I froze in my tracks. This was it, the big moment. The moment that I would be thrown out of his life, like some person he didn't know. I had to stop myself from crying out in pain. This was almost too much form me to handle by myself.

"I am growing old, as you can all see," King Scary said, waiting for a nervous reaction from the crowd. "And I am beginning to shirk in my duties, therefore...,"

I held my breath and closed my eyes. My hands squeezed into fists at my sides, the silk of my gloves rubbing against my skin. I could feel the hurt coming on fast.

"I am going to crown my son, Prince Vegeta, King," He announced, and cheering came from the crowds around me. I opened my eyes and saw Vegeta next to his father, smirking.

I felt the feelings overwhelm me, and I walked over to the window, and watched from the windowsill. Tears were now sliding down my cheeks, and I was glad I had worn waterproof mascara, or I would surely look a wreck.

The rest of the ceremony was lost to me, for all I could do was cry and wonder why this had to happen now. When everything was starting to fall apart, what was one more thing? Right? No, this was different. This was my best friend, maybe more than that. Or at least I hoped so.

I heard cheering all around me, and I opened my eyes slowly, adjusting to the light.

Vegeta was sitting next to his horrible father on one of the thrones, smirking at the crowd. I couldn't help but smile. He looked in his element, why would he need me?

"Come and swear your loyalty to your new ruler," King, well, not really king, but I still thought of him as 'King Scary', said, and people went to form a line.

I saw Sierra skip over to the middle of the line, and I followed her. Safety in numbers, right? I went to over and fell into line behind her. She looked back at me cautiously.

"Um, hey Bulma, let's make up, okay? I will pretend that you didn't call me a bimbo, and so on, k? Fighting with you sucks!" She said, and held out one pale, slightly chubby hand.

"Agreed," I said, and shook her hand, smiling at her. Now I really wouldn't be nessacerily friendless.

"I don't know how to do this! Do I like, bow or something?" Sierra asked, shooting a nervous glance at the moving line.

"I have no idea! Just do what the people in front of you do," I suggested, and she nodded and faced forward. I planned on taking my own advice on this one. It wasn't like I was scared of him or anything.

The line moved steadily, and Sierra appeared nervous. The people in front of us were just bowing or curtsying, and saying something along the lines of, "I pledge my loyalty, Your Majesty," Easy enough.

Soon the line got to Sierra. I was almost afraid of what she would do. She was trembiling so hard, her teeth were nearly clacking together.

"I-I-I pl-pledge my loyal-t-ty to you, Your M-Majest-ty!" She mumbled, and gave a very sloppy curtsy.

Vegeta smirked and King Scary laughed. "A blind man could tell who are the Earthlings, they shudder so much!" He boomed, and Vegeta laughed, that is, until he saw me scowling at Sierra. Now I *knew* she was a bimbo!

I laughed quietly to myself and stepped forward, my dress swishing pleasantly. I smirked quite evilly, if I do say so myself, and curtsyed my very best.

"I pledge my loyalty, You Majesty," I said evenly, and met his gaze mockingly before sautering away. I was extra proud of myself for the fine show.

King Scary was shocked, almost to the point of speechlessness. I smiled. Vegeta just looked slightly amused and shook his head at his father. I could tell he was glad he finally had the say over him.

Sierra was waiting for me at the throne room doors, shaking still. I sighed.

"Yes, Sierra?" I asked, crossing my arms and glaring at her pointedly.

"Um. . . I would just like to congratulate you on your good show! You were so brave, the best yet, I am sure," She mumbled, and turned down the hallway, nearly running in her little Bimbo Barbie heels. I really hated her.

"Yes, good performance, my Lady," A cold, amused voice chimed from behind me.

I turned around to see who the baka was. I nearly fainted when I saw.

Frieza. I had never really seen him, but I knew enough to recognize him. I gasped and tried to maintain my composure. I lifted my chin a little, and tried to look a little less angry, and more. . . cool and collected.

"Thank you, Lord Frieza, but it wasn't a show," I said, and looked him in the eye before turning away.

"Wait a moment," He said. "I know why you are so anxious to leave, my dear, and I don't blame you. You have been too good of a friend to him to just be tossed out in the cold, I know."

I stopped in my tracks. Who was Frieza to know? I had never known him, and I was sure that he hadn't ever heard of me. So how had he known that I had been friends with Vegeta? I turned around to face him.

"How do you know that?" I asked cooly, trying not to sound *too* curious.

"Why, Bulma, everyone knows! Everyone has been expecting you two to become a couple, but it never happened, and now that it is *possible* to, he is King, and you are sure he would just throw it all away," Frieza said, never missing a beat.

I, no doubt, looked as confused as I felt. "How can you know that?"

"I have my ways, dear, I have insiders everywhere. But also, Vegeta's father has known of this for some time now. I understand one of his spies, Lela Shader, I believe, was already caught, a shame really," He said, sounding slightly sad.

"Oh," I lamely said, looking down. What else could I say?

"I also know of your plans to run away, and I strongly suggest that you don't, not when you are at the prime of your life,"

"What. . . I. . . how did you know? I didn't tell anyone!" This was getting too weird for my tastes.

"I know *everything* about you, my Lady. And I have a better way out, somewhat less, ah, well, suicidal. I am sure you will take me up on it!"

"I am listening," I said, and I was cautious, for I knew that Frieza was dangerous.

"Ah, good. Now, listen to me. . . ,"

~*~

I couldn't believe I was doing this. But it was a last resort, and only being done because I didn't have another choice. Besides suicide, but I wouldn't think about that. I walked slowly down the halls, my white dress trailing behind me.

I opened the greenhouse doors, and my loose hair blew back. I had taken care to look nice, for I had to make an impression on the workers on the ship. I was wearing a long, white silk dress, one with spaghetti straps, and strappy sandals to match. My hair was down and softly curled. I just had to do one more thing before I left with Frieza.

Vegeta was sitting next to a large tree, looking at the clear, cool water. I felt almost saddened with the sight of him, he looked sad, for some reason. I walked softly up behind him and cleared my throat.

He turned around and saw me. I suddenly felt my cheeks grow warm, and I had no doubt that they were flushed. He stood up and I looked down.

"I-I am going away, this afternoon, in an hour," I said quietly, and waited for a reaction.

"Why? Who are you leaving with?" Vegeta asked, sounding a little angry. At least I knew he didn't *want* me to leave.

"There is nothing for me here. Nothing worth staying for, anyways. I am leaving with Frieza, to assist him on his missions, he says he could use my knowledge to help," I whispered, and felt some tears form in my eyes. I refused to let them fall.

"But. . . Frieza is dangerous! He is using you for something, I know it! I should have known of his intentions when he asked Father about you. . . ," Vegeta growled to himself.

"Wait, he asked your father about me?" I asked, feeling a little angry.

"Yes, just how old you were and such. He was mostly interested in your past, and your knowledge, mostly."

"Well he would need that for my job, wouldn't he?"

"Yes, but. . . you can't leave," Vegeta's eyes darkened, and I could trace some

hurt in them. I shook off the guilt, I had to do this, I was committed, and we just couldn't be friends anymore.

"Goodbye," I whispered, and gave him one last kiss before walking away from him, forever.

~*~

Ohhhhhh isn't Bulma quite the little heartbreaker???? Poor Veggie, but it had to be done! Do you trust Frieza's intentions? I told you he would be here! Remember when Dr. Briefs mentioned him in the first chapter? Ah hah! Now you know that you should pay attention! Anywayz, I love yas all, and send in your comments, please! *Makes a deprived, desperate face* Can you believe that I already have plans for a SEQUEL???????

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Ja ne!

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Chapter 15