, Frieza is unaware…the Gynu Force is still far from base and he keeps Zarbon at his side. He is preparing to make a move against you, but I don't know how, I do know it has something to do with sector 57. Apparently there is something valuable there that he wants to have for himself….Yes my Lord Cooler, I await your orders."

The transmission ended and Cui exited the room.

The dirty little rat was playing both sides of the fences. Why? If Cui...his scouter buzzed to live, an order flashing across his lense. His smirk faded, a nasty hot ball burning his insides.

oOo

The mess hall was one of the busier places on F1, outside of the training halls, it was a place for food, fellowship and, most importantly, gossip.

"Did you hear? Cooler is coming to Frieza 1." A lank green frog-like alien was talking to his friends.

"Where did you hear that, Spoork? Not more rumors from your cousin."

"No, this comes from Spiol, my friend in the comms room. It's an official visit and everything."

"I heard that he is the one causing all the trouble with our COM's and scanners and stuff. Do you think they're going to fight? Frieza always gets in a nasty mood when he's around."

"Yeah, it's probably a good time to pick up a mission or two, the further away the better."

"What do you think, Raditz?"

On the next table over sat Raditz minding his own business for all anyone else knew. "I think that Big Booty Jugs weekly is recycling it's tits." He leaned over and turn his magazine around. "Tell me that's not the same set of knockers that made boob of the month last quarter."

"Ewe gross, Rad, I don't want to see fleshy mammal gland porn. There's not even any mucus layer."

"Awe, you skin breathers are all the same, no account for taste." He took back his magazine.

"Don't bother asking Raditz anything, he ain't got no brains anyhow."

"Hey, I've got brains. I know because once a brain slug went after me pretty good."

"What happened, did it die of starvation?" Then the whole table of little green aliens started to laugh.

Rising up from the table, Raditz bared his teeth, "What did you say, tadpole?!" They all cowered and ran away.

Over his scouter he could hear Nappa laughing, "That was pretty, fuckin funny. Starvation, ha!"

"Shut it old man. Did you get all that."

"Yeah, the rumor is traveling fast. Perfect."

oOo

Frieza stood before the holo screen. His eyes set on a blinking grey dot, that moved on the map. The radars had picked up on Coolers signal. His ship had taken course. He was on his way and with every blink of that shit dot, Frieza's tension rose.

He was vulnerable, exposed. The virus was gone, his systems back to work, but order hadn't been restored yet. His loses were significant. Credit, data, buyers, planets, battles - all while that pesky program was doing its work. His fighting forces were scattered across multiple galaxies with no contact to headquarters. He needed to regroup, bring order to the chaos. A riot had broken out in Sector 8. He had to send the Ginyu Force to put it down. But now they were on the outskirts of his empire and wouldn't make it back in time before Cooler's arrival. To cap it all off, his soldiers were questioning his leadership. Individuals had deserted, already. Frieza needed to demonstrate his power, reestablish his command. There could not be any room for doubt within his ranks. But with Cooler in the picture...his brother would take advantage of this situation.

Be damned Cooler...

The gate hissed open. Frieza exhaled. Maybe this would take his mind of things.

oOo

As the Saiyan set eyes on Frieza, sweat broke out on his skin. The memory of their last encounter still fresh.

"Vegeta."

At the sound of Frieza's voice, the Saiyan's body submitted and he fell to one knee, "You have sent for me, my lord."

Frieza moved in. His smell, familiar and yet so deeply despised, hit him cold. His muscles contracted.

Frieza eyes set on the shaking arm on Vegeta's thigh, "Ahh, what a rare sight. A tamed Saiyan Prince. My punishment left an impression. Finally."

Vegeta didn't react. It was true. Pain and torture was carved in his mind. Fresh and deep. Vegeta writhed with the memory of the abuse and chose the easy way of submission. He rarely had in his years in service.

"Answer me, monkey!" Frieza's tone had a dangerous edge, laced with satisfaction. He enjoyed seeing Vegeta submissive and in line. He longed for the times where the Saiyan boy had been pliable and easily controlled.

Vegeta kept his eyes down, "I am your loyal servant, Master."

"Don't lie!"

Vegeta felt the tip of the lizards tail on his chin. He tensed, ready for the strike, but Frieza only lifted his head.

"Never broken. Though I tried. All the pain I put you through. Yet, never been mine."

"Saiyan pride, my lord."

Frieza chuckled, "Saiyan pride indeed..."

His scaled tail moved from Vegeta's chin to his throat, coiling, the scabs roughening his skin. Frieza slowly squeezed his windpipe.

"...you can't imagine the frustration you caused me."

Their gazes met. Vegeta knew exactly what Frieza wanted. It always surprised him, how deep and thorough Frieza could control him. He recalled Frieza's twisted teachings and his inability to fight them with painful clarity.

"Master..." there was a violent squeeze, cutting of his air and the edges of his vision turned black "...please."

Triumph crossed the lizards face and he loosened his grip, "See you can be dutiful, Vegeta."

Vegeta sucked in a breath of air as his fingers felt his raw throat, "It can't be beaten into me. Not permanently, at least. You should know."

"I do. It's not in your nature."

He was still on is knees, "If it was, you had reduced me to an insignificant solider in your army."

"You overestimate your importance, dear Vegeta." Frieza signaled him to rise and Vegeta obeyed.

"Pour me a drink."

The prince's gaze hitched and an innocent smile curled Frieza's lips "You haven't served me like this for quite some time, have you?"

The Saiyan seemed calm, but the cold sweat on his face and back betrayed him, "No, not since I joined the elite forces, Sire." 

Vegeta hesitated, then he went to the empty crystal goblet on a tablet next to Frieza's throne. There was no carafe, only a blade. Vegetas face was unreadable as he picked it up, brought it to a scarred part of his skin just above his palm and opened up a vein. Dark blood sputtered and the Saiyan filled the goblet. Nothing spilled. He'd been taught not. His blood shimmered in the light as he put the goblet back on the tablet.

Vegeta braced himself as Freiza caught his wrist. It had been beaten into him to stay still and it took Vegeta everything. Helplessness flodded his system and Frieza put his mouth on the damaged skin and on sucked on the cut. Repulsion filled his every fiber as he waited for the lizard to finish. 

Frieza licked his lips in delight, "I've taught you well. I'm pleased."

At first, there was no reaction. Only the Saiyan heart beat accelerated as messy snippets of his early years in service flashed before his mind. A lonely child, desperation, tears, humiliation, hate. Then he felt the well-known feeling of relieve, that he'd done right. No punishment. No pain. 

The prince bowed, as he handed Frieza his drink, "Your lessons aren't easily forgotten, Sire."

"I see. I was very...thorough with you."

"Unrelenting and without mercy."

The Saiyans gaze was set on his smeard cut. He felt defiled.

The lizard sat down on his throne and Vegeta took position next to his master. Frieza took his first sip of Saiyan blood in years, savouring its taste.

It felt strangely familiar to both of them.

Chapter Text

 !!! PLEASE SKIP TO CHAPTER 22 !!!

Part 2 of the chapter is nearly done. It will start with a memory of Vegeta's childhood!

Please review! I love reading your thoughts :) Kudos to my beta foxyrules!

Chapter Text

enjoy :) I also have a story with cute little one-shots about Vegeta and his family. Check it out!

 !!! PLEASE SKIP TO CHAPTER 22 !!!

Well, I hope the last two chapters didn't feel like filler, but I was really keen to explore the relationship between Frieza and Vegeta further, after their last interaction in chapter 19. It's fun for me to write, but also hard getting the right vibe for those two.

I couldn't bring myself to write down what Frieza did to those poor deserters. So I only gave you some hints and leave the rest to your imagination.

I was a bit sad about the little reviews on the last chapter. I know that I have been gone for a long time, but I still pour my heart and soul into each chapter, and your feedback is such a great  reward.

Kudos to my beta!

Chapter Text

Traitors & Tyrants

"...playing around with that set up every damn day, woman! How the hell don't you know, what the device does?! You call yourself a scientist? Frieza' wasting his time with you and ours not to mention." Nappa's every word dripped with disdain as he broke through Raditz' defence and slammed his knee in his stomach.

Anger bubbled up in Bulma's gut. She sat on a narrow bench, next to a box of crushed ki-blaster bots watching the Saiyans train. They had met in one of the disused training rooms in the south wing as they could meet her with little risk of being discovered.

Nappa and Raditz were in a heated sparing match, attacking each other with a sequence of aggressive kicks and punches. Vegeta backfliped across the circular room in flawless balance. Following a rehearsed motion sequence, he dropped to the floor for push ups, his arms and legs shaking under the force of the artificial gravital pull. Her gravity bands vibrated on his skin, his muscles bulging beneath. Sweaty and delicious.

Bulma moved in her seat, suddenly being reminded of Goku and his training sessions. The memory hit her cold, the air catching in her throat. She violently shoved the pictures down, they were threaten to drown her. If she went there, she’d fall apart. Bulma forcefully focused on the sight of the three muscle packed Saiyans, her harsh reality, blinking away the tears that shot in her ocean eyes.

Nappa sent Raditz crashing to the ground with a hard blow to his chin. Popping down a hydro spherical from a dispenser, he glared at the earthling mid-rant.

"…and I'd gladly explain again. Dr. Malaka and Frieza are feeding me scraps! I can't fix the damned thing without the complete plans."

"Tch!" Nappa fixated her with an angry stare, but Bulma refused to look away.

She fought to keep her countenance, as her sanity was dangling on a very thin thread. Since Frieza had learned about Cooler's little visit, the pressure Zarbon and Frieza had put on her to fix the machine had increased drastically. Frieza was at unease, mildly put. The rumours the Saiyans had spread about Cooler were travelling fast within Frieza's ranks. Distrust in his leadership was planted and spread among his men.

Frieza's mastery began to crack.

The lizard was under pressure, but not enough to let her in on the entire set up of his machine and Malaka, that damned bird, gave her only little to work with. So they had made a plan.

"I told you, I needed to get inside Frieza's "super secret" laboratory in the west wing. Please remind me how that went, Nappa?! Oh yes, Raditz ended up in detention after your grand plan went to shit and you had to cover your tracks. And still, you don't know the lab's location or how to get in!"

Nappa crossed his hulking arms, "Well, Raditz' little mass brawl worked didn't it?! No one's suspicious and he was fine once they regrew his spleen in the med-tanks!"

"Unbelievable! You're actually defending this bullshit? You did take a look at him after your stunt, right?!"

Raditz still recovered from Nappa's blow on the floor and pulled up his suit, pointing to a nasty scar on his lower back, "No need to worry. I'm fine guys, really! Gladly took one for the team. Happy to be number one on Dodoria's shit list!" he snapped sarcastically, bringing his suit in order "At least, it's getting me sympathy points with the females."

"ENOUGH!" Vegeta's voice cut like a blade. He had silently finished his routine and leaned on a far wall watching the exchange. His black spandex was oozing with sweat and clinging to his skin. He was pumped out, catching his breath. The veins on his throat bulged, "The three of you are acting like brats! Failed plans are irrelevant! We need a new one."

Nappa couldn't hold Vegeta's gaze for long and lowered his, "Yes, Prince. Please forgive me."

"All I ask for is a tiny bit of gratitude..." Raditz mumbled, avoiding eye contact with his prince.

"Stupid monkeys." Bulma snapped.

"Woman!" Vegeta's tone was on an edge as he surged forward and pushed Nappa back who had leaped up at Bulma's insult. "If you don't stop, I'll strap you naked and spank your bare ass!"

"Threat or promise?!"

"Don't test me, Bulma!"

"Oh please, do test him!" Raditz chipped in.

"Raditz, I swear, I will end you..."

The plotters glared at each other, the strain and stress they were under suddenly very apparent, the fighting a welcome outlet. Bulma was about to lay into Vegeta, but then breathed in.

What are we doing? We shouldn't be fighting.

It would only play into Frieza's hands and weaken them from the inside.

Bulma felt the heat leaving her, "Fine. I'm sorry. I'll shut it."

She glanced at Raditz and patted his arm. She'd caught a glimpse of the gory mess the Saiyan had been in. A med team had rushed him passed her on a gurney, his armour shredded and skin torn open. The metallic tang of his blood still lingrerd in her nose, "I'm sorry what happened to you. You've saved us from exposure and I haven't thanked you yet, Raditz."

The Saiyan was dumbfounded, which was quickly replaced by a wide smile, "Well thank you Bulma!" he gestured towards his prince, "See Geets, a simple Thank You?! Not that hard. Really lifts the spirits."

Bulma bobbed Raditz, "Right? He's so ungrateful!"

The Saiyan vigorously nodded in agreement, "Tell me about it, Bulma."

Vegeta's jaw muscle jumped. Did the woman and the third class just form an alliance against him?!

Vegeta scoffed, "Gods damn it. You've got it all out!? Shall I fetch a stuffed toy? Maybe a share-bear so everyone can cuddle and cry out their precious little feelings!!?"

"A feelings-circle!?" Raditz deadpanned "I’d love that!"

Bulma nudged Vegeta's chest playfully, "Expressing emotions is important for a healthy, balanced mind."

"Definitely feeling the female influence, we've been missing." Nappa growled sarcastical and Bulma gave him a wink.

Vegeta quelled a sigh, "You're all being ridiculous. We’re Saiyans. We crush our feelings."

Raditz smirked, "And look how well that's worked out for you."

Vegeta glared, "I'll crush you next!"

Bulma sighted, "Threatening violence isn’t a coping mechanism, Vegeta."

"Actually, for Saiyans, it kind of is." Nappa laughed dryly.

"It's time for a cultural upgrade."

"This is insufferable. I'm surrounded by lunatics!"

Nappa threshed his shoulder, "Welcome to the club, Prince. We meet at full moon."

That broke them. Bulma burst out laughing, Raditz joined in and even Vegeta and Nappa cracked a grin. Their tension released, like steam from a sealed system. For the first time, since they've joined forces, they felt tender team sprit.

They all eased.

Vegeta dropped to the ground and leaned against the bench, casually brushing Bulma's knees with his shoulder "I’ve got a new plan."

Bulma fingers grazed the back of his neck, "Better not involve sneaking into the west wing dressed as cleaning slaves..."

"No. But if it works, Frieza will have no choice but to act in our favour."

"Sounds risky."

"Very."

"I'm in."

"Same."

"Good. Listen carefully. Raditz will..."

oOo

The bar tender slid the two glasses filled with a frothy brown beverage across the counter to Raditz. He paid them with a quick tap to his scouter, scooped them up and turned to push his way through the crowd. A maintenance crew, fresh off their shift and deep in post-work chatter blocked his way.

"BOOM and it's just gone..."

"Swallowed the capsule by accident, I swear..."

"I'm telling you, this new capsule technology..."

"...had to scrape his goo of the wall..."

The Saiyan headed towards a corner booth. A cute girl with glittery skin lounged there, watching him approach.

Raditz slid next to her and pushed one beverage towards her, grinning shamelessly, "Come on, sweetheart. Do it for me."

The girl didn't even glance at the glass. Instead, she slapped him across the face. The Sayain winced, rubbing his cheek, "Yeah. Deserved that one."

Her eyes flashed. In a blink her small fingers clasped at the tail coiled around his waist, "You reckon?! Try that crap ever again and I will rip your balls off! I swear."

Raditz smirk twisted into a grimace, "No need for that. They're yours already."

Her features softened just a fraction and Raditz leaned in, voice softening, "Help me out, here?"

She dragged him down to her level. She was tiny in comparison to his hulking frame, "He's in his skinning phase, Raditz! You'll owe me. Big time. "

"I'm totally good for it, Suiiy." he said smoothly "I always pay my debt."

Her anger let off. "Fine. Tell me place and location and I'll manage the rest."

"Perfect, thanks." He hesitated, then, „Honey could you let go of my tail? That's kind of my weak spot."

Her lips curled into a wicked grin. Raditz barely had time to register, his knees buckled and he found himself collapsed to her feet.

Across the room Nappa leaned on a bar table next to Vegeta, both of them watching.

"Great, he blew it." Nappa growled as Raditz went down in front of the pretty alien. "There goes our next grand plan down the drain."

"No. The deal is closed." Vegeta scowled deeply, the fingers drumming on his biceps in annoyance, "If I have ever seen a disgrace for the Sayian race..."

"Its Raditz, Vegeta."

"It's shameful!"

"He gets results, eh? Only his methods being unconventional. You don't have the...winning nature to achieve similar, if you will pardon my saying so."

The prince scoffed, watching Raditz squirm in Suiiy grip, "I should've pulled the plug on his reg-tank when I had the chance."

The scene at the booth became lighthearted, both fooling around. Suiiy whispered in Raditz‘ ear, pulled out a magenta ribbon and tied it snugly around his thick thigh, right over the muscle and grinned. The Saiyan pulled her onto his lap and they laughed. With a squeeze to his biceps, she leered at him and strolled to the bar.

Raditz took his drink and made his way over to Vegata and Nappa flashing them a thumps up. Vegeta turned to leave without a word, not deign to look at the third class.

Raditz gave the older Saiyan a look, "What's gotten into Geta? He seriously needs to unwind."

Nappa took a swig, "Can't argue."

Raditz stretched, a cocky grin on his face, "Well, unlike our prince, I'm going to have some fun. Unwind."

Nappa glanced at the red band strapped on Raditz‘ thigh.

He still grinned, „Don’t ask. You are not ready, old man.“

Suiiy came over, a bulky soldier in tow she'd picked up at the bar, "Your prince's gone, already? What a shame, he can be...fun."

Raditz sighed, "Too sober..."

Suiyy batted her sparkly eyes at Nappa instead, "Wanna join us, big guy?"

Nappa chocked on his drink as colour rushed up his neck,"Thanks, I'll pass."

Licking her lips, she scanned Nappa from top to bottom, „Pity."

"Maybe next time."

She grabbed Raditz by the wrist, who mouthed your loss to Nappa, linked arms with her conquest from the bar and the trio vanished towards the soldier lodgings.

oOo

Frieza took a sip out of his goblet. He licked his lips, smearing blood on the corner of his mouth. Two figures with oddly dislocated necks lay to his feet, their empty eyes staring to the ceiling. Three others still lived, frozen in place about their comrades fate.

One rose his gaze, dared to speak, his voice thin from fear, "My Lord, your brother Lord Cooler left us no choice, per-perhaps you c-could come to an agreement with him regarding planet Solyra."

The glass in Friezas hands broke to bits, "Vegeta, would you be so good."

"Sire."

The Saiyan emerged from the shadows, silent, his movements barely visible. Another two of Frieza's guests collapsed with broken necks.

Frieza had made a habit of sending for Vegeta. The looming shadow of Cooler rattled him and he wanted the Saiyan close. He positioned Vegeta in the background as a silent threat in negotiations, as a display of his power and to lay emphasis by having Vegeta kill or break bones. Vegeta complied, was behaved and stuck to his pliable demeanour. His inner Ozaru roared and paced urging him to flee, but Vegeta knew how valuable the information were, that he could gather here.

Only one delegate remained, a young woman. Tears glistered in her eyes, as she stared at her dead people.

Frieza was in the middle of a monologue."...and yet your queen is in negotiations with my brother. Apparently is she under the impression that Cooler is better suited to protect her planet form outside threats. Do you see this soldier here, the Saiyan? His race belongs to the strongest in the universe. He could wipe every living thing on your beloved Solyra with a flick of his finger, yet his power is insignificant compared to mine! I own him. He answers to my orders and I control him utterly! Still, your Queen has the audacity to doubt me? And sends this poor excuse of unworthy filth to terminate our contract!?"

"Please Lord Frieza...there is a misunderstanding...my Queen, she...Lord Cooler…" The Solyrian’s knees gave way and she crumbled, a sobbing mess on the floor.

The Saiyan forced her up, making her look at Frieza, his hand locked around her neck "Stop your crying" he said in a low voice. "You're only making it worse for your people." Not that he cared, but he was tired of the always same repetitive shit show.

"Cooler is of no interest to me." Frieza narrowed his eyes at her "You are fortunate. I am in forgiving mood. I could order your planets destruction. But why quell something that could be an even greater source of income?"

The shift in tone caught Vegeta's attention and he could place what had been bothering him. There was calculation, less manic impulse. Not long go Frieza would have gone on a manic rampage in a similar situation. He was regaining control - or at least trying to, Vegeta thought, as his gaze flickered to the shattered goblet and spilled blood on the floor.

The Solyrian delegate stifled her sobbing, "Thank you for your kindness my Lord. I will tell my Queen about your greatness and remissions..."

She rambled on, but Frieza had lost notice. A small gesture to the Saiyan was all it took.

Vegeta's grip around her torso tightened. For a fraction of a second, her frail frame resisted. Then the sharp cracking of her rips giving way, the collapse of her lungs and the stop of her heartbeat. Silence. She hung limp in his arms. She was dead.

"Efficient kills." Frieza seemed pleased, "Zarbon prolongs the act. It's tiring at times."

The Saiyan let go of the body. It's impact with the ground caused a hollow sound, "We all know Zarbon's partialities, Sire."

"Indeed." Frieza chuckle was almost warm. "I want a squad sent to Planet Solyrian. They shall take the heir to the throne hostage, increase the danegeld by thirty percent and take full control of their hydrogen resources. Teach them, without bleeding them dry."

The lizard fixated his soldier, "What do you say dear Vegeta?"

The Saiyan kept his feelings concealed, only the tip of his tail twitched, "Proven methods, my lord."

"It brought your father to heel, didn't it." Frieza mused as he watched a soldier dragging the bodies away, "Present the heads to the Queen. Make it memorable."

The solider saluted, "Yes, Sir."

Frieza sent for a new goblet and Vegeta's hand absently wondered to his arm, sensing the fresh cut. He fixated Frieza, willing himself to control his emotions - calming the raging storm in his insides. He hadn't been in such close proximity to Frieza since his youth. It stirred up memories he wanted to keep buried. His childhood had been a living hell of Frieza forcing his will on him and suppressing the experienced hardly worked anymore...

...The Saiyan boy exits his space pod.

A solider waits to escort him. His features are uncouth, the tone of his skin a dirty shade of fleshy pink. He leads him through the cold metallic corridors of the ship. It is packed with soldiers, all of them pass the boy without a glance. He is just a body. Another assett to Frieza. They enter the command centre. A solemn figure stands before a curved window, which reveals a spectacular view of a gas giant, its glow casting light upon his silhouette. The figure regards the young Saiyan intently, a tail swinging lazyly, before speaking, "Welcome to my ship, Prince Vegeta. It's my pleasure."

There is no reaction other than Vegeta watching him warily

"Do you know who I am boy?"

He doesn't answer right away. The boys eyes drift to the brute who escorted him, the control terminals and set on the lizard, "You are Frieza."

"Very well. You have heard of me."

The boys eyes narrow, "Who hasn't?"

A smile tugs at Frieza's lips, "Do you know why your father sent you?"

An insecure glint flits in his dark eyes, revealing a scared child,"No," he presses out. "I don't."

"King Vegeta agreed to my proposal that you should be trained and educated here."

Vegeta’s stance eases slightly, "I am to join the army of the Cold Empire?" A spark of youthful excitement glints his voice, "I'll fight? Conquer planets?"

"When the time comes and you have proven yourself useful, yes. I will receive regular reports about your progress. I do hope I won't be disappointed, Vegeta."

He steps forward, "When do I start?"

"Everything to its time. First, we must work on your servility. Let this be your first lesson. You are to address me as Lord Frieza and treat me with proper obeisance. Do you understand?"

The boys body goes rigid.

"If I'm asking a question," Frieza speaks calmly, but assertively. An underlying threat no to test him. "I expect an answer, boy."

There is no movement in Vegeta's expression. He stares right back at Frieza's, sees the cruelness in his eyes. He can't hold his gaze any longer and averts his eyes.

"I understand, Lord Frieza." he presses the words out with great reluctance.

Frieza laughs in delight, "Oh my, did that bruise your infamous Saiyan pride? Don't worry servitude becomes easier over time. Soon, you will wear it like a second skin."

"You wish!"

A smile doesn't fade, it sharpens "Excuse me?" 

The young Saiyan is surprised by his own courage, but there is no backing out, "I am the Prince of all Saiyans. I have no Master! I am in servitude to no one!"

"Is that so, little Saiyan?" Frieza's voice is oft, amused almost. "You‘re a bolt one."

The lizard draws near his scent envelops the boy, strange and disconcerting, carving deep in his memory. The threat of his presence is overpowering, radiates with unlimited dark energy and a ball of fear burns in his stomach. He fists his fingers, eyes cast down, but keeps his stance as Frieza comes closer.

He seizes him by the hair and yanks his head back. "You have a strong will. I saw it in you on Vegetasei." Then pushes down. Pain explodes down Vegeta's spine as his knees hit he metal floor. " Don't worry, I quite know how to break those..."

Frieza increases the force. Vegeta struggles. Pain. True pain. He yelps, then cries out.

His pride breaks first, voice cracking with panic, " STOP!"

Nothing happens.

"My Lord..."

His neck is about to snap.

"Pl…please!!"

The force is lessened and Frieza lets go. The Saiyan collapses forward, panting, trembling. His hands press to the foor, knuckles white.

"See, how easy that was?" Frieza asks mildly.

Vegeta is on his knees, rage and humiliation boiling inside. He stares at his hands, the bulging veins as he fights for composure, "Yes, my Lord."

The magnitude of what is happening dawns on him. He is at Frieza's mercy. His father wouldn't protect him. No one will. He was is his own. Alone. Frieza's tail brushes over his chin, scraping the skin and comes to rest heavily on his back, “I advise you to remember this place, Saiyan. Your place.”

Vegeta's face burns with anger. His tail lashes out, “I understand.”
Frieza strikes, a vicious blow between his shoulders and a sharp rap to his face. The skin on his cheekbone splits open, long and deep. Blood sprinkles the floor. The Saiyan inhales sharply, clenching his fists, “Lord Frieza.”

“Very good.”

He moves to get up, but Frieza presses him gently back with his tail. Vegeta bares his teeth, "May I stand, my Lord?" his voice seeps with contempt.

"You may."

Vegeta rises. Blood drips from his cheek, staining the floor. He stares at Frieza, waiting. The lizard's tail hits the floor, "Now, you will thank me. And bow."

The young Saiyan obeys and takes a rigid bow, "I‘m deeply grateful, Sir." His voice was soundless, the humiliation burning in his guts.

He is powerless. He submits. He wants to live.

"Dodoria will escort you to the recruit centre. Your strenght and skill set will be evaluated."

Vegeta tail tenses around his middle as the pink brute puts a heavy hand on his shoulder, a nasty grin on his ugly face.

"Now, take your leave."

Vegeta doesn't look back. He couldn't.

His tail coils tightly around his waist and he let Dodoria guide him to the exit. Blood still dripping. Rage still burning. He walks the corridor in silence, pliable. In his mind he makes a vow. It should shape the rest of his life - he swears to kill them all...

...how young he'd been, how innocent. The memory left him feeling sick to his stomach. Vegeta's world had come undone, smashing his life to smithereens. Still, he'd survived, a child in the hands of a maniac.
Vegeta snapped back to the present and registered Dodoria's arrival. The fat idiot reported to Frieza, "...glad to report that Operation Deep Hunt was a success! Commander Strawberry and his men detained the target objects. Planet fall of the squad will be in T minus fourty-three FST. They've caught the deserters!"

The message lightened Frieza's mood even further, "Very well. Order my men to the arena. Everyone, no exceptions. Organize a life feed and bring the traitors, Dodoria. Its time to set an example. I shall cast out every doubt among my soldiers, remind them to whom they owe allegiance."

Dodoria saluted in excitement, "Sound like quite the show, sire!"

"You know my taste for entertainment, dear friend."

Frieza turned for the exit, "Will you join me for the fun, Vegeta?"

Vegeta tilted his head, just enough to pass "As you command, Master. It will be my pleasure."

As Vegeta passed Dodoria he held him back, "This almost makes me sentimental, Vegeta. The lost whelp finds its way back home. How touching." He brushed over the shallow cut on Vegeta's arm, his tone mocking, "Frieza's always had a soft spot for the Prince of all Sayians."

Vegeta's rage boiled up, sharp and dangerous. His breathing became strained, "Jealous much?!" he hissed

"Oh, did I strike a nerve? Don't tell me."

In a sudden lunge, Dodoria's hand locked around his throat, slamming him into the wall hard enough to leave a dent. The impact knocked the air out of his lunges. The Saiyan snarled, cursing, but Dodoria had already left to follow Frieza.

Vegeta fumbled for the small remote in his pocket and rotated the control. The  ribbons vibrated on his skin. Weight crushed down on him in an instant, air squeezing from his lunges, pressure rising toward bone-shattering levels. His body strained against it, every muscle bracing under the artificial gravity. Breath rasped in and out as he balanced himself. His rage ebbed, smothered beneath the weight. His focus shifted as Bulma's little red ribbon crushed his feelings.

oOo

Bulma's back pressed hard against a post, her arms wrapped tightly around her middle. She was pale. She could't shut out the sounds.

The screams. High-pitched, tearing through the air full of agony. Blood dripped form Frieza's hands.

Every soldier stationed on Frieza Planet 1 had been ordered to the arena, a vast circle surrounded by tribunes, built into the open square area outside headquarters. A life feed of the event streamed to every scouter of every one of Frieza's soldiers outside of F1.

The audiance had waited in nervous anticipation, until Frieza appeared, prancing to the center, tailed by Zarbon, Dodoria, Cui and Vegeta. The deserters were dragged forward and shoved face first in the dust. They were naked, stripped of their armour and diginty. They shook. They cried. They begged in the dirt.

Frieza didn't even look at them.

He had started with a monologue about duty, obedience and the consequences of failed subordination.

Then he began.

Another high pitched, agonized scream ripped through the stunned audience. Frieza pale skin was slick with gore, an unhinged sheen in his dark eyes. Screams. Blood. Screams again. Bulma's world drowned. Silent tears ran down her face. It was unbearable, tore her appart as something irretrievably fractured in her insides.

Nappa and Raditz stood beside her. Both Sayians watched with stony expressions, seemingly unaffected. But cold sweat ran down Nappa's neck. Raditz' arms were crossed, but he clawed his biceps, leaving raw marks on his skin.

Across the arena, Vegeta had taken position near Dodoria and Cui. They kept in the rear, only intervening to block escapes. Zarbon wore a moonstruck smile as he hurled a desperate traitor back in Frieza's claws. Vegeta watched with icy detachment, almost bored.

Bulma had lost all sense for time, when Frieza ended. His victims were alive, though they begged for death. Frieza pivoted slowly in the arenas centre, his soldiers bowing. Fear rolled through the crowd like a cold wave.

"Let this be a warning to you." The words echoed in the silence. It was deafening. Frieza rose into the air and flew. Dodoria shielded his face from the pale light, watching him vanish.

From the distance Bulma saw Vegeta break from the group. He lifted his arm, palm stretched out. A sphere of bright crackling energy formed at its centre, the air vibrating with static. His gaze was cold. The KI-wave hit the traitors, annihiliating them.

Limps, skin, torn organs. A severed tongue beside an eye ball on the dusty blood-soaked ground.

The crowed didn't breath.

oOo

The arena lay deserted. Clotted sand and blackish-red stains on the dusty ground were the only mark of what Frieza had done. Bulma sat on the ground, back pressed up a post, her knees pulled tight, arms wrapped around herself. Her eyes were red and swollen, but the tears had run dry. What Frieza had done was beyond imagining. She was broken. 

A faint shift of air, soft, a light breeze and Vegeta touched down in front of her. He took in her form, scanned her face, "Still here." he stated.

Unconsciously he'd been tracking her KI locating her occasionally, by now her power signature floated his mind constantly. She hadn't moved in hours.

Bulma didn't respond, instead a single tear ran down her cheek.

Something tightened in Vegeta's chest.

A crying girl.

The Saiyan had faced countless pathetic creatures grovel before him, cry and beg for their lives. He'd ended their insignificant existences without a second thought, with a snap of his wrist. They had no pride, no worth. None of their tears had ever affected him.

This was different.

She was different.

It unsettled him. He wasn't trained for this, balanced on unknown territory. He had no strategy. Seeing her sad and broken called to him in a way he didn't understand...

Awkwardly, he lowered himself beside her, shoulders just brushing. Neither spoke. The sun set, drenching the arena in orange light, shadows stretching long.

Finally, he let out a hard sigh, "Are...you okay?"

"No."

"I reckoned."

"Are you?"

"Me neither."

She glanced at him, "Wanna talk about it?"

"Not even slightly"

A joyless laugh escaped her. What choice did they have, other than to carry on. There was no alternative. Her gaze fell on a dark stain on his suit, to the fresh gash on his muscled arm. Vegeta tensed and quickly pulled his sleeve down, avoiding her gaze. Bulma's heart sank.

"Frieza?" she asked quietly.

"Frieza." he confirmed, voice clipped.

Bulma took the hint. She didn't press him. Instead, she leaned against his chest. His steely muscle and amour were unyielding beneath her cheek. Bulma felt scared, exhausted and Vegeta's presence was comforting, it felt like the safest place in the universe.

The Saiyan stiffened at her touch. Something warm sparked in his chest, alien and unwelcome. His first instinct was to crush it -  he had never felt anything like it. Tentatively, he gave this new sensation space, coyly explored it, and to his shock found it pleasant. A warm glow filled his insides. It was a harsh contrast to his constant simmering rage. His heart kicked harder in his chest.

Is this really her?

Without thinking, the Saiyan shifted, pulling her closer until her head rested in the crook of his neck. He inhaled her scent and his restless inner beast stilled. His tail uncoiled, wrapping itself loosely around her wrist. Bulma smiled faintly, her fingers brushing the soft fur.

They closed their eyes, drawing strength from each other in the midst of hell.

oOo

"I knew you'd grow tired of the ape." His breath was heavy.

"The muscle was nice, but I like brains too..." Suiiy pushed another tumbler in his hand, lightly stroking his neck with her fingertips and a layer of his skin peeled off. She leaned in and whispered in Cui's ear. His grasp on her small thigh increased uncomfortably as he listened to her. His mouth ran dry, "You serious?"

He brought the glass to his mouth and Suiiy pushed it, coaxing him to empty even the last drop, "Let's take this some place else..."

He smirked, as lead him out of the packed and noisy common room. The seductive expression dropped and she bared her teeth as Cui gave a sharp rap to her ass. She checked her scouter.

Raditz better not be late.

They found a neglected armoury. Cui was growing impatient, his hands groping her and they stumbled in.

"You can't imagine how long I've been waiting for this." He shoved her on the lower bunk of a med bed and her head knocked against a post, stars flashing in her vision. He didn't care, fumbling at her suit. Suiiy gaze darted to the door. She shoved him hard, "Cut it out!"

Cui snarled, yanking his pants with one hand, clawing her hair with the other. "That's how you wanna play?! You bitches are all the same..." His words slurred. Suiiy yelped in pain. He was too strong for her and she struggled in his grip.

A heavy hand landed on his shoulder.

"Hands off, pervert."

Cui was yanked into the air and crashed into a shelf of outdated KI-shields. He stared up at the bulking frames of the three Saiyans looming over him, blocking the only exit.

Nappa sneered, "Nice dick, Cui!"

Cui scrambled, to pull up his suit, "What the fuck?!"

Raditz tore his angry stare off him and pulled Suiiy aside. He smoothed his finger down her temple, wiping away some blood, "You good?"

Suiiy scoffed, pulling up her ripped sleeve, "Please." she gave Cui the finger and pulled Raditz into a hard, heated kiss. Biting his jaw, she stroked the band she'd tied to his upper leg and left. Raditz stared after her grinning like an idiot.

"Raditz!!"

His princes sharp rebuke brought him back to reality, "Right, on it! Sorry Geta!"

In a blur, Raditz slammed Cui upright, locking him in a choke from behind. One finger pressed to Cui's temple, a bright blue energy sphere fizzling on its tip.

"You better behave Cui." The Saiyan's voice dropped to a lethal whisper, "Move, and I redecorate this place with what's inside your skull."

Cui strained against him, "How? I'm stronger than you!"

Raditz laughed quietly, feeling the earthlings ribbons vibrating on his chest, "Well now, I won't be telling you all my secrets. Where is the fun in that."

"Enough, Raditz!" Nappa crossed his arms fixating Cui, "Glad you could join us. Of course, declining was never really an option, was it?"

"Cowards." Cui's gaze wondered the room in hectic. He licked his lips, "Filthy apes, I will kill you for this!!"

Nappa cut right to the chase, "You are a spy, Cui."

Raditz leand in, his voice airily, "Didn't surprise us. Considering the dirty little rat that you are..."

Cui's shock was obvious, his face turning grey. He didn't respond, sweat pearling down his temple. The Saiyans felt his accelerated heartbeat. Cui was weighing his options, choosing a strategy. Finally he said, "What do you want?"

"Not much. A simple delivery." Nappa gave Cui a small note, "You will read this to your new master. Now."

Cui scanned the paper, "What if I refuse?"

Raditz tightened the choke, "Then you get to chose! Messy death right here or Frieza finds out. Personally, I'm good either way."

Nappa's grin was cheerless, "No need to remind you of the arena. You know how that ends."

Cui stared at the Saiyans in hatred, but Frieza's little show was all to present. Slumping he gave in, pulled out a small device, flipped its switch and waited for a connection. Raditz released him and the Sayians watched tensely as Cui read the message.

Raditz tilted his head, "Always a pleasure doing business."

Nappa tapped his scouter, "I've recorded this. As insurance. We can't have you getting wrong ideas."

Cui's body trembled,"You will regret this!"

Raditz smirked, "We've got you by your balls, Cui. And they're already shrivelled."

Vegeta had watched the spectacle standing guard and broke his silence at last. His voice was ice. "Suiiy is under our protection. If you do as much as breath the same air as her, we will kill you."

"Like you could take me!"

"Take your chances against three full-blooded Saiyans?" Vegeta said coldly, eyes locked on him. "Try it."

I hope you liked the changes! See you soon! Please comment :)

Chapter Text

Monsters and Saiyans

A soft pinging alarm whizzed in his pocket. He ignored it.

Sweat beaded down the ridges of his abdomen, muscles bulging and shifting as Vegeta bent and stretched. Two thousand reps... three thousand...five thousand...the alarm pitched higher. Instantly, the crushing force on his system released and his back slammed hard into the matted ground, his spine snapping.
He strained, coughed against the pain, bones protesting as the alarm sound fizzled into silence. Fucking. Brilliant. 

Yet, his body welcomed the release. His fast-beating heart slowed. Moving his limbs felt like drifting the vacuum in outer space. Eyes closed, he stretched almost relaxing until the gates slid apart. He scowled.

A hollow thud across from him. Vegeta sat up, came to rest on his elbows and stared straight into yellow. His toy. 

Her fingers brushed his kneecap. His tail twitched at her boldness. This was new.

"Careful." he warned.

She withdrew but kept his gaze.

Their power dynamic had shifted, the challenge subtle. It didn't faze him. Vegeta was an expert in rebellious acts, fluent in upsetting authority. Her daring sparked his amusement. When this was all over, he'd kill her and still, she trusted him completely.

Bulma kept on telling him to be careful with his toy, but he wasn't done playing, yet. He'd stopped fucking her but savoured the power he held over her. 

"Kneel." 

She obeyed. "My Prince." 

Satisfied with her submission, the Saiyan gave her a nod, "Start."

Locating and assigning energy he'd mastered. Measuring the true depth of one’s power, less so.

She smiled faintly, sharp canines flashing "Like the last time. Focus on my centre, past the bones, the flesh, everything carbon, right down to the core of KI itself. It's a lucent fluidized whirl. Gauge it."

Vegeta face hardened in concentration, searching...there. Her energy unfurled before his mind. He exhaled.

He tapped into his own KI. Sizzling, vibrating, scorching him from within. Blinding bright energy. Powerful. He set it against hers...then against Frieza's. The lizard's signature flared up, came crushing down on him, suffocating like the void, raw and brutal. Vegeta inhaled sharply, collapsing back, air tearing through his throat. The enormity of Frieza's power...it was overbearing.

There was no way out.

His path clear, achieve the legendary.

Become a Super Saiyan.

oOo

He did it. Char watched Vegeta fall back on his arms, his breathing ragged, "Frieza's power, it's...beyond imagining."

Char's body prickled, her skin rippling at Frieza's energy, "It's unnerving. I avoid tapping into it." Her prince scoffed. She dared to add, "Your strength has spiked. You've nearly surpassed Dodoria. I'm sure of it."

"Irrelevant, isn't it?!"

"It’s in you. I can sense it. You just haven't tapped into it, yet."

Rawly, he grabbed her arm, "Don't you dare patronize me." Dark eyes drilled into hers, pain shooting down her arm and he shoved her back, "Get out."

The gates snapped shut behind her.

Her fingertip lingered on the sore mark, his grip still burning her skin, his scent in her nose. Smiling, she remembered his intense gaze on hers, the thrill of her heartbeat spiking, her pride, when Vegeta mastered the technique. The smile faded as her thoughts wondered to the Earthling.

It was time. She needed to go, then Vegeta would be hers. 

But first, there was something else to be done...

oOo

Zarbon stopped before the laboratory. Lifting his arm to enter the access code, he bared his teeth at the sharp pain of the blistering KI-burn flaring on his shoulder. A reminder. A warning. Frieza had not been amused by his failure to produce the spy in his troops and Zarbons stomach churned at the prospective, if it stayed that way. To top it all, Frieza kept replacing him with the damned monkey. He was left to handle the dirty work for that project, while the filthy Saiyan lounged in Frieza's shadow, shattering bones and spilling guts for leisure.

The gates hissed apart. Inside, the Earthling kneeled before Frieza's machine. The set up hummed low with restrained power, control lights flashing as the metal shell vibrated softly.

Bulma turned as he approached and his eyes lingered on the pale skin, exposed by her rolled up sleeves. Skin, smooth and unmarked. Delicate shimmering veins beneath the surface whooshing with blood. Tender flesh just waiting to be split open.

She clutched her tablet. It was hooked up to Frieza's machine, lines of code flashing across its screen.

"Sir." she dipped her head slightly.

"Report."

Bulma set the tablet on the desk, pushing aside screws and fried circuits that clattered quietly, "I've increased the energy intake. But the system still fails to reach the required output." Bulma picked up a strand translucent wiring, thin like a ray of light, silver fractals catching the labs cold light, "The original designers used Voltherium. But it’s the wrong conductor, too weak for the energy flow that is targeted."

Zarbons expression shifted, his mind drifting to their last encounter...her blood on his skin.

"Phoralyte might have the right properties. It's soft glowing, but it amplifies energy flow exponentially"

He didn't register a word. His mind wondered to their past encounter, the layer of skin he'd pierced.

His senses slipped. A breath and he'd pinned her up against the metal wall, a sharp nail pressing into the delicate hollow of her throat. His features twisted. Bulged. The faintest resistance broke and his nail sliced skin. She yelped, warm blood trickled down her clavicle and soiled her suit.

Her eyes locked with his. A resonant hum filled the air, the sound swelling as it reached its climax and a blooming heat burned his stomach. Barely a sting, but enough to snap him out of his haze. He paused. By the look of it, exactly what she'd intended.

The earthling breathed hard, an outdated KI-gun steady in her hold. The menial demeanour was gone, "This ends now." 

Zarbon tongue was tied, shocked about her actions.

"Stay away from me! Or I'll report you to Frieza." Her eyes flashed, "And I wonder...what will he do, if he finds out you can't keep your disgusting proclivities at bay."

A chill of fear wiped through Zarbon, "You wouldn't dare..."

"Try me." Her words were ice.

Zarbon was frantic, never had anyone dared to approach him like this. To threaten him.

He hissed. Rage surged, his control on the verge of slipping. It nearly broke. He'd kill her if he stayed. So, he turned and fled.

The gated sealed shut. He was gone.

With a clank, the laser gun fell from Bulma's shaking grip. Her back hit the wall and she slithered to the ground. Adrenalin blustered her system, heart hammering and her body vibrated with fear and excitement. She gulped down air. She'd fucking menaced Zarbon.

A manic snicker burst out of her. Her throat was burning, slick with blood.

Across the lab, Char stood motionless beside the tool box.

oOo

His monster awakes.

His mind splinters, dissolving into a foggy vacuum. The contours of his vision smudge. Slurry sounds. Echoes of bursting chains. Red haze swelling.

Yellow oceans fill with agony.

Scalding liquid pours over him, soaking him in bliss. A violent vortex tears his fibres apart, then darkness.

oOo

"You did what!? Are you nuts?" Vegeta hissed, gaze set on the fresh gash on her throat.

"It was the only way to get him off my back. What was I supposed to do?" She pulled on a pair of thick gloves and twisted the cap off the heavy insulated container. Cold steam soared, vapor encasing her gloved hand. "He wanted to slice me open!"

Vegeta's jaw ticked at the image, his tail giving the faintest flick, "Reckless, borderline-suicidal! Look at yourself. Your fragility is absurd."

Bulma fished her six neatly coiled ribbons from the table and scuttled them into the container with dry ice, she kept in the Saiyans' quarters. Frosty mist spilled over the floor as she snapped the lid shut. Pulling off the gloves, she gave him a sweet smile, "Aww...you care about me."

The Saiyan froze. The blue of her eyes pierced him, and a faint blush coloured his cheeks pink, "Shut up!"

Vegeta turned away in a huff, avoiding her gaze. Crossing his arms he took slow measured breaths, calming himself. No point in arguing - it was done. But then, another thought hit him and he snapped back towards her.

"That KI-gun, how did you get it?"

Bulma shrugged, "Raditz got it for me. From the armoury you busted Cui in."

"What?" Vegeta's gaze slid passed her, to lock on his subordinate. Raditz involuntarily drew back at the sight of his enraged prince, hands half raised. "Easy, Vegeta. She asked for it!! I was just following orders!"

Vegeta hoisted Raditz up and send him flying across the room. He crashed against the post of the bunk bed. The metallic frame shook. Air knocked out of him. Vegeta grabbed onto his suit, "My orders, Raditz! Not hers!"

"Right...got it..." Raditz wheezed. Pushing himself up, he straightened his back against the bed frame. His index and middle finger tipped his temple. "Copy that...Captain."

"Leave him be, Vegeta. He was just being nice."

Quelling a frustrated growl, he let go of the third class, "I'm surrounded by idiots. Complete idiots!"

"Ay, don't call me idiot!" Bulma snapped.

Still sprawling on the floor, Raditz watched them laying into each other. He coughed, "Oh, this is gonna be fun."

Vegeta didn't even glance at him, his dark eyes set on Bulma, "One more word and you'll be picking your tail out of orbit."

Raditz promptly shut up.

Bulma didn't, "Listen up-"

The sound of both Raditz' and Vegeta's scouter rattling cut her off.

Raditz stared at the red lines flashing across the blue cut glass. He froze.

"What the..." Vegeta snatched his and read the message. His hand curled to a fist as he fixated Bulma and Raditz, jaw tensely set.

"He's here."

oOo

A sensor picked up a signal, engaged and began beeping, its light flashing franticly.

The power units curbed. Spice-time rippled and swirled as the ship slowed from lightning speed.

Engage: Planet Fall. Brace for atmospheric entry. Engage: Heat shield.

The ship breached the atmosphere, descended towards the surface, its outer shell blazing in orange.

Humming engines echoed as a black silhouette grew bigger on the dead ground. Dust whirled and the ship touched down on scorched ground.

Planet Fall Successful. All Systems Intact.

Lord Cooler rose from his throne, a smug smile tucking on his lips, "My dear baby brother.", his voice was like velvet as he strode for the exit ramp, "Let's see, how you welcome family..."

The hydraulics extended the ramp and the shadow of his from spilled on the ground of Frieza Planet 1.

Leave me some love, if you like. <3

Chapter Text

Sibling Love - Part 1

With Cooler’s visit, the military routine of HQ was utterly disrupted. No control, no oversight, no attention. Frieza’s machinery ran on overdrive, and Char vanished into the chaos, pushing the gurney down the sterile white corridor, gaze fixed on the rattling box perched on top.

It was the perfect opportunity. The plan was set. His freedom.

She stopped at the grey gate, willing her rumbling heart to still. She recalled the code and punched the digits. The control light switched to green, and she entered.

Instantly, she felt that something was wrong. Very wrong. In fact, she felt nothing at all—not him.

Char tumbled to the door at the far end, flinging it open. No. She collapsed, crumbled to the floor. Screaming out, her heart tore apart. A haze clouded her eyes and the bloody, defiled remains of her brother burned in her blackened vision.

“My Lord, I was just about to clean—”

Char turned. Fury swallowed her whole. With a cry, she slashed the servant’s throat with her claws.

oOo 

Frieza’s soldiers formed a guard of honour outside headquarters to welcome Lord Cooler. Frieza sat in his hover throne, flanked by Dodoria, Zarbon, and Vegeta. They watched Cooler’s ship land. Zarbon’s chest was swelled with pride, and Vegeta scoffed in disgust. Frieza paraded them like trophies, fucking pampered, prized pets. Zarbon truly was an undignified piece of shit for wanting this.

“For gods’ sake, Vegeta! Will you stop fidgeting?” Frieza snapped, and Vegeta froze, stopping his nervous prancing.

Unease washed over him in waves, chipping away at his self-control. Cooler. Their scheme, reckless from the very start, was now beyond his control. He drew a calming breath, stilling his body. “Forgive me, my lord.”

Frieza gave him a long, hard look, then glided forward.

Once out of earshot, Zarbon shot the Saiyan a glare. “Unbelievable. You ill-bred monkey scum. You’re supposed to be a representative of—”

“Back off, Zarbon.” A vein throbbed at Vegeta’s temple. He was strung to breaking point already, even without this idiot. “I’ll break your teeth, I swear.”

“YOU—!” The toad shot forward, but Dodoria pulled him back, nodding towards the spaceship.

Cooler’s shadow spilled across the scorched ground of F1. All men saluted as Frieza floated forward to greet his brother. Zarbon scrambled to follow and Vegeta noticed a smear of dried blood on his lower arm.

A patronizing streak played in Cooler’s eyes. “My dear baby brother.”

“Cooler. It has been some time.” Frieza’s face looked sour, like he’d swallowed a nasty bug.

“You never seem to invite me.” Cooler looked around. “No wonder. Still hung up on this death ball for your base, I see.”

A wisp of anger washed over Frieza’s features. “Father gave it to me! You know damn well—”

Vegeta zoned out of their posturing and set his gaze on Cooler’s soldiers pouring from the ship. It was a little army. He tensed as his senses reached out to them. They were strong. Very strong.

He studied Cooler’s ship, the same model Frieza used, customized in colour and equipment for the Cold Empire: COOLER CORPS™ – Die with Discipline.

Inside, he too located powerful ki signatures…

“…Zarbon, still your faithful servant. Adorable. Ahh, and a Saiyan. What a rare sight.”

Snapping back, Vegeta crossed his arms and fixated on Cooler. Two muscle-packed soldiers framed the emperor. Cooler’s insignia blazed on their red chest plates just above a printed slogan: COOLER CORPS™ – Proudly Producing Corpses Since 487.

They looked alike, spiked spines with scaly skin, one black, the other grey, powerful ki flaring underneath.

“…snatched them away from me, brother.” Cooler’s cruel gaze locked onto Vegeta. “I could’ve made far better use of them. They thrive on carnage and bloodshed.”

“You’re not missing much. They’re a nuisance. Always in need of harsh guidance.” Frieza’s tail traced beneath Vegeta’s jaw, his voice dipped in icy amusement. “Especially this one.”

Vegeta’s body strained, his muscles hardening.

Cooler’s eyes narrowed. “I see. This must be the prince.”

Vegeta showed no reaction, other than holding Cooler’s amused stare.

“Now that you mention it… I did get rid of my few Saiyans. While such useful pets, they are unruly and obstreperous if not tamed.”

Vegeta straightened up, jutting his chin at him, arrogant, eyes sharp and voice low. “Maybe you just lacked the strength to break them properly.”

A beat of silence. Cooler’s expression hardened, and the eyes of his two henchmen locked on the Saiyan.

Frieza lifted a brow, eyes flicking between them with slow amusement. “Oh my…” he tittered to himself, the back of his hand pressed to his mouth.

Cooler drew in. “What did you say, ape?”

The Saiyan stared him down, smirking slightly. “You heard me.”

In a flash, the black brute yanked Vegeta in by the collar, energy sizzling. Cooler’s voice dropped to a dangerous hiss. “I’ll teach you to disrespect me.”

Frieza lazily lifted one finger. “Now, now, brother… Let’s not make a mess on my planet.”

He didn’t take his gaze off Vegeta. “He insulted me!”

Frieza chuckled. “Come on, now. He’s a Saiyan. Insolence runs in his blood. Though I thought he was merely expressing an opinion…”

“Tch.” A flick of his head, and Cooler’s man released him.

Frieza turned to Vegeta, voice cold. “Yet… you’d do well to remember who holds your leash.”

Vegeta lowered his eyes, fists clenching. He didn’t apologize.

Frieza stood slowly from his hover throne, sauntering over to him, placing a near-gentle hand on his shoulder.

He leaned in, whispering in Vegeta’s ear. “That was bold. Dangerous. I rather enjoyed it.” He paused. “But do it again, and I’ll have you rebuild your tailbone with your teeth.”

Vegeta stiffened. “Yes, Master.”

Frieza’s tone was ice. “Now, get out of my sight. And I do advise you to remember your manners, Vegeta.”

His jaw clenched tight, but he directed one arm across his chest to his shoulder and bowed deep. “Sir.”

“Apologies, brother. My pet gets restless when he’s not properly exercised.”

Frieza inattentively waved his hand, and Vegeta was excused. Straightening loftily, he followed the corridor of soldiers toward the HQ complex — slow, back rigid.

As he passed his comrades, Raditz thumped his shoulder with a low chuckle. “Damn, Vegeta, that was badass.”

Vegeta didn’t smile. His pride bled, yet there was a gleam of satisfaction in his eyes.

oOo

Frieza and Cooler sat on opposite ends of a long table in a lavish hall. It was laden with delicacies from across the universe, and the smell of a thousand dishes blended into a mouthwatering haze. None of them touched a plate.

Cooler lounged in his seat, lazily swinging his tail. “I’ve heard a curious thing, brother.”

“So?” Frieza’s tone was cool.

Cooler speared a crunchy, fried piece of fruit on his sharp nail and eyed it with spurious curiosity. “Don’t play innocent. That might work on Daddy, but it sure as hell won’t work on me.”

Frieza leand back, seemingly relaxed, but the tip of his tail twitched, “Dear brother, enlighten me.”

“Underground laboratory? A machine you’ve built? Involving a certain scientist.” He let the fruit drop. It missed the plate and sputtered sauce across the tablecloth in red specks.

Frieza’s composure shattered.

“You’ve always been a sneaky rat, Frieza. Harmless, for the most part.” Cooler’s tone dropped to cold menace. Flat, final. “But this? This is too far. I won't have it.”

oOo

Vegeta smelled the blood, before he saw it. 

A brutal blow to his stomach sent Vegeta to the ground. Snarling, he lunged to his feet. He yanked the soldier close and smashed his head against his. His opponent hurled back. The Saiyan went straight for the kill, breaking the aliens skull against the wall. Blood trickled onto his red armour, smearing Cooler's insignia.

Vegeta's scouter buzzed to live. A yellow arrow flickered over the green lense - Bulma's tracer. An order, signed with Frieza's ID, blinked beneath. His jaw muscle jumped at the curt command: Get. her. out.

A cold sinking feeling spread in his gut, tiwsting into a hot twing of panic. This portion of the plan was expected and inevitable, but fucking dangerous. Shit.

Bulma's ki sparked bright in his mind and he started running.

Nappa and Raditz better not fuck up their end.

To be continued...