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Stretching his arms to warm his body up before another arduous day of training and spreading ki throughout his body to counteract all the cramps, pain and muscle fatigue he lumbers down the stairs. Halfway down the stairs something ruffles his rigid hair and he looks up to confirm the sensed ki signature with his suspicions.

An arm dangling from one of the support beams. An arm attached to a peacefully napping Ryoko wearing a vivid red dress and black sash around her waist, complementing her figure superbly. Her faint breathing permeates the air as her elfin ears twitch and move in the throes of a dream. Curious about her unusual sleeping habits, Vegeta pulls himself up onto the beam by her feet. Observing her rapid eye movement under closed lids, her fingers curling and uncurling and inaudible moans and words escaping from her mouth.

“Uhh …mmm. . V-Ve –.” Clearing his throat he silences her mumbling. Violently she rolls to one side and wakes with a start landing in Vegeta’s arms.

“Pleasant dream?” Still startled from the shock of falling, Ryoko drowsily opens her eyes to find herself in the macho arms of who she was just fantasising about. Yawning she closes her eyes again and relaxes with Vegeta looking down at her.

“Come and join me napping if you like, I’m sure we can find enough room up there for the both of us … if not we could always go to your bed.”

“I have no time for such laziness. If you want to waste all your time sleeping and throwing away your potential as a space pirate that’s fine by me.” With that he gently as he can throws her into the air and out of his arms before continuing to the training room. A loud disappointed sigh from the floating Ryoko goes unheeded.

Sipping a nice steaming mug of herbal tea on the sofa Ayeka looks and smiles at her prince … who completely ignores her keeping his focus solely on his destination. As soon as the thick metal slab slides back on its hinges and the reverberating sound of its lock rings through the living room Ayeka nearly spills her hot beverage in the process of grabbing the TV remote.

“Why so eager princess? Do you enjoy peeping on him that much?” Masking the sound of her teleportation by that of the TV Ryoko is now sat next to Ayeka with an eyebrow raised at her insinuatingly.

“I have no idea what you are talking about, I have no interest whatsoever in … peeping.” Giving the cold shoulder to Ryoko both women turn to watch as best they can what Vegeta is doing on the display.

A gargantuan red haired green orcish beast with a long jagged scar down his barrel-like chest and a monstrously tall bulky Saiyan with green tinted hair spawn into existence. Bojack and Broly. Deciding only to go to the first form of super Saiyan, Vegeta stands dwarfed before them. Today on the agenda for Vegeta is practising and learning the secret techniques that he has witnessed other fighters perform so he can add them to his wide arsenal at his disposal. Once he begins his sadism takes over.

An hour or so passes as do many of the incarnated sprites of his training dummies, each felled by a unique attack. One decapitated by a destructo-disk, two bodies lay with a large hole drilled straight through them by a special beam cannon another beaten into a mushy pulp on the floor after Vegeta finally mastered the Kaioken – the same technique he has long since hated for the part it played in his downfall from being the strongest Saiyan. Many annihilated antagonists lay still before him, the bodies beginning to pile up and the floor slick with blood and other fluids seeping from the corpses.

“Solar flare!” Both women and hulking opponents eyes are overloaded by a brilliant pure white light emanating from the already glowing super Saiyan. Bringing his spread fingers back down from his forehead and raising them like claws he nimbly sprints towards both dazed opponents clutching at their eyes.

“Wolf fang fist!” A ghostly apparition of a savage black wolf with red eyes lit with the very fires of hell overlays itself onto the howling Saiyan as a hundred hammering blows ravage Bojack in an instant. All his bones and vital organs pulverised in the instant death takes him. Broly blinks away the dazzling light and through his burnt retinas takes his last sight. Vegeta mid leap with a rabid glare in his eyes with his hands forming the gaping jaws of deliverance.

Landing crouched Vegeta stands up with a displeased look of distaste at the ease of what he has done. To the women less than a second has passed and after their vision has cleared enough to look back at the screen Vegeta has turned up the gravity in the training room and doing bench presses, next to two fresh corpses. One so badly disfigured and bloody that it is no longer recognisable as humanoid – never mind Bojack – and Broly collapsing to his knees. Cold and quickly numbing fingers weakly grasping at the human sized hole through his massive bulk before finally giving up the ghost and fading away into nonexistence with the rest of Vegeta’s little mess.

The tedium of Vegeta’s seemingly infinite capacity for exercise eventually dissuades the women from continuing to watch him, despite his skin tight Saiyan jumpsuit clinging to his body from perspiration and highlighting the curvature of his heightened musculature. What Vegeta also fails to notice is that, with that being his preferred item of clothing, it doesn’t leave much to the imagination of the women in his house – styling a Linford Christie lunch box.

Ryoko hovers back to the wooden beam she has claimed and takes another cat nap leaving Ayeka milling around the house with nothing to do. Wandering around the house aimlessly the purple haired highborn of Jurai finds company in the lavender haired child of Vegeta. Trunks is gnawing on one end of a stubby pencil and looking stumped at the worksheet before him, although gifted with the intelligence of his mother he just can’t work out the answer to this question. Seeing the look of confusion on his face Ayeka tries to be a good Samaritan and offers to help the struggling lad with his schoolwork.

“You’ll help me? Great! Although I would prefer it if it were Washu helping, she’s a lot smarter than you are …” Trying furiously to stifle her anger at the insult Ayeka continues to smile at Trunks, although it is now forced.

“Here take a look, oh wait you can’t read sorry. I guess I’ll read it to you then: In the year 461 what was the mythical Piccolo war and how was it stopped?” The smile fades from Ayeka’s face. A history question, she might recognise the name Piccolo but apart from that the few days she has spent on this planet are hardly enough for her to be able to answer that question.

“I-I’m sure your father will know the answer to it, you just keep on working hard.” With that she leaves the child to his questions with a slight twitch in her eye at the insolence of him, dead sure he did that on purpose to irk her.

Sparks fly and throw shadows across the dimly lit room, illuminating the dark tiled recess of the lab. A bright blue flame lowers and superheats a small metal wire, welding it in place. Giggling at her ingenuity, Washu mans the controls of the robotic arms and manoeuvres them as delicately as a surgeon performing an operation as her little toy she is making begins to take shape.

“Lunch is ready!” The chirpy voice of the gastronomic genius damsel draws forth the training Saiyan. Calmly walking into the kitchen in the same state that he left the training room he takes his seat. A small puddle of sweat pools around him on the floor mixed with a few bright drops of a sanguine fluid. As Ayeka wanders to the call of her sister she gasps when she sees Vegeta and hurries to his side.

“Oh Vegeta, you’re hurt. You can’t just sit here looking like that.” He slowly turns his head so he can see her out of his good eye, for one is now badly bleeding and closed behind layers of coagulated gore. Trickles of crimson are all over his body, dark gore spattered all over his clothing and deep gashes rake his back and arms. Not one part of him is without injury or damage.

“Tis but a scratch.” With that he reaches across the table to grab some of the delectable sandwiches piled up on one of the plates. Sasami gapes in horror as his dirty hands contaminate her food, then she nearly faints as his still bleeding arm drips onto all nearby dishes.

“A scratch? You look as though you are on death’s door itself, please get those wounds treated I wouldn’t want you to get a nasty infection.”

“I’ve had worse.” Continuing to stuff his face he hardly seems to care or notice when Ryoko’s head pops through the table then disappears, reappearing fully on the other side of Vegeta.

“See, this is what happens when you reject my offer. Would you like me to kiss it better?” With Ryoko’s tantalising and sensual lips rapidly approaching him and disturbing him from his food his image flickers and in one hand he holds a small green bean. He eats this senzu bean to quiet the women down not for his own wellbeing and scoops up the last few snacks on the table. Ryoko’s lips however are still encroaching on him as he forgets that the speed of his actions means that both women’s brains haven’t processed that he is once again in peak physical condition with all injuries gone.

He stands in the doorway with his gloved hands on his hips, Sasami who was about to clean up skips past him when she sees that once more Vegeta has tidied away and washed up in the bat of an eye.

“Ryoko, Ayeka. Outside, now.” The faint afterimage of Vegeta dissipates. Mystified by this most unusual of requests the two ladies look at each with puzzled expressions, their minds having adapted to living with this hypersonic presence known as Vegeta. The intentions of Ryoko to get to this meeting before her are all too predictable for the highly educated princess. In the nanosecond that the air around Ryoko starts to vibrate her dainty hand lashes out and grabs her wrist forcing Ryoko to teleport her as well. If only she had known what she had gotten herself into.

Re-entering existence only fifteen metres from where they departed, Ayeka tears her hand away from Ryoko and clutches at her heaving stomach. First time teleporting is always nasty business and takes a while of getting used to. Nearly doubling over in pain and swallowing down the bile that had risen in her throat Ayeka looks weakly back up.

Having left Ayeka to sort herself out Ryoko is by Vegeta, 50 feet up in the air above the lake, both looking down at her. Slowly lifting from the ground and traversing through the air she joins them. Surveying the two femme fatales; the pale face of the still queasy Juraian blue-blood and the devilish smile of the expectant galactic buccaneer, he begins.

“I’ve gathered you here for a certain reason, there has been something niggling at me since I woke up. I thought about keeping it to myself but, no … I will declare it now …” His face as dark and cut off from emotion as always he pauses for a second summoning courage for what he is about to say. Both levitating women have perked up immensely at these words with their faces shining in optimism at the prospect of their deepest desire being granted.

“… I … I-I want, I would like …” Stammering under the immensity of what he is about to say both women fly and lean closer to him, daring not to breathe or else it will spoil this most precious of moments. “… Teach me. I need to know your techniques, both of you are women of power – mere insects to me – but powerful in your own way. Help me train.” With their hopes crushed and dreams dashed to the four winds the two devastated women hide their great and utter disappointment in his request.

“I’m not asking for any charity, you teach me your special skill and I will teach you one of mine. Ayeka, you have demonstrated the feat of being able to channel a huge proportion of your energy into forming a barrier of either protection or containment – that is what I would like to learn from you. Ryoko, you have the ability to make your physical body non-corporeal this I would find to be most useful.” Still with blank, despondent and mournful eyes looking at him he elects to spark a little life back in them. The torn and battered soles of his bloodied boots land back on the shoreline.

“What say you? Who wants to go first?” Right on cue the announcement brings the women to their normal selves. The rivalry between those two women foreshadows that even of Vegeta’s to Goku and trouble begins to brew. Toying with them is such an easy thing, God how he wishes Bulma was that easy to manipulate. The simple pleasures of life pass him by but a good cat fight between those two never ceases to amuse him. Like a fledgling sparrow versus a hawk, Ayeka loses any advantage over Ryoko she had in the aerial combat and is swept aside. Shoved away with her concentration broken, the deep water looms welcoming her.

Cancelling out gravity as her luxurious ponytails dip into the water a wave of disturbed water splashes over her. Drenched to the bone, the pits of hell and damnation themselves look more welcoming than the furious wrath awoken within the aristocrat. Giddy on behalf of her little victory over the snobby princess Ryoko skims across the water, splashing water high in her wake.

“Me first, me first. Me!” Slamming into Vegeta she swings around his neck to hug him from behind, delight and jubilance sparkling from her ravishing eyes. Snuggling and nuzzling his face with hers, a cold shiver shoots down Vegeta’s spine. Drifting his eyes from Ryoko to the soaked and dripping princess’ stabbing stare of malice seething with both freezing unpitying hate and the roaring emerald flames of envy. Averting his eyes from her in her disgraced sodden state he concedes and nods at Ryoko, replying with a squeal of unbridled joy and the warmth of her bosom squishing between his broad shoulders.

“Very well then Ryoko, what would you like in exchange for this knowledge?” Regretting his poor choice of words as soon as they leave his mouth a suggestive smirk takes over Ryoko’s face.

“Oh I’m sure I can think of a little something you could do to-I mean for me.”

“Ryoko, what you are thinking about are techniques and skills that have nothing to do with the field of battle. It’s out of the question, I will certainly not demonstrate them to you. Come now, you already can fly, teleport and shoot basic bolts of energy I’m sure you can think of something that the feared Ryoko could use to spread her infamy across the universe.” Let down by his mind being set against showing her his other kind of prowess her mind scans the past few days she has spent in his company, trying to pinpoint the one thing she could use against him.

“Ok, how about that thing where you can always tell whether I’m near you or not.”

“The ability to sense power levels and ki signatures? Fine, so be it. Begin, show me this skill of yours.” Reluctantly Ryoko slowly lets go of Vegeta and manoeuvres herself so she is stood in front of him. Having taught herself this a long time ago it’s not that difficult for her to explain the complexities of this technique and the way in which you have to flow the ki through your body. She demonstrates to him phasing through part of his house and then it is time for Vegeta to try and master it.

Raising his left hand he gradually edges it closer and closer towards the wall of his house channelling energy into his palm, fingers and wrist. CLUNK. The tattered rags of his filthy glove impacts the floor. Looking from his hand to the glove and back at his hand, he groans at the obvious intentions of Ryoko.

“I don’t recall your clothes falling off every time you fly through a wall, it’s as though you taught me the wrong way so that mine would. … Now tell me the right way or else I’ll show you how my fist goes through your guts.” Her wicked smile timidly fades away, thwarted yet again this time she teaches him the proper way to phase through solid objects so that undressing isn’t a prerequisite. As he sinks through the terrain and bobs up again the proud instructor applauds her first pupil.

“You’ve upheld your end of the bargain and I shall do the same and train you in the ways of detecting the life force of others.” They stand close to each other, less than a foot apart. His eyes never leave her face. Witnessing all this from not to far away Ayeka continues to glower, the blazing inferno of scorn having long since dried her off. They might not notice her but she sees them. One of these days, she thinks to herself, I will have my rightful place at his side. However, all she can do at the minute is project nasty thoughts at the she-demon and watch her tail wag like an excitable puppy.

“Are you ready? Or is that temper of yours getting the better of you again?” Her slight perturbance by his sudden proximity to her is overshadowed by the grudge she is still holding on to. The musky and tangy odour of the man behind her mixes with the fair and aromatic smell of what perfume was not washed off her. With predatory precision she keeps an eye on her nemesis whilst the voluptuous rogue lifts off to bask in the glorious midday Sun on the sloping roof. Not lightening her mood in the slightest she curtly turns and nods at Vegeta, raising a shimmering cerulean sphere around herself. Her arms raised before her, the near transparent globe wavers and continually flickers.

“Honestly, I expected more from you. Is this truly all the power of Ayeka the princess of Jurai? Now Ryoko on the other hand …” Her glare intensifies under his derision and jeering, if he were but a mere mortal this gorgon-like gaze would have petrified him and crumbled all other men to dust. The energy shield glows azure and starts to crackle into power, bolts shoot out from it, the princess can hardly be made out through this encapsulating barrier. Vegeta steps through the shield, it bursts like a bubble as twinkling shards of the brightest blue fizzle down.

“ I actually felt a slight tingle walking through that, I congratulate you on your fine efforts but please, stop with all this nonsense now. Goading your anger seems to be the only way to get you to do anything.” Her flames of emotion die down to embers, always there and ready to be stoked back to life at any given time, seeing that he didn’t mean those mean words she softens. Staying mad towards Vegeta is not something she would ever be capable of, him stood there so close to him yet his heart so distant and far. Lowering her arms and hugging them close to herself the tedious task of explaining how it is done starts.

Taking mental notes he easily takes in all the relevant information and permanently locks it deep within his brain. Nothing as radical as cancelling out the physical properties of his body he feels confident in experimenting to see whether he can form a defensive shield around himself. The air hisses and crackles with static discharge from the building energy. The energy starts to solidify in patches then rips itself apart. Frowning Vegeta tries again and with a blinding flash a dark violet hemisphere form0073 above his raven hair as it slowly descends and the base seals to the ground scorching the grass.

“Two tries? It took me that many years to make even the most basic rudimentary barrier. A most remarkable achievement my Prince, I am so proud of you.” The pride is showing on his face, two techniques in nearly that many minutes, a bold grin of confidence. Lowering his hands the shield remains stabilised and continues humming. With a violent swish of his hand the shield coalesces into a ball and is jettisoned off over the horizon.

“I thank you Ayeka for those kind words, now to the matter of your payment – what’s it going to be?” A second sun appears and disappears in the far off distance shining light on the chirpy smile of Ayeka.

“You’ve already done so much for me and my sister I would hate to impose. If it’s not too much of a bother I would enjoy a few more lessons on flying.” Her radiant beauty and peaceful soul soothe Vegeta who nods at her smiling in agreement. Before the two can take to the skies the scientific virtuoso Washu runs out of the house with something hidden in her hands. Stopping in front of Vegeta she opens her hands revealing her device she has secretly been working on.

So many old memories are brought back to the warrior. The times he spent with his other Saiyan comrades obliterating all in his path; killing, burning, annihilating, exterminating and enjoying every minute of it. A reminder of his days before Earth, before humility. He takes the offered device and clips the small eyepiece onto his ear. The red glass covering his left eye begins to flicker numbers on its heads-up-display as it turns itself on. Clicking the small button on the top of the main body of the scouter its sensors begin to locate the two women stood in front of him and analyse them.

“The greatest genius in the universe has a power level of … 9, as to be expected. The might of the daughter of Jurai is 263 … Ryoko!” Ayeka seems quite pleased with a triple digit score, that is until the intergalactic brigand appears stood next to her and hears her power level. “…Ryoko your power level is 378… ” Seeing the relic from the days of her servitude to the tyrant Frieza does not bring as many good memories as it does for the elite class fighter. The embers in Ayeka are stirred by the bellows of Ryoko’s higher score. “… and Ayeka’s has jumped up to a new high of 332.”.

With the arguing between the women reaching inevitability, a fuzz ball of cute brown fur hops into sight followed by the smaller princess of Jurai chasing after the scampering critter. For the hell of it he scans both of them, Sasami getting a good 32 and Ryo-ohki getting …

“1,500. Ryo-ohki has a power level of 1,500, Raditz would die again if he saw this, oh this is priceless, ha.” The women stare at the cabbit in alarm as Vegeta chuckles to himself at this turn of events chucking the scouter back to Washu.

“Over 1,000! There’s no way that’s right, such a small animal can’t have more power than me. Washu obviously must have built that thing wrong.” Ayeka cannot and will not accept this. The owner of the spaceship picks her up and coos at her little pet, both purring contently. With the adversaries in the field of love distracted Washu equips the scouter whilst Vegeta flies out over the lake. With great anticipation Washu clicks the one and only button on her old invention she has radically improved, its capabilities enhanced so maybe it could give an accurate reading on Vegeta. Her jaw drops.

“ 54.” The surprise on Ayeka and Ryoko’s faces is all too plain to see as Washu continues to click the button to see if it would yield a more likely number.

“So 54 is as low as I can possibly go, first time on Earth was when disguising or suppressing power levels was first brought to my attention. It proved most valuable on Namek, now bear witness to what a true Saiyan is capable of.”. A strong gust of wind blows and encircles him before blasting outwards. His body begins to glow faintly as he calmly looks down at the women. The numbers on Washu’s scouter suddenly change.

“ 7-70,000?! Wait no it’s still rising, 150,000 … 300,000. I-it’s going too fast I can’t read it!” As his power exponential increases and grows the lake beneath him starts to form a concave shape, like Moses all the water is being repelled from his proximity. The wind dies down and the lake calms itself, a faint splash can be heard as a pebble falls into the lake.

“ 6,500,000. Th-that’s not possible! Even stars don’t output that much power -” Washu and the women gape at this incredulous figure and a smirk plays across Vegeta’s face for in one fell swoop he erupts in gold. His blonde locks flowing past his waist, Neanderthal like thickset brow and heavenly aura he awaits a final verdict of his power.

“ 11 digits … his power level has 11 digits. 19,680,008,002. Not- not possible, can’t be …” Tripping over her own tongue in disbelief at the raw power shown before her Washu falls to her knees with the scouter bleeping rapidly still, her mind reeling at this most inexplicable data she has gathered. Dropping back down to his everyday life level of power and the green Earth he strides past the astonished women. With a puff of smoke the scouter detonates itself, all its core wiring fried, its insides blackened and Washu’s ear thankfully unhurt.

“W-wait! Prince Vegeta! Have you forgotten your promise, you still haven’t given me more flying lessons.” Snapping out of her daze just before he disappears into his house and leaves her, he disappears to be stood back in front of the women again with Washu slowly picking herself up off of the dirty floor.

“What do you need me for? You know how to fly all you have to do now is to practise and practise with someone closer to your ability level.” His eyes drift from the princess in light blue robes to the reprobate in the tight red dress. Ryoko looks back into the dreamy eyes of Vegeta then follows his eyes back to the other woman.

“NO!” Both Ryoko and Ayeka exclaim in perfect synchronisation, turning to face away from each other and folding their arms in stubbornness.

“Why should I do it? It’s not like I need any practise at flying, I’ve been doing it for years.” Ryoko moves her hands to her hips whilst protesting against Vegeta’s decision.

“Is that what you think? Tell me, out of all those times you have flown how many times have you landed or navigated without the aid of teleportation or phasing? Simply put you can fly, but fly like a wren when you could be a falcon with just some effort and motivation from you. This is not a request, you have no choice in the matter; either do it or next time Jurai calls round you won’t be so lucky. Got it?” There is no negotiation to be had. Accepting their fate but not liking it in the slightest. Grumbling, the two lift off and begin to put some distance between them and the ground.

“No misbehaving Ryoko!” Vegeta shouts at her, her toothy grin shrinks for he knows her all too well. Itching from a physical need to train Vegeta walks up to Washu on his way to soothe his craving.

“How long do you predict it will be until they start to fi – GOD DAMMIT!” With the words still leaving his mouth he sees the two women tumbling out of the sky firmly locked in battle with one another. He can’t take his eyes off of them for a second and not for the reasons that the women would want. Ayeka truly should have learnt that she stands no chance in the air against Ryoko but credit to her determination and for trying. Sighing to himself as they swan dive towards the jagged cliff face they had flown towards he traverses the mile or so in nanoseconds, leaving behind a smiling Washu dashing off back to her lab with hairs she had just plucked from him.

Grappling and tumbling on their way to the unyielding ground, oblivious to all except for the bane of their lives, a shadow falls from the sky. All their downwards momentum ceases as they are held in the air from the scruff of their necks by a very annoyed and growling Saiyan. Not even with Vegeta in the picture do they forget their feud against the other and struggle and writhe to set themselves loose and unleash their animosity in violence. Their feeble efforts mean nothing to him as he outstretches his arms so that they can no longer reach each other and he slowly descends flying downwards.

He doesn’t take them back to the house instead he decides to cool them off, he finds that a cold shower is a good way to purge unwanted emotions so off to the lake he flies. Only as their shoes begin to take in the chilly waters of the lake do they see the predicament they are in as he pays no attention to what they say. They plead and beg for him to release him as he rotates his body so it lies horizontal not wanting to take an early bath himself and commences the dunking.

Gasping for breath and with her wet fringe plastered to her forehead and Ryoko’s spiky hair flattened by the weight of the water he lets go of the two water-logged vixens. Dripping wet for the second time today Ayeka is not pleased, not in the slightest bit. Steam explodes from both of them as the water boils straight off of their energy charged bodies.

“What did I tell you? You damn fools, now stop acting like bitches in heat. Act up again and I will hold you down there until I am thoroughly sure you will cause no more trouble again. You should be thankful I am so merciful or else I would have blasted you to smithereens days ago. Off with you!” Zooming off he leaves the two quarrellers. Exchanging the briefest of glances they fly off into the skies with not so much as a word between the two.

The well worn down and smoothed floorboards of his house greet Vegeta with a squeak as his footsteps echo through the hall and into the living room. Lounged across the sofa with a sleeping Ryo-ohki dozing in the parting between her two side ponytails is Sasami. Her pink eyes staring into space with the sure signs of ennui don’t even register the new person in the room until he stands towering over her.

“ You seem a little down in the dumps, you didn’t have much say in the matter of staying here yesterday so … how are you settling in?” Adopting the manner of the courteous host he thinks of himself as she blinks clearing her eyes before sitting up properly. Poor Ryo-ohki has to think fast and lands on all four feet after losing her sleeping post when Sasami moved and darts off elsewhere in the house.

“Don’t worry about me, I’m fine. As long as I’m with my big sister I don’t care if we’re on a different planet, I’m used to travelling a lot. But there’s nothing to do here, I’m bored.”

“ Trunks has plenty of toys and the like, surely that should suffice-.”

“They’re all boys toys though.” He ponders upon this, this is a problem worthy of his time. She cooks him food, lots of food, very tasty food therefore she must be accommodated for properly. There is only one place he can think of where he might find the solution to her boredom.

The quiet roar of the waves lapping on the small tropical island greets him as he Instant Transmissions in the shade of a swaying palm tree. Just the man he was looking for is busy on the beach having a light sparring session with his stunning blonde wife.

“Hey, pipsqueak!” He announces his arrival whilst marching towards one of the few fighters that he can naturally look down on. Looking up from his training he smiles and waves at his old comrade.

“Oh hey Vegeta, what brings you here?” The smaller man runs his hand through his short black hair and wipes the sweat from his face. The loose fitting gi of the House of turtle students seems a little bit worse for wear as Krillin is nowhere near the league at which his wife can fight and so normally suffers a bit more during these little bouts.

“I have a question for you, concerning your daughter … Marron I think. Well you see the problem is Sasami, the younger sister of one of the women staying with me, appears dissatisfied with the amount of enrichment available ….” Trying to get this over as quickly as he can to spare himself the humility of his actions he just hopes Krillin picks up on what he is getting at.

“Ah, I see. Kids, what are they like? They always need something to do but I’m not the person you need to be talking to. 18 deals with all that stuff, only children I ever really knew were Goku and Gohan so when it comes to girls I have no idea what they like.” Thanking the Kais that the human understood, he wanders across the fine pale sands to Krillin’s wife. She feigns not hearing him and doesn’t acknowledge his prescence instead focusing on the few sea birds floating on the surf.

“Look you oversized toaster, heed me now or suffer the consequences. I never did pay you back for that time you broke my arm so don’t test me.” His dislike of the half machine before him grows with each passing second as she continues to disregard him and his queries.

“Hey calm down now, I’m sure 18 will help you out, won’t you 18?” The strongest human alive tries to alleviate the situation hoping for his wife’s sake that she will acquiesce. With a snap the snarling prince disappears and badly frightens an otherwise preoccupied Roshi sat by his T.V with one of his ‘exercise’ videos playing. In the corner of the room in a world of her own messing with many assorted crayons and a colouring book little Marron is sat. Kneeling down beside the small blonde child a devilish smile splits his face ear to ear.

“Marron!” The parents of the child rush into Kame house fearing what Vegeta might do. He is too close, they can’t get there in time.

“So Marron I understand it’s your birthday soon. As a friend of the family I was wondering what you might like for me to get you as a present.” Krillin and 18 stop in their tracks, all their fears unfounded. Vegeta’s tact of getting the information straight from the horse’s mouth as it were proves to be a very effective one as the happy juvenile spills out a long list of toys and such. Remembering as many of these items and names as he can he stands up and walks to leave the house with 18 and Krillin parting to get out of his way.

A cascade of highly multi-coloured boxes and containers crash to the floor of the living room. The abrupt noise makes Sasami jump and then she notices the large pile left unattended on the floor. Getting up off the seat she moves to inspect it and her little childish heart bursts with joy and glee at the sight of so many different toys. Job done Vegeta starts another simulation in the training room, a battle with Hirudegarn at 500 times Earth’s gravity and dives into the fray.

Dusk falls on the surrounding landscape as dark amber hues cover the soon to be dark sky. Ryoko and Ayeka return back after several hours of flying with badly windswept hair. They don’t care though. They don’t care about anything except for resting now as they lumber exhausted into the living room with their feet dragging and collapse in a heap on the sofa next to each other. Falling asleep before their heads even touch the cushions the tired women rest.

Finally the great carapace before him explodes and one of the limbs of Hirudegarn comes crashing down beside him. More of the beast splatters about, many chunks of armour plating like hide narrowly missing Vegeta. Barging out of the training room gasping for breath in heaves and droves with even more holes, patches, rips and burn marks on his formally blue but now blackened jumpsuit. Copious amounts of blood flow onto the floor from the mighty savage gashes left in his body from the fight.

Out of thin air a senzu bean is now in his hand, swallowing it whole and undoing all the harm done to his body. Fully recovered he goes to have a well earned sit down on his couch but can’t for the two women sprawled across it. Surrendering the seat to them he fetches a blanket from his room and lays it across the sleeping ladies before heading outside. Sitting down cross legged by the black depths of the lake he closes his eyes and meditates whilst the world around him turns to blackest night.

“Oh come on quit being such a baby it’s only a few tests. I need to see what the data for a human-Saiyan hybrid is.” A very scared Trunks flees from the pursuing Washu. Easily able to outrun her but not wanting to just abandon the house he continues to run up the stairs, back down the stairs and around every room in the house from the manic cackles. She stops when he enters the vacated training room and turns on the artificial gravity. A shallow victory for him and a loud commotion for the tired Ryoko and Ayeka as they rouse themselves. Wearily they notice the blanket caringly draped over them. Looking out the wide window they see Vegeta alone in the darkness. Standing up Ryoko phases and Ayeka treads softly out of the room and house.

Contemplating and pondering with a cleared mind as peaceful as it ever will be, Vegeta sits in silence but no longer alone. Ryoko sat down on his right hand side and Ayeka on his left. Not opening his eyes he feels them looking at him, just looking and watching him. The minutes drift by as they enjoy the simple pleasure of being in his company, sitting next to him under the wide expanse of the stars above.

His right hand starts to glow a most brilliant pure white. With a throwing motion he releases it and it begins to hurtle high into the atmosphere. The power ball stops a few miles up then expands rapidly illuminating the lake like a flare. Opening his eyes Vegeta stares at the bright globe of his own personal ‘moon’, Ryoko and Ayeka’s gaze never left his face. Dropping his eyes to the reflections in the water before him he sees the two doppelgangers of the women by his side.

“The moon. It still holds a deep power over me and my Saiyan blood … even with the disgraceful loss of my tail. It calms me, soothes me, fills me with peace and tranquillity. When it used to call forth the beast within it now subdues it. I arrived on this planet an elite warrior of the high echelons of the most powerful military force ever seen. Now I am a father, a widow and constantly being outdone and outclassed by that clown Kakarot. My great Saiyan pride is withering. I don’t kill for sport or pleasure anymore. I spend all of my time cooped up inside training and training so that one day … one day I will finally regain my intended and rightful place as the superior warrior. Yet for 14, no 16 long years I have strived for that goal with everything I have, surpassing all of my limits and even death itself …still victory continues to forever elude me, always there just beyond my reach. Dancing ever close yet always snatched away, it’s probably what I deserve.”

Pouring out his heart and soul to the women their eyes begin to mist over. Their hearts both saddened by his tale yet elated that he is choosing to share his innermost thoughts and feelings with them. Lashing out with his fist in a burst the power ball in the night sky is torn asunder and blows up plunging the three sat down into night. His muscles tensing, teeth gritted and fists clenched he desperately tries to contain or control the ever present all consuming rage. With no hint of fear from this display in unison the women lean forwards and hug one of his Herculean arms each. Not shying away from their touch or hold he continues to stare into the now reflectionless lake.

Wanting to seize and make the most of the magical moment Ryoko and Ayeka lean close to him. He feels the warmth of their feminine bodies and every exhalation they make. The women’s eyes close as they lean ever closer still, slowly going to kiss him on the cheek. Vegeta cracks a smile. The full and moist lips of Ryoko meet the red and luscious lips of Ayeka. As they open their eyes to look into the eyes of their kisser they find that to their shock and horror Vegeta leaned backwards at the last moment. Violently pulling away from each other they sit on the grass turning a very deep shade of red. Ayeka rubs at her lips trying to remove any evidence of the deed she has just done whilst Ryoko just stares mortified.

“Well if that’s the way you two feel about one another I won’t get in your way, I’ll just leave you to it then.” Smirking he vanishes off into the night leaving the women extremely embarrassed and ashamed.

With a deep yawn the gears in his head start to chug into life and as he opens his heavy eyes a torrent of gushing blood rushes from his nostrils. Clutching his bleeding nose and gawping about in alarm, the other bathers in the room soon realise they are not alone anymore. Piercing screams ring through his head as the naked princess of Jurai attempts to cover herself before running off for her towel. Regrettably for Vegeta the other bather phases behind him and cuddles him, arms firmly around his beefy neck, pressing herself against his back.

“You’re bleeding Vegeta” She whispers delicately into his ear, her hot steamy breath caressing his cheeks as his face turns the same shade as the blood dripping through his fingers. Not knowing what to do, whether to try and cover himself up or stop his nose bleeding, to try and turn and run the Saiyan’s mind goes into meltdown. Ryoko’s hands soon start to explore the smooth musculature of Vegeta’s chest whilst he stands still in shock. Appearing once again but now wearing a silk smooth light pink bathing towel for modesty Ayeka comes back into view charging towards Ryoko.

“Unhand Lord Vegeta this instant you foul demon!” Her cheeks still flushed with colour from being caught and seen in the nude by a man for the first time, she draws closer to the two sources of her distress. Yet she fails, for she cannot bring herself to look at or go any nearer to the naked body of the near vegetable state Saiyan.

“Hahaha, what was the princess? Didn’t quite catch tha … oh my, look what we have here.” The taunting and goading from Ryoko frays the last remaining thread of constraint. Grinding her teeth, Ayeka turns and lunges in a head on attack at the woman groping her prince. Her eyes widen and her mouth falls and gasps in shock as the might channelled into her fist simply passes straight through Ryoko’s Cheshire smile. Turning her body corporeal again and with one deft hand movement a towel slowly drifts down to the floor, as do a few more drops of blood. Squealing in mixed shame and disgrace Ayeka tearfully runs off covering herself.

“Let’s begin where we left off now…” The space pirates hand and gaze begin to drift down over his chest and stomach. Coming back round to his senses when he detects her delicate fingers at his navel the prince of Saiyans mind has successfully rebooted itself.

“Here, take this drying cloth.” An extended arm holds out a spare towel to the crying young woman. Hesitantly she turns her head to see the source of the gruff voice. To her relief it is Vegeta and he is no longer baring all for the world to see. Timidly she accepts the towel, thankful that he has averted his eyes from both her and Ryoko who is angrily floating in the air where moments ago she was so close to achieving her heart’s desire. Dressed now in a dark crimson gi, similar in style to the ones that Goku wears except for the lack of an emblem, he instant transmissions out of the bathroom and to his place of refuge and sanctuary where the women dare not go.

Panting for breath as his mind is still racing from what happened and nearly happened due to his grave error of barging into the bathing quarters without thinking. The distant sound of a door closing followed by a whooshing sound of his son leaving to get an education like his mother wanted him to barely registers to him. His thoughts are still drifting around what he saw, what they saw and how another woman has touched him in the way only Bulma had before.

“…Bulma.” His mean and cold eyes start to glisten with moisture. Blinking and clearing his eyes he jabs at the control panel, snarling at how pathetic and cowardly he behaved. The console starts to groan as it is forced into giving off its maximum capacity of five thousand times Earth’s gravity. Scarcely able to hold up his own body weight he bares his teeth and growls from the overpowering strain and effort.

His body is stronger than it has ever been for a Saiyan’s might grows with each battle and near death experience, like the one he suffered through last night. Testing himself and the new limitations of the upgraded training room he channels ki around and through his body to protect it from crushing itself. One burden though is weighing down on his heart more so than any amount of gravitational force could muster and that is the memory of his first love.

“I … I have betrayed you.” Through clenched and bared teeth he forces these words out of him, hoping a verbal confession would ease his gut wrenching feeling of guilt and dishonour. Knowing of only one way to purge these painful self-destructive emotions a guttural growl is slowly released from his throat as his fists clamp shut and eyebrows furrow. Teeth grind against each other, fingernails start cutting into his palms and the air around him starts to glow with a brilliant purple hue. The jagged purple rays burst into pure golden rays as his muscles grow in the ascendant transformation to his strongest form. Finally, with all his heart and soul, he lets the agonised roar rip through his chest and throat. The floor and earth beneath him start to convulse and tremble as he releases all his heartache in a crescendo of pure power, rage and noise.

“Huh, what is going on? Ryoko is that you?” Having quickly gotten dressed and still recovering from her embarrassing ordeal the purple haired maiden looks across to Ryoko who has thankfully decided to put on some clothes.

“Does it look like I’m doing anything?” Ryoko flippantly replies whilst attaching one of her tails onto her new blue dress and pink waistcoat. “ Anyway that sounds like … Vegeta!” Phasing into existence downstairs Ryoko peers through the porthole of the door leading to the training chamber and is forced to shield her face and avert her eyes from the blazing beacon of energy and the man at the centre of it.

By the time Ayeka cautiously comes down the stairs to investigate the commotion her least favourite person has gone and switched on the T.V hoping that Washu’s cameras in there would offer a better view. Ayeka walks up behind Ryoko to get a better look at the screen as Washu’s observation cameras automatically adjust themselves to the great amount of blinding illumination to reveal the third form super Saiyan. Blood is flowing freely from his hands as the salty waters of his eyes trickle down his face before exploding in instantaneous evaporation making the room appear like a sauna. The roar eventually dies as even Vegeta’s lungs exhaust themselves before pulling in more oxygen to continue cleansing himself of the deep cutting anguish.

“I … I don’t know what to do….” As the deafening noise of his yelling stops echoing around the small metal room, faint sobs wrack his body. Having never properly grieved for his wife’s passing it has finally caught up to him.

“Buuulmaaaa!” Sinking to his knees his hair shortens and darkens as he starts pounding on the adamantium tiles. Not knowing or caring that his tormented wails are being heard his blows continue to crack and demolish the floor.

“My … my actions have soiled you … please … FORGIVE ME!” As soon as it started he ends his mourning and quietly tells the console to shut down. The whirring of the machine slows and ceases whilst he stands still staring at nothing and everything. The two women continue to gaze at the screen longingly unsure if trying to comfort the blackened and torn heart of Vegeta would be a wise decision or just inflame the situation more. Terminating his contemplation on his bereavement he looks down at his ruined palms and the decimated tiles and closes his wet eyes. Slow deep breaths permeate the air as his chest slowly rises and falls. He vanishes.

Squatting down he rinses his hands in the now sullied waters of the lake and splashes some of the cooling water onto his face, eradicating the memory of tears from his countenance. As the ripples he has caused drift slowly across the lagoon he stands back up with his regained frosty demeanour of callousness. Fists and feet begin to fly as the ever restless warrior hones his martial art moves and techniques to perfection in the outside sun. Testing out new movements, defensive positions and guards, learning the blind spots and openings in his attacks he catches a fist from behind him and turns to face his opponent.

With her new blue dress billowing from the rapid movements Ryoko starts to spar with Vegeta. Amused by these pitiful and feeble blows that are casually and effortlessly caught and blocked he begins to toy with her; seeing how close he can let her attacks get to him before he has to dodge or simply observing all the ways in which he could take her down with one blow.

“I feel like we’ve done this whole song and dance routine before … you had better realise that with but a fraction of my power I could kill you with but one well placed finger.” Trying to goad her into reckless attacks and anger at the insult of her weakness he ducks and catches the soft fist of Ayeka. Having the ability to sense her intentions before the princess even left the front door he is still surprised by her actions. Her physical build is not that of a fighter or warrior, she has far less musculature and strength then the other woman he is sparring with yet all the same she is giving it her all. The exertion of the fighting begins to weary the two young women as they start to flag and tire.

“Dirtying your hands in bare fist brawling, I wonder what could have brought this on Ayeka? Surely you weren’t getting jealous from the physical intimacy of the sparring between me and Ryoko here?” Right on cue this halts the women’s actions as their cheeks begin to slightly colour. Not truly needing their guard to be down and with no movement at all he repulses the women back away from him a few metres. Struggling to remain on their feet and desperately trying not to end up sprawling on the floor both of the fairer sex in unison spring back towards him to re-join the fight.

“Oh Vegey!” A small redhead calls from Vegeta’s house distracting him with that pet name his wife called him by. With his attention focused solely on Washu, back in her adolescence, he completely forgets about the two women bearing down on him. With two impacts both equal to a train hitting him Vegeta is still frozen in place staring at the scientist. Ayeka quickly recoils her fist and starts to apologise for hitting him but it falls on deaf ears as he has his target in sight and is ready to pounce. Bringing Ryoko with him as she still hasn’t moved her fist from his cheek he appears behind Washu and grabs the back of her neck. Being violently lifted up and turned to face the tenant of the house she submissively looks into the stygian and harrowing depths of his stare.

“What. Did. You. Call. Me?!” Her squirming and distress brings great sadistic joy to him whilst her feet dangle helplessly and Ryoko flinches away from him.

“Whatever do you mean? I-I called you Vegeta … Prince of all Saiyans.” Accepting her fabricated innocence as a lousy form of an apology he slowly lowers her back down but still keeps his firm grip on her neck.

“What is it then Washu? Why did you interrupt our little bout?” Feeling a slight shudder run down the spine he could so easily snap he releases her and steps back to her great relief.

“My long range scanners picked up a large craft approaching Earth. It appears to be a Juraian vessel and will arrive here in …” The sudden lack of Vegeta in front of her cuts short her explanation. A slight snarl appears on Ryoko’s face as in her mind this can only mean trouble. Whilst Ayeka, who didn’t hear what Washu had to say, is stepping towards her asking her to repeat what she just said. As soon as Washu opens her mouth to begin again darkness falls upon them as a great shadow engulfs the three women. Holding the spacecraft aloft above his head the women’s attention is drawn to the Saiyan counteracting the momentum of a spaceship with brute force before flying it down and landing it under his own steam. Reappearing back by the women and Sasami who has joined them out of curiosity he subtly examines the expressions of the two royals. The happiness on Sasami’s face is clear for the world to see, but Ayeka seems ambivalent about this unexpected arrival.

Air hisses as the airlocks depressurise and a large wood like panel of the ship gracefully lowers itself down to form a ramp like gangway. The interior of the expansive ship is still hidden in gloom and shadows. A large misty shade moves out of the darkness and into the Sun’s rays. A slim built man with hair as black as the night tied back loosely into a long flowing ponytail. His slight fringe flutters in the breeze over his expressionless dark brown eyes and his long flowing pure white robe adorned with red and gold emblazoned pauldrons flaps against his legs. Raising his strong jaw he surveys where his ship was ‘escorted’.

His eyes travel over to the group of five humanoids on the other side of the lake and the crashed Juraian ship behind them. With a barking order that echoes through the tranquil scenery more obscurities rise from the depths of the ship’s interior. Rushing forth out onto the grassy meadow an honour guard of similarly dressed men appear. Over five score men all armoured and armed with long halberds, spears and naginatas. The deadly shine off of the keen metal seems to illuminate the leader of the group as he marches in front of his men.

The air hisses and as the Juraian leader turns back to look at the party of women in the distance, he is instead greeted by the harrowing eyes of Vegeta. His eyes and mouth widen in shock but quickly close to show no sign of weakness to this man before him.

“I presume your landing was comfortable? Now before I send you back to wherever the hell you came from answer me this; what is your business on my planet?” Vegeta steps closer to the new arrival and stands up to his full height, unfortunately he is still nearly a full head shorter than who he is trying to intimidate.

“ My name is Yosho Masaki Jurai, I come to this planet seeking my fiancée who mysteriously vanished in this sector. My sister’s name is Ayeka, have you by any chance happened upon her?” Yosho looks down at the Saiyan then back up trying to make out if his sister is among those stood in the distance or not. Seeing a man appear right in the midst of the women Yosho shakes his head in astonishment and glances back at where he thought Vegeta was still standing.

“ So there was a reason that the high princess of Jurai was alone in space with no crew on her ship, no guards and no armed escort. Now I know the true colours of Juraians …” With Vegeta but mere inches away from her face Ayeka looks puzzled at him, trying to hide her niggling doubts and suspicions about who she suspects he just talked to.

“Wh-whatever do you mean Lord Vegeta? I told you we were on our way to a political meeting between the different families of the Juraian high court.” His eyes pierce into her very soul. She tries to maintain his stare knowing that turning away would be to undoubtedly prove her guilt and his accusations.

“Different families of the Juraian high court, seems to me that you people seem to like keeping things in the family. Or is it just my imagination that your brother over there said he was engaged to you! … What kind of sick place is Jurai to allow such foul things?” With that said he turns his back to her to see the entourage of Juraians slowly trudge around the lake towards him. Ryoko and Washu both look at Ayeka with a look of mingled shock and disgust.

Her smaller sister gently holds one of Ayeka’s trembling hands to try and comfort her. Looking at the dirt on her shoes through a fine mist over her eyes she thinks back to the moment she disgraced her family. When she tore away from her planet at top speed leaving behind her people, her family and Yosho.

Still with her head dropped in shame, not daring to look at the people surrounding her, judging her, her brother arrives before the group. His head held high and with a small smile playing across his face knowing that his bride-sister is safe and found, he calls and waves at her. Meekly raising her face she timidly returns the gesture as does Sasami. Sweeping his eyes over the rest of the group Yosho’s eyes linger on one person in particular, sure that he remembers her or at least that semblance from somewhere…

“Surrender now villainous space pirate! Your days of tyranny are over Ryoko!” Pointing at the cyan haired woman with one hand whilst the other quickly moves to the sword at his belt’s hilt. Yosho assumes her to be responsible for taking her sister hostage on this planet.

“Men, on me now. Attack!” As a single unit the Juraian guards lower their weapons and charge in a headlong sprint at Ryoko who is still surprised at being recognised.

“Aaaaaaaaargggggghhhhh” Every single armed man collapses to the floor in a heap, each one with their spears shattered, knees and arms broken like twigs and pain wracked cries bursting from their throats. A single man stands in the midst of the fallen Juraians. Bloody knuckles drip onto the trampled grass.

“ That was a grave mistake Yosho. I’m afraid this planet belongs to the Saiyans and the puny Juraian empire has no jurisdiction here, so why don’t you just try that again and see how far it gets you.” Vegeta calmly announces whilst wiping the gore of his victims onto his same coloured loose garments.

“Surely you jest? The scourge of the galaxy known as the Saiyans was thankfully eradicated from existence decades ago.” Yosho scoffs back at the man who single-handedly took down his entire force in the blink of an eye, without damage nor with fatiguing him in the slightest.

“Oh you wish! I am Vegeta, Prince of all Saiyans, and I’ll tell you just this once the Saiyan race is not dead and this planet belongs to me!” Raising his hands and clenching them into a fist, Vegeta snarls in rage at the insult to his species as the immobilised bodies of the crushed guards begin to rise into the air along with other small loose objects from the ground. Alarmed by this show of power Yosho staggers backwards away from the surging emanations from the Saiyan.

“Vegeta? That name also rings a bell. If memory serves then that was the name of one of a trio of fiends who at the very least destroyed five of our most heavily colonised planets … leaving no survivors.” Yosho stands his ground now, showing he will not be sent back with his tail between his legs. With a swish of his wrist all of the comatose elite warriors of Jurai are hurtled by Vegeta over the head of the other prince and land in a neat pile at the foot of the ramp from which they left mere minutes before. Yosho appears unfazed by the sight of his subordinates being treated like ragdolls and keeps his eyes firmly on the face of Vegeta.

“Yes, I suppose I did do that didn’t I, ha. The punishment for that is death, is it not? Well then I should warn you that neither I, nor Ryoko, will turn ourselves in. I’m afraid it’s bad luck for you, I’m resisting arrest.” Walking back to the spectating Washu, Sasami, Ayeka and Ryoko he leaves the Juraian to make his choice. Ryoko moves to the man who once again has bought her freedom to thank him when a quiet voice comes from Yosho.

“Return with me Ayeka. You must return, don’t you see? Without this marriage a civil war is inevitable. The balance of power in Jurai is an imbalanced thing at the best of times swaying on the brink of disaster, would you honestly want to plunge the whole empire into a civil war?” Yosho pleads to his sister, stepping slowly towards her with his arm outstretched. The slight trembling in Ayeka’s hands slowly intensifies as her brother draws closer. Pulling out of Sasami’s comforting hold she takes a small step towards her arranged fate. A blank look of resignation on her face as a single solitary tear starts to form in the corner of her eye.

“You don’t have to listen to him, what he is proposing is wrong.” The rough hand grasps her shoulder tightly. Flecks of red from the downed guards rub off his palms onto her robes. Without turning to face him, for she knows she cannot and still keep her composure, she solemnly shakes her head.

“But … I have to. I have duties and responsibilities I must attend to. I.. I have no right to neglect my roles as a member of the royal f-family for ch-childish and selfish reasons.” Her voice is barely audible. Her words catch in her throat several times as she forces herself to say these painful words. Trying to persuade herself as much as the man she has grown to care for.

“This surely cannot be the best course of action to take. Although Saiyan’s never had much want for peace, each royal family never wanted to lose the throne to another. Assassinations and murders were commonplace, but our honour never allowed us to stoop to such lows as you are about to.” The prince of Saiyans removes his hand from her and looks at her face, awaiting a response. Her head slowly turns around. Gracefully she faces him and smiles weakly. Her single tear falling down her face. Thinking that he has finally solved a problem with his tongue and not his fists, Vegeta inaudibly growls as she turns and continues towards Yosho.

“Is this what you really want? Truly there is no other way?” Yosho shudders as he hears the harsh tone of Vegeta arise from behind. Quickly turning round to face this powerhouse of destruction he impulsively raises his arms in defence seeing the hand of his foe reaching toward him. Looking like a fool, Yosho now lowers his arms seeing no menace in the face of Vegeta and a glistening teardrop in the palm held out towards him. The tear of his sister. Swishing his hair from side to side as he looks from the stern face of Vegeta to the gentle forlorn face of Ayeka a coy smile unfurls on Yosho’s face.

“ I am the only Juraian prince from the Masaki household, it is impossible for power to be shared between different houses of Jurai. The only possible marriage for us two is to each other and if not then a dispute for the throne between us will surely begin. The other families of power will jump at this chance and soon begin to make their claims and before you know it anarchy will erupt and destroy the empire we have worked so long and hard to build and maintain. I do this not because I want to, believe me I don’t, I do this for the consequences of not doing so are too severe. … However …. There just might be another way, a way that has been overlooked but still if … hypothetically speaking … my sister were to marry royalty that did not belong to a member of another house of Jurai, maybe not even the same species. Maybe a prince from a species well known for their might and power … someone she knows and wouldn’t mind marrying …” The crystal clear insinuations in Yosho’s tone causes a flutter of butterflies in Ayeka’s stomach as she quickly hides her head in her hands to cover the spreading blush. Vegeta stares at Yosho’s calm expression for a few seconds too shocked to do anything else in that time, nothing but stare and think about what he just said. Embarrassment soon catches up to Vegeta which he quickly turns into his favourite emotion, the one that coincidentally Ryoko is feeling at this exact same time. Anger.

“Bravo you nearly had me there, here I was thinking you were an honourable man for a second. I have the blood of billions of innocents on my hands; women, children, the old, the frail, the weak and the defenceless – even those of your own race I have slaughtered in droves. You have witnessed but a taste of my power as your men fell before you. You who comes here talking of incest and somehow make it worse, you offer your innocent sister to the likes of me. What kind of man are you? This is a matter for men to decide, leave me and this planet out of it. Begone, go find the solution to your little problem elsewhere.” Vegeta points at the Juraian spaceship, his eyes showing no hope of persuading him.

“I cannot do that, I will not leave my sister here on this planet.” Yosho meets the gaze of Vegeta like two bulls locking horns.

“You will be leaving this planet, you decide whether you’ll be alive when you do.” The threat from Vegeta drips with the knowledge that he can easily back it up.

“No please, Vegeta! Don’t kill Yosho, please!” Ayeka pipes in, the look in her eyes distracts Vegeta momentarily. She fears Yosho, fears him for the marriage that was arranged between them and yet she would still plead for his life and safety. For her sake Vegeta reluctantly nods at her then turns back to face his foe. In the fleeting moment he just had with Ayeka, Yosho has taken the opportunity to draw forth his sword, or to be more precise the hilt of his sword for it bears no blade.

The intricate craftsmanship of the small weapon showed that this was a saber lovingly made not just for ceremony but for practicality. The three red ruby like spheres embedded in the pommel glow and with a flash a smooth long sapphire blade of energy bursts forth from the hilt. Rushing him with a sideways feint followed by a viciously fast downward swipe, Yosho’s face gapes in awe and terror simultaneously. With but one finger Vegeta holds the blade locked in position millimetres from his head. His fingertip on the point of the blade crackles as sparks of energy dance between them. Lifting his finger slightly up and then bringing it back down with a loud fizz, bang and a crunch.

The now dormant hilt drops to the floor as the Juraian prince clutches at his arm. Having judged his strength just right Vegeta managed to minimise the damage done to him and only turn all the bones within his hands to fragments no bigger than dust. Looking at the man he felled so easily with distaste and his sister worriedly running towards him. As she frets over the damage done to her brother Yosho gives hers a pained smile.

“Ayeka, I will respect your decision. Is this what you want? To turn your back on your race and duties and to be stuck on this rock?” Before she answers he can tell from the look in her eyes that what she is about to say is the answer he didn’t want to hear.

“Dear brother Yosho I know it’s cruel and selfish of me but …I don’t want to marry you. I can’t stand the thought of it so yes, I would prefer to stay here. At least for a little while.” Accepting her rejection easily for he never had any interest in marriage either, as they embrace as brother and sister before he stands and faces the man he lost Ayeka to.

Vegeta offers his hand to Yosho and the Juraian takes it with his still working hand. They both grip firmly in the handshake but Yosho knows not to try and push his luck with Vegeta or else he would end up without the use of either hand. A slight wet feeling causes Yosho to end the handshake and pull his hand back. He sees within his palm a small wet circle. The tear of Ayeka. Both men smile at each other in understanding. Leaning in close Yosho begins to whisper.

“You know if you did one day marry Ayeka you would be heir to the crown of Jurai, just saying.” Yosho’s last ditch attempt is scowled at by Vegeta who gives a curt response.

“I have no wish for reigning over subjects as pitiful as Juraians, politics is a boring thing and I’m sure Jurai would hardly be in support of me being heir. If that is what I wanted I could take the throne on my own with ease.” With that Yosho heads back off to his ship and up the ramp, thankful that his men landed just on the ramp so that he wouldn’t have to carry their limp bodies with one hand. As the ramp door slowly rises Yosho waves a last farewell to his sister and this time her returned gesture is no longer a meek one.

With the door closed and the airlock pressurised a few minutes pass before a loud groan erupts from the ship. The raucous sound eventually bursts forth into an almighty roar as the spaceship ascends vertically towards the heavens quickly becoming just a twinkle in the blue sky. Soon the twinkle disappears and all that remains to show that another extra-terrestrial visit had occurred are the downtrodden grass, spattered blood patches and the fresh tears rolling down the princess of Jurai’s face.

Feeling part of the reason why she is crying Vegeta goes to her and after an awkward moment of hesitation hugs her, hoping that this will stop her tears. If on any other occasion this had occurred she would be blushing and madly embarrassed but now it is what she needs. A shoulder to cry on and the warmth of a man to comfort her. With one side of his gi soaked with the tears of a woman Vegeta watches as she disengages from him and slowly starts back off towards the house with Sasami running up to her. Unsurprised by the sound of someone phasing next to him, he also lets Ryoko hug him knowing full well that the green eyed monster would not allow her to let Ayeka get a hug and not her.

“You saved me again! You don’t know how grateful I am that you stood up and protected me from him. So grateful, how can I repay you?” Her mischievous smile and wink say it all.

“Some discipline for you would not go amiss.” Vegeta grumbles, still not particularly comfortable with Ryoko pressing herself against him as tightly as she is.

“Oh?! Have I been misbehaving? Am I a naughty girl who needs a good spanking?” Ryoko cheekily quips. Thoroughly unamused Vegeta just frowns and looks down at her with a steely glint in his eye then back up as she has cunningly positioned herself so when he did so he would get a nice look down her top and at her ample cleavage.

“No I was thinking more along the lines of using you for target practice.” With that she pouts, lets go of him and phases off elsewhere. Sighing to himself he goes to the training room to complete his endless pursuit of omnipotence. Before he closes the heavy door behind him to start his session, he hears the quiet voices of Ayeka and Sasami drifting down from upstairs, with a huff he slams the door shut.

Hours pass and Sasami is back outside with Ryo-ohki picking flowers by the lakeside knowing not to wander off too far from the house now. Both Ayeka and Ryoko are sat down in the front room, the T.V. long since turned off for Vegeta’s ability to move faster than their eyes can follow negates the point of watching. Nursing a large bottle of sake Ryoko is trying to stem off boredom as much as the princess sat opposite her is. Sitting quietly Ayeka is left only with her thoughts and after earlier events she badly craves a distraction to take her mind off of it.

Standing up she slowly ambles her way to the shelves crowded with hardback books and randomly selects one. Just one look at the front cover and she knows it was a futile attempt. This planet does not use a written language she knows and unless Vegeta brought books with him from his spacefaring days she would be hard-pressed in finding reading material. The only other item that appears of any interest is that large metal box that Ryoko bought. Curiously Ayeka walks up to where the machine sits in the corner and starts to examine it.

“What is it? Do you want to try out my Karaoke machine?” Ryoko chimes with no slur from the copious amount of drinks she has had to be heard in her voice.

“Karaoke? I’m not familiar with that term, so what is the function of this … thing?” Ayeka turns to Ryoko who has just jumped out of her seat to land next to the princess obviously excited about the prospect of finally getting to try out her little toy.

“The man at the shop said it plays music and shows lyrics to the song on the screen allowing you to sing along. Sounds like fun.” Ryoko bends down to look at the control panel for the Karaoke machine.

“But have you heard any Earth music? Can you read or understand the lyrics … better yet do you know how to work that thing at all?” Ayeka goes to sit down seeing it is useless as Ryoko blankly stares at all the many buttons and dials trying to decipher which one would turn it on.

With his hands firmly placed on the mottled green insectoid exoskeleton Vegeta charges up ki into his hands and fires. Having always wanted a chance at Cell in his perfect form after Gohan saved his life from him, a smug sense of satisfaction rolls over him as he descends back down from super Saiyan two form and leaves the training room wiping the sweat from his face with a towel. Lowering the towel from his face and placing it over his shoulder he looks across the room at the two women who turn their heads to look at him. Seeing no need to stay there he goes to move on out of the room to grab a bite to eat when Ryoko phases in front of him with a sad look in her eyes.

“Vegeta please help me, I’m so BORED!” Ryoko looks at him with puppy dog eyes wanting him to solve all her problems, his disinterest is clear.

“Go and entertain yourself in whatever way you see fit as long as it doesn’t bother me.” He steps to the side to get past her but she steps to the same side blocking his path.

“But Vegeta I can’t get my Karaoke machine to work, I can’t read the instructions.” She points to the large black metal box with one hand as the other starts to stroke his still sweaty chest. Seeing that he would get no peace unless he gave her something to occupy herself with, Vegeta lets out a long exhalation before heading over to the Karaoke machine. Approaching it he sees that Washu must have wired it in earlier and then points to the large switch with the word ON written next to it and presses it explaining what a few of the other less complex buttons do. An overjoyed Ryoko pounces back by the machine and slowly starts pressing some buttons as Vegeta turns to leave the room, out of the corner of his eye he notices that Ayeka was paying close attention to what he was saying as well.

Before he can take more than four steps a blaring power chord of a guitar is boomed out followed by some brutal and fast galloping riffs. Proving to be just her cup of tea Ryoko whoops and starts messing with the volume dial. The strong bass of the song starts shaking the floor and in a flurry Ayeka hurries from the room complaining about her absolute distaste in whatever genre of music that is. Wanting just a bit of peace and quiet Vegeta once again goes to Ryoko to tell her to turn it down but she misinterprets his approach and springs up with a microphone in her hand holding it out to him.

With happy and hopeful eyes she beams at him. He looks down at the microphone then back at Ryoko before just turning around and walking out of the room leaving Ryoko on her own. Looking upset and disappointed with her hopes downtrodden the space pirate goes to turn off the machine and eventually after several failed attempts locates the correct button and powers down the machine.

Finally making his way to the kitchen and with the goal of the fridge in his sight Vegeta stops when he sees the empty stare of Ayeka as she absently looks out of the kitchen window. Feeling the Saiyan pull towards food he then continues to the fridge and empties it of most of its contents before closing the door to look back at Ayeka who is now looking at him with the same pained expression of sadness she had when he comforted her.

“I had a brother once. Tarble was his name, he was a pathetic skinny runt and no good at fighting. Of course he died along with the rest of my race when Frieza blew up my planet so I’m not the best person for giving advice on family issues. I don’t presume to know about your species’ culture but you are a woman of royal blood. Just because others can’t get along is no excuse for you to be forced to stoop that low. It’s a matter of pride.” In between mouthfuls Vegeta says this to her knowing it isn’t the best thing to say, it isn’t what she needs to hear but it’s the only thing he could say. She weakly smiles at him as he continues gorging himself and walks over to Sasami who is also in the kitchen and busy setting about the final preparations for dinner and glancing disapprovingly at Vegeta scoffing his face right before her meal. Vegeta continues to stay in the kitchen waiting patiently for more food to become available for him to consume and is sat down at his place at the head of the table the moment that the table has been set and dinner served.

With Ryoko on one side of him and Ayeka on the other Vegeta digs greedily into the food that Sasami has cooked for them today and with a flicker a seventh place at the table suddenly is set. A weary Washu slowly emerges from her lab rubbing her eyes, drawn by the scent of sustenance when the front door crashes open and two young super Saiyans fly past her.

“ Ah! What are you trying to do, give me heart failure?!” She shouts at the two Aryan lads catching their breath and sitting down next to Sasami.

“No fair Trunks you cheated! You set off before I said go.” Goten complains to his best friend, completely oblivious to the irate Washu entering the kitchen and taking her place at the table whilst shooting evils at them. The women have learned by now to grab what food they can quickly while it lasts as Saiyans don’t mess around when it comes to filling their stomachs.

“Itsh not my phfault hat your too shlow.” Talking with his mouth full Trunks’ silences the loser of their race home before chowing down again. All of Sasami’s care and effort she put into making her food appear neat and presentable are ignored as plate after plate are devoured by the ever hungry Saiyans. Letting out a little sigh of resignation Sasami looks at the two half-pints eagerly wolfing down what she toiled over a hot stove for. Giving up there being any chance of being thanked or at the very least acknowledged for her culinary skills she listlessly sets her cutlery on her cleared plate to begin clearing away.

“Uh it’s Sasami right? Why don’t I take that for you? After all you did cook us such a yummy meal, much better than mom …. Wait please don’t tell her I said that!” Goten stands up taking Sasami’s plate from her hands and stacking it on top of his own before depositing it in the sink. A girlish and tender smile graces Sasami’s faces as she watches the two boys hurry off down the hallway.

“Trunks! If you are going to play at least go and do it in the training room. You can show Goten the new capabilities of it.” After barking to the two trouble makers he continues feasting on the scraps and leftovers.

“So Vegeta, it was Bulma’s family who invented this capsule technology? It is quite admirable work, a bit shoddy in a few places – well compared to what I could have done at least. You don’t keep any of the schematics and blueprints that were used around here do you?” Not batting an eyelid at the mention of his lost love Vegeta still carves his way through the last virgin dish on the table before relaxing back in his chair and shaking his head.

“Fair do’s, I like a challenge anyhow so be seeing you later, got to get cracking on this.” With suspicion in his eyes Vegeta tracks Washu as she disappears off, distrustful of what she does in her little hidey hole. A slight tap on his bicep draws his attention.

“I – I knew or suspected that you had probably been responsible for … wiping out Juraian colonies but – but I know that you were a different person back then. Technically those crimes were committed by a different person for who was responsible was killed on Namek. … What I’m trying to say is … I forgive you. So please … have this Yakitori from my plate as a show of goodwill.” The humble modesty of Ayeka astounds Vegeta. The offer of food is tempting as ever but it was the other commodity she offered him that he is reluctant to take. Forgiveness. Never has he been forgiven for his past actions. Never has he asked for it and never has he deserved to be forgiven. The honesty and purity in her eyes cause a great conflict within him. He cannot accept what isn’t rightfully his, he dare not pass up on something he probably will never receive again and he really, really wants the food.

“Why would you want her food when you can have mine? Look oo an ake it right out o my mouf.” Leaning close to him the woman on the other side of him has what appears to be most of a Tonkatsu being offered to him from her lips. Beseeching eyes looking at him imploring and pleading from both directions and the heady aroma of the foods teases his nostrils, he takes an escape route. The table clears, the dishes and utensils are cleaned and put neatly away in a flash but most of all the both women are left looking at each other as the man who was in-between them is now sat outside contently munching on the gifted morsels of food.

Licking his lips he catapults himself to the brim of the lake landing on his left hand. The tendons and muscles in his arm grow taught then relax as he rises and descends, counting each push up in his head silently, the repetition lulls and soothes him. From his upside-down view of the world the unmistakable sight of the women appearing from his house so soon pauses his extended arm.

Coiling like a python he releases the built up tension in his arm to pitch himself many lofty metres into the afternoon sky. Gyrating and somersaulting his body like a drill a flash of brilliant purple jets out towards the house. Blazing past the side of Ryoko on the rooftop the blast continues to rip across the sky for two miles before it hits its designated target. The pterosaur died before it knew it was being attacked as nothing but its ashes and embers drift down on the wind. Thumping back into the turf on his right hand at the precise moment when the sound from the far off slaying of the winged reptile reaches the shores of the lake.

Panicked, Ryoko quickly calms down after seeing a bolt of energy searing towards and past here. She gently bites her lip. ‘He must have done it.’ She thinks to herself. For only the briefest of instants she felt him brushing against her lips. It felt more like the gentle touch of a feather than what her hopes and dreams vividly imagine what he did. Fawningly she stays at her post on top of the house with her head held in her hands, a rosy colour to her cheeks and just sits there watching him, imagining the kiss they shared. Vegeta actually just grabbed it with his hand unbeknown to her.

The Sun continues its fiery path across the sky and disappears behind the soaring peaks plunging Vegeta into gloom. Goten left hours ago for he knows his mum would disapprove of him flying home in the dark. From the roof Ryoko watches with her cat like eyes beginning to glisten and reflect light in weird hues. In the comfort of the warm house Ayeka is sat down by the window also following his every move. A chill night wind ruffles Ryoko’s spiky hair into her face obscuring her view of the perpetual quester for enhancement. Shaking her head to bring back the sight of him as the stoic man eases himself back onto his feet, strolling back towards his hearth and home.

Following the well worn down dirt path that leads back from the lake to his doorstep Vegeta glances back to the slates on his roof then the doorway as he accurately predicts and tracks Ryoko’s phasing. With a burst of unseeable haste he beats Ryoko to her destination even though she was halfway through teleporting. Ayeka comes round into the hallway and happily smiles in greeting at Vegeta, with Ryoko looking dumbfounded as to how he got behind her. Ryoko fades into existence in front of him and next to Ayeka, a swift glare is exchanged between the two women.

“Has that mad scientist woman come out of her lab yet? I have need of her and would not like to catch her skulking around my house tampering with things better left undisturbed.” The quick shake of both women’s heads is all he needs to know, although he didn’t really need Ryoko’s input saying she wasn’t even in the house to keep an eye on Washu. Passing the women he turns the doorknob that leads down the rabbit hole and to the world of Washu, entering it alone. The large white entrance hall is deserted, Washu is not on her flying cushion and Vegeta has no time to search her whole warren of corridors and rooms. Placing two fingers on his temple he concentrates on the only other ki signature in this dimension.

“ I presume this place has the ability to manufacture goods?” Washu jumps out of her skin when the deep monotone voice of Vegeta echoes from directly behind her.

“GAH! Stop doing that! Of course my lab can make things, why do you ask?” Tidying up her notes and dismissing her shadowy laptop she turns and looks at him in a very displeased mood at this surprise.

“We may have need of your services and equipment soon. A far off and distant power has been sensed by me and probably the other fighters of this planet. It might be just a new life form but it is already outmatching Dr. Gero’s androids in term of sheer power and it has the same feel to it as Buu did. Make me more Saiyan battle armour.”

“A new foe? Well I suppose it’s nothing to worry about, sure I can make that armour of mi – yours. Hell I could even improve its durability and resistance tenfold without even trying.” Satisfied by Washu’s response and willingness to help his preparation for the coming storm he leaves her to whatever she was doing before he interrupted her.

Leaving her dimension he is not at all surprised to see both Ryoko and Ayeka still stood by the door where he left them. As they step towards him their elbows nudge each other. Sparks fly as they lock eyes and horns with each other. Wondering why it had to be him Vegeta watches as the two women wrestle against each other, pulling each others cheeks and hair and slapping each other. Their faces warped in hatred.

“Look you two, if you are so keen on fighting you had better learn to fight a lot better than that and quickly.” His words ring on deaf ears as they continue to struggle against each other. Wafting his hand the gust generated knocks them off of their feet and ends the fight before the nails and claws come out. As they look at him from the floor he walks the short distance to the training room.

“I have no need of your petty squabbles, see you tomorrow.”