Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ In'lar-Anth - Through Darkest Destiny ❯ High Noon on Asora-sei ( Chapter 4 )

Warnings for this chapter:

Non consensual lime, cussing, ugly fish men

Pairing: G x V, V x G - J x V, Z x G

'…' = thoughts

Intro

Seek & Destroy

We are scanning the scene
in the city tonight
We are looking for you
to start up a fight
There is an evil feeling
in our brains
But it is nothing new
you know it drives us insane

Running,
On our way
Hiding,
You will pay
Dying,
One thousand deaths
Running,
On our way
Hiding,
You will pay
Dying,
One thousand deaths
Searching,
Seek and Destroy
Searching,
Seek and Destroy
Searching,
Seek and Destroy
Searching,
Seek and Destroy

There is no escape
and that is for sure
This is the end, we won't take any more
Say goodbye
to the world you live in
You have always been taking
but now you're giving

Running,
On our way
Hiding,
You will pay
Dying,
One thousand deaths
Running,
On our way
Hiding,
You will pay
Dying,
One thousand deaths
Searching,
Seek and Destroy
Searching,
Seek and Destroy
Searching,
Seek and Destroy
Searching,
Seek and Destroy

Our brains are on fire
with the feeling to kill
And it will not go away
until our dreams are fulfilled
There is only one thing
on our minds
Don't try running away
`cause you're the one we will find

Running,
On our way
Hiding,
You will pay
Dying,
One thousand deaths
Running,
On our way
Hiding,
You will pay
Dying,
One thousand deaths
Searching,
Seek and Destroy
Searching,
Seek and Destroy
Searching,
Seek and Destroy
Searching,
Seek and Destroy

("Seek & Destroy" by Metallica)

In'lar-Anth - Through Darkest Destiny

Chapter 4: High Noon on Asora-sei

Vegeta

Blood.

Blood and sweat and pain.

I could taste the salty liquid on my tongue and it was warm and relaxing. I breathed in the scent of it and smiled down at my prey. Ha! I always won in the end. Satisfied contentment blanketed everything but beneath it was a rabid racing excitement that made me want to howl. Warm comfort held me in it's embrace... but... suddenly something felt off... Something... My senses perked and I jerked awake.

I was not alone. My eyes snapped open and focused on a face only inches from my own. Fuck!! How could I have slept so heavily?! I managed to cut off my growl half way through.

Jeice

Approaching the command centre I wondered if I had given the prince enough time to calm down and settle his flustered feathers. I did not want him preoccupied... It had been some hours and I had used them well, preparing mentally and physically for the next part of my plan. Divide the prey from the group, then secure it so that it cannot get away. Explore it's weaknesses and then use them against it. Having seen that fight and the actions that came next still aroused me whenever I recalled that lithe body pressed against mine. I had gotten a good idea about what might be Vegeta's weaknesses.

The door hissed open and I entered stealthily. It was quiet inside the command room beside the occasional beep of some radar screen or another. The pilots chair was turned in the opposite direction but a small shock of flaming midnight hair was plainly visible. The door closed behind me and I stepped nearer. I did not know if Vegeta simply did not want to acknowledge me or... I reached the chair and smiled deviously. Fate was with me! This must have been meant to be.

There was my ice-prince, sleeping as peacefully as a newborn baby! Perfect! I stalked around the chair, studying that magnificent body. He must have been really exhausted from the fight or he would have noticed me earlier. Good. I hoped he had replenished his energy. He would need it! It was no fun without a bit of a fight... I leaned in close, relishing in the fact that I could do as I wanted now and he did not even know it. I breathed that heady scent that was so distinctive for the Saiyajin. I did not have such a crush on the race like for example Zarbon did, but I had to admit that the monkeys with their excellent physique and those beautiful tails were quite something. But so far I had only set my sights on this special subject. Having only participated in the Game for a very few years now, the other Games I had played so far were of minor nature. Vegeta had been my goal from the first day. Maybe because he was so proud - a worthy opponent to my own proud nature. I felt... connected to him.. I had seen him fend off every other Player with the possible exception of Zarbon. I knew him better than he thought. I had found myself in a similar situation on a few occasions, mainly before I had joined the Ginyu-force. If I could take him down I would be one of the very major Players immediately. No one would dare to take on me! Yes, I would have the proud monkey prince and I would prove to them all what I was worth!

Suddenly I felt a change in his breathing pattern. Smirking I leant in even closer. He would wake soon. A few moments later he blinked drowsily.

"Good morning, my prince. I hope you slept well?" I said my voice clearly amused.

Vegeta

I forced myself completely awake. How could I have been *that* worn out that I would let him get so close?! Straightening, I never let my eyes stray from his and I pulled back against the chair before I could stop myself. Damn it! That was what he wanted! He wanted to throw me off guard! Pulling myself together I scowled and glared at him.

"What do you want?"

As soon as the words came out I regretted them. Shit! Great choice in phrasing, I chastised myself.

Jeice

What an excellent choice in words. He tried to retreat but was inevitably caught between my body and the chair. If he did not want to look chicken he would have to stay where he was.

"What do you think I want?" I said with a coy smile. One hand reached up and traced his cheek. His eyes went wide. He had known it for a long time but now that it got serious he was still unprepared. I could feel his breathing get ragged and chuckled low.

"You can make this easy or hard for yourself, my lovely prince... but the outcome will be the same, no matter what."

Vegeta

How dare he!! The light stroke of his fingers surprised me. Up until now I had managed to keep him away. It had never gotten further than mental sparring but... I had let my guard down. How the hell was I going to manipulate this situation? I couldn't move away without him being able to stop me at the moment. I was as trapped as I had ever been. Shit! He was not going to back down. My heart rate jumped up and I struggled to keep my uncertainty hidden. I couldn't let him think that he had me off balance! I did the most natural thing that came to me. I caught his wrist in an iron grip and held it away. Now that I had done that, though, I had to keep going. I couldn't back down either. I was not some frightened prey. I would not be hunted damn it! If he thought I would just give in then he was sorely mistaken.

"Not today, Jeice." I spat the name and eyed him disdainfully. I would not be subjugated. Not by *him*.

Jeice

My smile turned into a full blown grin. So he did want to put up a fight. Very well! This would make things so much more interesting... In my mind I kept replaying scenes from the fight a few hours ago and I felt myself respond to the mental stimulation combined with the presence of the beautiful prince in front of me. Such a fire-born creature despite the fact that I liked to call him my ice-prince. He had snatched my wrist and pried it away from his face. Clearly he was not very happy. Such a pity... Lightning-quick I reversed the grip so that now I was gripping his wrist with an iron hard clamp. That cat-fight had taught me that I must not leave him time to power up. I caught his other hand as he jerked angrily and tried to punch me so that I had now both of his fists secured. I leant in even closer, then suddenly drew back and pulled. He was surprised and followed the movement, half getting up from the chair. I bent and pried his legs apart so that I was able to fit snugly in between his powerful thighs. Instantly I sat down and now I had him secured between my body and the back of the chair, his lower body straddling my hips. I wondered if he could already feel what I had for him...

I smirked at the speed of my movement. We might be pretty close power wise, but I topped him in speed a hundred times. Plus I had actually practised this. As said, he would never know just what had hit him...

Vegeta

Oh hell! Son of a bitch! Fucking... My mental cussing continued on even as I desperately tried to think of a way out of this. My legs tightened instinctively and I snarled trying to free my hands. My eyes widened and I almost froze at the hardness that pressed against me.

"Get the fuck off of me!!" He was not *that* much stronger! I was not going to let him take me so easily! I levered my arms up and drew him closer still to me so that we stared directly at one another. He grinned at me as if he had triumphed already. Like hell! In one swift fluid move I reared back and head butted him squarely.

"Kisama! Don't ever take me lightly!"

Jeice

White blinding pain flourished inside my skull. Fucking son of a bitch! I had to admit that I had underestimated him. His only problem was... pain only managed to turn me on. The more he fought me the more I wanted him. I smirked, even as a drop of blood ran down from my forehead, over my brows and down to my mouth were I licked it away delicately.

"Mmmh... so delightful..." And with that I jerked both of his arms roughly to one side, using my own arm to press against his throat, effectively cutting of his air-supply. Yes, that fight had been very interesting... he didn't seem to cope well with having trouble breathing. That also left me the chance to press against his body full force and I stared into the prince's flaming black orbs. Hate was burning in there, but I imagined also that I could see a tiny spark of fear beneath that raging fire.

***

~ at the same time, elsewhere on the ship ~

***

Zarbon

I wandered from the second sleeping room. Jeice had disappeared a short while ago. I could only assume that I knew where he had run off to. Oh well. I had grown rather bored over the last hours and wondered if perhaps Goku really had slept in the common room. I stopped at the first sleeping room and glanced in. It was empty and still rather bloodied. I frowned distastefully but then pictured what I had witnessed earlier. It had been so very delightful…

I turned away and continued on to the common room with a sly smile. Now where did that brawny Saiyajin hide... I stepped into the room and saw no one right away but then I spied him. He was off in the corner. I stood for a moment and took in his handsome features. His tail curled around his muscular thigh so fetchingly, the tip twitching lightly. He was the picture of relaxed peacefulness. So in contrast from the snarling animal I had had the pleasure of holding at bay earlier.

I walked over to him silently and knelt beside him. What a sight. He was a little bit of everything... and he had already run from me once. Most Saiyajin were incapable of such a thing. It intrigued me.

Son Goku

I dreamt. In my dream I was back home. I was lying in my bed, sleeping peacefully. Everything was all right, I just knew it. In the morning I would visit my sons and we would talk about their daily life, about how Goten's college was going and what Gohan's newest case was. I would play with my granddaughter and then take my boys off to a warming spar. Afterwards I would fly over to Capsule Corp, not using IT because it was nice and warm and I would want to relish the beautiful summer air. I would meet up with Vegeta and an all out battle would ensue, but one that left us both with a satisfied feeling. We would drop down into the grass outside our usual sparring ground and simply lie there, watching the sun go down. Peaceful silence would hold on for a long while. We had done that before, but it had been years since... but it would be good again. Everything would be good again. In my sleep I smiled and curled up, purring slightly in contentment. Everything would be all right. Nothing was there to be feared.

A voice gradually seeped into my dream, making me frown. I was not used to having anyone in the house anymore. Goten rarely slept over and Gohan never did, since the house was too small for his whole family. So who could this be? The voice was not familiar.

Zarbon

"Wore yourself out, didn't you?" I kept my tone unthreatening and friendly. I did not want to startle him awake. That would not help my intentions at all.

"Did you sleep well here on the floor? You needn't have. There is a whole other sleeping room. There is no reason for you to endure the prince's company all the time." I told him, staying where I was until he had come completely awake. It always paid to give a good first impression. I wanted this particular specimen to relax a bit before I pressed him. If he really was as strong as the prince... it was going to be a challenge unless he gave in first. But... I had always enjoyed a challenge.

Son Goku

Slowly I left the deep waters of sleep and drifted closer to the shore of wakefulness. Stretching slowly I discovered that many of my muscles were sore, which added to my growing confusion. Why..?

That voice slowly dragged my mind into consciousness. It was soothing, not unpleasant and yet somehow it disturbed me. Something was wrong.. it was too pleasant…

'What...? Not endure the prince's company...?' Slowly I opened my eyes and blinked into the light. My first impression was green. I blinked again, but it would not pass. I stretched again and sat up, rubbing my eyes tiredly. Finally I was awake enough to really look around. I was quite startled when I recognized Zarbon right next to me.

"Is something wrong..?"

He was smiling at me with that unsettling smile again. I nervously looked around but no one else was in sight.

Why was he waking me? Had we arrived already? Or was my presence required somewhere? Frowning I blinked at him.

Zarbon

My smile widened as his almost inaudible purr faltered and he groggily opened his eyes. He looked so unguarded, taking so much time to stir. Normally I would have expected him to jerk awake at the merest suggestion of another being near. That was how I was certain most Saiyajin reacted.

"Nothing is wrong. We should be nearing the planet soon. I thought I would come see how you were. You aren't injured from your fight with the prince are you?" I took this chance to reach out and slide my hand over his sturdy chest and new uniform. He tensed and I raised my eyebrows disarmingly.

"You look stiff. You are not in pain are you? I can help." I slid my hand up to his shoulder, bringing my other hand up to grip his opposite shoulder as well, my fingers sliding over the corded muscle and pressing lightly into the tight grooves and planes. Out of the corner of my eye I saw his tail begin to twitch and thump on the ground. This would be fun. I looked into his eyes innocently. Just offering to help. A little relief from his stress.

Son Goku

When he touched me I stiffened. This was really getting irritating! Why was he so concerned about me? He seemed to be fairly nice guy - surprising for one in Frieza's services - but his constant presence and this odd neglecting of personal space was starting to grate on my nerves.

Yet I could not help a small involuntary purr as he dug his fingers into the stiff muscles at my neck. I *did* feel stiff and sore from the fight and the unusual sleep position. It occurred to me that I had wanted to keep an eye open. It was probably very foolish of me to have slept that deeply. But nothing harmful seemed to have come of it - good thing Zarbon had come to wake me. I had a feeling that neither Vegeta nor Jeice would have been that friendly.

Friendly!

I almost laughed. I had always thought that all of Frieza's men were nothing but ruthless killers! But Zarbon had not shown anything but friendliness so far. It was confusing to say the least! Where were the bloodthirsty mass murderers that I had anticipated? Could it really be that he just disguised himself?

All the while he had kept on kneading my sore neck and I felt myself surrender to the touch unwillingly. It just felt pleasant. Yet I did not fully trust him. Oddly it seemed as if his body was coming closer and closer every minute. I nearly could feel the strange heat radiating off him - or was it myself who radiated heat? The touch was making me feel uneasy. I kept throwing him cautious looks. As pleasant as it was, I wished he would stop and leave me alone. I wondered how to say that without sounding too impolite...

Zarbon

It took a few moments but he gave in to me. I licked my lips and shifted a bit for a better vantage. Yes. His muscles slowly loosened under my talented hands and I pressed a little more intently, creeping a bit closer. He even started a very faint purr again. I worked his neck and let my hands roam further, concentrating on the sound of his breathing and the feel of his firm flesh beneath my fingers.

Images of him rolling and snarling savagely all covered in blood came to mind and I fully let myself get carried away by it. By now I had found my way behind his broad shoulders and I slowly pressed up against him, sliding my hands down his chest and draping my arms over him. He tensed suddenly and I smiled widely against his ear letting my hot breath tickle him.

"That's better. Don't you think?" I held him close and loved the feeling when he stirred and tried to wriggle away. I did not give way though.

Son Goku

Over my deep philosophical musings on the nature of Frieza's killers I did not notice at first that this massage, offered as a friendly help from a comrade in arms, had gotten something... different by now. What I was not sure, but I was sure that I did not like how much closer he had gotten to me and how he was circling those arms around me and how that breath was tickling my neck and…

My eyes snapped open and I doubled my efforts to wriggle out of this situation, suddenly not caring about what impression that gave anymore.

"Umm.. thanks for the help and all but... could you... umm... let me go now?" I was still willing to try the diplomatic way before resolving to more desperate measures. I could only muse about the strange sense of comradeship they had here! I was definitely NOT used to being snuggled by a fellow warrior!

Zarbon

I grinned as his struggle escalated and changed my grip. I caught one of his arms in my own and pressed him off balance to the side, sliding around him fluidly and pressing his chest back to the other wall with one gentle but firm hand. Deftly I slipped my knee between his thighs and crouched over him.

"But, Goku, I was just getting started. I'm sure I know plenty of techniques that will help you relax. Of course... some people like tension. I'm not above a bit of good, aggressive, lively tension. Could be fun." I stared at him calculatingly, my smile never dropping away. If he thought I was going to let him walk away again, he was wrong.

Son Goku

I froze for a second as he doubled his efforts rather than stopping. Now this was really getting uncomfortable!

"No thank you! I really think I am tense... umm... I mean relaxed enough!"

I almost added 'And keep you hands to yourself!' to the sentence but bit it back last moment. He probably really just wanted to be helpful. I really didn't want to be impolite but this was getting way too intimidating. I pushed him back a little harder than probably necessary and tried to slip out of the firm hold he had on my shoulders without hurting him.

Zarbon

I grinned at his nervous response and pressed his shoulders back against the wall for a moment but then he pushed back. He managed to unseat me enough to slip by. It was a little annoying but I watched his tail snap in agitation while he retreated again, giving me a hunted look. I chuckled under my breath and stood up. I so enjoyed this part.

"Now, now. You're not leaving already are you, Goku? I so like your company... unlike that gruff prince. He was so inconsiderate to you earlier."

Son Goku

Finally I managed to pry off his grip and get up. My tail puffed out briskly as I tried to calm my nerves. Really, I was probably getting worked up over nothing. He just tried to be nice. There was nothing wrong with that. Was there?

I refused to run from him like a scared cat! I had no idea what made me so nervous about him but there was really no reason for such a behaviour! He talked about my encounter with Vegeta earlier. I had not thought much about it till now. I did not remember too many details, it was all a haze in my mind. But to my surprise I discovered that I was not angry with the prince. To be honest, it had been a bit my fault, insisting on him sharing his food when he clearly had not wanted too. I still did not understand how we got so worked up about that, but though I was still a bit ruffled about his arrogant behaviour I held no real grudge against him. Zarbon unsettled me far more than he did. Though I briefly wondered why that was the case...

"I am sure Vegeta didn't really mean that. We'll get over that quickly as soon as we can talk about it." I said in a calm manner. Still my tail lashed wildly behind me and I forced it to slowly stop. I turned to face Zarbon and smiled, not wanting to show just how much he had unsettled me.

"Thank you for your help, Zarbon. I think I should go now and talk to Vegeta. It won't do for us to stay cross for this purge. It is not very efficient." Straightening my clothes I turned and started walking out of the room.

Zarbon

Oh. What a game he played. He was obviously in search of any means to get away but he was not going to run like he had before. That was a bit more satisfying.

It didn't matter. There was no place he could go. I eyed him as he talked quickly. He was such a prize. His muscles stood out perfectly beneath the spandex and the armour had to do little to accentuate it. His tail lashed behind him. Then what he said came through my busy thoughts.

'Speak to Vegeta?' Did he actually say he planned to reason with the prince of Saiyajin?

Just what sort of man was this? The fight had been over dominance. That much had been clear from what I heard and saw. And now... he spoke as if he and Vegeta were equals. My eyes narrowed only slightly and I started to follow him.

"I think that Vegeta may be busy, Goku." I caught up to him out in the hallway but he stayed a step ahead of me continuing to retreat.

"What makes you think that the prince of Saiyajin will listen to or even care what his bodyguard's opinion is?" I questioned him slightly suspiciously even though my eyes and attention slid down to that waving tail and trim backside that continued to move away from me.

Son Goku

He kept following me despite my hopes that he would simply leave me alone. At first I had only said that I wanted to speak with Vegeta to get rid of him - somehow I always seemed to resort to using Vegeta as an excuse - but now I realized that I actually really felt the urge to make up with the prince. It wouldn't do to stay cross with the only one who probably was willing to help me around here. I was still pretty aggravated by Vegeta's behaviour earlier, this lousy fight for a stupid title and the likes of it, but I was at least willing to give in a bit if he was too.

I was however NOT going to provide anymore entertainment! I did not like Zarbon following me around and so I stopped right in the middle of the corridor, resulting in the green-skinned warrior almost bumping into my backside. I turned around sharply.

"He will have to care! I know how to deal with Vegeta. I will make him listen. Don't worry. It's nothing of your concern anyway!" I paused, trying to calm my voice and take the sharp edge of annoyance out of it.

"Don't you have any important matters like preparing for mass mur... err... the purge or something?" I more sneered than said. He was really unnerving me!

Zarbon

My smile slipped now. So he finally decided to show his teeth. I was wondering if this would be as easy as it had seemed at first. I brushed away the implied insult. It was not much of one anyway. But what he said about the prince again struck me as abnormal.

"You will make him listen? How... quaint. I think the prince is my concern." I drew up to my full height and faced him with an easy manner but not lightly.

"What you say can be taken many ways. The prince is not the concern of his lesser kinsmen. Whatever you have in mind... It will not happen." I looked him in the eyes with a superior knowing expression.

"You are out of your league anyway. Back down while you are still alive. Jeice will not be as easy as I would be."

Son Goku

I blinked a few times. Jeice? What did this have to do with Jeice?

'Out of my league..?' Frowning I tilted my head. What was he hinting at? I only wanted to make up with Vegeta as the only person around I even vaguely knew!

'His concern?' Now what was that supposed to mean? I folded my arms and held his gaze steadily, not backing away in the slightest.

"I have no idea what you are talking about and I really cannot see how Vegeta could be your concern. Neither do I know what Jeice has to do with the whole thing. I only want to settle things back to how they were before this unnecessary misunderstanding happened."

Zarbon

I watched him with sudden distrust. He professed ignorance. But I was not about to believe that. He was too sure of himself. He faced me with no fear whatsoever. He was foolhardy. He didn't actually expect me to believe him, did he? I gave a small polite laugh.

"That's the thing about reality. You can't take anything back. What's said is said and what's done is done. Go. See your prince. Only know that you will not gain anything. I will though. You can trust that." I stepped back from him and gestured down the hall with my wide smile back in place. He had just made a grave mistake. I would make sure he paid for it. I now saw him differently. I would enjoy dealing with him at my leisure.

Son Goku

That sudden withdrawing was sure welcome but the slight air of hostility I thought I could sense took me aback. I wondered what I had said. And just what he meant by gaining. I shrugged it off, mumbling under my breath about weird, clingy, mood-swinging aliens who did not make any sense at all. He could bugger off for all I cared.

I made my way to the command room, thinking all the while about how to approach the topic. I had already figured that this time's Vegeta was even more hot tempered then my time's Vegeta, if that was possible. He seemed ready to jump to conclusions and onto every word that didn't fit his sight of the world. I had no idea why he was so aggressive. But I knew that I would have to settle this. He was my only ally in this strange world. Until my family found a way to bring me back I had to stay on his good side.

The door to the command centre slid open and I stepped inside, still deep in thoughts. Shaking it off I tried to focus and casually stepped over to the pilot's chair that I could only see from the backside.

"Vegeta? We need to talk..."

***

~ inside the command centre ~

***

Vegeta

I choked slightly when Jeice pressed painfully against my throat. Wrenching, I tried to move, tried to pry him off in any way I could find but all it did was cause friction... He was still just *that much* stronger. I couldn't do a damn thing in this position. I should never have let my guard down! He ground against me and I wheezed, sneering up at him with hate filled eyes. I loathed him. I would kill him for this! I was not so much below him that he could ever turn his back on me! Kami! I was helpless! Fucking helpless!! I couldn't stand the admission.

'Get the hell off!' I tried to squirm again with renewed fury but it only gave the same effect and the expression of pleased amusement and lust on the bastard's red face made me freeze again.

Jeice

He tried to free his hands, no doubt in an attempt to pry of my arm from his throat. Unluckily I had him secured real tight. Whenever he moved he squirmed against me in the most pleasurable way. I could see the fury and loathing in his eyes. That was just what I wanted. I wanted to dominate him and I wanted him to understand fully the power I held over him. He was caught tight between me and the backside of the chair and I was now so close to him that I could feel his heart flutter erratically in his chest. I lightened my hold on him slightly, allowing him to draw a breath. He did so, shallowly, closing his eyes in the process as he tried to fill his lungs as deep as possible with the much needed oxygen.

"You live only on my whim now. I could kill you with a flick of my wrist. But I won't, my dear, prince. It would be such a waste. There are so many things we could do together! Why aren't you fighting me anymore? Maybe you realized that you like it this way? You like being dominated, don't you? Tell me... did Zarbon do this too? Have you been Zarbon's little slut, my lovely prince...?" I whispered it to his ear, my voice silken and husky. I knew just how much he would hate this. My goal was to make him surrender to me in the end. There were several ways to do this. I could make this pleasurable for the both of us…

"If you surrender to me I can make you feel good, Vegeta. I will wipe out his memory in you and replace it with my own. You will never forget me, little prince..." I leant closer and slowly, delicately licked down his jaw, savouring the salty flavour of fear I found there.

But suddenly I heard the hiss of the door and my head snapped back. No! It can't be! Zarbon must have figured what I was about to do… He said he would share! He wouldn't...

Then I recognized the voice. Oh damn! Not that idiot! Now of all moments! I considered my choices. I could pull this through... but I did not know how the bodyguard would react, finding his prince in this... circumstance. And it would be much more difficult to take on both of them. I thought hastily, hearing him padding nearer.

Vegeta

The words burned and set fire to my rage and shame. I growled low through clenched teeth. I live on no one's whim! Least of all his!

Zarbon... How dare he! Zarbon was one thing. Something I had had to come to terms with. Choices on the matter were slim. Little slut! My mind was rife with images of what I would do to this bastard the first chance I got. This blushing blonde bimbo was something else all together! He might have gained the upper hand but he was not so strong that he could ever dominate me! Not on his life! Disgust flashed through me with the journey of his slick tongue. I couldn't take this! No! I would not go through this! Not again! He would have to beat me to within an inch of my life before he could win! I bucked again, not caring what the action did. I had to get him off of me. I had to get away!

Then the sound of a door opening reached my ears and I stilled again, staring up at my attacker. Now what?!

If... My eyes widened. That voice. Son! I was almost relieved...almost.

Jeice

Hissing sharply I stared down at my lovely prey. So close! Damn! But, I tried to calm myself, there would be other chances. I knew how to get him, and I still had one or two aces up my sleeve. I growled low. Just for this I would take it rough on the little monkey. I would make him scream out in pain and beg for his pathetic life!

"Don't think it's over yet! He might save you now but he won't be around forever...!" I grinned viciously then moved lightning quick and bit into his full lower lip, drawing a small amount of blood. I licked it from my lips as I let him go and moved to stand up.

"So now that's been cleared I'll see you when we reach the planet, Vegeta." I said in the most calm and controlled voice, smiling innocently. I faked surprise at the presence of the other Saiyajin.

"Oh, hello there Son Goku! I didn't hear you come in! Want to watch the landing? It's always so exiting to see new planets and discover new challenges, isn't it?" I sauntered past him and towards the door.

Son Goku

As I stepped closer to the chair I suddenly saw Jeice appear from somewhere behind it where I had not been able to see him before. For a moment it almost looked as if he had been pretty near to Vegeta.. but… I must have been mistaken. I was surprised but then he said something to Vegeta and greeted me. I nodded at him and he went right past me and out the door. I did not waste any more thoughts on him as I reached the chair.

Vegeta was sitting there, looking cool and collected like always, but something was off nevertheless. I frowned. Why did I have that impression? Studying him closely I finally noticed that he breathed a little too fast and a vein throbbed in his forehead. I wondered if he had gotten into yet another fight with Jeice. The redskin had looked perfectly content when he left the room. Shrugging I decided that it was none of my concern anyway.

"Vegeta..?" I wondered just how to start this... I did not really want to apologize. It had not been my fault alone - well, not entirely. Maybe half. Hrmph. Anyways he would have to come my way at least a bit!

Vegeta

That idiot kept on proving how valuable his presence was. He had the most phenomenal timing! I watched the thoughts race through Jeice's eyes. It only took him a second to come to a decision. I stiffened in surprise when he dove at me and pain shot through my mouth. Then he retreated and I watched him pull back with fury.

'Argh! I don't need Son to protect me!' I would find a way to deal with him! It didn't matter that Son would not be around forever. What mattered was that he was here right now. Then Jeice was moving away and I glanced down to regain my composure, swallowing to try and relieve my bruised throat. It felt tight but that was not from Jeice's treatment. He wanted to threaten me with weakness. If he tried that again he would learn that normally I could hold my breath much longer than just after a full-on brawl with another Saiyajin. Shortness of breath was not one of my weaknesses. I still could not see the baka though that did not mean he couldn't see me. Clearing my face of any expression I waited an instant and then looked up to watch him come into view. I raised an eyebrow, giving myself a chance to steady my voice.

"Yes?"

Son Goku

Sighing I scratched my head in my usual manner. Those who knew me would know that this meant that I was either embarrassed or nervous. He looked at me with that air of composed regality he always wore so well. I shuffled my feet and tried to find the right words.

"I just... can we talk?

Vegeta

Talk? At this particular moment I was willing to share that food with him if it would ensure that he kept playing his role! I was not about to let him know that though. I wondered just how much he saw when he first came in. He looked hesitant and unsure of himself. I decided that it did not really matter if he did see. There was no show of force in front of him. There had been no show of force once he entered. He already did not respect my authority. I straightened and breathed a sigh, watching him coolly.

"Speak."

Son Goku

Graciously he acknowledged me. I almost growled low in annoyance yet again. I always reacted like this to him. There had been a time when I had been indefinitely patient with him. I had never shown how much his continuing insults and pricks got on my nerves. I had played the happy-go-lucky-carefree idiot for everyone.

I had been so sick of it.

But I had to restrain myself. This was neither the time nor the right person.

"I just wanted to say that..."

I took a deep breath. Calm, Goku! It was your fault and you have to admit it!

"I'm... kinda sorry for what happened earlier. I still think you could have shared..." I added quickly and then continued.

"But I did not want to cause you trouble. Okay?"

Vegeta

My eyes narrowed. That was the most pathetic apology I had ever heard. But he offered it. Most Saiyajin would never have even ended up in a position to demand something like an apology. Our race held little stock in words. I leaned my head to the side and studied him.

"You refuse to defer to me. What reason do I have to be gracious to someone who shows only rebellious behaviour and does not in turn give me the respect due my position, birth, and painstakingly gained status?" I did not expect any kind of answer and continued before he could give one.

"I am not the only one you have caused trouble for. You will have to deal with your own problems soon enough." I stated crossly.

Son Goku

Clenching my teeth I closed my eyes and counted to ten. He was NOT making things any better!

"You do not understand! I was jut so... and you were... and then...! Argh!" I breathed heavily, trying to calm down when his last words hit home. I raised one eyebrow curiously.

"Trouble..?" I had no idea what he spoke of.

"What do you mean by that?"

Vegeta

Though I wasn't really annoyed with him anymore, I still was not going to give in to him. It was not a battle of wills anymore. It was a matter of pride and honour and respect. It was a matter of pride in one's race and rulers. But right now I was relieved enough that I was willing to answer his question, brainless though it was.

I frowned. Why did I have to explain this to him? How had he survived so long just blundering around like he obviously was?!

"Don't you know anything at all about battle strategy?" I asked him incredulously.

Son Goku

"Battle strategy..?" Now I was completely confused. What the hell did that have to... oh. Was he referring to the purge. My face grew blank.

"I'm not sure what you mean." But I had the dreadful feeling that I knew exactly what he meant. I had almost forgotten about it and now my sorrows returned full force.

Vegeta

I leaned forward and pinned him with hard eyes.

"You are a rebel and a defector. What do you say to that? You have flaunted your traitorous behaviour in front of one of the most powerful aliens on the battleship. And you have undermined my authority at the same time. You have done just what I warned you about only yesterday. You wish to learn what your life is worth? Well. You may just find out what mine is worth as well. Zarbon is Frieza's right hand. And he has taken notice of you. Surely you are not that dense as to not know what that means." I leaned back in the chair and just looked at him. Like I knew before, he would not manage to get to Frieza. He would die first. But he *had* brought me trouble just like I knew he would... My frown grew even darker. He was surprised. He showed confusion and surprise. I growled out loud.

"Where the hell did you come from that you don't know such a fundamental thing like survival?! Do you even understand what I have just said?"

Son Goku

No. I did not understand. So this wasn't about the purge?

"Rebel? Traitor? When have I betrayed you, Vegeta? I don't know how we got into that fight yesterday, but it was as much your fault as it was mine!" Zarbon had taken notice of me? So what? I couldn't care less what the Rapta-jin thought or did. But the mention of Frieza sobered me. It was bad enough that I had met all those people, I had absolutely no wish to meet the Ice-jin.

"You are speaking in riddles. Sure, that fight was a bit unpleasant and all, but I really don't see what this has to do with survival and all that stuff you keep blabbering about..."

Vegeta

"Baka! A newborn cub has more of a sense for danger than you do. I refuse to baby-sit you when all you bring me is more shit to be mindful of." I stood up finally and stepped forward to look up at him with hard eyes.

"You speak to me as if we were equals. You have from the beginning. No other Saiyajin has ever been less than respectful to his royalty. You are an anomaly. And, challenging as that is, it catches attention from more than just Saiyajin." I looked him up and down from where I stood just before him and then looked him in the eye once more.

"Zarbon has always had good taste." I stated bitterly. I supposed I should feel fortunate that he thought Son was so interesting. But he was bringing me into it as well! I stepped away again.

"It was one of the most foolish things I have done in years, bringing you here." I looked out of the ships window at the purplish planet that we were rapidly approaching. I was gaining nothing speaking to him. I did not really want to anyway.

"We are here. Just do as you are told and shut up otherwise. You can deal with the rest yourself." I said quietly and moved to the controls to guide the ship down.

Son Goku

Baby-sit me! As if! I hmphed and turned away, folding my arms indignantly. Really, as if I needed him of all people to look after me! Well, so I was stuck in the past and he was the only one even remotely interested in not killing me on the first impression, but still. And all those funny hints on Zarbon! What was he trying to tell me? Couldn't he just speak plainly? I shifted my attention to the large screen showing the planet we were moving toward fast. It was a purple colour with lilac tints and lightly pastel clouds swirling around it.

I found myself gaping in horror at the ugly combination. Without wanting to be nasty, that colour alone would even in my opinion probably justify a purge - if it resulted in the destruction of that pastel hell!

Vegeta

I set my mind to locating the main ruling colony and landing on the planet. Son was still standing at my back. The ship touched ground after only a short time and I shut down the systems. This was a relatively low technology planet. It had few means of self defence. In fact, it had enjoyed a peace treaty with Frieza for some time for providing supplies and special minerals. It was a poor thing that Frieza had suddenly turned on this unsuspecting and weak planet but these were his orders and it was his declaration. I would merely carry them out. The traitorous lizard always did things for his own reasons. Now that we were here all that was left was to deal out the sentence. I turned back to Son.

"Stay by me. We will get this over with as quickly as possible." I walked out to meet the others who had already come to the exit hatch. Jeice cast a smug grin at me and I stared back coldly while Zarbon kept his normal smile, though his eyes lingered on Son and then flickered back to me. We all stepped out into the misty off-coloured sunshine.

Son Goku

We finally touched down on the planet. It was mostly covered in lush rain forest as far as I could see. The trees were kinda odd-coloured though. They sported a strange purplish green. It was unusual yet after a while I got used to it. It actually was kinda pretty - if you liked pink. Which I did not.

Vegeta did not speak a word until we had landed and I too kept my mouth shut. I just did not know how to talk to him. It seemed that history was doomed to repeat itself. I could not talk with the Vegeta of my time and I was incapable to finding a way to talk with this Vegeta too. Not that I wanted to get familiar with him... not that I dared to. I would leave here soon. Hopefully...

I followed him when he stalked stiffly out of the command centre and to the entry of the ship. There we met with Jeice and Zarbon. Zarbon didn't look my way openly and it seemed he was still cross about whatever I had done earlier and Jeice kept smiling this weird little smile and looking at Vegeta. Definitely, these aliens were all raving lunatics! They might not appear ruthless killers at first but I did not doubt that they were as crazy as anything. Better stay away from them. As for the ruthless part... we would see about that now. I still had not decided how to proceed should it come to what I silently dreaded. But I would not allow it, and of course I would NOT participate in wiping out a civilization. I had to face it, chances were that I might have to turn against my so called comrades in arms. But I would try any other means of stopping this from happening first.

Zarbon

I noted how Jeice seemed to be grinning just a little too widely. Seems he had made some headway. And Vegeta's cold stare was very amusing. I wondered if he would be easier the second time around. And that delectable warrior behind him. He glanced at me a bit warily but not unfriendly. He was standing rather close to the prince. If he thought that he could protect him he was mistaken…

Now down to business. I led the three of them out onto the strange coloured soil and took to the air. It was a nasty shade of washed out purple, clashing terribly with my natural rich colouring. It was not far to go to get to the main habitation. Vegeta had done a decent job. There was a huge complex that sprawled over part of the poorly looking city. It looked a bit worn. The plaster and paints not as bright as they should have been. In fact... the place looked run down... even slightly broken up in places. When we landed before the large building I raised my voice to a guard who stood hesitantly at the door.

"This planet has been designated for purging by the Great Lord Frieza! Bring out your leader. Any objections will be met with lethal force." The guard just stared at us both curiously and frightened, then he scurried inside.

Jeice

I tried not to gloat too obviously but Zarbon must have noticed and Vegeta kept scowling darkly at me. I couldn't help it. I just had to wink.

'Just wait, my lovely prince... I will get you...'

Zarbon announced us to the inhabitants of this planet. That was an odd little quirk of him. I thought it was rather cruel. Instead of simply wiping out any sentient life he always wanted them to know that they were doomed. I leant against a cracked pillar and simply watched until my orders came. Then the battle would start. Though it would hardly be a battle. This planet had provided useful for the mining of a rare mineral as far as I knew, but rumours had gotten around that these people traded with others too. Frieza did not like that. Pity... Otherwise they were neither very valuable nor very strong. It would be an easy task.

Zarbon

I waited for the response impatiently. It took an abnormally long time. How dare they keep me waiting! This was not the sort of thing you just ignored. If I was not acknowledged soon I planned to have the rest of my troop blast that building. The nerve! Keeping *me* waiting! I flipped my braid away in annoyance. Then the doors were swept open and out shuffled a small wrinkled tanned alien. The creature was tiny, even several inches smaller than the guard, and it looked rather fragile. He held his four arms out in the air and his eyes were wide and pleading.

"Masters! Oh Masters! You've come! Please! You can't let them! It is not right! We have done nothing! Please! The benevolent Lord Frieza must be told!" He cried out and came to a stumbling halt before us, kneeling prostrated. I took a distasteful step back and flipped my braid again.

"The benevolent Lord Frieza has declared this planet to be purged. It is *his* order. Now surrender." I replied with decadent scorn.

Vegeta

I stood back and to the side away from both Jeice and Zarbon. Son stood closer to them and watched unenthusiastically. I made a point of ignoring the red alien and kept my eyes open for any retaliation that might come from the natives though it was not likely. They were not warriors. At best this was a peasant race. They were barely even ideal for miners, being rather small and delicate creatures.

It took longer than I would have thought. I would have just begun the raid by now but Zarbon liked to extend these things. It was no fun unless the victims saw what was coming. I knew him all too well. I kept silent. When the native leader came out and began to beg I noticed something very odd about his actions and the way he spoke. He was glad to see us. Even after the declaration. As if he didn't understand. What was happening?

I looked around. The place was not in good condition. Something had happened here just recently. I grew suspicious and put a hand to the scouter I had put on before leaving the ship.

Son Goku

I watched what was happening, my whole body rigid from the tension. I had no idea how this was going. Would they suddenly start destroying things and killing people? And what should I do if that was the case?

I was kind of relived when Zarbon seemed to decide that he had to announce the purge first. I still recalled Vegeta's description.

'…an eruption of blood...' I still didn't know if he had been serious but it seemed that this was not going like I had silently feared it would.

Standing in the back I kept my eyes open. After Zarbon had announced why we were here it took a little time until another alien came out of the building. It was rushing towards us, panic evident even in that alien face. It chirped about us having to save it. I perked up. This might be my chance! If I played it right, maybe I could persuade Zarbon that it was unnecessary to kill them all! Hopefully...

Zarbon

I waited patiently for the little alien to soak up what I had said. He stared at me in confusion and then stuttered nonsensically, growing even more agitated. I raised my chin haughtily and shifted to lean on one slim hip in boredom while he caught up with the situation.

"Gather your people together before we do it for you." I said smugly to him.

"We plan to have this planet cleared by..." I looked up at the twin suns that were both dropping low on two horizons.

"...nightfall." Glancing back to him my smile slipped slightly. His reaction of horror and fear was not quite what it should have been. He backed away a few steps and then hugged all four arms around his chest before slipping suddenly into his native language, seemingly speaking to himself. He suddenly looked as if he was beyond all hope. Which was as it should be but... He did not seem to be afraid of us. Just miserable.

I spoke again in my smug tone, searching for the response I wanted.

"As their leader we will give you the opportunity to inform them properly of their fate. Only good manners of course. It will save us the effort of hunting them down one by one. I have no inclination to waste my time scouring this..." I looked at the awful shades of unnatural colour that made up everything and sneered at it.

"...washed out waste searching for them. You may give them a chance to make their peace. Hurry up now. I will only give you so much time to take up my generous offer..."

Son Goku

Finally the alien seemed to understand what was about to happen. Zarbon's words made shivers run down my spine. So maybe this wasn't like Vegeta had described it to me - and I more and more got the impression that he had wanted to mock me back then - but this was even worse somehow. That calm collected cruelty, that smug smile on Zarbon's face as he announced the mass murder he was about to order so coldly. I was so preoccupied with my own horror that, at first, I did not listen to the alien but then it's garbled speaking proceeded to penetrate the haze of shock around me. Suddenly I took notice.

This... this sounded familiar..? Almost like earth-language! Could it be? I stepped closer curiously. It made me feel even more pity and sympathy for those aliens. No one deserved being treated like this! I wanted to test my impression. Looking around I wondered at the state of disarray the place was in.

"Excuse me... why is everything so collapsed around here?" The alien uncoiled it's arms and looked in shock at me.

"Master.. speaks our language?" It said in that thick alien tongue. I realized that the language was not the same but similar enough that I understood the basic meaning of what he was trying to tell me.

I nodded.

"Yes. Now, please tell me. I need to understand." Those lilac eyes suddenly shone bright with hope as he padded nearer, rubbing grey skinned hands and nervously straightening those mint green toga-like clothes he wore.

"Please, Master.. you must save us! We've been attacked... Lord Frieza must protect us! They killed all warriors... we are defenceless... They won't tell us why or what they want... please..." He talked fast and in that alien tongue but nevertheless I was able to grasp the basic meaning. So they already had been attacked! That was why he had asked us for help! I just wondered by whom.

Vegeta

I spoke up from behind them all after a moment, the scanner over my eye giving a flowing script of readings.

"There are a number of high energy signatures all over the planet. We are not alone. There has been a battle here recently, Zarbon. Have you forgotten how to read the signs?" I gestured to the torn city.

"There are a number of them coming this way right now. I suggest we be ready." I eyed them all coldly and powered up slightly, looking off to the darker horizon. A small ship was just becoming visible.

Jeice

Leaning calmly at my pillar I just watched it all. I wasn't the least bit interested into all these quarrels. I just wanted to the battle to start. A bit of fighting would hopefully relief the tension that had been building since my unlucky encounter with the prince and his damnable bodyguard this morning. My eyes flicked every other minute over to Vegeta who was scanning our surroundings. Hmph. As if anything here could harm us!

Son Goku

I turned as Vegeta spoke.

"That is exactly what our friend here says! He says they've killed all their warriors but they don't know what their attackers want. They beg Frieza's men for the promised protection." That last sentence came with more sarcasm than I had intended it to.

Zarbon

I was taken by surprise when Goku suddenly spoke behind me, addressing the little alien in his own language...no...it was not the same. His strange accent came out clearly in it. Hmph. What did he think he gained by that? I could only pick up a little bit of what was said. How did this surface dweller know one of the middle languages?

Then the situation was pulled completely from me when Vegeta spoke up as well. My smile left me all together at his snide down talk.

'You want to insult me, prince? I could make you scream apologies for it. I have done it and you know that very well.' I did not like how Vegeta had caught on to these details quicker than I. But he was right. There were others approaching. My annoyance would have to wait. My voice was clipped and I spoke with authority.

"What race are they? This planet is no longer under the treaty but it is still Frieza's property. We will not tolerate intruders here." I strode forward ahead of them to get a look at the craft that was coming. It was familiar but it should not be here. Why would there be others here? Most races in the galaxy respected the Ice-jin boundaries.

Vegeta

I glanced over at Son. At least now I had a chance to hear more of that language. It was one of the middle languages or near enough. I could understand a bit. It was a little more complex than the gibberish that this tan creature spouted but that only made it a little harder to understand. I found that I picked out quite a bit of it. I answered Zarbon without paying too much attention to his displeased tone. If he was the one in charge here then he should have figured all this out on his own.

"They are Theshnarian, I believe. It seems they have strayed from their designated solar system." I did not miss the slight frown on Zarbon's face as he stepped away. What did that mean? I would find out soon enough. The ship arrived only a few minutes later and out came the predicted race. They were an ugly people. More fishlike than anything else. Their fins fanned out as the three of them came out to face us.

Zarbon

I moved out in front, standing and waiting stiffly while the bluish amphibian creatures came filing out of their craft. Their scaly armour was bloodied and dusted with the nasty lavender dirt. I waited for their leader to come up and stop before me. They were showing no real aggression though they did flaunt those poisonous spikes that rose from their backs and arms and they acted altogether too self assured for my taste. I needed to know why the hell they were here!

"This planet has been chosen for purging by Lord Frieza. What are you doing here? You are trespassers. If it is battle you want then you have found it. None can claim what Lord Frieza owns without suffering the consequences." I spoke with a superior tone, looking down my nose at the slimy fish man. I couldn't suppress a shudder of disgust at his bulging eyes and shimmering rubbery hide. It made me feel soiled just being this close to him. How could a race such as this have ever grown as strong as it had?

Jeice

Finally I decided to leave my cosy place at the column. I had no wish to end up as fish food only because our fearless leader didn't seem to know the Theshnarian. There it paid again to have access to the talk and the rumour of the lower classes. You got to hear many interesting things… Stepping up beside Zarbon I leant closer to him, my mouth barely moving as I whispered.

"Don't take them too lightly. I heard rumours going round that they've developed a new technology that serves to make them very strong. Frieza was very impressed, they say. It's even said that they might become another big ally of the ice-jin..." Looking back at our two Saiyajin I shuddered. I'd rather have Saiyajin than these... these fish as allies! Saiyajin were definitely infinitely more pleasing to the eye! Our two had very different expressions on their faces. Vegeta looked cautious and I could see his eyes dart around, trying to find other dangers or sense an ambush. His bodyguard had a very strange look on his face. He seemed to be thinking and he stared in turn at the Theshnarian, Zarbon and the small leader of the Asora-jin who had begged for our help.

Son Goku

My tail kept twitching nervously as I tried to digest the whole situation. It seemed things were not going as they had been planned. We were supposed to purge this planet, though the inhabitants seemed to think it would rather be our duty to protect them. There were other aliens, if I had understood it right Vegeta had called them Theshnarians, who had evidently attacked this very planet. So Zarbon was now facing two opponents. I thought harder. If those aliens had attacked here, then this must mean that this planet was valuable. If only I could make Zarbon see that he might convince Frieza that this purge was meaningless. I needed to reason with him not to purge here! I could not let this happen! Even before I had spoken to the small alien my stomach had turned at the mere thought but the fact that our languages were so similar made it even more evident to me. These were peaceful innocent people and I would do everything to protect them!

Everything...?

I wondered if I would even show my powers when everything else failed. It could... no it definitely would alter the future. There was no way in hell that the appearance of the Super Saiyajin would not. Word of this would spread through all galaxies. No way could the future be saved then. I had to find another way! Carefully I stepped up to Zarbon and Jeice, never losing eye contact to the aggressors. They seemed to be talking to each other as if they tried to decide how to answer Zarbon's threat.

"Zarbon." He turned around at the sound of my voice and again I saw this odd expression in his eyes but then he blinked and it was gone.

"What is it, Goku?" I pondered how to approach this.

"If those aliens attacked this planet doesn't that mean that it must have some value to them? Maybe it would be unwise to purge it before finding out what made them do it..." I suggested.

Zarbon

I grimaced at Jeice's whispered confidence. Who was leading this purge?! Frieza had given his orders and we were going to follow those orders! We would not let some greasy walking sushi change those plans. Then Goku spoke up as well. Was everyone going to give me their opinion? Vegeta so far was watching all of us intently but at least he was quiet. I turned to the bodyguard and listened to him. I made my voice understanding and patient. I still had plans for him and it would not do to have my little Saiyajin grow untrusting of me.

"Of course the planet is valuable. That is why Frieza has sent us. If it were not then he would not have bothered with it at all. It is these *vermin* that have complicated matters. And we must look in our Lord's best interests. They must be dealt with for such a bold action against the ruler of this galaxy." I told him matter-of-factly turning a scornful eye on the Theshnarians who blubbered and gurgled to one another in their ear splitting native language. The leader looked up at me, obviously hearing what I said and my tone, which I did not try to hide in the least.

Vegeta

The Theshnarians all flared out their glistening fins and their bodies expanded slightly showing their anger at Zarbon's threatening posture. What the fuck did the moron think he was doing?! He had spent altogether too long sitting back up in that star ship! You did not insult one of the Chordat races! They were vicious when it came to territory. Even Frieza respected the boundaries of their solar system. But why were they here? I eyed the small party. I had been part of the last battle group to have dealings with this species. It had been years ago but I remembered it very well. They were extremely intelligent and violent and not to be taken lightly. Startled, I took a second look at the leader of the group. He was familiar... They all looked relatively the same but he had a long white scar that crossed his blue skin from his jaw down his neck to cross over his shoulder and disappear below the dirty armour he wore. My eyes narrowed.

Of course Son just had to speak out of turn again. Yes. This planet was valuable and it was being purged... That meant that it's value to Frieza now came from another source. Zarbon spoke again and I grit my teeth. The fool! The leader of the fish men turned his attention back and his fins shot upwards. Damn! We were all powerful here but I did not wish to take them on. They were one of the strongest races and I remembered this one creature from way back.

Son Goku

Zarbon wasn't unfriendly but I could see that he was tense about this unforeseen situation.

"So we're going to fight the fish-men over there?" I wondered where that would lead. What were those aliens doing here? Vegeta eyed them very intensely. I could see him narrowing his eyes as if measuring them up. I knew what that meant. He knew that race and he also knew that they were more powerful than Zarbon seemed to think. It had taken me years but sheer necessity had taught me how to read the prince's behaviour. I had always admitted that he was more cunning when it came to planning and tactics. We had relied on his plans for many battles. My eyes wandered back to the fish-aliens. I was not afraid of them but still I did not want to show my power. This could turn nasty. Zarbon seemed oblivious to the situation.

"And what happens when we finish them off? Do we still purge this planet?" I asked him.

Zarbon

"Of course, Goku. We have our orders. Just because we are distracted does not mean that we may shirk our duties." I smiled condescendingly at the mermen and spoke to the leader again.

"If you really want to debate the matter then I'm sure we can oblige you. But you will not take this planet easily. You better think about it long and hard before you do something foolish." The fish man stepped forward menacingly and his spiked flippers waved in the breeze. His rubber lips moved oddly as he tried to form the higher language that I used to address him.

"Your diplomacy iz too sbweet for youur bitter tungue, Raptor-creature. We haave true rights too be heere. *You* aare tressspasssersss. You breaake the treeaty." I was unimpressed.

"You will have to think of a better line then that, my blue friend..." But then the prince spoke up. Everyone was stepping on my toes today!

Vegeta

What was that? Treaty? Damn Zarbon! Was he not listening to a word that was said? He would get us killed. My eyes narrowed and I stepped forward drawing the attention of the angry newcomers. The leaders bulging, black, glassy eyes locked onto me and he seemed to frown, as much as those rubber lips would allow. I nodded my head to him placing my hand on the chest plate of my armour courteously. Then I looked up again with a strict and closed expression.

"I believe that my cohort is unused to the strange and rather unpleasantness of these surroundings. The natural magnetic field of this planet does not resonate well with some races. Forgive his lack of tact." I avoided looking at any of the others of my group.

"You say you have the right to be here. What treaty do you refer to?" I asked calmly and awaited the alien's reply. Zarbon would be furious at me for embarrassing him but I could not let this happen. There was something not right here and I had a feeling...

Jeice

If the situation had not been so deadly serious it would have been damn amusing. Zarbon looked like he was about to explode and I almost couldn't contain a small chuckle. It seemed that our high and mighty leader had stayed too long on that mother ship to have caught up with the latest outskirt rumours. I wondered if he really was as strong as everybody assumed. Maybe he had gone mellow over the years? Maybe it was time to try and see if he really was as strong as he claimed. I grinned ferociously. I would keep that in the back of my mind...

Zarbon had probably never before faced one of the Theshnarians in a battle. They were vicious and cunning folks. Strength wise we all might be above them, but they knew certain dirty tricks that made them very dangerous enemies, plus they were able to meddle with your brain. No, I did not want to have to fight them if it wasn't absolutely necessary.

I watched Vegeta as he spoke up. Ah, my proud prince! So typical of him to brush Zarbon aside who was now absolutely seething. I shook my head. Despite the fact that Vegeta was right, he would probably pay for what he did now later... dearly. I just hoped that Zarbon would not damage him more than necessary... or maybe agree to let me do the job…

Son Goku

When Vegeta spoke up and stepped in front of us, I turned surprised eyes towards him. I had known he was intelligent, but he had also shown an uncanny tendency to simply want to wipe out everyone in his way. Now it almost seemed as if he was trying to avoid this fight! It was reasonable, since I assumed that he knew how strong those creatures were, but it surprised me nonetheless. He had always tried to fight, even if the enemy was stronger than himself. But now... he seemed to see further than the rest of us. He was talking about the treaty and I felt hope. If this turned out to be a mistake... we would not have to purge this planet then! Inwardly I cheered Vegeta on. Who'd have thought that he could be so diplomatic?

Vegeta

The Theshnarian leader acknowledged me with what might have been construed as an attempt at a smile.

"Of coursse. Sssome creaturess haave diffficultiess. We haave a treaty with the Issse-jin." I nodded graciously.

"You have proof of this treaty, no doubt. But we have orders to clear this planet. You must see the problem here. Perhaps if you could show us your proof we can work this out." I wanted to know what was going on and I had no wish to fight them anyway.

Zarbon

Oh!! That prince was looking to be taught a severe lesson! How dare he imply that I was not capable of handling this! My lips twisted into an almost pouting grimace! The nerve! That little tail of his was going to be in for a world of hurt when I got my hands on him!

I made no response to it all. And Jeice! That smug grin! I would teach him a thing or two as well if he did not keep his manners! Son Goku just watched everything with a slight air of confusion. 'Vegeta... You and your ego have earned some definite crushing and I look forward to it. You will remember what it is like to piss me off!' I listened to their conversation. A treaty! If such a thing existed I would know of it! It was just a ruse.

Vegeta

The scarred fish man motioned to one of his men who then disappeared into the ship and came out a moment later carrying a disk formatted to work with our technology. They were a reclusive race. It was surprising that they would carry our own technology. The warrior gave it to his superior who in turn handed it to me.

"Thisss planet hass been given too usss. We require no purging. We wish the planet in one piessse. It isss more usse to uss." He said, his unblinking doll's eyes staring at me intently. He made that expression that almost resembled a smile again.

"It isss good to sssee a warrior ssurvive the passsing yearss. You musst be even ssstronger than you onsse were." He reached up and touched the scar on his shoulder, a show of respect. I smirked and bowed again.

"Only in the sight of my peers." I replied. It took strength to survive a fatal wound like that as well. Then I tossed the disk to Zarbon.

"Check it over and if it comes out clean then send word to Frieza for his new orders. We will wait for his acceptance." The Repta-jin looked as if he'd eaten something sour but he complied without argument, turning on his heel and sauntering away to the ship. We would have to wait before any decisions could be made.

Son Goku

I did not like the look in Zarbon's eyes. He was totally left out by now and he did not seem to like it one bit. I still had to snicker about Vegeta's hint that Zarbon was somehow confused due to the magnetic field of this planet, though. I stepped closer to the prince, intent on getting to know what was going on. I did not understand what the fish-men were saying but at least they had not attacked yet. Suddenly I felt something tug at my amour. Surprised I looked down only to see the small four-armed alien look up to me.

"You... you seem different than the others." He stated in that language of his. I smiled back, not knowing what he wanted of me.

"Please. That green man said they want to kill us all?" He asked me, his voice deadly serious. Despite his height he was very intelligent and I could feel it.

"Yes... we were sent here to... to purge this planet." It was even worse having to say it. He nodded sincerely.

"I was afraid so. We have lost our value to the ice-jin since the mines crashed last summer. But those aliens, they claim to be an ally of the ice-jin! They say that Lord Frieza allowed them to attack us! Please... that cannot be true. Can it?" He looked at me pleadingly. I shook my head not knowing. It was heart-wrenching. In the distance I could see several other Asora-jin peeking around corners and watching us frightfully.

"I don't know. But I will find out." I promised him and then walked over to Vegeta. He followed me closely, seemingly very intent on finding out what was going on. I could not blame him for it.

"Vegeta... can I have a word?"

Vegeta

I turned at the sound of Son's voice. One side of my mouth tightened slightly but I kept myself from saying anything about the lack of title. I had self control, unlike Zarbon. I would not undermine myself again. I stepped back from the aliens before turning away and moving a few paces off for Son to speak.

"What is it now? You talk too much, you know that? This is not the best of times." I asked with little excitement.

Son Goku

Vegeta looked at me with an uptight expression but nevertheless walked a few steps aside with me. I could tell that he was very tense.

"Are they really that strong?" He didn't say anything to that but simply folded his arms and glared at me.

"What do you want? I don't have much time." I sighed. The same as ever...

"Something's very wrong here." He hmphed to that.

"That Asora-jin over there keeps asking me if we really intend to purge this planet. He claims that those aliens say that Frieza gave them permission to raid this planet. He's very confused and so am I! If this is the case then why do none of us including Zarbon know that? Something is very fishy here, and it's not only those guys! What are we going o do? Are we still supposed to purge this place?"

Vegeta

I took a deep breath and sighed. I should not have to explain something like this. It was routine. But he was completely ignorant when it came to common sense things like these. He thought so differently than anyone I had ever encountered before. And once again it occurred to me to wonder just what he was thinking. What sort of response would he give? I decided to at least clue him in since he wanted to know so much.

"We are given our assignments. We are not given reasons or purpose. Just our jobs. It is not up to us to determine what is to be done or not or why." I had been doing these things so long that that was exactly what they were: routine.

"It seems that there has been a miscommunication somewhere. If these aliens have a treaty then this purging could very well be for them. It sounds like they have decided that they wish to have the planet, population and all. If that is the case then fine. It releases us from our duties as long as Frieza agrees." Looking down, I spied at the little alien who stared at me from behind Son's muscular thighs. I raised an eyebrow at the little fair creature.

"Does that not make you happy? You may live yet." I told it emotionlessly.

Son Goku

I felt the small one behind me shake ever so slightly at Vegeta's words. I turned and looked him in the eye.

"Do not fear. It will all work out. Go to your fellows and tell them what is going on. They seem to be scared." He looked at me almost grateful and then scuttled away. I sighed deeply feeling dirty. I had just made a promise that I might no be able to keep. Even if the fish-guys were intent on keeping the population, as Vegeta had put it, that only meant that new slave-owners had arrived. The best they could hope for was that nothing changed at all. I turned back to Vegeta.

"Tell me... you talked about blood... and eruption of blood if I recall it right... about slaughtering women and children. Were you serious back then?" My gaze was steady and bore into his eyes. I needed to know.

Vegeta

I laughed softly now. He was still preoccupied by that? It was funny. He just could not get over that one phrase I had used.

"I suppose that depends upon your point of view and how much fight the inhabitants put up." I gestured to include Jeice and Zarbon who was nowhere to be seen.

"With these two... Perhaps it would have been." I shook my head in only a bare amount of disgust.

"There is no honour in slaughtering the helpless but execution is business. It is hard to keep one's gloves clean when it comes right down to it." I spoke evenly and calmly keeping eye contact with Son while I spoke. He had a hard time looking me in the eye as I talked. He did not like what I was saying. I supposed that most would be disgusted if they had never dealt with this sort of thing before. It was just the way things were. Nothing would change that. Not while Frieza held our people bound to him. Not while I served him. It was a humbling thing to admit and I did not do so out loud.

Son Goku

When he spoke my gaze flickered and I found it hard to keep my attitude up. I could tell from his words that he had been serious as far as a purge was nothing pleasant. Though, probably, the exact phrase had been more for the purpose of shocking me. I searched his face, trying to determine what he felt about this. Was he blood thirsty? Did he like the killing? Or did he have a conscience after all?

"You say there is no honour in killing the helpless. How can you do this then? How do you feel about purging a planet inhabited by beings so much weaker then us?" I motioned to the small fair creatures in the distance who now stood clustered talking non-stop in their high voices.

"And how can you fulfil Frieza's orders if he is so traitorous to his minions? He promised to protect those people if they served him and see what he's done to them! What makes you think he's any different towards you and the saiyan race?" I bit my tongue. I had let myself get carried away. I knew that Frieza would betray the Saiyajin in the end. But I must not tell him that.

Vegeta

My expression fell into an angry sneer but I kept my voice level. I would not be drawn into another altercation here when there was so much more at stake.

"I refuse to dignify your idiot questions. If you can think clearly enough to ask such things then you can damn well figure it out on your own." I turned my back on him and looked back to where the fish men were beginning to look impatient.

"There are much more important things to think about then a race of subservient slaves right now. They were slaves to one master, they will adapt to being slaves for another."

Jeice

Having watched Vegeta's bold action I had stood back for the time, content with simply taking the sight in. The prince had shown his dominancy much more in the last days. It was very interesting to see him acting so regal. I had always rather thought that a prince without a kingdom was rather a joke, but now I wasn't so sure. There was something about him... something that just intrigued me.

When Son Goku went to talk with him I narrowed my eyes. What did this bodyguard think he was doing? He was acting much too familiar with the prince for my liking. I decided to walk over and see what they were talking about. When I came near them I caught that last sentence of Vegeta.

"Damn right you are. If they're lucky the Theshnarian will take Frieza's place, but I doubt it. I've heard too many rumours about them. Believe me, they'd be better off being killed by us."

***

~ inside the ship ~

***

Zarbon

I stared in confusion at the vid-screen. How could this be? I had just checked the latest logs before coming on this mission. There had to be a mistake.

"But, lord Frieza, why did I not know of this? I was never told..." The Ice-jin cut me off.

"Must I go out of my way to make sure that you understand every little thing that goes on on my ship? Do I need to keep up on whether you have researched your work properly?" He asked me with a slight half smile that made me tense.

"No, lord Frieza. Of course not. I was just curious. I had thought that I had gone over the logs well enough. I must be mistaken." The Lizard smiled a bit wider.

"Actually, this time you are correct. It was not listed in the logs. But that is not your concern. They may have the planet as they wish it. It makes no difference to me." He offered off-handily and then changed the subject to something that seemed to be of more interest to him.

"How is the dear prince? I have heard an unsettling rumour that he has taken to the company of some new warrior? Is this true?" I recovered my self assurance again and smirked slightly.

"Yes. The prince has taken on a bodyguard. They arrived together from his last purge. A Son Goku. Not a Saiyan name at all and it has been most interesting. He is very unusual. The prince has had some trouble with him from what I can tell. His new bodyguard is a rather stubborn individual. They had the most phenomenal little spat earlier..." I trailed off toward the end. Frieza did not look pleased at all. He spoke icily.

"Didn't I tell you he was not to be near his own race? You will make sure that they do not get used to each other's company. I will not have it. For the time being though... I will deal with it after you return. I expect to know more about this Saiyajin than just his name by the time you return. Vegeta has been in your hands for a long while. I expect him to be watched over extremely well until he returns. The prince is off limits from now on. Do you understand?" The screen went blank and I frowned at it. What had that meant? Then my frown deepened. Jeice was going to be very disappointed. Then I smiled again. Oh well. At least there was still Son Goku. I took the disk and headed back out to the group.

Vegeta

Son just did not want to take that for an answer. Then Jeice stepped closer and bluntly described to him about the aliens that were milling seemingly peacefully a short ways away. I did not know how much the red skinned whore knew of them but I had fought them before. I had fought that particular one with the scar before. I had been the one to give it to him. I knew. Grudgingly I agreed with him but spoke only to Son, not acknowledging the other.

"Yes. The only advantage is that if they can gather together they might be able to revolt. It is their home territory. Against us they would have been half decimated by now. The Theshnarians have a different style of fighting." Son didn't look very relieved.

Finally Zarbon strode up to us. He gave me a strange look before tossing the disk to me.

"It has been settled. The planet is to be given over freely." He looked none too pleased at what he was admitting but he knew that he had been saved from much embarrassment and Frieza's wrath as well.

I turned away from Zarbon's curious gaze and stepped up to the aliens once more. I handed back the disk with a slight bow and straightened.

"Everything is in order. We relinquish our rights to Asora-sei. We will stay on the planet tonight and leave at dawn. We will not impede you in any way." I informed them and the leader looked satisfied. He spoke a farewell in his own strange language and then he and his group boarded their ship and it took off to join the other Theshnarians that were scattered throughout the planet. I turned to regard the others. Son was still preoccupied and looked at me oddly.

Son Goku

I had a hard time digesting this. I did not want to believe Jeice but when Vegeta confirmed it... but he said that they had a chance now, as small as it might be. It was nothing but a small ray of hope but I jumped onto it and clung to it. How odd for Vegeta to give it to me...

Then Zarbon came back and I breathed in relief. So at least I would not have to give up my cover right now. But then I looked back at the fragile Asora-jin. They were standing there looking at us expectantly. When Vegeta moved to bring the leader of the Theshnarian the message I turned and walked over to the four-armed inhabitants of this planet. Their leader, whom I could by now distinguish by the bright lilac spots on his greyish skin, came to me, wringing his four hands.

"Tell us, stranger-who-speaks-our-tongue, what has been declared our fate when the High talked?" I shivered at his servile voice when he said 'High'. My heart cramped. They were so fragile. I looked back at the bulky fish-men who were throwing dangerous glares to me and the group of Asora-jin. This was not good. But I had no choice. I bent down and knelt on one knee so that I was on one height with them.

"Frieza has given permission to the Theshnarian - the men over there - to make this planet their own. You are going to live but I don't know what will happen to you. I am sorry."

They huddled and flustered at this message. I did not know whether it was fear or confusion or something else. Then the leader spoke again.

"We have lived so many years under the ice-jin. We have survived. We will survive the new masters too. We are stronger than we seem." He smiled at me. It almost seemed as if he sensed my troubled mind and was trying to calm me. I swallowed hard.

"I hope so." Two small grey hands gripped my arm for a moment and the leader smiled at me.

"Thank you, stranger-who-speaks-our-tongue. You were much nicer than any other we have ever met of Lord Frieza's men. We will not forget you." I smiled tensely. I did not deserve this. I had done nothing to save them.

I shook my head, getting up. Waving at them I turned and went back to the group. Vegeta was just returning from his talk with the Theshnarian. I couldn't help but stare at him. Why? Why did this have to happen? These people were harmless and defenceless, as far as I could see. How was he willing to do this? Even at the threat of death... but then I realized I was no better. I had not intervened as much as I could have for fear of the consequences. Who was I to judge the prince? I had no knowledge of the ties that bound him. I could not know what consequences he would have to endure for disobedience. No. It was not my right to judge him.

~ to be continued ~

Outro (containing cameras and crazed fan-girls)

Rogue: *flicks hair away from face, tail lashing, and looking around at the sidewalk that has grown a bit more lively since the last infusion*

I think we have gained quite a nice little gathering, don't you, Serapha? *tries to give an air of nonchalance while holding an extremely desperate L'orn in a headlock while Vegeta stands by looking around in paranoia* *speaks calmly to crazed fan*

Calm down dear. You are going to spook him. I have a hard enough time keeping him in line as it is.

Dark Serapha: *trying to pry off Chibi Gemi's two muses from her legs* Uhh.. you could say that... I must say that I'm starting to freak out. I mean, gaining our audience and making them come back for more, okay, but this... this is madness!

Son Goku: *leaning on a wall with a false nose, a beard and a wig looking around nervously*

I ain't seen no Son Goku... GAH! *gets spotted by a horde of crazed fan-girls and runs for his life, trying to hide behind Dark Serapha's back

You need to feed me better! I have no strength left to run from them....

Dark Serapha: *fending of crazy fans* You telling me? I am tired and I am hungry! This last chapter took a lot out of me and the 5th and 6th chapter are even worse!

Rogue: Oh... I don't know... *grins* A little insanity is fun at times. They just need to remember that we are the ones providing their little habit. They must give the proper worship and payment. *looks around at the readers* Yes. These chapters were a lot of work. But I'm sure that if they aren't hooked by the 6th chapter then they must be immune. *evil leer* And we have a special treat for all you lemoners in one of the coming chapters. I must say it is the most intense part yet. I know. It hasn't been that intense yet... but it only gets more so throughout the story. They won't be able to live off normal lemons soon. They will keep crawling back for more. Mark my words. And yes. We will feed you soon, Son. Don't worry. *snickers* We'll feed you enough that you won't want anymore.

Vegeta:*glares suspiciously at Rogue* Just what is that supposed to mean? I'm being hunted down now because of you! I don't need to have hormone crazed baka women crawling all over me! I want out!

Son Goku: *gazes also suspiciously * Why do I have such a bad feeling at that evil glint in you eye? *backs up towards Vegeta, looking afraid* Geta... why did we agree to do this again?

Rogue *smirks evilly* That is why it pays to be in league with a fallen angel. Your contracts are binding. If you back out I get your soul, Vegy. Your soul and all the perks of a Saiyajin soul. I always wanted super human strength...

Dark Serapha: *grins evilly , but, when she realizes it, turns the expression to an angelic smile* Now, now.. don't be afraid. At least not yet.. There's much worse to come. And don't tell me you two don't like a bit of healthy angst… *turns to readers* In case you wondered: This fiction is going to get much darker from here on. The warnings up there are no joke. There is going to be the occasional sappy and fluffy scene since that is one of my specialities, but you can expect lots of angst and other dark stuff in the nearest future. So be prepared!

Rogue: *lets go of crazed fan, realizing that she accidentally suffocated her* Ooops....sorry, L'orn...you'll be fine in a few minutes... Yes. It will grow *much* darker! And the popular vote is still me as Jeice. Does anyone wish to contend that? *looks around* Anyone? We are still not telling. We may consider it... after the treat in a few chaps. So feel free to give your opinions. I for one am quite pleased at the moment.

Dark Serapha: Yes! Give us your opinions! Who did Radditz, who Jeice and who Zarbon? Can you tell? It can't be that hard... Maybe we'll give a price to the one who guesses all three completely right. Like… a meeting with our two favourite Saiyajin right here at our corner...

Vegeta: *grumbles* ...damn... baka.... fool women.... I do not do fantasy dates! I refuse to have to deal with one more.....

Son Goku: *looks downright outraged* You would not dare! This prince is mine! *gets thrown a very strange look by Vegeta and blushes fiercely to roots of hair* I umm.. I meant err.. I .. eheeheeh.. *puts hand behind head in typical Son-manner* Uh.. please don't kill me, Geta...

Rogue: *smirks at Son and snuggles up to Vegy, wrapping her tail around his arm* Awww, Vegy... My oujisama... But they worship you. You can't disappoint your loyal subjects. They would do anything for you. *whispers under her breath* ....and anything to you...

Vegeta: *looks unnerved by both the cat on his arm and the blushing Saiyajin a short ways away* ....hn...

Dark Serapha: *smirks along with her partner in crime and purring puts one large black wing behind Son's back, urging him on towards Vegeta* Don't be shy, Son… we know about your feelings...

*grabs Rogue's arm* Let's leave lour two dearies alone for some quality male bonding time, lovely... *whispers under her breath* I set all the camera's, let's go...

Rogue *growls possessively and strains to get out of angel's grip* Oh no you don't. Not yet. He's still mine. I have not given him up yet. I get to play a little bit more... Keep your hands to yourself, Son.! You'll get your chance...

*freezes and whispers back* ....cameras?

*wicked grin* I suppose... we need to go…

Son Goku: *gazes from the neko-jin that only unwillingly let's go of the ouji's arm to the strangely smiling half fallen angel that grins like the proverbial Cheshire-cat* You two are much more alike than you think, you know that? You're both making me nervous... are you sure you're not related to Zarbon?

Rogue *evil smirk*

Dark Serapha: *looks back with an equally evil smirk* Normally I would say something to that, but we have.. err.. something really important to do... we must... umm… err... go! Anyway, bye! *drags an only slightly resisting Rogue behind her off to the shadows. Out of some strange reason you can see about 5 small red lights like they are usually used to indicate a running camera in the shadows*

Rogue *just continues to give an evil smirk as she is dragged away into the dark*

Son Goku: ... * scratches head* Well, that was weird.. Don't you think, Geta? *turns to the other Saiyajin who is looking very strangely at him* Umm.. Geta?

Vegeta: *looks Son up and down* Yours huh? I think that there is an issue which we need to solve on just who claims ownership over what... *smirks* I think that you still have not learned your place... *advances slowly on the taller Saiyajin*

Son Goku: *tail puffs out twice it's size as he stares wide-eyed at the prince and slowly retreats* Errr.. Geta.. What are you talking about? I never meant that.. eh.. I don't think that we need to.. GAH!!

*a little while later all that is heard is only an eerie dual snicker from the dark and the monotone buzz of a recording camera...