Hey everyone! Another fast update.. I've had a lot of time on my hands. Thanks 'Shades Of Danger Fan', (I like your name!), I e-mailed you about five minutes ago! I hope you like this chapter! Carrots and Veggies, why does all the bad stuff happen to Veggie? I don't know... maybe because he's the main character of this fic.. Oh well; keep up with your great reviews! Teenage Saiyagirl, you think it could win a contest? Wow.. thanks! That's really nice.. Oh, btw, I love your story 'Broken Glass'! It's awesome! Update it soon! Terra, I love torturing everyone with suspense! MWHAHAHA! Thanks for the compliments.. I hope this chapter came as soon as you expected! Chuquita, O_O;; maybe one of your guesses are right.. Oh, and I'm glad to see that you noticed something about the time.. Maybe it's important. Butterfly, Suspense huh? I love suspense.. besides horror, suspense is my fav genre! Venni, I'm glad we got things sorted out. I'm also glad you like the fic! Noctorro, I'm so sorry about not reviewing your fanfic!! I reviewed again today! It seriously is a classic. Please update soon! Ssjgoddesschico, thanks so much for telling me I have a good chance! Your so nice.. And finally, Imbegaladhiel, wow. Your review was so awesome. It's the best review I've ever gotten in any of my stories.. thanks! Thanks for everything.. for saying it has to win the contest, for being put on your fav lists.. thank you! Keep up your reviews everyone! Their the only inspiration I have!

Anywho, some of your reviews say that you have no idea who the murderer is. Good! I want you all to guess until the very end! So, I have a little dare for all the reviewers,.. in every chapter, I want everyone to guess who you think the killer is. After all, in this chapter it explains everything.. how all the puzzle pieces fit into this big jigsaw. Pay close attention.. this is pretty much the best part of the story.

Oh, btw, did anyone notice my chapter titles? Their all danger messages, or their warning you about something. I thought that was pretty cool considering the title of the fic is 'Shades Of Danger'. Anyway, enjoy this chapter! It's going to be really long as the saiyans figure out the mystery.. __________________________________________________________________________________

Blood. Even the name ran happiness through his heart. It was warm to the touch, and it's texture was so rich and thick. He smirked tauntingly; he loved the job of striking fear into the prince's heart. Little by little he would let him know of the mystery he himself had created. The wall was cold, seeming of the absence that the room contained. The prince used to be in this room many times, training and trying to get stronger. What a weakling. As if any of his pathetic attempts would actually work. They never have in the past, why would they now? Oh well.. you could never get anything through Vegeta's thick headed ego. His mural was almost done; now covering half of the wall. 12 feet wide across, and 13 feet length wise. How he loved paving these mind games; too bad they were almost over. That night, his fun would be over. Because the prince will be dead.. no more fun. At least he would enjoy killing the royal saiyan second by second.. he'd torture him first. Maybe rip up his skin so the crimson blood flowed down his face.. maybe drain all the blood that his body held. Ah.. how fun. He would have to wait however.. until dusk arose it's ugly head.

***

The frosty air whipped across the saiyan's hair, making his onyx hair wave about in the fast wind. Snow was splashed around the whole forest; it was all so beautiful. A smile overtook his lips, causing happiness to spread throughout his system. Winter had been his favorite holiday, and for good reason. The Christmas spirit was so strong and it made everyone come together and forget their differences. Snow was always a dominant feature, -- he loved playing in the snow with Gohan and Goten. Making snow angels and snowmen, and of coarse, Chi Chi would be forced to play along with them. Funny; if the holiday was supposed to bring people together and forget hatred, why the hell did Vegeta almost get murdered? He shook his head, wanting to forget about the incredibly hard task that destiny laid before him. But the thoughts refused to shake out of his mind. Goku frowned, an unsettling feeling washing over his senses. Once the topic was stuck in his head, it was impossible to get out. It was like an annoying song that kept repeating in your head..

His feet pounded onto the hard pavement, snapping his mind and thoughts back to reality. He walked to the front door, and opened it slowly. The sound of beeps and random clicks could be heard from all around him, signaling that something major was happening. Doctors and nurses alike rushed throughout the hallways; some running up stairs, the others hurrying up the elevators. A cold chill ran down the saiyan's spine.. he hated seeing other people in a rush, especially if their rushing to save someone's life. According to all the doctors rushing to the scene, it seemed as if a very important person was almost dying..

"Haven't you heard? That guy.. what's his name, almost got killed again!"

"Oh! You must be talking about Bulma Brief's husband Vegeta.. yeah.. he must be a death magnet or something.."

"Do you know if he's in critical condition or not?"

"I don't know.. all I know is he's badly injured.. if he goes into another coma, he could suffer from shock-"

Goku couldn't hear anymore; his heart slammed and beat loudly across his chest. Terror ran through his system, making his palms and face sweaty. What the hell.. Vegeta almost got murdered? -- again!? This couldn't be happening! No.. Vegeta would definitely not slip into another coma.. it just wasn't possible. He couldn't! ..What happened last night? Did the killer really pay another visit? Damn! And Goku let the inevitable happen all over again?

His knees gave out, and the saiyan fell to the floor unexpectedly. Here it went again.. the feeling of absolute dread and guilt. When would this all be over? Goku had probably just faced more reality in the past few days than most people would ever face in a lifetime.. it was too much. The pressure and stress compressed his heart, making it feel as if it's been squashed together by some imaginable force. His eyes watered this time; the tears so longingly wanting to escape his irises. His whole body shook from the shock; DAMN! This was all too familiar.. there was only one word the saiyan could utter through his tightly firm lips..

"No.."

***

The air conditioned room had a murky atmosphere, but pretty much the same as it always had been. The cake ingredients were still laid on table; her and Trunks always had so much fun baking chocolate cakes. Despite the fact about his stubborn nature, her son actually enjoyed spending some quality time with her. After all, she knew Vegeta would be busy training or 'important things that don't concern anyone' things. She smiled.. that was her husband for you. This sadness stabbed her heart.. the realization struck her instantly, knocking common sense into her mind. Vegeta wasn't here.. he was in the hospital.. just barely surviving his dreadful ten day long coma.. the words that had just crossed her head were almost hard to believe. Her husband? In a coma, just barely surviving? Despite all of her extensive knowledge, she hadn't even known that those words could be used in the same sentence.. it was all too unbelievable.

A sound startled her thoughts, making her eyes look to the left of the room. A small boy with an all too recognizable orange gi appeared, standing next to a strikingly handsome purple-haired kid. She smiled.

"Hey Goten.. hey Trunks. What can I do for you?"

Trunks crossed his arms, leaning against the table the way he'd seen his father do so many times before. Goten smiled cheerfully, running his hand on the back of his head.

"Hey Bulma.. can I have some orange juice?"

Subconsciously, the woman got up from her chair and rushed to the fridge. She took out the enormous pitcher of the orange, tasty liquid and set it on the table. She took out three cups and instantly put ice cubes inside them. She then cautiously poured the juice inside the three cups, and passed one to Goten.

"Thanks!"

She looked hastily at her son, who was almost half-way through his glass. She raised her eyebrow in wonder, a small glint of expectation and anger shone through them. She fixed her glare at her son.

"What do you say?"

Trunks, who wiped away his lip from the mark of the fruit drink, crossed his arms and sighed.

"Thank you mom.." He replied, a mono tone of voice spread with his answer. His eyes grew wide as another idea of excitement ran through his mind.

"C'mon Goten! Let's go train in the woods! I feel like having a good fight.."

"Mm... okay."

The two boys ran out of the glass screen door, and were already on there way to the dense forest. Bulma grinned, shaking her head in marvel. The way they resembled their father's was incredible. The resemblance was so uncanny; the way a proud smirk was set on Trunks' face; the way a goofy smile lit up Goten's features. Yep.. it could only be Goku and Vegeta's sons. The telephone rang, once again startling and interrupting her thoughts. She ran to the phone and quickly picked up the receiver.

"Hello?"

::::[12:13..]::::

"Excuse me?" She asked, totally puzzled. Why the hell would someone call and tell her the time?

::::[For a genius, you sure are an idiot..]::::

"What?! Who is this? How dare you speak to me that way? Who are you to talk?" Anger simmered through her senses, blinding her. Damn.. why did the voice sound so familiar?

::::[You know who I am.. very well actually. Now listen carefully.. 12:13..]::::

"Okay, that's it! Why did you call me? Just to give me the damn time? Is this a prank phone call? You sure have some nerve, you jerk!"

::::[I called you for a reason.. 12:13. Heh, and here I thought you'd be thankful to know when you're husband will die..]::::

A spasm of fear ran through her heart, causing her to completely lose her mind.

"W-.. what do you mean? Who is this?"

::::[Telling my identity would only ruin the surprise.. as for your husband, tell him this.. 12:13..]::::

Click...

A dial tone rang through her ear, and she fumbled to put the phone back in it's proper place. She backed away from the phone; damn.. why did it have to be so quiet? She could hear the blood pounding in her head, her heart slamming against her rib cage. She crashed into the table, bumping her left elbow. She cried out in pain, wincing as she rubbed her shoulder and elbow. Total silence. A dimming stillness scurried through the perimeter, making her senses more alert. Her breath had become raspy, her eyes were closed due to the panic..

RING!

Kami.. her heart beat faster, her horror more elaborate now. Why would the killer call her again? What else did he have to say to her? She grabbed the phone, pulling her hand over her heart, and placing the phone up to her ear. Her voice was barely a whisper, but become very hoarse.

"Hello?"

She waited a couple of more seconds.. nothing.

"Hello?.. God damnit, answer me!"

This time, breathing could be heard from the other line.. her heart stopped.

"Hello? Bulma?"

Her heart began beating once again; her breath now beginning to catch up to her.

".. Hey Goku.. what's up?"

"Hey Bulma.. I.. I've got something to tell you.. and I don't think it's something you want to hear.."

Once again, sadness stabbed at her mind.

"Oh no.. what happened?.."

"Someone tried to hurt Vegeta again.."

"WHAT?! How?.. Oh my god Goku.. please tell me he's okay!"

There was a pause.

"I'm not sure.. the doctors tell me he'll be fine.. he just has to rest for a few more hours. Oh wait.. their telling me I can visit him now. Listen Bulma, I have to go.."

"Wait Goku!" She cried, small gasps once more trying to escape her hoarse and parched throat.

"Yeah?.. What is it?"

"I.. I got a phone call from the killer.."

Now a gasp could be heard from Goku, making the conversation seem eerie from the emptiness of it all.

"What? You did? What did he say?"

"..He.. said.. to tell Vegeta.. 12:13.. I don't know what he meant by it Goku.. please, tell Vegeta that message.. I have no idea what he meant, but please tell him.."

"I will.. be careful Bulma.."

Click...

***

He moaned in pain as the alcohol was starting to take effect on his infected wound. The dizziness was starting to clear up, and the blurry images in front of him were apparent once more. The lights above his head shone on his eyes, making him squint furiously. Why the hell did were the lights so bright? This wave of lightheadedness struck his whole body, but he couldn't give in to it. Damn! When would the pain and torture stop? It felt as if every single second now there wasn't a moment without him feeling some kind of stinging or twinge of ache. His whole world had been crashing down ever since the damn killer tried to murder him.. everything was going in circles; his head was spinning and it wouldn't stop.. the dizziness came back.. the drowsiness and nausea erupted into his skull.. everything was fading out..

"Vegeta! What happened?"

And then.. as soon as the pain had come, it had quickly diminished away. His neck snapped upwards, his eyes pleading for remorse.. a cough seeped out of his throat, and his lungs gagged for air. He slowly caught breath, struggling to do so. The prince opened his mouth, but the words stuck in his mind. He grimaced with anger; damn! Why was he so weak? Once more, he attempted the hard task.

".. The.. killer came.. last night..."

Goku's face withered up with worry, making his heart shrivel into small pieces. This excruciating terror ripped up his consciousness, and all he comprehend were questions and thoughts that needed to be answered. His eyes met Vegeta's for a split second, and he finally found the courage to speak.

"What.. did he do to you?.. What did he say?"

A grunt escaped from the prince's throat, and he turned away, anger set on his features.

"He barely said anything Kakarot.. all he said was that he was going to kill me soon.. a ..and that's all I remember.."

Once more, Goku's eyes softened to meet his expressions and emotions. This couldn't be happening.. the killer was going to try to kill the prince again?! But.. why? Goku's thoughts absorbed inside his subconscious.. there had never been a villain before that had only wanted to kill Vegeta.. no, this villain was different. His motive was obviously revenge, but why? Goku's daze snapped back to reality as a question burned inside his mind.

".. Vegeta, you don't remember the killer leaving a big gash on your left arm?"

A chilling sensation ran through his body, but affected mostly his spine. What the hell was Kakarot talking about? What big gash?- His mind just realized it.. the burning twinge in his left arm must've been the gash.. his eyes fell upon it and his stomach almost exploded with queasiness. There it was.. a bleeding wound that must've covered at least 12 millimeters long, and 13 millimeters wide of his arm. He grimaced in pain, and looked hastily back at his rival.

".. I.. don't remember that either.."

The silence they knew all too well came back. A deafening calmness swept over the room; if a pin dropped it would've disrupted the tranquility of it all.

".. Oh Vegeta.. I have to tell you this before I forget. Bulma got a phone call from the murderer.."

Fear mixed with hatred burst into his eyes. Damn.. why did the killer involve her in all this?

"What did he say to her?! Tell me!"

Goku could hear the intensity of his anger, and chose not to make any more of his patience run thin.

"He didn't say much.. just 12:13.."

An excitement beyond sanity scurried through Vegeta's heart. All of this was starting to make sense..

"Kakarot.. the killer came last night at 12:13.."

Goku was somewhat surprised at Vegeta's tone of voice.. but finally comprehended what he meant.. there was a pattern!

"Wait.. the killer almost killed you for the first time at 12:13.. he came last night at 12:13.. and he called Bulma at 12:13 today.. don't you see Vegeta? Whatever he does, he always does it at the exact same time!"

A relief that had no explanation finally took residence on the prince's heart. Damn.. finally they were starting to get this mystery.. it was finally starting to unfold. A serious look evaporated onto the prince's face; his pupils staring right into Goku's.

"Don't go celebrating yet Kakarot.. there's still something that doesn't fit in. We still don't know when he's going to try to kill me next.."

Goku's smile turned into a look of total seriousness. He rubbed his chin in thought, and then ran through what date it was. A look of astonishment beyond reason took over his face.. he couldn't believe what he had just figured out.

"Vegeta.. do you know what today is? And do you know what floor your room is?"

Vegeta flinched with anxiety, but yet thrill of finally the last bit of pieces fit.


"Hurry up Kakarot! Tell me already.."

The younger saiyan took a deep breath, as if analyzing what his exact words would be. He looked straight into the prince's eyes, and opened his mouth.

"Your in the 12th room, on the 13th floor.. and.. the date is December 13th.. don't you get it? The date is 12/13! He's obviously going to strike tonight at 12:13.. it all fits!"

The older saiyan's relief and apprehension dawned on him, and a ton lifted off his shoulders. Finally.. they had finally figured out most of the damn mystery. It was finally over.. the worry and concern flushed from his emotions, and what filled them now was thrill and excitement.

"Listen Vegeta.. since he's going to strike tonight, I'll come to your room at 11:30. Once 12:13 strikes, we'll be able to sense the murderer and that's when we'll attack. He's obviously going to be somewhere in this hospital, so we better be on alert."

The prince somewhat smirked; he was ready. All the nightmares and horrific dreams were finally going to be vanished; the paranoia and fear that constantly stabbed at his heart would never be seen again; and they were going to take this bastard down. But hell.. who was the murderer? Vegeta tried to make sense of it all.. it was someone obviously more stronger than himself. Someone who'd know him well.. someone who'd pull something like this.. No.. it couldn't be. No! It couldn't be who he thought it was.. Panic flushed into his system, making his face grow hot with alarm. Shit.. it was him. Who else could've it been? There was nobody else.. no one else that could've pulled all the stunts. He looked angrily at Goku, and almost felt like punching him so hard in the face.

Goku noticed the prince's mood change, and looked calmly yet strangely at him.

"What's wrong Vegeta?"

"It.. was you.."

Fright and complete puzzlement exploded into his whole body.

"WHAT?! It wasn't me Vegeta!! Why would I do this? Are you crazy?! ME?"

"Think about it Kakarot.. the killer always returns to the scene of the crime.. you're the only one who could've hurt me that badly Kakarot! When I first told you about my nightmare, it seemed as if you didn't care at all! Kind of funny how that same night I almost get murdered! Only you have the Instant Transmission technique! You could come into the Gravity Room and then disappear without anyone noticing! Then, it was you who told Bulma and Trunks to go home.. it was you who I first saw when I woke up. Why would you be so concerned how I was doing; coming every day? Then, you came last night with the Instant Transmission and then you disappeared once more.. no wonder I felt a ki completely vanish! It was you who called Bulma and disguised your voice a little, and then called her a couple of moments later! How is it, that exactly after the murderer called, you called her? The doctors probably didn't even tell you about my wound, but you noticed it before I did! It was you who figured out the whole mystery! Face it Kakarot.. you're the damn killer!"

Goku backed away, in total shock and surprise. He backed away to the door; still breathing harshly, still not being able to apprehend the words he had just heard.

"No.. Vegeta.. I.. didn't do this.."

"Shut up Kakarot! Leave me alone!"

Goku felt these stinging and burning tears watering in his eyes, and he turned to leave the door. He rushed out of the hospital, and flew away, tears now falling down his face.