Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ In'lar-Anth - Through Darkest Destiny ❯ Of Hunters and Prey ( Chapter 5 )

Authors: Rogue & DarkSerapha

Email: neko_jin_rogue@yahoo.com & DarkSerapha@gmx.de

Warnings for this chapter:

Pink planets, some fluff, overgrown butterflies, naughty thoughts

'…' = thoughts

Intro

Fake Wings

Shine bright morning light

Now in the air the spring is coming

Sweet blowing wind

Singing down the hills and valleys

Keep your eyes on me

Now we're on the edge of hell

Dear my love, sweet morning light

Wait for me, you've gone much farther

too far

("Fake Wings" by Yuki Kajiura and See-Saw, hack.sign-Soundtrack)

In'lar-anth - Through Darkest Destiny

Chapter 5: Of Hunters and Prey

Zarbon

I watched both the Saiyajin doing what they seemed to feel was necessary. Vegeta was so diplomatic and respectful to the walking sushi and Goku... Goku was actually on his knees speaking to the little creatures. What in the world did he want with them? I could see why Vegeta was doing as he was, though it grated on me. I almost wished we had just destroyed them but that would have made Frieza angry. I was a bit angry myself but there was nothing to be done about it. I would not go against Frieza. So... we had a night all to ourselves... How fortunate. I smirked and began to head over toward Goku but he already gotten up and was coming back, the little creatures moving quickly away. Before I reached him Vegeta's energy rose up like a wind and I glanced back.

Vegeta

Now that all of that was taken care of we had the evening to ourselves. That thought made me stiffen slightly. Zarbon was watching Son intently and I saw Jeice watching me. I thought for a second before making up my mind. The decision wasn't very hard. I called my energy and announced that I was going to hunt some food. Before anyone could respond I took to the air and flew off at high speed.

Son Goku

I returned to the group and the Asora-jin walked away. I couldn't help but feel guilty about them. So maybe they lived, but what a life it was. I wondered if I could not do anything about it... Then Vegeta announced that he was going to hunt and suddenly all other thoughts were wiped from my brain. Food! This was my chance to get my hands on something other than the grey goo of hell!

"Good idea! I'm going to hunt too!" I declared, going airborne immediately without even waiting for an affirmation. The prospect of food was way too tempting!

Jeice

I was disgusted at Son Goku's display to those little shrews. Really, did the man have no dignity at all? And the jerk thought he was worthy of even being near the prince. I snorted. What an imbecile. Finally the ugly fish-heads vanished and the small grey-skins scurried away to hide in their holes too. That left the four of us. So we would stay here for the night and travel back to the mother ship tomorrow. That suited me nicely. I turned and looked at Vegeta who blinked at my sudden attention. Then his eyes narrowed slightly. Suddenly he announced that he would go for a hunt and off he went. His bodyguard followed suit but in a slightly different direction. I smirked. So Vegeta wanted to get away from me, well too bad - to me it seemed that he had just invited me to the hunt - only that *he* was the prey!

"Well, if everyone goes, I think I'm going to find me something... *yummy* too. Later, Zarbon!" I smirked at the Repta-jin. This was really not his day. First he had been humiliated by almost everyone on this purge, mainly by Vegeta, and now his main interest had gotten away yet again...

Zarbon

Both the Saiyajin left almost at once. I smiled pushing back the annoyance that had been growing and festering and had been about to follow the enthusiastic bodyguard when I realized that there was still Jeice. Damn it!!!! My scowl came back tenfold. I halted and called to him. I couldn't let him go after the prince now. I would be held responsible.

"Jeice! Come back! There have been new orders!" I yelled. He was very unwilling to stop but I was not going to have any more annoyances happen. Anyway… If I lost *my* prize for the time being, I was not going to let him have *his*.

Jeice

I had been about to take off when Zarbon called out to me. Cursing loudly I returned, gazing up to the sky to see the tiny dot that was Vegeta vanish in the distance. Dammit! Now I would have to use a scouter to find him! The hunt would have been much better without that!

"What is it, Zarbon? Can't you see that I'm busy? Don't you have your own little game to play?" I folded my arms and glared at him.

Zarbon

I could see he was not going to comply very easily so I just crossed my arms and said it with a vain toss of my braid.

"The prince is off limits from now on."

Jeice

He had to be kidding me! I thought we agreed on this!

"I seriously hope that this is just your strange sense of humour, Zarbon. You know the Game. If you claim him for your own you will have to face me. This is MY turn! You already had your chance!"

Zarbon

I rolled my eyes at his threat. He had no chance against me. I was far stronger than him.

"You thoughtless little worm." I insulted snidely.

"I already gave you a chance. If you did not use it then it is not my fault. This is beyond me. Frieza has given this order. I have nothing to do with it. Believe me, I have much better things to do than waste my time keeping tabs on you. You weren't the only one who had plans." I said irately. I had heard about the little *quirk* our Saiyajin friends had and it had only just added to their attractiveness. I had intended to wait and see if it was true with the young prince...but it seemed that Frieza had other plans. But who was I to stand to the Ice-jin? As his first and advisor though... I should be able to enjoy some benefits if I stayed on his good side. Jeice, however, was out of luck. And so was I until he accepted the way things were.

Jeice

It took me some time to understand what he was saying. I stared at him disbelievingly. Then I stomped and cursed in every language I knew.

"Fuck! This is NOT happening! Do you know how long I had to wait?? Why the hell did his lordship decide that he's off-limit right now!?!?! This is not fair!" I growled and seethed. Then my eyes narrowed as I considered the changed situation. I would NOT give up my claim! I had waited too fucking long to let the prince off the hook now. I would have him, no matter what! Smirking I turned to the direction Vegeta had vanished. Frieza didn't have to know. I could take the prince and Frieza would never know. I would make sure that Vegeta didn't' say anything and if he did it was his word against mine. The smirk became a grin. Oh yes. I would have him! I turned back to Zarbon.

"Very well. If that is Lord Frieza's order... But I advice you to stay out of my way, Zarbon. I'm in a pretty bad mood. I'd like to spend the rest of this stay alone!" I snapped, barely concealing a smug smile. Yes. Stay away from me. I will get my prey, no matter what!

Zarbon

I watched Jeice's expressions flow through many different trains of thought until he finally seemed to calm down. I tsked in open disbelief and mocking.

"Though it pains me so. Tough luck. You and I are going to stay here until our little animal friends come dragging their carcasses back. I am not so stupid as to leave you alone. If I must I will just take you out right now. I will not be held responsible for your libido." I said with a mean sneer.

"Come back to the ship. This putrid scenery is giving me a headache."

Jeice

I snarled at him angrily. Had I been so obvious? Damn! Now I was stuck with the likes of him on that stupid stinking ship while my prince and that stupid bodyguard were free to roam the countryside! It made me almost sick!

"Why has Lord Frieza given such an order anyways? And why now of all times?" I asked him as we slowly walked back to the ship, truly curious as to why.

Zarbon

A slight smile quirked my lips.

'You will have to lay your eyes on some other Saiyajin, my friend. He is out of our hands. Even before... I had only been willing to share.' I glanced over at him, wondering if I should give him this information or if it would just make things more complicated. I finally gave in.

"Do you have any idea how old the prince is? I know you have not been around as long as he has. There is a certain thing about the young ones... You don't see it much because they either are too weak and are killed in battle... or in the barracks..." My smile turned a bit nasty when I said that.

"Or they have already come of age when they join the army." I continued up onto the ship with Jeice beside me.

"The prince is right in between and he has always been strong."

Jeice

I thought about what he said. It sounded interesting. Something about this age... and it weakened the Saiyajin? No wonder that Frieza was interested.

"Let me guess. The lizard wants to study this phenomenon himself, doesn't he?" I smirked. Frieza was some cunning bastard. Still, my interest was even more peeked. If I had a chance, I would try my luck anyway! This was much too good to let it pass. Then another thought crossed my mind and I frowned.

"Is it really wise then to leave the two of them out there on their own? Frieza would be mad if some... accident happened."

Zarbon

My smile slipped a little.

"I would not have to worry about that if I didn't have to worry about *you*. But they went in different directions and Goku did not have a scanner. From what happened earlier, Vegeta will not search him out. He can barely stand him so far. If anything, they would just fight again no matter what Goku's intentions are." I said with more confidence than I really had. I would have to check up on them... but later... and I would have to keep a scouter on my partner at all times.

***

~ elsewhere on the planet ~

***

Son Goku

First I had felt really good as I finally had the opportunity to get away from all this shit. For a short while I just delighted in flying, feeling the scented air of this planet flow over me. Still, it was a bit unnerving to swoop through brightly pastel coloured clouds. I did not think that I could ever get used to such ridiculous colours! Orange, blue, those were nice colours, but lilac and pink and rose and such! Yuck! That was what made me land after a considerably short time. The planet was covered by lush forest that bore the same unnerving colouring like the clouds hat. But I assumed that despite this the forest would hopefully host something edible.

Let the hunt begin!

Four hours later I sat down on a log, totally disappointed and out of my wits. I had searched everywhere! I had seen quite a lot of animals, and sensed even more - the planet was literally swarmed with small ki's - but most were too small to eat. There had been a couple of really large insects, but I just couldn't get myself to eat a five foot butterfly, no matter how yummy it looked.

I had then noticed a furry kind of animal and had been relieved to finally have found something that at least looked remotely edible, despite the ridiculous pinkish pelt. I caught one easily enough - only to find out that the damn thing consisted of nothing else but fur!

The third catch had been nearly as catastrophic. I had sneaked up on an odd looking large bird that seemed to be feeding on some berries. Okay, so it didn't look very tasty but I was desperate enough to try anything. But when I had tackled it down the strange collection of feathers and dirt had turned and, to my utmost horror, cursed me most fluently, and screeching loudly. It turned out that I had caught an Asora-jin who had disguised himself as a bird in order to hunt one himself. The small creature had glared daggers at me and then stalked away, feathers ruffled and looking more than just a bit aggravated, still cursing obscenities under his breath that made my ears go red.

Now I was desperate and I had been edgy ever since. How would it look when I promised them safety and then accidentally caught and ate one of them! I had almost anticipated another disguised sentient creature in each other animal I had spotted since - no need to mention that I had been unable to catch anything. Now I was totally starved and the twin suns were already setting in a swirl of furious stomach twisting colours. Soon it would be dark. I did not wish to be lost on an alien planet with no food and nowhere to sleep! I sighed again and then flung out my senses to look where my team-mates were. Zarbon and Jeice were on the ship but Vegeta was not too far away from me. I hesitated a moment asking myself if I should really do that. But then again I did not want to spend the night out here on my own and I certainly was not going back to that ship with Zarbon and Jeice around! So I took to the air, soon closing in on a small patch of trees that were clearly visible against the bright sunset. A fire flickered merrily below and I could make out Vegeta's silhouette against the fiery sky. I landed in a few feet away and simply stood there, waiting for him to acknowledge me.

Vegeta

I stood in the lavender dust and gazed around at the strangely bright undergrowth and trees flatly. At least with the coming of night the colours had begun to mute a bit. I looked down at the creature I had managed to bring down. It was a huge six legged plant eater. It's thick plated hide was a washed out pink that melded with the purple environment well enough that I almost hadn't seen it. It also had three horns sitting in a row from the tip of its long nose to the centre of it's flat forehead. I would never have been able to distinguish it from the leafy trees if I had not startled it as I flew low over the ground. Up until now I had searched in vain and had been nearly about to give up in the failing light but there it was! It had almost given itself to me! I stood smugly staring down at it. It was plenty large enough to feed me. Actually...I was sure that there would be quite a bit left over. Now...what to do with it... I was just considering how to approach the task of preparing my meal when I heard someone land not far away. My smirk fell and I almost growled before catching myself. I finally I turned to see...Son. That was not as bad as what I had thought I would see. Pushing down what could almost be called relief, I raised an eyebrow.

"Yes?"

Son Goku

As soon as I touched ground Vegeta's head snapped back and he stared sharply. After a moment of tension his expression changed and it seemed that he was almost relived to see me. I did not care about that long though because that was when I spotted his catch. The beast was huge and it looked very well fed. A yummy piece of meat despite the gruesome colour. Vegeta had already created a fire that would keep the nights cold at bay. I sighed deeply. I had found him but what to do now? I remembered our last encounter involving food too well. Tentatively I walked over to him, sizing up his catch on the way.

"Wow. Impressive., You were very successful it seems." I stated casually, then sat down on a stump a few feet away from him and his prey. I did not wish to intimidate him yet again.

Vegeta

I could see plainly what was on his mind. Just like before he stared at my kill longingly only this time he did not step forth and assert himself. He seemed to try to edge forward as if testing his boundaries. Good. Maybe he had learned something after all. I raised my chin in self assurance.

"Yes. And I intend to enjoy my hard work fully." I stated leaving no room for him to construe that I might be willing to sacrifice it. I had earned this. If he even thought that he could march over here and just take it then he was mistaken.

Son Goku

Of course. I should have known. Why had I ever anticipated anything else? After his behaviour earlier I knew better than to ask him to share. I simply kept sitting and watching him as he moved around preparing his catch to cook over the fire. I leant forward and put my chin in my cupped hands.

"Must have been pretty hard to catch this. I've tried for hours but I couldn't find anything edible in this pastel hell. I nearly was desperate enough to try one of those damn overgrown butterflies."

Vegeta

I set about moving the beast around. Since I had caught it here in such a sheltered spot I decided not to haul it away. Instead I had set up a fire, making my camp in this little grove. The man behind me just made himself at home in my shelter of trees, to my annoyance, and began to talk. I dragged the pink beast closer to the fire and a set of large long logs that I had gathered for setting up the thing to cook but now I stopped and turned to look at him. I snorted, having a hard time stifling a laugh at that mental picture his words conjured. A Saiyajin chasing down a giant butterfly. I could quite imagine him doing that.

"And yet here you are, in *my* shelter, rather than out continuing to hunt and fill your belly." I stated gruffly and cocked my head to the side.

"Raised indoors were you? You depend on stronger individuals to nourish and provide?" I asked him mockingly.

"I will not allow you to mooch off of me, Son Goku." I gazed down at the large heavy beast and grimaced slightly. My head was turned so that he couldn't see as I stared at the animal forlornly. Well... I supposed that it would be better to have someone here with me... For some reason I did not object to his company other than the fact that he could frustrate me so easily. I would rather have him here than Jeice any day. I did miss having my own kind around me. He was not terrible company and he was showing proper restraint, deferring that it *was* my kill. I was quite willing to give in tonight. He was still staring at the animal, though he tried to hide how ravenous he obviously felt. I turned to him with a haughty glare that belayed any of my thoughts.

"If you wish to eat you will bloody well do some of the work yourself." I snapped.

Son Goku

My eyes went wide at that last sentence of his. Did I understand him right? Was he actually offering to share? After he had fought so viciously over that tray of meat he now offered me a part of his kill out of free will? I didn't even have to beg him?

"Ummm... err... yeah, certainly!" I was much too surprised to say anything else. I stood up and walked over to the fire tentatively. When he didn't object I knelt down and started to prepare the carcass for roasting. I remembered his taunting words.

"No, I wasn't raised indoors. I grew up in the wilderness, but that was a long time ago. I've been hunting all my life but never in a... a pink forest! I didn't even know if I was hunting animals or flowers, for heavens sake!" I smiled at the remark he made about the stronger providing for me. I had always been the strongest, but in a way Chichi had provided for me, even though I had often brought home my prey. Did that make her stronger than me? I snickered at the thought.

Swiftly I opened the belly of the animal and pulled out the guts. Then I removed the horny hide and the furry parts too. I had always been pretty adept in these simple skills and after Chichi was no more I had grown accustomed to camping in the wilderness again. This animal might be different from what I usually ate, but not so much that it would give me trouble. Though the pink blood was giving me the creeps… I sharpened a large branch and impaled the meat on it then set it to roast over the fire.

I would have liked to add some spice or herbs but since the whole hunt had given me so much trouble I did not dare to try any of the flora of this tremendously unsettling planet.

Vegeta

I crossed my arms and snickered slightly, moving away and settling myself before my fire.

"Yes. It's rather disquieting. This place reminds me of Dodoria's home world." I shook my head at the memory.

"Absolutely vile. I would rather sleep on the black sand marshes at midday." I watched him work swiftly and efficiently at readying the creature and I again reset my estimations of him. I was glad I gave him the duty rather than soiling my hands with it anyway. He finished quickly and soon the meat was sizzling and the rest had been swept off to the side a ways. I smirked.

"I see you can handle it just fine. I guess you *are* useful." I acknowledged.

Son Goku

"Why thank you." I stated dryly while cleaning my hands on a bit of grass. Now all we had to do was wait for it to be done. I settled down on a large log on the opposite side of the fire, pulling my legs up and embracing them. My tail curled around my arm as I unconsciously took a form that offered me the most protection against the outside world - and the coldness that was approaching.

"You've been to Dodoria's home-world? That must have been awful! One of him is bad enough but a whole planet...?"

Vegeta

I shrugged, leaning back against a tall orangeish rock.

"It was not one of my favourite trips, no. But then again neither has this one been." I said easily, letting myself relax for the first time in a while. I looked up at the sky at the strangely yellow twinkling stars and then looked back down, away from the uncomfortable sight.

"There are a great many horrid places in the vast reaches of space and I seem to have been to most of them." I stated evenly.

***

~ meanwhile, on the ship ~

***

Jeice

Grumbling miserably I poked the dish in front of me. Zarbon had been constantly at my heels and I had not had a chance to escape him. Even when I checked on the ships systems he had been bustling around in the background! Really! It was almost as if he didn't trust me… I smirked widely at the humorous thought.

Oh well, this was really not funny at all. Since Zarbon was around all the time I could not access the real food section on this ship because then he would have noticed that I had access to something I wasn't supposed to have. I had much more secrets to hide from him and I didn't wish to make him suspicious. Therefore I was stuck with nutri-mash, the food of the gods. I just wondered what demented gods would invent and, even less, eat this stuff… Certainly not the Saiyajin ones... Sighing I stood up, disposing of the ugly stuff and went back to the command centre. I could have gone out to hunt myself something to eat but Zarbon would not let me. He was really getting on my nerves! I itched to go out and... hunt my prey! It was almost as if the ban made it even more interesting.

Zarbon

I was getting so tired of having to keep tabs on the hormonally charged red alien and the longer the two Saiyajin were gone the more suspicious I became. Surely they would come back...

What was I thinking? The animals would be much more comfortable outside sleeping in the purple dirt! I had to go and check up on the prince. I needed to make sure that nothing..."untoward" was happening. Finally, after a good meal of real food, and not sharing one bit of it with my cohort, I picked up a scanner and stepped into the com centre with Jeice.

"I'm going to go and find them. Don't leave the ship. I have a scanner and I will be looking for Vegeta so you better give up any thoughts right now." I said with a smile but the threat behind it was very real. I really wouldn't mind taking out my frustrations on him... in fact...it had occurred to me that he would be easy enough to overpower and would give enough of a fight that he might have been an acceptable trade for the Saiyajin but I had to keep the prince out of trouble. That garish red skin had always been attention grabbing but was not really all that much to my taste.

Jeice

The looks Zarbon had thrown me had made me wary all evening. I knew just what kind of player he was and I also knew extremely well that he was way stronger than me. I just thanked all celestial deities that Zarbon was such a sucker for Saiyajin. It was another of his quirks. He collected them almost like other people collected their foe's noses or talons or whatever. It must be the tails... Everyone loved the tails.

"Whatever." I snarled at him angrily. Mainly I was angry because I would have done just that the first moment he was gone. I felt very frustrated right now. I had worked myself up over the last day or so and all this energy had to go somewhere.

"Just see that you don't get tempted either." I couldn't help the snappish remark, casting a knowing look at Zarbon's own pants which had been bulged out all evening. He was just as bad as I.

Zarbon

I gave him an unimpressed look and huffed delicately, turning on my heel and sauntering away stiffly, muttering.

"...Bitch..." I stepped out into the cold night air and took to the sky, shivering slightly. Hmph. I turned on the scouter and after a moment it beeped and I followed where it pointed. I was not pleased to see that the other Saiyajin *was* with the prince. I sped up and made my way there quickly. After a while I spotted a fire that was mostly hidden beneath a clump of thickly leafed trees. I landed off a short distance and stealthily made my way closer. I listened for any sounds that would require my eminent presence but there were none. I finally came near enough to hear low voices. They were talking. Just talking. There was no animosity that I could make out. What a change. The prince had rarely ever been more than cold to anyone, anyone on the ships at least, and he was quite violent at times. Now he was just relaxed and calm. I rarely ever saw him this way. He was always business. But I had not really seen him with others of his kind either. It grated on me that this Goku could have wormed his way into the prince's confidence when he was not supposed to even *see* another Saiyajin. I did not interrupt though. I wanted to get an idea of what I would have to watch for. And Frieza wanted to know too. I crouched down to listen in the cold. Fucking animals! Sleeping in a forest! I hated all the... the... nature! And the chilled air clung to me uncomfortably.

Son Goku

As time passed I loosened up a bit and my tail slowly unwound to fan through the air as the heat from the fire warmed me. I took a branch and leisurely poked the logs that fed the fire. The silence was quiet comfortable, surprisingly, but I'd like to hear Vegeta talk. This was probably my chance to learn more about him...

"So... you've been on many purge's? You're not often on Vegeta-sei then?" I started my cautious quest into the world of the Saiyajin no ouji.

Vegeta

I humphed shortly, my expression wry as I looked across the fire at the man there.

"I have been to Vegeta-sei only once in the last two years and in that one day I somehow managed to pick up *you*. Not exactly the souvenir of choice and rather more of an inconvenience but I suppose it could have been worse. You never did tell me where you picked up the middle tongue. Normally only travelled warriors are taught the lower languages." I questioned, while I looked him over through the flames. He was not very relaxed and yet he seemed not to be overly paranoid. His tail snaked through the air and my eyes followed it.

"You have a pronounced accent. It is obvious but I don't think I have heard it before."

My eyes narrowed and I looked back to his handsome face.

"It is unusual for a renegade Saiyajin to go so very long without notice, especially on our own home planet."

Son Goku

I briefly wondered if I should tell him and how much. But since I could not very well simply stay silent when I wanted him to talk and my talent for lies was infamous, I decided that I would have to stick to the truth but give him as little as possible. I shrugged.

"My language? Well... that's because I did not grow up on Vegeta-sei. I was taught that language on the planet that I was raised on."

Zarbon

I perked up from where I sat. Did he just say a renegade? Hmm... Now that sounded interesting. No wonder he refused to defer to the prince. But why would Vegeta have brought along such a hazard to himself? Son's reply was puzzling as well. What planet?

Vegeta

I leaned forward now. I hadn't actually expected him to answer but he did.

"Whatever planet it is...you came because of Frieza. You are constantly making comments about his honour and trustworthiness, about losing what you hold dear, about killing... or not killing." I eyed him suspiciously. Whatever he wanted here he was not going to succeed. He was not good enough at hiding his intentions.

"You had better learn more self control if you wish to survive long enough to meet the Ice-jin." I warned him with an uncharacteristically light voice.

Son Goku

"I don't wish to meet Frieza again - if he is not dead at that time." I stated calmly and quietly, staring into the fire.

Vegeta

That made me pause. My brows drew low. I could have sworn that that had been his intention. Could I have been so mistaken?

"Then why are you here? You were desperate to get off the Vegeta-sei." I stood up and stepped over to turn the meat a bit. It was coming along nicely it seemed to me. The blood had even darkened to an acceptable shade where it dripped sizzling into the fire. I looked back to him.

"Why would there be a Saiyajin on another planet, anyway? We do not colonize other planets. At least... Not in the time it would have taken. You are older than I am. What was the name of this planet you say you came from?"

Son Goku

"I... I have my reasons." I sighed deeply and moved down from the log so that I was now sitting on the floor and leaning with my back to the wood. My tail thumped slightly against it. I decided that it couldn't possibly hurt to let him know. He would most probably have forgotten about it once we met again.

"I was raised on Chikyuu-sei."

Vegeta

I frowned thoughtfully and sat again, leaning back against my rock. I searched through all the known planets surrounding my solar system. That name was not familiar at all. I shook my head and tsked, turning to stare back at the flames. I had no way of knowing if he even spoke the truth, so why was I bothered that I had never heard the name of this planet before? He would not tell me anything else so what did I care? I sat in silence again, watching the blue wood turn to blackened and glowing red ash.

Son Goku

I turned to poke the meat. It was almost done. It was already sizzling and creating a wonderful scent that wafted all around us.

"It'll be done soon." I leant back again.

"So... when did you start working for Frieza anyway?"

Vegeta

I raised an eyebrow from where I reclined against the rock, my arms crossed behind my head. I almost snorted at the question. Why should I tell him anything about myself and why would he care? But I was relaxed and unconcerned now that I was away from those other two aliens. It wasn't as if it were any secret how long I had been away. It was something I did not think on much after all this time.

"Hn. The years run together." I halted a moment and then consciously considered it, counting in my head. How long *had* it been?

"Since I tested at a warrior's level. I suppose I must have reached middle years. Perhaps I was...maybe eight years. I excelled under my tutors and then I was brought to train under the soldiers in true combat." It had been a very long time. I had not been even near as strong as I was now. Those first years had been hard but I had made it through as a prince must. I had had one goal for a long time and that was to live up to my father's expectations. I was to be the greatest warrior of our people and I would be. I did miss him a bit though it had diminished some over time. It was hard to miss something that seemed more a memory that a reality. But that would end someday. The next time I would not accept such a short stay on the surface.

Son Goku

Surprised I nearly bit my lip. Since he was eight! He had been a child when he was sent to Frieza! He had grown up knowing only fighting and blood and the battle to survive! Suddenly I understood a great deal more about this prince. What would have become of me, if I had not hit my head as a child and grown up with grandpa Gohan? What if, instead, I would have been raised by a monster, toned and chiselled for blood lust and the fight from earliest age onwards? If you looked at it that way it was astounding that he had acted so considerate today. I would have expected a ruthless killing machine like when he head been majin. Yet he was utterly different from his older self...

Zarbon

That bodyguard suddenly looked different to me. His oddness was more pronounced. He was a renegade who the prince had brought on board because he had thought that he was a revolter against Frieza. I smiled widely. Oh! This was just too good! The prince had thought to bring treachery to lord Frieza! How delightful. I wondered what the Ice-jin would say to all of this. And that planet. I made a mental note of the name. It seemed that these two would be in for something quite special soon. I wondered what lord Frieza would reward me with for this sort of information. I licked my lips, the cold forgotten for the moment.

Vegeta

I roused myself and moved to the meat again. The delicious scent had been distracting me for a little while. I was starving by now. I had not thought that something that looked like this could smell so good. Unheedful of the heat I reached in and tore off a large chunk of the dripping meat, settling closer by the fire so that the juices dripped to sizzle on the logs. I was about to take a bite when I took another breath and frowned. I tested the air for a moment. The meat smelled wonderful but there was something else in the air as well. Then it was gone, carried away by a light breeze. I ignored it and set to the food.

Son Goku

The meat was finally ready and I let Vegeta taste the first bit as it was his catch. Only when he tore into it did I see fit to secure myself a piece too. I got up and walked over to his side, seeing that the fleshy part was turned over there. I sat down again and helped myself to a gracious portion. Digging in I actually realized how ravenous I had been. This trip was really the worst diet I could think of!

Vegeta

I looked up to see him sit down by me. I raised an eyebrow but chose to concentrate on my food instead. He was merely eating over the fire just like I was. I finished the huge piece of meat quickly and was about to get another when I caught that scent again. I blinked and breathed it in again. It sent a slight shiver through me. What was that? Was there some plant or something near that gave it off? I tested the air once more and turned my head to the side. What... I could smell the meat in Sons hands as he nearly vacuumed it away. It had been an even larger piece than the one I had taken. I leaned forward and sniffed the air.

"What did you get on yourself, Son? Did you roll in something?" I asked him wryly and chuckled.

Son Goku

I was just on the midst of taking another huge bite of the delicious treat when he addressed me. I chewed slowly and swallowed, frowning.

"What are you talking about, Vegeta?" Cautiously I sniffed at my own clothes but couldn't smell anything unusual.

"I can't smell anything!" Just then I noticed the scent. It was very slight but it was there. I inhaled it deeply. It was rich with musk, heady, very nice. And it definitely did not come from me.

Vegeta

"I could smell you a mile away." I leaned even further forward and he leaned back away from me slightly but I would not relent. I took another deep breath and cocked my head to the side, looking at him curiously as I tried to identify what it was. It was rather sweet and sharp and thick though it was not all that strong. I closed my eyes for a second as I scented the air again. It was... It smelled good... My eyes opened and locked on him. I was a bit confused. He was leaning so far away from me that I was surprised that he had not fallen over. The expression on his face was one of discomfort. It was strange. My throat felt dry suddenly.

Son Goku

He sniffed again and I noticed that he came closer to me each time! It reminded me of Zarbon. Really, first the green Repta-jin and now Vegeta too! What was it with these people and personal space?

But as he came nearer I also caught a bigger whiff of that scent. Curiously I leant closer, forgetting for a moment about my own complaints.

"Hm. Vegeta, I think it's you who smells like that!" I stated, smiling slightly.

My tail swished around happily as I grinned at him, somehow stupidly satisfied to have proven him wrong.

Vegeta

I pulled back slightly when he countered me but then I frowned and pressed closer. I did not even pretend to be tactful. I took a strong sniff and then closed my eyes and shook my head feeling like I was about to sneeze.

"Certainly not. It is definitely you." I grew a little more interested and pulled at his uniform.

"What the hell did you do?"

Son Goku

"Don't be ridiculous. Something must be wrong with you nose. I didn't do anything!" He seemed so sure. Maybe it was on another body-part… I let my tail flop into my own hand and sniffed again. Nothing.

"There, see for yourself!" I almost smacked my tail into his face, still having problems with the fine-tuning of controlling it.

Zarbon

They stopped talking now and I assumed that they had set to eating. I pouted. I could smell the meat that they were cooking over there. I could no longer see them from where I sat. Frowning I wondered if I should come closer or come in all together.

Vegeta

I jerked slightly when he thrust his tail under my nose. My eyes widened. What the hell was he playing at doing something so indecent?! ...then the scent hit me squarely. That smell was suddenly so much stronger. Just on reflex alone my hand snapped onto the fluffy limb in front of me and my eyes turned slightly predatory.

"There is nothing wrong with my nose! It is clear as day! It is you." I snarled softly, holding that twitching limb captive.

Son Goku

I froze when he suddenly gripped my tail and held it. It wasn't painful, but the memory alone was enough to make me shiver. That had not been supposed to happen! How could I have been so dumb as to deliver my biggest weakness into someone's power? I tried to breathe again, tried to get back into control. I mustn't show him just how much power he held over me at this precise moment.

"Odd. I swear you smell and you swear I smell. It seems we're getting nowhere this way." I tried to sound as calm as possible while I was shivering inwardly at those strong fingers holding my sensitive appendage captive.

"Um. Could you please let go?"

Vegeta

I blinked before realizing that I had a hold of... His tail twitched ever so slightly and I had to keep myself from jerking my hand back. Instead, I took a firm grip on myself and slowly smirked, replying in a steady voice.

"Why should I? You gave it to me. You should keep it to yourself next time." I made no attempt to loosen my grip.

"It *is* you. Do you agree?" My fist held him securely though I did not squeeze. It was oh so very curious that he would offer his tail up to me so easily. What was he playing at? And that scent... it was so intriguing though it was not strong. It *was* coming from him. I was sure.

Son Goku

"Nnng..." Inwardly I cursed myself a dozen times over for my stupidity. I just had not thought. I just had wanted to prove to him that it was not me. Now he had me by the tail…literally!

"I... I..." I gave it to him? I did *not*! He wasn't supposed to grab it like that! I just wanted to show him... I growled low.

"Hrmph. I still say it is you that scent is coming from." I folded my arms stubbornly, my tail tip twitching furiously. I would not* give in to him just because he had a grip on my… - I choked - tail!

Vegeta

I smirked widely all of a sudden. 'He just loves torment, doesn't he?' I chuckled and my eyes narrowed again. Slowly, carefully, solidly, I began to put light pressure on that tail, pulling toward myself.

"Oh really. Are you sure? Are you sure there isn't a particular reason that you gave this to me? What if I choose to keep it? What are you going to do?" I felt a thrill of smug pleasure at the look on his face and the power that I held in my hand. He had to give in and edge closer.

"What a foolish thing to do, Son."

Son Goku

I tried to suppress it as long as possible but finally I had to gasp as the tug got more and more painful. I turned to face Vegeta once more.

"I don't know why I did that! I'm still having problems with my tail! You satisfied? Now let go! I really want you to let go." I hissed through gritted teeth.

Vegeta

I looked at him for a moment, that scent was still right there. Still distracting. I raised an eyebrow and continued to smirk despite the light confusion I felt. Then I turned away as if bored.

"Fine. Whatever." I let go and stood in one movement to get some more meat. The scent disappeared with the tail. I knew it had been him. I ripped off another chunk of meat and turned to smirk at the other surprised Saiyajin.

Son Goku

I had my eyes narrowed, trying to get my tail out of that grip without hurting myself too much. He was holding on and I pulled with growing force. Therefore I was totally unprepared when he suddenly let go. Toppling over I landed on the floor, legs over head. I blinked dazzled. I had not expected him to let go, despite my demands. The Vegeta I knew would have never given up such an advantage. He would have used it to its fullest extent, to get whatever it was he wanted. Slowly I disentangled myself and sat up again, gazing curiously at Vegeta who was eating as if nothing happened at all. I clutched my tail protectively to myself, glaring at the prince who acted too innocently.

Zarbon

I was fed up with the cold by now. I stood up and began to move forward again. I could hear quiet voices now. Hmmm... What were they doing? I stepped up my pace just to be sure. I reached the edge of the fire, still shrouded in the darkness and stopped to see a strange scene. They were sitting very close and Vegeta had... I blinked to make sure I saw correctly. Vegeta had Goku's tail in his hand and the larger man looked like he was not happy at all. Oh boy. This was not good. It seemed I might have been wrong. But then the prince let go and moved away and I had to smile as the other Saiyajin stumbled and lost his balance. Those tails had always been so fun. I settled my features and stepped into the circle of light just as Goku was getting to his feet again.

"Good evening. Having a nice dinner? I just thought I would come and see how you were." I said sweetly, startling them both. They must have been really concentrating on each other for me to have come so close without being noticed. That was a bad sign as well.

Son Goku

Suddenly I picked up another presence and my head snapped around only to see Zarbon stepping up to our fire. My eyes widened slightly. How could I have been so careless? Had I learned nothing in all my years of battle? I should never have left my surroundings so very unguarded. I flung out my senses but Zarbon's ki was the only one I could pick up nearby. I felt for Jeice but he was still at the ship. I sighed in relief. So, at least no real damage had been done. But really, I should have been much more careful in a potentially hostile environment.

I turned my attention towards the Repta-jin. I didn't really like his intrusion. It had been quite nice to sit here eating and talking to Vegeta like I rarely had before. We had had a few evenings like this shortly after Buu, but it stopped when Vegeta closed himself off from me. And he had never been so talkative either. I was not used to a Vegeta who talked almost relaxed. I had wanted to keep up with this for a bit longer! Therefore I just nodded at the newcomer, not really unfriendly but not very welcoming either and proceeded to devour more of the delicious meat that I had been forced to neglect throughout the tail-incident.

Vegeta

I turned to the source of the voice with a grimace.

"So nice to know you were worried." I stated dryly. I had thought that I was safe for the time being, at least from Zarbon. He hated discomfort. I had thought he would have stayed at the ship. If anything it would have been Jeice who sought me out. I eyed him coldly. He was not welcome here. He was not welcome anywhere within sight of me but he was definitely not welcome here in my little camp.

"Now that you've seen all is well you can go back to your warm, safe, little vessel." I said in an unfriendly tone. I had this chance to be away from them and I planned to take it. I was very willing to take Son's company instead of theirs no matter how confusing or frustrating or untrustworthy he might be...

Son Goku

Vegeta was much more open in his discomfort than I. I briefly wondered why he hated Zarbon so much. I could see it in his eyes. He was much more open and unguarded in this time than in mine, and his raging emotions were shown clearly in those black orbs whenever he looked at the Repta-jin. Otherwise he was very controlled but his eyes...

I noticed that it was getting a tad bit uncomfortable in my amour. It was warm so close to the fire and I had never liked it from the start, feeling entrapped within. I laid down my piece of meat and quickly stripped it, letting it tumble down beside me. I stretched relieved. Ah, much better indeed! Now all that bothered me was the tight spandex suit but there was no help for that. I guessed that running around naked was not an option here. Shrugging I took up my meal again and dug in.

Zarbon

It was plain to see that neither of them was thrilled at my presence. I wondered just what I had interrupted. Looking between them I was not sure. The prince was too cocky for his own good but I could not really take out my anger on him anymore. Frieza would be unhappy if he was not in good health when he arrived back. Vegeta was as self assured and tense as ever and Goku refused to look at me, intent on his food. I stepped closer to the fire and held my frigid, stiff hands out to warm them, soaking in the heat gratefully.

"But Jeice is such poor company. I thought I..." I trailed off when the burly Saiyan sitting on the log suddenly began to pull off his armour plating. I couldn't restrain the widening smile that spread over my lips as I openly watched the spectacle. Muscles stretching and tightening beneath the skin tight material, extending and contracting, rippling. What a sight. I watched silently until he settled back and began to eat again.

"I thought I would look for better company." I finished happily and let my eyes travel over the now exposed plains and valleys of the Saiyajin renegade.

Vegeta

I took my new hunk of meat and began to gnaw at it while I eyed Zarbon darkly. He stopped in mid sentence to stare at Son and my eyes flickered over to the oblivious Saiyajin. At least I thought he was oblivious. He could very well know completely what he was doing. He stretched lithely as he stripped off his armour and tossed it away with a sigh that heaved those strong broad shoulders of his… and then he laid into his food again with healthy vigour. My eyes darted back to Zarbon who had such a delirious expression on his face that I was surprised he could still speak in any intelligent manner. I knew all too well just what was on his mind. I knew what he was thinking. I growled low under my breath before catching it stiffly. It was none of my concern or care, I told myself. As long as he kept away from me... But I could not quite keep my hackles from rising. This was *my* campsite and he was intruding on *my* free evening. I did not want him here. The only one I had conceded to sharing my hideaway with was Son and therefore he was included in the deal.

"You will find no good company here, unless you enjoy the large insects that are being drawn to the scent of fresh meat." To emphasize, my tail lashed out and swatted down a huge bug that had been fluttering around the campfire and came too close. It landed on the ground, twitching and buzzing impotently. I smirked at the disgusted expression on the green alien's face.

Son Goku

Zarbon kept blabbering on but I didn't really listen. I felt much better without the restraint of the amour and finally, after a few more chunks, my hunger was at least partially satiated. I leant back with a content smile. I sat on the floor, back behind the log, my tail twitching contentedly. I didn't mind the bugs, too. They were much bigger than the ones I was used to, making them easy to spot and to avoid. They didn't seem overly aggressive either. They were out for the meat, not us. Some of the moths that were drawn by the fire were actually quite pretty. Vegeta 's voice made me perk up. He seemed quite annoyed. He clearly did not want Zarbon to join us here. I wondered why I had been accepted whereas Zarbon was rejected so openly. Vegeta barely knew me but Zarbon he must have known for years. And clearly hated for years. Maybe I would ask him when Zarbon was gone.

Zarbon

My smile disappeared all together and I took a dignified step backwards from the *thing* that Vegeta almost threw at me. Ewww! I glanced around searching for more of those horrible things.

"You don't really plan to stay out here, do you?!" I asked incredulously.

"I mean... You can't. Who knows what sorts of... creatures are out here." I turned to Goku who was finally done eating.

"Surely you will come back to the ship, Goku. I would quite like someone to keep me company. I could even show you where the food stashes are." I cooed.

"The *real* food. Surely you would rather sleep in a bed than here on this putrid purple grass." I pressed. Yes. A bed. My bed. He would enjoy himself...after a while... maybe. I raised my eyebrows questioningly.

Son Goku

Raising one eyebrow at the urgency in Zarbon's voice I took the branch I had used before and lazily poked at the fire.

"No... not really. I'm used to staying outside and usually prefer it to being inside. Especially on one of those ships." I shuddered.

"As for the food, thanks for the offer, but I'm quite full now. Maybe I'll hit you back on that later."

Vegeta

I almost did growl out loud now. The simpering lizard! His honey dipped tongue grated on my nerves. He needed to have it ripped out. One of these days... I did not want to put up with him. Son showed his intelligence... or at least his heritage. Any Saiyajin would prefer the wilds to the stale antiseptic surroundings of a spaceship. I was pleased at his decision. Also the fact that his belly was full... if not... he probably would not have hesitated.

"We are both staying here for the night. There is nothing that can harm or pester us here... that is indigenous to this planet. Go back to your metal bunk and leave us in peace." I growled, impatient and yet smug.

"We will return when we are ready to leave." I was not going to bandy words with him. I refused to be manipulated. I was made immune to his voice long ago. I stared at him unblinkingly.

Son Goku

For some reason Zarbon seemed not very pleased with our decision. He huffed indignantly and looked at me in that strange way again. I shrugged it off. He could play cards with Jeice or something like that if he wanted company. I didn't really know why he was so intent on *my* company anyway. Must be the thrill of the newness or something. I myself was not very thrilled by his company. He had this annoying tendency to intimidate me and that constant smile was grating on my nerves.

"Good night, Zarbon. We'll meet again tomorrow:" I said, yawning and stretching slightly, whereupon my tail stiffened and then puffed out twice it's size. I was tired and the prospect of sleep looked better and better.

Zarbon

Damn that prince! He could be such a prudish little worm at times! I grimaced. This was not worth my torture. Even if I had to leave him alone with the bodyguard. It would not change anything. Frieza would never know the difference. If anything happened... I could just lay the blame on Jeice. He was an easy enough target. The whole local deck on the battle ship knew that Jeice wanted the prince. I straightened my clothing and righted the expression on my face. Sure, I was disappointed but there was not much I could do... or was willing to do at the moment. And being dismissed like this grated on my nerves. But I would have my way sooner or later. I could be patient. For a little while.

"Very well. As you wish. I will see you later." I said this to Goku with a smile and then nodded to Vegeta before shrugging my shoulders and striding off.

"Sweet dreams, my Saiyajin." I said before taking to the air and heading back for the ship. I had spent far too much time out here anyway. The air smelled funny and it was all together too moist and too cold. My hair felt limp and lustreless. I intended to not have to deal with this turgid environment one moment more than I had to.

Vegeta

He finally left and I relaxed again, finishing off my food. We had eaten a very large portion of the animal is so little time. I licked my fingers clean and then settled back down where I had eaten, stretching my legs toward the fire with a sigh and then I leant back and crossed my arms behind my head to stare up at the surprisingly bright yellow stars. Much better.

Son Goku

Zarbon finally left, and he seemed to be not too unhappy about it, but not without smiling at me again and right when he took off I thought I heard something funny… but I must have imagined that. I sat back too, watching Vegeta through half lidded eyes. He had relaxed the instant the Repta-jin was gone.

"You don't like him." It was no question, but merely a statement.

Vegeta

I grimaced and did not look over at the other. Dislike was not a strong enough term but it did not matter.

"I do not have to like him." I said simply, still staring up at the sky. No. I did not like him at all. That was such a poor statement to truly express it. Why try?

Son Goku

He simply affirmed my statement. I turned my head and looked over to him. He was sitting with his head tilted back, looking at the night sky. The night breeze tousled his wayward black spikes. The fire was casting shadows and bringing out red highlights in his hair. I had never before noticed that he had this reddish tint. I wondered what else I didn't know about him. First I wanted to ask him about why he did not like Zarbon but then I decided against it. I did not think he would tell me. Instead I leant back too, tilting my head and looking up to the night sky.

"The stars are beautiful out here…" I stated quietly.

Vegeta

I frowned and my brow lowered as I thought about the statement.

"I suppose. It is still too garish. I prefer the brilliant white stars rather than this yellow haze. They look shaded or screened. Hmph. It does not really matter." I finally stated at the end before leaning up and stoking up the fire again. I glanced over at the man. The firelight made strange shadows flutter across him and play over the ridges of muscles that stood out through his uniform. The shadows made him look different, his face shadowed a bit. Just like him. He was shadowed and only few things seemed clear but not really. I turned back to the fire and watched the flames. I chose to ignore it all for the moment. I was full and tired and relaxed and for now I was not worried about whether I could drop my guard enough to sleep. Whatever and whoever he was... I felt that I could at least sleep in his presence. I slid off the log and stretched out on the soft, cool grass, pillowing my head on my arm and getting comfortable. I still watched the flames lick at the wood. It was calming.

Son Goku

I gazed up longingly at the stars some more even after Vegeta had laid down to sleep. Somewhere out there were Namek-sei and, even further away, Chikyuu-sei. I wondered what was going on there. This must be before the time when I met Bulma. Probably I was still living out in the wilderness there...

What was going on in my time? I had been here for... I counted back. More than two days already. It had not seemed that long at all. I wondered if anybody even missed me yet. Probably not... My thoughts wandered to Vegeta, the other one. How I had faced him and told him farewell. Had I actually meant that? Given the chance to return would I still stay away from him? It all seemed so distant now. My life had changed so completely from one moment to another. I hadn't had any time to feel depressed since I arrived here. But I had constantly thought about Vegeta. He was on my mind, always. Even more than my sons or my friends. It was always Vegeta. I just didn't know why. It was so strange, being here with him and yet not him at all. He was so different. More difficult in parts but in others much more open. I liked how we had talked earlier. It reminded me of happier times...

I settled down for sleep too. The fire was slowly smouldering down, the smoke keeping the bugs at bay. The stars twinkled in the far distance. I breathed deeply, feeling surprisingly relaxed.

"Good night, Vegeta." I said it quietly in case he was sleeping already.

Vegeta

I was still staring into the flames when I heard the man to my side shift around. I blinked, realizing that I had started to fall asleep with them open. A habit I had learned over the long years I had spent fighting. There were times when it was very useful. He bid me good night and I huffed wryly at it.

"Hn." was my only reply and I closed my eyes, falling asleep almost immediately.

Son Goku

I smiled at the snort that was my only answer. Some things never change. I closed my eyes but my senses kept wide awake. I would *not*make the same mistake twice! I was able to subconsciously scan our surrounding for any signs of a dangerous ki approaching. There were none at the moment. But I would stay alert anyway. I would guard both me and Vegeta. The thought made me smile. Maybe I was a better bodyguard than he thought after all… I fell asleep, still smiling.

***

~ the next morning ~

***

Vegeta

I opened my eyes to the grey morning light and blinked several times to try and clear my vision. It was no use though. The colours would not go away. Glaring at them I glanced around the scope of the environment that I could see before moving, gaining an idea of what I was waking up to. It was something that I usually did as a mere reflex. I liked to know what to expect rather than just blundering into it before I had a chance to defend myself. I could hear rhythmic breathing very close but that was all. Rolling easily I looked to my side to find that that Saiyajin had gravitated over to me during the night. He was now sleeping on his stomach less than a foot away from me, using his arm as a makeshift pillow under his cheek. I raised an eyebrow and then smirked, shaking my head. A thin layer of dew lay over everything and the fire was little more than coals. I shivered slightly as a breeze blew up but just flared my ki slightly to keep the chill off. Standing fluidly I stretched high and arching with a sigh, taking a deep breath of the cool air. I stepped over to the meat that still sat over the dim fire. There was still enough for breakfast.

Son Goku

When I felt something stirring beside me I woke immediately. But my senses told me that the ki was not an enemy's and therefore I took my time waking up fully. I blinked my eyes open and was greeted by the sight of pink grass. I blinked again, once twice, but it would not go away. That must mean I wasn't still having a nightmare. Yawning I sat up. Vegeta was already up and about, igniting the fire again to warm up the meat from yesterday. I stretched as I stood up, feeling several joints snap into place. I closed my eyes and stretched some more, feeling better than I thought I would. I felt almost like a cat that greeted the morning sun. Vegeta seemed to be doing just fine with whatever he was doing and I felt the urgency to move my body and get rid of the night's stiffness.

"Morning, Vegeta." I greeted him smiling as I walked by. I decided to do my morning kata before eating. It was not good to do it on a full stomach and I would be sufficiently ravenous afterwards. I stepped from under the trees into the sun-light. There was lots of space on all sides. Perfect.

I stood still for a moment, simply relishing in the soft fresh air. The change was not visible at first but as I tensed all my muscles part after part my body went stiff and then relaxed again. I stretched a bit more and then fell into the familiar stance to begin my kata with.

Vegeta

I stoked the fire back to life and glanced over at Son as the other slowly roused himself. I was mildly surprised that I had not felt him come so close during the night. Normally I was very aware of what happened around me while I slept but he did not really seem a threat. He looked so at ease right now...

I humphed sourly at the casual greeting and turned back to move the beast a bit so that it sat over the flames again. It was not so odd for Saiyajin to group close together to ward off the chill when sleeping out in the cold night air. It was an almost forgotten feeling after the last few years. Once I was finished with that I stretched tall, reaching up to the leafy canopy with a silent yawn and thinking about what I would do for my morning warm up. Then my sleepy counterpart was up and moving out of the camp. I watched him stretch and take up a relaxed stance, beginning a slow rhythmic routine and stepped out to watch for a moment.

Son Goku

Closing my eyes I tried to loose myself in my surroundings. The sounds on this planet were different and even the air tasted different. But nevertheless I breathed it deeply, letting the unfamiliar exotic scent wash over me. It was a bit too sweet, just like everything on this planet seemed to be a bit too exaggerated. Then I let the breath flow out and slowly started to move.

First only my arms were moving, performing simple ritualised blockings. Then I raised a leg, performing something like a kick to the jaw in slow motion. But the leg stayed in the air as I slowly turned on my other foot, until I had performed a perfect circle. Slowly the movements became faster. They were fluent, short bursts of energy followed by holding a certain position for a certain amount of time and then the next fast movement until I froze to a statue again. That was the first part of the kata. When I was through with that I gave up the holds and simply moved. Bending, twisting, kicking, punching, I catapulted my body into the air, never once opening my eyes. I didn't need to. I saw it all before my inner eye, my other senses were alert and wide awake. Plus I trusted Vegeta to give me a warning should anything unusual happen that I did not sense first. I increased my speed once again, now moving more above the floor than on it. My body was airborne, touching the ground only for brief moments before catapulting itself into the crisp morning air again. Somersaults were followed by roundhouse kicks. This planet must have a slightly lesser gravity than earth. It was all too easy. But it felt good to feel my body flow and glide like that.

Vegeta

Crossing my arms I watched him glide through movements and forms that I was not familiar with. Standing still I noted the grace in which he moved and the practiced ease that made up every nuance of each thing he did. It was flawless and natural. This was a born warrior. I noted that his tail stood out away from his body, moving along with exaggerated swishes and swings. It gave away too much of his intentions but it gave me a chance to study his style. It was easy and relaxed, open and sturdy. I soaked it in and vowed to myself that I would test him again and this time I would really learn just what he was capable of. But not this morning. I remembered that odd moment the night before when he almost had thrust his tail into my grasp. I still did not know exactly what to make of it. He had seemed genuinely uncomfortable though he had been the one to do it. Watching trim, cut muscles writhe beneath the tight armour-less spandex, I considered just what his intentions were. I truly did not know. I did not know how to react to him either. My eyes stayed locked on him as I considered and puzzled over the strong, well formed warrior. I found that I could only watch his graceful movements so long before I felt the itch to get my own body moving. I wanted my morning exercise. It was a habit that I enjoyed, especially out here in the fresh air, as fresh as this child's play-art could possibly be.

I turned away from the mesmerizing sight and moved off a few yards, beginning my own routine. I did not close my eyes as he did. He left himself too open that way. Instead I focused on the air before me and opened up my senses. I would be able to catch anything that came within my circle of awareness. I could feel the other still moving. I slipped into an attack stance, the one I always used. I stood there, breathing, willing my blood to begin to flow, speeding up my metabolism with practiced control to match the rhythm of my lungs before easing into my form. It was more controlled and deliberate than Son's. More dependant upon abrupt and sharper moves. More intense perhaps but I did not think about that. My mind was clear as I fell into it. Brushing away all uncomfortable thoughts and emotions. Just moving and concentrating and feeling the earth beneath my feet and the sky overhead, the wind flowing around me, and listening to the sounds of my environment. I could hear his steps and the wind of his movements and unconsciously my own matched his rhythm as I began to speed up, my limbs warming to the cool, moist, dawn air. The twin suns making my shadows stretch away as if there were three moving together rather than just myself. The edges of my lips quirked upwards slightly at the relaxed freedom of it all.

Son Goku

In midst of my kata I felt Vegeta's Ki move slightly and then rise and I knew that he had started to do his own morning training. I could hear his feet pound on the ground rhythmically and after a while I could faintly hear his slightly harder breathing. We moved together, synchronized - just like in the old days, and for long moments I felt true happiness. Suddenly my own stomach interrupted the tranquillity. It growled loudly, reminding me that it wanted to be fed. I was almost sorry to slow down, but choosing between training and eating was always hard.

I returned to the ground. I was only lightly sweating and not even out of breath but it had warmed me up sufficiently and my body was not so stiff from all the abuse it had endured the last days anymore.

Sighing and secretly wishing that I could power up just to see whether my abilities were already back to normal, I began to walk over to our campsite when Vegeta's movements caught my eye. I stopped and watched. His style was different from mine and even from his older selves for that matter. He moved not like in a kata but rather as if he was fighting an invisible enemy. There was so much controlled power behind those movements. His body was bursting with energetic speed, so fast that I had to look twice before I adjusted. He possessed a unique grace that made his movements less violent and more artful looking, which helped to cover their deadly accuracy.

You were hypnotised by his movements - and then he stroke and that was the last thing you saw...

I realized that I had subconsciously held my breath as little sparks started to dance across my vision. Shaking my head to clear the dizziness I resumed my walk back to the camp. Sitting down on the log I poked the fire until the flames roared high then helped myself to a chunk of meat. It was still delicious and I ate ravenously, but was careful to leave more than enough for Vegeta. It was still his catch after all.

Vegeta

I continued my exercises even when I heard him stop. I could almost have sworn that his stomach had actually caused the ground to waver with such an explosive sound. It nearly threw me off but I kept going. I felt him watch me for a short while but I paid him no mind, keeping my attention focused and spread out over myself and my surroundings. I felt light and loose now, warmed from the sun and the blood racing through my veins. Finally though, I slowed and came to a stop, acknowledging the hollow feeling in my own stomach. I turned and walked easily back to the trees. When I entered I saw that he had left me part of the animal still. We had devoured nearly all of it and the bones were piled in the fire among the wood that crackled and burned brightly. Good. If he had not I would have taken it out of his hide. I took the last portion and sat, setting to it with a content expression, not speaking a word to the other.

Son Goku

Finally Vegeta stopped too and came over to have breakfast. We ate in comfortable silence until even the last bit of meat had been devoured. Then I stretched lazily and sighed. I guessed this meant that it was time to return to the ship. Time to go back to sorrow and worry and ugly surprises and the company of the other two. I didn't feel very happy at the thought of returning to Zarbon and Jeice anytime soon. Jeice had been looking at me with quite a bit of dislike lately and Zarbon simply freaked me out with his constant smile and his funny behaviour. If only we could stay here…

I looked around, noticing once again the ridiculous colouring of this place. Well, maybe not exactly here. But somewhere on some planet in the wilderness, simply hunting, eating, sleeping and training... that would be so much better... Wait a moment… I wondered why I had thought 'we'. Why not me alone? I turned my head and looked at Vegeta who was busy trying to clean his hands on the pink grass with little success. Yes. We. It had been fun with him around. None of the usual tension, none of the usual insults. He had simply accepted me, seemed comfortable enough with my presence and not bothered by me. Hell, he had shared his catch with me. I really did not know what to think of this so familiar and yet so alien man beside me.

"So... it's back to the ship now?" I asked, my voice testimony of my enthusiasm at that prospect.

Vegeta

I grimaced at the grease that clung to my fingers and would not easily come away and did not glance up when Son spoke. I grimaced further. Back to the ship. The thought did not appeal to me. 18 more hours with those two perverts. And... I stood up abruptly and looked to Son with a haughty air.

"You may go back if you wish but I refuse to use that recycled cleaning facility. I intend to follow my normal routine, pink planet or no. There was a lake not *that* far away. I saw it yesterday". By not *that* far away I meant not on the other side of the planet. It probably *was* further than I remembered but what did it matter? The other two would not leave without us. Son's unenthusiastic expression eased and he seemed to like the suggestion. I smirked at him, amused. He was as un-thrilled to return to the ship as I was. I stepped away a few feet and turned my head just enough to speak to him again.

"Anyway, I have not had even a half of my normal morning warm up. How fast can you run?" I did not wait for him to answer before taking off in the direction I remembered the source of water to be in.

Son Goku

Ah! A bath! The idea was most wonderful! He smirked at me and suddenly all I saw was a speck at the horizon moving very fast.

"HEY! NO FAIR!" I shouted at his retreating form, smirking broadly. I picked up the amour I had still not put on and took off at high speed. I laughed as I ran, feeling the wind flow around me. It was wonderful! I hadn't run like this for a long time! It felt so good just to throw my body forward…

I didn't know where we were going and therefore I simply followed Vegeta's ki. I couldn't help it, I powered up just beneath the change to SSJ 1 and sped up, catching up with Vegeta, a whoop of sheer joy on my lips. In the far distance I could already spot a bright red lake that sparkled in the sunshine. At least I thought that it was a lake. I couldn't be too sure but it looked big and flat... it had to be! My suspicion was confirmed when we came nearer and I could see the surface rippling slightly under the light morning breeze.

Suddenly, sooner than anticipated, we were there and I couldn't stop. Vegeta had slowed down but I had had too much fun to do so in time. Therefore I ran straight-line into the lake, speeding over the surface, trying to stop. I came to a skittering halt... and immediately sunk beneath the surface with a huge splash.

Vegeta

I broke into a run, just letting my legs go as I sprinted off. It was a good feeling and my lungs expanded to keep up with the sudden exertion. I did not push too hard, but then I always pushed myself. It was just the way I did things. It only took a short time until I fell into the rhythm and knew that the other was following me. He seemed to catch up too easily with me. I looked over at him when he did so and I realized that he was actually passing me! Like hell! I turned up my ki and sped up the pace but he kept even with me. At first it was a surprise but it grew into more of an annoyance when I remembered that I did not know just how strong he was. He seemed to be able to match me at any given time. I did not like it but it intrigued me at the same time. I would not let him get ahead. The rivalry caused me to smirk a little wider and we both pressed on, the wind hitting us head on and the scenery flashing by beneath as we dodged and weaved and leapt obstacles in unison. If he though he would beat me he had another thing coming. We came into sight of that bloody body of water I had seen before and neither of us slowed. It did not take long for me to realize he had no intention of stopping. Baka! I said nothing though. I was not going to leap into the waves even if he was. I slowed and eased into a halt at the edge of the water and watched as he ploughed on and then sank, skidding to a stop far into the surf. I humphed at the sight and shook my head. It had been a good run. Let the moron soak himself. I pushed down the amusement and began to peel off my armour and clothing.

Son Goku

I came back to the surface, spluttering red water. Grinning like mad I sauntered back to the beach, letting the amour fall down. I was dripping wet. Rinsing my tail of red fluid I proceeded to strip out of the spandex and hung it over a branch to dry while I was cleaning myself. Vegeta had already stripped and leapt fluently into the waves before I even had the chance to look. I wouldn't have minded to. He was a pleasant look, with those firm muscles and that bronze skin. That body was more lean but just as strong as his older selves. I shrugged and looked around me. There was a cliff not far away and after I had stripped it gave me an idea. I gathered my ki and went airborne, effortlessly flying over to the cliff. Looking over the planet surface I noticed a city in the distance and forest all around. Then I levelled my gaze again to the lake. Hehe... this would be fun! I took a few steps back and then a head-start and leapt into the lake, causing a great splash that soaked all the surrounding beach.

Vegeta

I looked down at the water with a dry smile. The liquid resembled a sea of blood. Ha. Bathing in a sea of blood. I had seen the reality of such an expression. It was strange to find a natural occurrence that matched so well to my memory. I dismissed the thought and dived under, letting the water wash away the sweat and dust that had settled on my skin. I swam down to touch the bottom and looked around as I flipped and headed back to the surface. I kept expecting to see... I mentally shrugged away the gruesome thoughts and broke the surface again, tossing my head back to keep my drooping hair out of my eyes. The red liquid flowed away just in time for me to see the tidal wave coming at me. I ducked under and came up again just as Son broke the surface with a childish laugh.

What a careless creature. I raised an eyebrow and growled, swimming away to finish bathing myself. In a short while I stepped out from the water again while he continued to swim around, I dried off with my ki and watched him slide through the water as I dressed again. It didn't seem to disturb him at all. It was a strange view. Rather…enthralling. A grown Saiyajin, laughing and smiling, revelling in the very life like liquid. It kept me fascinated for a moment. I tried to shake the image away but it stuck with me.

Son Goku

When I surfaced again I saw Vegeta glaring at me, but I had too much fun to care. So I swam and dived down to the bottom of the lake. The red water was a bit odd at first but I got used to it pretty fast and actually found it kind of nice. There was an interesting life at the bottom of the lake and I watched the strangely shaped fishes go by, wondering which of them was edible and how they would taste. Did the red water create a different flavour?

I would have liked to find out but just then I sensed Vegeta leaving the water and raising his ki, no doubt to dry himself off. I swam back to the surface. I broke through it with a great splash then looked around only to be presented with a full front view of the nude prince of all Saiyajin.

Hm. I don't think I should feel so warm when in water. The water temperature on this planet must be fairly above the temperature on earth. Wow, Vegeta sure was something to look at. Here, outside, bathed in the light of the twin red suns, the highlights in his hair and tail and the dark bronze of his skin was even more visible. Even from this distance I could see some scars that I remembered having seen when Vegeta took of his shirt after our spars. But as far as I could remember I had never before seen him fully naked. He always had been rather prudish about that, I had no idea why. I mean, since I didn't have any problems with nudity myself why should he? I shrugged mentally, still looking at the picture of saiyan perfection in front of me. He sure was built like a demi-god. Slender hips, long muscled legs, perfect proportions and that muscled yet lithe frame that was so very chiselled in all the right places.

It started to get uncomfortable in the water because of the warmth that seemed to rise. Maybe this lake was volcanic? Whatever it was, I decided to leave the water now and swim towards the beach. Vegeta was dressing already when I reached it and left the water to head for my battle suit that hopefully was dried by now. I shook myself so that drops of red water were flying all around then flared my ki and instantly my drooping spikes started to steam as the water evaporated.

Vegeta

I finally displaced my thoughts from the man in front of me who had just pulled himself from the water and turned them back to the ship. A momentary distraction. That was all that this was. I did not look forward to this return trip. I had done enough things that Zarbon was certainly going to be searching for a way to pay me back... and Jeice... I suppressed a shiver. I realized that I was still watching Son even though my thoughts had been elsewhere and my attention was caught by him again when he turned to me questioningly. I lifted my chin and eyed him bluntly. There were still matters that needed attention.

"You have broken your word to me." I stated with matter of fact assurance.

Son Goku

Dried and fully clothed I turned, smiling, and waited for Vegeta to give the sign that we were heading back to the ship. Then he spoke. Stunned I blinked once or twice at this statement. He could mean more than one thing by that and I didn't really know what he was referring to right now. But I did have a slight feeling of guilt.

"I... I have?" I stopped to stand before him, looking at him.

Vegeta

I stared at him unswervingly.

"Yes. You have. You swore that you would follow my commands. You swore that you would act accordingly to stay in my company and in turn I would take you off planet. I kept my part." Here I pinned him with a stern glare.

"This trip was going to be a disaster from the beginning but you have helped to cause damage that will take ages to repair. You seem not to be even aware of it though I find that hard to believe." I paused and almost stopped there but I needed to clear the air. I needed to know if I could even consider the possibility that I might have at least a non-combative comrade if not an ally. Just for this return trip, no further.

"You do not respect me at all and I cannot trust you." I said straight.

Son Goku

The small moment of careless happiness was forgotten as I listened to him. With every word my mood dropped to new lows. I swore that even the spikes of my hair slumped downwards. It had been so nice to forget about all the shit that had happened. And now it came back tenfold. Each accusation - or rather each statement - made my heart feel heavier. Despite everything I could say to my defence - Vegeta was right. He was right. I had defied him. I had broken my vow. I had planned to do that when I got a chance to get back home, but I had done it without a valid reason besides craving food. That was low. I did not know what trouble I had actually caused him, but it seemed to be much graver than I thought. But his last sentence hit me hardest.

'I cannot trust you.' If anything that had been one thing Vegeta had always done. He had trusted me. Trusted me to be a careless idiot, trusted me to give my best in battle, trusted me to always come back for another spar... but he had trusted me. That had kept me upright over some times. And now... now he said that he did not trust me. I didn't know what to say. What did I want? To go home? Certainly. To preserve the timeline? Yes, of course. To make Vegeta trust me? Like me even? Maybe. I had tried to do that for decades. Habits are hard to break...

"I... I am sorry." What else could I say? Was I trustworthy? I had not acted such. Would I be? There were too many secrets in my past... and in his future. So many things I had to hide from him at all costs. How could I want him to trust me? And yet... yet I did.

"What do you expect of me?"

Vegeta

His response gave me enough to believe that I might possibly actually be able to rely upon him. Just for that much time. Just for the trip back. I would give him no sign of my insecurity though. Certainly not.

"I have worked long and hard to gain the standing I have among these aliens. I am a prince. I have the respect and loyalty of my race if I have nothing else." I stated. And it was true. I did not have much more here in space. Among other races that could not care less for my status or breeding.

"You are a renegade. You are not a part of the Saiyajin race. You have stated such. You have embraced other customs." I paused to accentuate my next statement.

"But here you are Saiyajin. No more, no less. That is what beings like Zarbon see. And I am your prince. You take it upon yourself. One man. To decide that that is meaningless. One man. If we were on Vegeta-sei and you acted as you did, a pack of loyal subjects would have taken it upon themselves to punish you and send you to the next dimension for treason against their crown. One man, in the eyes of ten thousand soldiers... and I am reduced in the eyes of each alien who does not respect our race." I stated with a flat cold voice. One man could bring me down so easily. It was pathetic. And I had to reason with him. Reason with him! It was shameful but I would do what it took to survive. The rebel would be gone on his own way soon enough, or dead. Until then, though, I was stuck with him and his consequences.

Son Goku

All I could do was stare at him. Each of his words hit me right into the heart. So many different emotions. There was... shame because it was as he said and I did recognize that. There was anger because he had acted so... so infuriating! There was understanding. He didn't have much more. His pride was all he had and therefore he stuck to it. His pride. His pride lay in his heritage, his title and his strength. And I had brushed two of those carelessly aside and challenged the third. Suddenly I realized something about Vegeta. This was all he had. This was what would turn later into that absolute infuriating arrogance, that stubborn "Fuck you"-attitude that I so despised. This was the beginning of that "I am better than you all" shit he would give me day after day. He had told himself this so often that he started to believe it himself. Because it was all he had. Yes, I had always refused to play along. I had never submitted to him... not in this way. I had never understood. But I did now.

"Vegeta... I know I caused you trouble. But I swear I'll do my best to act better. You know now that I have not grown up on Vegeta-sei and you can guess that my loyalties might lie elsewhere. But I never meant for you to get involved. I will hold my vow... Oujisama."

Vegeta

I still could not trust him. Not at his word alone but it was all I had at the moment. How humbling. I drew up and looked at his honest, somewhat downcast features. Why did this feel so significant? He was merely playing along as he said he would. It was satisfying though, after struggling for just that admission of title from him. I nodded to him in steady silent acknowledgement.

"It is time we got back. The sooner we get underway the sooner this will be over with." As long as he kept his word this time I would be able to deal with everything else.

Son Goku

He looked at me and for a moment I saw something in his eyes... but then it vanished and he turned away. I sighed at his words. The ship. And then, back to the mother ship. Jeice, Zarbon and Frieza.. Someone get me out of here...

"Yes, we need to go. I bet they're already waiting for us." We took to the air and the whole flight I thought about what he had told me. No one held respect for him here if he did not teach them. Every flaw he showed was used against him ruthlessly.

Oh yes. His perfectionism, his attitude... they started to make sense. I wondered what would have become of him if he had not grown up on a battle ship. There were glimpses... glimpses of another Vegeta, one I had never known but always searched for. I wondered...

~ to be continued ~

Outro (replies to reviews and merciless teasing for next chapter. Might contain tails.)

Rogue: *glances around the crowded street corner where there are a number of individuals in groups spread all around... and a number of tables secured with all types of food known to man and Saiyajin alike*

It seems that we have gained quite a little ghetto here, don't you think, angel? We could begin charging rent on top of it all... *glances over to where Serapha still cannot seem to move for the muses clinging to her thighs*

Oh... hahaha *points and laughs and then squeaks loudly* Ow!!! That is not a play toy! Stop tugging on my tail, Gemi! *holds the fluffy member close protectively*

DarkSerapha: *desperately tries to pry off Gemi's other selves who have clung to her legs the last week or so, efficiently making her life living hell* Come now... I can't even fly with you two dead weights on me! *seeing that this does not bother the two she decides to use another strategy, suddenly pointing off into the shadows* Look! Vegeta is doing a striptease! *smirking watches both of Gemi's muses hastily scramble away, cameras ready* There! Finally! *turns, only to bump into the beach-chairs that have been set up at the corner* What the...!!

Rogue: *sighs* I don't think we quite bargained for this. Look at the cement! There's carpet!! Someone put down carpet on my street corner!! *looks put out* It's supposed to be grungy and low class!! Look!! Is that a french maid? Who hired a maid?!! We're outside for goodness sake!! *growls and throws herself down on a beach chair and picks up a tropical drink*

Son Goku: *rests comfortably on a beach towel, tail twitching lightly, as a delicious smell wafts by* Mmmh.. what is this... smells sooo good.. * driven by the alluring scent almost floats over to where A'nore and L'orn are standing, waving with chicken legs and pina colada

Vegeta: *leaning against the street lamp suddenly notices his distracted counterpart and raises an eyebrow* Baka! What do you think you are doing? *snags the Saiyan by the tail and holds him back*

Son Goku: GAH!! *looks back at Vegeta with a hurt expression, instantly scuttling back to protect his precious tail* Geta! Why did you do that! I just wanted some food! Those two nice ladies said I can have as much as I want! *whines* I am so fed up with having to eat that slimy stuff just for this story... though the meat you caught sure was good...

Vegeta: *gives a frustrated sigh* Haven't you learned anything from this story yet? First of all, if you kept your damn tail tucked in then I wouldn't be able to grab it, would I? Second, just *why* do you think they are offering you food? Look at them! *points at the sudden angelic expressions and halos* *That* is not a good sign! Hmph... Anyway... Yes. *I* caught it and it was good.

Son Goku: Huh? I don't get it… What could they want from me…? *suddenly smirks at Vegeta who is still holding his tail* But it does seem to me you caught yourself another good thing... *smile* What are you planning to do with it now?

Vegeta: *raises eyebrow and looks down at the tail in his hands* *smirks* *turns around and drags a yipping Son Goku (hopefully) away from prying eyes*

Rogue: *stands up quickly* Hey! Vegy! I set up a trailer just around the block! Nice an cosy! Really! And private! *points the way before grinning at Angel*

DarkSerapha: *shakes head at the display of the two Saiyajin and casually presses a button on a certain remote control for a certain video camera - raises eyebrows at the stunned looks from the various audience - shrugs* Where do you think we get the inspiration for the lemons to come from?

Rogue: *smirks* Oh! What inspiration we got! You won't believe! But that's for later... Now... I seem to recall....something...about a few grammar mistakes... I can't seem to remember... Did you see it, Angel?

DarkSerapha: *smirks* Yes I did. We must thank punker182biatch and her... really highly visible… review for turning our attention to this one. We could of course claim that we did it on purpose… *grins smugly in the direction of the trailer* but we will correct this as soon as possible. All I can say to that is... *curses heartily and kicks Microsoft Word's surprisingly hentai dictionary

Rogue: *chuckles* Huh, yeah, how could we do such a thing as confuse the word humphing with the word humping? Go fig. Must have just been a little preoccupied or something... Speaking of odd wording... I have been very surprised that no one has asked about the title of this fic yet. We didn't just make up something that sounded cool you know...

DarkSerapha: *nods to that* Actually it will still take a bit till the meaning is revealed. It is not "Through Darkest Destiny" though. I am surprised too. I would have thought that our customers would be more curious... *smiles to her lovely neko* Say, how about we hold a little call for entries? Let our readers guess just what "In'lar-Anth" could be or mean? We assure that it has a meaning - actually it has two - and that it is essential for the story. I am very curious what our readers assume it could be.

Rogue: Yes. And it will be an open list because it will be a little while before the name truly gains meaning. I would love to see just what the readers might translate it as. It is a Saiyajin word and very important. So. Whenever you think you might have it, just shout it out for the rest of us to hear. If you are right then we will consider some sort of reward. I'm sure it will be fun.

DarkSerapha: There was another question, wasn't there, my dear? Someone - I think it was kodachi - asked why Goku is acting so different from his usual happy patient self...

Rogue: Ah yes. There was. Now... How to put this... Let's see... *raises one eyebrow dryly* Just how happy-go-lucky would *you* be if you were spiritually in your mid thirties but physically only late twenties because you gave up your life time and time again to save and protect those you loved and not shown even a bit of gratitude for it all? Everyone around you has kept on in their lives, not missing you and growing older and you are still the same and they still look at you the same even though you are not.

DarkSerapha: *looks saddened* Yes... everyone is assuming that you will always be the carefree idiot even when you discover that your thoughts run deeper… And then there is this other, who has been your solace for a some time... you always respected him and wanted him to acknowledge you - and then he turns away, acting all cold… *is working herself up into tears slowly... - sobbing by the end of her little speech*

Rogue: *puts a comforting arm around her angel* Yes. You never were able to understand him and he was never willing to let you. But you accepted it and you dealt with it for years until finally not only has everything continued on around you but now it is leaving you all alone. You children have grown and gone and your friend and your wife have died and will never come back and it seems as if the only one who is the same as you, the only one who is not leaving you like the others... does not want your company. He loathes and condemns you and treats you horribly. There is a time when it is all too much and you can't take anymore. You change because nothing around you ever will.

DarkSerapha: *wipes away the tears* Well, I guess that should explain why Son is acting like he does. The playful happy man is still there... but he has been tainted and shadowed. And he is not the idiot everyone sees him as. He is a bit too innocent and naive - especially when it comes to any kind of relationships - but he does understand a great deal more than people usually believe.

As for the topic of relationships… I think we should give them a little hint to the next chapter, don't you think, my rogue?

Rogue: *sober expression changes to a coy grin all too quickly* Of course. So far the relationships have been pretty clear. Vegy and Son bash heads while Jeice and Zarbon slink around the outskirts and wait to pounce. But now... Frieza has come into it and changed that... Just what else has changed? I wonder...

DarkSerapha: The next chapter will have something many of you have waited for... though it's probably not exactly what you've all hoped for... *smirks evilly and flaps her wings in excitement*

Rogue: *gives a feline stretch and a satisfied groan* But it is well worth it, I assure you. Though... You must have some open tastes for some very *strong* citrus because there will be no sugar added to this lemonade... at least... the first serving. To all you kiddies out there, the ratings skyrocket for the next chapter. *smirks*

DarkSerapha: And with that evil teaser we again leave you till our next shot, which will hopefully not take a too long a wait... if we get enough reviews that is... *drags Rogue over to a sun-chair and a TV-set that is directly connected with a certain video-camera....

Rogue: *goes along happily and pulls out a package of liquorice to share with her angel* Time for a little more behind-the-story study work... *sits happily glued to the screen, sucking on a liquorice and shielding the screen from all those damn street corner moochers*

DarkSerapha: *smirks at readers* Yeah… nothing's for free these days... so remember: review!