CHAPTER 3 – Last Supper
Their conversation had come to a halt but that hadn't stop Vegeta from studying Sen. In a matter of minutes, she had fallen back into an unconsciousness state, reliving her past. Quietly, the Prince walked over to the warrior and squatted down beside her. He looked carefully at her face and whispered, "Careful onna, rest here will only get you contrition."
The only response was a diminutive noise coming from the back of her throat as she inhaled. (She was snoring.)
Almost everything about her was Saiyan...except for the slate eyes. Those attributes mystified Vegeta. He continued his search and caught a glimpse of something on her ear. Gently as to not wake Sen, he pushed back a lock of hair to get a better look. The ring was clipped to the upper part of the ear. The base formed the shape of a leaf with some sort of symbol embedded in the middle. The Prince had seen the symbol before, but he could not place it.
Taking notice of her hair, Vegeta pulled back his hand, removed his glove and touched her hair again. Then he touched his own. There was no significant difference. His gaze washed over the rest of her as he re- gloved. The thought crossed his mind to touch her tail but he wouldn't dare. No self respecting Saiyan would go near another's tail without permission...unless it was in battle. Even then, there was a question of pride.
Vegeta could not help but wonder if there was a connection between losing the appendage and achieving Super Saiyan and beyond. The incredible power had become common place among the remaining tailless Saiyans and their offspring. If there was a link, it was a weak one. The amount of training, pain and sacrifice to achieve what he did, discredited the theory. No Saiyan from the home world has worked harder then the Prince to achieve such strength. Still, he missed the wily, furred limb.
Vegeta's first battle with Kakarot came flooding into his thoughts. It seemed ages ago since his tail was cut off by that baka human, Yajirobe, yet his memory of the encounter was flawless. His eyes snapped opened. "Kuso! You go to HFIL, Yama. I'm not in the mood for reflection."
"Hold your tongue Saiyan; I decide who goes to HFIL."
Growling in response, Vegeta was surprised to find Sen looking angrily back at him.
"Do you have any regard for personal space!?," she yelled as her fist went for Vegeta's face only to have it caught in his grasp. With a smirk, the Prince stood up, pulling Sen up with him.
The door opened and Reese entered pushing a cart full of food in front of him. "Well this is the best we can do for now, I hope this will be to your satisfaction. King Yama didn't like the idea of meeting a couple of hungry Saiyans either so he had the kitchen open early. I hope you realize how lucky you two really are. He should be ready for you when you are done eating."
He stopped in the middle of the room and stared at their guests. They were in some sort of power struggle again. "Sen? I brought those macaroons like I promised. Sen?"
"If you don't mind," she hissed to Vegeta.
He let go of her fist, turned and walked over to the cart. "Where do you expect me to sit?"
"One moment..." Reese pulled two chairs from a shelf under the cart. He set one on each side then coaxed the Prince to take a seat. Looking over to Sen, he held the other chair and gestured for her to sit down.
"How kind of you, Reese. Will you be joining us?"
"I'm sorry Sen, but it's not my break time. Another time maybe?"
Trying to ignore the annoying exchange, Vegeta began filling his plate.
"Certainly....but could you stay a moment to answer some questions?"
"Ahh...I don't know...you should wait to speak with King Yama."
Vegeta thought Sen's sad frown was almost believable....and repulsive. He started to eat his food downing it with the clear fruity substance found in his goblet.
"I'm confused, Reese. I don't know anything about this place."
"You know you could ask someone who has been here before," Reese replied as he nodded towards Vegeta.
"What are you...immortal?" It was hard for Sen to believe that such a thing was possible.
Vegeta didn't bother to look up from his food but muffled a laugh with the back of his hand. It struck him funny how profound her conclusion really was. His wish for immortality was the very reason for him coming to Earth in the first place.
"What I have achieved far exceeds immortality, onna."
"Careful Prince, your wisdom is showing." Reese couldn't help but smile at the Saiyan.
"Humph." Vegeta went back to eating his meal.
"Sen, I can see you may have trouble getting anywhere with his majesty, but take heart, you will meet with King Yama soon enough and your questions will be answered." Reese patted Sen's shoulders and turned to leave. "Oh, I almost forgot." He pulled a package from inside his shirt, placed it in front of Sen, and whispered in her ear, "as promised." Then he left, shutting the door behind him.
Sen picked up the package and caught a whiff of coconut. Deciding to save the macaroons for last, she set the package aside and began filling her plate and mouth simultaneously. She behaved as though she hadn't eaten for days, taking bites of several different things, then gulping down her drink. The warrior popped whole rice cakes in her mouth and swallowed without chewing. The Prince stopped eating to stare at the spectacle.
"Didn't anyone teach you manners, monkey?"
Sen froze for a second, swallowed and glared at Vegeta. "Did you just call me monkey,...Saiyan?!"
"First, you will address me with the proper respect... (he wiped his mouth with a napkin) and second, if the shoe fits."
Sen jumped to her feet, knocking over her chair; her tail lashing to and fro behind her. "Gods, it would have been a privilege to kill you, but no, you kept the honors all to yourself!"
Vegeta was pained by the remark, but remained calm. "Careful onna, you know nothing of my true intentions."
"And you know nothing of mine! Do not think for one moment that I'm one of your mindless apes to push around. You are my and my people's bane. I've spent my life righting the treachery of you Saiyans. My only regret in life is that your death was not by my hand."
Finally, they where getting somewhere. "You came to Earth to kill me? He laughed hysterically. This is too much. I killed two enemies with one blow...damn, I am good!"
Sen found no humor with her demise. "You forget there were three involved in your scenario. You shame your people, Prince. You, the elite, above all Saiyans, is to be preserved for what? So you can end your own life and with it, all trace of the Saiyan's legacy? You are right in that I am no Saiyan. I am ashamed of the blood that flows in my veins."
Had Vegeta not learn a hard lesson in patience from the Earthlings, he would have ended the warrior's life. The Prince took a deep breath and slowly exhaled. Unexpectedly, he found himself not angry but sympathetic to this creature. He had his mate, Bulma to thank for these feelings. He had spent way too much time with her bleeding heart not to have some of it rub off on him. His thoughts caused him confusion and he wished for time to sort things out. One thing he was sure of, Sen was more confused than he was.
"Sen, your resentment is not unfounded; however, I question where you have placed the blame. I do not deny my own involvement. I am the Prince of Saiyans. I have accepted the responsibility of my people and my duty to keep the noble Saiyan race alive if only in me. But I found our race far from noble. We are ruthless cold hearted killers, blind with pride. Our legacy became the blood and spoils of others. He leaned forward, shaking his fist. If it were not for Frieza, we would have consumed the Universe; crushing those who would stand in my way." He faltered, realizing what he just admitted. Vegeta looked away as he tried to swallow the lump that formed in his throat. The Prince questioned himself and murmured: "Where was the honor?" Then he stood tall, his head high and looked directly at Sen. "Make no mistake, onna, I am the greatest Saiyan that ever lived. I have fulfilled my destiny." His glazed unwavering eyes held hers daring her to respond then added: "My life's forfeit was not without honor."
The rage Sen felt whittled away as the Prince spoke. She struggled with her feelings as Vegeta's last words repeated in her mind. The warrior expected a good thumping, but not this kind of response from the Prince. Stunned, she remained motionless and both regarded each other in silence.
Vegeta was the first to break the silence. "Are you too ashamed to dine with the Prince of Saiyans?" He waved his hand towards the cart.
Sen grunted and returned to the table, Vegeta did the same. As they ate, they glanced at each other. Vegeta noted that Sen attempted to improve her table manners.
Finished with his meal, Vegeta slid back in his chair, stretched out his legs, and crossed his arms in contentment. He thought a nice quiet nap would be in order, but that was not possible in Yama's place.
"What about Goku?"
"What do you know of Kakarot?"
"Enough to know he was the first to achieve Super Saiyan."
"Kakarot is a fool. We are equal only in strength."
After two more plates of food, Sen too felt satisfied. She opened the package Reese had given her and discovered two snowball size macaroons. To her own surprise, she leaned over the table, package in hand, offering to Vegeta. "Would you like one?"
"Sharing your spoils, heh?" He reached over and picked one, bringing it to his nose to smell the delicious confection. "Very un-Saiyan of you."
"Naturally...and you're welcome."
Both appreciated the desert and they took time to savor the sweet morsel.
Vegeta wiped his mouth and threw his napkin on the table. "The earring you wear is not Saiyan either."
"Tsufuru." Sen stood up to brush off what crumbs that remained of the macaroon onto the floor.
The door opened again. Reese with his clipboard entered the room. He observed the table and what was left of the food. Not much, but this told him they must have satisfied their hunger. "How was everything? I hope to your satisfaction." Without waiting for an answer he continued, "If you both will follow me, King Yama is ready to see you now."
Their conversation had come to a halt but that hadn't stop Vegeta from studying Sen. In a matter of minutes, she had fallen back into an unconsciousness state, reliving her past. Quietly, the Prince walked over to the warrior and squatted down beside her. He looked carefully at her face and whispered, "Careful onna, rest here will only get you contrition."
The only response was a diminutive noise coming from the back of her throat as she inhaled. (She was snoring.)
Almost everything about her was Saiyan...except for the slate eyes. Those attributes mystified Vegeta. He continued his search and caught a glimpse of something on her ear. Gently as to not wake Sen, he pushed back a lock of hair to get a better look. The ring was clipped to the upper part of the ear. The base formed the shape of a leaf with some sort of symbol embedded in the middle. The Prince had seen the symbol before, but he could not place it.
Taking notice of her hair, Vegeta pulled back his hand, removed his glove and touched her hair again. Then he touched his own. There was no significant difference. His gaze washed over the rest of her as he re- gloved. The thought crossed his mind to touch her tail but he wouldn't dare. No self respecting Saiyan would go near another's tail without permission...unless it was in battle. Even then, there was a question of pride.
Vegeta could not help but wonder if there was a connection between losing the appendage and achieving Super Saiyan and beyond. The incredible power had become common place among the remaining tailless Saiyans and their offspring. If there was a link, it was a weak one. The amount of training, pain and sacrifice to achieve what he did, discredited the theory. No Saiyan from the home world has worked harder then the Prince to achieve such strength. Still, he missed the wily, furred limb.
Vegeta's first battle with Kakarot came flooding into his thoughts. It seemed ages ago since his tail was cut off by that baka human, Yajirobe, yet his memory of the encounter was flawless. His eyes snapped opened. "Kuso! You go to HFIL, Yama. I'm not in the mood for reflection."
"Hold your tongue Saiyan; I decide who goes to HFIL."
Growling in response, Vegeta was surprised to find Sen looking angrily back at him.
"Do you have any regard for personal space!?," she yelled as her fist went for Vegeta's face only to have it caught in his grasp. With a smirk, the Prince stood up, pulling Sen up with him.
The door opened and Reese entered pushing a cart full of food in front of him. "Well this is the best we can do for now, I hope this will be to your satisfaction. King Yama didn't like the idea of meeting a couple of hungry Saiyans either so he had the kitchen open early. I hope you realize how lucky you two really are. He should be ready for you when you are done eating."
He stopped in the middle of the room and stared at their guests. They were in some sort of power struggle again. "Sen? I brought those macaroons like I promised. Sen?"
"If you don't mind," she hissed to Vegeta.
He let go of her fist, turned and walked over to the cart. "Where do you expect me to sit?"
"One moment..." Reese pulled two chairs from a shelf under the cart. He set one on each side then coaxed the Prince to take a seat. Looking over to Sen, he held the other chair and gestured for her to sit down.
"How kind of you, Reese. Will you be joining us?"
"I'm sorry Sen, but it's not my break time. Another time maybe?"
Trying to ignore the annoying exchange, Vegeta began filling his plate.
"Certainly....but could you stay a moment to answer some questions?"
"Ahh...I don't know...you should wait to speak with King Yama."
Vegeta thought Sen's sad frown was almost believable....and repulsive. He started to eat his food downing it with the clear fruity substance found in his goblet.
"I'm confused, Reese. I don't know anything about this place."
"You know you could ask someone who has been here before," Reese replied as he nodded towards Vegeta.
"What are you...immortal?" It was hard for Sen to believe that such a thing was possible.
Vegeta didn't bother to look up from his food but muffled a laugh with the back of his hand. It struck him funny how profound her conclusion really was. His wish for immortality was the very reason for him coming to Earth in the first place.
"What I have achieved far exceeds immortality, onna."
"Careful Prince, your wisdom is showing." Reese couldn't help but smile at the Saiyan.
"Humph." Vegeta went back to eating his meal.
"Sen, I can see you may have trouble getting anywhere with his majesty, but take heart, you will meet with King Yama soon enough and your questions will be answered." Reese patted Sen's shoulders and turned to leave. "Oh, I almost forgot." He pulled a package from inside his shirt, placed it in front of Sen, and whispered in her ear, "as promised." Then he left, shutting the door behind him.
Sen picked up the package and caught a whiff of coconut. Deciding to save the macaroons for last, she set the package aside and began filling her plate and mouth simultaneously. She behaved as though she hadn't eaten for days, taking bites of several different things, then gulping down her drink. The warrior popped whole rice cakes in her mouth and swallowed without chewing. The Prince stopped eating to stare at the spectacle.
"Didn't anyone teach you manners, monkey?"
Sen froze for a second, swallowed and glared at Vegeta. "Did you just call me monkey,...Saiyan?!"
"First, you will address me with the proper respect... (he wiped his mouth with a napkin) and second, if the shoe fits."
Sen jumped to her feet, knocking over her chair; her tail lashing to and fro behind her. "Gods, it would have been a privilege to kill you, but no, you kept the honors all to yourself!"
Vegeta was pained by the remark, but remained calm. "Careful onna, you know nothing of my true intentions."
"And you know nothing of mine! Do not think for one moment that I'm one of your mindless apes to push around. You are my and my people's bane. I've spent my life righting the treachery of you Saiyans. My only regret in life is that your death was not by my hand."
Finally, they where getting somewhere. "You came to Earth to kill me? He laughed hysterically. This is too much. I killed two enemies with one blow...damn, I am good!"
Sen found no humor with her demise. "You forget there were three involved in your scenario. You shame your people, Prince. You, the elite, above all Saiyans, is to be preserved for what? So you can end your own life and with it, all trace of the Saiyan's legacy? You are right in that I am no Saiyan. I am ashamed of the blood that flows in my veins."
Had Vegeta not learn a hard lesson in patience from the Earthlings, he would have ended the warrior's life. The Prince took a deep breath and slowly exhaled. Unexpectedly, he found himself not angry but sympathetic to this creature. He had his mate, Bulma to thank for these feelings. He had spent way too much time with her bleeding heart not to have some of it rub off on him. His thoughts caused him confusion and he wished for time to sort things out. One thing he was sure of, Sen was more confused than he was.
"Sen, your resentment is not unfounded; however, I question where you have placed the blame. I do not deny my own involvement. I am the Prince of Saiyans. I have accepted the responsibility of my people and my duty to keep the noble Saiyan race alive if only in me. But I found our race far from noble. We are ruthless cold hearted killers, blind with pride. Our legacy became the blood and spoils of others. He leaned forward, shaking his fist. If it were not for Frieza, we would have consumed the Universe; crushing those who would stand in my way." He faltered, realizing what he just admitted. Vegeta looked away as he tried to swallow the lump that formed in his throat. The Prince questioned himself and murmured: "Where was the honor?" Then he stood tall, his head high and looked directly at Sen. "Make no mistake, onna, I am the greatest Saiyan that ever lived. I have fulfilled my destiny." His glazed unwavering eyes held hers daring her to respond then added: "My life's forfeit was not without honor."
The rage Sen felt whittled away as the Prince spoke. She struggled with her feelings as Vegeta's last words repeated in her mind. The warrior expected a good thumping, but not this kind of response from the Prince. Stunned, she remained motionless and both regarded each other in silence.
Vegeta was the first to break the silence. "Are you too ashamed to dine with the Prince of Saiyans?" He waved his hand towards the cart.
Sen grunted and returned to the table, Vegeta did the same. As they ate, they glanced at each other. Vegeta noted that Sen attempted to improve her table manners.
Finished with his meal, Vegeta slid back in his chair, stretched out his legs, and crossed his arms in contentment. He thought a nice quiet nap would be in order, but that was not possible in Yama's place.
"What about Goku?"
"What do you know of Kakarot?"
"Enough to know he was the first to achieve Super Saiyan."
"Kakarot is a fool. We are equal only in strength."
After two more plates of food, Sen too felt satisfied. She opened the package Reese had given her and discovered two snowball size macaroons. To her own surprise, she leaned over the table, package in hand, offering to Vegeta. "Would you like one?"
"Sharing your spoils, heh?" He reached over and picked one, bringing it to his nose to smell the delicious confection. "Very un-Saiyan of you."
"Naturally...and you're welcome."
Both appreciated the desert and they took time to savor the sweet morsel.
Vegeta wiped his mouth and threw his napkin on the table. "The earring you wear is not Saiyan either."
"Tsufuru." Sen stood up to brush off what crumbs that remained of the macaroon onto the floor.
The door opened again. Reese with his clipboard entered the room. He observed the table and what was left of the food. Not much, but this told him they must have satisfied their hunger. "How was everything? I hope to your satisfaction." Without waiting for an answer he continued, "If you both will follow me, King Yama is ready to see you now."