Author's Note: I've noticed that Chapter 26 was not visible when viewed from the DBZ general window, even though I could preview it through my account. I've deleted it and reposted it to avoid any difficulties.

Chapter 26: Spent Ashes

Reitoko was frozen, a statue in his crater of sand. Slumped over his shoulder was the cold, motionless form of his former protege. Her skin had turned practically white, tainted with the slightest tinge of flesh color. Her wet, matted crimson hair hung over open, empty eyes. For a moment, Reitoko's eyes resembled hers, giving no light, nor taking any in.

Focus returned to him, as his sight fixed on the body. He blinked twice, as if he didn't recognize who it was that now lay lifeless upon him. Slowly, but surely, Reitoko began to lower Mura down onto the damp sand. As her head rested upon the soaked, Reitoko could only gaze into purple eyes that did not gaze back.

A white hand hovered over the eyes. When it had passed over, they had been shut, and the color of azure had vanished.

Ovosh witnessed the scene from afar. In a near-trance, she began to shuffle down to the center of the crater. She could feel the toll Mura had inflicted upon her body. As she labored ahead, minor fractures in lesser bones could be detected. Moving each joint was akin to stopping a streaking meteor. Yet, no pain was felt, so she continued on.

The Arcosian did not acknowledge her presence once she had made it down. Yet, Ovosh's attention lay not on Reitoko. She could feel steely coldness wash over her body as she gazed at the corpse of her fallen enemy.

"Am I to share her fate?" she asked, keeping her eyes on Mura.

Reitoko's head finally rose, and his eyes settled on the girl. Ovosh's appearance, however, did not appear to break his dreary melancholy. Upon pondering her question, did he veer his sight upwards yet again, contemplating the dying storm. The black backdrop of heaven had yielded to sunlight. Clouds had lightened and grayed as they parted and shrunk. His sight returned to Ovosh, and he shook his head.

"You come from a different life," he countered, "and you were cut from a different cloth."

Reitoko straightened his posture, surveying the area around him. He could see the curved walls crafted by the Genki Dama. He could not see anyone else.

"The others." he mentioned,"We'll have to attend to them. This battle took a lot out of us."

On what they had left, both made a ki-empowered jump. They cleared the walls of the crater, and landed softly on the debris-stained edge.

Phonium was currently under the care of Mrs. Smitter, who had already wrapped white strips around his torso. A handheld device was currently being waved around an area of his back as he lay face down. The lights shined with such intensity that they tinted the bandages.

In the distance, Victor had ventured far from his pod. His footprints left a long straight trail back to the metal contraption. He had currently made it to the fallen form of Oriko. The mechanic had crouched down, inspecting her state. The warrior's eyes were squeezed shut, dismissing any possibility of consciousness, while the surrounding sands were stained red. Several grievous burns marked her arms, and the puncture in her should had only appeared to expand. Victor's nervous disposition relaxed, however, upon observing Oriko's chest rising and falling.

Reitoko continued to scan the area of the now dilapidated battle field. His red eyes were searching for Percy, who he noticed was currently missing, having accounted for the rest of Z.

As if an answer to his thoughts, he heard Ovosh say next to him, "The Iceni has been incapacitated."

"He must have crashed far from here." Reitoko speculated.

Their attention was drawn to the sky. From it another figure descended. Ovosh could not recognize the ki signature of the individual arriving. Yet, she was far too spent to prepare for yet another battle.

As the figure drew closer, it became clear that there were two individuals arriving instead of one. One was flying on presumably ki, while the other was carried under the shoulders.

As they came into focus, Ovosh could recognize them as the two NTF top-ranked in command. Helena slowed her descent as she carefully placed Koth upon the moist sandy ground. He adjusted his dark military cap, gazing at Reitoko with steel grey eyes.

Reitoko proceeded to return the favor.

"I see you've defeated the menace." Koth observed, his brows rising from behind his cap, "Too bad the town of Sunder is no more. You have cost my people greatly Arcosian."

"I can assist with temporary housing if necessary." Reitoko offered.

"Really? "The admiral's gloved hand rose to his chin, "In the state your band of warriors are in?"

Reitoko opened his mouth, but could only weakly utter, "I ..."

The Arcosian was silenced by the raising of Koth's hand. The very same hand then reached into his side pocket. "I guess the Neo-Terran Front has to do everything." said Koth, as he produced a black transmitter. The device went up to his face, obscuring his mouth.

Mere minutes after the order had been given, blocky NTF ships hovered over the desolated town. They landed with slow monolithic grace, kicking up rain-stained sand. Several men in dark NTF uniform marched out of the dark hulls, spreading out to assist Z's fallen.

NTF minions carrying mechanics rushed over to the distant wreckage of the Iceni. Three of them, meanwhile, were assisting Victor in hauling the titanic form of Oriko to a more serviceable position. Others simply stood around as they watched Mrs. Smitter continue her patch up of Phonium.

As activity rushed around them, Koth stood still, looking at the overcast sky. The clouds were now darker than ever, but that was because the day was near it's end. He had been taken by his own thoughts, it appeared. His grey eyes were in the clouds they stared at. His communicator was down at his side, held by a limp hand.

Reitoko broke the peace Koth had found himself in. "I know there has been a lot that you have lost Koth, but this isn't over."

Koth was jolted from his trance. Shaking his head, he turned to the Arcosian, raising an eyebrow. "No?"

"They're still out there, the Empire." Reitoko said, his face turning dark. "I know they've been watching. Any day now, I will look to hear their boots marching upon Sanctuary."

Koth glared at the Arcosian, "They're not taking this planet. Not from me at least. Convincing the others will be interesting to say the least?"

A small smile formed upon Reitoko, neither characterized as derisive, nor malicious. In fact, it appeared as if he was relieved. "Are you saying, even after all of this, you're still with me?"

"This is an alliance of convenience, Arcosian." Koth shot back, "Once the Empire is dealt with, I will restore humanity to its former glory, a glory you won't be part of."

Reitoko's smile didn't disappear. "I see."

There was a rumble in the sky. More figures had materialized, their telltale streaks of ki streaming towards the two. Reitoko could feel resentment in the air, even before he reached out with his senses to confirm who it was. But, as the figures came into focus, the Arcosian figured he didn't even need his senses to guess who had arrived.

O'brian floated towards the two, his white cape swept by resisting winds. He was flanked by his two assistants, the pudgy form of Stern, and the lanky figure of Silver. Both were dressed rather simply, yet formally in black suits over white shirts.

They landed lightly. O'brian's slicked gray hair was now ruffled. His usually regal outfit was wrinkled and windswept. And there was never a time where he shown more wrinkles on his face. Breathing heavily, he marched the rest of the way.

"Reitoko," he huffed, "explain yourself!"

Reitoko's eyes shifted to Koth, before the focused on O'brian once more.

"I don't know what there is to explain." he responded, shrugging his shoulders.

Behind him, Stern lay a thick finger on his glasses. "Scouters reported massive power spikes, enough to render the planet into cosmic dust." he explained in a far calmer voice than his superior, "What happened here?"

The Arcosian's eyes narrowed. Slits were the only windows his beady red eyes could look through, and they were focused on O'brian. The guardian leader, in contrast, was wide-eyed, allowing the thin red veins within to be easily displayed.

"I was simply getting my affairs in order." Reitoko said in a calm matter, as if nothing had occured just prior.

"Oh really?" O'brian shot back, crossing his arms. Venomous sarcasm had invaded his voice. "And this had nothing to do with that woman demanding your custody? Nothing to do with the fact that your stubborn refusal could have doomed us all?"

"My custody would be no guarantee of safety, knowing Mura," Reitoko retorted, maintaining his stoic composure. "But, if I have anything to apologize for, it is teaching her in the first place."

O'brian opened his mouth, but upon seeing Reitoko raise a finger, he closed it. "This mistake will not be made again."

Again, O'brian tried to object, but only air came out, as he witnessed the Acosiaon approaching him, his tail slithering like a snake behind him.

"And that isn't the end of our problems." Reitoko's voice had become deeper, raspier and had taken upon a foreboding quality. In response to the last statement, O'brian let out a knowing groan. A bony hand was raised to his face, massaging his temples.

"Very well, I will give you an audience." O'brian relented, not even making eye-contact with Reitoko.

"Be sure the other groups on Sanctuary are notified." Reitoko reminded him, "And if you don't wish to bother, I'll invite them."

"Are you so sure they'll be willing, considering the circumstances?" O'brian's question was punctuated with an accusing glare in Koth's direction.

"They have no choice." The Arcosian answered.

...

The business with the Guardians had concluded. O'brian and his lackeys had departed, haughtily flying away. Now, the entirety of the now-damaged organization was gathered around the damaged hulk of the Iceni.

Ovosh effortlessly lifted a large metallic structure. It was a new engine for the Iceni. The sheen on the steel surface contrasted sharply with the dulled, somewhat rusted surface exterior of the other motor. As the girl settled the hulking piece of machinery in place, Victor whizzed around it, drawing upon countless tools to affix it into its proper position.

Several NTF-uniformed men milled around in the rugged halls of the intact structure, under the frequent and instruction of Percy. At each order growled from the former mercenary's mouth, they could only roll their eyes.

In the cockpit, the dashboard had been dismantled. Wires and computer chips hung in a technical curtain. Mr. Smitter lay on the floor, his glasses replaced with goggles that jutted out nearly one inch from his eyes. A wisp of smoke emitted from the hand held soldiering iron in his hand, as he fused another wire to a silicone plate.

Soon, the sun was behind them. Temporary settlements were established around the more-intact hulk of the Iceni. Percy had gone off to the barracks along with Oriko. Mr. Smitter had decided to make the cockpit his bedroom for that day, through no conscious decision of his own.

Phonium was still being administered treatment on the ground. A hulking metal brace had been fitted around his torso. Those uneducated in the medical discipline would mistaken it for some sort of bulky armor, as the aggressive and angular juts from the metallic face of the device added most significantly to the Namekian's already intimidating profile.

Despite all his power, Phonium felt quite content to lay there. Even if the brace would be a paperweight to someone of his strength, it felt to him as if the Capella suns themselves had been condensed into it. As Mrs. Smitter continued to scan his biometrics and make minor adjustments, Ovosh remained standing over him. Her skin, marked with bruises and caked blood from battle, were now accompanied by fresh oil smudges.

"Forgive me." Ovosh apologized, her face somber, "Such a fracture would cripple you forever."

"Not with Dr. Smitter's expertise." Phonium countered, eliciting a small smile from the doctor, "But I'm afraid I won't be able to further mentor you in this state."

"That's where I come in."

Ovosh raised her brow, looking behind her. Standing behind her was the Arcosian, appearing taller and prounder than ever. It was as if Reitoko had been there the entire time.

"Seeing as Phonium is unfit for duty, and what valiant duty he gave, I will be taking over for him." Reitoko announced, "Your lessons will resume shortly."

Ovosh exhaled in surprise. Phonium, however, appeared rather nonchalant of the announcement.

"Quite quick on the uptake." he observed.

" The Empire will never rest." Reitoko explained, "And after what I saw at the Budokai Tenkaichi, they are bringing their best."

His red eyes retained their usual piercing glare, as he appeared to stare into the depths of Ovosh's mind. "Under my tutelage, I will teach you how to beat them."

There was a swelling feeling inside of her, as if a great fire had been reignited. Ovosh's hands, once limp at her waist, were now tightened into fists. "Indeed," she said with much conviction.

There was a gust of wind, yet from an unexpected direction. The night air was cool and crisp, and Ovosh could feel herself shivering.

"One more thing," the Namekian broke the silence, "Because of my injury, I'm afraid I'll have to resign as leader of Z."

"Well then," Reitoko smirked, hints of a chuckle in his voice, "I guess the burden of leadership lies on me-"

"What makes you think that?" the Namekian countered. Mischief, a rare phenomenon for him, materialized upon his face, "I am giving the position to Percy."

Indeed, the captain's hearing appeared for but a moment to match the Namekian's. Percy's bushy head poked out of the hangar entrance, a quizzical look on his face. "What was that?"

"Your injury has made you delirious," the Arcosian accused, "even more so than a dry desert day."

The smile on Phonium had turned from one of tomfoolery, into something sincere. "But, in all seriousness, it is great that you're back. The Arcosian filled with fire and fury that I met all those years ago, is the one we'll need against the Empire."

And as he said that, he beheld fire and fury iwithin Reitoko's eyes once more.

...

The inside of the Imperial compound was as dark and silent as always. Clean metal shielded from all sunlight. Visible sight only benefited from the glow of buttons, and the glare of computer screens. Every operative stayed glued to their monitors, not appearing to pay mind to the three near the back of the room.

Markova's black eyes veered over each screen. Her arms were crossed. Her posture was impeccable as always. Flanking her were Bolshoy and Meya, both with their hands behind their backs.

The woman's breath increased it's rate every monitor she viewed from her position in the back of the room. A gloved finger began to tap her arm.

"Z is licking their wounds." she observed, "I can feel it. If we were to strike now, they will cease to be."

The deflating objection from behind chimed in, "Z is not the only concern of the Emperor."

"When he makes a decision, all factors are considered," Bolshoy added on, "factors that our small minds cannot fathom."

Markova's eye twitched at both of her companion's voicing their objections. Letting out a small exhale, her head veered around, eyeing them sternly.

"Even though we are but one step away from the Emperor himself?" she asked, "Surely we should have some degree of clairvoyance."

Markova could feel herself attempting to pull back the tone of her voice. Once she had finished, she glared at Meya, awaiting his counter.

"You have improved over the course, but you are still underdeveloped," Meya stated, resulting in Markova twitching her eye once more, "Our Emperor has lived for nearly a millennium. Imagine what effects that has on the mind, what information it processes. Then you may grasp the breadth of what he considers."

The Right Hand felt her lip curl. Her mouth was closed, yet her teeth were clenching, creating visible dimples in her jawline. Yet, in her mind, Meya's justification was logical. Despite her rational, she could still feel her heart beat hasten.

Her focus was broken as a high pitched noise sounded from a device near the back of the room. Where the three stood, there was an empty space, free of any operative or computer. A circular device with a white emitter marking it's center was the only electronic occupying the area.

Another light entered the room. The emitter began to glow, until light was projected upwards. This light became almost corporeal, and it took the shape of a hooded figure.

The Emperor's hologram stared silently at his three servants. Immediately, all activity in the room had ceased. No keys were pressed, and all eyes had departed from their monitors, and instead stared at the Emperor's image. Even certain electronic noises had become quieter as a result.

"Right Hand," stated the Emperor, his deep voice muffled from signal degradation, "your efforts have accelerated our plans for the system. For this, you are to be commended. "

Markova bowed, closing her eyes, "I am honored, my lord."

As she rose up, the hooded figure turned around, appearing to address all who were present in the room. "The time is upon us. Sanctuary is within our grasp. The last remnants of Terrans who abandoned us will be reunited. It is though unity, that we have been able to subdue the heretics of the galaxy. And it is through the integration of these wayward rebels, that the Empire will further its strength."

The Emperor resumed his focus on the three. His piercing red eyes burned into Markova. She felt her thoughts, those known to her, and those unknown to her made bare.

"Right Hand." he addressed, "An Inquisitor-class capital ship with twelve legions, and a subspace stabilizer will be at your disposal. You will form the spear which pierces the gullet of this beast."

As he said this, Markova could see a hand move into view from the bottom of a screen. It formed a tight fist.

"Such a responsibility," she said, bowing once more, "I will not fail you."

The hand was then stretched out. Though the hologram would not permit it, Markova could feel the ethereal touch of his hand upon her head. A cold shiver traveled down her spine, and despite her better knowledge, she attempted to conceal such a weakness.

"You will not." he assured, though his voice had adopted a threatening quality.

But then, it was back to business, "Time is of the essence. The rest of our forces are assembling from all over the Empire. Go forth, and ..."

As if by instinct, everyone in the room, in perfect synchronization, performed the Imperial salute with static definition, as they shouted along with their ruler, "ALL HAIL THE EMPIRE!"

The hologram then vanished. Markova's eyes ceased their consistent twitch. Fingers no longer tapped upon her arm. And the cold shiver she had felt, was replaced by a fierce flame. As she looked upon the denizens of the Galactic Terran Empire perform their tasks with joyless precision, a small smile formed on her face.

Author's Note: This was a short chapter, a "breather" if you will, before we get into some really big action. There's only a couple of weeks until the finale to part 1 of this story. Thanks to those 11 or so who have stuck through this, I hope you've been enjoying the ride.