Again thanks to all those who are kind and gracious enough to review, Chibi (cool as a fan like always! Such spirited reviews!), Poetess (you started this barrage of reviews, you were my first reviewer, you've been loyal through the whole thing, and it wouldn't surprise me one bit if you were the last to review it! You're great darlin' really, not to mention I think Tonifranz gave you better grades than me...you desearve them though!!), Daniel of Lorien (I'm glad that inspired you, enjoy this chapter!), Xemindar(I like that part too! It goes down as one of my favorites, if you like emotion, grab a tissue for this one...) and more join the fray now with SSJ4 Super Vegeta( such moving comments, I'm flattered and don't deserve all that praise. I'm just a normal fan like you, but I'm glad you're pleased. It means I'm doing my job properly.) and last but not least Tonifranz (I always knew somebody was watching me, but I wasn't aware I was being graded. Happy to get good marks! I'm glad you like the plot, ask my good friend Poetess about that, I emphasize constantly about plot! Part of the plot is a good depiction of the characters...so the fact that you recognized that makes me happy as far as 18 and the others go. I'm sorry you don't like Mr. Satan, but I think he's been bashed enough. Besides he didn't want to take credit for beating Buu, he had to so the people would help. They wouldn't do it any other way! So give him a break eh!? I'm also glad you like Alexial and Alexia. I actually designed them after my personality -except I had to get creative and twist them up, along with making them feminine. I'm the essence of a Gemini-my zodiac- so I can be extremely nice, or extremely vengeful and dark, so I just tweaked it a bit, did a few character sketches -I am an artist!-and boom, there you have it! My spelling is just bad mainly because I don't really recheck my work till it's out, I'll probably look over the whole thing when it's done and update them fully corrected. You sound like my English teacher when it comes to grammar. I think and type so quick that I forget to separate them, and as a result it takes away from my story -and my papers, turning A's into B's....-_-;; But I am glad you are enjoying it though! Wish you'd review more often however. Now for your two big questions;

1.) Most writers try to depict them (Vegeta and 18) as enemies and with Vegeta holding a grudge for 18 because of his thrashing at the end of the Buu saga. Tell me, did Vegeta ever forgive 18 for that humiliation in your fic?
Well in text no...but you can always assume that there was no malice towards them from the show, you never hear Vegeta once make a gripe about that loss. Instead if anything he should thank her, it was that loss that pushed him to become a stronger fighter when if he had won, Vegeta probably would have stopped there satisfied that he was the best. It's that thought that I used to show a solid respect between the two, and that's the basis of there relation ship!

2.) Is it really 18's words which changes Vegeta's attitude to fight or is it the remembrance of his family. My guess is a combination of both...
You are correct my friend! It's a complex effect that 18 triggers on Vegeta. It is the combination of her words and his remembrance. But the true rebirth of this fight is she awakens his pride. Vegeta spends most of the fic sulking about in his mortal ways. Drinking beer and watching TV, taking his wife out and eating dinner with his family. Not very Vegeta like...and when 18 tells him she wants help from Vegeta as the Sayain Prince, which is the proud ruthless warrior she had seen fight so many times, the Vegeta that kicked the hell out of Cell, went toe to toe with Goku on numerous occasions, and would kill himself before bowing to a greater power i.e. Buu, rather than the washed up shadow of fear and insecurity, Vegeta as a man, that he was then. It's there Vegeta truly sees the respect slipping away, and that is what he lives for. However his pride is no longer selfish like it was before, but a new type of pride similar to what Goku had, a pride in his family and friends and a desire to prove himself worthy to be among them, worthy to be a prince. So you were right, just left out that minor detail. Hope that's cleared up for ya!) Stay tuned because the finale nears with every word you read, so with that I say for the 4 millionth time....on with the show!!

_____________________________________________________________________________________

"Kakarot...?"

Goku turned to him barely still holding on...

"Hang in there Vegeta!! We can beat this thing!!"

"No, listen..."

Goku stopped with his minor pep talk giving him a nod to continue.

"I...I know that I always put allot of strain on you with us being the last 2 Sayains alive. I felt it was your obligation to your people to be something...something that you couldn't possibly understand...I'm sorry Kakarot..."

Goku looked over at him with a shocked look now as Vegeta's beam continued to grow weaker.

"...I should have taught you instead of expecting you to know. I just always hoped you'd have that burning pride that I had, but no, you were different. You followed your heart, and that has made you the mighty Sayain you are. I've been wanting to tell you something since we fought Buu almost 5 years ago, and if we should die I just wanted to let you know...you have my respect Kakarot..."

Goku's eyes closed. He had Vegeta's respect, he'd always had a feeling by some of his actions, but never had he heard him say it aloud, and that meant allot to him.

"I'm sorry I wasn't a better subject highness."

The two shot heavy glances at each other as they reverted back to normal. They were out of power and the waves rose high falling upon them, drowning the Sayains away into and endless sea of dark color. The flowing time seemed to rise to endless heights, enshrouding everything in black, containing the proud valiant soldiers within....

******

She trembled slightly in anticipation, waiting for the impact to take place. Her hands were out stretched like the wings of a majestic eagle, bracing for the feel, bracing for the noble taste of salvation Vegeta and Goku had. She was giving her life for the sake of others. She realized then she too had changed. No longer the selfish woman she once was, all me and no you. She was in her own way transformed. She was a soldier now too, though not physically. She would join the ranks on this day, at this time...but the gentle breeze changed all of that. Her eyes focused on the clear blue sky that was lively and full of hope. She put her hands down turning to a hunched up Krillin, whom was covering their children. She looked at her hands curiously again before whipping fully back around.

"I thought I was...was about to die..."

Krillin opened his eyes as well standing up looking over at Bulma. For once she was caught at a loss for words, not sure what to make of the steaming blast that seemed to claim her lively hood. Bra ran over wrapping her arms around her mothers leg, looking around puzzled.

"Mommy where's the bad lady?!"

"I...wish I knew sweetie..."

Krillin stood next to her rubbing a hand across the back of Marion's head as well. She smiled running over to her own mother and beaten uncle whom was leaning on her with an arm draped over her shoulder as they emerged from the corner of the house, cool and calm as ever. Krillin could only smile as well looking into the eyes of his beautiful wife. She made it through another one, but the pleasantries needed to be saved. The need to know of their foe's fate was heavy. Gohan swiveled his head around, searching frantically for energy signals. Videl pulled in tight to Gohan doing much the same.

"Gohan...is it over?"

"Gosh Videl, I'm not sure..."

"Her energy signal...it has vanished..."

Terra paced over to them holding her wounded arm followed by Goten carrying Piccolo on his back. Pikkon turned, tending to the severely beaten Yamcha and Tein, standing his lanky frame at full attention now.

"Does that mean Alexial is dead?"

She shook her head plopping down on the grass next to Chi-Chi, her mop, and Mr. Satan.

"It is a possibility..."

Instantly she felt the healing power flowing over her as Dende stood by once more with closed eyes, glowing with a healthy yellow. He smiled opening his eyes with a nod.

"There, good as new."

She still didn't know why everyone was being so kind to her, she should be declared as their mortal enemy. Yet here she stood among the pack; watching the sky like children pondering it's celestial wonders. Is it...truly over? Is my mistress slain?

******

The capsule beeped slowly within the walls of Capsule Corp. in the dark room. A loud buzz killed the silence as the pod slid open. She slowly sat up with a curious blink.

"Wha...where am I?"

******

The world over slowly awoke, looking around with lost looks. The universe began to glow again from it's darkest corners, and all it's inhabitants only could think of was one single thing to say.

"The hell was that?"

******

"That's an interesting development..."

Koren twisted his whiskers in two of his fingers grinning with the knowledge that they had escaped a bullet.

******

Yema looked down at his heavy gruff hands. So many judgments had been passed by those hands and he was sure he had faced his own on this day. But here he was flexing them in surprise.

"I...I swore that blast had vaporized me?"

"Didn't we all..."

Old Kai looked over at the huge TV in the corner of Yema's office mesmerized by it's snowy projection. Old Kai gave a nod looking back at everyone. Kabito Kai and Dabura still gave each other shocked stares, neither knowing what happened.

"Venerable Elder...did someone defeat her?"

"There is no way to know young Kai, but it certainly seems that way...but at what cost?"

"Cost?"

He gave a solid nod to Dabura before looking into the distance. Perhaps I'm the only one whose noticed a sever dip in the earth's energy signal...?

******

"Look, I'm alive!!"

Recome stuck out his chest with pride gazing over at the trio next to him.

"Of course you are...you're a Ginyu mate!"

Jase smiled patting him on the back before staring back into the large crystal ball with an agreeing Godo and Burter. It too, gave a snowy resonance of the fight that once was.

"Hey what happened...some one fix that thing!"

King Cold promptly grabbed a stone chucking it at the glass. Frieza looked at his father shaking his head at his lack of patients.

"Wait, wait...give it a minute! Perhaps something will turn up yes?"

Bobidi pulled himself on top tapping the glass. Cell was still sitting Indian style with an annoyed look. He didn't really care what happened to them as long as they died...

******

Roshi dusted off his pants along next to his sister. Neither of them knew the true reason or what happened. He looked over at Baba with a senile grin.

"Another 100 years eh sis?"

She nodded looking towards the topless Trunks. He too was standing after some healing aid from Buu. His eyes were focused into the distance searching. He could feel the planets life, he could feel the goodness and purity in it. They all could, it was by far the most peaceful feel they had sensed in a long time. Goten strolled up next to him smiling with a pleased grin.

"Hey..."

Trunks looked at him with a nod, but turned back quickly still searching. Goten blinked a couple of times curious as to why he was locked into such a serious expression. He should be relieved that victory was theirs yet his best friend still gave a battle hungry peer. Goten smiled placing a hand on his shoulder, his gentle nature propelling him to comfort Trunks insecurities.

"Trunks...I think she's gone..."

"No it's not that..."

Goten gave him a strange look as Trunks turned back to him

"Where's dad....? I can't feel him...?"

The subtle sighs of relief were replaced with a deadening silence to Trunks' revelation. No one could sense Goku nor Vegeta. Their signals seemed to have vanished from existence. And despite rays of victory, a black cloud still loomed.

******

He drifted in times dark pool, lofting slowly in the limpest of fashions. His eyes were shut tight, twitching slightly from the haunting memories of pain and suffering he felt. The pain and suffering that he deserved. He could hear the ungodly screams and tormented moans of times flow. It was a distorted feeling, one that would strike fear into any normal wretches soul...but Vegeta wasn't normal, Vegeta couldn't fear it. He couldn't fear what he couldn't fathom, why be afraid of things you have no knowledge of? He use to tell Bra that all the time when she would tremble from a heavy lightening bolt, or a scary movie. She didn't know that these things were dangerous for sure...so why fear them? His advice would always seem to comfort her and she'd run off to play. So he drifted, jumbled thoughts and all, drifting seemingly to no where, no place in particular...until he stopped. The gentle blow of a Caribbean-like breeze crept through the air, brushing against his exposed skin. He struggled to open his eyes at the sound of a child's laughter just in the distance as the warm sun played the drums with his back.

Can you hear them Vegeta...can you feel them...tender memories of time long since passed?

"T...that voice...?"

Memories kept pent with in the soul, Vegeta...

"I know that voice..."

Vegeta...wake up Vegeta...

His eyes slowly opened, adjusting ever so gingerly to the suns bright glow. He could see a child, a child playing in the water. He was kicking the waves as they came, giving out a loud scream of battle, then laughing as they receded back to the ocean from wince the came. On the beach stood two women. One was tall and proud, as she wore Sayain battle gear that draped only over one shoulder. Her silver mane flowed back in the whipping breeze, her stern expression all but familiar...Vegeta ground his finger nails into the sand pushing up slowly, glaring over as his eyes continued to adjust. He peered at the tall warrior with a curious halt of breathing.

"Impaliga...?"

The other woman knelt in the gorgeous white sands watching the child in her white sun dress as the waves gentle harmony gave perfection to the image. She brushed a loose strand of brown hair back behind her ears. She was smiling...

"M...mother?"

Vegeta sat up on his knees now, fully aware of the images in front of him. He looked over at the child as he blasted away another wave with a mild laugh.

"Super Sayain Vegeta!!!"

It was then a bigger wave engulfed the young Sayain Prince, knocking him back to the sandy beach. His mother smiled helping the stubborn Vegeta up who pushed away from her upon regaining his footing.

"I can get up just fine mother...I will be a Super Sayain someday!"

She could only nod to the boys determined glare. She wasn't mad at him for his proud ways. After all, his father had been raising him on the tale of a mighty Sayain warrior of ages ago, and how he would be the next to reach that plateau. The next to be a Super Sayain. So she sat and watched as he ran back out blasting another wave with his fist. Vegeta was standing now at full attention, looking hard over at his mother's proud glow.

"I...I'll nearly die this day...a wave will carry me out...and Impaliga will save me. I think that's when it truly started. I vowed I wouldn't be taken for a fool ever again, never would I lose."

Vegeta looked off to the crystal seas of the beautiful beach. He knew where he was now, it was the royal grounds of Vegeta-Sai. His home. He was home.

"What's so damn tender about this...? It's just a memory, a long forgotten promise..."

Why don't you dig deeper into it Vegeta...you're forgetting something.

He looked over again as the image had changed. Impaliga walked on shore soaking wet, carrying Vegeta's limp body. The small Vegeta squirmed, coughing up water as she handed him over to his mother. She dropped to her knee's cradling him as several guards and the King himself split the luscious jungle roughage shouting for Vegeta. His mother looked up with a smile.

"Vegeta...our son is fine..."

The King shut his eyes dropping to his knees in relief next to his wife grabbing Vegeta as well...holding him. Vegeta's eyes filled with a type of self pity, a self pity that had come to be more than an acquaintance over the years.

"That's the only time...father ever held me like that...

He was hit again with that haunting memory of Buu...

__________________

"Trunks...you are my only son and I haven't held you once since you were a baby have I?"

__________________

Vegeta shook it off, coming to as the sun was setting now on the beach while he looked around in a daze. He watched his father carry his lip body back into the tropical jungle followed by the others. His father was never one to show compassion. He would watch him train from time to time, build up his dreams of Super Sayain hood, smack him when Vegeta displeased him...and hardly anything more. Vegeta began to walk forward towards them...and soon he ran. He was sprinting heavily, breathing hard as he turned the corner. Vegeta watched as their silhouettes seemed to vanish up the steps towards the shrine of his fore fathers. Vegeta remembered these steps...pacing up them with Nappa and Raditz. The Sayain Prince and his lackeys. He could only smirk as he turned envisioning the trio headed by his 8 year old self, coming in from training on the beach. He stopped remembered again what he was to be doing...so he took off once more, climbing towards the orange blaze above. Climbing towards the shrine he knew, the shrine he remembered. The shrine in front of which he stood. The ancient Sayain inscriptions, the jewel incrusted griffin eyes along with the royal seal carved into the top of it's steps. All capped off with gorgeous pillars and a view of the entire capital city. The city...he looked over at it. The booming metropolis of warriors below. His people...his proud people. He cringed up again, gritting his teeth in anger.

"Why...why am I going through this sentimental relapse!?"

Do not worry about that right now Vegeta...just continue on...please...it's the only way...

"Only way for what!? I only want to go home!! Stop toying with me!"

Vegeta turned on his grand energy, radiating in the form of Super Sayain status.

You...you are home aren't you...?

Vegeta's eyes softened a bit looking back into the city, his city, his home. He only turned walking into the shrine looking for his mother. Looking for his father...looking for himself. He wanted to see more. Vegeta didn't know why he was here. He could only figure that finding that out would lead him home...or was he home? He grabbed his head in confusion. He didn't know what was going on. In extreme frustration he fell to his knees as the voices of the time stream took over again, the loud ominous screams of terror and hate. As if he was trapped in the pools of hell, baking with the eternally restless souls ensnared within. And with that, the madness began to kick heavily. Attacking his mind and everything in it, destroying all he knew...stopping with in an instant.

His eyes shot open, beholding the bedroom of his humble abode. He stood slowly shocked somewhat by the turn of events. He didn't know how but he was home! Sweet home...his dear Bulma. He turned sharply to the sounds of rustling covers, rocking just behind him, and a final rapid burst of passionate moans . Thunder boomed outside, lighting the presence of his wife...in bed with a man. He felt pain unheard of...how could she!? After he fought for her...he was however jumping to conclusions, quickly realizing the man she was laying against was himself. They both laid there. Vegeta's stare blank towards the ceiling for the moment.

"Bulma..."

She held herself up on his chest as he tilted his head ever slightly to her own. She waited for him to speak as he sat there looking into her eyes.

"Why...."

She placed a finger tip to his lips silencing him.

"I need you more than you could ever know...there's so much I lack that you provide...shouldn't that be enough reason ?"

"I don't know..."

She dropped her head back on his chest "...I guess I just love you is all..."

Vegeta looked over at her before bring his arms back up around her.

"...I love you too..."

Bulma looked back at him shocked as he shut his eyes preparing to sleep. He said it so softly she barely caught it, but...he said it. He said he loved her.

"I...I think that's the only time...I can't remember another."

He picked his head back up to darkness, turning in all directions still confused as to what was going on. Why were these things were being shown to him? He began to heave in exasperation, hating the fact that he was in no control as to what was going on. He stood looking up again.

"WHAT DOES THIS HAVE TO DO WITH ANYTHING!?!"

Is that home?

"What!?!"

Where's home...your memories...they want to know...where is home?

Capsule Corp...wasn't it? That was where he resided but was that home? What made it home? What made him think it was home...what made him worthy of a home? The more he thought, the deeper his vexation became. The more torment his soul suffered, the closer he felt to death. The more he was attacked by memories. The darkness gave way to the gravity room at Capsule Corp.

"If that's the way you want to play fine...let's make a deal. If you can land just one punch in my face I'll take you to the park for an hour?"

Trunks face lit up to his fathers declaration.

"You will!?! Okay!?!"

Trunks hopped back turning on his strength as a Super Sayain. Vegeta gave a smile setting in his stance.

"Now let's just see what you can do."

Trunks attacked with great tenacity, trying his damnedest to land a blow to his fathers face, he did, grazing his cheek slightly only to receive a hard jab to the face. Trunks sat up with tears threatening at his eyes, both Sayains shocked by Vegeta's reflex reaction.

"Hmhn...I didn't mean to hit the squirt. He surprised me, I didn't expect him to be so strong...I was proud of him."

So your memories are suggesting that this is home? Where they are...?"

"I...I'm a Sayain."

However....

The images began to swirl disappearing into a stream of colors. The images of his friends and family began to attack his mind. From 18 to Buu....they all flooded in. Different memories, different times...all consuming his mind. His eyes shot open to the burning grounds of the attack on Vegeta-Sai. The entire population fighting for the freedom of Prince Vegeta, for the freedom from Frieza's grip. Bardock was high in the air leading the charge.

"Freiza!! Get out here! Let's Finish this!"

Vegeta's people waited excitedly as Frieza floated up out the ship. His finger began to glow with destructive power as Vegeta watched.

"NO!!"

He transformed to his level 3 status bolting for the atmosphere, cocking back preparing to fire a blast.

So you will sacrifice it...?

Vegeta halted realizing finally that he wasn't merely seeing things, he truly was trapped in time.

"If I stop this...what will become of everything?"

That's the question...where does your heart lie...what's worth more to you?

Vegeta closed his eyes again feeling the unforgiving swirl take over him again, pouring pestilence into him.

"I don't care anymore!!! I just want them...to be...okay..."

And it all went dark. He couldn't see anything except a mere flash of color every now and then. He knew he wasn't alone there...he could feel it. The voice, the owner of the voice was still in his midst. The clacking of heels perked up his senses, forcing him to search frantically for their source.

"Vegeta...you've...changed..."

He turned sharply in the time warp gazing with softened eyes at an estranged shadow outline he knew to well. The figure he'd touched so many times, the figure he'd made love too... the figure he'd held on so many occasion, the one that had been there through the pains and sorrows that life offered him...and the very one that forced him to melt the solid block of ice entombing his eternally damned heart and soul...

"You..."

He only stood idly, lifting his hand to touch the facial area of the pattern.

"Yes...you're different from the Vegeta I've known for so long, the Vegeta that I loved..."

The winds were heavy as the black void seemed to ring with the sobering silence of a public restroom. A simple drop of water every now and again, the sounds of a world on the outside barely loud enough to describe but he knew it was there. She leaned into his hand, brushing her cheek across its exposed and scratched surface. He couldn't see her eyes, but he knew they were looking at him, burning into him with that...that passion, she spoke once more drawing herself into him.

"...You truly don't belong here, not anymore..."

"I...I'm lost..."

She chuckled to herself dropping her head into his chest.

"You finally admit that now? You're such a spas Vegeta..."

The playfulness peppered her voice, choking the tears in her throat. He could feel her cold breath on his exposed chest despite not being able to see it. He placed his chin to the top of her head, his gaze never loosing their stern glow.

"Doshite....?"

She didn't answer his question, she only burrowed her face deeper into his chest. The cold tears freezing his pectorals. She finally spoke extracting the snuffle of her eyes.

"...you don't belong here...with me..."

"Bul...."

She spoke quickly cutting him off, leaving him speechless.

"I'm a mere figure of times past that you once knew...I don't exist..."

"Shadows don't have emotions...you still weep..."

"Because...I..."

His expression remained unchanged.

"I...pity for you. You're no longer just a wondering soul...or trapped in the embers of what you once were. You have a soul now, a true worth and place in existence. A home...I want you to get home..."

Vegeta looked at her as the voices began to start their excessive chatter again, growing louder by each second.

"I don't know how..."

"You're going to allow Alexial to win? Allow time to win?"

Vegeta looked down at her visage-less face.

"I..."

"You do...now go!"

She pushed him into the stream surprising the Sayain prince as he fell...falling deeper into the abyss. He hit the ground hard, straining to get up.

"I...don't know how...! I...I can't...I'm sorry..."

He felt peace coming over him slowly as his suffering lightened.

"K...Kakarot, have you been haunted too? I only wish I could make it back to them...to see my spawn...to see Bulma one...las...t...time..."

He laid his head down with a gentle appearance across his face. He sighed out one last time falling limp...

"Trunks, Bra, Bulma, Everyone....Good-bye..."

END????!

Uh...could be.