Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ In'lar-Anth - Through Darkest Destiny ❯ Clash of Wills ( Chapter 3 )

Warnings for this chapter:

Strong violence, blood, slight voyeurism, slight lime, catfight-Saiyajin

Yes. We're having fun with the warnings.

'…' = thoughts

Intro

"Blow It Away"

Everyday I think about what you did
Livin' life ain't much with all the shit
Cause I'm going insane with all of it
You keep driving me crazy
Always crazy, you're gonna drive me crazy
You're gonna wake up one day dead inside
Cause you're alone, not in my life

I think about you sometimes
And wanna kill you
You disrespected my pride
How could you do this?

All my life has always been like this
Taking shit and I can't deal with this selfish bitch that's always full of it
You keep driving me crazy
Always crazy, you're gonna drive me crazy
You're gonna wake up one day dead inside
Cause your alone, not in my life

I think about you sometimes
And wanna kill you
You disrespected my pride
How could you do this?
I'm going crazy tonight
And I blow it away

You want me to be like you

[Repeat]

No

I think about you sometimes
And wanna kill you
You disrespected my pride
How could you do this?
I'm going crazy tonight
And I blow it away
I think about you sometimes
And wanna kill you
You disrespected my pride
How could you do this?
I'm going crazy tonight
And I blow it away

("Blow it away" by Adema)

In'lar-Anth - Through Darkest Destiny

Chapter 3: A clash of wills

Son Goku

For a moment I saw two persons instead of one. I saw the Vegeta I knew, arms folded, usual scowl on his face. Then he called me Son Goku and suddenly I understood something.

I did not know this man.

He was very different from the man I thought I knew a long time ago - and who had proved me wrong countless times too.

I never knew Vegeta.

This whole journey was dangerous not only for me but for the whole future. But maybe there was something to gain, too. If I was careful and stayed close to him - maybe I would learn something about the riddle of Vegeta no ouji. Maybe that would make it worth it.

Vegeta

The docking bay was crowded and swarming with warriors coming and going from space pods and cruisers and larger ships. I weaved through them with the ease of much practice, giving those I passed no mind as I made my way to my assigned ship. It was one of the cruisers. Not so small as the pods. It was only large enough for a small team but it was fast, one of the faster ships available. The purge would be over in no time. It had enough room for some slight privacy though it was made like a small barracks. The sleeping arrangements were clustered into two rooms with bunks and there were only a few separate rooms.

I punched in the code to open the airlock and led the way inside. It seemed that we were the first ones to arrive. I stepped in and my nose wrinkled at the artificial recirculated air. It smelled even closer than the battleship. Ah well.

Son Goku

As we entered the docks I kept closer to Vegeta, not because I was afraid, certainly... but the sheer amount of strange individuals all clad in the same standard uniform did make me nervous.

There were beings of all sorts, and again I did see some Saiyajin. They greeted Vegeta respectfully even if they were just seeing him from afar, but he ignored everyone and found his way gracefully through the crowd. I was not that lucky. Being taller and less adapted to navigating in small spaces I bumped into quit some people, causing them to turn and yell at me or hiss insults - luckily I did not understand most of them.

My tail waved behind me. Despite my nervousness I could not help but let the whole thing get to me. So many strange creatures! And Saiyajin! It never ceased to amaze me to see others of my race. I found out that I could spot them easily, as if I were subconsciously searching for them.

Whenever I saw one of those tails I felt a pang of excitement. Had I really been so starved for the company of my own race? I thought I could smell them too... whenever we passed one I had the feeling of a heady scent lingering around me for a moment. I shook my head. Was I imagining this?

Then we reached a space-craft. It was about three times as large as the transporters who had brought us here and pretty different from the single space-pods I had seen Frieza's men use. I followed Vegeta into the ship. He seemed to be right at home and I realized that he must have spent much time in similar crafts. This was hardly his first purge.

The purge... I could not help it, I still felt very uneasy about the whole ordeal. Half of me did not want to believe what Vegeta had said earlier, half was afraid that he might still have been serious. But it was not like I had a choice now. I had to just try and make the best out of it and act when we were there, trying to prevent the worst.

Vegeta

I waved at Son Goku off-handily.

"Do whatever you wish. Wander if you like. There is not much to see. I am going to set the piloting system. If the rest of the team is not here by the scheduled lift off then too bad. We will leave without them." I gestured down the curving hall to the right of us and then turned left to stride toward the command centre. There were only a relatively small amount of doors along the stretching hallway that followed the curve of the entire ship until it completed a full circle. The rooms where in the centre of the circle leaving the outer wall as all that separated us from space. I strode off to do just what I had said, expecting Son to occupy himself.

Son Goku

The shape of the ship was that of a disc, just like the mother ship. Curiously I started to investigate it but found that, as Vegeta had said, there wasn't really much to see. There were two rooms that seemed to be for sleeping purposes and in between them was a smaller hygiene facility. Each room was accessible from the main corridor only. This ship wasn't built for luxury, it only had the minimum requirements to keep people alive on a flight. A third room held some chairs and a table and several devices and machines built into the wall. I had no idea what they were there for. There was one thing that consisted mainly of a screen, a keypad with five round buttons and an opening in the wall. Being the bugger for buttons that I was I couldn't help my curiosity but push them,. As I did, something plopped down into the opening. I stepped closer and saw a kind of transparent dish. In that very moment a splashing sound was heard and the dish filled with the same grey stuff that we had eaten in the dining hall earlier.

I gulped weakly.

Oh no... this was supposedly all we had to eat aboard. I would have to live off this yucky goo for the whole trip! I had no idea if even my iron stomach could stand that...

After having explored these rooms I went back to find Vegeta. He was in the command centre, the last room on the small cruiser. It was full of blinking lights, buttons, screens and consoles. Even though I was tempted again I kept my hands to myself. There was no telling what havoc I could cause by playing with buttons here.

I settled for watching Vegeta fiddling with several controls. There were signs on most but I could not read them. To my horror I realized that this was all written in a language I did not understand.

I would never be able to fly one of these! There were much too many controls and I could not even keep track off all the things Vegeta was doing! No way would I be able to copy it or even find out where to punch in the coordinates of Namek-sei... which I didn't know either. I slowly started to understand that I would have to give up my plan on stealing a space-craft. I would have to find another way.

This was hopeless...

Vegeta

I finished punching in the coordinates and setting the countdown then turned to find *him* watching me with a strange expression on his face.

"Yes? Finished the tour already?" I asked with light sarcasm.

Son Goku

I shrugged casually, trying to get over the shock of realizing that I was truly stuck here for the time being.

How was I ever going to get home?

My only chance lay in someone discovering that I was gone and figuring out a way to get me back.

If they wanted to.

If they even noticed.

I groaned inwardly. I was SO stuck...

"There wasn't much to see." I stepped closer, having lost most of my interest in what he was doing the minute I realized I would never be able to learn it in a reasonable amount of time, but still fascinated by the complicated electronics.

"So who else is going with us on this... purge?" I hoped that he did not hear the small pause. This was still giving me the creeps.

Vegeta

I shrugged.

"I couldn't care less. There will be no other Saiyajin. That is all that applies to me. The other races are none of my concern or care. I do not believe I have done a purge with these two that are coming. I have not seen their numbers before. ...If they even come." I said all this nonchalantly and then eyed him from an angle.

"You will address me with respect. I will not put up with your common tone. You are Saiyajin. You will act that way especially when the others arrive." I admonished him coldly.

Son Goku

'Care to enlighten me what makes a Saiyajin saiyan?' I almost said it out loud but bit it back last second. That would probably have pissed him off. I just would have to do my best.

"Yeah, yeah, I'll do what I can, don't worry - your highness." I said. I knew that this could be regarded as mocking but the situation was just so strange!

Here I was, stranded in another time, desperate to not interfere with anything that could mess up the future and I found myself chained to the one who would try and kill me in the future and on a mission to wipe out a planets population!

If it would not have been so serious it would have been an almost humorous irony.

Vegeta

My eyes narrowed at his tone. I was not *asking* him. I was telling him! His earlier usefulness did not excuse him from protocol. He dearly needed to learn his place.

"Now get out of my sight. I am tired of looking at you." I brushed past him and strode away. He was not instilling himself in my goodwill, that was for sure!

***

~ outside the ship ~

***

Jeice

Finally I reached the docks. Most people tried to get out of my way as I strode towards my destination with long, confident paces. I entered the ship and walked straight to the command centre.

I was just rounding one corner when suddenly someone bumped into me. First I wanted to curse and blast whoever it was but then I noticed the distinct shock of midnight hair and the slightly dazzled charcoal eyes that took an expression first of surprise, then of alarm.

"Hello, Vegeta! What a pleasant surprise! I had no idea you were scheduled for this purge, too! Who would have thought we would meet again so soon... " That must have been the biggest lie ever told on this ship. If lies were acid there would be a hole through the ships floor and all the way down to the machine-room of the mother ship now...

Vegeta

I rounded a corner and bumped into a flash of white and red. It took an instant for me to register just what that meant. I stiffened. Oh fuck! What the hell was the red-faced bastard doing here?!

The purge. Aw hell! Stuck on a purge with *him*! I clamped down on myself. Shit! I had let him surprise me! Trying to regain my composure I straightened and tried to keep a neutral expression but I somehow felt as if I was failing miserably. Memories came back of a year ago when this particular individual had just begun to harass me. I had been sent away at just the right time.

"Jeice." I acknowledged him flatly.

Jeice

What a delicious chance! I stood closer to Vegeta than was absolutely necessary and I knew that he knew it. I had begun my hunt a long time ago and the wait had just added fuel to the attraction and hunger. And hunger was what he must see in my eyes now. I was not shy about having him see it. I wanted him to know what was coming - wanted him to think constantly about it, dread it, anticipate it...

I smiled maliciously.

I *will* get you, my ice-prince… There is no way that you're getting away from me now.

"Well, this seems a promising start for the… purge." I said, leaving the small pause intentionally for him to fill in what he wanted.

A purge... oh yes, a purge it would be...

There was a slight blush of rage on those lovely cheeks and his eyes gleamed with hate which only added to my desire for this fire born creature. I could have jumped him then and there, but I decided to wait. This would be much sweeter after he had some time to think about this... and about how inevitable the outcome was. So I stepped forward and past him, brushing his shoulder purposefully with my own as I went.

"See you later... Vegeta." And with that I went without looking back. Ah... how I loved The Game...

Vegeta

I stood still as he walked away, restraining the urge to rub my shoulder where I could still feel the brush of his armour. How was I going to work with him here? He was so obvious about it! I closed my eyes. I couldn't let him unnerve me like this.

'I am Vegeta! I can take whatever comes my way! Damn it! It's just a game! Remember that!' I took a deep breath. Just a game. I wondered just who the other member of the team must be. It couldn't be worse than it already was. At least I had Son here. At least one other Saiyajin but... it did not ease my mind at all.

Great. I stalked on through the corridor trying to calm down again.

Son Goku

I was left alone when Vegeta stalked away. He had made sure that I was not supposed to follow him and so I simply stayed where I was.

I felt drawn to the ships controls. Stepping over I looked at all the blinking screens and levers and keyboards. I tried to make some sense out of it but failed utterly. As said before, this way was definitely locked to me.

Slowly I wandered out of the command room and back into the circle-corridor that was the ships main connecting passageway.

I wondered what was going on in my time. Did they find the place where the machine stood yet? Did they probably figure out what had happened? Gohan was sure intelligent enough to do so.

Did they even miss me yet?

There was a high chance that they did not. Usually I visited my children once a week, but irregularly so, so if there was no special occasion where my presence was needed nobody would wonder about my absence.

And the only other whom I saw regularly would probably be glad that I did not show up.

'I never want to see your face again..'

I sighed deeply. What a screwed up life.

If it wasn't for the danger of messing with the future I was almost tempted to stay here. I could live with my relatives, get to know my race... and see the planet blown up by Frieza.

I involuntarily clenched. No.. I had no future here.

Certainly not.

Zarbon

I stepped into the ships airlock and secured the door. It was about lift-off time now. After that show in the commons... this should be a very interesting trip.

Jeice had left just after Vegeta and his new compatriot so I assumed that he was aboard already. It was so amusing to watch him stalk his prey and the prince... The prince was a conquest worthy of the fight. That was for sure. How he managed to piece back together his pride and stubborn regality was a feat in itself that I had always enjoyed seeing.

Of course. ...if Jeice had not boarded already... then that was just too bad. I smirked as I turned gracefully to walk down the corridor, smiling charmingly when I saw the source of my thoughts walking toward me. He was not standing quite as straight as usual and hadn't even noticed me yet.

Not himself at all. He must have figured out who he would be sharing the ship with.

"Vegeta. It's been such a long time. You look troubled. Anything I can help with?" I asked him cheerfully.

Vegeta

I stopped altogether and my eyes snapped up to the source of that all too familiar voice.

Oh Kami. I stood there and stared at him.

Had I thought it could not be worse? Had I actually thought that?! My jaw clenched without my consent and I said nothing to the new arrival. My life had just spiralled down into hell. Yet again.

I held myself stiffly still as he walked calmly and slowly towards me. I had grown stronger in the last year but I was not yet strong enough. Not by far. My only consolation was in the fact that my hands were not shaking as they had once. I had gained that much control. I looked him straight in the eyes.

I would not back away. Even...

Zarbon

I stepped up and smiled down at the obvious discomfort the prince was feeling.

"Now now, Vegeta. Don't you have a greeting for an old friend? It must have been lonely on that long trip with only lesser warriors to have dealings with. Not worthy of your attention."

I reached out one maculate finger and traced the insignia on his breastplate while I gazed into the cornered expression that he was trying to hide.

"Oh. Don't worry. I have other things in my sights... though you still hold quite a place in my affections." I leaned in close to him and was pleased that he did not jerk away. So he remembered well.

"Though I may look you up later if I feel like it." My smile widened at the slight confused dark suspicion in his eyes and then I sauntered past him and on through the hallway.

Vegeta

I felt a sick tightness in the bit of my stomach.

What... What the hell did... Oh God.

My pride cracked slightly after staring into those feminine yet hard eyes.

Not... Not even worth the effort.

But what was I saying?! Shit! Beaten. Subdued and subjugated.

Was there anything worse than that?

'Other things in his sights?'

My mind pulled up the only thing he could have possibly meant with that mocking tone and those particular words. Should I be relieved? Or... I pushed the thoughts away. I had my own problems to worry about. I didn't give a damn what happened to him anyway. I stalked on to one of the sleeping rooms.

He had as good as said that I was no longer of supreme interest though I would still have to be on guard.

Pride stripping as that was.

I ground my teeth in rage. How could I have shown such meekness! So weak!

'I am not weak! I am not defeated by the likes of *him*! I refuse to be!'

Gathering a cloak of stubbornness around me I stalked onward. I was not beaten and I would not give in! It they wanted a conquest then they would have to fight dearly for it!

Jeice

Inspecting the ship on my way I found that everything had been readied accordingly to the standards. Now Zarbon was the last thing that was missing. I still wondered about him, and he was probably the only thing that I had to worry about in my otherwise perfect plan to get Vegeta.

Zarbon had been hinting more than once that he had actually gotten the prince and as far as I knew he was the only one to claim this and still live. Therefore I strongly suspected that it was the truth. The thought that I would probably not be the first one to tame the beast was a bit disappointing but only a bit.

Vegeta was still a prize of very high value.

I scowled darkly. I only hoped that Zarbon was not here to interfere. Like me he had requested to be sent on this trip instead of the assigned team members - or at least that was the official version. He could as well have been sent by Frieza himself to keep an eye or two on one or more members of this purging team. I knew that Frieza was pretty possessive about Vegeta. I strongly assumed that even Zarbon, being Frieza's right hand man, had been given permission to pursue the prince, for what reason remained unknown.

'Hmph. He can try to hinder me but we'll see about who succeeds in the end.' This just meant that I had to give my best in The Game... just like I liked it.

I stomped into the common room, where I nearly stumbled upon the other Saiyajin that had come with Vegeta, his bodyguard or whatever he was. He was perched in front of the food-vendor and looked as if somebody had just ripped his favourite teddy bear.

Son Goku

Having nothing better to do I went back to the room with the chairs, table and goo-producing-machine I had discovered earlier. Sitting down in front of it, having nothing better to do I stared at the source of evil food, hoping that my glares would somehow impress that damn thing so that it produced steak or ramen rather than yucky nutritional slime.

I tried it from time to time to see if it worked.

After the fifth portion I gave up.

Suddenly I felt a presence behind me and turned only to find... Jeice looking down at me with an amused expression on his face. My tail uncoiled immediately and thumped the floor, giving away my mixed feelings. He had not been unfriendly towards me but I had no very good memories of him from our fight either plus Vegeta seemed to hate him with a vengeance. I decided to stay as neutral as possible anyway. No need to make yourself enemies if you didn't have to.

By the way... why was he here?

I figured that could only mean that he was part of the purging team. Recalling Vegeta's words I briefly wondered if he had known.

"Umm... hi. You assigned to this purge, too?" I asked, scratching my head nervously. His scrutinizing stare did nothing to calm my nerves.

Jeice

I chuckled at the expression of unease on the bodyguards face. So he remembered me. I wondered if he held more respect towards me than towards the unlucky Dodoria. I would eventually find out.

"Yes. Greetings... Son Goku, I believe? You are Vegeta's bodyguard, if I recall right. Tell me... I'm curious. Why does our prince take a bodyguard all of a sudden? He never has before." I purred, stepping nearer. I really was curious. I wondered if Vegeta felt hunted and that was the reason he thought that he needed protection. The man in front of me had impressed me a bit when dealing with Dodoria and he was a nice view too. The prince certainly had good taste.

Son Goku

The stare of those inhuman red eyes would have made me shiver if I hadn't kept my control so tight. Somehow I had a feeling that I should not show weakness to this man.

"Don't ask me. I just got the assignment. Nobody told me why." I chose not to give anything more away, if Jeice didn't know it yet. Should he figure it out on his own... By the expression on his face I could tell that he was not satisfied.

Jeice

I could tell that he wasn't giving me the truth or at least not all of it. That was fine with me. Certainly, my sights were set on Vegeta, but I would not turn down a bit of playing on the side and this man, whether he knew it or not, had just challenged me.

I wondered if he knew the Game. As far as I was informed he had just been brought up from the surface and I had never seen him on the ship before.

Oh well, if he didn't he would learn very quick, taking his appearance. I would be surprised if half of the guys in the dining hall had not already set their sights on him. Saiyajin were highly popular, not only as fighters but also among the Players, due to their passionate nature, their great durability and those tails.

Those tails were more alluring than was good for the race...

Yes, Saiyajin were well sought after throughout the galaxy and Frieza had certainly hit bull's eye by securing the whole planet for himself.

Zarbon

I paced along silently and heard voices coming from the commons. I paused and pressed the button for the door to open. Leaning in I smiled charmingly at the two occupants, my eyes first landing on Jeice who's eyes narrowed slightly at me and then on the new Saiyajin.

I did not worry about Jeice. He was merely worried that I might object to his advances upon a certain prince. If he were able to handle such a prize then I was quite content to watch it happen. The less effort expended to enjoy something the better. I might even lend him some wisdom and a hand once the preliminary and harder parts were over with.

Looking over the tall man I smiled a little wider. He looked even better up close. So far I had only seen him from across a large room.

So well built, slim and muscular and not too blocky and his tail curled behind him with agitation showing his moods and emotions so well. He was a bit nervous.

"And who is this?" I questioned good naturedly. That was one thing that did not make sense...or made perfect sense. I was not sure yet.

"Fresh from the surface, right? Vegeta's new bodyguard. You are close to the prince then?" I probed while noting that Jeice's expression suggested that I was intruding.

Good. He need not get too cocky just because I was letting him have his way with one prospect.

Frieza had left the prince's welfare in my hands for the time being. He had not stated that he was off limits but that he was to be handled properly. The blonde's leash stretched only so far as long as his obvious intentions corresponded with that.

And Frieza's last orders... It almost made me smile. Such an interesting thing to know about Saiyajin. It made them even more attractive. That was another reason I decided to take this purge. But orders had been explicit. He was not to be allowed with his own kind from now on...except for certain ones and this man was obviously not one of those.

Jeice

At the sound of a voice from behind me my head snapped around only to notice that Zarbon had finally arrived. His voice was overly friendly but I knew him well enough to decipher the undertones. Aha. So another one of the major Players had arrived.

I followed his appraising look over to Son Goku and smirked.

Hm... could it be that he had already set his sights on a new conquest? Probably. I had to admit that the newcomer was pleasing to the eye, so why not.

At least that meant that Zarbon would be occupied and hopefully wouldn't interfere with my own plans. For that I was willing to step back on this challenge. Vegeta had been on my mind too long. I would settle this once and for all. I nodded slightly, indicating to Zarbon that I understood his claim.

Lets be civil. Live and let live...

Son Goku

Another man entered the room and I recognized him immediately. I didn't know about Vegeta, but I was pretty unhappy with our choice of team-mates.

It just had to be people I would meet in the future!

Zarbon eyed me just as oddly as Jeice had and again I had the feeling that I missed on something important. My gaze flickered between the red-skinned more fragile alien and the more massive yet graceful brawny green skinned warrior. It almost felt as if some sort of unspoken agreement was made here...

I almost missed Zarbon's question but then I felt his eyes bore into me. I studied the Repta-jin closely. He was as big as me, probably even a bit taller. He was pretty good looking with that fair green skin and that braided green hair and he probably knew it, judging by the way he moved and held himself.

I frowned at his question. It seemed everyone was asking me the same things! This was not only getting annoying, and quick so, it also made me suspicious. Why did everyone want to know about my relation towards Vegeta? Did they regard me as a threat or only as an unstable variable? Maybe Vegeta had been right. I should be very careful and try to act as much in character as I could muster.

"That's no business of yours. All you need to know is that I'm here to protect the prince." was therefore my calm but cutting answer.

Jeice

Shaking my head I retreated, almost unnoticed. Zarbon really did not loose any time. Son Goku did not look too comfortable though.

Zarbon had the reputation of being a pretty exceptional lover for those who subdued their selves to him. But he could get quite... violent if he felt denied or rejected. Therefore most of his past pursuits had given in rather quickly, knowing this and his current power level, which surpassed everyone but Frieza. Murmurs got around that he had seriously hurt several and probably even killed one or two of his love interests who had not played along, before.

"I'm going to get the ship ready for lift off." I said, stepping out of the room and over to the command centre. Let's get this mission going. There would be plenty of opportunities when we were on our way.

Zarbon

I continued to smile despite the gruff answer and did not miss the slight movement that Jeice made in my direction. I stepped into the room.

"Wonderful." I said easily. "Your loyalty is admirable. Yet another able body protecting the prince can only be counted as a blessing."

My eyes slid over him again as I said the phrase 'able body'. It definitely was!

"The prince is important. His safety is one of our main concerns." I took a seat beside the tense man.

"But I wish to know about *you*. My name is Zarbon. Normally the prince would be commanding this purge but since I am here I am the one in charge. I need to know my fellow team-mates, don't I?" I leaned closer to him, my charming smile never twitching, waiting for him to relax a bit. Though...a little tension was always nice as well, I thought with amusement.

Son Goku

Loyalty? Me? I almost laughed but caught myself in the last minute.

I did not feel very loyal towards Vegeta. For a moment I frowned. I didn't, did I? Well, of course I felt certainly more loyal to him than to anyone else in this time. Though loyal just wasn't the fitting term...

"Uh... Yeah, I guess so." I said, a bit uncertain as to what he wanted to hear.

Suddenly I noticed that Zarbon had sat down beside me. A little too close beside me for my personal liking. I had never before felt intimidated by others, but in this place nobody seemed to know the meaning of personal space!

I edged away from him as far as possible without seeming impolite. He spoke with a sable voice and his words were friendly. I recalled Bulma telling me about him. I did not think I had ever met him closely in person. If I recalled it right Vegeta had finished him off in the future. I wondered what their relationship had been - was - err… would be?

Bulma had said that he had been the nicest of Frieza's men, but that he had another, uglier side. She hadn't specified but only looked disgusted.

I was a bit clueless as how to handle him. He was so… so smooth. Not unfriendly though which didn't really give me a reason to be unfriendly in return. I just wondered why I still did not like him one bit.

Zarbon

Hmm... His tail lashed behind him and I made a point of not looking at it. He lacked the normal control that most exercised over their tails. Vegeta had been most perplexing with his. He managed to keep his feelings hidden almost flawlessly... usually.

That was a strange answer. He did not assert his prince as any other Saiyajin would. Such a pack race. They stuck together like a hive collection most of the time.

"I still have not heard your name. Or should I give you one myself? I can think of a few fitting ones." I said good naturedly as I reclined in the chair, giving off an air of total ease.

Son Goku

I relaxed a bit when he kept his easy nature and simply leant back. My tail calmed down too and only twitched slightly. I really would have to learn to keep it under control...

"My name is Son Goku." I said. Of course I knew who he was, but I wondered about the details. As far as I was informed he was Frieza's right hand. The question was... what was he doing on this ship?

Just in that moment I felt a slight vibration rock the walls of the room. I figured that we had taken off now.

Oh great... now I was really stuck...

"Zarbon…" The name rolled of my tongue as I tried it out and he looked at me curiously.

"I wonder why you and Jeice have been assigned to this purge. You're pretty high in the ranks, ne? Why are you sent on a normal purge like this?" I couldn't help but wonder.

Zarbon

"Ah. How perceptive you are. Well. I can only speak for myself. I requested it. Sometimes it is a good change from living on the warship and dealing with the stress." I glanced over at him.

"A chance to work out pent up frustrations and get some fresh air. Work with some new blood. It gets tedious dealing with the same people all the time. Don't you think? Sometimes you need a change." As I said this I leaned forward again coming nearly face to face with him before turning and gliding smoothly from my chair, brushing against him slightly, my braid swinging to slide against his shoulder as I strode by to one of the machines in the wall. I pressed a few buttons on it and waited for a humming sound to start and stop and then pulled open a section of it.

"You'll join me in a drink while we get underway, wont you, Son Goku? Which name do you prefer? May I call you Goku?" I asked turning and handing him one of two cups that took from the shelf.

Son Goku

Zarbon just gave me the creeps. The guy was friendly, and yet... I couldn't help but stare at him nervously, wishing I had some reason to go away. When he stood up and almost smacked me with that braid of his, I involuntarily flinched.

He swiftly placed a cup in my hands then sat down beside me again. I stared at the cup that seemed to hold some warm liquid that smelled pretty strong to my sensitive nose. Almost like Sake. I had never been very fond of the stuff. And that never fading smile...

I felt shivers run up and down my spine and my tail resolved to trashing wildly.

"Umm... As much as I would want to, I think I should go and see if Vegeta needs me for anything." I knew that this was a lame excuse but I didn't care right now. I just felt the urge to get away form here. I stood up, placing the cup back on the table. In my haste to get away I did not even notice that my wildly lashing tail bumped against the cup, spilling it's content all over the table and the floor. It was undignified but I more skidded then walked out of the door.

Zarbon

He had the gall! I quickly jumped up to avoid the mess of the splashing liquid and when I looked up again all I saw was his retreating backside cutting a sharp turn out of the door. I grimaced and scowled and almost lost my temper enough to yell something quite undignified at the foolish man but my eyes lit on that thickly fluffed out tail and I caught myself.

That tail was puffed out and snapping wildly as it disappeared around the corner. I paused, shaking away a few stray drops that had fallen on my person and my smile came back to me again.

How delightful. He was running scared already.

I decided that I would enjoy this one. I had never seen such a response from one of the mighty monkeys. But he would learn just what a mistake it was to brush me away so carelessly.

Vegeta

I came to one of the sleeping rooms and looked inside. It was empty and there was no sign that anyone had entered this one. I looked around the bunks and grimaced at the lack of privacy. There was nothing to be done about it though. I threw myself down on one bunk and crossed my hands behind my head.

Of all the bloody things that could have happened...

It might have been preferable to have had to deal with Dodoria!

I closed my eyes and made my mind blank. I needed to be calm if I was going to handle the situation in any kind of competent manner. Letting my breathing slow I pulled away from everything. This was nothing that I could not handle. I just had to stay in control.

No weakness.

The ship suddenly hummed to life and started to move. The trip was underway. It was only a short trip. No problem at all.

I soon found my calm centre again and the vibration of the engines helped to lull the time away. I would at least be able to have some time alone for a while.

Jeice

Someone had to supervise the first phase of the trip and I wasn't too unhappy that I got the task. It meant that I would be free later and now it gave me time to think on a strategy to get to Vegeta. Of course I was stronger than him so I could, if everything should fail, resolve to simply subduing him by strength but that would get messy since he was not too far below me.

I would have to exploit his weaknesses...

I cackled evilly as I steered the ship towards it's destination and into deep space. Vegeta would never know what hit him...

Vegeta

I sat back, relaxed. The engines hummed soothingly and the gentle easing movement of the ship had stopped letting me know that it was well on it's way after slowly speeding up to full power. We were now hurdling away from the battleship at full speed.

I took a deep breath and smiled contentedly.

Finally! Some *almost* real food! I set to eating my discovered hoard where I sat on the bunk. Every ship had a stash of "real" food for the higher officers and I had been around enough to have learned how to get to it. I took advantage of it whenever I could, like now.

Son Goku

I searched for Vegeta throughout the whole ship. It wasn't exactly big enough to get lost in so that only took a few minutes. I passed by the sleeping rooms and spied inside. He was sitting with his back to me, doing something that I couldn't quit see.

"Hey Vegeta! There you are!" I stalked nearer, curious.

"What are you doing?"

Vegeta

I stopped what I was doing when I heard the door open but then the baka's voice echoed through the room and I relaxed only marginally before my attention went again to his casual tone.

"Watch your tongue, baka! I already warned you before. You will speak with respect when you address me and it is none of your business anyway!" I snapped and took another bite from the tray of meat that I had secured for myself. I kept down the growl that threatened to come out in protection of my food. Trust another Saiyajin to bring out the more base side of my personality.

I was *not* willing to share. Especially with a cur who would not acknowledge his betters! Let him hunt down his own nourishment! Let him starve for all I cared.

Son Goku

Padding nearer still I peeked curiously over Vegeta's shoulder, completely ignoring his glare and the harsh voice.

I almost squealed at the sight. Real food! Meat!

Where the hell did he get that from? My mouth watered even at the prospect of something other than the goo of hell (TM).

"Wow! Meat! Where'd ya get that, Vegeta?" I edged closer, my eyes fixed on the treat. "Hmm... surely you can't eat all of this yourself..?" I cooed.

Vegeta

I bared my teeth at his audacity and pulled the tray nearer. Surely he would not dare to beg food from his prince! I scowled in disbelief at his too large eyes and the longing that he stared at *my* food with. My voice dripped with scorn.

"And who are you that I would even consider worthy of such knowledge. What reason could I possibly have to think that you might be worth more than the gruel every other warrior ordinary around here is fed with? You do not even acknowledge your ruling class, renegade." I growled at him with a glare.

Son Goku

My fingers were itching for the food. I could smell it, it's mouth-watering scent making my nostrils flare. I had to stop myself from drooling.

"Ah c'mon Vegeta, you can't let me starve here... " If it came to food I had absolutely no limits downwards. Whining, begging, fighting, whatever. If only I got my hands on that stuff!

Vegeta

I eyed him warily and my lip curled up slightly as I tensed. I spoke slowly and venom dripped from the very air between us.

"I am your PRINCE. If you will not defer to me then you can starve for as long as it takes for that overgrown muscle-bound body of yours to waste away. I will give no quarter to anyone who dares to feud my dominance and standing." I pulled the tray back and pushed it behind me, squaring against him dangerously.

He would NOT treat me this way! I would NOT accept it one moment longer. What made him think he could piss me off time and time again and then expect me to respond to his wants? I stared into his eyes unblinkingly, challenging him to defy me in this.

Son Goku

He couldn't be serious about this, could he?! This was enough for the both of us and he wanted to eat it all on his own? My tail puffed out twice it's size. Vegeta was so mean! He would never share with me! I growled low and moved quickly as lightning. My hand closed in on the tray and I pulled it towards me.

"That's really enough for the both of us, Vegeta!"

Vegeta

My eyes widened. He dared!!!

I didn't even take time to think. It was an automatic reaction. He was treading into my territory and claiming it as his own. I could not allow that. Saiyajin had always been close to their animalistic roots and the prince of them was certainly not an exception.

My ki flared and my fist snapped out faster than thought to send my rival falling on his ass. I did not wait an instant. I followed right after him pinning him there.

"You dare challenge me..." I hissed.

Son Goku

Having so focused on the delicious food right under my nose I didn't notice his reaction at first. True, he had always been pretty protective of his food but he also knew not to mess with me when food was involved. He knew that this was the only occasion that I could really turn nasty.

At least his future counterpart had known that.

I was therefore totally surprised when he suddenly pounced on me, a ki-charged punch to the chest leaving me temporarily out of breath.

I had not anticipated this and therefore was stunned for a moment or two. Growling low I stared up at his smug expression.

"I see. You're too selfish to share?"

Well too bad, maybe I would have to teach him some manners then! I bucked and squirmed, throwing him off and turned us over, pinning him down in return now. I smirked, my eyes darting over to the abandoned tray.

"Do you give up?"

Vegeta

He knocked me off of him as if I was nothing! Trapped beneath him I stiffened and snarled again and called every ounce of power at my disposal. I was not worried about showing my true strength.

All that flooded my mind was that I would NOT BE FELLED BY THE LIKES OF HIM!

I kicked my legs up and threw him off so that he landed on the floor and then rolled and leapt onto him again, my ki glowing a fiery blue around me.

I was on him again and grasping one of his fists as he gripped one of mine. I wrapped my thighs around his waist as we wrestled and squeezed painfully, feeling his muscles ripple and tighten under me. I snarled and glared down at him with bared teeth as we continued to flop and struggle for a position that would gain some advantage.

In the grappling I managed to free my left fist and strike him, drawing a splash of blood from his lips. I growled in triumph at the oozing crimson and squeezed tighter.

I couldn't help the grin that tugged at the sides of my mouth.

Challenge me?! He didn't know what he was dealing with!

Even while we fought I felt a thrill as he tried to throw me off. I had said he was muscle-bound but he was actually very trim and lithe and I could feel his racing pulse clearly...or was that mine? It didn't matter.

I enjoyed feeling him squirm in my grip. It had been a while since I had another Saiyajin in this position. I growled again.

"Submit!" I snapped through straining teeth and an oddly satisfied smirk. Angry though I was, I was always willing to indulge in a fight and I knew I already had him in my unyielding grasp. He was less able in such close quarters.

Son Goku

He didn't give up. Of course not. As if he ever had.

'THAT FOOD IS MINE!'

His vicious kick sent me flying. He had power-reserves that kept amazing me compared to when we first met.

I'd almost say he was stronger now than then...

Then he was on me again and we rolled around, limbs coiling around each other, fighting gnarling and struggling to keep the other down and get to the food first.

Since I still held in the back of my mind that I must not go super and he did not leave me any time to power up anyway, combined with the fact that I had never been very good in SO close combat in such a small space we were fairly evenly matched as we wrestled.

Growls and snarls sounded through the room as we fought silently, our rivalry on a whole new level now.

My mind was solemnly set on the food and my starving stomach, but I had the feeling that Vegeta was taking out some frustrations on me. I remembered him yelling about not respecting my ruling classes and that he would not take this from me. Well too bad! I might have given in any other time, but…

"NEVER!"

'I WILL NOT STARVE!'

Zarbon

I was wandering from the commons and considering just how I would approach the Saiyajin who had eluded me earlier when the sound of deep voices made me pause by one door. I heard something that sounded clearly like Vegeta growling.

I paused.

Jeice was piloting now so I knew that he could not be the source of the prince's disquiet right now. That left only one other.

Then I heard a loud snarl from behind the door.

"You dare challenge me..." Then a commotion erupted the likes of which only a pair of Saiyajin were capable of. My surprise turned to a grimace and I shook my head as I reached for the door release. The last thing I wanted was to have to deal with two monkeys...

But I had my orders. I had to keep the little prince from getting too close with this other. I opened the doors and stepped in.

"What is going on..."

Well, well...

How cosy. The larger one, Goku, was barely holding the fiery prince at bay where he perched on his stomach. I shook my head. They were so closely entangled that I was not sure just where one marvellously rippling body ended and the other began.

They rocked and struggled and clawed at each other like wild animals. I had never seen the prince so...feral... It was the most enchanting thing I had ever seen and I stared openly with a wide smile. Despite his smaller size he still managed to keep the other from taking control. They finally came to a hesitant halt and the prince snarled one word.

That was what made me break my trance. I cleared my throat and made my features turn questioning.

"Really, Vegeta. I would have thought that this was beneath you. I mean really. Fraternizing with your own bodyguard. Isn't that a bit...too casual?" I asked lightly though my eyes held them both intently as their heads snapped up to look at me.

Vegeta

I froze and stiffened even more, my adrenaline turning from hot to cold at the greenskinned alien's presence.

I realized what a delicate position we were in and my muscles clenched. I had no idea what Zarbon's reaction was going to be. He had always been unpredictable. The fact that he was standing there smiling made no difference. He always smiled.

Shit. The look in his eyes, blatant amused interest, yet hard.

He was staring at the both of us as if for the first time.

What was he going to do?

I did not move for an instant.

Son Goku

To my surprise and intense disliking I felt myself trapped beneath Vegeta.

He seemed to have some experience in wrestling like this and he used it to his advantage. Suddenly I heard another voice and my head snapped up as I looked to the door.

I could see Zarbon standing there, that odd smile on his face that seemed to be plastered there most of the time.

What? I tried to grasp the meaning of his words. Fraternizing? I was confused. What did our tumble about food have to do with fraternizing?

I could see the sudden strain in Vegeta's face and feel his body go rigid at the first sound of Zarbon's voice. This brought to my attention just how close we currently were.

He was perched atop me, his powerful thighs squeezing my torso.

Suddenly his muscles contracted and I gasped and then yowled.

Damn! That hurt!

"Ouch! Vegeta, what did you have to do that for?" I complained, face wearing a painful expression.

"All right, all right, you can have your food back, but stop trying to squeeze me to death!" I would get another chance at that delicious treat. I just did not like Zarbon's scrutinizing gaze and I wanted to get out of this uncomfortable position as soon as possible.

Vegeta

When Son suddenly yelped under me and conceded it snapped me back to myself.

Shit! I did it again! I was no coward and I need not give in to anyone! I turned away from Zarbon's disturbing expression and back to the man under me who had now stopped fighting back in favour of trying to pry my legs from his waist. I did not relinquish my grip. I had a chance to assert my own authority here.

That was what this was all about.

I used all my strength and tightened down another inch. I was in control here and even with Zarbon standing at the door... I felt the undeniable need to finish what had started.

Like hell was I going to back down now when he had begun to surrender!

"Oujisama." I stated with narrow eyes, ignoring the other alien. He *would* use my proper title! I could not let him get away with that in front of Zarbon.

I leaned down to come face to face with him not letting go in the slightest. I could feel his pulse against my body, our hot breath mingling as we both began to calm. His breathing was shallow from the tight choking hold I had on him. He stared up at me with disbelief and stubborn refusal and I stared back with a deadly seriousness that I could not have faked.

This was one of the moments that I had dreaded from the first time he had defied me in front of Radditz. I gazed directly into his eyes and breathed so low that only he could hear me.

"On your life."

And on mine too. Damn Zarbon...why did he have to be here?! Why at this exact moment?!

Son Goku

Instead of letting go Vegeta tightened his grip some more. It was getting hard to breathe now.

What the hell was he doing??

I tried to call my power to me but failed. It had always been the worst case if I got trapped like this.

For a moment I wondered if I just should teleport out of this lock but decided against it. No one here knew about my instant transmission technique and it was better to keep it that way. I squirmed some more, trying to break the deadly lock of those powerful thighs.

Narrowing my eyes to slits I stared up to Vegeta as he said that title. What was he playing at? I turned my head to Zarbon. He seemed greatly amused about something. I did not like being laughed at!

What the hell was Vegeta thinking? Degrading me like this in front of another? Did he actually think I would give in to him? I had said he could have his stupid food back! What else did he want??

I had never yet surrendered to him and especially not to this stupid game of his! Something inside me reasoned that these were different circumstances, that probably this Vegeta had other motivations than the Vegeta of my time. That one only wanted to humiliate and degrade me. This one was actually seeing his position endangered if I did not pay him his due respect.

But all the logic did not help.

I just could not forget the years-long mind-struggle he and I had had back in the future. I was incapable of surrendering to him.

'On your life' He seemed serious about this.

Well, so was I!

I whispered back, a little breathless but louder than he had.

"Never!"

Then I bucked wildly, trying desperately to throw him off.

Zarbon

Oh wow! I was completely taken aback.

It seemed that the prince had had only a momentary lapse. To see him like this. So dominating and possessive! It was a sight to behold. Maybe it was a mistake to allow Jeice such leeway.

'Never?'

I blinked in surprise.

What was this??

I grinned. A defiant Saiyajin! With his prince no less!! I couldn't believe it but there it was! My my...

Could this be why the prince had chosen him? Why he had brought such a delectable yet odd being along with him? The prince always loved a challenge and he had always been one. I felt the tension rise and licked my lips as they suddenly fell back into their violent wrestling match again, seeming to have forgotten my presence!

I knew that I should put a stop to this... but it was so arousing to watch. Vegeta was really angry now. I was sure that much of it had to do with the fact that he was not alone to dominate his little playmate. One thing he could never stand was being undermined.

But then again... it is hard to respect a prince with no power.

I stared at them and couldn't help but undress the romping. My imagination had always been rather wild.

Oh yes. I would have so much fun with this one but the prince was gaining my attention again as well. Perhaps I would have to have a talk with that blonde *friend* of mine.

Vegeta

I grit my teeth when he began to fight again.

Idiot!! Fucking brain-dead moron!!

I grappled for purchase and to keep him still but he was fighting as if it was the most important thing in the galaxy... but so was I and I knew *why* it was important!

Fucking baka asshole!!

I told him that I would take him down with me. I always kept my word! I would not go down alone! I was not about to let him do this to me just because he was a selfish stubborn fool!

I let out a loud animalistic howl and asserted my full power. I had already been powered up but now I focused it as well as possible in such close combat. I would not be humiliated by my own kinsman. I would not show weakness.

***

~ in the command centre ~

***

Jeice

I punched in the last row of codes and leant back with a sigh. Finally, the first and most complicated phase of the flight was over.

From now on the ships computer could take over most of the work, though it would have to be supervised from time to time. The journey would not take very long. Only about 18 hours from the ship to the planet at top speed. This was unusual. Most purges were way out of our territory. I had no detailed information on this planet but it must have been known before. Frieza knew every planet within his territory.

Probably it was punishment-purge. Maybe the residents of this planet had been found defiant of Frieza and this raid was to get rid of a possible future problem.

It had happened before.

No doubt it would happen again.

I stood up and left the command centre in favour of searching for food and company. I wondered where my team-mates could be.

Especially one saiyan prince…

Grinning I sped up my pace. I first looked for them in the common room but it was deserted. Then my ears registered the sounds I had been hearing subconsciously for quite a while. It was a kind of tumbling and crashing.

I frowned. What the fuck... It came from one of the two bedrooms.

I stepped over and saw Zarbon leaning in the doorway, a rapt fascinated expression on his face. I stepped beside him and peered inside.

My eyes went wide.

"Zarbon! What's going on here?" I asked breathlessly, not daring to tear my eyes away from the display.

Our two monkey were seemingly going at it like... well... like only Saiyajin could. After a second I figured out that this was not what it had seemed first. It was rather a fight than foreplay. Still it was one of the most erotic things I had ever seen.

Those two powerful bodies, twisting around each other, muscles bulging, tails lashing, vicious snarls filling the air...

Despite the fact that I was momentarily stunned and almost instantly a slight jealousy at their closeness arose, I felt something else also on the rise...

Zarbon

I turned to Jeice, those thoughts still floating through my head. That would have to wait until later.

I quickly turned back to the fight, not wanting to miss an instant.

It was... preoccupying to say the least.

"It seems... that someone has shown the need to be taught his place... and he is a slow learner." I said quietly with a wide grin.

"I'm sure we have been blessed and will never see something like this ever again. I do wish that this ship had cameras installed here. Watch and learn. This is what the monkeys truly are."

I bit my lip as the prince again found his way on top and a smear of blood could be seen on the metal floor beneath them now. I was not sure whom it had come from. They both still looked relatively fine.

Just...enraged beyond anything else.

Finally I took a deep breath and spoke again, not turning away from the two combatants.

"I don't think that anything is being solved so far. I may regret this but... what say we put an end to it before they damage each other?" I suggested with a heavy heart and a pounding pulse. I hoped that they would have some energy left over because... I *definitely* did.

Son Goku

He fought me seriously with all he had, but I did not give in single inch. By now we had tumbled down from the bed and onto the floor.

There weren't many punches, it was more clawing and trying to suppress the other. At one point Vegeta even bit me on the arm!

I had totally forgotten about our audience by now. I was solemnly focused on giving what I was receiving.

And strangely, this kind of fight fuelled my battle lust even more. I felt feverish and bursting with life and I almost could not contain a wild feral laughter as I managed to flop positions yet again, but was rewarded with a vicious slicing punch that ripped open my cheek. We both bled from several small wounds now but neither did care one bit. The scent of blood and the slick feeling of skin on skin only added to the heat of the fight. Our uniforms were torn in several places by now and we both breathed harsh and rapid.

One of Vegeta's hands was fisted in my hair and the other was flat against my abdomen. He seemed to want and try another tactic because suddenly it started to glow as he summoned his ki. I growled low and tried again to grip his tail, knowing that if I got him there I would have won the fight.

I couldn't help it, my own ki rose in response and I was at the brink of going super, my eye-colour already flickering aqua once or twice.

Jeice

Their skin was slick with hot red blood by now. I still did not know why they were fighting but I could guess that it was some kind of dominance thing. Something about ranking probably.

Whatever it was, I sincerely hoped that Son Goku had not set his sights on Vegeta. The prince was mine! Mine alone! No one would come between us!

I nodded to Zarbon.

"Yes. As much as I like the show, it wouldn't do to let them have all the fun on their own, don't you think?"

This was kind of an offer and a test in one. This was when he could show me what he thought about my obvious advance on Vegeta. If he disapproved he could make himself clear now, but that was when the problems really would start, because I was not willing to give my prey up without a fight.

Vegeta

I no longer felt the worry of Zarbon's presence. I no longer thought about proving my strength. I no longer thought about anything but putting down my rival.

I felt nothing but his presence and his heat, his scent and ki and fists. I had to put him down. I would not stop before he was still and submissive!

There was no other possible action. No other thought. It controlled my every move and I fought as viciously as I ever had. Blood and spit and sweat all mingled and I could taste it in the air. I still had him by the waist and had that much of an advantage since he was short of breath but it restricted my movements too much. I couldn't relinquish my hold though. It would leave me too open.

I called on my ki as far as I could stretch it. He matched me power for power, strength for strength.

It made my blood sing with the sheer energy of it. My grin showed sharp bloody teeth and I forced us into yet another roll.

I would not be dominated! I found my way on top of the other yet again and sank my teeth veraciously into a wrist that strayed too close to my face while he tried to stop me.

Zarbon

I did not reply right away. Instead I considered it. Just what did I have in mind now?

I had reasoned to leave Jeice to his own instruments but now...looking on this...

I remembered how much fun it had been.

I smiled again and called my energy to myself.

"I am willing to share." I stated and a small chuckle rose in my throat as a particularly sharp yelp came from the writhing heap. I couldn't tell who had made the sound. Oh my but it was exciting to watch them.

"I just want to have some fun. The rest...I've done it. It's time for something new." Then without further ado I created a focussed energy blast and aimed. I knew better than to step into the midst of two rabid beasts. I released my energy and knocked the bloody prince sprawling slickly to slide across the metallic floor.

Son Goku

Yikes!!! I felt sharp canines sink into my skin and yelped.

That fucking hurt!!!!

I hissed viciously and summoned my own ki, fury breaking all boundaries.

But just as I was about to explode suddenly a beam of ki cut through the air above me, slamming square into Vegeta's chest.

I could see the surprise on his face as he went airborne and skidded to a halt at the wall some feet from me.

I whirled around, the heat of the fight still making my blood boil, baring my teeth and hissing at the intruder. How dare he intervene! This was our fight and no one should dare to disturb this! This was supposed to settle a few issues once and for all!

My whole body was under strain and I was literally on my fingertips and toes, tail lashing behind me, just about to pounce at the intruder. My normal restraints had been shot to hell several times throughout the fight and I felt my blood burn hot.

Vegeta

I flopped and slipped, my side seared from some unknown attacker. Swearing I found my feet and glared back at the other end of the room.

Blood had run into my eyes and coloured my vision, making it blurred and red.

Damn it! I would not be denied!

I leapt back toward my prey, ignoring all else. I slammed into him while he was distracted and we both slid to impact the opposite wall, clawing and tearing at each other.

Son Goku

While I was snarling at the intruders suddenly something impacted with me and I was thrown hard against the wall. I did not take long to recover though.

I was going to show Vegeta a thing or two!

How dared he attack me as cowardly as that!

He should by now know that I was stronger than him!

All reason was lost long ago. It made no difference anymore that this was not the Vegeta I had known for so many years.

All the pent up frustration, the anger, the hurt, the tension broke free.

I leapt at him, gnarling loudly. We clashed, tumbling through the whole room.

Zarbon

I grimaced distastefully now. I did not want to have to exert so much effort for this.

"Would you care to lend a hand this time?" I said to Jeice.

"I think that it will be rather messy if we don't stop them. It would be such a waste."

I walked over to be able to aim from a different angle and charged up another blast. I paused to admire the bared flesh that showed in such wonderful contrast to the bloody wounds and the shredded clothing that hung from them both in tatters.

Oh...I would be dreaming of this for weeks!

Taking a deep steadying breath I blasted the prince away from the bodyguard again.

"Catch him this time, will you?" I admonished Jeice with an amused smile that turned more intent as I watched Goku climb to his feet and hiss almost like a true animal. I blasted him as well, sending him to bounce off the far wall. I did not bother to be as gentle with him as I was with the prince. As long as he was not too damaged it would not affect my fun. It was the prince that I had orders to keep in one piece.

Jeice

Shaking my head at this unbelievable display I was more than happy to lend a hand. After Zarbon had separated them I quickly stepped forward and gripped Vegeta before he was able to recover from the blast.

I caught him in a head lock, pressing that delicious lithe frame against my own, relishing in the heat that radiated from that squirming body.

"Now, now, Vegeta, get a hold of yourself. He's not worth it. Really, if you're that desperate, there's much better options at hand..." I purred smiling into his ear, reasserting my hold as he started to struggle and hiss. The friction was delicious! I really had to thank Son Goku for first providing such a show, such a turn-on, and now this wonderful opportunity. I had to make this wild beast in my arms mine!

Zarbon

As soon as the other Saiyajin started to slide down the wall I was there to catch him. I flipped him face down onto the ground, caught one of his legs in mine, and bent his arms back painfully, securing my hold. If he moved I could just twist them further and he was held immobile by the leverage I gained.

On top of that I held a very nice position pressed against his backside between his muscular thighs. I did not mind the blood. Never did.

I smiled broadly down at my catch and murmured soothingly to him as he growled and spat.

"Now now, we don't want you hurting yourself. It would not do for you to kill each other. Not at all. You understand that. I think that we should all just calm down... and perhaps we can negotiate terms." The man beneath me was not calming down very quickly, his tail lashed, striking the ground with audible snaps. I smirked and moved one hand to catch it in a tight but not painful grip. The touch caused him to freeze under the threat of what could happen if I pinched it none too gently.

Son Goku

Suddenly we were separated yet again and I growled at the loss of body contact. Then I was hit by a ki-blast too. It didn't really hurt me, but it was enough to knock me over and before I could recover I was pressed to the floor, my limbs secured and bent painfully and felt a heavy body press down upon mine.

I hissed furiously and tried to throw him off, but at that very moment he caught hold of my tail. I had totally forgotten that it thrashed around behind me.

I froze. Memories of excruciating pain crossed my mind.

Shit! SHIT! How could I have been so careless?

I dared not move, holding perfectly still, my erratic breathing the only sound, and the quivering of my over stimulated muscles the only movement.

"Let go! This is none of your concern!" I snarled angrily.

Vegeta

I tugged at the strong arm around my throat but could not pull it away. It tightened and choked off the air from my heaving lungs. I tried to buck and wrench away but I was held firmly against my attacker's body.

The scent of my rival was all around me but I could not reach him! I was trapped. The one thing that pervaded my mind was to take down my opponent and I could not. The frustration gnawed at me and I growled a choked groan while my captor pulled me even closer. Reality was barely starting to encroach upon my mind once again under the haze of hot bloodlust and fury. The warmth pressed against me, grinding at my back.

I wheezed, snarling at it. They dared to deny me what was rightfully mine! I would not be denied! I would kill him before I gave in! Slowly my thoughts started to clear but even as they did, the lack of oxygen while my blood sped through my veins was beginning to get to me. I struggled for precious air but the grip on my throat only tightened cutting it all away. I finally stopped, relaxing slightly as my lungs began to burn. I could hold out for a while but not longer than my captor.

Jeice

My arm around the prince's neck held him securely threatening to suffocate him if he did not stop struggling. I pressed my body close to his, much closer than necessary to hold him. I hoped he felt and knew it.

I had to bite back a small moan at the delicious friction that powerful body was creating against mine. Slowly he ceased fighting and I felt him desperately trying to draw much needed air into his lungs.

This complete power I held over him at this moment was the biggest turn on I had ever had. If not for the other two in the room I might have tried my hit here and now, but I preferred a bit of privacy and no doubt better occasions would arise on this purge.

Zarbon

I leaned in closer to my captive, my tone was light and friendly.

"That is not true. It is my concern. I am in charge here. I can't leave with four team mates and return with only two. Just imagine the paperwork I would have to fill out." I resettled myself into a more comfortable position. The body below me was so hot and tense and lean. I was enjoying myself immensely.

"You don't want to make my job harder than it already is, do you?" I did not take my hand from his tail. I could see that he was still too worked up to be thinking clearly and I did not want to have to hurt him too much... at least not yet.

"It is time to leave the room now, Goku. This will not be solved today." I continued calmly.

Vegeta

Finally a cold rush of air swept my throat and I relaxed a bit more. My mind clearing more and more by the second. I now identified the one holding me.

I was *not* where I wanted to be at all. I had to get Jeice to let go. I had to get some sort of space between us.

"I... I am calm. Let me go." I said with a gravely hushed hiss, my throat felt sore from all the yelling and from being nearly crushed.

Son Goku

My chest heaved up and down as that hand on my tail gripped just a tad bit tighter. It was not really painful, not yet, but the threat was distinct. From my position on the floor I looked around the room. Vegeta was held by Jeice and his expression was less than thrilled about the fact. He too was slowly calming, I could see it.

Suddenly I realized what I had done. I had gotten worked up about a damn piece of meat! All my resolutions had gone out of the window! Not only had I broken the vow I had given Vegeta before the real need arose - though food was very important to me it certainly did not dignify these extreme measures - but I had gotten myself into exactly the kind of trouble that I had wanted to avoid at all costs.

With the realisation my body slumped and lost all it's tension. My head went to the floor and I pressed my cheeks to the cold metal as I closed my eyes.

Damn. I should have better restraint than this! Instead of acting considerate and careful and trying to stay out of anything that might change the time-line I had done the complete opposite.

Yes, I was affected by Vegeta, yes, somehow he seemed to be the only one able to make me loose control like this, but still... I should know better!

I turned my head to try and look at Zarbon but found it impossible.

"Let go. I promise I'll stay away from him."

Jeice

Pity...

I almost wished he would not have given in so soon. I liked dominating him like this. Oh well... let him think about it. Looking forward to it was almost better than it happening for real.

I loosened my grip slightly.

"There... that's better." I still wondered what had started the whole thing.

"Care to tell me what this was all about?" Carefully I let go of him though I still stayed near enough to feel the heat of his body.

Vegeta

I couldn't believe that this one argument had escalated so high. How could I have lost control enough to allow something like this to happen?!

I didn't know. I could barely remember any of it. It had been so fast and so violent. I had not intended to go so far. How could I have lost control enough to have to be restrained by *them*?!

Was I a fool?!

It was as much that other bastard's fault as it was mine. He challenged me. He would not relent. He would not concede!

I felt my pulse begin to hitch again and I was sure that Jeice could tell. He was so close and he did not seem to be willing to back away. I quickly relaxed as much as I could again.

"No. It is none of your business." I stated stiffly, my voice was still pinched and raw. I glared over at where Son was being held. The idiot. I should have killed him. I would have. I could have. I was a fool to allow him to come here. I wanted to wrap my bare hands around his neck and...and...

Somehow I could not quite keep a grip on my rage. It seemed to bleed away and I suddenly was so very tired. Baka!

Zarbon

"I don't know..." I said thoughtfully.

"It was so very hard to get you two apart in the first place. I'm not sure that I can trust you. Can I trust you, Goku?" I asked sweetly into his ear. He was delightfully compliant now. It made me want to let go even less but this was not the time. The blood that had soaked into my clothing felt sticky and uncomfortable. I would wait for more favourable conditions.

"Perhaps you should come with me rather than staying by yourself."

Son Goku

"Yes, you can trust me! And I don't need any babysitting! Now let go!" What was this guy doing... ? I could feel his breath tickling my neck. Was it absolutely necessary to stay that close? Okay so I had lost control but I promised, for heavens sake. He could back away now.

I was so tired. This day had been very demanding so far. I had no idea how late it was, but my body was still exhausted from the healing and I was not in my prime condition.

Plus… I was absolutely starving.

"I just want something to eat, dammit... and then I'm going to sleep." I didn't want anyone around. Not Jeice, not Zarbon and definitely not Vegeta. I recalled the ships interior, two bedrooms... Damn.

"I'm going to sleep in the common room. Now release me. I want to get away from here."

Zarbon

I sighed breathily.

"As you wish." I pulled back and let go of him, moving fluidly to my feet and brushing at the blood with a delicate frown.

"That was certainly a sight. I have heard of how vicious Saiyajin can be but I have only ever *heard* of such brutal fights. To see it first hand... I must remember to tread softly around you, Goku." I said with good natured teasing, casting him my best charming smile and giving him my hand to help him stand.

Jeice

"Hmm. As you wish." I let go of him so suddenly that he almost lost his balance and toppled over. The fight must have taken an extraordinary amount of energy from him. I looked at Son Goku with new respect. As far as I knew Vegeta was considered just about one of the strongest Saiyajin. If he had been able to stand up to him to this extent... I heard Son Goku's statement and almost smirked. It seemed that Zarbon would have an even harder part than me. It was clear that this was a stubborn one.

"I think we better keep you two separated for tonight. Maybe I should share a room with you, Vegeta, just to make sure that... everything is going to be all right."

Son Goku

I ignored the outstretched hand and gracefully stood up, noticing the many sore places on my body in the process. There were no big injuries but I felt quite tender from the many places that had taken pressure.

I snorted at Zarbons coy retort and really looked around the room for the first time. The first thing I noticed was the sharp pang of blood in the air. I was surprised at the amount of the crimson fluid that was all over the place. Both of us had small surface wounds and cuts, but they had bled pretty well.

I stretched, checking my body. No, nothing grave, but painful nevertheless.

"I'm leavig." I stated, my voice calm and cold.

I didn't look back at Vegeta or the other occupants of the room but instead stepped out of the door and over to the small cleaning facility, intent on getting the sticky blood off my body.

Vegeta

I caught myself and straightened. Tensely I searched for some way to get away from the blonde.

"I am fine. I need no looking after. I will take my shift piloting..." I glanced between the two aliens after Son left.

"Who is supervising the navigation system?" I asked abruptly.

Zarbon

I smiled teasingly at the red alien, trying to ignore the Saiyajin who just left the room.

"Why, Jeice, isn't that your duty right now?" I asked him.

"It's been a while. You better run along back to it." I turned and sauntered slowly out of the room to clean myself up as well. I did not like being dirty. It was one of my pet peeves. I resigned to spending a long hour washing my hair thoroughly. I walked away, asking myself if I probably would be lucky enough to meet Goku in the hygiene cell.

Jeice

"I have set the course. It will do on its own till we approach Asora-sei now." I looked at them both as Zarbon walked out of the door. I was disappointed but not overly surprised at Vegeta's refusal.

"Well, then you should look out... for the navigation now. I will see you later... prince." I said.

Son Goku

After having cleaned up as best as I was able I went to search for a replacement for the torn spandex suit. I found it in a small wardrobe in the other bedroom. I quickly changed and then went back to the common room. I stared at the food producing machine for the longest time, musing about how all this had started because I wanted some meat and Vegeta had not wanted to share.

I really was not sure who was more to blame for the outcome. I still felt heat pulse through my body at the memory of the fight. This was probably the most intense experience I ever had.

Why was it always Vegeta? And why did we always have to fight? I did not really want to fight him. But he made me so furious! His voice, his behaviour, his arrogance! Even his damn scent!

I gritted my teeth and pressed the button. I abhorred the grey mass I got with all my heart but I had no choice. Either this or starve or get into another fight with Vegeta. I quickly swallowed the slop, trying not to taste it. Afterwards I sat down in one corner of the room.

It was not comfortable but I did not want to go back into that room and risk meeting any of the others.

This was so fucked up! And so embarrassing... And so hot...

With that thought I slowly slipped into the welcoming darkness of sleep. First I slept with one eye open as I did not feel safe at all, but soon exhaustion took over.

Vegeta

Once everyone was gone I sank onto my bunk and leaned back against the wall, not caring about the bloody rags I wore.

What the hell had come over me?! I had not been thinking things through for a while. I proved that when I had allowed that Son Goku to play upon my sympathies. I remembered exactly what the fight had been about. It had not been about food. It had been about that idiot's belligerent behaviour.

Thinking of the food though... I pulled the tray near and finished off what I had left.

I still stood by my logic in it but I had not needed to be so explicit about it. He had already shown that he did not react well to force. I should have been able to find another way. I shook my head. I had not thought of the consequences. I had been foolish. And in front of Zarbon of all people! Frieza would know every detail by the time we returned to the battleship. That Son was making things even harder than they would have been.

Finally I stood up and strode down to the com-centre to check the equipment. Then I headed back to clean myself up and get a new uniform. By now I should be able to do so in peace. Afterwards I settled myself in the pilot's chair and closed my eyes. I had not worn myself out this much in a fight in a long time. I had not even been severely wounded but I was exhausted. I drifted off to sleep knowing that if there were any problems the warning alarms would wake me. I needed to get my strength back.

~ to be continued ~

Outro (introducing our favourite mud wrestling Saiyajin)

Dark Serapha: *perches upon a lamp post which bears a flickering light bulb that casts murky shadows all around*

Well well... yet another instalment of our monumental work... I think this was rather hot and steamy, didn't you, my rogue? Having them tumble all over each other like that...

Rogue: Mmmm.... *shows a satisfied smirk, eyes half lidded* My tail is still puffed out twice its size. I had a hard time getting over that one scene.

Son Goku: *emerges from behind the corner and storms towards the lamp post, shaking it furiously as soon as he reaches it* How dare you try and starve me! This is intolerable! When I agreed to do this for you, you never ever mentioned the grey goo of hell!!

Dark Serapha: GAH! *nearly falls down lamp post and manages in last second to cling to it with toes and fingertips, wings flapping furiously*

Will you cut that out! You agreed to do everything we say as long as we include at least six lemons!

Rogue: *is suddenly displaced by a raging Saiyajin and grins* Son!! Down boy! If you aren't good to my angel I will have to make sure that something much worse happens to you than starvation. *smirks evilly* Believe me. I have quite an imagination.

Dark Serapha: *manages to crawl up onto lamp post again, slowly straightening her ruffled feathers and glaring down at the enraged Saiyajin* You better believe her, I know her! She's going to do unspeakable things to you! *ponders* Oh wait, she's going to do that anyway... *shrugs* Well, too bad. You signed the contract and now you have to pull through with whatever we want to do...

Son Goku: *groans and slowly slumps down a brick wall, covering face with hands* What did I do... Why me… *mumbles

Rogue: That's right. *gives a wide grin* You belong to us now. *slides a finger along a large muscled bicep* Forsake all hope and just be good. You may be rewarded later...

Vegeta: *stalks out from the shadows and glares around* I don't see why I am the one who has had to deal with all this shit so far! Nothing has happened to him other than what he brought on himself by trying to steal my food and act like an idiot! *crosses his arms indignantly*

Son Goku: *looks up hopefully* Rewarded? *eyes sparkle* Food? *drools

Dark Serapha: *groans and shakes head* I swear, getting those two together is harder than finding a reliable doujinshi source on the internet! Anyways, do you remember the challenge to our readers in the last outro, my lovely? *tries to ignore Son and Vegeta who are staring strangely at each other - you can't really see whether they want to kill each other or do something else…

Rogue: *sweatdrops* *presses hands to temples and stares up to the heavens* Oh boy... what one track minds... *smirks* Just like us, I guess. Challenge? You mean to guess who did which masterpiece...I mean character?

Dark Serapha: *nods* Yes. We got a few guesses...

Rogue: *sly smile* Yes, I saw. Somehow it is the consensus that I did Jeice. Which means that either I am a genius to have fooled them so perfectly...or I am absolutely horrible to have made it soooo obvious... Or that my wonderfully talented partner has just as much evil in her as I. *smiles and glances around at nothing in particular* Who knows...

Dark Serapha: *smirks knowingly* Well, we won't tell you yet... you can leave more guesses. And you can include Zarbon too. Maybe we'll tell you in the next chapter...

Rogue: Hmph. Maybe.

Dark Serapha: Well, my lovely, I think we have been joined by some others beside our dearest Saiyajin here at our shadowy street corners, haven't we?

Rogue *glances down to the ground and smiles* Aw yes. We seem to have gained a new pet. *reaches down and caresses Chibi Gemi's hair where she is chained to the corner* I love the fanatical loyalty. We won't get annoyed with you, love. You are welcome to stay and we will continue to supply your needs as long as you like. *looks back to angel* I told you our gathering would grow once they get addicted.

Dark Serapha: *smiles too then turns head and casts a glance into the shadows, smirking knowingly* Yes.. and I think I just saw our proud vampire Dynishra lurking back there in the shadows. I have a feeling that she finally gave up resistance and surrendered to the power of the blood and of the street corner…

Rogue: I have a feeling we shall see more of her from now on. Now that she has seen just a little more of the wares we have access to.

Dark Serapha: *turns gaze back to her partner in crime* But I must say I am quite disappointed at the reviews we get on fanfiction.net. *turns to readers* Hey you there! Is nobody beside Lauryn reading this or are you just too lazy to review? Hm? *scowls

Rogue: *sigh* Yes. It has been a bit disappointing. Our friends have ignored us it seems. If they care so little I have no qualms about retrieving my wasted efforts. I can sell my citrus elsewhere if they have no use for it. *frowns and shakes head* If they are not willing to come to my corner then they can suffer without.

Dark Serapha: *waves calmingly* Let's not be too strict with them, maybe they just forgot... but still I'd be more than happy to see a bit more enthusiasm there.

So... what is going to happen next... should we give them a hint, my dear Rogue?

Rogue: Heh, I suppose. *smirks* Well... The purge of course. Just how do you think Son will endure the bloodshed and screams for mercy? Do you think he can control himself while watching an entire civilisation turn to dust? *glances over to where the two Saiyajin seem to be snarling and staring each other down* Hmmm....

Dark Serapha: Oh you tease! You're falling back into the Vegeta mindset! You know just as well as me that in reality mmhmmphhmmph! *glares and growls at Rogue who is gagging her*

Rogue: *grips angel tightly* Hopefully Son will have at least a little more control than *you* do.

Dark Serapha: *indignantly removes gag from her mouth* Okay, okay, I got it! I won't tell... sheesh!

Rogue: I hope not. Remember the rule. Let them build up the ache and then give them just enough so that they come back for more. That is how a lucrative business like this one is run.

Dark Serapha: Pfff... *folds arms and stares pointedly into the shadows, then sighs and turns around again to face readers*

Okay, there's two more things I'd like to add. First, some readers have been asking us about the creation of different time-lines and such stuff.. *glares but then smirks winking* All I have to say to that is that some people are more intelligent than is good form them...! *growl

And others have asked about if there is going to be a chapter about what happens in the present with the other Vegeta. Would you like to answer that?

Rogue: I suppose that it is only fair to explore the family a bit. Have they even noticed that Son is gone? Do they care? What was up with Vegeta anyway. He was such a jerk. Well... he usually is a jerk... Anyway. We will do a *future* chapter soon. Even though the future does not exist at the moment... *looks thoughtful* Hmm... Now how does that work? The future does not exist... but Son came from the future... and he exists... but if he were killed or never born... but then... and the present... um... *stares off into space for a moment and then shakes it off* Whatever. It doesn't matter. What matters is that it will/did happen and that's it.

Dark Serapha: *sighs* You just can't stop teasing and confusing then, can you? Saying that the future does not exist at them moment! *shakes head* Forgive her, it's just the way she is... I guess we will leave you all now until the next chapter.. *walks over to Son, grabs his sleeve and starts pulling him off into the dark

Son Goku:

...

...????

Hey! Where are we going?? I wasn't finished yet with Vegeta! Hey! HEY! You listening here? I WANT SOME DECENT FOOD!

Dark Serapha: *smirks* Are you coming, lovely? I want to get ready for the next chapter.. you know what's coming up... Vegeta and Son will need all their strength.

Rogue: *smirks* *walks over and wraps her tail around her ouji's arm* Of course I am coming. Come with me, my prince. It is your chapter next time. *draws him away into the dark, following her angel* *pauses and smirks off into the night* Oh... And maybe, soon, sooner than you think... You will come to visit us, my lovely vampire. Instead of lurking in the shadows. *disappears*