Chapter Twenty-One

Ava felt a grin cross her face as the ship entered the planet's atmosphere, Soon. . . 17. . .

"Just let me do the talking," Ava instructed, "I'll make sure they won't kill you."

Ava glanced at the silent male briefly. He could have been a tree he was moving so much.

Dikon couldn't believe his luck.

He was finally making some progress and then they have to come and ruin everything. Damn them all . . . except for Blue . . .

"Come, I'll introduce you," Ava turned to walk away when she was stopped.

"What are you doing?" She frowned at the fingers around her arm to the their owner.

She isn't struggling, Dikon thought absently as he ignored her question to watch the round ship land, I guess that's a good sign.

His thoughts were interrupted when a pair of angry black eyes entered his line of vision.

"I thought you released," her voice was deadly soft.

Gods, he was never going to be able to let her go . . .

"I did," Dikon tightened his fingers on her arm, "But they don't know that."

"Dikon--" Her words were cut off as her other arm was grabbed.

"Release her," a deadly quiet voice ordered as a blast exploded in Dikon's face.

**

Goku was pouting.

Chichi sighed, "What's wrong Goku, honey?"

"I want to be with them," was his swift reply.

Chichi frowned, she knew who 'them' was, honestly would it kill him to stay out of an adventure or two? Still, it was in his blood . . . and he passed that blood to his children.

"Chichi?" Goku's eyes widened as she sat in his lap.

She wrapped her arms around him and set her head on the inside of his shoulder.

"Chichi, what's wrong?" Came his gentle voice, and after a moment his arms circled her.

A wry smile crossed her face, "You can go."

"Go where?"

"Go join Vegeta to get Sasoli. Go find out if your father is alive. Go," Chichi sighed, loving the feel of her husband in her arms.

Goku pulled her away from his body so he could look into her eyes.

"You mean it, Chichi?" Goku's eyes danced in excitement.

"Yes, after all what is a wife to do but make sure her husband is happy," Chichi rolled her eyes.

"Thanks Chichi!" Goku gave her a bear hug and kissed her.

Chichi savored the kiss, it was a rare occasion when her husband was openly affectionate.

Then, his grip changed, the kiss deepened, and her heart skipped a beat.

"Goku?" Chichi blushed when he released her lips.

Krillin wandered into the kitchen in search of something to give to Maron. He glanced around the kitchen confused. He could have sworn he heard voices, Goku and Chichi's to be exact.

He was the only one in the room.

Krillin shrugged and started digging in the refrigerator.

**

17 wasn't happy.

As soon as the hatch slid open he had taken off, ignoring his brother-in-law's voice, and zoomed in on his wife.

And what did he find? He found her with the bastard's hand on her!

"Release her," 17 demanded softly, feeling his mischievousness falling away and for once being thankful for being what he was, a machine made to kill.

With one smooth motion he blasted the vermin away from his wife. Dikon went flying head over heels but soon was on his feet.

17 locked eyes with the green-eyed monster and wasn't surprised when the fighter glared back at him.

"17 . . ."

17 flicked his eyes at Ava to find a pleading and angry expression. She seemed unharmed.

"I challenge you saiyan," Dikon announced arrogantly, "I challenge you for her."

17's eyes narrowed as he pulled his wife behind him. He assumed the alien was talking to him.

"No, you can't! You don't realize what you've done," Ava hissed at him before turning to 17, "Don't accept."

17 said nothing but glared at Dikon.

"He has to."

Ava spun to find the rest of their group had caught up with them. She turned back to her mate to find him and Dikon completely absorbed in each other.

"An issued challenge must be accepted," Vegeta continued, "or else he loses all claims."

"We're bonded," Ava shot back, "Such rules do not apply."

"Not if it's a fight to the death," Bardock's jaw tightened, displeased with the way she was trying to twist the situation.

"It's saiyan law."

"What do you know of saiyan law! Kakarot!" Ava snapped at him before gasping, "You're not Kakarot . . ."

18 watched Bardock eye Ava coldly.

"No, I am his father, Bardock, and even more well-versed in saiyan law than you and your brother combined, Princess Ava."

Bardock lowered his head in respect, "Peace is the goal when we fight . . ."

Ava swallowed, knowing she was being tested, and answered woodenly as she lowered her head, "And yet it is the fight that we love and live for . . ."

Bardock nodded his approval.

Vegeta glanced at his android relation, surprised that he had not yet torn Dikon's head off. Still, Vegeta noticed, the android was nearly vibrating with rage.

"You dare challenge me . . ." 17's voice could have been liquid ice pouring into their veins, "You kidnap my daughter, abduct my wife, and then you dare to challenge me for her . . . I'll kill you where you stand."

"17! No!" Ava turned to her brother, "Vegeta, stop this!"

"Why the change of heart?" Vegeta kept his eyes on the potential explosion in front of him, "You know we cannot act. The challenge binds us against doing so."

"He's us, Vegeta. Instead of Frieza he had Cooler," Ava explained, "We would be in the same position had we escaped Frieza instead of being enslaved by him. Would you not have stolen Bulma had you found her married to the scarred human?"

"You'll kill me? I defeated your partner and I will kill you," Dikon sneered.

18 swung to Ava, "What the hell does that mean? Are you going to switch my brother for him?!"

"No, he is mine," Ava snarled, "He was mine since I decided he was worthy!"

"I am not my wife," 17 grinned, "You're as good as dead."

"You don't understand," Ava turned away from the female android to face her brother.

"You can stop this, the Prince of all saiyans has final say."

"He kidnapped you and your daughter," 18 snapped at her, enraged that Ava was trying to save him.

"In another lifetime you killed us all," Ava's eyes flashed blue, "Should we put you to death as well?"

"A puny thing like you," Dikon slipped into a stance, "You would think a saiyan would be at top condition with a partner such as her."

Bardock was lost in his own world despite being surrounded by chaos, desperately trying not to be sucked in. This was definitely the planet but how? How would she die? More importantly, how would he save her?

"I will not be fought over!" Ava screamed as launched herself toward Dikon, "I'll kill him myself."

She didn't care anymore . . . she'd kill him for nearly driving her insane . . . Her hair flashed blond before staying that way. She'd kill him for trying to become between her and her mate . . . for putting her at odds with her family . . . All crimes punishable by death on planet Vegeta . . .

17 nearly yanked her off her feet when he grabbed her without looking away from his opponent.

"He challenged me, not you," 17 made her face him though he never looked away from Dikon, "I'll kill him for you."

"17 . . ." Ava pulled his face down to hers, "He let me go."

17 looked at her fully.

"Ava . . ." A hand caressed her cheek as a chuckle hit her ears, "You were about to kill him yourself."

His blue eyes were filled with amusement, warmth, and love. Ava closed her eyes and leaned into his touch.

"I just want to go home . . ."

"In a minute."

**

Sasoli yawned and rolled over the bed. She sat up and rubbed her eyes.

"Daddy?"

The room was empty.

Sasoli frowned and left the room.

"Daddy?"

There was no response.

Her stomach growled. She peeked down the stairwell.

"Uncle Vegeta? Aunt 18?" After a moment's thought, "Bardock?"

Sasoli scanned the room confused, Where did everyone go?

"The hatch is open," Sasoli said to herself, "Hmmm . . . maybe they went outside . . ."

She smiled, I should tell daddy that we need to take more trips! Zarah's going to be so jealous!

**

Dikon's jaw clenched as his rival pushed Spike behind him. [Bastard! touching her!]

What really pissed Dikon off was how she responded to her partner, leaning into his touch . . . like she . . . loved him . . .

"What is your name?" Dikon demanded.

Blue eyes met his and he almost shuddered, no life . . . but how is that possible . . .? There was life a minute ago . . . when he looked at her . . .

"17," The male now named started towards him, "Not that it matters much."

17? That means she was telling the truth but . . . why is he a number? Dikon tensed, and pulled his strange power to the edge of his skin.

This 17 was powerful, the ki blast merely a warning to get off his partner. Dikon had a feeling that despite 17's size, he had strength enough to spare. This would be the biggest fight of his life.

**

17 paused three feet from the alien who looked ready to spring at the drop of a hat.

"You asked a question now I want you to answer one," 17 slipped into a stance, "Why my family? Why my wife?"

Dikon shrugged, "First saiyan family I came across, as far as your partner, I have never seen a more perfect humanoid."

"I see, enough talk."

"Agreed."

The two males launched into action. 17's fist landed before Dikon could even complete the swing. He went flying but managed to twist in midair, changing his directory, and landed on his feet only to have to dive out of the way of 17's huge ki blast.

He's fast, Dikon winced as he hit the ground hard, I need to slow him down.

Dikon let his power flow through his skin.

What is he doing? 17 charged him and threw a punch almost curiously, surely this isn't all the power he has to offer? How . . . pathetic . . .

Dikon grunted as the saiyan's fist skinned his cheek as he managed to duck under the fast bastard and barrel into 17's body. Using momentum and contact Dikon let his power run full force.

17 frowned as he stared at Dikon. The man was hugging him.

Why is nothing happening? Dikon frowned, I can feel . . . a power . . . but why can't I tap into it?

The saiyans frowned.

"17! Kill him already!" 18 shouted bored.

"What are you doing?" 17 couldn't help but ask the strange person.

"I'm not into guys," he added helpfully.

Dikon released 17's torso unhappy with the entire situation, "Neither am I."

Dikon hit 17 with all his strength and was surprised when the saiyan just let it hit him in the cheek.

"Is that really all you have?" 17 asked sounding disappointed.

Dikon bared his teeth and thrust all of his power into his fist. He grinned as he felt the saiyan's power shifting toward his flesh.

"What--" 17 frowned as he his circuits reversed their flow.

**

Ava watched in horror as 17 and Dikon were engulfed in a strange ball of light. They screamed in pain in second that lasted eternity before they were launched away from each other violently as oil and water.

Both men hit the ground and didn't move.

Unable to help herself she took a step toward her mate.

"Ava," the quiet voice of her brother stopped her.

"17!" 18 cried out with all the anguish Ava was feeling, and shot forward to aid her brother.

"No! Let go of me!" She screamed as the Prince of all saiyans restrained her.

"It's not over," was his reply.

**

Sasoli climbed out of the eating area and started toward the open hatch, "I'm coming, Daddy."

She blinked at the harsh outside light to see everyone with their backs to her. They were looking at something. Being a naturally curious saiyan she decided to see what they found so interesting . . .

End of Chapter Twenty-One

AN: Tell me if you like!