Meant to Be

Disclaimer: I do not own DBZ or any of its characters

Exchanged Destinies (Part Two)


She woke with a start, wherever she was, was dark and cold.

“Bulma!?” Chivaa’s voice came from somewhere in the room, the lights came on; she was in her own room, her own bed…why did it feel so cold?

“How are you feeling?

“What happened?”

“That’s what we all want to know, you just blocked out.”

“Papa!” she gasped as the memories came back.

“Papa?”

“My father…my father is alive…I have to go and get him!!” her own voice so alien to her ears, papa, papa is alive.

“Wait Bulma, what are you saying?”

“Briefs…Vegeta said Briefs, my name is Bulma Briefs, if that man Vegeta was talking about is who I think it is…that man is my father.”
She finish in a rush of words, she couldn’t believe she was here explaining, instead of doing something to get him back.

“My God, Bulma…I don’t know what to say.” Chivaa’s expression told her that her friend was as happy as she was…no, not as happy, but close. What were the odds of after three years and half a universe apart, they could reunite.

“I have to talk to Vegeta!” Jumping out of bed and running to the door, her friend grabbed her by the arm.

“Bulma calm down.”

“Calm down…how do you expect me to calm down…where’s Raditz?

“After you passed out, Vegeta sama ordered him to the training grounds.”

“My God!” Bulma gasped.

“Don’t worry Raditz is tougher than he looks, you should know that, besides after what happened in the conference room he wanted to go.”

“I have to see Vegeta; I have to ask him about papa.” Chivaa thought about it for a second, and then said.

“Get dressed, I’ll take you.” Bulma threw herself at her friend in a fierce hug, “thank you…oh my God…where is Trunks?”

I told Sylvana to take him to my place; I thought I’d take you there after you woke up to wait for Raditz…in case he needed the tank.”

“Thank you…where’s Karrot chan?”

“He heard about the fight, so he went to root.”

“For whom?” Bulma smirked.

“Who knows?” Chivaa smirked back.

“What happened?” Chivaa didn’t need to be told was he question was bout.

“He’s mad at Goku, I don’t think they’re on speaking terms…as for me, I am single and available again.”

“Did you tell Toma?

“Yes.”

“And?”

“He’s somewhat relieved, but doesn’t know how we’re going to explain it to everyone.”

“Does the Ou know?”

“I doubt it, I haven’t told him and Vegeta Sama said he doesn’t care what I do.”

“What do you think?”

“I don’t know…I just don’t kn

+++

“Is that the best you can do…commoner?” Vegeta snarled with a nasty grin at the man on the floor. He was purposely going easy on Raditz; he wanted to enjoy this, to savor the man’s defeat. He’d wanted to pound the bastard for so long; he’ll be dammed to end it quick.

Raditz lifted his head and gave him a look that could kill. Vegeta smirked and lunged himself at the fallen, bleeding man once more. At least the bastard was hardheaded and resilient like his brother, but nowhere near as strong.

“And you call yourself a Saiyan…no wonder you had to mate beneath you; no respectable Saiyan woman would embarrass herself mating you.” He kicked Raditz’s side, smirking as he heard ribs cracked. Amazingly Raditz got on his feet and began an assault of his own.

Blood and sweat flew from the clashing bodies; Raditz was holding his own rather well, he would have to end it soon. He could see Kakarotto watching along with the large group that had gathered…all the better to humiliate this bastard, this bastard that took the only thing he’s ever cared for. A kick to the loin brought him back to the fight…fuck! The asshole got a good one…even from a fight the woman could completely ensnare him.

He had noticed the Raditz’ fighting style to be familiar, but he had never fought the first class before, then the memory of a certain fighter he encountered on Madran came to his memory as if it had been but only mom bef before. Vegeta didn’t stop to think it , to, to analyze the margin for error; he let his rage get the better of him and got ready to end it…for good.


“Raditz!!” Kakarotto yelled, “Don’t let Vegeta kick your ass!!!” He smirked, only Kakarotto would say something like that, in front of so many…do not worry my dear friend, after your traitor brother, your ass is next…

He let his Ki flare, the sheer intensity of it sent Raditz tumbling back to the wall.

“I will not kick it…I will blast it to oblivion.” Vegeta smirked at the audience, as he extended his right arm for the grand finale, palm opened, facing the one stumbling to his feet on the far end of the room.

“I was saving this new attack for a special occasion, but now is as good a time as any,” The prince smirked again as he saw Raditz’ fear, he extended both his hands and let an immense amount of Ki gather, so much that it would kill any bastard stupid enough to get caught by it. “Final Flash!!!” as soon as he said it and was about to release the deadly beams, the stupid Saiyan woman whom he had been engaged to until the day before, came in flying through the door making everyone part for her. She was carrying someone in her arms.
He lowered his hand, cursing under his breath; he’ll get her later.


Chivaa flew to where Raditz was…what was it about that bastard that seemingly drove women wild? He wasn’t even that impressive, maybe a little goookinoking, a lot better looking than Kakarotto that was for sure, but not that impressive at all.

He crossed his arms and stood there glaring. Another Saiyan woman made her way to the fallen idiot, and Kakarotto was in fact, walking towards himself, he hmphed and turned his head the other way.

“You weren’t really going to kill him Vegeta?” the tone on the third class’ voice was neither mad nor reproaching.

“So what if I did, he’d deserve it for being weak…look at him, he needs women to aid him.” He spat looking on Raditz’ direction, then he saw her, the woman, leaning over Raditz, checking his wounds.

“You still care.” Kakarotto stated no mockery, no pity.

“I never cared.”

“You can’t lie to me.”

“Fuck you Kakarotto…why would I lie, why would I care? Fuck you and your whole family,” he turned then and gave the third class a defeated look, “…who’s taken what belonged to me.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Are you?”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

“I love Chivaa, and I knew you didn’t care for her, I don’t regret what’s happened between us, but I am sorry I betrayed you.”

“Hmph”

“Will you ever forgive me?”

“Maybe after I kick your ass a few hundred times.” Vegeta smirked at the moron.

“Bulma…” Kakarotto began; the prince halted his hand and shook his head.

“I do not want to talk about the woman.”

“But…”

“Do not push it; I can still punish you for treason.” At that moment, Bulma got to her feet and began walking towards them. Vegeta felt his heart constrict in his chest, felt his pulse quicken; only she had the power to elicit those sensations in him.

She came to stand a few paces away from him, his face hard, focused only on the pain.

“Ouji sama,” she bowed, “I must speak with you.”

“You might be ‘free’ and you might have some influence around here, but don’t ever approach the prince of Vegeta-sei unannounced again, let this be your warning…next time you die.” He let the words hang in the air.

“Ouji sama…pl.” H.” He looked into her eyes and saw sorrow, maybe she was hurting too. Her eyes gleamed with tears, the knot in his chest tightened, he sighted and gave in.

“What is it?” he said lowly, not trusting his own voice.

“You said the man working for Freeza is named Briefs…is it Trunks Briefs? The tears did fall, suddenly he saw the resemblance, he had all along, but it just seemed too much of a coincidence.

“Is he related to you?”

“He’s my father.” Vegeta’s eyes widen a bit, but he regained control quickly, “Is he well?

“He is… for now.” Vegeta said gravely.

“Oh thank heavens!” Bulma fell to her knees, staring to the floor. Everyone remained in the room watching this exchange. He fought the urge to hold her in his arms and console her.

“I shall let him know of you.” Was the only thing he could say.

“Ouji sama,” her eyes met his, pulling him, it was impossible to turn from them “I have to see him, please…somehow, anyhow…”

“I do not see how, is not like Freeza will let him come over for drinks.”

“What if I go with you!” her reason came back to her once more, she was no longer a victim of this circumstances, but a survivor, she would find a way to see her father, to bring him back alive or she would die trying. Vegeta visibly stiffen, as did many in the room.

“I do not think your mate will approve, besides I have no intention in inconveniencing myself to help you.”

“Vegeta!!” gasped Kakarotto, tz gtz got to his feet much to Chivaa’s and the other woman’s protest and made his way to them weakly.

“Bulma…”the long haired warrior whispered.

“Raditz I have to, I have to see papa…I’m sorry.”

“And then what have Freeza use you to speed up his research?” As much as Vegeta hated to admit, the man was right, he even said as much.

“He’s right.”

“He doesn’t have to know, we can say I’m Ouji-sama’s slave, I don’t think he’ll object.”

“He would,” Vegeta shuddered as he remembered the lizard’s cold hands on him, “Freeza is a control freak, he needs to know everything.”

“Please…”

“Bulma you’re not going, “ Raditz said sternly, then kneeled by her and whispered lowly, “ I couldn’t bear to loose you.” Vegeta looked at the two disgusted...or was it envy?

“Are you implying that I cannot take care of her?!” the words came out before he could stop them. Raditz looked up, but said nothing.

“What about Trunks?” Kakarotto asked suddenly as if the decision was made, the woman and Raditz both gave him a hard look, he just ignored them, his decision was already made...

“I will take you, if only to show this weak excuse for a mate of yours that I can take care of you better than he can.”

“Don’t worry Raditz I’ll be there too, I’ll make sure she’s ok.” Kakarotto smiled slapping his brother’s back.

“Who said anything about you coming Kakarotto?” In all honesty he was thankful for it; he didn’t trust himself alone with her. Chivaa came to stand by her lover.

“Goku…” she put her hand the third class’ shoulder

“Sorry Chivaa, I told you I would go.”

“Bulma I’m going too,” the tall woman announced.

“Absolutely not!! What do you all think this is? I will take the woman to see her father and Kakarotto as my guard but that’s it.”

“But Ouji sama, how are we going to bring him back?” Bulma added hopeful

“Bring who back?”

“Papa.”

“He’s not coming.” She covered her mouth as if holding her heart from coming out through it. “Woman, you father is Freeza’s number one scientist. Do you think we can snatch him and hope the lizard won’t notice? If that was so I would have done it already”

“But we can’t leave him there,” Kakarotto offered, Bulma’s eyes turned to him hopefully.

“Kakarotto…” Vegeta snapped, “if you are not going to say something productI reI recommend you shut up, I said is not possible and that’s the end of it. Or do I have to beat it into your heads.”

“But Vegeta,” the third class pursed his lips helplessly.

“I said enough!!” The prince snapped, loosing his short patience. “We leave in three days, have all your affairs taken care of by then. Meet me at the Royal dock at dawn, not a minute later. Or I will leave you behind.” And he walked away from the scene.

+++

“Thank you Ouji Sama.’ Bulma bowed low, as he walked away. She turned to Raditz who was just t, gl, glaring at her.

“Are you alright?” how could she ask that? Of course he was not, but what else could she do? Her father was alive and Vegeta was the only one who could take her to him. Raditz got up and walked away as well without saying a word. She got up to follow but Chivaa grabbed her arm and shook her head no.

“He needs to think this one out.” Bulma just nodded and looked on as he went away. The crowd began to disperse, only those concerned stayed.

“Captain!!” Celipa the Saiyan woman in Raditz’ squad went after him, she wanted to stop her, but yet she couldn’t, maybe that’s what he needed a friend, someone impartial who could help him cope.

“Celipa…wait, where the hell do you think you’re going?!” Mousroum, Raditz closest friend went after her instead. She looked at the ones remaining: Chivaa, Karrot chan, Bardock and Toma. She wondered what they thought of her, of what she was doing to Raditz…what did it matter, she was going to see papa.

“Will you be alright?” Chivaa’s concerned voice inquired.

“I’ll take care of her,” Goku answered for her, she’ll need him to be strong and to remember where her place was.

“Do not worry yourself, Raditz will be fine.” Bar-kun’s voice somehow made it all seem better, he put a hand on her shoulder, he always knew what to say.

“Maybe I can convince Vegeta sama to let him come with me.” Her eyes fixed on her lab partner.

“Forget it girl, those two hot headed brats would not make it to the Lodos alive.” Toma smirked at the comment, “Just let it be, it’ll be alright, besides Raditz will be needed here, we don’t even know if the Ou will allow you to go.” Bardock said always analyzing everything.

“He cannot tell me what to do, I am not a slave, the only ones who worry me are Trunks and Raditz the Ou can go to hell.”

“Don’t say that too loud girl, free or no he’s still you king as long as you live on this planet.” Toma looked everywhere as he said the words, afraid someone might have overheard her.

“Chivaa…will you check on Trunks?” Bulma lastly turned to her friend with the most important task of all. As much as she wanted to take him, to show her pride and joy to her father, Vegeta no Ouji must never know about his child.

“Of course what kind of question is that? He will stay with us…right Toma?” The older Saiyan gave her a weak ‘I don’t think that’s such a good idea’ smile, but nodded yes, “God knows Raditz might forget to feed him…or worst yet, might shack up with Sylvana out of spite!”

“Very funny,” Bulma smiled as well.

“You discredit my brat way too much.” Bardock joined the laughter, “but I think is for the best.”

“Then is settled, you just go and see your father, we’ll take care of everything here.” Chivaa concluded.

“Still I have three days, enough time to leave specific instructions on the things wed ted to work on while I’m gone. Bardock we have three long days ahead of us.”

“Yes sir.” The older scared man saluted her like royalty. How changed they all were since this ordeal started, Bardock would have never done something like that a year ago. She looked at them, happy to have each and every one of them. “I’ll see to everything until you come back, I’m going to do such an outstanding work, the Ou will be giving me you job…you just go and see your father.” He finished

“I’m not only going to see him, I’m going to bring him back.”

+++


“Captain…Raditz!!!” Celipa called out finding it hard to catch up to her love. Raditz had taken flight at full speed and was now in the forest below somewhere. An explosion startled her. Promptly flying towards it she realized what was happening. Raditz was tearing and blasting the whole area, she only whished he would have done that to the reason of his anger, instead of the trees below. She knew his fits well and knew they didn’t last very long; she waited out for the area to be nothing but a plane and flew to where he was on his knees on the ground. She came closer cautiously and knelt by him, putting her hands on either shoulder. Raditz had never allowed her this close proximity, all she wanted to do was tear his clothes off and show him what a real woman was, but right now he didn’t need that, right now he needed a friend, a shoulder to cry on.

“Why now?” Raditz voice startled her. “I thought I finally had her heart and soul and he had to come back…why?” he leaned his head on her shoulder, she wanted to say something, but did not know what. “He still wants her.” Raditz concluded

“Does she?” Raditz looked at her then, in his eyes she could see a turmoil she’d never witness on the man before…what is that whore doing to him?

“I trust her, I trust she knows what is best for her, I just don’t want to see her gone.” His voice sounded calm, controlled.

“Of course not, she your mate.” Just to say the words made her sick.

“She’s not,” he responded, “ she has not allow me to mark her.” His head came back to Celipa’s shoulder.

“Why?” a new ray of hope made itself known to her. Raditz had not mated Bulma. She brought her hand to his head and stroked his hair like she’d seen the Chikyuu-jin whore do. He didn’t respond, but it didn’t matter, she knew all she needed to know. As she rested her head on his she made her little bow…Raditz there’s no escape for you…you will be mine.


+++

Raditz came in while she was packing, he just stood by the door watching her, they stared at each other like that for what it seemed an eternity. Bulma got to her feet and walked to him, standing in front of him, waiting. He threw himself into her arms making them both fall to the ground in the process. Without saying a word he held her and she held him. They stayed like that for a long time.

“Raditz…”

“Shh, don’t say anything just hold me.” He whispered.

“We need to talk.”

“No we don’t… whatever happens I will always be with you.”

“Raditz…” she kissed him deeply and they had each other as if it would be the last time. She didn’t love him, not the way she loved her prince, but for now, she was his, She belonged to Raditz body and soul.

+++

“It will be ok; I’ll be back before you know it.” Kakarotto said mildly as he watched his lover pace around the room.

“Is not true and you know it, “ Chivaa said trying to hide the feelings she so obviously felt, “ And now Bulma will be gone, I didn’t tell her but I have very bad feeling about this.”

“Chivaa,” Kakarotto went to her and put his hands on her shoulders to stop her from making a hole on the floor. “Don’t worry, we’ll get Bulma and her father back safely, Vegeta will think of something.”

“And you?” Her eyes deepened on his, “Will you be back safely?”

“Eventually…I will stick with Vegeta to the very end, whatever that end might be.”

“Promise you’ll come back to me.” Her voice deep and full of emotion.

“I can’t…but I promise I will try. Chivaa I love you, and as long as I do I will not die, I will not give up.” He brought her close and kissed her lips tenderly at first then possessively, passionately. He threw her on the floor and ravaged her body, pulling her clothes off. No matter how many times he’s had her, it still felt like the first time. It would never be enough…not nearly enough

“Goku,” her voice trembled with need and desire, his lips on her neck, shoulders… Gods, how he loved her, it must be a sin to love someone this much. His lips made their way down to her collar bone…her breast. His hand came to the one place he could not get enough of and stroked her there, making her elicit those moans that drove him wild.
His tail coiled with hers and began that dance, that fight with each other that left them both gaspinr air air. “Goku, Goku…” his name was on her lips over and over like a mantra, filling his senses, making him weak. He made his way back to her lips and capture them savagely, his hand quickened, her moans intensified. He couldn’t take it anymore. He brought the hand that stroked her core to his mouth; and began lapping at it as if his life depended on it. And entered her, entered that paradise he was thest tst to know.

“I can’t promise you I’ll come back,” his pace fastened, bringing them higher and higher, “But I promise you…you will never be rid of me.” And with these words he bit into her flesh, marking her... his for all times.

+++

Vegeta lay on his bed, wide-awake. The past two days had been pure hell. No matter what he did, where he went he saw her, in his mind and on the flesh. How was he going to fight these feelings, how was he going to avoid being pulled deeper into her spell? He wished he could take back his words, he wished he could just go and forget about them all. But go where? Back to Freeza, back to the misery his life has become?

His only option was to become strong, to reach that place where feelings didn’t matter, where strength was the solution to everything…Super Saiyan… to defeat that monster and be able to get away from him…from the pain…from her.

Sleep never came that night, instead came the dread of the journey he would have to embark on, the journey that inevitably will decide where his feelings truly lied.

+++


Bulma arrived right at dawn sleep had been impossible. The past two days had been pure hell. Between getting everybody briefed, countless meeting and spending as much time with Trunks and Raditz.

She had not been able to take Vegeta out of her mind. It didn’t help that he seemed to be everywhere. How was she going to fight her feelings for him, how will she remain true to her promise to Raditz? She wished there was another way to get Papa back, to do this without needing his help. Her only option was to avoid him, to avoid the spell he seemed to cast on her every time she set eyes on him. The spell that rendered her reason and sanity disabled. She needed to focus, to remember her mission and the little bundle of joy home waiting for her. Dread began to fill her mind, dread of the journey she must embark on, a journey that inevitably will decide where her feelings truly lie.

Vegeta and Goku were already there, Chivaa too, Bulma could see the tears on her friend’s eyes, but there was also something different about her, a radiance she had not seen or noticed before. Vegeta was the first to see her, he acknowledge her with a curt nod and headed over to the ship.

“Bulma!” Chivaa ran to her and hugged her tightly, “please be careful…and don’t worry about Trunks or Raditz, I’ll take care of them.” She kissed her cheek and gave her a weak smile.

“Are you ok?” Bulma asked as the parted.

“Don’t worry about me, I’m a big girl, besides,” she looked over at Goku and smiled blushing. “I have something to look forward to.” Chivaa put a hand on her belly.

“Oh my God!” was all Bulma could say, she was so happy for her friend.

“Trunks will have someone to play with soon,” Chivaa’s blush got deeper.

“Will it be alright…I mean you were engaged to Vegeta?” Bulma could not help but being concerned, what she did would be considered treason by Saiyan Standards.

“I don’t care what everyone thinks, I’ll be fine Toma spoke to the Ou, he said as long as Vegeta is alright with it, besides he can’t afford to lose me now. Chivaa smiled. Bulma hugged her tight again and they both cried, Goku came to them and put a gentle hand on her shoulder.

“We have to go.”

“I’ll take care of him.” Bulma said drying her tears.

“I wouldn’t expect anything less.” Her best friend said with a smile.

“C’mon Bulma we don’t want Vegeta to get mad.” Kakarotto said softly, he kissed his mate one last time and gently guided Bulma towards the ship.

“Bulma!” they all turned to the sky to meet the owner of the voice. Raditz descended by them. He had told her he would not see her go, that he was not good at goodbyes. But as always he came to show her how much he cared.. He came to her and held her and they kissed, as he let go he whispered into her ear.

“You do what your heart tells you.” Then he kissed her fore head and flew away. Her tears fell anew. Raditz…her sweet Raditz was giving her leave to do what she must. But if she could help it, she would return to him.

“Are you done with you’re disgusting farewells?” Vegeta yelled from the ship, he was standing arms crossed following Raditz with his eyes.

“ Hai! We’re coming.” Goku took her arm and pulled her to the ship. Her things were already on board, thanks to Vegeta’s very efficient and scary looking crew. As they got to the hatch the prince stepped aside allowing them to pass, their eyes met for an instant, there was something in his black bottomless pools, she couldn’t tell what it was, but it shook her to the core.

Before the hatch closed she turned once more to wave Chivaa one last farewell. This time Bardock and Toma were there, she gave them a thumps up and went into the ship.

“Let the journey begin.” Were her last thoughts as the doors closed leaving those she loved behind.

+++


A/N Sorry this took so long. As it points out the next chappy will be mainly the journey to Get Bulma’s father. Will Vegeta be able to control his emotions…will Bulma keep her promise to Raditz…Will Goku…what am I taking about, he’s all set ^_~