Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction / InuYasha Fan Fiction / Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction / 3 X 3 Eyes Fan Fiction / Cowboy Bebop Fan Fiction / Outlaw Star Fan Fiction / Sailor Moon Fan Fiction / Trigun Fan Fiction ❯ The Last Glimpse of Hope ❯ 7: Celebrations and the Passage of Time ( Chapter 7 )

7: Celebrations and the Passage of Time

~*~*Belle*~*~

I entered the parlor to see Bardock walking way from his study with something in his hands and I smelled Sess's blood. I quickly rushed into the study, somewhat aware that Bardock saw me. Sess was hanging from the ceiling, his naked chest covered with bruises and blood, his long hair matted with his blood, and his tail…gone.

"Oh Sess," I whispered as I looked at the bloody stump that was left behind. I rushed up to his face and saw he was unconscious.

"Take that away and clean it up," Bardock ordered and I nearly cried out as I turned around and saw him glaring at me. He walked over and unchained Sess, allowing him to fall to the floor.

"Yes, Lord Bardock," I whispered and managed to get Sess on my back so I half-dragged, half-carried him back to our barracks. I quickly pulled my blankets down and his pillow, making a bed for him to rest on. I grabbed his water basin, filled it, and grabbed his cleaning cloth. I wetted the cloth and began to wash his body. I started with his face, it looked like they nearly broke his nose, and they did split both his lips. I cleaned his face off completely before beginning to clean his chest. Four long marks marred his front and I realized they were whip marks. I closed my eyes before I turned him onto his stomach, positioning him so he would lay comfortably. I began to wash his back and I gasped, dropping the cloth as I saw his naked back.

Sess's back was a zigzag of whip-marks, the flesh was ripped open and I felt like I was going to throw up. Sess had told me that his race produced saliva that helped heal and I began to wonder if I didn't gain that ability. I decided to try it another time and began to wash his back clean, my tears falling down my cheeks in silence as I finished his back and reached the remains of his tail. The eight and a half-foot long tail had been chopped short, not completely like when I met him. There was about a foot and a half left. I began to wash the fur and the stump, shampooing, and then gently brushing the remains of my mate's tail. I kept from sobbing as I found bandages and began to wrap his wounds, managing to get him in a position, leaning against me, so I could wrap the bandages around him.

~*~*Raine*~*~

"Onna…" he moaned, but I silenced him by covering my lips with his. I was feeling it again. The same way that intoxicant, that aphrodisiac had made me feel. I wanted him, so badly it hurt. My hands rubbed up and down his chest as he fondled mine.

He was sitting naked on the three-seater couch. I sat shamelessly on his lap in nothing but my wrap-skirt, my top and underwear strewn on the floor somewhere. I bucked and ground into him, making him grab my hips and make his own rise to join me.

After we climaxed, I moved down to his neck.

"Onna…" he moaned again.

"Mmm?" I responded as I started nibbling on his ear.

"Enough," he panted, but I ignored him and started nipping at his neck.

"A break, woman," he said again as I started biting at his lower lip.

"Enough!" he raised his voice, grabbing me by the hips and tossing me beside him. I panted, feeling no rejection, but rather, wanting him still.

"I need to train and you are a distraction," he said, annoyed. But when he bent over to pick up his armor, he suddenly fell to his knees. They had probably gone weak.

"Onna…" he moaned again, this time weakly.

"Yes master," I murmured.

"You will pay for that," he said and I grinned, releasing my stroke from his tail. The second I did, he tackled me on the couch, that same devious smirk on his face.

"When I am done with you, you will not be able to walk for days," he grunted before he covered my lips with his.

~*~*J'dee*~*~

"Right through here Majo…" I followed Vegeta and stopped as he entered a sort of control room and I looked round seeing all the screens and equipment.

A door swished open and I looked at it. Vash was left to his training in the spacey moon bounce stuff but for some reason Vegeta wanted me here to train.

"What's in there?" I asked.

Vegeta pushed me in the middle of the back and through the door and it swished closed and I turned round in anger and pounded on the door.

"Hey what's the big idea?!" I snapped and then kicked the door.

"Kihekikikikikieeee!!!"

"What?" I turned round and saw a green like thing staring at me, then there was one more and then another…

"Eheik!"

"They're called Saibamen Majo." Vegeta's voice remarked over the speakers in the room. "You will fight them."

"Fight?" I looked at the three of them. "What on earth for?"

"For training."

I looked at the three of them. "Fine then, I'll fight them."

"Oh and Majo… You can use your powers in that room."

'Powers…' I thought and looked at them. 'man this whole thing sucks big.'

I dropped in to a defense stance and looked at the saibamen… "Right lets see what you green beans have… Bring it."

~*~*Belle*~*~

When I was done with his wounds, I laid him down on the floor and began to wash his long hair, shampooing and brushing it, making it glow in the dull light of our barracks. I dumped the water and got more, I decided to get him completely cleaned up and began to wash his bruised arms, shining and sharpening his claws before polishing them. I washed his long legs and thought about talking him into trying a few different positions later. I washed him completely and dried him before I finally managed to get him onto his bunk, which drained me completely. I made my bed before I decided I needed to bathe.

I stood by my basin and began to wash, stripping naked and cleaning myself as well as I had cleaned Sess, washing my hair and brushing it so it had a healthy shine to it. I dressed and turned to see golden eyes watching me. I blushed as I walked over and stood by Sess's bedside, stroking his cheek lightly as I looked at him.

"How are you feeling?" I asked as I looked into pain-hazed gold. He looked at me for a moment.

"I will live, it healed quickly," he said. I looked at his chest to see the wounds were slowly healing.

"You're lucky to have a speedy immune system," I said as I stroked his chest lightly, he shivered and I began to cover him with his sheet. I was suddenly in the bed next to him and I looked at him as he cuddled next to me.

"I wasn't referring to my injuries," he whispered as he pulled my shirt to the side to look at the bite he had left and I looked to see a scar that was a lovely shade of blue.

"Now…that's going to be noticeable," I said and Sess nodded with pride and I looked at him. "You're proud of it."

"Of course, it's what binds you to me for all your life. That is the bonding mark of my kind, anyone who bears that mark is mated to the one who made it. You are my chosen mate forever," he whispered and the expression in his eyes stole my breath away. Then he kissed me and I forgot how to breathe for a moment. He hugged me gently and I nuzzled his neck.

"Well, since we're mated by your people's standards, would you do me the honor of becoming my husband?" I asked and he looked at me. "To my people, you can go through the act of mating and not be bound, but we have a ceremony that will bind us. Will you perform it?" I looked up at him, worried he would refuse. He stared into my eyes before kissing me again.

"As soon as I'm rested we will perform your ritual," he whispered.

"Good, Nicholas will…bind us…and the others will be witnesses," I said and he looked at me. "We can't leave permanent marks as you do so we show binding with rings…of course…we don't have any, but with the mark I suppose it will work. Not that the Saiyans would allow us rings but having the others witness it would be just as good."

"If that is what you would like me to do," he whispered as he held me close and I nuzzled his neck again.

"Yes," I whispered.

~*~*Raine*~*~

Turles had indeed kept his word. The aphrodisiac had worn off, but the effects of our little tryst had left me sore and immobile on the couch. I literally had to be carried to his bath to be washed up. That was one odd thing he had done regularly since I had become his property. Out of all the slaves, I was the only one he allowed to bathe in his tub.

I had nothing in my stomach to throw up later in the afternoon after I realized what I had done. How did I end up that way? He didn't force me to drink anymore of that juice at all that day, yet I still felt like a dog in heat! I grimaced and rested my face on the edge of the tub. My only guess was that he had snuck it into my food or drink somehow. I glared. I'd just dine with Zarbon from now on.

While we were…in the act, he had informed me that he was changing my status. He had something that would remove the original caretaker brand on my shoulder blade and would change it to that of a concubine. I frowned.

I was his official whore now.

I struggled to get out of the tub and limped towards his bed where my clothing for the day awaited. What would I do now? I wouldn't dare face the others after today, and I doubted I could handle the piteous looks from Faye and Yaten another time. I wrapped my arms around myself and sat down on the bed, wincing as I did so. I didn't want to see Zarbon either. Besides dealing with his pity, it was too long a walk and I wasn't exactly up for exercise at the moment. I sighed and stood up, heading for the slave sleeping barracks. Perhaps some time in my own bed would do some good.

~*~*J'dee*~*~

I was bruised, scratched, and possibly broken in several unknown places I thought never existed and I stared at the three little fecks that did it to me. What did Vegeta think he could prove?

I knew he wanted me to use my powers show everyone that I was a menace to Saiyan society and that I was his. He felt power obviously in thinking he could control something supposedly as powerful as me. Letting out a breath. I finally gave in. He wanted to show me off then so be it but there would be a cost as I pushed all the energy I had left right deep in to the center of my and let it simmer there stirring making my body ache in so many ways. I then placed my hands out in front of me and the saibamen seemed to laugh, in their language that was completely untranslatable, least to me.

"SHOCK WAVE!!!" I shouted and the energy raced out through the ground and even though they moved to the side it shook the ground so much that they were sent backwards from the impact and I fell over backwards. Landing ungracefully on my rear, making me wonder why Vash wasn't forced to do this. Why was I so important to Vegeta? I stole a glance in the direction of the camera and pushed some hair off from my face and stood up.

The Saibamen weren't dead, just stunned by me and they stared as they stood up looking at me. I saw them check me for a tail. I blinked suddenly realizing that they thought only Saiyans had energy like that.

They were confirmed that I wasn't a Saiyan and I did a quick Wiccan invocation on to Hathor. The protectress of women and mothers in particular and they charged at my only to slam in to a force field and I stood there and they clawed at it scratching trying to break through yet the force field was unseen to their eyes and I stood there watching them fire energy blasts, punching kicking at it unable to break through.

I stood there for several minutes watching as they repeated their dumb witted attempts to get in and attack me. Finally the door swished open and Vegeta stepped up behind me and I watched as he held out his hand and with one blast fired in their direction vaporized all three of them.

The force field fell free once he was near, the remote in his hand proved that the Saiyan technology was strong enough to counter the powers of the gods I'd been brought up to believe were all powerful.

"We need to work on your killing majo." Vegeta stated.

"I don't kill, I never have." I pointed out.

He grabbed me by the wrist and pulled me out of the room.

I noticed the control room was completely empty and I looked at Vegeta. "Hey where did the other fella's get to?" I looked round.

Vegeta smirked. I felt fear tingle down my spine and I hated that look he gave me, I felt violated or something, yet all he did was look.

"What did you do for entertainment back on earth then majo?" He questioned. "If you didn't kill."

"I went out dancing and drinking with friends." I replied.

Vegeta smirked even more. "Dancing." He repeated.

"Oh HEEEEEEELL no!" I pointed at him. "I know that look, I ain't even gunna go there with you."

I felt myself slammed up against the wall and cringed in pain those injuries were nothing to the pain I felt at that stage. I turned my head away as he did that strange kinky Saiyan sniff the neck thing, and I felt the hairs stand up on my neck as he let out a breath.

"You smell of blood majo…"

"Well duh those little freaks nearly killed me!!" I snapped and tried to push him back but not really managing any success he was as sturdy as a rock despite his height.

Vegeta grabbed my chin and I caught the look in his eyes. I didn't know what to do for that moment, especially when he kissed me, his hands suddenly getting frisky I suddenly thumped him on the chest drawing his attention.

"That's right Majo… you're not my courtesan yet, but the smell of battle worn blood is very alluring."

"It's disgusting and I need a bath." I was waiting for some sort of beating for talking back or doing something wrong, but there was just silence and Vegeta stepped back and let me go. I watched him as he opened the door. I looked at him skeptically. I didn't understand anything these Saiyans did.

I was let out of the control room and to go back to my barracks. I looked down at the ground and walked along feeling the pain through my limbs and catching the stares of Saiyan guards along the hallway as they watched me speaking in their tongue, but I knew by now what they were saying, without actually understanding it. I had once again proved I could be a threat, either that or what Vegeta said about battle blood being alluring.

~*~*Belle*~*~

I had to serve Bardock since Sess was still too weak to get out of his bunk. I made sure to keep my head down and act extremely submissive.

"Come here," Bardock said and Raditz chuckled as I stood before Bardock. "I have a gift for you." He handed me a box and I could smell Sess, I looked around the room carefully, I couldn't see him. "Well, open it." I nervously opened the box and nearly dropped it. There were two beautiful dresses, each one as white as snow, but around the hems, the ends of the sleeves, and around the neck was a lining of beautiful white fur…Sess's tail. I felt the urge to vomit as I looked at the dresses and smiled as if nothing was wrong.

"They…they're too fine for a simple slave to wear," I said as I bowed my head. "I would feel overdressed wearing them."

"Nonsense, you are mated and hopefully going to produce human pups soon," Bardock said. "These will stretch and allow you to swell with child. Plus, winter is approaching and you will need warm clothing. There is also a pair of shoes for you to wear." I looked in and there was indeed a pair of shoes, made from white leather and I had a good feeling they were made out of Sess's tail as well.

"Thank you, Master Bardock. I am truly lucky to have such a generous master," I bowed and was dismissed. I made it to the barracks before I rushed to puke in the bathroom.

~*~*Raine*~*~

I screamed as the burning pain touched my flesh and dug my nails into the table until the hot metal left my skin. Sweat adorned my body and tears rolled down my cheeks as I heard the shh-ing sound of the hot metal being dunked in the cool water of a nearby bucket. I shuddered and panted, still dealing with the after pain.

"Relax onna. It's over now," he said.

I glared. If the positions were reversed, he wouldn't have said that. I nearly fell to my knees when he suddenly scooped me up in his arms. The brand was there and now everyone would know. Belle and the others would know, Zarbon would know, Yaten and Faye would know. And the pity would only grow.

~*~*J'dee*~*~

Vash was late that evening to return and so I just sat on my bunk hugging my knees, my chin resting on them just looking at the wall. I did nothing to provoke him in to that kind of mood. I hated feeling violated like that especially when I hadn't done anything. Men and Saiyans seemed to have the same hormonal structures. It was frustrating. What could I do to turn him off? I tried getting made, I tried pushing, but nothing ever worked. Even yelling seemed to be a complete turn on… but the blood thing… battle blood. I ran a hand through my hair and let my forehead rest up against the top of my knees.

The door opened and I heard it shut again. "Jay?" I heard Vash's voice. He sat down next to me. His hand touched my scratched arms and I looked up at him.

"What happened?" Vash looked at me.

I must have had an unreadable blank expression across my face. "I got made to train with three little green men today."

"Saibamen huh?" Vash asked. "Well you're alive so that's a good sign, they're tough."

I nodded. "I'm in pain…"

"There is something else, I can tell."

"Vegeta he… uh… kissed me." I looked down. "Said he found battle blood alluring."

"He just kissed you?" Vash asked.

"And got all frisky." I added.

Vash moved his arm around me and pulled me close to him and I just curled up in to him instinctively. "He didn't do anything else right?"

"No… but he will." I sighed.

"So we find you a mate too then." Vash stated.

I couldn't tell him and I just sighed. "It's not safe…"

"We'll find one." Vash nodded.

~*~*Belle*~*~

I approached the gazebo, Sess and I hadn't seen each other since waking up. He was angry about his tail being ripped off that way but he knew it was Bardock trying to keep us apart. I didn't want him to see me before our wedding ceremony today. I had found some flowers to make a bouquet as well as weaving several into my hair. I looked up and saw Vash standing by a tree smiling as he saw me.

"Well at least Sess's tail went to make something pretty this time," he said as he extended his arm. Jay asked Vash to give me away since Nicholas would be performing the ceremony.

"Yea," I blushed as I looked down. My white gown stuck to my body well except at the waist, then it flowed down. The long sleeves were tight as well, the neck stayed close to my neck, covering my mark, thankfully, before coming down into some decent cleavage in a V. The white moccasins were more like slippers, but very warm and I had to say it was a lovely gown. I took Vash's arm and he waved around the tree and we slowly walked out. Raine and Jay had flowers in their hair and I smiled as I looked at them, then I saw Zarbon was standing next to Raine, he smiled and bowed. I looked at the gazebo to see Sess and Wolfwood standing there waiting for me. Sess was dressed in his finest robes and I felt my heart pound as I took my place beside him. I looked at Nicholas and he smiled as he began the ceremony.

~*~*Raine*~*~

I looked to Zarbon with confusion when I felt his hand gently squeeze my shoulder. I sighed. He could sense something was bothering me again. I would try to not let it ruin the possible one good outcome of our kidnapping. I rested my head against Zarbon and draped his arm around me as we watched Belle walk towards Wolfwood and Sesshomaru in her beautiful new gown. It was lined at the top and bottom with white fur. It reminded me of Sess's fur. In fact, it was the exact same color. Then I absently glanced towards Sesshomaru and finally noticed that his tail was shorter. My eyes widened.

~*~*J'dee*~*~

I watched the wedding pretty much numb but managed a smiled for Belle and even wore white for the occasion. Despite my hatred of white clothes unless it was a t-shirt, seriously what were people thinking with those damn white nasty girl pants. The designer needed to be shot.

The ceremony was beautiful reminded me of all the wedding's I'd attended back home, then again when you have sixteen uncles and aunts on only one side of the family that was a lot of weddings.

I fiddled with the white flower on my dress as Wolfwood began his priestly speech and I became instantly distracted. At least they would be happy. They made a cute couple and they would be happy, they would or could possibly have gorgeous kids, both weren't lacking in the attractiveness department that was for sure.

I rubbed my eye and cringed. Of all places it probably looked like I was crying when in fact I hadn't really told anyone I had allergic reactions to certain plants, of cabbage tree likeness. Hay fever: a weakness and a pain in the butt.

~*~*Belle*~*~

"I do," I whispered as I looked at Sess and he looked down at me with such a loving look that I wanted to melt into his arms.

"I pronounce you man and wife, you may kiss the bride," Nicholas said with a smile and I barely had time to blink before I was in one of Sess's mind-blowing, toe-curling, let's-find-a-private-spot kisses. I heard the others clap and I held onto Sess to keep the others from seeing how much trouble I was having staying on my feet. We parted and Zarbon approached us with something in his hands.

"Congratulations to Prince Sesshoumaru and Princess Belle," he said before bowing and I blushed seventeen shades of red this time.

"Thank you, Prince Zarbon," Sess said as he bowed.

"Yes, thank you, Prince Zarbon," I said as I bowed. I looked at the paper he was carrying. "What's that?" He smiled as he set it down on the seat of the gazebo.

"This is my wedding present," he said and I looked down at the paper to see it was a formal document. "This is a wedding contract used by the nobles of Prince Sesshoumaru's planet. It will make this marriage legal to his people and any children produced will also be the true heirs to the throne, above King Naraku's children." I blinked and looked at Sess.

"King Naraku is not married. If I produce an heir, he will have full rights to the throne even if I do not. It is the law of my people. That is why the Saiyans threaten me with castration, no heir from me and my bloodline fails and Naraku truly becomes the King of my people," Ses said and I looked at him.

"You will have your family restored," I whispered as I hugged him.

"Well you have to sign your name and then a small blood sample is required," Zarbon said as he handed us a pen. Sess signed and with his claw put a small hole in his finger before pressing down on the paper beside his name. I signed my name and Sess gently took my hand and cut my finger. I pressed it down beside my name. Sess took my finger and gently sucked on it, closing the wound.

~*~*Raine*~*~

I frowned at the mention of the blood signing. I had always been taught that signing in blood was giving your soul to the devil. As "firey" and "brimstone"-ish as it sounded, it iffed me. I didn't want to ruin the ceremony, but I had to decline. I walked over to Belle and murmured my feelings about it and she nodded, understanding.

~*~*J'dee*~*~

I signed the piece of paper and looked at my finger and frowned. Blood… Vash took my hand. "Need a hand?" He asked.

"I don't need a hand…" I grumbled and he cut my finger for me and I grabbed it back and stood on his foot.

"OW!!"

"Jay…" Wolfwood hissed. "Can't you behave for once. I know it's tempting to pick on Needle Noggin, but this is a special day…" He motioned to Belle and Sess.

I placed my finger down on the marked place and pulled it back. "I was only remembering home, my first wiccan ritual involved blood."

I saw the looks everyone gave me. Vash looked at me the most curious after all I had told him witchcraft didn't involve blood.

"Jay…"

"Yeah it was for a spell, me and Cazz were pissed off at one of our other friends so we added a few things here and there and created a nightmare spell. To teach her a lesson in having some sympathy backfired majorly. So might I add do not use blood in magickal workings." I nodded philosophically and walked off to let the next person sign.

Vash signed and added blood before coming after me and I tried to distance myself. "Why would you want to do something to hurt someone like that?"

I looked at him, "Cazz had just lost someone really close to her and she needed comfort and well our friend just replied with a 'Get over it'. The guy had died only a handful of days before then. Cazz was pissed off and we wanted her to know how she felt. It was selfish, it was wrong I admit that, but it's part of the learning process. Thanks you. I couldn't even bring myself to kill those Saibamen." I prodded him in the chest.

Vash looked at me and he beamed a smile. "Really you didn't kill them? Then wait… how'd you get out, it's a fight to the death with Saibamen."

"Vegeta stepped in and killed them. But enough about that, lets lighten the mood a little and have some fun today what do you say?"

~*~*Belle*~*~

"So why'd we have to put blood down," Jay asked as she watched Sess press his family seal on the paper beside Zarbon's.

"Because, just the signatures is not enough, anyone could forge a signature, but the blood gives DNA, a scent, and the fingerprint further identification," Sess said as he stood up and held me gently. "This will prove that at least four witnesses were here, one a Prince and one a holy man."

"Oh, well, glad to help," she said with a smile. "Now where's the reception?" Sess looked lost and I smiled.

"We're going to Zarbon's right now," I said and I took Sess's hand in mine as we walked to the nearest hallway and entered one of the secret passages.

~*~*J'dee*~*~

It was a pool party. I'd only been to one pool party in my entire life so I was really looking forward to this. Changing in to something that could resemble bathing clothes, a white top that was spaghetti straps and did up with one button over the bust and some white short shorts. I was sitting on the edge of the pool letting my feet dangle in just relaxing the water was so clear and beautiful it sparkled and I just watched it as it lapped up against my feet.

"BONZAI!!!"

*SPLASH*

I was soaked as Vash dive bombed in and I couldn't help but laugh. He was a regular goof. He swam up to me and I looked at him, his hair being wet wasn't spiking up like it normally did but down and it did make him look rather sexy.

"Coming in?" He asked.

"No." I replied. "I'm fine."

"The water's great."

"I'm not a water element I'm an earth element."

"Well speaking as a plant we need water too. So earth elements must do too." He grabbed my arm and yanked me in.

I let out a cry and when I surfaced thumped him on the head. "You're still naked!! Haven't you ANY modesty?!" I screamed and swam away from him.

"So you looked huh? Does that mean I get a free look at you?"

"No!" I splashed him and swam further away.

~*~*Belle*~*~

I giggled as Sess's tail crept into my lap as we sat in the water, I gently began to stroke and pet it under the water as Sess leaned back, acting like he was just relaxing.

"Come on Jay, you saw me naked when I got in," Vash whined and Jay covered herself and shook her head.

"No, I changed behind a bush, you changed in front of everyone," she said as Vash continued to plead.

"Oh, go soak your head Vash," I said as I moved away from Sess and grabbed Vash's shoulders, pushing him under water. He came up sputtering but I was already to the deepest part of the pool, which was about five feet deep.

"Hey!" he cried as he grinned. "That wasn't very nice, I think you deserve to get dunked for that." I let out a mock cry of terror and began to swim away.

"You'll have to catch me first, Vash!" I cried as I dove under water and swam over to Nicholas. I quickly pulled him under and giggled as I began the chase with two men after me.

~*~*Raine*~*~

I had merely removed my wrap. The other parts of my 'ensemble' were a black thong and already mock bikini top. I chose to sit at the edge and wade my forelegs in the water. Zarbon was in with some of the others, leaning back against the edge.

"Why don't you join in?" he murmured.

"Because I can't swim. I couldn't float if my life depended on it," I muttered, choosing to watch the others laugh and mingle while sticking to my solitariness.

"Maybe I could teach you," he suddenly said.

I rolled my eyes, "That's alright. Unless I'm fleeing from the Saiiyans someday and need to swim the deepest ocean, I doubt I'll need it. Besides, who knows what kinds of sea creatures they have on this planet."

Zarbon didn't give me a chance to say another word as he pulled me and I screamed. Well, sputtered and screamed. His hands were on my waist, keeping my head above water and my body close to his in the pool's depths. I glared and slapped his chest, "Why the HELL did you do that?!"

He smiled, "To get a reaction out of you."

"Well you got one. I'm royally pissed, are you happy?" I asked angrily.

He suddenly pulled me closer, causing me to blush. He moved to my ear, "I want to help you forget what happened."

I blinked and was silent before I caught on and was actually able to respond, "I-I can't. Nothing short of a memory wipe could make me forget."

"I hate seeing you this way. I honestly feel that you'd look lovelier with a smile on your face than a frown or a glare," he said.

I suddenly felt warm, "Y-You think I'm lovely?"

He moved to look me in the eyes, that smile on his face again. I felt my cheeks grow warm. My lashes fluttered nervously and I looked down, "Oh."

~*~*J'dee*~*~

I floated on my back after Vash had begun the great Belle chase I was able to relax in the water. Belle screamed and giggled and I just floated until Vash jumped on me dunking me. I came up spluttering for air.

"Hey some warning would have been nice!" I thumped him on the chest. I then did a double take.

"Vash… your scars… they're… gone."

"Just noticed huh?" He asked with a smiled. "I had some regen tank time to use up after upsetting Nappa." He smiled.

His hand moved over mine and I looked up. I realized my hand had been still touching his chest and then I blinked blushed and then grabbed him round the neck in a sleeper hold flopping backwards in the water dragging him under with me.

When we both came up for air he looked at me and just smiled, he'd clicked. I'd found him attractive. I was never going to hear the end of this now.

"CHARGE!!" I let out a cry as Belle dove on top of me dunking me before swimming off to attack her next dunking victim.

I came up for air and shook my hair and Vash laughed. "Joining sides to catch her now?" He asked.

"Oh yeah she's gunna get dunked and bad." I dove under the water chasing after her. I came up and just missed her. Then I spotted something that was defiantly going to be amusing and I floated back… waiting.

~*~*Belle*~*~

I cried out as Sess dove on top of me, dunking us both and I came up caught in his arms.

"No fair!" I giggled as I thrashed. "You were waiting for me!"

"Yes, I was, that's what a good hunter does," he chuckled and then I noticed a look in his eye.

"No…don't you dare…" I started but I was already thrown up and I landed into the deeper water. I came up sputtering.

"This means war!" I cried and brought up my legs and began kicking so that a plume of water landed on Sess.

"Oh, now you've done it," Zarbon said with a smirk as he watched the look that crossed over Sess's eyes. "I'd run if I were you." I giggled as I watched Sess begin to approach and I began to swim away, laughing and screaming as he began to follow.

"Get her!" Nicholas cried.

"Dunk her!" Vash cried.

"Splash her!" Jay cried.

"Don't break anything," Zarbon said coolly as he was now sitting next to Raine at the edge. Sess managed to herd me into a corner and I had my back flat against it, I decided to change tactics.

"Sess…honey…lover…sweetheart…stud of my life…" I began as he approached and I quickly glued myself to his chest, wrapping my arms around his waist so I could play with the base of his tail. "…you don't want to dunk me, do you?" I looked up at him, his eyes were starting to glaze over, even as he fought not to.

"Oh that's not fair! She's using sex to get him to stop!" Jay cried in mock horror.

"Yea, why didn't she try that with us?" Vash said and was suddenly dunked by Jay.

"Belle…" he whispered and I smiled up at him. "…you don't have me completely." My eyes widened as he grabbed me and dunked me.

~*~*J'dee*~*~

I swam to the edge of pool and pulled myself out, I was fully energized I stood on the edge off the pool then grinned and casually yet mischievously wandered over to where everyone was teaming up on Belle and grinned.

"DIVE BOMB!!" I announced and jumped up and curled in to a ball and dive-bombed the group of them. I surfaced and grinned and swam to the edge and Vash gave chase and I climbed out before he caught me. I laughed as I jogged backwards.

I caught his look in my direction and I found myself smiling proudly, I saw for once one of those true real smiles cross his face and he began to climb out after me.

"No you don't!" I held my hand up as he began to climb out.

A dripping wet Vash was a truly gorgeous Vash. And I swallowed as he walked up to me and I caught his playful look as he reached for me and I dodged him before he gave chase and I squealed as he caught me picking me up and placing me over his shoulder.

"Now I've got you what are you going to do?" He asked teasingly.

"Ummm…" I felt myself giggling as he carried me back to the water and I looked at it. "Scream?" I offered and screamed as he threw me in the water.

Surfacing I swam up to the edge and looked up at Vash standing there on the edge. He reached up and he grabbed my hand and I helped me out before I pushed him back in the water. I laughed and claimed a deck chair to flop down on.

It had been a great day, a wedding, a pool party and part of me especially loved the naked Vash part.

"I'm spent you guys…" I stated as they all came out of the water once the water fight had finished.

"You all have early morning shifts tomorrow so I suggest a good night of rest." Zarbon pointed out.

~*~*Raine*~*~

I sighed and got up, heading for where my 'clothing' laid. I blinked when a towel appeared in front of me. Zarbon was holding it. I thanked him and took it, draping it over my head after I had finished ringing the water out of my dreads. I then picked up my wrap skirt and started heading off.

"Wait," he suddenly said and I stopped, turning around to face him.

"Wouldn't you like an escort back?" he asked.

I nodded, once again almost smiling, "Sure. I'd appreciate that."

~*~*Belle*~*~

I purred into Sess's neck as he leapt into our clearing and set me down, he wrapped his arm around me, his chest against my back as he began to kiss my neck.

"Sess…" I whispered as I reached back to stroke behind his ears, another hot spot for him. "Let's try this the human way this time…" He stopped for a moment, looking at me curiously.

"You didn't like the way I took you before?" he asked and I had to keep from giggling.

"Oh no, I loved that, it's just…" I turned around in his arms. "…humans mate in many different positions. I was just curious if you wanted to try one." He looked at me as I unclasped his robe top and freed his sculpted chest. I kissed him gently before working down his chest. "We are a very sexual race when we are with the ones we love." I felt my cheeks burning as I pulled his bottoms down and he was freed.

"The way you acted when you first arrived said differently," he teased in a low tone, the words rippling down my spine as I knelt at his feet, looking up at him. I smiled up at him for a moment.

"That's because I wasn't in love with you at the time. Now…" I ran my nails gently over the skin on his hips and he shivered as he knelt in front of me so we were face to face. "…I could spend days learning your body without being shy." I kissed him and ran my fingers down his arms before laying down and pulling him over me. I wrapped my legs around his hips. I kissed him again. "Humans do it this way." I guided him in.

~*~*Raine*~*~

"Here we are," Zarbon murmured as we stood before Turles' front door.

"Yeah," I said.

There was that horrible awkward silence again and I found myself staring at the ground.

"I actually had fun," I said.

His head shot up and he looked at me with a smile, "Really? Well, that's good."

"I-I wanted to ask if…"

"If what?"

My cheeks got a little red, "If I could eat breakfast with you tomorrow morning."

His grin deepened, "I don't see why not."

"Great," I nodded.

"Good."

"I-I'll see you tomorrow then," I said, starting to turn around until he took my chin in his hand.

"I look forward to it," he said and I found myself blushing like a schoolgirl and smiling shyly, turning away.

He chuckled, "Wow."

I blinked and looked at him, "W-What?"

"You do look lovelier when you're smiling," he said.

I felt my face go hot and I pulled away, "Um, good night."

I hurried away from him and up the stairs. I stopped halfway, looking back at him. He was still grinning and waved. I smiled back him and closed the door.

~*~*J'dee*~*~

I sat by the window of the room that night looking out at the night sky, Vash was drying his hair off me. I was still sitting there giving him some privacy by not looking, not that it didn't matter after today at the pool party.

Vash stepped up behind me and took my hand that had been playing with some of my own hair at the back of my neck that I had been twirling round my finger. I looked up at him and he smiled at me and looked down.

"So do you still think Nicholas is good looking?" He asked me teasingly.

I turned round fully and saw he was still naked.

"Vash!" I turned round suddenly to hide my flushed face.

He pulled me up to my feet and I felt that emotion inside of me twist in nervous knots. "I'm sorry I couldn't find you a human mate." He looked at me.

"I don't want one." I found myself saying and then quickly stepped back before I realized what I was doing and felt the wall against my back.

"You don't have to fear me Jay. I'm not a saiyan… I won't hurt you."

"I know." I looked down and closed my eyes I felt him move up to me so close and I felt his hand guide mine to his chest and I opened my eyes and looked up at him. His other hand slipped round my waist and I felt suddenly sheltered and protected.

I moved my hand up from his chest to round to the back of his neck and pulled him down and into my first bold move I'd made with a member of the opposite sex in a long time as I brought our lips together for a simple but yet effective kiss.

Vash continued the kiss trailing it down my neck and I held on to him. "We can't go all the way… I'm sorry…" I breathed. "Vegeta he'll…"

"I know. I can wait."

"The pervert can wait…" I joked. "Since when?"

"Hey give me some credit I don't run on libido alone." His hand trailed across the front of my top and I looked down watching his hand move across to the button.

I smirked and pulled his hand away. "Tempted… aren't you?"

He looked at me and smiled. "Awww c'mon you saw me naked."

"And you're still naked." I prodded him in the chest. "But no. We meet with Vegeta tomorrow for our briefing on this trip. We can't… I can't get your scent on me."

He pulled back reluctantly and I slipped away from him and then picked up a brush and walked to the mirror and began to brush my hair to hide my flushed face. I wouldn't be able to hold back for long there was so much sexual tension.

~*~*~*~*~

The Planet that this Legato fellow was suppose to inhabit, made me nervous as I walked the streets with Vash and the two Saiyan guards, the other Saiyan was back at the ship. I stopped and looked at the wooden buildings. I was fascinated and I walked up to one marked salon and peeked over the swinging entrance doors, it was like I'd just stepped in to a western or something.

"Jay… C'mon." Vash walked up behind me and he stopped as his eyes settled on someone sitting in the bar.

"Vash?" I looked at him then in to the bar, there was a man in a suit with a horn, he looked up at us and then grinned. I blinked as he looked at Vash directly and got up and walked to the back door he looked over his shoulder one last time and I caught him looking directly at me.

"Back to the ship." He ordered me.

"Hey!" I protested. Vash turned round and I saw the most serious look he gave me ever.

"Jay for your own safety back to the ship." I watched as Vash placed the remote for my dampeners in to his pocket.

"Fine." I huffed and turned round and walked off.

Vash entered the bar and I growled. One moment he could be as sweet and caring as I don't know a cuddly toy or something then the next her was Mr. Grrrr.

I stopped walking realizing that no Saiyans were following me then again they wore scouters and so long as they had Vash in their eye sight… I sighed.

I looked up and spotted a store and shrugged walking in to it. I looked round and caught the looks the people gave me. I wasn't dressed for the part that was for sure.

"Yo." I greeted.

"Can we help you?" The man behind the counter asked.

"Do you sell cigarettes here?" I asked curiously.

He smiled and motioned behind him. I rubbed my hands together. "Jackpot! Alright! It's been over a year since I've had one."

~*~*~*~*~

Vash raced out the back way to see that the Horn Freak had vanished. He let out a scowl and the two Saiyans appeared behind him.

"Was that Legato?" one asked.

"No but one of his right hand men." Vash replied.

The other Saiyan tapped his scouter and motioned off in one direction. "He's gone that way."

Vash looked at the Saiyan. "Let me guess… we're going after him?"

"King Vegeta wants to speak to this Legato in person." The first Saiyan commented.

Vash frowned. "Right good luck to him. Legato isn't one for diplomatic talks."

"And what were you planning on doing? Kill him?"

"No." Vash replied with a sigh. "Look just help me get there. I know you can."

~*~*~*~*~

I'd made a nice wee trade for the cigarettes and had a heap of cigarette pouches stuffed down my top since pockets were NOT part of this outfit. I arrived back at the ship to catch the Saiyan sitting there basking in the sun chewing on something that those farmer type people chew on. I sat down and pulled out a pouch and began to roll a cigarette. This could possibly last me three weeks at the most which could dull my senses to what Vegeta would have in mind for me when I got back. It wasn't drugs, but it was enough to make me relax from the stress.

"Hi there Mr. Big and bulky." I grinned.

"Back already? Spose I better set up the perimeter then." He stood up and I walked on to the ship as he began to set the perimeter up.

I stopped as I felt the wind pick up and I looked behind me out at the desert sand I thought I spotted a person standing there for a moment. And then there was nothing. I shook my head and fully entered the ship.

~*~*~*~*~

Vash was dropped and rolled across the ground and the Horn Freak vanished in to the sand. He raced after him, he stopped suddenly as the Horn Freak turned round and grinned.

"What?" Vash paused and looked at the grin. "You're up to something."

The Horn Freak held his hands out. "You left her alone Vash. A nice target, you look cute together."

A Saiyan scoffed. "She's not his. She belongs to king Vegeta."

"Ahhh. Well give the king my apologies I've already given the word, I thought she was with Vash."

He started to play a tune to Vash on his horn before the sand began to swallow him.

"NO!!" Vash raced forward and lunged but landed to late as the Horn Freak vanished. He jumped back as the sand swished back and forward in a violent way and then the second Saiyan blinked and pointed.

"It's a message." The Saiyan pointed out.

Vash looked at the words in the sand clear and true. He was too late. Legato was gone from the planet even before they arrived.

"We better get back to where the girl is, King Vegeta will have our hides if his only living courtesan is killed." The first commented.

Vash looked at them. "Courtesan?" He asked.

"Well not yet. The minute she kills or helps capture a Gung ho gun, she belongs to him."

~*~*~*~*~

The clank of metal made me jump sky high and I looked round and then I stood up. The Saiyan guard was gone. Then I spotted the scouter I looked round.

"Hello?" I questioned. I stepped off the ship and noticed a perimeter round it… Orders of Vash once I was back at the ship for it to be set up so I didn't get myself hurt.

My heart was racing the clank of the scouter and having no saiyan around was not a good sign. Once off the ship I began to walk around it and let out a cry as the Saiyan fell from the sky and looked at his lifeless eyes.

"Megami…"

Suddenly I was knocked back and I felt a slash across my arm marking an X on my arm over a previous scar. I looked up from where I had landed and I heard the sound everything. Someone was moving faster than the eye could see.

My eyes darted to the left then the right as I saw a streak of purple color and then suddenly she was there. A patch over one eye, and looking completely attractive despite the one eye covered. The same figure I thought I'd seen in the sand. Obviously I had seen her.

"And I was under the impression I'd walked in to a western movie not a pirate one." I remarked and stood up.

Suddenly she was gone again and then behind me I jumped back. She moved even faster than the Saiyans I'd watched in training.

"What do you want?" I growled.

"A message to Vash from Legato." She smiled.

"And that would be?" I asked.

"Your death." She vanished again and I was getting frustrated.

"CUT THAT OUT!!!" I shouted and stomped my foot rather child-like.

~*~*~*~*~

"There she is!! She's okay." The second Saiyan let out a sigh as they landed and Vash stopped suddenly and drew his gun.

Jay looked at him, he noticed the blood on her arms, her legs, little nicks across her stomach and a small one on her right cheek and he raced over to her instantly. "Jay are you alright?"

"She won't stay still…" Jay pouted, "I'll have to get bandages and I like the Egyptian pantheon honestly but I don't want to look like a mummy."

Vash smiled and he hugged her. "It's okay. I'll handle this."

"I'm okay…" She looked down at the blood.

Vash watched her breathing deepen and she dropped in to a stance and then dropped lower in a sweeping motion and then a figure fell out of thin air obviously tripped up.

"Ha eat that speedy!" She gloated.

Vash scratched the back of his neck and looked at the figure as she stood up and he blinked.

"Now give us a name missy." Jay demanded glaring at her.

She smirked "The name is Dominique the Cyclops."

Jay nodded. "And that means absolutely nothing to me."

"Is this a Gung ho gun?" One of the Saiyans asked.

Dominique smiled. "That I am."

"They have female Gung ho guns. Don't you just feel the power of female equality here people? It's rushing through my veins." Jay taunted and then stopped and looked down at her arms… "Okay maybe it's more like loss of blood… running out of my veins but you get the picture."

Dominique looked at Vash. "So this is your little girlfriend Legato wants killed."

Jay blinked and looked at Vash. "I'm your girlfriend?"

"Do you really think Vegeta would allow his courtesan to be my girlfriend?" Vash looked at her.

~*~*~*~*~

I was in momentary shock Vash knew and I looked at the two Saiyans, more than likely them, after all it was Saiyan news, they obviously opened their big mouths and I made a mental note to make sure they suffered namely in long agonizing pain.

Then she was gone again and I watched as the shoulder belts strapped over Vash's shoulder suddenly fell to the ground the buttons landing first.

The look on his face made me smirk, it was bewilderment and then he looked up and Dominique was behind him.

"Boo."

"If you wanted to get him naked just say so. He has no modesty what so ever." I huffed and crossed my arms.

Vash looked at me. "I'm not hitting on her… even though she is cute."

"She's CUTE?!" I roared and stalked up to him and proceeded to thump him angrily.

"Whoa hey Jay it's okay…" Vash looked at me and I knew he wanted to say something to comfort me but the Saiyans were watching and they would report to Vegeta and I didn't want to lose Vash.

"Fine Ill be over there ready to throw something at you." I growled and walked off a few meters and suddenly stopped as the wind picked up. "It does that a lot here doesn't it?" I asked quoting Brendan Fraser from The Mummy.

And yet again Dominique was gone and I sighed then suddenly Vash was in front of me and I watched as he doubled over and I blinked and then the purple flash was behind the Saiyans.

"Vash?"

I watched as he held his stomach and fell to his knees.

"I'm okay Jay." He pulled his hands away from his stomach and I saw the blood.

I looked up suddenly. "Hey what did he do to you?!" I helped Vash up and looked at his blood that I got on my hands from helping him up.

And she was gone again for what the number what five thousand and third second time? I stayed completely still and then it was like everything was in slow motion and I saw her move by me and caught her eye contact. She looked at me shocked for a moment. I saw Vash had caught on to her trick too. "It's called a demon eye…" He spoke.

I nodded and stood up and clapped my hands together and began to rub them in together.

"Hathor protector of women, protect and guide me." I spoke calmly. "Hermes God of time, do your thing babe." Suddenly I followed her and kept up and gave her a right hook knocking her back and she skidded across the ground and I let my boots slide through the sand and I stopped.

She placed a hand to her patch which was now broken. "You're cute, too cute for this life style. Go have a family honey."

She glared at me and charged in my direction and I moved to the side and then suddenly I was behind Vash. He looked up at me shocked.

"Your powers…"

"Are temporary and borrowed." I stated. "I'll get a blood sample stay here, this shouldn't take to long."

Dominique looked at me. "You little witch…"

"The truth hurts dunnit honey?"

I was gone and then behind her my arm around her neck in a sleeper hold my other hand reached for the needle. I wasn't going to kill… I kept telling myself I wasn't. There was no need. I got the sample as she struggled and I tossed the needle to one of the Saiyans who got the hint and took it inside the ship to place it away for safety.

I was knocked back and found myself flat on my back and looking up at the sky when I noticed three planets so close yet so far, all full and round just staring down at me. One the sun the other a beige color and another planet that looked close to a likeness of earth, but obviously wasn't. "Oh wow… a planetary alignment…"

*click click*

Dominique stepped on my stomach and I watched as her shadow loomed over me. "I have nothing against you. Legato just wants Vash to suffer."

"Gee isn't he a nice… uh… plant?" Her gun was so close and then I spotted two other planets moving in to the alignment. "That makes six…" I counted.

"There's two more on the other side of the planet." The other Saiyan stated. Both moons."

"Two moons?" I repeated.

Vash stood up. "Dominique it's not a wise idea to shoot her."

She spun round and fired off a round towards the Saiyan and Vash pushed him away before the bullet hit the Saiyan, but it caught Vash in the wing of his shoulder spinning him around and he hit the ground and held it.

"What are you doing Vash, bullets can't hurt them… we tried…" I stated remembering the head bartender it was illegal to have fire arms in a bar like that in New-Zealand yet the bartender had and they hadn't worked.

"You're not on earth Jay… this isn't earth." He held his shoulder.

That was two more scars to add back on to Vash's body and I felt sorry for him. He had just been healed of them and all because he cared too much. His collection was starting up again.

Dominique looked at me. "A human? The humanoid Typhoon's girlfriend is an actual human… stupid mortal."

"Jay!!" I heard Vash call out.

She then fired the gun and I felt the pounding as it hit me and I watched as more blood gushed from the wound… I placed my hand over the hole and looked up at her and looked at it all the planets lining up.

"Awww she's suffering… better make this quick, enjoy the afterlife witch."

"Sekhmet…" I breathed and reached up for my ankh. My hand gripped it and then there was a sudden flash of light.

~*~*~*~*~

Vash blinked as on the spot Dominique let out a cry of pain as the light consumed over her and he watched as she fell over instantly. He knew that power he'd had that power came from him, not as small though when he thought back on it he wished it had been. He held his shoulder and glanced up as Jay pushed herself up, eyes from brown to gold and a menacing look that wasn't her own flashed in her eyes.

The Saiyan blinked and backed up. "The remote!!" He shouted at Vash.

Vash reached for it and then Jay was gone and blinked as the Saiyan hit the ground. She looked over her shoulder as he landed with a thud. Neck at an odd angle and there was blood. A lot of blood.

"J'dee?" Vash questioned.

"Isn't here at the moment. Thank the planets for that, she called me and I came."

"Sekhmet?" Vash asked.

"You want freedom from the Saiyans I can do that."

"Not at the cost of death!" He shouted and pushed the button of the remote. "I'm sorry Jay." She doubled over and hit the ground. Vash sat up and let out a breath.

The last Saiyan stepped off the ship and looked at the body of Dominique, his two crew members and then at Jay lying there and Vash injured.

"Man that's always the way isn't it? I always miss the fun."

Vash looked at him. "Fun? You think this is fun?" He threw him the remote.

The Saiyan caught it and placed it away. He walked over to Dominique's body and picked up the charred body and slung it over his shoulder. "Well at least King Vegeta gets his body." He walked back in to the ship leaving them, knowing both wouldn't be going anywhere their injuries. Wouldn't help them move to far.

~*~*~*~*~

King Vegeta looked at the corpse as it was displayed out in the scientist's lab.

"Good thing the majo got a blood sample before charring her." Vegeta remarked. "We might not be able to work from this."

He looked over at Jay standing by the door looking at it. Vash was standing next to her.

"Not a single memory?" Vash asked her.

"The planets… they gave me power." She replied.

"And this Sekhmet?"

"Is the blood thirsty side of Hathor, Ra angered by the wars of humans ordered her to kill them and so she did, leaving rivers of blood behind her until Ra changed his mind and ordered her to stop. She didn't. The only way to stop her form killing was to leave a trail of booze of all things and she drank until she went unconscious. When she came through she had no memory of it and was from then on Hathor."

"And what possessed you to ask for her help Majo?" Vegeta walked up to them.

"I was bleeding and I told myself I wasn't going to die, I'm going to live."

"Majo you've proven yourself to me." Vegeta smirked "And you still smell of that battle."

"Battle? That's blood. The bitch was trying to fuckin' cut me up into sushi and then tried to make me Swiss cheese with her fancy weapon." Jay pointed at the body.

Vash blinked at the outburst.

Vegeta held up the remote. "Behave majo. If you EVER try a stunt like that here, you will face the consequences… The typhoon here will vouch for that." He looked at Vash.

"Those scars you had… they were from them?" She asked.

Vash nodded. She looked down. "I understand."

"Good majo, you will report to my chambers at the usual time tonight. You better not be late." Vegeta looked at them. "Dismissed. Both of you."

~*~*~*~*~

We headed back to our barracks and I looked at Vash. "I don't remember it…" I stated. "But it was self defense…"

"Two people are dead Jay." Vash let out a sigh.

I let my shoulders sag. "I'm sorry. But wouldn't you-" I began.

"No I wouldn't have. I understand though it was the goddess not the person you are, but with that much power I understand for these now… even you can't control that side." He tapped the dampener round my waist that doubled as a belt.

"I guess there could be no us then. Me and my evil killing side and you and your passive "save everyone" ways." I let out a sigh. I was drawn to him… badly.

Vash looked at me. "So you're admitting it then…"

I looked at him and smiled. "I felt flattered being called your girlfriend. But it's just between us and Belle, Sess, Raine, Wolfwood, Zarbon-" I began to list of the names of the slaves I was friends with, until Vash covered my mouth, surprising me, with his own and I felt myself pinned up against the wall. I let my arms slide around his neck.

"Well if I never Needle Noggin. Jay you're back… and a lot closer than you were when you left." Wolfwood chuckled. "I was just coming to see if you were back. Shall I prepare another marriage ceremony?"

I jumped back and waved my hands in front of me. "Oh nonononono. Me and marriage do not go together… like… a chicken… and another… chicken?… or something… augh you know what I mean." I grimaced at having realized I quoted Buffy from the TV series.

Wolfwood laughed. "So we're spreading the good news about then?"

I rubbed the back of my neck. "About me finally admitting I like this goof… I guess we are. No saiyans are to know. It's really important."

Wolfwood looked curious. "Meaning?"

"Jay succeeded in her mission and now she's the king's…" Vash sighed and I saw him look at me. He didn't want to say it.

"Courtesan…" I finished with a sigh. "I'm the king's courtesan."

"Well I won't be telling him. So you two have nothing to worry about." Wolfwood remarked.

Vash took my hand. "He's going to take you tonight Jay. That's why he doesn't want you to be late."

I looked at Vash and nodded. "I know… but it's you I'll be thinking of and you I'm coming back to. Remember that." I looked him in the eyes, "Besides I'm not allowed a human mate so you can't save me… any human male that comes within five meters of me is ordered to be killed."

"Whooooooa should I be standing so close then?" Wolfwood stepped back.

I rolled my eyes. "Unmated human male."

"That's a good point you are mated aren't you?" Vash teased. "So where is your mate?" He tried not to laugh.

"Gee I wonder last I saw she was with someone some strange fellow… I believe his name was Sess… beats me who he could be." Wolfwood remarked with obvious sarcasim.

I laughed "Gee I've never heard of him before… wonder who he is?" I added to the joke.

~*~*~*~*~One Year from the Arrival~*~*~*~*~

~*~*Belle*~*~

I sat by the pond, looking at the frozen surface. I was still amazed at Vegitasei. The winter and summer seasons here took 394 days and I still couldn't believe that winter still had another month. The snow that was piled around was piled up from where we had walked to the gazebo on an almost daily basis. Of course, I spent most of my time here, the others disliking the cold. Zarbon because he was a reptile, Vash because he was a plant, Raine because she had never been in such a cold environment before, Wolfwood because he disliked the snow, and Jay because she was now attached to Vash. Yes, we met up at the gazebo on a daily basis, but more often than not we ended up in Zarbon's bathing pools.

I spun around in the snow, my robe and dress frilling around me, my dark hair and blue eyes the only real color I had. I closed my eyes, letting the gentle coldness slide over my skin, catching on my eyelashes. I danced in the snow, feeling a bit of freedom in an overly crushing time. Bardock and the boys were at each other's throats every day. Kakarot wanted to take a mate from a lower caste of the Saiyan social ladder while Raditz and Bardock disagreed. Raditz because he thought he should have a mate before his younger brother and Bardock because of the status of the female in question. It was dangerous. Sess and I had both been blasted badly, Sess more often because he didn't require days to heal up from major burns like I did.

Then warm arms wrapped around me and a black cape surrounded me as I was pulled back into a warm chest. I felt the wind blow and my near black hair flew forward as white hair flew around mine. I turned around and hugged Sess. The bond between us had grown stronger with each passing day. We found the simple pleasure of being in each other's arms as enjoyable as our making love.

"You're cold," he whispered as he nuzzled my neck more and I nipped lightly at the top of his ear.

"I'm not cold, you're just very warm," I stated as I reached up and stroked his cheek, he smiled at me before kissing me.

"You'll freeze yourself to death," he said as he stood there in his black robes. "Come, the others are waiting for us in Zarbon's pools."

~*~*~*~

I sat on a rock beside the pool looking at the others as I began to undress.

"I still can't believe it," Raine said quietly. "A year…a year like this. How many of us are left?"

"There are actually more now," I said quietly. "Of the million survivors of the trip, only four thousand have been killed, but thirty thousand women have or are going to give birth. I read a report Bardock had out."

"Thirty thousand babies born to this," Nicholas whispered. I nodded.

"On the plus side, I'm married to an alien so chances of me getting pregnant are very slim," I said with a smile.

"Actually, I read a bit myself, it seems that humans have an amazing DNA structure that allows the creation of fertile half-breeds with a total of no less than sixty-two of the known races. Including my own, dear wife," Sess said and I blinked.

"Well, that's not good," I stated as I looked at Sess and then the others. "I missed my last period."

~*~*Raine*~*~

Damn…just when we were finding some solitude in this life, the problems seemed to be returning already. If her masters saw the baby they'd…they'd kill it without a second thought. Yaten had told me the stories of women who had suffered the heartbreak of watching their masters murder their infants before their eyes…and their mates shortly after for fighting them. Zarbon had taken Belle and Sesshomaru off to see his physician to confirm it and I sat back in thought. For her sake and Sesshomaru's…I hoped it was a false alarm.

~*~*J'dee*~*~

"Ooooh yeah she's pregnant alright…" I commented after the trio had left.

"You know this how?" Vash asked.

"Well those two go at it like dogs. Excuse the pun… but how could she not be?" I asked.

Raine raised a brow. "I would expect a comment like that from Vash not you."

"Yeah…" Vash remarked then paused. "Hey!"

I ruffled his spiky blonde hair. "Dun worry your evil pervert ways are infectious."

"You know I like this hair ruffling thing than the thumping thing." Vash nodded.

"I'm tempted to go listen in." I gave a mischievous look at the others. "Anyone care to join me?" I asked.

"Oh I am!!" Vash grinned, "we're going to be alone right?"

I thumped him over the head catching his 'alone' comment for what it really meant.

"Well that's more like it. I was waiting for her to thump you Needle Noggin. You haven't corrupted her completely." Wolfwood grinned.

"Great now… which way is it again??" I asked and looked round.

"This way." Vash grinned and walked down the hall.

~*~*Belle*~*~

I lay on a table as Zarbon's physician entered and looked at me, making a pleased noise.

"Ah, one of the new one's," he said and Zarbon nodded, Sess was waiting in the back room, just so the physician didn't realize who my mate was.

"Yes, she came to me because she suspects she is with child and was unsure how to find out," Zarbon said with a smirk. "She needs to be sure when she tells her master."

"Ah, a simple pregnancy scan, it will be quick and easy," he said as he pressed a button and a scanner popped up from the bottom of the table and passed over me before returning to the bottom of the table. "Ah yes, you are most definitely pregnant, Little One."

"Ah, well, that's wonderful," Zarbon said with a smile as I felt my brain hit meltdown.

"I…I can't believe it," I whispered and the physician smiled as Zarbon began to talk to him as I got up and wandered off towards were Sess was waiting for me. I was shocked to find the others were all gathered around him.

"Um…wow, Belle, we were…uh…just talking to Sess," Vash said and I could see the irritated look on Sess's face that told me Vash had probably headed here with Nicholas and Jay on his heels and Raine probably in tow.

"Yes…talking to Sess," I said as I grabbed Sess's wrist and pulled him along. "Talking is good. Talking is important. I have to talk to Sess alone. It's important and good to be alone when talking about things." I rambled as I walked along, heading out into the snow covered garden before I turned to Sess and gently stroked his face. The others were suddenly gone and I noticed Zarbon nodding to me.

~*~*J'dee*~*~

"And what exactly do you four think you were doing?" Zarbon scolded.

"Ummmm… looking for directions?" I offered lamely.

Vash rubbed the back of his neck. "I don't think he believes that Jay."

"Do they do DNA tests?" Wolfwood asked, "Cause if they find out that it isn't mine I really fear for what they would do to her."

"At least she can get away with it." I huffed and crossed my arms.

Raine slipped towards the door hoping no one noticed to get a little listen in to the rest of the conversation going on outside.

~*~*Belle*~*~

"Sess?" I asked as he held me to him, patiently waiting for me to tell him what I'm sure he already knew. "How are we going to save it?" He looked at me curiously and I nuzzled his chest.

"What do you mean?" he asked as he looked at me and I looked up and gently kissed him.

"None of my children are ever going to grow up on this world. I'd rather kill them before they can be born than allow that," I whispered into his neck. "Tell me there is something we can do to keep our child from ending up a slave on this world." He stopped and looked at me.

"So…you are with child?" he asked and I nodded. The look in his eyes burned with something I had never seen in that molten gold before. I was shocked when Sess began to spin me around and I bit back a cry as he pulled me close. "I love you." He kissed me another mind-blowing time and I shook my head.

"You're happy?!" I cried as he nodded and continued to spin in circles. "You're glad you've done this?!" I didn't know whether to hit him or kiss him as he held me to him while he spun around.

"I'm extremely happy to have produced a child with you," he chuckled and I looked at him with a smile.

"Well I hope you're prepared for the mood swings, the bloating, and the soreness that will turn me into the most vicious bitch you've ever met due to this child," I said as I stroked his ear.

"I will do anything to be with you when we bring this child into the world," he whispered as he kissed my neck.

~*~*Raine*~*~

I smiled. Even with the usual bad association that came with having a child here, the two still managed to find a way to look at it positively. I folded my arms and headed back to the group. Zarbon had finished chewing out the others. I looked down at my stomach. Turles had made me sterile a long time ago. Not that I was complaining. The last thing I wanted was a child from him, much less watch him kill it.

~*~*J'dee*~*~

"Awwwwww how cute!!!" I cooed and got a snowball thrown in my direction, from a blushing Belle.

"Perhaps you lot should get back to your masters and prepare for your chores." Zarbon looked at the group of us.

I looked at them and grinned. "Well I don't got none today. Vegeta's training on some foreign planet so I'm free!! At least until tomorrow when he returns."

"Some are lucky, Needle noggin and myself have to deal with cooking for Nappa and Zorn in his absence."

"Well have fun ya'll I'm gunna go chilling for a bit… laters. Congradson the baby too Belle." I added before waving and walking off in a direction that I had no idea where it led.

~*~*Belle*~*~

Sess and I were in the kitchen and I noticed that a few of the cooks were whispering back and forth pointing to me. I had a bad feeling and I quickly carried out Kakarot's tray, serving him before rushing to leave.

"Wait one moment," Bardock said and I froze. "I believe you have something to tell me." I nearly began to freak out, but then decided to take it another route.

"Lord Bardock, I'm terribly sorry that I did not tell you right away, but I was planning on waiting till after dinner to inform you," I said as I acted like I was over flowing with energy. I acted like I was trying not to smile and giggle. "I'm just….overjoyed to be with child. I thought that you and your sons would be bored with such an announcement."

"Ah, so you are with child," he said with a chuckle. "You hear that boys? No beating on this one now, we want her to give birth to a healthy child. You hear me?"

"Yes, Father," Raditz said with a growl and I quickly contained myself.

"Meff, Farfur," Kakarot mumbled around his food.

"You may go," Bardock indicated and I smiled before bowing and quickly heading to the kitchen.

"How did it go?" Sess asked and I smiled.

"He took it well," I said and began to continue with my duties.

~*~*Raine*~*~

I had managed to keep my status-change a secret from everyone for the entire year and I planned to keep it that way. After all, making up some excuse about oversleeping or chores was easy when I was late, or just being absent altogether. After all, even when I was his caretaker, he still forced me into his bed at night.

I didn't like this cold weather at all. Granted I had always wanted to see snow in person after moving from Texas to California, but I didn't want it for more than a day. I pined for the hot summer days and cool nights of my home and wrapped my arms tighter around myself. Since the weather-change, Turles had gotten me a floor-length white fur coat that came with matching pants and a sleeveless top lined with it. I had made sure to ask Belle if Sess had been punished lately and if Bardock had been taking his fur again. I was thankful to be replied to with a "no".

My mind drifted to Zarbon. He seemed to be busy today so I just opted to walk about the palace grounds. I'd head back home when I was good and ready to deal with Turles. It had been a year and within that year he had realized that he couldn't drug me anymore. He found another way to keep me in check. With a sigh, I decided to head back home. Everyone else was working and I had nothing to do out here.

Once inside, I headed for the sleeping barracks. As I headed towards the other end of the bunks where mine was, I could make out an all-too-familiar noise.

Moaning.

I blinked and turned to the bunk beside mine. With a raised brow, I pulled back the blankets that covered a couple of wriggling figures.

"Raine!!" Yaten and Faye both yelled in shock, caught in a very compromising position.

"How long did you think you were gonna hide it from me?" I asked as I sat down on my bunk, unbuttoning my jacket.

The two stammered and struggled to get their clothing back on, knowing that I had long since gotten used to nudity, male or female.

It seemed that everyone was getting some but me. Belle and Sess were like a couple of animals in heat, J'dee and Vash were now and item, and now Yaten and Faye. I was too shy to come up to Zarbon, or at least publicly admit that there was chemistry. That and the fact that I had my own little intimacy issues. And being Turles' concubine didn't help much.

"I can tell that you're enjoying this," Yaten grumbled.

I smirked, "Oh yeah. So how long you two been like this?"

"A month after we met you," Faye breathed as she pulled on her top.

The two had been acting odd around me lately. They were making excuses to sneak off when I was around, always quick to part from each other when I came by, and rarely spoke to me together. They'd both been here a while and it took them this long to hook up?

"Well I'm happy for you both," I said.

The two were a little surprised, but both smiled at me. As long as they weren't mated, I was happy for them.

~*~*J'dee*~*~

I had my hair finally pulled off my face. After being on the planet for a year my hair was at a length where I could pull it into a decent-looking ponytail that didn't look like some sort of stump.

I rubbed the underside of my right arm as I sat on my bunk. Vash was sound asleep and I stood up and peeked over the edge to look at him, over the year his hair had grown out and was now instead of spiky, it was long for a guy's hair length to be… least for me. Though he was getting it cut back to the length it was a year ago.

His eyes flittered open and he looked at me and I waved and flashed a smile.

"Sorry I'm so tired… but those two can really eat." He said and sat up then offered me his hand I grabbed it and he pulled me up next to him. I curled into him as he wrapped the blanket round the two of us.

"It's okay."

Vash lay down and I lay next to him. We were considered a couple kind of. Though I hadn't let anything beyond flirtage and the occasional grope happen for fear of what Vegeta would do to me and to Vash.

I ran my hand down his chest, his collection of scars was returning. To me it seemed like he would do everything in his power to get them.

"One day we'll be free and when we are and my issues with Legato and Knives are sorted I want to you to come with me."

"Be a drifter?" I asked.

"It's not much… and I don't really have a home, but yeah."

"Sure I've always wanted to do the wander like Caine thing." I pulled myself close in to him and he smiled.

"And perhaps then I'll actually get to see what's under that top." He tugged at it and I thumped him. "OW!"

"Go to sleep Vash."

He nodded. "Sleep sure that'll be easy now."

I caught the sarcastic remark and flashed him a cheeky grin.

~*~*Belle*~*~

I smiled as Sess nuzzled my neck as we rested on his bunk. The others were gone for the night to visit their grandchildren. He began to nip and suck on my neck and I moaned quietly.

"Sess," I whispered as he began to stroke my lower belly. "We're going to get caught." He chuckled as he kissed the pulse point on my neck, knowing damn well that that was one of my weak points.

"Trust me, Kakarot is far too busy in his own bed to care and Raditz can sleep through a hurricane," he muttered as his hands began to explore me and I whimpered.

"B-B-B-Bardock…" I whimpered as I tried to get him to stop and he chuckled.

"He's out for the night," he whispered into my ear before nibbling on it and I let out a moan.

"You….know….I can't….resist that…" I moaned as I tried to turn around only to find myself on my hands and knees. "You're…awful…."

"Yes I am," he chuckled before he began what was going to be a night of pleasure.