Pt 3.

"No Goku! You can't go on like this! You can't spend every spare second training! Even you need to rest!" Chi-Chi had just learned of Goku's plans to return to training after dinner and had decided to restart her protest efforts. Goku, however, didn't seem to be listening and continued eating silently. Gohan glanced from one to the other but said nothing. He had never seen his father like this before and wasn't too sure how to handle it.

"Goku! Did you hear me?" Chi-Chi demanded, getting angry with being ignored.

"Yes, Chi-Chi I hear you," Goku replied calmly. "But I'm still meeting Vegeta after dinner."

"No! I am putting my foot down Goku! I want you to stay home tonight and tomorrow at the very least! You can't go on like this do you hear me?"

"Enough!" Goku suddenly barked, slamming his hand down on the table and standing, dark eyes flashing. "I am not going to stop! As long as Goten is still missing I will never stop!"

Gohan stood up quickly, startled by the outburst. "Dad"

"Gohan," Goku interrupted as he moved around the table and took the equally startled Chi-Chi's hand, "Finish eating and then practice that meditation Piccolo taught us." Without waiting for an answer, he led Chi-Chi into their bedroom, closing the door behind them before releasing her. The anger that had been snapping in his eyes a moment before was gone, replaced by anguish as he looked at her.

"Look," he said quietly, "I'm sorry I got angry and I'm sorry I haven't been around much. I know it's hard on you but it's important that I train." He held up a hand, halting anything she was about to say. "I'm not just training physically. I'm training mentally as well. I'm going to find Goten and bring him home if it's the last thing I ever do."

He turned away from her and started pacing the room. "I missed the first seven years of his life and I swore after Buu was destroyed that I would never let anything come between our family again. That I would always be here for you and our boys. And now Goten needs me and II can'twon't let him down." "Oh Goku," Chi-Chi whispered, taking his hand and pulling him down to sit on the bed. She kissed his hand and looked at him sadly. "This is killing me as much as it is you, but darlingyou just can't keep this up. Saiyan or not even you need rest. You've been so reckless lately and if something happens because of that, then what will happen to Goten?"

Goku closed his eyes and sighed, nodding in defeat. "You're right," he said, his voice still quiet. "Okay. I'll stay home tonight and all day tomorrow and rest."

Chi-Chi squeezed his hand. "Thank you Goku." She slipped a hand around his head, pulling him down and kissing him gently. "Would you like desert?" she asked softly.

"Maybe later," Goku replied, displaying more of how much his youngest son's disappearance had changed him. "I think I'm just going to meditate for a while."

Chi-Chi, hiding her worry, stood and kissed him again, then silently left the room. Gohan was clearing the table with a worried look. When he saw her, he stopped and looked at her expectantly.

"It's okay," she reassured but didn't offer details as she moved to the sink to do the dishes. Gohan joined her and when the dishes were done, disappeared into his room. Chi-Chi sighed, looking out the window at the rising moon. 'Oh Goten,' she thought, 'Wherever you are, I hope you're well. And if some higher power is listening to me right now, please bring my baby back to me.'

Goku wasn't sure what had awakened him. He lay staring at the ceiling, listening to Chi-Chi's soft, even breathing beside him. The house was silent and peaceful but for some reason, Goku could not return to sleep. After several moments, he sighed and got up, silently leaving the room and heading into the kitchen.

As he was having a glass of milk, he became aware of another presence outside the house. He focused and quickly determined it was not an animal, nor was it anyone he recognized. Putting the glass down, he went outside and carefully scanned the darkness. "Who's there?" he called.

When he got no response, he took a few more steps away from the house, easily pinpointing the location of whoever it was that he sensed. "I know you're there, I can sense you. Show yourself."

He stopped moving when a figure appeared between the trees less than fifteen feet away. The stranger wore a hooded robe, hiding his or her identity from him. "Who are you?" he asked, watching the stranger warily.

"A friend," came the reply in a voice Goku was unable to identify as male or female.

"A friend huh?" he repeated skeptically.

"Yes, a friend. I have information on something you lost a few months ago."

Goku stiffened, his eyes widening. Goten. "Where is my son?" he demanded, moving forward. The stranger raised a gloved hand and Goku stopped dead, unable to move.

"Come no closer. I have taken a great risk in coming here. Your son is alive and unharmed. He was not taken with the intention of being harmed."

"Why was he taken?" Goku asked, stopping his struggles to move. "How do you know all this?"

"You will learn why he was taken soon as you will be seeing him soon," came the cryptic answer. "As for how I know, I serve the one responsible. His name is Lord Nexus, but I am not loyal. I am among a very small number working to take him down. I have come to you tonight because I believe our common enemy made a fatal mistake in taking your son. I want you to know that you have friends among the enemy and we will do what we can to restore your son to you."

Goku wasn't sure if he could trust the stranger's words. "How do I know Goten's really okay?" he asked. "How do I know you aren't part of some game his kidnapper is playing?"

A small object was tossed at him, landing at his feet. "Press the green button," the stranger instructed and Goku instantly found himself able to move. Keeping his eyes on his new 'friend,' he knelt down and picked the cube shaped device up.

He pressed the green button, half expecting some kind of trap. He started a bit in surprise when an image of Goten suddenly appeared in front of him. The boy was sitting crossed legged, eyes closed in what appeared to be meditation.

"A warning, Kakarot. You will be seeing him soon but be wary for he has changed."

"Changed? What do you." Goku looked up and stopped talking as he found himself alone. He searched the area for the stranger's ki, but it was gone. He looked back at the image of his son and was suddenly filled with hope and certainty that the stranger had been telling the truth. "Hang on, son," he whispered. "You'll be home soon."

"He is ready, my Lord."

Lord Nexus gazed down at Doctor Jessna from the shadows, pleased to at last be hearing those words. "His name, as you requested, is Nekura," the doctor continued. "He believes himself to be your adopted son and the last surviving Saiyan. He was brought to you as an infant after being found on a dying planet in a malfunctioning space pod. You saw something special in him and took him in, raising him as your own. Four months ago, he was poisoned while fighting an inhabitant of a world we were raiding and has been gravely ill, the reason for his lack of memory of these last four months."

"And what of his abilities?" Nexus asked.

"Quite amazing, my Lord. I had to implant some transmitters into his head to keep him stable, however. Bringing certain powers and abilities to the surface before their time is tricky business. Had he been older or had I more time with him, I may not have had to resort to that. As long as the transmitters remain strong and are maintained on a regular basis, all should be well."

"For your sake, Doctor, I certainly hope so. Send him in." Nexus watched the Doctor nod and shift and knew he was calling to the boy telepathically. The Lord himself possessed no telepathic or fantastic mental abilities though he was naturally immune to them. But he didn't need abilities like that. He had his own special powers, powers that inspired fear in the strongest of warriors. Although having telepaths around certainly didn't hurt.

The door opened and the Lord watched the boy stride briskly down the pathway toward him and up the steps of the dais his chair sat on, dropping down to one knee when he reached the foot of the Lord's chair and bowing his head. Show time.

"I heard you have made a full recovery, Nekura. I am glad, I was concerned."

"Forgive me, Father," Nekura said, raising his head. "I will not make such an error again."

Nexus laughed quietly, one bone white hand emerging from the shadows to rest on Nekura's head. "You live a warrior's life, my son. It is impossible to escape injury all the time. Forget any remorse or shame you may feel and look at the view screen."

Nekura stood and turned, looking up at the view screen which held the image of a blue planet. "This planet is called Earth," Nexus said, "A demon world we have been watching while you recovered."

Nekura tipped his head. "Strange. It doesn't look like a demon world."

"That is what made it so interesting to warrant our attention. They are a different breed of demon. According to intelligence, they are called Humans and tend to engage in body snatching."

The screen changed to show images of beings Nekura assumed were 'Humans.' The screen stopped on a group of four males. Two were smiling brightly and Nekura figured them for father and son. Of the other two, one was an angry looking man and the other a boy around his age.

"These four are the reason we are still here," Nexus said. "The two adults in particular. You see, my son, these two demons are wearing Saiyan bodies."

Nekura looked at the being he called father sharply. "What? But how?"

"Unknown. But it doesn't matter does it? Do you plan to allow a couple of demons to continue degrading the bodies of two members of your dead race? We have managed to identify them through our records. The smaller of the two was Prince Vegeta. The other was Kakarot. These two were very powerful and well known before their untimely deaths and not only have these demons stolen their bodies, but they have stolen their powers and names as well. As a result, they are formidabledangerous. They even managed to sire children, an abominable mix of Saiyan and demon DNA."

Nexus watched as Nekura's hands curled into fists and felt the anger surging through him. "No father," the boy said softly, "I will not allow this to continue. I will see them and the whole planet destroyed for this!"

A slow smile spread across Nexus' lips, hidden in the darkness. "See Commander Zora, she has all the information you will need."

Nekura turned and bowed. "Thank you, father," he said shortly, then turned and stalked from the room in search of Commander Zora, the Doctor following. Soft laughter echoed around the room. Nexus was pleased so far. The Doctor would be well rewarded depending on how the boy preformed on the field. If all went well, there would be no one left in the whole universe who could oppose him.

Goku dropped the last of the funny, turtle like creatures to the ground and turned his gaze on Commander Zora. It had been two days since the visit from his mysterious new friend stating he would be seeing Goten soon and these jokers were still around.

"I take it your boss decided to ignore my warning?" he called as Gohan and Vegeta came up on either side of him.

She smiled in such a way that Goku came to full alert. "The reason we haven't moved on, Kakarot, is because my Lord's son wanted very much to meet you."

Goku grit his teeth. "Look, I have no interest in meeting your boss' son. I have more important things to be worrying about right now!"

"Oh I definitely think you're going to want to meet him. All three of you in fact. His name is Lord Nekura and he's right behind you."

Neither Goku nor Vegeta turned but Gohan did and a stunned gasp was heard. "D-Dad," he whispered, grabbing Goku's arm and forcing him to turn.

Goku looked at Gohan, then in the direction his eldest son was looking in and froze. Standing thirty or forty feet away, dressed in the same advanced looking armor Zora wore, was Goten. Or at least a child who looked very much like Goten. Goku looked right into the boy's eyes and drew in a breath. They were so hardso cold. His ki was strange too. It actually seemed to be changing every few seconds. His gaze was drawn to the tail that swayed gently behind his son and he was reminded of the stranger's words of warning. Oh Dende

"Goten!" Gohan, having gotten past his stunned surprise, started forward but Goku's hand snapped out, gripping Gohan's arm tightly. "No Gohan. Wait, something's wrong."

"You mean besides the armor and tail?" Vegeta asked with his usual sarcasm. Goku glanced at him, then gave Gohan a 'wait here' look as he moved forward.

"Goten? Do you know me, son?" he asked carefully.

"I'm afraid you have me confused with someone else, demon," Goten replied, his voice just as cold as his eyes. "My name is Nekura."

"Demon?" Goku questioned, putting the name issue aside for a moment.

Goten smirked. "Yes. Demon. I know what you are. You may inhabit Saiyan bodies but you are no Saiyan! I am and I am the last. You bastards are going to pay for making a mockery of two of my people!" His eyes snapped to Vegeta. "Especially of a Saiyan Prince!"

Anger flashed through Goku's eyes and without looking away from Goten, he called, "What did you do to him, Zora?"

Before Zora could answer, Vegeta started speaking. "You have been severely mislead, boy. Kakarot and I are not demons, we are the real thing. In fact, you little boy are Kakarot's son. You were stolen from him four months ago." He glanced behind them at Zora. "More than likely by that bitch."

There was a blur of motion and the sound of flesh hitting flesh and Vegeta was suddenly on the ground, a surprised look on his face. "Hey!" Goku exclaimed, turning and finding his youngest now just a few feet away from Zora. 'Wow,' he thought, 'I almost didn't see him move! He really has changed and definitely not in a good way.'

"I'll thank you not to disrespect the woman who is like a mother to me, demon!" Goten snarled as Vegeta stood, glaring and rubbing his jaw.

"Vegeta is right, son!" Goku called, stepping forward again. "We aren't demons and you are my son!" He gestured behind him. "That's your brother, Gohan. You disappeared four months ago. We were going to be taking a camping trip off world. You, me, Gohan, Vegeta and your best friend, Vegeta's son, Trunks. You and Trunks were heading home from school but Trunks had to go back because he forgot something. You were supposed to wait for him by a big Tree on school grounds but when Trunks got there, you were gone. Please Goten, try to remember!"

"Nice story but there's a little problem with it. I was in a whole other solar system four months ago getting struck with a poisonous wound. I've kind of been unconscious for a while."

"Come on Goten!" Gohan suddenly burst out. "Don't you find that awfully convenient? My little brother-you!-disappears for four months and you believe you've spent that time unconscious from a wound?"

"Not at all," Goten answered, glancing over at Zora. "Because you're lying. You demon scum are trying to confuse me so you can do to me what you did to Prince Vegeta and Kakarot. It won't work."

"Goten" Goku started but Goten shouted, "My name is not Goten! It's Nekura! Enough talk, prepare yourselves demons!"

Goku moved into defensive position just in time to meet Goten's attack. He remained on the defensive, blocking and dodging Goten's blows, learning his moves and looking for weaknesses. Incredible! Goten's skills hadn't been this advanced four months ago. He was so fast! As if to prove Goku's observations correct, Goten feigned a blow to the left of Goku's head and when Goku moved to block, took a hard blow to the stomach. They had taken to the air at this point and so Goku was sent crashing to the ground.

'Man! That actually hurt!' he thought, wincing. He looked up in the sky to locate Goten and his eyes widened. "Whoa!" he exclaimed, swiftly getting out of the path of a powerful ki blast. Seconds later, Goten was on him again. 'Gotta give the bastards credit,' he thought, 'They sure trained him well. Let's see how well.'

Despite the situation, his Saiyan instincts for the fight were kicking in. He stopped his defensive moves and began fighting back. He did, however, hold back. This was his son he was fighting, not an enemy despite all appearances. He just couldn't bring himself to do anything that might hurt his youngest child. And it cost him as, despite getting in several good blows, he was continuously pounded into the ground.

At one point, both Vegeta and Gohan intervened and as Gohan engaged his little brother, Vegeta berated Goku. "What the hell are you doing, you idiot? You're letting yourself lose to an infant!"

Goku glared as he got to his feet, wiping blood from his mouth. "He's my son, Vegeta! I won't hurt him!"

"So you're just going to roll over and let him kill you, huh? Let that bitch and whoever she's working for win? Wake up Kakarot! The boy is not your son right now and the sooner you realize that the sooner you can take him down and get him help!" The Prince glanced behind him. "Or would you prefer he kill your eldest first?"

Goku looked behind Vegeta as well and his eyes widened. Gohan was on the ground, badly stunned as he, too, had been fighting defensively. Goten stood above him, about to fry his older brother with a powerful blast. "No!" Goku shouted and struck Goten with a quick burst of ki, knocking the boy several feet away.

Goku hurried to Gohan's side, helping the younger man up and making sure he was okay before turning his attention on Goten, who had gotten to his feet and was watching them with a smirk. Vegeta was right. Goten was a stranger right now and Goku was going to have to get rough in order to get his son the help he needed. "I'm sorry for what I have to do, son," he called, raising his ki.

Goten's smirk widened but he said nothing. The pair stood facing each other for a few moments, then Goten attacked. This time, Goku didn't hold back though it made his heart ache every time he landed a hard blow and heard the hiss of pain slip out of the boy. His amazement at Goten's strength and speed continued to rise as they fought and it was only after he landed a blow that should have knocked Goten cold that Goku realized his son was playing with him.

Goten had been thrown through a thick layer of solid rock and had remained face down on the ground, unmoving, his strange ki very low. When Goku had touched down next to him and rolled him over to gather him up, he had been startled to find Goten very awake and unfazed. His surprise was further enhanced when he found himself blasted through one of the rock piles created earlier.

Images of battles with super powerful opponents like Frieza flashed through his mind. Particularly the memories of when the rat was toying with him, making him believe he stood a good chance when in fact he had very little. 'How could he have gotten so strong so fast?' he thought as he stepped up his power levels and went Super.

He burst out of the rubble and into the air, surprised again when he found Goten waiting for him, also in Super form. "Getting worried, demon?" the boy taunted and Goku grew even more determined to win this fight. He had to, for Goten's sake.

Forcing himself to forget it was Goten he was fighting, Goku attacked, using his more powerful moves. But Goten countered each and every one of them until Goku was forced to retreat back several feet, panting and studying the boy in frustration.

Then, getting an idea, he turned his back and put two fingers to his forehead, using his instant transmission technique to vanish and, reappearing directly behind Goten, moved to grab him in a bear hug. Goten, however, countered even that move, jabbing his elbow brutally into Goku's stomach then turning and smashing his fists into Goku's back, sending the warrior crashing to the ground.

"Dad!" Gohan and Vegeta appeared at Goku's side and as Gohan helped his father up, Vegeta studied the small form in the sky.

"That boy is incredible! It's as though he's been reading your mind!"

"This needs to end," Goku said, spitting out blood. "I'm going to power up to level two, then I think we should try a three way attack."

Both Gohan and Vegeta powered up to Super in response as Goku gathered his energy and passed to the next level of Super Saiyan.

"Uh-oh," Goten said mockingly as the trio rose into the sky and spread out around him. "I think I'm in trouble now." A look came into his eyes that Goku never wanted to see again. It was sadistic and unmerciful, reminding Goku once again of Frieza and leaving him silently swearing to kill those responsible for turning his innocent little boy into a monster.

He jumped when Gohan suddenly screamed and grabbed his head. "Gohan!" he shouted and started toward his son when

Vegeta suddenly screamed too, grabbing his head as well. As the pair plummeted to the ground, intense pain exploded in Goku's head, prompting a scream of his own. He fell to the ground, dropping out of Super, unable to focus on anything but the agony in his mind.

He was only vaguely aware of Goten touching down next to him. "I told you you'd pay demon!" he heard Goten snarl as if from far away. Then, as suddenly as the pain had come it, stopped, leaving a dull throbbing in his head. Gasping, Goku raised his head and found Goten sitting up almost thirty feet away, his gaze skyward. Goku followed Goten's line of sight. Hovering in the air, looking as stony as ever, was Piccolo.

"P-Piccolo" Goku groaned, squeezing his eyes shut as he struggled to recover from the strange attack.

"You want to play mind games, kid, play with me," he heard the big Namek challenge. Goku rolled over onto his back and watched as Goten rose into the air and faced off with Piccolo. He expected a fight to start and called out to his friend in warning but nothing happened. The pair simply hovered, staring at each other, occasional winces passing over features until Goten, who had powered down, suddenly burst back into Super, releasing a ki blast and then zipping past Piccolo to where Zora was hovering, wings gently beating the air.

"Goten...no!" Goku groaned as he watched Zora put a hand on Goten's shoulder and throw a smirk his way. Then, the pair vanished, leaving no hint of ki to track.

"Intelligence neglected to mention there is a Namek among them!" Nekura spat as he stalked through the door and toward the Dark Lord's throne, Zora right behind him. "I was about to finish them off when that freak intervened!"

Lord Nexus prevented himself from growling, knowing full well Zora knew how displeased he was even without being able to use her telepathy on him. "That is most irritating indeed my son," he said, putting a on a sympathetic voice. "I shall have whoever was responsible for that missing piece of information vanquished immediately. Did the Namek harm you?"

"I'll recover," came the curt reply.

Nexus looked at Zora though she could not see that in the darkness that surrounded him and said to Nekura, "Leave Commander Zora and I alone. Go back to you quarters and re-center yourself. We will talk later."

Nekura bowed his head. "Yes Father."

Once they were alone, Zora said, "The Namek was as much a surprise to me as it was to him my Lord."

"He is strong?"

"Aye my Lord. Far stronger than any Namek I have ever encountered." She paused, then said, "Allow me to work with the boy. The Doctor's methods have obviously proven to be less effective than he claimed. With proper training that the Doctor is not qualified to provide, I believe Nekura could beat the Namek." The Lord was silent for a moment while he considered her request. Finally, he said, "Very well, Commander. But it had better not take long. I will not tolerate delays as long as the Doctor's."

Zora bowed deeply. "Of course, my Lord." Turning, she strode swiftly from the room to begin her new task.

"Utterly incredible. It was like the boy was pure Saiyan the way he fought," Vegeta mused quietly as he gazed out the kitchen window. After Goten and the woman had disappeared he, Goku, Gohan and even Piccolo had returned to Capsule Corp where Bulma's mother, Bunni, had immediately put on tea, then left her daughter, son in law and grandson alone with the Sons and Piccolo.

"I never thought I'd ever see that look in the eyes of one of my own kids," Goku murmured. He was staring at the table, hands wrapped around the tea up. "It was like I was fighting a being of pure evil like Frieza or Cell, not my own son."

"Vegeta's not far off," Piccolo commented from the corner he occupied. "About being pure Saiyan I mean. Goten's human side has been suppressed and his Saiyan side has been made dominate to allow his hidden powers to be brought out."

Piccolo's statement was met with stunned silence. "And just how do you know that?" Vegeta demanded after a few minutes.

Piccolo looked at Goku as he answered. "Before I intervened, I was watching and having a little talk with a friend of yours, Goku. Seems you two met in the bushes outside your house the other night."

Goku nodded, wide-eyed. "The stranger who gave me the hologram of Goten."

"Yes, had quite the interesting talk with them. Goten, like Gohan did, has hidden abilities and power waiting to be tapped into. The brains behind all this apparently knew it and decided to get control of it. Someone by the name of Doctor Jessna wiped Goten's memories and brought it all to the surface. That's why he's so strong and fast.

And the reason he seemed to be reading your mind is because he was. Our friend told me, and I was able to confirm when I fought with him that his mental abilities, while highly impressive, are immature. That's the problem with this whole scheme. You can't bring powers and abilities to the surface before they're ready and expect them to be fully mature. Especially mental abilities."

"Whoa!" Trunks exclaimed in awe. "Goten's a telepath?"

Piccolo nodded. "All Saiyans have some form of telepathic ability but not like this. Looks like Goten is initiating an evolution where mental abilities are concerned. He's going to be strong too, once his mind matures and he gets proper training. May even be able to give me a run for my money. As it stands right now, he's no real threat to me but he obviously is to the rest of you. I'm going to have to teach you all about strengthening your barriers. Make it harder for him to gain access as easily as he did today."

"And what about the other half of the problem? His strength?" Vegeta demanded.

"It's strange," Gohan murmured. "It was right after Dad went to level two that Goten attacked us with his mind. Maybe he can't hold up against level two."

"It's possible but I doubt it. More than likely he was getting tired of playing around. Our friend couldn't tell me just how strong the boy is so at this point, we have no way of knowing if he's stronger than level two or even level three. If I could engage him again, I might be able to find out but more than likely, you're going to have to find out for yourself, Goku."

"Man," Goku whispered, "if he's stronger than level three then I don't know what we're going to do."

Piccolo didn't say it, but he knew perfectly well what his old friend would have to do and was certain the younger man knew it too. They all knew it but none were willing to consider it at this point.

"Why did he call us demons?" Gohan asked, breaking the uncomfortable silence that had descended.

"He's been told that Earth is home to a breed of demons called, of course, humans. Was told they like to snatch bodies and two of them had gotten hold of two Saiyan bodies, Goku's and Vegeta's. Kid believes he's the last Saiyan so of course he needs to protect his people's memory or honor or whatever meaning he can't allow a couple of scumbag body snatchers to get away with wearing Saiyan bodies."

Trunks frowned, not understanding. "But can't he tell from their ki that they're Saiyans and not demons?" "He has nothing to compare with," Piccolo answered. "He doesn't even know what his own ki is like thanks to that collar he was wearing. It's constantly changing his pattern so he can't be tracked. Because of that, he's unable to recognize Saiyan ki."

"Well that explains a lot," Goku murmured. "I was wondering why his ki was so differentso strange."

"Pretty ingenious actually," Bulma commented. "Sounds like this guy planned this all out pretty well."

"He sure didn't plan on me," Goku suddenly growled, dark eyes snapping. "I will not let Goten remain in that monster's hands." He looked at Piccolo and asked, "Did our friend tell you when he or she would be in touch again?"

"Soon," Piccolo replied. "They're working on something right now but have to be careful. Apparently the organization is aware of spies among them and security is being tightened while those spies are hunted down."

Concern replaced the anger in Goku's eyes. "Wow. Didn't realize just how big a risk this guy was taking. Hope he doesn't blow his cover."

A funny little smile crossed Piccolo's lips. "I wouldn't worry too much. Our friend has been among the enemy for some time now and hasn't been caught yet. Now why don't we go find some place quiet and work on protecting your minds. You too Trunks." The green warrior met Gohan's questioning gaze head on, knowing the boy was wondering what his mentor knew that the rest of them didn't. He didn't offer any additional information though and silently left the kitchen, Gohan and Trunks following. "You coming, Vegeta?" Goku asked, pausing in the doorway and looking back at his friend.

"I don't need a Namek giving me lessons in mental defense," Vegeta answered.

"Oh really?" Bulma said challengingly. "From what I just heard, you were in as much pain as Goku and Gohan were!"

Vegeta glowered at her. "He took me by surprise. Something that won't happen again!"

"Oh for crying out loud Vegeta it won't hurt for you to take the lessons! You might actually learn something!"

"Get off my back woman! My defenses are just fine!"

A little smirk crossed Bulma's lips. "Could I see you in the living room please?" she asked sweetly and headed into the next room without waiting for an answer. Vegeta stayed where he was, arms crossed, glaring at the door. "NOW!"

Goku jumped at the screech and watched in amazement as Vegeta actually responded, stalking from the kitchen to join his wife in the living room. Thirty seconds later, he stalked out of the room and toward the exit that Piccolo and the boys had gone through.

"Shut up!" he growled as he passed Goku.

Goku laughed silently. "Not a word," he murmured quietly and followed the Prince out.

Terrible, agony filled screams filled the chamber known as the 'Hole' as Nekura mercilessly finished his opponent using his mental abilities. It had been three days since his fight with the demons and the Namek and he had progressed in his lessons with Zora quickly. He would soon be ready for a rematch.

The door to the chamber slid open and Zora entered, coming to stand next to him and examine his handiwork. The victim had been, of course, a telepath himself and had put up a very good fight. He wasn't as strong as the Namek, but Zora wasn't too concerned. She had confidence in her abilities as a problem solver and was about to get the boy's assistance in solving one particular problem.

"I have another test for you, Nekura," she stated, putting a hand on his shoulder and guiding him from the room. "Have you heard the rumors that there may be one or two among us who may not be loyal?"

"Yes," Nekura answered and Zora smiled.

"Good. I want you assistance in pointing out who is unfaithful. Whoever it is has managed to block me but they may not have anticipated you."

Nekura said nothing as Zora took him through the corridors of the massive ship, deliberately avoiding the transporters to give the boy time to re-center himself as well as to give Zora the opportunity to see how long it took for him to do so. He recovered quickly, much to her satisfaction and she took him into a chamber with two levels. The top level, the level they were on, was deserted. They stepped onto an observation deck which allowed them to see the bottom level. This was the Mess Hall, which was currently crowded with those scheduled to eat at this time. She looked at Nekura.

"All right, go to work," she instructed and felt him open his mind and begin probing the minds of those below. It would take time, she knew, but she was patient. Patience often brought great rewards. Twenty minutes later, she got that reward.

"Thirteenth row, fourth one in," Nekura said quietly, pointing out a humanoid who was notorious for being a slimy scum. She smiled. Excellent. "Good. Report back to your father and inform him I'll be bringing him a gift shortly."

Nekura nodded sharply and, once he had left her side, Zora jumped down to the first level, landing gracefully and approached her target. "Hello Ritan," she said sweetly, "Come with me."

Ritan, a small, green skinned being with huge buggy eyes and small antennas coming from the side of his head, looked up at her warily. "What for?"

"Do you really want to be questioning me, Ritan?" Zora replied, ice slipping into her voice.

Ritan looked at those he was sitting with, but none raised their gazes from the table. After a few seconds, he shook his head. "No, Commander." He stood and, at her gesture, went ahead of her, leaving the Mess Hall and entering a transporter at her order. She knew he was afraid but felt no remorse for what was about to happen as they entered the Dark Lord's domain. Nekura stood on the dais, half in half out of the shadows, watching silently as the pair approached. Zora pushed Ritan down to his knees, bowing low before saying, "My Lord, may I introduce you to Ritan, the betrayer we have been seeking."

Ritan's bowed head snapped up, surprised shock in his eyes. "What! Wa-Wait a minute! My Lord! I am no betrayer! I have served you for many years and have always remained loyal!"

"Commander?" came the quiet questioned.

"He lies, my Lord," Zora answered. "It was Nekura who sniffed him out as he has been managing to block me somehow."

"That's a lie! I have no telepathic abilities! I couldn't possibly have hidden from her if I was a betrayer, which I'm not!" Ritan protested.

Without waiting to be asked, Nekura said, "Zora is right, father, he lies. He does possess mental abilities which he has been using to throw Zora off. I saw it all when I probed." His voice hardened as he added, "He's been in contact with the demons below, giving them information about you."

"No! My Lord I have not left this ship in the whole time we have been in this system!"

"Are you calling my own son a liar, Ritan?"

"N-No my Lord. I'm saying Commander Zora is setting me up and is manipulating Lord Nekura into confirming what she wants you to believe! She must be! I am no traitor!"

"Desperate words, my Lord," Zora said, watching curiously as Nekura stepped down from the dais and moved to stand before Ritan. She was aware as the pair looked at each other that the boy was scanning Ritan's mind and she was pretty sure he was looking for evidence that Ritan was telling the truth. She wondered about the security of that and was surprised when Nekura suddenly raised a hand and released a ki blast into Ritan's head. As the body slumped to the floor, Nekura turned and looked into the shadows.

"May I return to my quarters, father?"

"You may," the Lord answered after a few seconds of silence. Nekura turned and as he was passing Zora, gave her a strange look. One she would investigate when she was finished here.

When they were alone, she looked at the body then to the shadows. "Are you satisfied my Lord?"

"Both you and Nekura have agreed that Ritan was the traitor. Nekura even more so than you it seems. Yes, Commander, I am pleased. That is, pleased if you are certain he was the only one."

"If he isn't, my Lord, I will know soon enough."

"Very well, Commander. You are dismissed. Leave the body."

Zora bowed and turned, leaving the room quickly as she had no desire to see what her Lord was going to do with the body. Once had been enough. She was pleased. One problem had been solved, for now at least. Now she could focus on the newest one.

tbc...