CHAPTER TWELVE:

Chi-Chi Son was exhausted. She had about had it with this absurdity and if her precious Saiyan husband didn’t do something about it soon, she was going to have to use drastic measures. She glared up at the hot sun angrily and shifted the grocery bags in her now tired and aching hands…and let’s not even begin to talk about her poor feet. She sighed aloud as another sound of a happy couple zooming ahead in their air car reminded her of how badly she…they needed one.

~ He can fly, so why should he care about what I think. Oh, Goku…I wish you could open up your eyes and see the things the way I do…Nani?! ~

Her eyes flickered wide as she noticed the sky darkening dramatically. The sun was still up, but something was blocking it and it looked liked whatever it was, was coming down pretty fast. Wishing she could find a place to hide, she began to run towards her house.

~ Oh please, oh Kami! Don’t let it be another one of those evil bad guys. Gohan has to study!! ~

And increasing her pace, she sped off towards her small cottage home in the hills.

~*~*~*~*~

“Huh?”

Goku froze in mid air, just as he was about to punch his son in their usual afternoon spar. He turned his head towards the sky and frowned as he noticed the approaching star-shaped thing.

“What do think that is, dad?” Gohan asked in bemusement, as he too turned to stare at the strange object.

“I don’t know, son.” Goku said quietly. “But I think it is heading right towards our house. We better make sure your mom’s okay. Let’s go!”

The two men took off into the air for their home, now having to close their ears as the loud descending sound of the object threatened to make them deaf. But no matter how fast they flew, the thing was coming down at a much faster pace and before either of them could blink an eye, they watched in bewilderment as it crashed headlong into the lake that was quite close to their house.

Landing softly to the ground, both of them sped towards the spaceship (Gohan’s deduction). They stood still on the banks and waited with abated breath for whoever the pilot was. Goku tensed in anticipation. There was something not right about the energy level he was picking up. Whoever the pilot was seemed to be strong, but yet…

“ARGH!!” He staggered backwards as the apparition appeared in front of him, nearly falling down in his state of shock.

He stared in confusion at the woman that seemed to be floating on air. Her light blue cyan hair spiked in all directions. Catlike yellow eyes gleamed in mischievous curiosity and to top it all, she was dressed in a light blue kimono like outfit that showed off a lot of cleavage… which in turn sent the burly Saiyan’s cheeks into a red flush…and she had a….tail?!

“ARGH! ARE YOU A SAIYAN TOO?” He asked aloud.

The woman blinked in confusion for a minute, before landing softly to the ground. Placing a hand on her hips, she cocked her head to one side and grinned widely. “Nope! I am not! I am a space pirate!!”

Gohan and Goku blinked. “A space pirate? What the heck is that?”

Ryoko, for that was her name, tossed her head to the side and admired her surroundings for several minutes. Yep! This planet would just do. A bit thickheaded, but they seemed decent and harmless enough. And why had that man asked her if she was a Saiyan? She had thought that the planet Vegeta had been wiped out. There was no way any Saiyan could still exist.

“My name is Ryoko.” She finally said out loud, “And a space pirate is like a …umm…”

“Someone who steals and robs other people…only you do it in space.”

Ryoko chuckled lightly and patted the spiky hairs of the small boy. “That’s right! And now…” her smile was suddenly turned into a wicked grin. “I would like to have all your money….and food!!” In a flash, an energy sword was formed in her hand and without any warning, she dashed headlong for Goku.

Barely thinking, he dodged out of the way and crouched in a defensive position. “What do you think you are doing?” he yelled out in anger. “If you want food, all you just had to do was say so. You don’t have to go wielding a sword or anything!”

“But I don’t want to ask nicely. A space pirate is never nice!!!” And with another loud cry, she flew after him again, but was suddenly stopped as she noticed the frowning face of Gohan in front of her.

‘No one touches my daddy.” He growled lowly in his throat.

Ryoko froze for several minutes, unable to believe the amount of power and energy that surged through the young boy. Smirking, she decided to ignore it and raising her sword again, she lunged for him, but was quickly stopped again as another loud cry stilled her movements.

“DON’T YOU DARE HURT MY GOHAN!!”

~ Now what? Is everyone here so protective of everyone else? ~

She spun around and came face to face with a scowling dark-haired female, who looked like she was ready to murder someone…namely her.

~ Good grief…at this rate, I would have to kill the entire family. ~

Sighing overdramatically, she extinguished the energy beam and lowered herself down to earth. Placing her hands over her face, she began to sob loudly. This, of course, stunned her audience into silence.

“Umm…are….you okay?” Goku asked tentatively.

Ryoko sobbed even harder. “I am so…so…sorry. I am not a bad person really. All I wanted was just some food and…and…oh….please….forgive me…”

Chi-Chi snorted in derision. “Yeah right! You were just about to kill my husband and my son and you expect me to believe that act?! Cut the crap sister! I am not buying it!”

Ryoko growled softly at Chi-Chi’s tone, but then increased her sobbing. “I am sorry…I guess I will just leave…”

“Yeah! That’s right! Leave! And don’t come back either!!”

“Aww, come on, Chi-Chi.” Goku pleaded. “Her spaceship is broken. And besides, she only thought we were going to hurt her, right?” Ryoko nodded. “See…she didn’t mean to hurt us. Can she just stay the night here until she gets her ship fixed back up? Hmm, Chi-Chi?”

“Yeah, mum…can she stay?”

Chi-Chi had to bite her lip from screaming. Didn’t they see that there was something not right about this woman? And why the hell is she wearing such a disgusting outfit? She is practically naked!!

“FINE!” She bit out coldly. “She can stay…but only for a little while.”

“Thanks Chi-Chi!!” Goku cried out loud, encasing her in a bear hug. Turning to the amused looking Ryoko, he continued lightly. “Come on in! It isn’t a big place, but I think you will like it!’

Ryoko wiped the tears away from her eyes and grinned in response. “Yep! I am sure I will!”

This was going to turn out even better than she had expected.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Kiyone stared at the blinking cursor in disbelief. How could this be? She shook it again to make sure that nothing was broken inside. Odd, it looked and sounded fine.

“This can’t be right…” she muttered softly to herself.

“What can’t be right?” Mihoshi asked aloud, spooning another ice-cream sundae into her mouth.

They had been searching for Capsule Corporation all morning and they had decided to take a little break…actually Mihoshi had begun whining and complaining about being tired and hungry, which had in turn driven Kiyone nuts. Hence, their current location at the ice-cream parlor.

“This can’t be right.” Kiyone replied, pointing at her tracker. “It says that there is a wanted criminal in this part of the planet. In fact, this criminal is not very far from here.”

“Oooo….maybe it’s the criminal we are looking for, right?” Mihoshi deduced, flipping her spoon absentmindedly and splashing a scoop of pink ice on her partner’s shirt. “Oops! Sorry…”

With an exasperated sigh, Kiyone took out a napkin and wiped off the mess. This was turning out to be a nightmare. Slipping the information pen out of her pocket, she flipped it open and stared with growing amazement as the information scrolled through.

“Space pirate, Ryoko…Criminal number 14509…records outstanding…wanted by the Galaxy Police…”

“Which would be us!!” Mihoshi announced loudly.

“Shut up, Mihoshi!” Kiyone snapped harshly. “You are going to give us away! Anyways…it says here that she is wanted and we have her right here….ah!”

She clasped her hands in glee. This was too good to be true. Now, they could capture Ryoko…

~ And I bet she knows something about the princesses kidnapping. ~

…and she was going to get her promotion for sure! “Isn’t this exciting, Mihoshi?” she asked out loud.

The blonde-haired woman could only nod, not really understanding what the fuss was about. But if her partner said it was fun, then it had to be fun.

“Yeah, Kiyone!” she replied, her face breaking into a cheerful grin. “Let’s go capture the space pirate!”

“You got it, Mihoshi!” And not waiting for her to finish the last scoop of ice cream, she grabbed her partner’s arm and fled the parlor. The sooner they found Ryoko, the better.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Vegeta found her sitting quietly on the patio. With her back turned to him, in an Indian style position, he had to suck in a harsh breath as the play of light and shadows from the sun’s rays cast a mystical golden glow across her porcelain-like skin. A few tendrils from her purple locks floated softly in the light wind and her closed eyes hid the rose-colored orbs that he had slowly become addicted to.

He leaned against the glass partition doors and waited for her to acknowledge his presence. That strange tug of emotion pulled at his chest again causing him to cough slightly in faint embarrassment. He still could not believe that someone…anyone had the ability to make him feel…warm…inside.

~ Such nonsense. Warm feelings indeed…that is a bunch of bull… ~

“Are you ready to teach me now?” came the softly spoken question.

He jerked out of his reverie, noticing that she had finally gotten up from her position. Although she was dressed in normal earthling clothes, there was still that air of calm detachment and royal breeding that set her apart. The upright posture with that amazing body, that he had touched for only a brief moment, but wanted so much to feel again, sent his pulses racing. Those eyes stared at him in blank curiosity and a hint of…he could have sworn he saw a look of need…but it could have been his imagination.

“Hai.” He replied curtly, pushing himself off his position against the wall and leading the way out of the room. “We will go to somewhere private…where we cannot be disturbed.”

Ayeka swallowed tightly as she tried to keep up with him. Somewhere private. Where they could not be disturbed. She found herself trembling slightly at the words. Oh, Tsunami, to spend the rest of the afternoon in his presence with no outside interference…could she survive it?

“Hurry up!”

Ayeka’s giddy daydream was cut off at the cold words. Growling back in irritation, she snapped. “I am coming! You don’t have to yell you know….argh!”

Vegeta spun around sharply at the sharp gasp. He noticed that the princess was now stock still, her face gone into a dazed like state. Her mouth had parted slightly and she had raised a trembling hand to her forehead. It looked like she was about to pass out.

“What is it now?” he asked, a slight tinge of worry laced in his voice. “If you do not feel up to it today, we can always do it some other time.”

Ayeka shook her head and tried to place a carefree smile on her face. “No…it’s okay. I just thought that…I felt something…”

~ She can’t be here. She just can’t! ~

“Ayeka?”

She jerked her head up and was shocked to find the prince inches away from her. His usual scowling features were a bit softened with worry and she had to resist the strong urge to trace her fingers down his face. The instant heat that flared within her at his closeness caused her to blush furiously and turning her head away, she muttered. “I am okay, really. Let’s just go…”

Vegeta wanted to say something else. He raised his hands hesitantly, as if to brush away the hairs from her face, but he dropped them back down again. And spinning away, he tried to compose his frazzled thoughts together. “Fine…as long as you don’t go fainting on me.”

“I won’t.” Ayeka promised quietly. “I won’t let you down, Vegeta-sama.”

For a brief moment, Vegeta froze at the respectful tone, his entire being springing to life anew with just those words. He could barely contain the small smile that came unto his face, although he did not allow the princess to see it. Nodding slightly in acknowledgement, he led them towards the peaceful mountainsides.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Piccolo landed outside the grounds of Capsule Corporation with a light thud. He pursed his lips in irritation. He could barely sense their ki.

~ Good for them. That bounty hunter could come here anytime soon. ~

He walked into the building, ignoring the worried glances he received from the servants and groundskeepers. Spying Dr. Briefs riding around the hallways on his bicycle, he stopped in front of him, and asked coldly. “Where are the princesses?”

“Ahh…Piccolo…” the old man enthused, all the while stroking his trusty old cat. “Nice to see you again!”

“Where are the princesses?” he asked again, ignoring the greeting.

“Ahh...You mean those two lovely young ladies that came here yesterday…”

“YES! WHERE ARE THEY?”

The poor doctor cringed and had to straighten his now askew glasses. “Well…the older one went out with that boy, Vegeta and the younger one is somewhere in the library, I think.”

“Where did she and Vegeta go to?”

“How in the world should I know? I don’t really care about these young people and their…”

“They went to train.”

Both men spun around at the quiet statement. Sasami stood at the end of the hallway, as stiff as a board. To anyone else, she looked…normal, but Piccolo could see the anxiety and worry that throbbed through the young body. Sasami’s eyes looked a bit too wide and those funny looking triangles on her forehead…were now glowing brightly.

And in a voice that sounded completely automated, she said out loud. “Some one is coming after them. They are in trouble.”

Piccolo’s knowing eyes dilated in understanding. Walking up to the Sasami, he stooped in front of her and stared into her pink-colored eyes. “Who are you?” he asked softly.

For several minutes, Sasami did not respond. Her eyes seemed to be focused at a point right above his head, suddenly they cleared and Piccolo gasped as he saw the figure that was highlighted within the depths. A stunning blue-haired woman dressed in regal looking clothes, smiled softly at him. “I am Tsunami.” She replied in a voice as soothing as the sea. “The goddess of life for the planet of Jurai.”

“You are in the body of a seven year old?” The Namek asked in bemusement.

“It is a long story. Sasami and I are one. For when she grows up, I will control her entire being. The Sasami you know will no longer exist.”

“What…”

“That is not the issue here.” Tsunami continued, her beautiful eyes clouding with fear and worry. “You have come to warn the girls about the presence of someone evil, am I not correct?” Piccolo nodded. “Well…you do not have too much time. There is someone else that has arrived on the planet. Someone with a heart just as evil…although…I feel…that she has changed somewhat…”

Piccolo could only blink in confusion. What the hell was happening?

Tsunami continued. “This new visitor is very strong and I feel that she will come in the way of Ayeka and Vegeta. I only wish to see the princess find true happiness, if only for a brief moment in her life, and any outside interference would ruin everything. This visitor is currently residing in your friend’s home…the one you call Goku.”

“Damn it!!” Piccolo sprang back up to his feet. “I have got to warn him!”

“Do not worry about the girls. Go and make sure that your friends are all right.”

Piccolo nodded curtly and bowing in respect to the goddess, he sped out of the building.

Dr. Briefs, who had been standing silently in the background taking everything in, scratched his head in confusion.

“Good golly, Kitty. Bulma keeps making the strangest friends. I would have to start checking for some ID from now on. Come little girl.” He said lightly, pulling on the unresisting girls’ arm. “I think some warm cocoa should get the color back into your cheeks now, ne?”

~*~*~*~*~

Ayeka’s face was scrunched up again in intense concentration. Beads of sweat danced off her brow as she tried to focus her ki into the center of her being. Her cupped hands thrummed with light, which tended to flicker on and off. She bit her lower lip, unconsciously drawing blood in the process. Why was this turning out to be so difficult? She should be used to doing this by now. She had made use of her powers before, but this was…

“You are trying to hard.” Vegeta said calmly. He was sitting across from her on the grassy slopes. The wind was beginning to pick up and it whipped across their bodies in sharp gusts, nearly throwing them off balance a few times. “You have to relax a little.” He finished with a light smirk.

“I…am…trying…” She grit out through clenched teeth. “Gah!!” She threw up her hands in frustration and flopped onto her back. Staring blankly at the blue skies above her, she tried hard to catch her breath back. “This flying thing…it’s too hard.”

“You are just being lazy.” Vegeta retorted lightly. It was a bit weird to find himself actually enjoying being in the other female’s presence. He felt incredibly lazy and…yes…much as he hated to admit it…content. Clasping his hands behind his head, he fell to the ground beside her, his eyes staring at the blinding blue of the afternoon sky. “I cannot believe the high and mighty princess is giving up so easily.” He continued teasingly, a trace of a smile in his voice.

Ayeka snorted. “I am not giving up. I just need a break, that’s all.”

Another peaceful silence fell for several more minutes as each got caught up in their thoughts. She tried to hide the grin that was threatening to show on her face. This scenario was too absurd. Here she was, lying next to one that was supposed to be her worst enemy. For once, he was not being a bastard and she liked this side very much indeed. Sighing in contentment, she swung her feet from one side to the other, humming a soft Jurian tune beneath her breath.

“What song is that?” Vegeta asked softly.

Ayeka suddenly found herself going crimson at the interest he seemed to show. “Oh…it’s just an old song that one sings when he or she is in…I mean…happy.”

Vegeta raised an eyebrow in amusement. He had caught the correction, but decided to say nothing about it. Suddenly raising himself up on an elbow, he trained sharp obsidian depths on the now surprised but calm looking eyes before him.

“And why are you so…happy?” He asked huskily, his eyes beginning to darken with an expression that sent both shivers of fear and desire down her spine. That powerful urge to hold her in his arms again was threatening to overwhelm his senses. He needed to feel her again, even if it was just for a brief moment.

Ayeka felt herself drowning slowly in those dark orbs. They seemed to burn into her soul, searing and touching a part of her that had remained locked and hidden for years. She wanted to lose herself in him, to cast aside her royal façade and fall into his arms, never seeking rescue.

“I am so happy because…” she began to say softly and before she could stop herself, she found her hands tracing up the bronzed strong arms of the Saiyan prince. Her breath began to come out in short gasps as she kneaded the now tensed muscles. Moving them slowly upwards, she wrapped her arms around his neck and shifted closer to the heated body before her.

Groaning in response, Vegeta placed his arms around the slim waist and pressed his body against the writhing female beneath him. Leaning closer to the now parted and moist waiting lips of the princess, he nipped lightly on her lower lip drawing a sharp gasp in response. He could feel her body tremble slightly, her nipples now hardened within the flimsy tank top caressing lightly against his own chest. Grinding himself slowly against her, he allowed her to feel the extent of his own desire and seeing her eyes widen in disbelief, he swooped down to claim her lips in a soul searing kiss.

Ayeka moaned at the intensity of his need and without giving it a second thought, she found herself responding in kind. Almost desperately, their tongues fought and sparred in a battle that both could never win. This feeling was euphoric, almost intoxicating and it was slowly driving the Saiyan no Ouji insane.

His hands ran up and down her sides in frantic movements, needing to feel more than this. Gasping as he felt her hands slide beneath his own shirt to run across his back, he shivered slightly, as her hand brushed against his tail spot and tearing his lips away from hers, he raised slightly dazed eyes to her own lust filled gaze.

“Ayeka…” He muttered thickly. “I need…”

His words were never finished as Ayeka yanked his head back down to claim his lips again. She knew she was acting like a wanton animal, but at this time and at this moment…she didn’t really give a damn. Tsunami…she couldn’t believe that she had ever needed another man this much…especially a Saiyan that she was hopelessly in love with.

~*~*~*~*~

Eyes filled with mirth and delight watched the couple with unabashed amusement.

~ My, my, what do we have here? ~

Cruel lips twisted into a sneer.

~ Ahh…This is going to be too easy… ~