The scene opens to Kristen's office in the big scary castle. Only instead of Kristen sitting at her desk, there is a sign standing up. The sign reads:

Welcome to the fifth chapter of Shattered Raindrops. Please read and review. We do so love reviews.

An incredibly sexy anime woman with long, flowing white hair that has a silver tint stands in front of the desk. She sighs and stomps out of the room.

In another room that is a living room, Kristen is sitting in a big, comfortable, black chair and is sipping tea. Aden is sprawled out on a black-red couch. They're both watching on a big screen t.v. what appears to be an anime.

Aden: So this is Ayashi no Ceres?

Kristen: Yeah. Great anime, huh?

Aden: I can see why lots of girls like it.

Kristen: Yeah. Yu Watase is supreme goddess.

"Ahem. What are you two doing?"

Both Aden and Kristen look up to see that the newcomer is the anime woman.

Kristen: Who are you?

Newcomer: Why I'm Icee (pronounced Icy), the form of your self- conscience. Speedy sent me to check up on things because Aden's not been doing his job.

Kristen: Meeps.

Aden: Help!

Icee: Yes. So get to work!

Pulls out a huge-ass mallet and starts chasing Kristen and Aden. Kristen quickly stops in front of the screen.

Kristen: Enjoy the fic and remember the usual disclaimer. The only ones I don't own are Vegita and Bulma. *Screams and runs off with Aden. Icee follows close behind swinging the mallet.*

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Vegita landed at the edge of town. He looked around. There was virtually no one in sight. Then he spotted a tavern. Could she be there? Or perhaps someone there knew something? Vegita made his way.

The tavern was, thankfully for Vegita, not crowded. There were several people there, but no Bulma. He walked over to the counter. The bartender, a somewhat elderly man, walked over to where the great Prince sat.

"What can I do for you?" he asked while drying a glass. Vegita looked up at him with dark eyes.

"Tell me, have you heard or met any offworlders recently?" The man looked up thoughtfully.

"Well, let's see. Ah yes." He sat the glass down. "I believe the fella over there is from another world. I also heard rumors that Zerren was here a while ago."

"Zerren?" Vegita asked. He was sure that he'd heard that name before.

"Don't really quite know who Zerren is. Just heard his name a few times. I spend my time working, ya see, and I don't really get out much. But, why don't ya try asking the fella over there. I'm sure he might know."

"I suppose," Vegita said gruffly, feeling somewhat disappointed. The bartender noticed the scowl on Vegita's face.

"So what's bothering ya? You look like the sort who just lost his one love."

Vegita jumped off his stool. "NANI?" The bartender softly chuckled.

"See? Here, have a drink. It's on the house." The man poured some dark purple liquid into the glass that he'd cleaned and pushed into to Vegita. "Go talk to the guy. He might be able to help you."

Vegita reluctantly took the drink and downed it in one gulp. He slammed the glass on the counter and started walking off.

"Good luck to ya. I have a feeling everything will work out," the bartender called out. Vegita barely heard him. He walked over to the table where the offworlder sat. As Vegita reached the table, he pulled out a chair and plopped down. He gave the stranger a glare.

"I take it you're not from here?" Vegita asked, but mostly stated. The other nodded.

"Hai. How could you tell?" he asked. Vegita looked up and noticed that this person was young. Probably around seventeen or eighteen. The youth had wavy, short sandy blonde hair and deep green eyes. His skin was dark, probably from spending so much time in the sun.

"You seem nervous. You keep eyeing everyone here. And the fact that the bartender told me," Vegita said offhandedly. "What's your name, boy?"

"Omi," he stuttered.

"Omi?"

"Hai. And who are you?"

"No one to really concern yourself about. So why are you here?"

"I'm traveling to Vedra. Well, I was. But that was until my companion was arrested for carrying illegal cargo. So now I'm looking for a ride."

"Hmph. Happens. Enough with this small talk!" Vegita hit the table with his hand, startling Omi. Omi looked at him with wide eyes. "Have you seen a woman with blue hair and light skin?"

"No."

"Well, have you at least heard of a man named Zerren?" Omi's eyes widened more.

"Zerren was here?!" Vegita looked at him and crossed his arms.

"From what I've heard, yes. Now tell me who he is!"

"He's a slave trader. One of the worst. His reputation is great."

"Where can I find this Zerren?"

"If he's not here, then he'd probably be at some world that allows slave selling. Like, maybe, Tanrede or Vedan."

"Fine. Good luck with your trip." And with that Vegita stood up and was about to leave.

"Wait! You have a ship?" Vegita turned around.

"Yes. What's it to you, boy?"

"Please, take me with you."

"And why should I?" Vegita asked, eying him wearily.

"I know people and I won't get in your way. I can help you. Please?"

Vegita thought for a moment. True, he'd never really been in this system much to know it, so he might need a little help.

"Fine! But stay the hell out of my way!" Omi smiled and grabbed a traveling bag. He ran over to Vegita.

"I owe you." Vegita shrugged.

"Whatever. But you had better be true to your word boy. I am not one to mess with."

"Hai," Omi gulped. And they both left.

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Vegita and Omi stepped into the ship. Vegita shut the door and started for the control panel while Omi stared at his surroundings.

Vegita looked at the readings over the warp drive. It showed that the woman had only finished half of it before disappearing. He began typing in coordinates. Omi walked up to him.

"Where are we going?"

"We're heading to Tanrede," Vegita responded without looking up. "It'll take some time. So stay on the upper level and don't disturb me!" Omi jumped back.

"Hai," he squeaked and quickly made his way up the ladder. Vegita continued typing on the console.

'Where are you, woman?'

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The door opened and Toya stepped into the room, practically dragging Bulma. During the walk Bulma had awoken from her daze, but allowed Toya to drag her back to the ship. She didn't really see much point in arguing with him.

As they entered the room, Toya set Bulma on the bed. The instant he did so, Bulma quickly jumped up and started moving away from him. Toya, somewhere between confused and worried, took a step towards her.

"Are you alright? Are you hurt?" His eyes looked her over, searching for any sign of injury. Bulma shook her head.

"No. It's just that every guy I've met so far has either tried to rape me or kidnap me." She looked at him, her eyes brimming with tears. "How can I be sure that I'm safe with you? How can I trust you?"

Toya took another step towards her, rather unsure as to what to say.

"Bulma, I understand if you question your safety, but you have my oath, my word that I'll protect you with my life. I will not allow any harm to come to you." He held out a hand to her. "I make this a blood vow that nothing should harm or befall you."

Bulma looked over at Toya. His eyes were intense, compassionate, and sincere.

"I'm sorry. Please forgive me for questioning you." Toya held up a hand.

"It's okay. Given your situation and what you've been through, I cannot blame you. But for now, can we not be friends?"

"Friends? I'd like that," Bulma sniffled. Toya gave a warm smile.

"Then I am happy. Please, get some rest. We shall be arriving at Vedra soon. And much to my dismay, there is a banquet that is to be thrown. To welcome my arrival. It is my deep wish that you'd accompany me."

"Like a date?" Bulma asked. Toya frowned.

"I am not sure what that means."

"It means to go out with someone and do things together," she explained.

"I suppose they are of a similarity. Will you accompany me though?"

"Sure. Sounds fun."

"With you, it'll will be fun," Toya said, flashing her a great smile.

"I suppose I should get some rest," Bulma stated, changing the subject.

"Yes. You should," Toya agreed. "I shall come back shortly before landing time."

After saying that, Toya left and Bulma changed to go to bed.

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Toya sat in his quarters, brushing his long hair. An older man of early forties paced the room. He was wearing a baggy sleeved, knee- length gray tunic and dark brown pants with brown shoes.

"It is almost time for our arrival on Vedra, Sire."

"Hai. I take it the banquet is tonight?" Toya asked, looking in the mirror.

"Hai. Have you told the young woman?"

"I have. Tell me advisor, do you not wonder how things are when we go on these tours?"

"What do you mean, Sire?" the advisor stuttered. Toya frowned and stopped brushing for a moment.

"I mean, is there reason to question Genrou's motives?"

"I really have not noticed."

"Oh well. I suppose I should keep an eye out for him." Toya put the brush down and stood up. "Now if you'll excuse me, loyal advisor, but I must go to meet Lady Bulma."

"She is a lovely girl," the advisor mused absently.

"That she is," Toya agreed. The other man looked at him wearily.

"But you still do not truly know her."

"But I am learning," Toya said on his and Bulma's behalf.

"I suppose."

"Good. Now prep for landing," the young Emperor ordered and left.

The advisor sighed and left the room.

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Vegita collapsed on the floor. Without the warp drive, the trip to Tanrede was gong to take a day and a half. So he spent that half training without a break.

It was quiet. Vegita smirked. That boy, Omi, hadn't made a single sound since they had left. He apparently meant it when he said he would stay out of the way. His thoughts were interrupted as his stomach began growling. Answering to his stomach's demands, Vegita made his way to the upper level where he'd earlier stored some food.



Upon raiding the fridge, Vegita scanned the room for the young hitchhiker. He finally found him lying on the bed, staring at the ceiling.

"WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?" Vegita barked, startling the poor boy. Omi jumped up, standing.

"Nothing. I was just thinking," he stammered quickly. Vegita smirk.

"Tip for survival kid, grow a damn spine. You won't get far in a lot of places being as polite and weak as you are." Omi slowly sat down on the edge of the bed. He looked at the ground.

"Hai, sir. I'll try."

"Do, don't try. You'll never truly succeed if you just try," Vegita pointed out between bites of his sandwich.

"Hai!" Vegita finished his sandwich.

"Whatever." He went downstairs to train some more.

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Bulma and Toya stood together at the bottom of the ship. Toya in his traveling garb, the black cloak that covered him and Bulma wearing the outfit she'd acquired earlier. Toya gently took her hand.

"We are to take the caravan through the city to my palace. There we must part. I'm terribly sorry, but I will see you later. And you will be in the best of care."

Bulma nodded.

The caravan arrived. Toya helped Bulma in and climbed in after her. They began moving.

Bulma looked out. The city was huge, but magnificent. Ahead, she could see what looked to be a great palace. Toya noticed.

"Welcome to my planet. Welcome to Vedra."



To be continued.



Scene opens to Kristen's office. Kristen pops up from behind the desk she's hiding under.

Kristen: (in low voice) Hi minna. Hope you enjoyed this chapter. In the next chapter we learn more of Omi and find out about Genrou. Please review.

Aden pops up beside.

Aden: Good job. Next time, you can pick out a better hiding place, oh smart one.

Kristen glares at him. Suddenly the door flies open and Icee walks in.

Icee: I know you're here. Come out.

Aden squeaks in fear. Kristen, feeling rather insulted, picks up Aden and throws him at Icee. Icee gives him an evil grin.

Aden: TRAITOR!!!!!

Kristen: Surprised? Never insult me! *She quickly runs out a different door, leaving Aden to a dreadful fate.*