Well, the reviews seemed to have gotten a little better-thank god. So here's the next chapter. I've been working on a number of projects lately, Including ones that are already posted (Sugar Suicide, Light In Darkness, Love in Letters of War) But I have also got some new things I simply can't wait to post!

Any who, enjoy!

Chapter Three: The Fate of a Lilac

Serenity just couldn't bring herself to smile as they docked on Vegeta-sei. They were right inside the palace, which was dimly lit, giving the cobblestone grey walls an ominous glow. Reporters, Diplomats, Senshi and Attendants surrounded the ship, which was rapidly beginning to crumble.

"We are lucky to have made it home…" Radditz's voice whispered quietly behind her. Serenity snuck a peep at the older boy, whose face was beginning to lower.

Herself, Radditz, Nappa and a few other men were the last to depart of the spacecraft. They were the ones volunteering to carry King Vegeta's rather stingy sarcophagus.

Serenity's hands folded in front of her, her dress gone victim to her clutch. Her eyes transfixed on the silly decorations she'd placed on the coffin in attempt to make it look commendable of his highness.

Her attempts were in vein though.

She watched as a lilac fell from the coffin, and then floated softly to the ground only to be trampled under a Sayian's foot as she passed it. That lilac was so easily crushed when at the mercy of these men. They didn't even take any note to it.

Terror welled in Serenity's stomach, and her eyes fell half lidded as she fought back tears. Would she suffer the same fate as that lilac? Only time could tell, but they were short on that, for in the noisy crowd, one voice belted over everyone.

"Move aside! Move aside!" It demanded in an almost pleading tone. People were roughly shoved to and fro until a young boy forced his way through the crowd. He stumbled once he'd made it onto the deck, but easily caught his footing once more as he halted in front of the coffin. His panting ceased as his eyes fixated on the wooden box, covered in lilacs. "Father…" he stammered.

The boy would only be a bit taller than Serenity, though it would seem more so with his gravity defying hair; just like his fathers. He had a slender waist, and was very shapely compared to any other Saiyan. Unlike his father, his frame was lean. If you didn't compare him to all the people around him, you wouldn't realize he was short-which was quite strange to Serenity's eyes.

He had a sculpted body, young and vibrant with life; which reflected in glowing tanned skin. Under his second skin spandex suit and customary chest armor were perfectly chiseled muscles. His hands caught her attention though. They were shapely, his fingers not very long, but nails well groomed; though his knuckles were horribly callused. She took another glance at his face, now raw with disbelief.

It was hard to believe that another fist had ever come in contact with that perfect skin or those high cheek bones.

"What's happened Nappa?" The Prince's growl woke Serenity from her thoughts. The giant of a man next to her shuffled a bit under the prince's gaze. Serenity had no doubt the depths of those ebony eyes were nothing but emptiness; as if they looked right past you. He had dead eyes.

That scared Serenity.

"The Icers," Nappa seemed to have spit out his answer hastily, and he stammered a moment before he gathered up the rest of his thoughts, "They attacked us Sire. Your father was struck in the abdomen." He took a breath, glancing at the floor shamefully, "We didn't have the resources to save him." Serenity watched as they boy's blank eyes stirred with unreadable thoughts, before he snarled, gritting his teeth.

"Icers…" The name slid over his teeth, his tongue flicking over what seemed to be fangs.

Did he have fangs? Or was Serenity's mind playing tricks on her?

"If I may sire," Nappa began again. The prince's eyes shot up accusingly, already not pleased with whatever Nappa had to say, but after a quiet gulp, the balding Saiyan continued. "Your father, as his last dying wish" He began. Serenity could have kicked Nappa there and then. Did he have to make it so dramatic? Yet, despite Serenity's silent curses, Nappa continued. "He wanted only for you to accept the hand of the bride he'd chosen for you, Prince" The Prince's brows furrowed, and he twitched a bit, as if processing the words.

"Bride" The handsome boy repeated, his shoulders sturdy but his knees stiff. Nappa nodded solemnly. Serenity's gasp echoed through the dark room as Nappa's large hand snagged her forearm, and shoved her before the Prince's hardening glare.

"She's the Lunarian Princess." Nappa announced. A series of whispers rose through the crowds of people as Nappa continued, "Descendant of the Goddess Selene, and daughter to the Lunarian Queen Selenity" Again Serenity wanted to simply kick Nappa. Why was it so important that he state her ancestors?

Serenity knew the answer to that though. All through her life, people expected more out of her because she was, after all, the descendant of a Goddess. And her mother was the most powerful Queen in the known Cosmos. Everyone in the Universe just expected Serenity to be even greater. Some even predicted that she'd one day be the most powerful living being. That was a laugh.

Still, her title remained, and forever would be that she was the heir to many great women. She felt guilty everyday, for she knew how horribly she'd be letting them down. As a matter of fact, she was already disappointing them now wasn't she? Serenity's gaze fell to the floor with shame.

"The marriage will provide an alliance between the Lunaria and Vegeta." Nappa continued on once more, "We'll be granted the protection of the Silver Council and be allowed to establish territory in their region." By the displeased look on the prince's face, Nappa could not only tell that he wasn't impressed with his words, but that he also knew that Nappa was merely repeating what the King had told him; because Nappa wasn't one to know too much about anything really. He was a stupid man, to be blunt.

The Prince glared down at the girl, but her gaze was cast to the floor. She was Lunarian all right. The two strange ondago's of blonde hair were proof enough, but the Lunarian symbol on her forehead gave her away. It was glowing softly, revealing her discomfort.

"And she's agreed to this?" The prince asked with eyes still focused on her bowed head. The tone in his voice was sassy with disbelief. Nappa nodded quickly,

"Yes sire. She agreed to it in the time of your father's death." He said. The prince huffed again, arms crossed.

"And how did she wind up on the ship?" he inquired, his voice becoming a little more challenging. Serenity wasn't sure what upset her more: The tone in his voice or the fact that they were discussing her with her being right there and perfectly able to answer these questions. Nappa answered though, none-the-less.

"We captured her sire." He confirmed. Another huff from the prince left the air thick with an uncomfortable silence. Many moments passed, with the Prince staring down at Serenity, and all other eyes tossing between the two young royals.

Finally, it was broken, but Serenity would have preferred the silence if she'd have known the prince would roughly yank her chin up. His sturdy hand gripped her jaw as he forced her to look at him. Serenity wasn't sure if she'd gasped or not, but the smirk on his face gave her the idea she must have.

She couldn't have helped it though, for the moment she looked into those obsidian orbs one dared to call eyes, she realized that the emptiness she was so certain looked right past you, instead look straight into your soul.

They were like a penetrating abyss. The depths of their darkness seemed to last forever; but it was hard to search for a soul in those eyes because the moment you looked into them you'd fall victim to the prince's own gaze, as he depicted and ripped your soul to his delight.

"So my father captured you, took you away from your home and everyone you love, yet in the wake of his death, You" he sneered, leaning in closer as he held her face tightly, "because of your pure and loving heart, are going to do what you can to help the fallen demon's kingdom." He mocked, raising the other arm to signify his people around him as he taunted Serenity. "Right?" he inquired. Then he roughly nudged her face to the side with his thumb as he released her, crossing his arms with distaste once more.

Those Saiyans who hadn't been on the ship during the trip home laughed along with the prince. Serenity gaped at him, mouth open wide in shock. He honestly thought that of her? That she'd just sacrifice her life because she wants to play 'Miss High-and-Mighty-Angel-of-Good.' How dare he judge her so!

"His Highness was a good man!" Serenity screeched, standing straight. Her heels clicked through the silenced room as she approached the Prince, staring at him face to face; she made a point to mask her eyes though, for if she dared look into his, chances were she'd cave under his overpowering glare.

The room seemed to fall to a dead quiet as everyone waited for her to continue on. Behind her, she could sense Nappa's and Radditz's alarm. She could almost hear them scolding her for doing such a foolish thing. Standing up to the Prince was something even King Vegeta could barely do at times. "He was a man of honor and integrity." She announced. She wasn't sure if she was trying to stand up to the prince or trying to convince him of the things about his father she knew oh-too-well. "He cared about his people," she continued on, "And his kingdom. He cared about its fate," She had managed to look out at all those that surrounded them.

If there was one thing Serenity hated, it was speaking in front of people. She got nervous and would normally begin to stutter and jibber-jabber. But when under the accusing glare of a Saiyan, Serenity found no room for mistakes. "And he cared about you." She said, turning to look at the prince. Again, she avoided direct eye contact. Which was probably good thing, for the prince was growling low in his throat, and his jaw was clenched with annoyance. "That is why I do this." She said, now much quieter so only the prince and those standing nearby could hear.

She felt proud of her words and of herself for being so straight forward. She hadn't backed down or whimpered at all in this boy's presence. For a moment, she felt as though she could survive through anything now that she'd accomplished this.

"Well aren't you proud." The prince's voice mocked. Serenity's eyes darted up to gape at him, but he'd turned away to face his people; though more specifically his attendants. "My father's funeral shall be held immediately." He announced, arms still crossed as he shifted his weight to the other leg. "And I shall honor my father's last wishes." He turned to peer down at Serenity over his shoulder, "There shall be a wedding at dawn." And with those final words, be beckoned the men carrying his father's casket to follow him as his attendants scurried after.

Serenity's eyes must have been as wide as saucers. She stared at the prince's retreating back as he began to disappear down the hall. He must have sensed her eyes on him, for he spun on his heel to glare back at her. Serenity unconsciously took a step back, pursing her lips together as she fought back tears. The Prince furrowed his brows, then sneered as he turned away, disappearing down the corridor.

Serenity wasn't certain how long she must have stood their; eyes tearing and mouth open wide. But eventually, Radditz came a fetched her. He'd said that he'd escort her to the funeral chamber. They wouldn't get to witness the burial most likely, or so Radditz said. That would be the prince's decision.

The young man led her down the dark halls, which were draped with deep navy blue curtains that covered what would be most of the large windows. Dark mauve and azure flowers dangled loosely over the sides of the window panel. Between the windows were ornaments most likely for lighting at night.

Night

It would be approaching at any moment now. Serenity peered though a window and sighed with relief. There was a moon. At least there would be one thing she could depend on. The comfort of the moon was something she'd always looked to for strength; that, and the beauty of Earth.

After much travel, Serenity realized she had no idea where they were. Each and every corridor looked exactly the same as the last! It was so boring and tasteless; much too murky and gloomy. Serenity found herself clinging to Radditz's arm. He only laughed at her when she insisted the palace was far too scary for her liking.

"You'll get use to it," he had said, "Darkness grows on you." His words repeated in her mind. But how could anyone just become accustomed to such a thing? This place, these walls, even the air was crowded with misery itself. How could you not simply drink in the poison of this atmosphere when it was being force fed because you dare trend in its territory?

Yet, from this moment on, she was captive to this hell whole. She'd live and die here.

Radditz's words finally made sense to her. Of coarse you got use to the darkness; its poisons pollute you and though your body eventually becomes immune, it feeds to poison to you still, until the point of where you practically part of the poison; the darkness.

This was what reeled through the princess's mind as delegates and diplomats rose to speak and honor the fallen Saiyan King. Serenity had tuned them out; for they all spoke of his highness's pride, his power, and his victories. No one spoke of the good he did, his heart, or his sorrow. No really cared. No one spoke the bitter truth.

She knew no one would dare mention the people he'd spared, or nations he'd saved. They wouldn't mention his worry and love he felt for his son. His passion for reading and for literature no one would praise. She also knew that this was because they respected him enough not to disgrace him like that. Saiyans just don't do those kinds of things – or so they say.

But they could have at least been honest.

For the first time, Serenity's heart was pleading for them to confess his sins and regrets; for someone to speak of his wrong doings at least. Maybe they felt that would be disgracing him as well?

Serenity didn't know, but even as it pulled at her heart's strings, she held her tongue.

For his Highness's honor, she'd betray her own heart.

The ceremony came and went. Serenity had seen all sorts of race's she'd never even known were in existence. It was during this time that she'd realized how sheltered she'd been on the moon. The only people she'd really been exposed to were those of high class.

But here, there were all sorts of creatures; No, monsters really. They were all different; some lanky, some chubby, some short, some tall; Tentacles and horns, scales and fur, gills, beaks, feelers, paws, fins – the whole nine yards.

To be honest, Serenity only recognized one species. They were calls Galiea's, from Geia. They were very tall, due to generics. Their skin was a light blue, almost translucent. Their noses were close to their faces, and their tiny lips were barely visible. Their eyes though, were sucked deep into the crevasses of their skull. There were a species Serenity would never forget. They'd been banned from Lunaria because of their involvement in some illegal weapon involvement.

Serenity's eyes cast around the room. There was no doubt in her mind that everyone else was no better. So this was the life she was condemned to? She caught herself sneering and quickly hid her eyes under the safety of her bangs. 'Oh Selene, please have not let anyone seen that.' She sat there in the pews beside Radditz, quietly drowning in a puddle of guilt.

As the ceremony came to a close, and people began to leave, Serenity found herself hiding in a corner. In her entire life, she'd never felt so out of place. No one wanted anything do to with her, and those that did acknowledge her would glare. She did find comfort at Nappa's side, but eventually, both he and Radditz were sent back to their posts.

"Go if you must." The guff voice woke her from her thoughts. Just the sound of the Prince's voice made her shutter uncomfortably. She inadvertently hugged her body, the goose bumps on her arms came to life and as she turned, yet she dared not cast her eyes to his. Instead, she noticed his gesture outside. Her blue eyes cast to the dark sky first, then over the tombstones.

It was the royal graveyard.

With her interest perked, Serenity moved past him in a fluent motion. The cold air of Planet Vegeta forced her to hug herself tighter as she approached the newest grave. She took a quick look around, noticing that one had already been prepared for when Prince Vegeta, her soon to be husband, would pass on. On the surrounding metal fencing lay another tombstone, which appeared freshly carved.

"Mine?" Serenity questioned, though to herself, for who else was around?

The fate of the lilac reflected itself in her mind, and soon after Radditz's words; Now this tombstone? Serenity fell to her knees before the King's grave. She could never allow such darkness to consume her. No matter what happened, she couldn't allow it. From here on out, she was alone in this.

Her heart stopped as an image of the prince's hateful glare reminded her of what she'd forever be promised to.

"For his highness…" she whispered softly. For a moment, she made a silent prayer to the King, "May Selene protect you." She said.

From the entryway, the Prince watched her unknowing form as she clasped her hands over her reddened eyes and wept.

"Father…" he sneered, "You've cursed us both…damn you…"

Well, what do you think? Kinda...harsh, but I wont let you down I promise