Chapter Twenty

I walked down the hallway of dreams, looking for one doorway in particular. I scanned the hallway one more time for any signs of the old seer, but she must sleep sometime. After confirming no one was here, I cautiously stepped closer to a door outlined in a golden aura. I read the strange writing on the door that translated to 'Gohan'.

I grabbed the knob and turned it, slightly embarrassed by what I might find, but what I saw surprised me.

Inside the door, Gohan was dreaming of a little girl, with short black hair and round happy eyes. He was tossing the toddler up into the air while a woman stood behind him smiling and laughing.

I smiled in recognition of my friend, Videl, but she was older. I stepped into the room and caught the attention of the couple.

Hey, Gohan, it's me Reina. I know this is weird, but I need your help.

Reina? What are you doing-

There isn't much time, please listen carefully, it's a matter of life and death.

Gohan handed the child to Videl and walked closer to me, ok, what is it? Are you ok? Dad and Vegeta-

I know, I know, Vegeta is here already, and your Dad is in space travel to get here, but just listen. They have Vegeta locked in a dungeon, and I need to rescue him. The only opportunity I will get is when they bring him up to participate in a death match.

What?! Ok, so what do you need me to do?

I will call to you, a voice in your mind, sometime soon, and I need you to flare your Ki as much as you can so I can lock onto you and transmit us all back to Earth.

What? You learned instant transmission?! I thought only my dad-

He is the only one who can, for now. I don't have time to explain, just be ready, ok?

Ok…? I will listen for you, promise.

Great thanks, Gohan. Oh, real quick, by the way, who is the kid?

Oh, this is…well I don't know her name yet, haha. Umm, don't tell anyone, but Videl and I are going to get married once I get through college and she says she wants to try and have kids soon. I am not quite ready, but she insists, and I can't seem to get this little girl out of my dreams!

He picked up the girl again and tossed her into the air. The girl giggled and cooed happily. Reina smiled, ok, I have to go now. See ya soon, Gohan.

Bye, Reina.

On the day of the festival, the castle was bustling with staff. All manner of creatures were running around gathering items, baking, cooking, cutting, washing, planning, decorating and getting ready for a busy few days.

Reina woke up, yawned and stretched. A satisfied smile spread across her face as she forced the dream away from her mind, so no one would see her plan. She thought about the festival and what she remembered of it from her past.

The festival was an annual event that celebrated the end of moon chaos and the beginning of the never ending sun cycle.

Reina remembered the early history lessons of her home planet as she laid on her bed, arms folded behind her head staring at the stone ceiling. There were three seasons-moon chaos, sun cycle, and the shortest season was harvest time, which the locals all called reaper tide.

Reina closed her eyes and sighed.

The old seer had taught her some things about their race, and most Reina remembered right away once she was told about it. The gnarled woman was right, dreamwalking and mind control came second nature to her. No wonder all my bedmates would do what I wanted, no questions asked, she thought as she reflected on her life before she was kidnapped. It seemed like years had gone by now, but in actuality it was only a short time ago she was training with Vegeta and teaching at the gym. I wonder if my class was broken up…surely someone else would have taken over for my kids…

She thought about little Goten and Trunks, then a deep frown set in on her face as she tried hard not to not think about Trunk's father. She tired to stay positive, but the captain's haunting words echoed in her mind constantly, slowly driving her mad. Her brain argued with her heart, refusing to believe anything but the most optimistic outcome.

She sighed, anger seeping in at the thought of the King marrying her, and mating with her. Ugh, I will NEVER mate with that monster-

Oh hee hee hee, you better hope the King never hears you say that, young one…

The old woman's cackled laughter filled Reina's mind and she opened her eyes and got out of bed, used to the woman invading her thoughts by now. She was glad she didn't find her dreamwalking.

She felt her cheeks flush, angry that she could not protect her thoughts yet. The old seer said she would teach her how, but only after she married the King.

Reina scoffed to herself, then her head snapped to the door moments before the lock was twisted open. The door was flung open seconds later, and Rou quickly stepped in and shut it behind him. He turned to Reina, his eyes scanning her body for any new signs of abuse. His gaze finally settled on her face, which was scrunched with confusion.

Rou stepped towards the princess, his hand automatically resting around the guard of his sword, "My lady, I am to escort you to the mess hall for breakfast, then you are to go with your sister and Secki to get ready for today's festivities."

Reina crossed her arms across her chest and stared at the man, concentrating on his thoughts. It was second nature to her now to assess someone when she saw them. Rou shifted his gaze from her eyes, to the floor, to the wall, uncomfortable knowing she was trying to scan his mind. He grumbled, then stepped closer and wrapped his fingers around her shoulders and shook her slightly. Her eyes fluttered and then narrowed as she tried to rip her shoulders from his grasp, "What are you doing? Let go of me, now, or I'll make you."

Rou narrowed his eyes in anger, "I am on your side, do not threaten me, princess." His grip tightened momentarily, then he let go and took a step back and pointed a finger at her, "You are in no position to-"

Reina stepped forward and locked eyes with the man. She watched as his words died on his lips in an exhaled breath, his gaze softening. She put her bound hands on his chest and batted her eyelashes, "Now, would you be so kind as to cut these ties on my hands, captain?"

Rou nodded his head slowly as he thumbed the tsuba of his sword. He drew the long, sharp blade and flicked it up between her bound wrists, in one smooth, fluid motion effectively cutting the ropes. He never broke eye contact with her.

Reina pushed the tattered twine down and off her as she stared at her old friend, rubbing her sore wrists. After a few seconds, she reached forward and took the sword easily from his hands. It was heavier than it looked, but she wasn't interested in wielding it, just disarming the captain to prove a point when she released him.

She closed her eyes and searched his mind for thoughts of Vegeta. What she found there made her gasp in shock.

Her eyes flew open, narrowed, then she pushed the sword flush against his throat. She leaned forward into the sword and snapped her fingers in front of the captain.

Rou's eyes fluttered briefly before he refocused on her and realized what had happened. His mind was still foggy, but he bared his teeth in anger at the princess, "What are you do-"

His words were cut off, again as she pressed the sword into his throat harder, "You have him. You have him locked up in the dungeons! I should slit your throat right here!"

Rou growled, his eyes narrowed to slits, then he quickly reached up and twisted the blade from Reina's unskilled grip. In a heartbeat, he pushed her back to the far wall with the sword pressed to her throat this time.

When her back hit the far wall, Rou all but snarled at her, "He is pathetic! He will not save you! You WILL NOT be with that man!" He pressed forward a bit , then added quietly through clenched teeth, "I would rather see you with the King than with that monster!"

Reina growled back at him, angry at his words. Rou removed the sword from her throat and placed it back in it's sheath. After a moment's pause, his blue eyes searched her angry grey eyes, then he abruptly leaned forward and pressed his lips to hers.

Reina's eyes widened at the captain's unexpected kiss. She placed her hands on his chest and pushed him away from her violently, her shoulders shaking as anger coursed through her. Rou licked his lips and smiled wickedly, "I have been wanting to do that since I saw you on Tsukemono's ship." He stepped forward a step, "Kyuri, I-"

"No! Don't say it! I don't care about your feelings, Rou. I am not in love with-"

He slapped her.

Hard.

The back of his hand stung as he took in short shallow breaths, wide eyed and nostrils flaring. He turned with a huff and started pacing the room, his hands running though his short, onyx hair in frustration. Can't be close to her, her smell, kami she smells so good! He quickened his pace, changing direction quickly and without thought as his mind raced.

Reina touched her cheek tentatively, her eyes wide. Her cheek stung, but she could not do anything about it, yet. She straightened her back and crossed her arms as she shifted her weight onto her left foot. She heard his thoughts, and could feel her own ki fluctuating, but she tried very hard to suppress it. Rou seemed to have forgotten about her now un-bound wrists, and that was fine by her.

After an awkward minute, Rou stopped pacing and turned to Reina, "You need to come with me, now, to breakfast. We can discuss this little escapade later."

Reina didn't like the tone of his voice as he said this, but walked towards the door anyways. She flung the door open wide and started down the hallway. She was halfway to the stairs when Rou came up beside her and gripped her elbow.

Reina shook her elbow free then glared at him, "Do not touch me," she said harshly through clenched teeth.

Rou was taken aback at the sincerity of her words, stopping in his tracks at the glint of anger that flashed in her grey eyes. She resumed walking and he had to sprint to catch up to her.

They walked in silence the rest of the way, parting ways when they reached the mess hall. Rou left her at the door as he turned and walked towards the barracks, intent on sparring with some of his men to release some of his anger before he had to get ready for the day himself.

After an uneventful breakfast, Secki took Reina to Tsukemono's room and helped her look through her closet to find a festival dress that would fit her younger sister. Reina hated the idea of wearing a dress, since she had plans to try and escape, but she figured the less threatening she looked, the better off her plans would be.

Tsukemono noticed her hands were un-bound, and commented on it, but Reina lied and told her Rou had cut them on the King's orders.

Tsukemono looked skeptical, but shrugged nonetheless, "Just do not try to escape, little sister. There is no where to go where the King will not find you, trust me."

Reina nodded reassuringly and told her sister she knew she was weaker than the King and was just going to accept her fate so she did not get punished anymore.

Tsukemono seemed to believe her, and once Reina picked out a dress, Secki led her to a bathtub already full of hot water.

Reina sank down into the tub, loving the warmth the water provided to her achy muscles and bruised body.

Secki stayed in the room and helped her wash, but she stayed silent the whole time, which was perfect for Reina. She had other things on her mind, like how the festival was going to go.

She was careful not to think about her escape plan, though she now knew she would have to change her plans slightly, and expedite them. She sighed, blocking all her thoughts out. One step at a time, she thought bitterly as Secki motioned for her to get out of the tub.

Reina stood and stepped out carefully so she did not slip on the stone floor. Secki handed her a large towel like sheet to wrap up in, and Reina did so happily. Her bare feet on the cold floor made a shiver run though her body, leaving goosebumps in it's wake.

It was early afternoon now, and after drying her hair, Secki helped her comb it and style it in a traditional saiyan fashion. When she finished, the bulk of Reina's hair was tied up in a tight bun, with long locks of hair free flowing underneath it in waves. A thick lock of raven hair hung down in front of her left eye, covering it.

Secki sighed and patted Reina's thigh, "You look like a true saiyan princess now, my lady." She lowered her gaze in a slight head bow, then lifted her eyes upon Reina again and smiled.

Reina returned her smile hesitantly, then Secki held up the dress for Reina. It was a knee length crimson red gown, simple in design, but made of some kind of silk-like fabric that felt amazing against Reina's skin. The top left her shoulders bare in it's halter design. Her large breasts filled out the dress rather nicely, giving her impressive cleavage to look at. She smiled and twirled despite the circumstances, watching the way the dress lifted around her, then she blushed when she realized she had no underwear. Ok, so no twirling….going to have to be careful...

She wore no jewelry, but Secki painted her face with some sort of red clay; swirls and dots in an intricate and overlapping design that covered the right side of her face, and down her neck and chest.

Her lips were painted red to match and she was given a pair of dark brown sandals that had straps that snaked up her ankles and calves in a zig zap fashion.

Tsukemono came back into the room and rolled her eyes at her sister, "You look dumb."

Secki gasp, and Reina grunted, "You're wearing the same thing, except, why isn't your face painted?" She asked, pointing the her sister's bare face.

Tsukemono scoffed, "Cause I'm not getting married, duh. Now, hurry up, Rou was suppose to come get you, but he….got caught up," she rolled her eyes again and scoffed, "Soooo, we are late now, let's go!"

Secki just bowed to Tsukemono and stayed that way until Reina walked past her and towards her sister.

They walked briskly down the halls. When Reina tried to slow her pace and stall for time, Tsukemono quickly grabbed hold of her wrist and dragged her along roughly.

"What is so important? Why are we in such a hurry? The festival lasts for days-"

Tsukemono spun around to look at Reina, "Yeah, but the opening ceremony is when the King announces you as his mate. You will be the queen by nightfall. The old hag will wed you two in front of the five kingdom lords, who then will acknowledge him as King of the territories."

Reina gasp, her mouth hanging open in shock. Today?! The marriage is today?!

Yes, you baka! What did you think the festival was for? Think the King did it cause he's a nice guy? Because he CARES about the changing of the seasons?! Think again, little sister.

Reina closed her mouth and exhaled sharply. She made her mind blank, and they continued to walk forward.

~Somewhere else in the castle~

Vegeta sat on his knees, his head sagged from exhaustion, his hands bound at the wrists above his head. He could hear a constant steady dripping sound that was slowly driving him mad with anger. He had to get out of this, but how? He was careful not to think to much about escaping, he had already let slip thoughts of Kakkarott, and cursed himself silently again for that.

The door to his cell creaked open suddenly, and a guard came inside, followed by the captain of the guards himself, the smug cocky bastard, Rou.

Vegeta lifted his head and glared at the younger saiyan. Fucking bastard, what do you want now?

Rou walked towards the prince and stopped in front of him, crouching. He inhaled deeply, "Can you smell that? That delicious smell is the princess. I just left her-"

He was cut off as Vegeta lunged forward, but Rou quickly rose out of the way, chuckling ad he did. Vegeta spit towards him.

Rou narrowed his eyes, then came forward unafraid and drew his sword. He rose it high in the air above his head. Then, with a smirk, he swung downward in a quick, precise strike.

Vegeta grit his teeth, and shut his eyes, sure he was going to die. To his surprise, he felt his arms fall limply to his sides. He opened his eyes, looked down and saw the ropes were cut. He looked back up at the captain in time to see a large fist coming towards his face.

Vegeta's head rocked to the side from the left hook, but he quickly turned it back to face his assailant. He bared his teeth, "Who the hell do you think you are, boy?"

Rou just smirked, placed his sword back in it's scabbard, then grabbed the prince, tugging him to his feet roughly and dragging him towards the cell door, "Right now, I am your executioner, here to escort you to your death. Come along now, prince."

In his weakened state, Vegeta had no choice. He trudged along behind the young captain, humiliated and frustrated beyond his control. I will kill you as soon as I get the chance…

They eventually came to a room with other unfortunate captives, each starved and weakened by time and torture. Vegeta was thrust forward into the room, and he collided with a tall green alien creature with a flat head and buggy eyes. The green alien grunted and snarled, but his eyes shifted to behind Vegeta and he cowered slightly, his glance darting away as he retreated from them. Vegeta turned and saw Rou glaring at him.

Suddenly Rou came forward and was in Vegeta's face. He grinned devilishly, then his fist connected hard in Vegeta's stomach. Vegeta grunted and gasp, doubling over slightly, the wind forced out of him. Rou whispered to him harshly, "That is for Peanu." He straightened, smirked, then walked away.

Vegeta slowly righted himself, then moved to stand in the corner of the room. Peanu? What the hell is a Peanu? Bastard.…

Rou turned back to the room once he stepped through the only doorway and addressed the whole lot of them, "In a few hours you will all participate in the King's game, which is a battle royal, a fight to the death. Last one standing gets to make a request to the King. Say a royal pardon, perhaps? Fight bravely and die with honor." He then left and the door shut behind him. Vegeta noticed a small orange creature cowering behind Rou's legs. One look from Vegeta made the creature whimper and tuck his head further behind the young saiyan captain. Vegeta scoffed. He vaguely recognized him as the creature he ran into that pissed on him before he got capture by the captain. He frowned, crossing his arm and leaning down against a wall. That must be Peanu. Well, I will kill you too, brat.

Once the captain left, Vegeta's thoughts then turned to the matter at hand. Death match, huh? Does not matter. Even in my weakened state, I can take this rag tag group of alien trash!

His eyes scanned the room, noting the strongest looking guys and the weakest. He took in heights, weights, handicaps, body types, genders, and any useful information he could. He sat still and meditated, watching, listening and waiting for his chance to escape.

After a little while, his thoughts inevitably turned to the feisty young saiyan female who was the reason why he was here. I am sure she will be at the festival today, she has to be. Will she see me…weak like this, ugh, stupid!

He shook his head and cleared his thoughts, refocusing on beating everyone and breaking free. Soon, he thought, soon…

After a few winding hallways, the saiyan princesses came to a large balcony. Tsukemono's pace slowed considerably and her head sagged as she saw the King standing with the old seer. Her confidence visibly changed and her body language reflected her terror for the man.

The bulky, scarred saiyan was massive compared to the gnarled, old hag beside him. The woman had a twisted smile on her face, and the King had a scowl on his.

"You are late. You will be punished for that later." The King's booming voice cut through the wild cheers and unruly mob voices just outside the balcony doors as they approached.

Reina shuddered at his implied intentions, not sure if he was talking to her or her sister, but stood tall anyways. She walked confidently forward and smiled up at the King, "Sorry, your grace, I was just trying to make sure I looked absolutely perfect for you." She strode forward, her hips swaying, dress shifting and reflecting light. She saw the King's good eye shift down her form. She smirked as she stopped in front of him and reached her hands forward and came within inches of touching him-

The old woman banged her stick noisily on the stone floor and cleared her throat loudly and overdramatically, "Hey, hey, who took your binds off?"

Reina froze and turned towards the woman, almost snarling at her, but she caught herself and bowed instead, "Oh, Captain Rou said he trusted me and that I did not need them anymore," she said quickly, not feeling bad at all for throwing him under the bus. She smiled shyly at the King. She heard a scoff from behind her, and prayed silently for her sister to keep quiet.

The large man's lip rose on one side, revealing a large, yellow canine as he reached forward grabbed Reina by the waist and pulled her to him. She could smell his pungent odor, a mixture of stale body odor and musty pheromones. She grimaced slightly as he inhaled her hair and her scent, grunting with primal lust. She chewed her bottom lip nervously.

The old woman's voice cut through the tension in the air as she hobbled towards the King, "Come, your grace, it is time to see the people, and make them fear and obey you! Come, now!"

The large saiyan reluctantly let Reina go and cracked his neck before stepping forward to the balcony and through the doors. The voice of the masses swelled as they saw him, but he soon put his hands in the air to silence them. As soon as the stadium was silent, he addressed them in a loud, booming voice:

"Today marks the end of the chaos moon, and ushers in a new season of the never ending sun cycle. I have chosen the festival so that all could witness my union. On this night, a new era shall begin, an era of prosperity if you all do as I command. On this night, I have found my Queen. I have finally found my mate. I have chosen the Princess Kyuri!"

He turned away from the crowd's cheers and murmurs and glanced inside to doors. Yume poked Reina with her staff and shooed her forward towards the balcony.

Reina gulped, glanced at her sister briefly, but she offered no support, just held her head down and fidgeted away from the balcony doors. Reina turned back to the King and with her head held high, she stepped through the doors to stand beside the King.

~Elsewhere, very close~

Rou came back some time later and marched all the prisoners out of the holding room and into the large stadium. They were filed into a corner of the stadium, where they were to wait until the festivities began. They were surrounded by gates and guards, so no hope for a breakout.

Vegeta stood away from the mass of dirty, starved prisoners, noting he didn't look any better, but still did not want to touch any of them. He could see into the stadium like structure. The roof was domed and covered, so flying out would not be an option. He grit his teeth in anger. He was trying to figure out what he could do, when the crowd suddenly swelled with cheers and applauses. Vegeta craned his head to try and see where everyone was looking, and saw a large balcony with banners of red and black adorning it. Tsk, the King. What a joke…

He wasted no thoughts on the so called King and turned away from his reverberating address, only to look back in horror as the King finished his speech.

"...I have finally found my mate. I have chosen the Princess Kyuri!"

Vegeta gasp and turned his head back to the balcony, and after shoving another prisoner roughly out of the way, he saw her.

She stepped out next to the King, and after the King leaned over and said something to her, she smiled and waved to the crowd. The crowd's cheers and hollers swelled even more at the sight of her, some even started a chant, Kyuri, Kyuri, Kyuri….he heard some of the prisoners start whispers of a lost princess.

Vegeta noticed the princess was still smiling and waving happily, and he scoffed. She does not look like she needs rescued at all…will she even care that I came? This is stupid! I should not have come-

Of course she will not care that you are here. I told you, she does not love you, oh hee hee hee…should of stayed home, oh ho ho ho…

Vegeta shut down his thoughts, angry at the old woman for invading them. He cleared his mind of all but the fight ahead of him. I will not die here, he told himself. I will escape and get back to my life, whatever is left of it. He turned away from the balcony, not able to stand looking at how gorgeous the girl was, because deep down, he knew, he wanted her for himself. He scoffed and crossed his arms, falling back into the shadows to wait for this so called death match. I will win….

Reina stepped out onto the balcony and stood next to the King. He leaned towards her slightly and whispered forcefully through clenched teeth, "Smile, act happy, or you will be sorry."

Reina forced a smile to her lips as she lifted her hand and waved, her eyes scanned the crowds. Her focus turned to the stadium floor, and around it. She knew from Rou's mind that Vegeta was down there, somewhere, waiting for the death match. She felt her heart flutter again in her chest, anxious to get the death match under way, so her plan to escape could commence. She continued to smile and wave until the King told her to sit on a chair on the balcony while he addressed the crowd again.

Reina sat, and after a few moments, Tsukemono and the old hag came and sat behind her chair and the King's.

The King was telling the crowd of the day's events, and Tsukemono took a moment to lean forward and talk to Reina, " Do what he says, quickly, and without argument-"

Reina turned and whispered, "I know! Geez, you guys don't have to keep telling me that. I get it, ok?"

Tsukemono looked hurt briefly, before she scoffed, "Fine, do whatever you want, you always did."

Reina rolled her eyes and turned back to the stadium. I don't need your help, you helped enough by bringing me here…Tsukemono did not respond. Reina turned her attention back to the King's address.

"…so first we have for your entertainment, the Rocharri Order preforming some airborne maneuvers."

The crowd cheered as the King turned and took his seat next to Reina. He sat there next to her, a bored look on his face as the winged riders entertained the masses. Soon, he turned to her, dragging his good eye over her form with a lusty gaze. Reina gulped, but smiled, hoping not to get backhanded, or worse. She turned her attention to the riders, forcing herself to focus only on them, and keep her mind blank, for now.

Vegeta slumped against a wall, arms crossed, waiting. A few of the other prisoners looked him over, but most turned away after they saw the scowl on his face. He did not care about any of them. In his mind, they were already dead. I will be doing you a favor, all of you. None of you will beat me! I am the prince of all….

He suddenly realized he was no long the prince of all saiyans. Apparently their were other universes that had a saiyan planet. He thought about this, then cleared his head again. Useless thoughts that can wait. Focus on this battle, for if you loose…

He frowned, and shook his head to clear it, yet again. He turned to the stadium when a roar went up from the crowd. The winged insects and their riders were doing airborne tricks to impress the peasants. His face turned upward on it's own to the balcony, high up in the stadium. He could not see the girl now, but he knew she was still up there. He closed his eyes and searched for her ki, and was surprised to find she was suppressing it. That, or she was weak too. He turned away again, knowing the old hag would find him looking for her and he could not have that.

Once the Rocharri Order were finished, some group of creatures put on a play and then some hours later, the King finally announced the start of the death match. Reina's interest perked up as she watched the "fighters" file into the stadium from below her position and to the left slightly. Reina watched anxiously as the group stumbled, limped or walked slowly into the center of the stadium. Her breath caught in her throat when she finally saw him.

He was among the last to enter, and he had on his familiar training spandex, but it was dirty, torn and bloody from his time in the dungeons. She gulped, her throat swelled closed, yet she tried her best to keep her thoughts, emotions, and facial expressions neutral. It was very challenging, but crucial that the old woman didn't catch on to her.

The King stood and walked to the edge of the balcony and addressed the crowd once again:

"These are this year's group of Death Seekers. They all have committed various crimes against our great nation, and shall be allowed to win their freedom, by fighting to death. A cart with weapons shall be provided. Fight well, and die with honor."

The crowd roared with excitement, and a soldier of the Rocharri Order used his winged mount to pull a cart out into the center of the stadium.

Rou stood at the edge of the stadium, watching and making sure no one tried to escape. He watched as all the prisoners looked from one another, horrified that the promised match had finally come. The cart rolled to a stop, and the soldier unhooked his mount and flung the brown cover off the back of the cart, revealing an ax, a sword, a spear, a mace, and a dagger.

The soldier then mounted his winged insect and flew up and out of the center of the stadium, retreating to a corner to patrol. Rou gave a signal to the King. The King nodded back, then raised his hands in the air, "Let the match BEGIN!"

Reina's heart fluttered uncontrollably as she watched the prisoners all scramble for the wagon. Some were trampled, some were bludgeoned, and some were so afraid, they did not even move once the match began. Reina tried to watch the battle calmly, but was having a hard time.

"…let the match BEGIN!" The words echoed in Vegeta's head as he stood still and waited. He knew everyone would go for the weapons, and all he had to do was wait, and they would kill each other.

A few prisoners had the same idea, yet they were fist fighting amongst themselves. Vegeta scoffed, crossed his arms, and watched. He ventured to glance up at the balcony, able to see more of it now. His eyes caught hers, watching him, yet her face held no emotions. Do you even recognize me? Or have you forgotten-

He stopped thinking after glancing behind the girl and seeing the old hag's crooked smile. He frowned, aware she was listening to him, surely. He turned away and watched the others.

After a few minutes, the battlefield was covered with crimson blood and dead bodies. The crowd's wild cheers and blood lust chants made Vegeta grit his teeth. He was reaching his limit of patience, and finally, when a prisoner turned to him and charged, Vegeta smiled and powered up.

In his weakened state, he did not gather much energy, but once the prisoner reached him, Vegeta lashed out, his fists connecting with the dirty alien over and over, pummeling the guy into a bloody pulp. Vegeta let the limp body fall to the stadium floor and noticed most of the prisoners had found solace there. Only a handful remained now, among them the large green alien Vegeta had collided with in the holding room. He narrowed his eyes, watching the large alien swing the lone sword into the guts of a yellow alien creature, effectively disemboweling him.

Reina watched anxiously as the prisoners died one after another. She tried not to focus on Vegeta, but her eyes were always drawn to his location, tracking him and watching. Once she made eye contact with him, but she could not risk sending him any messages for fear the old hag would hear. She watched him beat a smaller alien to death and shuddered unconsciously. Carefully, she closed her eyes, and searched for his energy signature. It was still weak, but still stronger than she imagined. She opened her eyes again and continued to watch, bidding her time, while making sure nothing happened to he prince before she could rescue him.

Just four left. The green behemoth of an alien seemed to have the crowd's favor as he sliced into another alien's flesh, severing an arm before stabbing the guy in the chest. A gurgle of blood, then there were three.

Vegeta stood where he was, away from the other two. The one creature was of a medium build, and had a spear in his hand, thrusting it into the space between himself and the burly green guy. The green alien was covered in blood and panting heavily, but his eyes glinted with battle lust. Vegeta smirked and walked slowly towards the two, watching.

The green guy charged the smaller creature, slapping the spear down and away with the bloody sword in his hand before jumping and swinging the sword down into the shocked creature's shoulder, almost slicing it off. Blood poured from the open wound, and the spear fell to the ground as the creature sank to his knees and toppled forward face down in the dirt.

The crowd went wild. Vegeta closed the distance and picked up the spear from the fallen alien. He held it up in front of him and braced his feet on the ground, watching as the green alien's face turned to him and recognition flashed across his features.

The green behemoth threw his head back and laughed. He looked back at Vegeta and pointed the sword at the prince's throat, "Give up now, and I will give you a clean death, saiyajin."

Vegeta smirked, "Hmph, funny, I was thinking the same thing, trash!" He pointed the spear point up and at the green monster's throat, and waited for him to move.

The green alien's face contorted with rage as he lunged for Vegeta. Vegeta stabbed at the alien, stopping him, then swung the spear down in a leg sweep at the green monster's legs. The sharp spear point sliced open the green alien's flesh, causing him to fall to the ground.

Vegeta exhaled sharply as he took a step forward, propelling the spear into the chest cavity of the larger man.

The green alien's eyes showed disbelief, as he lurched, gurgled up blood, then fell over into the sand. He twitched for a few seconds, then laid still. Vegeta pulled the spear back, looked at it uncertainly, then tossed it aside. His head rose as a Rocharri soldier flew over to his location and thrust his hand skyward, "The winner, the famous Prince of ALL saiyans, Vegeta!" The soldiers voice was laced with sarcasm and Vegeta sneered.

The crowd had mixed emotions, some cheered, some booed, and some were murmuring in remembrance of times long ago.

Rou frowned from his place on the sideline. You were not suppose to survive…guess I will have to take care of you myself…

Reina's stomach twisted into knots when the larger green alien charged on Vegeta. She bit her lower lip, her nails dug into the chair then she watched as Vegeta pulled the spear from the fallen man's chest, tossed it aside, and Reina relaxed. She leaned back as a whoosh of air escaped her. She felt a wave of de ja vú wash over her, but she shook it off. The soldier came and declared Vegeta the winner, and Reina had to suppress a smile. Of course he would win...

Suddenly there was a streak of energy as someone flew out onto the battlefield.

Reina got up from her chair, shock on her face.

Rou was walking towards Vegeta.

Author's notes:

Oh man! Hate to leave it there….oh who am I kidding, cliffhangers are great! Lol…soooo….yeah, of course Vegeta would win…and that battle with the green guy sounds familiar….hmmm…maybe you should go back to the second chapter and re read a dream someone had, hehehe.

Ok, so next chapter soon, promise! Things will happen pretty quick next chapter, but I will tell you this….Reina and Vegeta will escap back to Earth. How you ask? Come back and find out! *wink*

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Until next time,

~K