Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ In'lar-Anth - Through Darkest Destiny ❯ The Prince's Decision ( Chapter 8 )

Authors: Rogue & DarkSerapha

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

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Warnings for this chapter:

violence, cussing, references to rape, blood, fluff, sushi

Disclaimer: We solemnly swear we are up to no good! Therefore we own neither Dragonball Z nor all the songs used in here or else the world would be a far darke... angsti... eh… better place. No money is being made with this. Damn.

'…' = thoughts

Intro

"Life On My Own"

Living risky,
never scared, wander
Closer to the edge
Nothing valued think no fear,
Always wondering why you're here
All your purposes are gone, nothing's
Right and nothing's wrong
Nothing ventured, nothing gained
Feel no sorrow, feel no pain

Kiss me while I'm still alive
Kill me while I kiss the sky
Let me die on my own terms,
Let me live and let me learn
Now I'll follow my own way, and I'll
Live on to another damn day
Freedom carries sacrifice,
Remember when this was my life

Looking forward, not behind
Everybody's got to cross that line
Free me now to give me a place,
Keep me caged and free the beast
Falling faster, time goes by,
Fear is not seen through these eyes
What there was will never be,
Now I'm blind and cannot see

Kiss me while I'm still alive
Kill me while I kiss the sky
Let me die on my own terms, let me
Live and let me learn
Now I'll follow my own way, and I'll
Live on to another damn day
Freedom carries sacrifice,
Remember when this was my life

Kiss me while I'm still alive
Kill me while I kiss the sky
Let me die on my own terms, let me
Live and let me learn
Now I'll follow my own way,
And I'll live on to another damn day
Freedom carries sacrifice,
Remember when this was my life.

("Life on my Own" by Three Doors Down)

In'lar-Anth - Through Darkest Destiny

Chapter 8: A Prince's Decision

***

~ the senior's training-arena ~

***

Son Goku

Food... two days prior I would have been ecstatic at the thought. But in the meantime a lot had happened. Food immediately conjured up the memory of the drugged stuff Jeice had offered us.

Speaking of which... Jeice had been badly injured when we last saw him. I wondered if that had already been his punishment or if he would be punished further. That bastard! Anyway, I didn't really look forward to another round of GGOH.

Eurgh... I didn't know if I could stand it… I wouldn't! I swiftly made the decision that I would get myself some real food and may kami help the one who tried to hinder me!

"Sounds good. I am afraid I still have no idea where the dining room is though… this ship is a real maze...!"

Vegeta

I ignored his commentary. He would just have to figure it out, wouldn't he? I led the way out and down the grey, drab corridor. The metal walls gave off a muted distorted reflection that seemed more like a shadow that followed you as you walked than anything else. So static and cold and today it seemed even more so.

As we continued on, moving down away from the private training arenas and nearing the normal training commons, I saw an alien approaching who seemed to perk up at the sight of me. He did not wear armour. Instead he wore more relaxed and brightly colourful clothing. Not at all like the training suits that all the soldiers wore, though he looked as though he could have been a soldier as well. He was well built enough. He was of a furred animal race, looking almost like an evolved form of rodent. His fur shone a gold blonde colour and his large black eyes were the first thing you saw on his rather pretty and innocent features. Unfortunately, I had seen him before. I knew who he was even if it was just in passing. He came straight toward us and I slowed warily.

Son Goku

As usual Vegeta simply ignored what I said and so I fell silent quickly. Talking to myself seemed eerie in surroundings like this. We walked through the ship, Vegeta striding fast and leading the way and I following eagerly, close behind. While we walked I thought about how to proceed in my plan to 'get decent food'.

Vegeta suddenly slowed down and, as I looked up, I saw an alien walking towards us. His looks made me almost smile. He reminded me very much of a large squirrel. He even had a big bushy tail that had been hidden behind his back. He came towards us and Vegeta stopped so I did as well, waiting for what this new turn of events would bring.

Vegeta

The Enearian, who went by the name of Lorrel, if I recalled it right, came up and gave a subdued smile, speaking politely in a quiet, meek tone.

"Prince Vegeta. I was looking for you. I thought you would be in the training centre. I was sent to inform you that everything has already been taken care of and that your other associate has been informed of the change." I stiffened and grimaced, a low growl rising for a moment. The Enearian's eyes widened and he took a hesitant step back as if he were afraid of my displeasure. I stopped growling immediately, restraining myself. Damn it! That was certainly fast! Time was not being kind to me. I forced myself to calm again.

"Where is my associate now?" The golden creature looked down at the ground rather than at me to answer.

"As soon as he was informed he went to inspect his new station. I assume he has gone to the upper decks" He answered with a slightly hesitant voice.

I turned away from the tame servant and glared at the walls. Radditz! He probably didn't even question the orders. I had caused this with my fool tongue. How had I allowed a momentary lapse to cause me to make such a bad judgement? Now that it had been done I regretted what I had asked for. I did not need anyone to stand by me.

And Radditz... He had been more than loyal since the beginning no matter how much weaker than I he was. He had always been reliable.

I decided now. I would not press this upon him. He had done enough for me up to now that I would return the favour in this one way. I turned and began striding back the way we had come, my sole purpose on finding that baka setting him straight. Son was one thing. There was not much I could do about him. I didn't care anyway. I did not need anyone following me around. I was always best on my own. I didn't need anymore complications, I reasoned to myself testily.

Son Goku

I listened intently as the furry alien explained to Vegeta that we had already been relocated to the upper decks. Vegeta did not seem too happy about the news, but then he had not seemed so with the whole matter from the beginning, though he stubbornly refused to tell me the reason. When the alien was finished Vegeta turned without another word and strode away. I threw a last glance at the confused expression on the squirrel's face then hurried to catch up with the prince again. What was it now? And I wondered which associate the alien was referring to.

"Vegeta? Who is that associate?"

Vegeta

I had forgotten about Son for a moment and glanced back at him, not stopping to answer.

"Radditz." I said.

"He has been mistaken. He thinks he is to accompany me." I wound through the hallways and all too soon we reached the upper decks. It was much quicker than would have I thought. They normally felt so far away. Stepping out into the carpeted halls I truly noted the difference this time. The metal walls were not grey but a shining platinum and they actually reflected vaguely smoky images rather than just shadows. It was a truly antiseptic environment and it did not seem any warmer, it was perhaps even icier.

I did not know just where I should be going, I had not asked the… servant - I snorted inwardly - before walking away, so I strode along the corridor toward the end which I already knew was for the... newer or lower ranking individuals. I was realistic, though it grated on me. The air was perfumed with an incense that made my nose twitch and it was unnaturally quiet for the ship.

Son Goku

Radditz... so he actually was Vegeta's companion. I had guessed so since that first time Vegeta had thrown me into that room with him but now it was confirmed. I wondered just what their relationship was but guessed, after his earlier silence, that Vegeta would not tell me anything at the moment. He didn't seem up to talking, something grave was obviously on his mind.

I walked along with him not knowing what else to do, he had not ordered me to follow but he did not send me away either. I just wondered why Vegeta had said that there had been a mistake. I could recall clearly how he had asked for his associates to be transferred to the upper decks too and now he said it was a mistake? I was unable to keep my big mouth shut.

"But I thought you wanted Radditz with you?" I thought out aloud. Vegeta stayed silent for the longest time until I thought that he would simply ignore me again. The surroundings changed subtly until we were walking carpeted hallways. The carpet varied in colour, but the main colours here seemed to be blue, green and ice-white. And it was cold. This seemed to be Frieza's favourite deck and he seemed to like it cold. Hmph. Fitting. The hallways were slightly larger too and there was a funny smell in the air. On the doors were large ornaments that didn't tell me anything but might hold some meaning to the adept.

Vegeta

I didn't answer Son for a while. It was enough that I had to retract my own words but to explain them? He required no explanation. But if he was going to be here as well then it did not matter. He was oblivious up to now but he would understand eventually.

"Radditz is a common soldier. He will stay that way. There is no reason for him to be here. I do not need him." I said stiffly.

Ahead of us a door opened and I stiffened even more.

There. What I had no wish to see, no matter how much I hated him. I had no wish to see this. I did not stop but my pace faltered just slightly.

There was Jeice. He was no longer in his uniform and he carried some sort of covered tray, its contents unknown. He stared at the ground just in front of him as he made his way toward another door. He hadn't noticed me yet. My stomach tightened at the way he looked. His carriage was pointedly different now.

Jeice

I walked slowly, steadily, trying not to mess anything on the tablet given to me. I knew what would happen if I did. It was hard though, since I shivered in the cold. I wished I would have been allowed to wear my usual outfit. It would have been much warmer than this... this scrap I was forced to wear now.

But he liked it. Of course he did.

The leather single-legged pants were pretty tight and the green band around my naked thigh unluckily did nothing to warm me either. At least he allowed me to wear the long sleeved upper part now. It covered the bruises still left. I had been allowed a few hours in the regen tank, but it had not been enough to heal everything, just the worst. As it was meant to. Signs of my status now.

Somebody crossed my path and I raised my head in case it was someone I would have to show respect to - and froze.

It was Vegeta. In his tow, as always, Son Goku. Vegeta's head suddenly snapped up and he gazed into my direction. I could see several emotions cross his face. Then he settled for a triumphant smirk.

Right. He had all the reason to triumph. Instead of reaching my goals I had ended up in a far worse position than he would have. I met his gaze steadily. Yes. I had longed to do wrong to him. But I had suffered bitterly for my high ambitions. I felt that we were equal.

Plus: I might not have had nice plans - but I would never have done the things that... I quickly averted from the thought. I did not speak as I passed them by, though I felt Vegeta's smirk and the bodyguard's curious gaze on my back. I would not give Vegeta anymore reason to gloat. I held my head up high.

Vegeta

I had almost reached him as he crossed the hall before he looked up to see me. Then our eyes met and I saw the uncertainly, the lingering affects of everything he had experienced, the fear. When he recognized me it all was hastily hidden. I was not sure just what I thought anymore. Not now. But I still hated him. That would not change. So I ignored the rest and let my first reflex have its way. I chose my most natural response and smirked smugly at him.

'Look at you. Such a weak fool. You got just what you deserved. I hope you enjoy it.' He continued on by, not sparing the time, energy, or pride to respond. He had more important things to worry about. Then he was gone and Son and I continued on. The thought crossed my mind that I might now occupy the same level as he but I thrust the thought away before it could fully form. Never. I would die first. I had proven that once already.

Son Goku

Suddenly we encountered a well known face as Jeice emerged from one of the doors. I couldn't hide my surprise as I saw him. He had changed so much! When I had last seen him, he had been wearing the usual uniform despite his many injuries. Now he looked better though he still seemed to limp slightly. But his whole demeanour had completely changed. He wore clothes that were eerily similar to those of the squirrel-like messenger from earlier. The colours matched his skin - warm ochre, creamy white. His long white hair was held back by a green band, another of which adorned his muscular thigh..

First it appeared as if he didn't see us but then he looked up and crossed eyes with Vegeta. I could see something pass between them. Vegeta smirked and I was surprised again. I would have anticipated loathing or a scowl or something - after all this was the man that had drugged, beaten, abused and nearly… raped him. But none of that. Then Jeice strode past, his head up high, not looking anymore. It made me seethe.

So he was still that arrogant, eh? His punishment could not have been very hard then. I wondered if those clothes were normal for this place. I remembered that Zarbon had said that Jeice was living on the upper decks now too. It confused me. Was this the idea of punishment those people had? Giving him nice clothes and jewellery? For as he passed me by I noticed a delicate silver collar around his neck, complete with inlaid green gems that matched the green band around his thigh. It was an odd colour on a red-skinned being, but I figured that these people probably did not connect red and green with jolly old men and decorated fir-trees.

When we out of ear-shot I walked quicker, closing on Vegeta.

"That was odd. Is Jeice living here too? Why did he wear such funny clothes and jewellery? Isn't he going to be punished for what he did?" I said in righteous outrage.

Vegeta

My grim understanding was intruded upon by Son's ignorant question and I snapped at him in annoyance though I kept my voice low and steady.

"Shut up, Son. Jeice is not a problem anymore. He does not exist." I kept on and we rounded a corner, up ahead I saw a familiar cascade of long black spikes. About time! I wanted to get off these floors again.

Son Goku

Why oh why did the Vegetas all through time have nothing better to do than confuse me? Jeice did not exist? What a stupid thing to say! We had just seen him for Kami's sake! I was just about to ask Vegeta again when we rounded a corner and saw Radditz standing in front of a door not too far away. At the sound of our footsteps my brother turned and, recognizing who was coming, brought his fist to his amour, saluting, and bowing slightly.

Vegeta

I approached and raised an eyebrow in continued annoyance as I looked him over.

"What are you doing here, Radditz? Aren't you neglecting some post?" I asked with complete confidence. He would not stay here. I might not have the status among this battle ship that I would on my home world but I still had my own responsibilities to my kind. I had been taught that from the beginning, since my first memories.

Radditz

I had just finished inspecting our new quarters. The news had come as a complete surprise and I had had to ask twice before I believed it. I did not know what had caused this sudden change but changes never meant anything good in this place.

So. Vegeta had been assigned to the upper decks and I was supposed to go with him. At his personal request. I just didn't know what to make of it. It could mean several things from slightly good news to okay to a damn fucking catastrophe. I desperately wanted to make a call and tell the one who had assigned me to guard Vegeta of this but until now I had not had the time to do so unnoticed. Somehow I had the feeling that since my new assignment I had been under close scrutiny. So I went to inspect our now lodgings instead. The quarters seemed okay so far - bigger and more luxurious than our old ones which allowed me to hope that it might not be as bad as I feared. Just when I stepped outside I saw Vegeta coming towards me and greeted him respectfully. Only then did I notice the other, the strange Saiyajin Vegeta had picked up god-knows-where and taken for a bodyguard, Son Goku, my father's look-alike.

"But... my prince, I was told that I was supposed to move quarters along with you. They said that there has been a reassignment. Has there been a mistake?" I desperately hoped so. We had enough problems as it was - no need for new ones.

Vegeta

I crossed my arms and looked at him squarely.

"Yes. Obviously. Return to your quarters. Your assignment has not changed." I could see by the look on his face that he was confused for a moment. He was not going to like this but I was not going to put up with anything besides obedient acceptance. I planned to crush any rebellious behaviour immediately. He thought about it and did not back down. On the contrary, he turned almost suspicious. I waited for his response. I would not deal with his impetuousness on top of everything else. I was in a poor enough mood already.

Radditz

I thought this over. First there was relief. He said that there had been a mistake. Good! But then the meaning of his words sunk in. MY assignment had not changed. Meaning: his had. He wanted me to go back and leave him here. Alone. My eyes widened at the realisation. This was not acceptable!

Not only were my orders the exact opposite but I had been at Vegeta's side for years and I had always looked out for him. I had grown to respect our prince for other reasons than his pride and strength, I had grown to respect his confidence and the certainty in which he held himself. The way he always held back until unless he really had to act. The way he dealt with people. The way he had allowed me to be around him. He had not accepted any approximation, but he had shown me that he trusted me and that he was able to relax in my presence. That was more than he had allowed anybody else and it made me immensely proud. …And now he wanted me to leave him? Up here? In the courtyard of hell?

"Your highness... please, I don't understand. I don't wish to be insolent, but what is the meaning of this? Why have you been reassigned all of a sudden? And why should I not accompany you?" If it was as bad as I feared it to be I should have no wish at all to accompany him, but my loyalty had grown over the years and, long since, beyond any orders. I would follow him to hell and back if he commanded it.

Vegeta

I already knew him well enough to see what was going through his mind. It all showed openly in his expression. He did not want to go. It was all too clear that this upset him and that he was concerned. He had always been so. My dark mood ebbed a bit in the face of his honest worry and I sighed before gesturing to the set of doors to the side.

"Are these my rooms?" I asked instead of replying right away.

"Show me."

Radditz

He did not answer my question but I was used to that. That was just Vegeta for you. He would give me what I needed to know in his own time or never.

"Yes... yes, they are. I was just inspecting them. Everything seems to be in order..." ... not counting the whole fucked up situation, certainly.

"May I ask what *he* is doing here?" I pointed over my shoulder at Son Goku while I led the prince into the new quarters.

Vegeta

I smirked dryly at Radditz tone that did not conceal an unwelcome distrust. It was completely understandable. I knew that my long time purging comrade was confused that an unknown, untested Saiyajin could be allowed to stay when he was not. But that was precisely why I would not allow him to stay. I trusted Radditz. …I would not bring this upon him.

"He has gained enough attention of his own that he will end up here soon enough. His presence has little to do with me." I informed Radditz who still did not look at all like his peace of mind was reassured. I opened the door and stepped in, taking a look at the spacious and... rather lavish interior. Much bigger than the cells on the lower decks. Everything was spotless and there was carpeting and sofas and other rooms branching off of the first. I glanced around ruefully and turned back to Radditz again, finally answering his question.

"It is not your concern, Radditz. Lord Frieza has reassigned me personally. It is his decision. You will go back to your normal assignments. It has been a year since we have served together anyway. You have your own routines to keep." I said calmly.

Radditz

He took a good look around and then turned to me again. I cast a glance towards Son Goku who stood at the door, looking around with wide eyes and an odd naive expression. He had gained attention? Well... he wasn't hiding anything, that was for sure. In more enlightened moments I knew that I would have caught attention too if I had not been able to hide myself so well. I had never bested anyone, coming only out of my hide when on purges. I was known only as Vegeta's loyal companion and purging comrade. I was not strong enough to be noticed though I did hide a bit of my true abilities just for that purpose and the long hair was a good cover in many situations that involved curious looks. Also Vegeta's constant presence had helped.

In other words: I had made myself as uninteresting as possible in order to be able to serve the prince further. Shaking my head at Son Goku's expression I sincerely doubted that this brain damaged fool knew what he had gotten himself into. As far as what I had seen of him until now, he seemed to be completely clueless about most things. He would find out soon enough - eventually - if he didn't get himself killed first. But meanwhile... I pondered. If I was not allowed to stay at Vegeta's side... maybe Son Goku could be a proxy? He was Vegeta's bodyguard after all. Maybe I could use him... I just had to find out if he could be trusted. It was obvious that Vegeta did not want me here and I knew him well enough by now to guess why. He knew that he had gotten himself into trouble. As stubborn and proud as he was, he was going to take it on his own and not drag me along into misery. Little did he know that it did not matter to me. But I would obey him. I had to. And besides, anything else would have gathered further attention. I didn't answer, not trusting my own voice, but instead simply nodded.

Vegeta

He conceded to what I said and I turned away to examine what I would be dealing with here on this floor. The colour that pervaded everything was mostly white. It left a chill feeling as I stepped through the room. There was furniture around enough for more than comfort. It was more than I had ever been used to and the sprawling room seemed almost cavernous. I continued to one of the doors and took a look in to see a large bathing chamber. It was much more intricate than anything I had used in a long time. Stepping back I went to look through another door.

Son Goku

I stood patiently by the door and waited. Even I could tell that Radditz wasn't too happy about how things were going. He scowled darkly as Vegeta went around and had a look at his new quarters.

I didn't really know what to do. As far as I had understood it, I had been reassigned too but didn't know yet where I was to stay. I still wondered why Vegeta did not want Radditz with him here when he had requested this earlier himself.

But I had seen the look on his face. It was not because he did not like Radditz' company or he would not have put up with it for so long. There was something that I did not know yet... some mystery that made it impossible for me to understand what was going on. I just hoped that I would find out what it was soon...

Radditz

My prince turned away and began to look through the rooms. He held himself completely controlled and unconcerned, as always, but I was sure that he knew exactly what was going on. More than me. It was no secret to me that he had been on the upper decks before though I never spoke to him about it. It was not a subject for discussion.

I turned to Son Goku who had not said a word so far. Alright. Even if I were to stay here, Vegeta would not be helped very much, but he would at least have someone to stand by him. I stepped up to the clone of my father and looked him in the eye while Vegeta was not watching. I spoke in a low and completely serious tone. If this man was going to keep company with the prince *here* then I wanted him to understand just what that meant.

"Son Goku. You are the prince's bodyguard. I don't know why. I don't really care as things stand right now. Our prince is strong and cunning and has proven himself in everything he has ever done. I would not let anything keep me from his side but I cannot ignore his orders. You, Son Goku, will watch over him. Especially here. Whatever attention you have garnered, the prince is your first priority. Do you understand me?"

Son Goku

I turned in surprise when Radditz suddenly spoke to me. What kind of problems did all these people have with attention? They talked about it as if it was something bad! And suddenly an eerie idea struck me - maybe it was - in this place...? Radditz looked at me and his voice was grim. He was absolutely serious.

"I..." I tried to think what to say to that. Of course I would watch over Vegeta, especially after what happened on the ship. But...

"Yes, I will. But... can you tell me what is going on here? Why is everybody so tense about this place? Has it something to do with Jeice?"

Radditz

My eyes narrowed. Jeice? What about Jeice? I paused suspiciously. I knew about Jeice, most anyone who cared knew. Vegeta had just come back from a purge. How would Jeice come into anything?

"What do you mean? What about Jeice?" I asked with a dangerous note to my voice.

Son Goku

He did not know. Well, how could he? Vegeta would not make it public knowledge, would he? And he'd probably kill me, if he found out that I had let it slip...

"Jeice... Jeice and Zarbon were on our team for the last mission." That was all he would be getting from me. No talent for lies, remember? But I could be very stubborn too.

"Can you please tell me what's going on? Vegeta won't and I'm so fed up with having to guess my way around!"

Radditz

I stared at the man before me. Both of them? On the purge? I could see that he was not telling me everything. He was hesitant and did not want to say. I almost looked over to my prince but stopped myself. So... Something *must* have happened. I now was fairly sure that this reassignment was definitely not good.

"...Both..." I glared angrily for a moment. I had not known. I had not even known that Vegeta was back until that servant told me of the changes.

I could not keep the anger from my voice.

"If I could have, I would have killed that little red imp long ago. I should have found a way. I will find a way! Zarbon..." I turned back to the Saiyajin next to me. Something had to be done.

"You want to know what's going on? Alright. I will tell you. Life up on these decks can be unpleasant to say the least. Normally I would not bother, you should figure it out on your own just like everyone else, but since my liege is in your hands I will spell it out for his sake. He does not need a clueless idiot here and now. The upper decks are reserved for senior officers and the strongest warriors. All the most powerful beings live here. You've just come from the surface so maybe you haven't noticed this yet. Here, your status depends upon how strong you are... and the strongest gets whatever he wants. Our prince is one of the strongest Saiyajin alive but he is not the strongest here. You are to do anything and everything in your power to make certain that he is protected or at least backed up. They know us for our race's reputation. We may not be the strongest race in the battleship's ranks but we are one of the most ferocious." I grinned ferally at this admission.

"Two or more Saiyajin together are safe from most. That is your duty. Nothing else rises above that. Even if you have to die to accomplish it. Are you willing to die for it? Because if you are not I will do whatever is in my power to see that you are no longer fit and I will take your place by my prince's side." I made sure that he could see just how earnest I was in my threat. I would not leave Vegeta in the hands of someone who did not take their duty seriously.

"He is our prince and the future ruler of our race. He is more important than any of us."

Son Goku

My brother stared at me and his voice was deadly serious as he told me of life on the upper decks. If it had been otherwise I would not have believed that it was so bad up here. The rooms were better as far as I could see and it seemed to be some kind of promotion if the seniors were living here. But something told me to be careful.

I had often thought of my brother and how he came to earth. We had not had a very good start and I had always been miserable about it. The only other living relative I had and I had been forced to participate in his death. He might have seemed psychotic to me then, dangerous even, but I could remember very well how he had spoken of Vegeta with his dying breath. How he had told us that another would come, stronger than him, the strongest warrior in the universe... well, so he had exaggerated on that part, but his devotion to Vegeta had been out of question. And it was even more so now. I could only guess what he meant to Vegeta, but I had seen him drop his shields around Radditz more then around anyone else.

"I will stand at Vegeta's side. I will guard him as it is my duty. You can count on that, Radditz." I looked him in the eye as I said that and realized myself in that moment that I meant what I said. I had taken a strange affinity to the prince. Not only because of our long history - he did not know of it, though I did. But because there something was about him... something that drew me to the younger prince like a moth to a flame. I did want to protect him. It couldn't hurt to do so, could it? I deliberately pushed aside the doubts. Deep inside I knew that everything was screwed up, that there was no way the time-line could have been unchanged... but I would muse about that later. Right now the only thing that counted was that Vegeta needed someone to back him up and that I was the only one able to do it. Tentatively I raised my hand and offered it to my brother for a warrior handshake. The seal to my promise. I deliberately forgot about the other implications of this. I had plenty of practice in forgetting things. I would just do it.

Radditz

His response was heartening as he stared back at me just as unwavering and said what I wanted to hear. My mind still felt heavy for having to leave my prince, but he ordered it. He had a new guardian. I had never truly been his guardian anyway. He had never allowed it. With good reason I guessed. It was better for him to stand alone and show his strength. But I had always been there for him when he needed it and not just because it was my unofficial post. I prided myself on it. It was what I wished to do. I took his arm and nodded my acceptance.

"See that you do."

Son Goku

"I will. You can count on me." After a short moment he clasped my forearm and I returned the grip firmly. We stood for a moment like that, my brother and I, looking into each others eyes, and I felt… something strange then. Almost as if something was tugging at the back of my mind. Suddenly I knew that my regret had been true. I really had wanted to talk to my brother, get to know him, find out why he acted like he had… maybe even apologize. I wondered if this strange twist of fate, this unforeseen journey into the past, would give me the chance to fulfil one of my deepest, most hidden wishes.

Vegeta

I stepped into the room and the door shut behind me. I stopped and looked around slowly.

Oh so slowly.

I took in the entire room which was still rather large and finally closed my roaming eyes. I took a deep breath and stood there for a moment before opening them again and allowing myself to actually think on the emotions that tugged at me. My jaw set in a hard line and my eyes were dark and stony. Inside... surprisingly, I did not feel much. Not much at all. It was disturbing. I stayed where I was for another minute just absorbing the understanding that came all too easily.

The room from the chairs and carpets to the hanging linens to the silken sheets on the large bed... were all shades of dark purple and horrid pink and white. Finally I found the will to move and I stepped out again. After a moment I began to gain some amount of feeling again. Anger and loathing rose up along with deathly inevitability but I steeled myself against the last. I took hold of myself with an iron grip and kept it down. As I had said before, I would die first. Taking a steeling breath I looked up to see Son and Radditz staring at each other intently though I didn't spare it much thought. My mind was preoccupied and I wanted to get out of here. I strode purposefully across the room, all my thoughts hidden from my features. As I approached they turned to me and I looked up at Radditz' impressively tall form. I was now certain that I did not want him here. It was a good thing that I was sending him back.

"You have done far beyond your duty over the years." I hesitated and then drew up, looking directly at him with steady eyes.

"I will miss your company. Perhaps the next time we are near Vegeta-sei you will find you've been a soldier long enough. You have almost served your time completely now." I knew that he would understand too much from what I had just said but I would not just dismiss him wordlessly after such a long time. My statements were true and at this moment in time the future was too uncertain to not utter them.

Son Goku

Vegeta finally came back from his inspection of his new quarters. His face seemed to be set in stone - it was completely unreadable. I let go of Radditz hand and the odd feeling in my head vanished. We stepped apart and Vegeta came to a halt in front of Radditz. I listened as he spoke to my brother and could not help but notice the completely new quality of his voice.

It almost held... something like sympathy or even affection but only if you listened very closely and knew Vegeta very well - like I did. I really was curious just what Radditz was to Vegeta... I had never seen him act like that to anyone. I almost felt a small pang of jealousy because I could not remember that odd voice ever having been directed at me. But then I looked into Radditz' face and saw a hint of wonder and happiness there. It seemed that neither had he and he hadn't anticipated this at all.

But then something dark shadowed my brother's face as if he suddenly understood. I knew something was wrong here. But neither of them would simply tell me. I knew that I would have to be extremely careful...

Radditz

I was completely surprised by what the prince said to me. He had never spoken so openly before. He would miss my company? I had done my duty well? It made me want to grin. He had never given me as much as he did just now. It had always just been my place and we both accepted it. But what he said after that made the good feelings dissipate. He had pretty much just told me that our time together was over. For good. He even suggested that I leave the battleship. I knew that he did not truly like it here but there had never been any suggestions about leaving. He had had his own causes for not leaving, despite... everything. It was his duty to stay. He had never said anything like this before. He had just told me in so few words to leave the war and go back home. Did... Would I never see him again or something? I shook my head slightly.

"I'm a soldier. I will stay." I said slowly and he did not reply. He just looked at me a moment longer and then the conversation was ended as he strode past and out the doors.

Vegeta

I did not think he would take my suggestion. It did not matter. He would continue on just as he had before and so would I. I turned away from him and stepped out to stride, unconcerned, to the nearest exit for these floors.

"Let us go. I've put off my own nourishment to inform you of this. No longer." I just wanted off these floors, if only for the time being.

Son Goku

When Vegeta suggested that Radditz should leave the mother ship I nearly spoke up. I remembered all too painfully what would happen to that very planet... and Radditz had to stay alive under all circumstances to not interfere with history. But then Vegeta announced that it was finally time for food and I heartily agreed with him.

"Why don't you come with us and grab some grey goo of hell, Radditz?" I asked my brother light-heartedly, trying to cheer up the mood.

Radditz

Vegeta looked like he might be preoccupied with something but he held in his thoughts so well that I could not be sure. He had to be unhappy about the move and especially whatever had happened on the purge. I was sure I would never know anything more about it. My thoughts were cut short by Son Goku's invitation.

"What?" Then I realized what he meant. I laughed and turned to him.

"What a good description. Of course, why not?" I began to stride after the prince, probably for the last time.

Vegeta

We headed down quickly and wound our way through the maze of floors to the commons once again. It did not take long and when we stepped in the room was full. It must have been a mealtime. Going on purges always messed up my internal clock because time did not pass in space as it did anywhere else. Time was relative to where ever you happened to be at the moment. Right now the place was crowded though, as we entered, a group of soldiers had just begun to vacate a table. One last time down here among the common soldiers, unless I wished it otherwise but that would be a show of weakness. One last meal, association, time spent. The gruel was worth that much.

Radditz

I was a little surprised when Vegeta led us to the common cantina just as Son had suggested. I would have thought that since he was an upper level now... I mentioned it questioningly as we went to the counter.

"My prince, you have access to the other cantina. Why deal with this horrid waste anymore?" I asked him quietly.

Son Goku

On our way to the cantina I recognized the path after a while and was relieved to notice that the maze started to make at least a bit of sense, if not much. I heard Radditz question and looked curiously to Vegeta. I had totally forgotten that we did not have to deal with GGOH anymore.

"Yes, Vegeta... why don't we take Radditz to the other dining hall instead? So we could all have some decent food?"

Vegeta

I threw them both a dry look and raised an eyebrow at being questioned. I could do as I pleased. It didn't matter why I did what I did, only that I did it.

"Perhaps old habits die hard." I answered shortly.

"Where are your brains? I will not take a common warrior there. Now get your slime and shut up." I said it gruffly but my voice lacked any true animosity.

Son Goku

I didn't really understand why Vegeta would rather put up with GGOH than take Radditz to that other place, but shrugged it off. Instead I concentrated on my own place. Upper decks to and better food fro, despite my joking words I would not put up with more of that stuff. I knew it had not been that but, in addition to my original dislike of the substance, I somehow illogically connected the awful effects of Jeice's drug with the nasty stuff now and found it revolting. I pondered how to proceed.

Radditz

I hid a half smile with a grunt and went to obey my prince. I definitely did not mind sharing a meal with Vegeta here when it was so uncertain when I might see him again. As every soldier had, I had grown accustomed to the stuff, unlike Son Goku who looked sickened at the thought of it. Anyway, how would it look being a commoner up there with the rest of the officers? It would be asking for trouble and that was what both Vegeta and I had always done our best to avoid. Vegeta had the strength to back himself up. I had always had to either depend upon his presence or hide in his shadow or with the team that I had been assigned since Vegeta went away the last time. Together we had been left alone... for the most part. I could see why he wouldn't risk it. It showed me yet again that he still did care about my welfare even after being separated for such a long time before and yet again now.

Son Goku

We entered the room that was more crowded than I remembered it being before. There were people everywhere, Saiyajin and other races alike, but the Saiyajin were by far outnumbered. A constant buzz was in the air, generated by all sorts of voices, chattering busily. The range of tones was impressive and served to instantly cause me a light headache. Sometimes our sensitive hearing was not a blessing at all. Radditz and Vegeta did not seem affected but then again they were most probably used to it and had grown practiced with selective hearing. I smirked when I finally decided on a plan. So… Vegeta always complained that I was never acting out my true nature, that I should behave more saiyan. What would a Saiyajin do? Certainly not put up with this kind of purposeful malnutrition. I would show Vegeta that I was capable of acting saiyan!

As soon as I had entered I confidently strode over to where they handed out the food. Or better the lame excuse that passed here for food. Before my companions could stop me I grabbed one of the fat yellow aliens that were handing out the grey slime by the collar of his blood-red apron.

"I will not eat this poor excuse for food. I want meat and vegetables and I want them now. Have I made myself clear?" I hissed into what I dearly hoped was his ear. I had thought long and hard and decided that the best course of action was to act like everyone would anticipate a Saiyajin would act - feral, ruthless, and violent. I tightened my grip and squeezed lightly at his neck. It was just a warning of course and I did not plan on harming him really, but he could not know that. All he saw was an angry looking Saiyajin, tail snapping furiously back and forth, that glared at him and had him by the throat - literally.

"My name is Son Goku. Do not forget that!" The alien's large insectoid eyes grew wide and fearful as he tried to nod and not be suffocated in the same time. I let him fall to the floor with a satisfying 'squash'. I had made sure that he would not forget who I was.

"Now go before I decide to kill and eat you instead!" I growled threatingly, then, gloating in victory, went back to where Vegeta and Radditz were standing with rather curious faces.

Radditz

I stared. Had I just entrusted Vegeta into this man's hands?? And had he just done what I thought he did?? I glanced around and noticed some others staring as well at the obvious gall that he acted with. I suddenly felt a bit insecure to be counted as one of his companions but that was the worst thing to show. Saiyajin stuck together... even if one of them was a raging lunatic.

Vegeta

I stared much the same as Radditz did. The moron was constantly asking for trouble. Every time he had the chance he would do something absolutely stunning! Normally it was his overly tame carriage that was the cause. This was one of the only times I had seen him act like the Saiyajin he was... when it was not directed at me... I still had some aches and pains and marks from the last time he had lost his self control over food.

The fool caused nothing but trouble. At the moment he probably could not cause *me* trouble but he was bringing it down on himself heavily. I spoke quietly to Radditz.

"See what I mean? He gains attention on his own too well." I was absolutely mortified. This baka had been around for less than five days and he was already stronger than me *and* had done something that I had NEVER EVEN THOUGHT TO DO!!

Well... perhaps I had thought about it when I was much younger but I had always had more sense than to actually do it. And the worst thing was that... whatever came of it later... he had scared that little alien so badly that he might even get what he had demanded!!

Son Goku

I arrived with the two others. Radditz was staring at me with wide eyes and Vegeta was scowling. I looked at them in turn, not really sure if I had done something wrong. Somehow I had thought this would impress them... wasn't that how a Saiyajin was supposed to act...?

"Uh... what? I'm just fed up with this abomination they call food here. Anything wrong with that?" I scratched my head in the usual nervous gesture.

Radditz

I did not say a word. I merely glanced over at Vegeta and when he did not say anything either I went up to the counter and proceeded to do just as I had always done before, despite the scene that Son Goku had made and came back with two trays, one for myself and one for my prince. I seated myself away from the rookie at the open table, cutting as many ties to him as possible. He could deal with whatever he brought onto himself on his own.

Vegeta

I shook my head and then couldn't help but snicker low under my breath.

"Absolutely nothing is wrong with that. Doing it... that is where the problem comes in. I say it again. You have no brain at all." I was disgusted. The fool had no self control. He was going to get himself killed. He was going to cause even more problems. I couldn't be seen with him for five minutes without him causing something to happen. I should just let him be taken off my hands. He would be soon enough…

I started eating my meal and Radditz did the same. Just the way it would look to all the aliens around us right now... I supposed that I should be grateful that I would not have to deal with them after today... but word would spread to the upper decks as well... A disaster. That was what Son was.

Son Goku

Hmm. Maybe this had not been such a good idea after all. We sat down at a table and Radditz proceeded to get normal food, otherwise known as GGOH, for himself and Vegeta. He made a point not to look at me and seated himself as far away as possible on the same table. I was taken aback slightly. Really now...

"Well, I can't change it anymore, and I want real food. Either he gets it or I WILL eat him instead." I was joking of course but Vegeta and Radditz looked like they believed me. What? So I was a bit keen on food and its quality. There was nothing wrong with that! And I would not just eat anything, and that included GGOH as well as stinky yellow aliens. Suddenly I noticed that the level of noise had eased down quite a bit during the incident and was now rising high in volume again. A lot of people were staring at us. That only intensified when the yellow alien came waddling towards me with a big plate filled with what at least looked like decent food. I smirked at the sweating creature in front of me.

"Well done. You may live." Then I took the plate and dug in immediately. I just paused to smilingly offer some of the food to the prince and my brother.

I normally would not have done so, but I felt it was a kind of peace-offering.

Vegeta

I glared at his offer incredulously. What?! He dared not only to implicate me but to offer his charity?! I needed no charity from the likes of him! It served to piss me off royally but I was not going to draw attention from him to myself. I answered him low so that only he and Radditz could hear.

"Fuck you, Son. I do not need your 'offering'." By now both Radditz and I were nearly finished with our own food and I was seriously considering leaving without Son before whatever tension I could feel in the air chose to break.

Son Goku

I was halfway through my plate now. From time to time I looked up but Vegeta glaring at me and Radditz making a point of NOT knowing me didn't really boost my appetite. The meat was not prime, but at least it was not GGOH and there even was some accompanying bread. By now Vegeta and Radditz had finished their helpings and Vegeta looked about ready to go.

I could actually understand why. There was something in the air around us that could only be described as tension. More and more I wondered if I had maybe made a big mistake by acting like I had. I had thought nothing of it, just had wanted some food and maybe... well, to be true, maybe I had wanted to get Vegeta's attention, kami alone knows why. After that talk he had had with Radditz.... when he had made so clear how highly he cherished my brother... when he had said things I never ever had heard from the prince before... and never would hear again - I had felt... I shrugged the feeling off. It was of no importance whatsoever. It just proved the foolishness I had been accused of time after time. Maybe I was a big baka after all...

Vegeta

The air felt thick and I could already tell that something was going to happen at any second. From one of the tables on the other side of Radditz I could hear murmuring and hushed hisses. As good as a little brawl sounded just now I could still feel the wounds I'd gained on the purge and from the earlier spar. I was in no condition to fight and win right now.

I glanced at the still eating Saiyajin and my eyes narrowed. There was certainly not a dull moment around him, was there? He drew mischief like a moth to a flame. I suddenly wanted to stay. To see what would happen. See how he might handle it. But common sense spoke up and I started to stand. I had barely moved an inch when suddenly my battle-toned instincts warned me and I jerked back automatically and something crashed on the table. Reaching up, I wiped away the sludge that had splattered onto my face and began to power up, my temper flaring hotly.

Radditz

I listened to the sounds around us and my ears caught a sudden voice and a few mocking words. I tensed and growled but it was too late. I didn't have time to stop it. I froze and stared at Vegeta who slowly and calmly wiped the nutri-slime from where a small amount of it had hit him. Son had less luck. It had struck its target well and he was smeared with the slick substance. Then I tensed even more. Vegeta, rightly and expectedly, was pissed. He powered up and the grey stuff sizzled away. Pulling from my frozen state I jumped from my seat and turned to glare at the culprit. How could he have been so stupid? How dare he!!!

Son Goku

Suddenly something hit me right in the face. Before I even recognized it as a big splash of goo I was halfway upright and my power was rising dangerously. In the last moment I was able to slam down the lid on my rising energy. Instead I was confused for a second, staring at the dripping substance that was everywhere on me. What…?

Slowly I raised my head and looked over to the neighbour table. A mixed group of aliens and Saiyajin were seated there. Vegeta had also risen and so did Radditz. They had both caught a little of the attack, Vegeta more than Radditz since he had sat with with his side to that table. I looked into those laughing faces, one of which I recognized immediately. Nappa.

But why the hell...? I didn't understand it but I understood that they were laughing at me.

I. Did. Not. Like. That!

I stood and growled menacingly but Vegeta was quicker than I.

Vegeta

Radditz stepped aside and I now had a clear view of the table that was the source of the audacity. My face turned dark and a snarling sneer pulled my lips up to brandish sharp canines. I was so enraged that I suddenly did not care what condition I was in. It was plain to see just who had done the deed. How dare he!! How dare another Saiyajin do such a thing! It was one thing to pelt each other with food... but *my* bodyguard!! AND ME!!!

Once Radditz moved the laughing soldiers looked over and all the Saiyajin at the table suddenly froze and looked on, stunned.

"NAPPA!!!" The Saiyajin had a rather limited intelligence but he usually wasn't this monumentally stupid. He paled when he saw who the person seated next to his target was.

"NAPPA!!! YOU FOOL!!" I roared and advanced on the pale giant. All the other Saiyajin and aliens scattered from the table leaving him to stand alone.

Radditz

I smirked and crossed my arms. Now he'd done it. Served him right for doing something so brainless and stupid. He had not been able to see Vegeta from where he had sat but if he were going to start something like this he should have known just what he was getting into. Vegeta could handle him just fine. An example had to be made. No Saiyajin could be allowed to get away with something like this. I stood back. I would let the prince handle this himself. He was too angry to dissuade anyway.

Instead I kept my eyes on the other aliens who had all suddenly stopped what they were doing to watch. The sound of scraping benches and moving feet filled the room. As could only be expected, Nappa was frozen and stiff. He tried to stammer an apology... at least I figured that was what he was doing as he stuttered badly. Vegeta stopped a good dozen feet from him, his fists clenched, his battle aura obvious. He was trembling with rage. I suddenly wondered if he might just kill Nappa on the spot. Then suddenly shouting burst from the onlookers as a few aliens began to taunt.

Son Goku

Vegeta was enraged, that much was clear. He stepped closer to Nappa, body stiff, hairs on end and tail bristling, visibly glowing in rage. Quite an audience had formed around us already as only happened when something interesting was going on in an otherwise dull environment.

I did not care. All I saw was Vegeta stalking nearer to the culprit who backed away trying to apologize. I still did not understand why he had...

Then the fight was on as Vegeta flew on Nappa in a flurry of fists. I watched in rapt fascination as the prince was pummelling his fellow Saiyajin. Suddenly I spotted one of Nappa's companions, a rather big, blue alien with horns on his head and vicious looking barbed shoulders and arms, who snuck closer, seemingly intent on helping his partner in crime by attacking Vegeta from behind. I was up in a second and before he knew what happened I had already slammed into him. In the last second I remembered that I had vowed to myself not to show as much of my true power anymore, but I was certain that I would be able to hold this guy at bay and still look remotely normal.

Vegeta

I glared angrily at the moron who ducked his head and mumbled incoherently. He was not instilling any confidence of his intelligence in me or any reason that I should not just pound him into the deck and that was just what I was going to do. I leapt at the large bald fool and almost thought that I might take him down with no effort at all. Like any Saiyajin he did not want to stand against his prince but he also did not want to submit either. I beat him backwards bashing through his defence easily.

Radditz

I watched Vegeta leap at Nappa and begin to teach him a lesson that he would not forget anytime soon but then I tensed in consternation. Another alien decided to join the fight. Nappa would not be so dishonourable as get help from another when his prince was so righteously pissed but they both would pay dearly for this interference. I kept where I was. The prince could handle himself.

But then something flashed by and I almost shouted. Son Goku! Damn him! Do not interfere! I watched him take down the blue soldier fast. Great! Vegeta wasn't joking when he said this guy drew attention! I itched to move, to do something but anything I did would only make it worse. More warriors began to shout throughout the room and suddenly I heard a high voice above the others.

"Aaaw look, the prince is protecting his new playmate. Isn't that sweet? But it looks like the little surfie has his own claws." Just as the bodyguard dropped the blue alien to the ground a set of twin Grashnar stepped out of the crowd and grinned at him, speaking in unison.

"We want a new playmate too." Fuck!! I grimaced. Look what he's done now!!

Son Goku

The blue giant dropped to the floor after a swift blow to the temple. I had figured that putting him out as fast as possible would ensure less trouble. But before I had time to turn I was attacked from behind, by two odd looking fellows with dry gray, cracked skin. The first punch caught me unprepared and I staggered back. Those two had fists as large as rocks! They followed immediately and attacked again, in complete synchrony.

Soon I found myself in a corner of the room, fending of those incredibly fast blurry punches. I could have powered up easily but that would draw attention again... but then they left me no choice, closing in and I drew more power to myself, blasting them back with a huge ki-attack. They flew halfway through the room, colliding with a suddenly vacated table and then did not move anymore. I barely had time to cast a glance through the room, finding Vegeta now fighting against three others, while Nappa seemed to have disappeared. Radditz too had joined in the fight but was holding only one attacker at bay. He seemed to guard Vegeta's back. Good. Before I had time to think properly a whole bunch of aliens threw themselves onto me, effectively burying me under them. My last thought before I found myself in a knot of tangling limbs was: Who the hell called out war???

Vegeta

As I had predicted, I took Nappa down quickly. He was one of the stronger Saiyajin but I was still his better and he knew it. I did not have time to gloat over his prone form though. Pandemonium broke loose as nearly half of the warriors in the room took this disturbance as an excuse for a great mêlée and two soldiers came at me suddenly, I found myself retreating under their onslaught. They did not fight me together. They came on separately from two sides and I snarled as I fended them off. Bloody fucking warmongers! I grinned ferally. I had known that this would happen and I had not been disappointed but I was not in the condition to enjoy it. I found the exertion taking its toll. Another creature came at me, a strange doglike being with large ears and a row of huge gnashing teeth and I knew that I was being boxed in. I braced for the third attacker when suddenly Radditz' broad back appeared between me and the new soldier and I smirked.

Less that distraction, I focused my attention on the first two warriors. With a burst of speed I slipped beneath the guard of the first purple fishlike alien, one of the lesser Chordat races, and brought my leg up in a powerful sweeping kick that sent him flying back to crash atop a table, breaking it in half. That left me free to deal with the second now. We needed to finish with the attackers swiftly before even more decided to join. If we did not then there was little chance that this fight would be containable. Things like this spread like wildfire.

I cast a quick glance around. Radditz had the dog-creature. It suddenly occurred to me to look for Son. Shit!! He was being dragged down by a whole mob of aliens who fought and tore at each other as well as they surrounded him, then I lost sight of him in the bedlam. Fuck!! My senses sharpened and I again focussed on my own attacker. I had to stop this! That thought filled my mind suddenly. The urgency of it lent me new energy.

Son Goku

I fought my way through the bunch of attackers, mostly avoiding punches, dodging and blocking. Still I had to draw more and more power to fend off the leering hands trying to grab me. If they succeeded in immobilizing me a catastrophe would be the result, I knew that for sure. About a dozen aliens where currently fighting me and each other. I had no idea what was up with them but everyone seemed to want to fight with me. About a hundred others had accumulated around us, whistling, clapping and cheering single fighters on. I sneered in disgust at the display and narrowly avoided another of the stony-skinned creatures whose rock-hard fist nearly would have smashed my head. I ducked and rolled, finding myself in open space for the first time in minutes. My attackers had not yet discovered that I was not in the pile anymore and I took the chance to get some space between them and me. I searched for Vegeta and found him soon enough. He had his own pack to fight.

I quickly strode over, intent on helping him out. A whistling sound was all that warned me as I narrowly avoided a massive purplish tail that had been aimed at my mid-section by jumping high into the air and effectively nearly bumping my head on the ceiling. I had completely forgotten that this strange brawl was not taking place in open space! I rolled under a table then jumped over two crushed benches. But it was already too late. My followers had seen me and were on my heels again. I turned around to face them and was occupied once more with trying to dance through a blur of fists and kicks, trying to dodge while taking out as many as I could. Three or four new fighters had joined the crowd, two of the fish-like creatures, a furry type of being and a rather small, insectoid alien with a green exoskeleton and large iridescent eyes. The fish-men hissed in unison and came at me. I had already learned that they were very dangerous, so I stepped aside and found myself eye to eye with the insect. He didn't seem too dangerous as his false wings stirred warningly. I decided to quickly do away with him before dealing with the fish once more. This would be sushi galore!

Vegeta

I downed my last attacker and turned to see Radditz drop the limp mongrel then I moved to look for Son again but did not see him among the chaos before a new group of brawlers came at us. Radditz and I met them, shoulder to shoulder as we had many times before and I felt my blood surge. I laughed throatily as we fought them off. The battle was uplifting despite my injuries and the heat of the exertion made me pant slightly, or maybe it was the heat from the burns under my uniform. Whatever it was, it made me move faster and sharpened my senses. They were trained on each and every person around me and I could especially feel Radditz' warmth by my side as well. It was the most fun I had had in a long time.

Some of the felled warriors dragged themselves up and rejoined the fight but most of them limped off, having had enough. You did not kill fellow soldiers. That was one thing that was not tolerated outside of special circumstances. But it was getting harder to curb my attacks as the bloodlust rose. I danced between the players and pawns, taking on and down whomever I could in the swift roiling anarchy.

Then I caught sight of Son again. My eyes locked onto him and my smirk widened. He was doing well himself though he looked as if he were on the run from some of those damned Grashnar. His muscles flexed and shivered beneath his uniform and he moved with that grace I had noted before. Flawlessly. He was such an adept fighter, no matter what else. I had to give myself an instant to admire it. Then my smirk fell away.

Radditz

I had gone to my prince's side when I knew he needed it. Until then I had let my prince handle it on his own. He never took help well unless he absolutely had to. When I saw that dog-man come at him I finally stepped in though. Once Son Goku had started to participate it had gone downhill fast. Now I found myself by Vegeta's side just like old times. It was great. We took them on side by side and they broke before us. I had not lied when I told Goku that we were strong when we stood together.

Speaking of... Where was he? He sure had brought a lot of trouble onto himself and Vegeta. Luckily they would not have to face this tomorrow, though the news would spread. Since I had not been part of the start of this I probably would not have to be concerned. Just about everyone was fighting by now so I was not going to worry about it. I was standing with my prince and that was all I needed to know at this moment as he flowed gracefully through the crowd beside me. I could smell the adrenaline in the air along with sweat and blood and countless other scents, my senses sharp and trained on my opponents. The battle lust came on like an old friend and I felt into step with Vegeta as we fought, knowing his presence without even having to look.

Occasionally we would end up back to back but we always came out on top. Then we were separated again though I could feel him not far away just out of sight, his scent still lingering near. I breathed it in and felt empowered by the strong spicy musk of my prince as I continued to fight. In mid attack there was suddenly a loud animalistic snarl that held such rage and anger that everyone near froze to look for the source.

Son Goku

The small insectoid moved incredibly fast. It was a little hard to tell by that impassive chitin face but I had the suspicion he hadn't wanted to fight and had somehow been drawn into the brawl. He moved around me like a buzzing hummingbird and seemed just as eager to end this as I was. Whenever I lunged at him he simply moved aside. Yet whenever I tried to walk away he would appear in front of me and somehow block my path. I didn't really want to fight him, he looked so fragile, but he seemed too panicked or something to understand that.

I snarled in frustration and tried to take him out as swiftly as I had the others but to no avail. And any minute the other bakas could come and attack again! I drew more power to me and increased my speed, trying to catch up with the lithe bug. Finally I was able to match him and I decided to put everything into one blow to finally get rid of him, hopefully without hurting him too much. I feinted an attack from the right and instead came from the left, surprising him. But his reflexes were too good. He managed to get up his defences and the joint of one of his six legs was aimed dangerously at me as I slammed into him. It was too late for me to change course and I prepared to take the blow, delivering the punch to his head nevertheless.

But the blow never came. Instead I felt a surprising slicing movement in my nether regions and when the bug collapsed and fell to the floor I lowered my gaze and stared at my stomach.

Blood. There was a lot of blood. It pulsed out of a deep slashing wound across my stomach. My gaze lowered some more and I saw the vicious quill extruding from the joint of that leg and the sheath it had been hidden inside until now. A part of it seemed to have broken and was still stuck in my wound.

The funny thing was I didn't feel anything. In precisely that moment my other attackers came at me and I moved mechanically, trying to block, but my reflexes were so slow all of a sudden and I caught a kick to the ribs. My vision blurred and I found it hard to focus for some reason. Details slurred in and out of clarity, the furry tail of one fighter, the bloody puddle on the floor, Vegetas amour in the distance... Vegeta... Slowly I felt myself slipping away as punches started to rain down on me.

Vegeta

My smirk fell away as I saw the creature Son was blurring back and forth with. It was an Arcatroid. What the hell was the fool doing letting himself be cornered by one of those? And what was it doing in the brawl anyway? They tended not to associate with the rest of the warm-blooded creatures on the ship and that was a good thing. They liked to tease the

"rodents" as they referred to most of the mammal races.

In the few instants that I watched their fight it suddenly escalated and I realized that the bug was taunting him. Fool! My blood pounded in my veins and I took one step in that direction and was slammed into by another brawler who grasped at me and refused to let go. I hissed and punched my assailant in the face, not even looking to see who or what he was. I tossed him away and turned back just in time to see the bug fall away from Son... along with a bright crimson river from a deep wound. A group of three whooping soldiers, two fish men and one Grashnar, appeared and slammed into him with glee, uncaring or perhaps jubilant of his sudden state.

My throat went dry at the first sight of the blood and as soon as they swarmed around him the heat surged up again and I bellowed furiously. Hunching, I leapt into the air and was there in an instant. Two of the group had stepped back to watch their third deal out the beating on Son. They stood there with wide grins, laughing at the muffled gasps of pain from the Saiyajin.

I was there before any of them saw me coming and my mind was on nothing but Son and the alien that was on him.

No thoughts reached me other than the urge to kill the bastards. I would kill them. My fist hit with sound purpose and there was a sickening wet crunch and a solid thud on the deck. I was already crouched before Son, standing in a puddle of his blood and snarling at the aliens who dared to hurt one of mine. One of the attackers sneered and came at me and I shot out instinctively at him. There was another thud an instant later and I was back standing protectively over Son. They would not touch him again! I growled at the circle of men that had formed around us and now stared. Slowly my blood cooled.

Radditz

I pressed past the frozen onlookers and stopped to stare. Vegeta was crouched in an unmistakably protective posture in front of the bodyguard who was kneeling on the ground and bleeding heavily. I stared from Goku to Vegeta and back again and then to the two aliens on the ground. They were obviously dead. One had its head crushed and twisted around and the other lay in it's own puddle of blood. What had happened?!

Vegeta held such a possessive air suddenly that I felt a surge of animosity but I pushed it down again. He would have been just as protective if it were me who had been wounded, I told myself. He had always been protective of those he was close to and there were few of those... I had been the only one for a long time… and the bodyguard had only been around for a few days at the most. I pushed the thoughts away again and concentrated on Goku. If he died then Vegeta would be on his own. That couldn't happen.

Just then a strong voice broke over everyone from the far end of the room. Finally the senior officers had come to break up the fight that was still going on outside this circle. I moved quickly to Vegeta's side while the rest either went to take on the officers or escape penalties.

Son Goku

I felt fists impacting and I had no idea how to react fast enough to shield myself. It seemed impossible. I could hear my heartbeat pounding loud in my ears. The blood rushed through me and straight out of the wound in my stomach, or so it felt to me. Every intake of air was painfully slow. I shook back and forth under the punches dealt on me, not even able to focus enough to see my attackers clearly. I was down on my knees, trying to brace myself but slowly failing, falling. And then they were gone. There was an odd sound and a blur hovered over me.

I raised my head, it seemed to take hours to do that and stared. I didn't recognize it at first but after a while my brain kicked in and separated flame like hair from the rest of the blur. I blinked slowly. Flame-like hair. Why did that seem so important? The beating had stopped. A sound echoed through my brain, loud like a shot from a canon. A sickening crack and I looked down to see one of my tormentors lying in his own blood. It was one of the fish men. His head was turned around to stare at me which was odd since he lay on his front. I blinked again.

Hm. He looked.... dead.

Suddenly the flame like hair made sense. Vegeta had killed him. I raised my gaze again. Vegeta was protecting me. Wasn't he? Or was he attacking me too? For all the money in the world I couldn't have figured it out. I gasped as a sting coursed through the deep wound and cringed. The loss of blood started to get critical.

Vegeta... protecting... attacking... what...?

"Ve... ge... ta..." and with that brilliant statement I slumped to the floor, paralysed and unable to move anymore.

Vegeta

I was still panting from the adrenaline but my blood had settled somewhat. When no one else came to attack I turned to see Son. He was staring up at me and blood bathed him from his stomach down. There was so much blood. Then he rasped my name and slumped down as if passed out but his eyes were still open.

I shot down to him, kneeling in his blood. He was still alive. The blood was flowing too quickly for him to be dead but that would change soon enough. I was thinking clearly again and grimaced down at him. Idiot. Then I looked at the two bodies on the ground. I hadn't been very smart myself. I would have to deal with my actions now.

It had seemed the most natural thing to do at the time but killing one's crewmates... was severely frowned upon. I inspected the wound. There was a bright green sliver of carapace imbedded in his stomach and I grasped it, my gloves gaining purchase despite the slick blood and I pulled out the end of the spike. Son twitched but did not move. The blood flowed out even faster now. It may kill him but it would dilute the poison at least.

Son Goku

Even my thoughts were moving slowly. I lay on the floor, staring without really seeing. I did not know what was happening to me. I remembered the bug... and the sting... sting... one thought slipped through the haze... venom...

My breaths were coming shudderingly and agonizingly slow. The poison was taking it's time paralysing my body, probably because the blood had been flowing so freely a great part had been washed out of my body instead of staying inside to do its terrible job. I felt that I could breathe a little easier, but I was still unable to move. Then I felt hands on my body. Surprisingly the parts where I was touched felt warm, almost hot and I could smell an odd spicy scent that was familiar somehow... calming… protective.

I was slowly eased upright and then turned. I could see a bit clearer now and saw that it was Vegeta who had turned me and was now shaking me lightly, why I did not know.

Was he angry with me? Had I done something wrong yet again? I closed my eyes, slowly, oh so slowly, and when I opened them again he was still there, still talking, but I could not understand. I tried to move, tried to say something but felt to my horror that I was completely unable to. Vegeta studied me closely and oddly I noticed how flushed his cheeks were, the blood-stains on his white gloves, the sparkle in his eyes... Then he turned to talk to somebody else and I again set to the immensely difficult task of breathing and blinking.

Vegeta

I lifted Son up and tried to get him to respond but he just stared at me numbly. His blood was still flowing fast but getting slower. The metal scent of it filled the air around us and made it hard to think again. He would not react, he only blinked slowly and then Radditz was there beside me. I looked over at him and saw his eyes flit over the dead men on the ground. He looked almost angry and it made my temper flare up slightly. I did not need him to tell me what I should have or shouldn't have done. I ignored his quiet expression.

"He's in shock and poisoned. I need to get him to the medical bay." I told Radditz.

"You should get back to your own quarters. Wait it out before they set up the curfew and begin hunting people down." I gathered Son into my arms and stood up, suddenly unsteady. I remembered my own problems again. Well. I was going to the regen tanks anyway. I held Son tightly and strode to the nearest exit. Radditz following me swiftly.

Radditz

I stared at the dead bodies. Even upper decks-men were not allowed to just kill soldiers... at least most of the time. I nodded quickly when Vegeta suggested we leave. When he gathered Son into his arms it surprised me. I would have thought that he would have had me take him but he held him very tightly, almost protectively and there was something in his eyes… but it disappeared when he looked at me. I was not sure... But we needed to get out of here before the dead men were found by the officers.

I followed my prince out and then he strode up the hallway towards the medic centre, dripping a trail of blood as he went, carrying Son. I noticed that he was moving a bit slower than normal but I knew he was fine. He had not gained any real wounds in the fights. I watched silently for a moment and then turned to head off to my cell. There would be hell to pay for the common soldiers for their little bit of fun this evening.

Vegeta

As I carried Son he felt as if he got heavier and lighter at the same time. Heavier because I seemed to have spent so much energy in the brawl and lighter probably because of how much blood he had lost already. I went as swiftly as possible in order to get there before anyone could stop me or question me but I did not see anyone on the way who wasn't heading somewhere themselves. The ship would go into lockdown tonight because of the violence and anyone caught in the halls would regret it.

I frowned down at the pale bloody Saiyajin in my arms. His blood scent was still fresh around me. How had I lost control enough to have killed those two over him? Certainly I could not let them kill him but... I couldn't seem to remember it very clearly. I remembered the blood and the three converging on him and then... I supposed I just reacted. Just the berserker bloodlust taking over. It had happened before though I normally had more control than that. Despite the cold clammy blood on my clothes I felt warm, my burns aching with the heat. I reached the medical rooms and stepped inside to meet one of the snobbish ship's doctors.

Son Goku

To my surprise I felt myself lifted after a few moments. I was faced up and therefore could see that it was actually Vegeta who was carrying me. He had a bruise on his face and blood all over him though the rational part of me figured that it was probably mostly my own blood on him. He carried me swiftly and the surroundings blurred by.

I would never have imagined that he would do that for me some day. His arms were actually warm and he carried my body gently, trying not to cause me more pain. I was not used to this... this... strange side of him. If my brain would have been less hazy I might have smiled or even laughed. The situation was… kinda damn funny, wasn't it? But right then a sharp pain reminded me that this was not funny at all...

Finally we reached some other part of the ship and I could see another person approaching us. Vegeta seemed to talk to the other, the voices were harsh and unfriendly.

Vegeta

The medic clicked his tongue in irritation at our appearance and I glowered. These idiots were far too cocky for their own good. I didn't have time for this.

"He needs an antitoxin for Arcatroid venom." I snapped gruffly. The doctor looked insulted and then sighed, moving to get the treatment I demanded. I waited impatiently and the doctor came back with a hypoderm and the serum, complaining as he prepped the needle.

"You brutish idiots. When are you going to learn to keep it *off* the ship. All you do is bust each other up all day. I would think it would get boring after a while." I glared as he approached.

"We just live to make existence miserable for you I guess." I said dryly.

"Just give him the damn thing and shut up!"

Son Goku

My vision cleared a bit more and I found myself still in Vegeta's arms and someone dressed in white was approaching. My gaze fixed on the item in his hand.

'AAAAAAAAAH!!!!' I wanted to scream! I wanted to run! Needles! I hated needles! But I couldn't move. I was sure that the whites of my eyes were clearly visible as I shivered in fright. I gasped for air, my fear nearly overwhelming me.

It was irrational, I had been told that often enough but I could not help it... others were afraid of spiders, or snakes, or even harmless mice - I had no problem with those, but damn it, I hated needles! What was so funny about that if it was not funny to be afraid of a damn mouse???

I shivered slightly, still staring at the needle. I knew I was panicking as I couldn't seem to get enough air into my lungs but there was nothing I could do against it. If I had been able to I would have run as long and far as I could to get away from here!

Vegeta

I tensed as Son suddenly shuddered in my grip. His eyes were open as wide as possible and I frowned at him. He was shaking strongly and his breathing had turned ragged. Shit. The poison couldn't have set in that quickly... could it? He was not going to die in my arms. I would not allow it. I snapped at the medic.

"Hurry up! Now! Just give him the fucking thing!" The doctor gave me a flat look and then complied. Son's whole body seemed to jerk at the prick of the metal but then the doctor was done and walking away again.

"I guess you want a regen tank too, then." He sighed. I growled and looked over Son again but he seemed to have calmed now. I followed the idiot doctor grumblingly.

Son Goku

I tensed and winced but since I could not do anything other than look wide-eyed and gasp I could not avoid it. So I endured it and luckily it was over quickly but I swore never to fall prey to any damn insect-poison again if it involved being tormented with needles afterwards!

Vegeta still carried me, taking me over to a regen tank. By now I knew what it was when he set me inside. That did not mean that I liked it. I remembered too vividly the first time when I had nearly drowned in the damn thing. But there was no use, I had to heal and I couldn't move anyway. Curse this time for not having senzu...

Vegeta

The doctor obviously did not care what state his patient was in and he did not even intend to give the least amount of attention to him. I set him on the floor of one of the tanks while the doctor prepped it and set to tearing the armour off of him myself. Anything in the tank would hinder the healing process. I forced my fingers into the grooves and ripped outward, tossing the hard shell onto the ground carelessly. Then I carefully tore away the rest of the uniform, intent on getting it done before he really did bleed to death. There was so much blood. Why did I keep associating him with crimson and blood? It seemed to just fit him somehow. Again I got to see how flawless his skin was except for minor scars here and there. He was amazingly whole compared to other warriors of his abilities and his white skin was very warm beneath my fingers. I looked up to see his face and how his wide eyes were locked onto me even though he could not move and smirked. He was quite alert behind those eyes. I raised an eyebrow and my smirk twisted with wry sarcasm as I watched a slight blush flush his cheeks. "I hope you're enjoying yourself, Son, because my services normally don't come so cheap. Next time I will just leave you to rot." Quickly I pulled back and then fixed the mask over his face and the medic started the machine.

The medic began to walk away and I barked at him.

"Set up another tank." He sighed in exasperation again and I ground my teeth. This idiot was asking for it. I had already done it twice, what was one more, while I was at it? I should kill him just for his annoying attitude alone, I thought to myself short temperedly but instead I just began to strip my own ruined armour off, dropping it in a pile on top of Son's. I put myself into the other tank and the medic set it to start. As the green liquid filled the cylinder all the pain began to subside along with the heat and I closed my eyes to rest.

Son Goku

I could only look at Vegeta as he set me down in one of those accursed tanks. Then he started to methodically strip me and I couldn't help but blush hotly. It was one thing to have no problem with nudity in general, but to be stripped by your arch rival was a completely different matter, even if said arch rival was really his younger self from the past - which I kept forgetting continuously - and didn't know anything about your rival-ship. Argh!

But again I was helpless and had to endure whatever he did to me. Surprisingly he pulled the fabric from my body pretty gently after having torn the amour off. He seemed to avert my eyes too, though he did not spare me a sarcastic comment when he seemed to notice my discomfort, and finished quickly and professionally, leaving me wondering just how many people he had stripped this way already. Then the door of the tank closed with a thud and the green healing liquid started to fill in. I breathed deeply the oxygen from the mask and felt myself getting sleepy. It had to be some anaesthetic gas in the air supply...

For a moment I was left with the impression I would drown in the green liquid but that quickly faded when the tank filled completely. Through the greenish tinted glass I could still blurrily see Vegeta looking at me with an odd expression, then he turned and walked away. My last thought before I closed my eyes and drifted off was:

'Why... why did he do that for me?'

~ to be continued ~

Outro (containing naughty neko's and feisty vampires)

Rogue: *A warm clear night with a light breeze gusting through the streets. A perfect evening to stare up past a brightly glowing gilded street lamp and the twinkling stars above. A dark figure in a long black trench-coat leans against the pole, a dark tail swinging out from the back.* Well now. It took us a little longer to post this chapter but at long last, here it is. Isn't it just the perfect night for it, angel?

DarkSerapha: *curled up on a mountain of pillows under the other street-lamp, only the tips of the giant black wings twitch lightly as the dark angel yawns and stretches leisurely* Yes, my lovely, it is. Kami, this chapter sure took long... it was much work and I don't even know where it all went… but I do hope that everyone is satisfied that at last there is *finally* a bit of angst going on again, sweetened by a tang of sap. We didn't have angst for such a long time... *snickers sarcastically

Rogue: *smiles contentedly* There have been a few mentions of some strangeness in phrases or wording at times, I have noticed. Beyond the few spelling errors that we slip by us as we perfect our work, I would assume that those complaints would lay in my area of expertise. I have a tendency for writing my dear Vegy's lines with an old fashioned English lilt to them. He is a prince, therefore I sometimes have his speeches phrased with a more proper... or rather british style. *smirks* Coming from a Bloody American, I'm sure it might sound a bit strange.

DarkSerapha: *smiles at lovely and pats the pillows beside her* Come hither, my dearest... *smile* Well, I assume it is not so much your occasional artful phrasing but my lack in elegant sentences. To those of our readers who have not noticed yet - English is NOT my native language - I am a German - and therefore my parts might sound odd from time to time. My dearest here can only correct so much... and as for the grammar- and spelling-mistakes: Well, we might have some of those, but YOU go and try getting out roughly 35 pages fiction per week and not make ANY mistakes and THEN you may throw the first stone! *huffs and coughs* Ahemm. Anyway, I hope that all of our customers who demanded the second hidden chapter, "Jeice's Downfall", have gotten their shots. We truly are astounded at the hits for that chapter. We sent out about 30 mails with the link but the chapter has more than 100 hits. *looks suspicious* So either some of you came back awfully often... *grins knowingly* …or the link has spread around a bit, which we don't really mind though we really appreciated the lurker-reviews this has surprisingly resulted in. We do hope sincerely that you all enjoyed your treat.

Rogue: *pushes off of the lamp post and saunters over to recline along side the elegant dark angel* Yes. We received some wonderful lurkers. It was nice to see some rather shy unknown faces. Hopefully they will come back soon. Especially one Daken. Such a lovely long review. Honest and straightforward. So rare. I hope that we will receive another in the future. That kind of feedback is hard to get a hold of. It was refreshing. If our story does drag a little at times, keep in mind that it will be very long and that any slow parts *will* be countered by extremely dark/angsty/romantic/horrific/sweet/overwhelming parts. And for those of you who are in desperate need for "hot monkey sex", as some have put it... It will come. Not just now, but when it does... it will come in truckloads. *snickers*

DarkSerapha: *purrs delightedly and naughtily tickles lovely with one black feather* Oh yes… it will. Some of you may wonder why our two favourite Saiyajin are not here today. *snickers* Well... to put it plain, they are sulking because we sent the video to Slam-Dancer. At least… it should reach her soon... *frowns* But don't worry, they will be back. After all we have more than just that one compromising video... *grins* By the way, we consider giving the video to everyone who does something special too. Maybe… the 100th reviewer... or someone who does a fanart for In'lar-Anth… or who writes a real long review - Daken, me thinks you already earned it yourself if you want it... oh, and we don't mind criticism - constructive criticism, that is - at all!!! We strive to get better and better every day and we can only do that if we are given help. But mindless elaborate praise is also very welcome... *smirk

Rogue: *catches a black wing with a playful smirk and carefully folds it out of the way to draw her angel into her arms* Also... Serapha and I have begun another little hobby. We have taken one of our favourite characters, twisted his mind a bit to suit ourselves and joined a certain RPG. So that is another reason that we may have taken an extra day or so to post... on top of other daily life excuses. But our corner is a legitimate business and will not close down anytime soon.

DarkSerapha: *snuggles contentedly to her favourite neko-pillow* Yes. We have merely taken another drug into our program... you may have a look if you want to, it's very entertaining. You can find our new little enterprise at http://www.livejournal.com/community/dragonballx/, under the name of "buroli_sama". Which brings me to another topic... We seem to have problems posting links on fanfiction.net. For some reason some addresses will simply not be shown. We've tried everything. Sorry to those who could not look at the fanarts for that reason. We have contacted ff.net for a solution but have not yet received an answer. Should someone know something we don't, please tell us.

Rogue: *growls* Yes. It's been quite annoying. For those of you on ff.net, the links are perfectly visible at Mediaminer though, where this fic is posted under my dear Dark Serapha's name. *straightens and pulls up from pillows* Would you watch my corner for a short while tonight, my angel?

DarkSerapha: *mutters complainingly at the loss of her pillow* Mmmh.. if I must.. *grabs desperately for that downy tail but misses narrowly and folds arms, pouting* Are you going to hunt after HER again, lovely? *sighs and smiles* you and your little brawl with that vampire... why don't you just give her that link to the hidden chapter and be done with it?

Rogue: *blushes lightly with a crafty grin and shakes head in only slight embarrassment* I must be honest... I've always had a thing for Vampires. I couldn't possibly let this opportunity go. And anyway, she has offered to make a business arrangement. How could I possibly pass up that? *licks lips* She practically asked me on a date. *runs a finger along her bare throat and down to a bright red silk slinky blouse and smiles rakishly before patting an inner pocket of the leather coat* If all goes well... well... We may all be happy. I'm open minded... But I do not condone eating my customers and I give favours under only specific conditions. As long as she is to lurk in the shadows then... I will go and say hello. Don't wait up for me.

DarkSerapha: *eyes widen* What the heck are you up to...?? *eyes narrow* You wouldn't...! Don't forget, you belong solely to me! *wraps wings possessively around Rogue"

Rogue: *smiles and wraps tail around my angel's thigh* Only and always, my angel. Of course. I'm just going to have a little night out. Nothing serious. I don't even know if Dynishra will appear. And if she does then I have something for her as long as she is polite and restrains her innate bloodlust.
And if she does not control her bloodlust.... then I will still come back and my naturally bloodthirsty nature will only be a little enhanced. *snickers at the joke*

DarkSerapha: Hn. *tilts head, eyes still narrowed* Maybe I should make an appointment with her... too. If you like vampires so much... Oh well. You better come back and you better drag her royal vampireness down to our corner if you want to let yourself be drained. *sighs and pets tail* Well then, go quickly, so we can start working on the next chapter which will take us to a completely different environment. This has been highly demanded and has been done specially for the Vegeta-Fans out there.

Rogue: I do not intent to be drained, the night is my element as well. But she asked for a favour and I only deal with those who have familiarized themselves with me. If she graces me with her presence then I shall do as she asks. It is as simple as that and I will have had one of my oldest wishes come true. I have a very good Werewolf friend, they are quite loyal I've found. But a Vampire. That is one contact that I have not managed yet. *smiles and melts silently into the darkness*

DarkSerapha: *looks after her then snuggles back into the pillows, smiling wickedly* Come out boys... *Vegeta and Goku can be seen coming peeking out behind a corner* Now remember... I told you she was the one responsible for that video-thingy... so why don't you come over and we have a little fun on our own...? *grins suggestively and leers evilly - to readers and reviewers* What? Told ya I'm evil…