Disclaimer: I don't own DBZ or the characters

All right, everyone! It's time for the last chapter of Camaraderie! I hope you all enjoy it!

Regally and proudly, Vegeta stood in front of his mirror, adorned in the ceremonial royal armor. He flung the red cape behind him, watching as it cascaded to just above the floor. Earlier in the week he had been fitted for his own. The prince was still awed over the fact that he was about to be king.

"You look amazing!"

Vegeta turned to see his mate coming out of the washroom, wearing nothing but a towel. He had to stamp out the urge to throw the woman down on their bed. "You aren't dressed yet," he observed, his voice soft.

"I…um," Bulma began, twiddling her fingers nervously. "I don't really know what to wear. We don't really have stuff like this."

The prince walked away from the mirror, approaching his woman. In truth, his parents had told Bulma to wear what made her feel comfortable, attire from her own world. They were practically joining the two planets together forever. It was only right that she wear garb from her homeland. "I'm sure whatever you pick will be fine, Bulma."

"But nothing is formal enough," Bulma complained. "Everything I have is really from here or other planets. I didn't bring much with me from Earth all those years ago, and well…I've changed and had two babies. I thought I'd figure something out, but nothing is calling out to me."

Her mate was about to say something when they heard a knock on the door. A low energy rested on the other side, a familiar one, but two female voices could be heard. Bulma's eyes widened as she raced to the door, cracking it open. "Mom? Tights?"

"Hey, Bulma," Tights greeted warmly. Reluctantly, Bulma let them in, and her sister laughed lightheartedly at her attire. "Um…did we come at a bad time?"

"Feh," Vegeta scoffed, shaking his head. "Your sister is being her usual, ridiculous self, worrying over what to wear."

Bulma's face grew red with irritation. "Listen, buddy, it's an important day!"

Bunny giggled before she stole her youngest daughter's attention. "Oh, don't worry about it, sweetie. I came prepared."

The blue-haired woman was going to ask her mother what she was talking about when the woman tossed out a capsule. A changing screen appeared, and with it came a large array of dresses.

Vegeta snickered at Bulma's dumbfounded expression. "See? Problem solved. I'll let you get to it and see you later." The prince headed to the door. He paused and tilted his head, flashing Bulma a devious smirk. "Don't be late, woman."

Bulma rolled her eyes after the man left their room before she sighed and looked to her mother. "I don't know what made you bring all of this, but thank you. I've been going crazy."

"Everything is going to be fine, Bulma," Tights spoke. "You don't have to be so nervous."

"I know," Bulma relayed. "I know Vegeta and I are more than prepared, but this is just something I never imagined. I'm going to be queen of another planet. I mean, that's stuff you read in books."

"Maybe your books," Tights murmured fondly, Bulma's mother nodding in agreement.

"You've read them?" Bulma asked, shocked.

"Oh course we did," Bunny replied. "The second we could get copies we did."

"You've given me a run for my money with your works," Tights praised sincerely.

Bulma blushed over the compliment before rushing off behind the screen. She was thankful for the cover and the excuse. The girlish grin that appeared on her face was much too embarrassing to show off to her mother and big sister. Besides, she needed to focus on getting ready.

Later, elsewhere, Tights was dealing with another fashion issue. Tomaren eyed his mother warily, the woman holding up some black, tight fabric with an overly restrictive, gray coat. There also seemed to be a noose paired with it, and the former assassin didn't even want to think about what that was doing there. "Mother, what the hell?"

Tights's cheerful expression faltered for a moment. "What? You don't like it?" She looked to the ensemble she had questioningly. "I got you this suit to wear for the coronation."

Tomaren scoffed and crossed his arms over his chest, looking away and ignoring the hint of red dusting his cheeks. "I'm not a baby. You don't have to dress me."

A strange emotion passed over Tights, and Tomaren noticed. Her countenance changed, her arms falling slightly and her grip on the suit loosened. "You'll always be my baby," she pointed out, "and…"

She dared not to say what Tomaren already knew was coming. The mother/son pair knew they would never be able to get lost time back, but Tights had always wanted to mother and baby her little boy. She didn't have the chance to dress him, and it was hard for the both of them. Honestly, since actually interacting with the woman on a healthy level, Tomaren realized that all of those things he thought unnecessary and useless, he wanted, including this newfound relationship with her. He may not be a child, but he still wanted to at least please his mother.

So, with a sigh, he went to take the suit from her.

Celen came into the room wearing a huge smile, surprising his son and mate, holding up new armor he had gotten for his son. "It's to wear for the ceremony," he stated proudly before he took in the sight of a deflated Tights and a bewildered Tomaren. A bead of sweat formed on his head. "What did I say?"

Tomaren couldn't stop the chuckle that escaped him over his mother's expression. Truthfully, though, he was thankful for his father's entry. The armor definitely would be more comfortable and practical in the long run. He placed a hand on the woman's shoulder and offered an apologetic grin for choosing the Saiyan attire over the Earthling.

Bulma stepped out into one of the larger courtyards where she and her mate were to be crowned. It was a beautiful sight, rows of benches lined up and facing a large podium. It was where Vegeta's father and grandfather had been crowned back in the day, set up just for that reason. So many of the palace employees were putting on the finishing touches of red and blue banners. She couldn't believe that soon she and Vegeta would be queen and king.

"Bulma."

Bulma turned to see her mate walking towards her, Vegeta looking so regal and content. He wore a smirk, and when he reached her he took her hands in his. The woman smiled and looked around. "I can't believe this is it."

"You look stunning," Vegeta told her as he roved his eyes over her. Bulma was wearing a freely flowing dress, one side longer than the other. The striking feature of the gown was the colors. The longer side was a deep blue, almost the same color as the gown Bulma wore when they were wed. A smooth curve divided the dress in half diagonally, the other side being green in the color. The dress reminded Vegeta of the green grass and waters of Bulma's world. It was the perfect attire to signify her home planet.

They were lost in each other for a moment before they sensed the arrival of their families. A large hand clapped on Vegeta's shoulder, Nappa squeezing it and looking so proud. His and Vegeta's eyes met. So many emotions were circulating between them. "Hey, kid. You ready for this?"

"Of course," Vegeta replied haughtily, though he did have some slight anxiety. Surprisingly, it wasn't just Nappa who noticed.

"Don't worry, son," the current King Vegeta assured. "Everything will be fine."

"It won't be a long ceremony," Kalina added.

"Good, because neither of us like being in the limelight," Bulma offered, sharing in her mate's nervous anticipation.

"Not from what I remember," Celen remarked with a laugh. "You seemed to vie for our attention when you were younger."

"I'm sure she'd tell you things are a little different."

Bulma froze when she heard her father's voice. She turned, and though she had known he was coming, it still shocked her. A soft smile appeared on her face. "Dad," she breathed out in relief. "You came."

"I told you I would," Dr. Briefs replied. His wife and oldest daughter were by his side. "Tights was showing us around a little bit." He looked to Vegeta and his parents. "It's a beautiful planet."

The king and queen offered the man understanding smiles. "We're glad you're enjoying yourselves," Kalina replied, looking to her mate only to see a strange yet warm expression.

The king then walked up to Dr. Briefs, offering his hand. Though startled by the gesture, Dr. Briefs eagerly accepted, shaking the king's hand. "Welcome," he greeted pleasantly.

"Thank you for having me," the doctor replied.

Bulma smiled at the exchange, leaning against her mate as his arm wrapped around her. The gesture was not lost on either of them. For so many years, they could not even set foot on Earth because of the Dr. Briefs's actions and the king's paranoia. That time could not be ignored, but both of their fathers displayed the courage to move forward. It was more than the prince and princess could have asked for.

Both Bulma and Tights felt strong emotional waves witnessing the moment, their mates taking the blow. Celen chuckled, starting to feel misty in his mate's stead. "Damn it, Tights," he murmured affectionately. He wiped his eyes as Vegeta wiped a single tear, Bulma beaming brightly at him.

"Hey, where are the kids?" Bunny interjected, interrupting the moment, as her eyes roved over everyone.

As if from out of nowhere, Tomaren appeared, a woman with him. "Kakarot is rounding everyone up. Raditz, Peppan, Cella, Tarble, Gohan, Videl, and the baby arrived from Earth just a little while ago."

"Good to know," Bulma stated before she looked to the tense woman beside her nephew. "Hey, I've seen you around here before."

"Um, yes, Your Highness."

"You're one of the soldiers from Tomaren's group," Vegeta observed. He looked to the former assassin, his eyes silently questioning him. The prince received a nod and returned it. It seemed that Tomaren was in courtship with the woman, yet another big step for him.

Tomaren looked to his parents. He could tell from his father's eyes that the man understood much like the prince had, though his mother still looked confused. Anxious energy poured off Quin, quelled when Tomaren took her hand. He led her to his parents, closing the distance. "Mother, father," he spoke poignantly. "This is Quin, my intended."

Quin didn't know what to expect. She knew her parents weren't exactly thrilled with her choice, though they had agreed to keep their opinions to themselves. They saw her as a young child despite the fact that she was in her twenties. Tomaren didn't seem to care about their opinions of him, but his parents' opinions of her mattered very greatly. Everyone knew of them. Celen and Tights were considered heroes, even if no one had known Tights's name for decades. It was a lot to live up to, and she wondered if they saw her as some dumb kid too for getting involved with their troubled son.

She was taken completely aback when Tights reached out and hugged her tightly, accepting her with open arms. Quin's eyes were caught on a spot on the ground before she chanced a timid glance towards her intended's father. Celen seemed fine with the announcement, a smirk on his face as he crossed his arms. Through the bond, Quin could also sense that Tomaren was pleased. Were they really all accepting her so easily?

Of course, she had no idea that Tomaren's parents would have accepted any woman their son brought to them. Deep in their heart, they knew it would take someone very special to reach his heart. After all the pain, anguish, and trauma Tomaren experienced, they just wanted him to recover and carve a life for himself. The fact that he had opened himself up to another that was neither related to him nor Cooler was a sign that Tomaren was improving each and every day. Him wanting his parents to share in his joy came as a huge relief.

At that moment, people started circulating into the courtyard including Kakarot, his family, and Bulla, Thia, Trunks, and Tarble. Kakarot went to hug his friend, smacking his back a bit hard, causing the soon-to-be-king to grunt. When the younger Saiyan pulled back, he was met with a heatless glare and smiled. Raditz was a little more reserved in his greeting, giving Vegeta a handshake. "How are you feeling?"

They both knew the answer to that, and Vegeta scoffed. He was anxious, but he was also ready.

Peppan hugged Bulma tightly. "Congratulations," she wished warmly. "You're going to make an amazing queen."

Bulma smiled, but didn't really respond. She had become a bit more reserved lately, wondering if it had anything to do with the ghastly transformation she was forced to endure. Vegeta thought it was more from the trauma. It certainly made sense, but it didn't stop Bulma from wondering.

"We should get this ceremony underway," King Vegeta declared. "I'm ready to abdicate the throne."

"Good luck, you guys," Trunks said to his parents, giving them both a hug. Bulla joined in, and Bulma looked to Thia silently imploring her to join in the group hug.

"We love you guys," Bulla whispered. "We're so proud of you."

"We know," Vegeta replied softly, smirking. Gently, he pulled away, taking Bulma's hand to follow his mother and father.

"We'll see you all after," Bulma called back to their families.

Everyone smiled back before going to find their seats. "You know, I'm surprised you had nothing to say, dad," Gohan pointed out.

Kakarot shrugged. "Vegeta knows exactly how I feel," his father replied, his eyes finding his rival and friend. "Words can't really express how happy I am for them."

King Vegeta looked out over his subjects, speaking of the crown and what it represented. He had given a detailed account on the Saiyan history and culture, the battles they'd seen and the trials they'd endured as a people. He looked to his son and daughter-in-law with pride in his heart. The king was so overjoyed that he was finally going to pass on his kingdom to his son.

After Vegeta had been rescued from Frieza, he'd shown no signs of ever being able to bounce back. The king never gave up, but without the bond between them he believed his son to be lost to him. Never could he understand what was going on in his mind. The idea of Vegeta becoming king drifted further and further away, even though he had wanted nothing more than to share this moment with his oldest son.

Sending him away, however horrible it had been for the prince at the time, was honestly the best thing King Vegeta could have ever done for him. He had no idea his son would meet his mate, that he'd be brought back to him sooner rather than later. Their relationship became civil, not at all where it should have been, but it was a start. King Vegeta learned to trust his son despite not truly knowing what was going on with him. Vegeta, in turn, started to become more comfortable around him and in his own skin. There was no one King Vegeta trusted more. His son was ready, and there was no one better suited to sit beside him than Bulma.

"The Colds have finally been defeated," King Vegeta declared, causing a voluminous cheer from the people. "The prince and princess played a large role in this, leading and fighting together, thriving in adversity, against the worst of our enemies. Above all else, they have put the needs of their people first and never faltered. No two people are better suited for guardianship over our world. I place my trust in them. Will you do the same?"

The answer resounded through the courtyard. The king grinned as he turned to his mate. She nodded, and the two of them approached Bulma and Vegeta together. As per Saiyan royal tradition, the king and queen handed over their pendants. Considering Saiyan hairstyles, very few could wear crowns. With the pendants exchanged, the former king and queen stepped out of the way for Vegeta and Bulma to stand before their people.

"I now present to you your new leaders. All hail King Vegeta and Queen Bulma!"

"All hail King Vegeta and Queen Bulma!"

After many cries rang out, Vegeta pulled his new queen in his arms, surprising the woman. Bulma was about to protest when Vegeta's hungry lips crashed into hers in a passionate kiss. She could hardly protest over how indecent this must be, but no one else seemed to care. Public displays of affection weren't normally Vegeta's thing, so the woman could hardly complain a she rested her hands against his breastplate. Her mind grew a bit hazy from the impulsive attention.

The two pulled away from each other and exchanged their smirk and smile. They reveled in each other's emotions, feeling a sense of peace that they had never once received while any of the Arcosian monsters were still out there. Now, as the king and queen gazed into each other's eyes lovingly while feeling their overwhelming bonds, they knew they could let the relief wash over them. Everything was fine. Nothing could stop them, not now.

Not ever.

The next stage of their lives was going to be amazing.

"Get him!"

A bunch of soldiers ran by, a figure hiding in a hole in the wall. Once he was alone, the youth pushed himself from his hiding place and ran towards the hanger. Breathing raggedly, the Arcosian knew he needed to get away. He looked down to the metal container he had stolen, a weapon against his people's enemy.

The Arcosian's scouter went off indicating several power levels heading his way. Crap, he mentally hissed. He could not afford to fight anyone now.

His people were desperate, attacking him on his way to his ship, but he needed to get the vault in his arms to safety. "Halt, Kuriza!"

Kuriza didn't listen. He didn't stop. Instead, he just fled, hurrying to the pod that would take him off the horrible world of his birth. A flurry of blasts came his way, cutting into his skin. Biting his lip, he kept himself from crying out, and he finally made it into the pod.

Quickly, he set the coordinates, praying he could make it out and avoid all of the attacks. He steered himself off the icy planet, and then the adrenaline left him. All he felt was pain.

Warm blood poured out of a wound.

Sh-shit, he cursed his rotten luck. I-I need to get to the Saiyans. He looked at the container and sighed a breath of relieve. At least I got this out safely.

He then passed out from the blood loss, praying he wouldn't die. The Saiyans needed to know.

They needed to know about this weapon.

A/N: Normally, I'd be having mixed feelings of a story ending, but I'm actually rather excited to be focusing on the next part. I plan to work on the first chapter soon so that it will be posted sometime next month. For updates, follow me here, on DeviantArt, and on Tumblr. Keep your eyes peeled for Delineation. That will be the fourth and final story to this series! Until then, guys! Hope to see you all again soon. Thank you to all who have read and reviewed. I'm very thankful to all of you ^_^