Hello all. Well I have a slight problem: My Computer has completely crashed on me. I'm currently on a Gateway Windows 95, using a free trial AOL 9.0 with dial up to do anything I need to on the internet. ... It really bites

I had a whole new chapter for ya'll, but then it was lost with just about everything else. I'm so sorry for the delay and inconvenience, but things are about to get much worse I'm afraid. There really isn't much I can to do salvage my work, or even save my computer for that matter. But I'm going to try and make the best of it.

I do wanna say though, I have THE cutest reviewers! One I read recently, "jennifer", just made me smile inside. And although I do LOVE the nice and cozy reviews, I do have to be honest: I need something more than "Oh I liked it, update soon"...I want, dare I same, something like a flame. "Constructive Criticism" to put it in nicer terms. If they're a mistake, point it out. If you think something could have been better or that something was totally off...let me know. I promise, you won't hurt my feelings (ha...trust me, I'm to egotistical for that). But it'll help ME with my progression

Thanks a bunch!

Now, to the story:

Chapter Eight:

Daybreak. The stars, once cloaked by darkness, revealed the lining of the clouds as specks of sun began to kiss the horizon of Jupiter. Serenity held her breath; waiting for the moment they moved past the lightening planet and would receive a vivid view of the sun.

Today was the day of the full moon. It was the only day in the moon's rotation that the sun shone through the daytime. The crystalline lights lost their glow, and the blue lunar terrain showed its greens. It was like Earth, or so Endymion had once told her. For 12 hours, Lunaria closed down all businesses, although the markets stayed open to await hungry churchgoers. In the palace, no politicians dare dispute, no traders dare commerce, and the Royal Family had the day off.

The day of the full moon was considered a day of redemption. It was the most religious day in Lunarian heritage and the following day began a new cycle of life. This day was meant for confessions, forgiveness and moving on. It was only if you carried this out that the following day would give you a sense of vindication and rebirth.

At least, that was how Serenity always presumed it would be. After all the full moons she had experienced in her life, she never really felt she had any need for redemption. Now though, she certainly understood why this day was important to some people. Now, she held burdens on her shoulders, such as: Never taking any regard that all her luxuries in the Saiyan Palace were all products of thievery and barters. Or her battle with Cabbeta (A pacifist, fighting in a meaningless brawl?).

But in truth, the absolute worst was her newfound fancy. She sighed deeply, recalling the last evening's events as the lily, twiddled between her fingers, reflected its lilac color into unshed tears...

Serenity tiptoed through the ship, eyes darting around frantically. She'd never felt so jittery, but who wouldn't? She could very well be throwing herself into the most dangerous predicament one could possibly venture. For one, any one of her friends that caught her clutching a basket filled with goodies, filled to met Vegeta's preference, would mean some serious unwanted questioning. Although, that certainly wouldn't be as bad as her encounter with Vegeta. She was simply praying he was in a good mood today.

Serenity stopped for a moment, rethinking what had just crossed her mind. Her initiative to do this had sparked from Vegeta's absence at the dinner table recently. So if he wasn't eating, then he certainly wasn't in a good mood. She just hoped he was hungry enough to accept the offering without biting off her head.

Her hand rested against the panel of the training room door. Before they had left home, they had -

Serenity's thoughts immediately stopped. Home? And when did she begin to refer to the Saiyan planet as, 'home'?

She exhaled heavily, gnawing viciously on her lip. She couldn't dwell in these thoughts any longer, for fear of accepting such an idea. In her heart, there was the possibility that she'd already accepted it, but she wasn't yet willing to explore that territory. She was running from the truth.

"As anyone would…" Serenity thought aloud. This though, only led to another thought:

"Running from the truth"

Mina could relate to that. For the past few months, The Venusarian Princess had been batting her eyes at the Third Class Saiyan Warrior: Kakarotto. Serenity hadn't said much when Mina hinted toward her little crush and eventually asked for advice. She'd expected it to just be a passing thing, as a matter of fact. But it certainly wasn't.

Months of shared glances, uncomfortable silences and heavy flirtation had Mina diving into love, and it wasn't to long ago when it dawned on Kakarotto that he was fancying "Milady" as well. Serenity couldn't help but smile with the images of the two in her mind: chasing one another throughout the ship, trying to solve less than perplexing questions and blushing in each other's presence.

It was an unconditional love that even cupid couldn't help but stop to stare in wonder at. Yet the stars of fate didn't plan it in the lover's favors. The Royal family of Venus would never allow such a marriage to occur. Mina was currently in obvious denial of the fact, and Kakarotto was unaware of the heartbreak ahead of him.

Unable to bare these thoughts any longer, she found herself pressing firmly on the controls to the door as the bulky metal slid open. Before they had left, they'd made a few "add-on's" to the ship. Such as the room Serenity heels were now clicking on: Vegeta's Training Room.

Wide cerulean orbs scanned the room, but Vegeta was nowhere to be found. Surprised, she quickened her pace, turning in a complete circle to examine the entire room as if maybe he'd hidden in a wall or something. 'Where is he?' she wondered, 'Isn't he always in here at this time?' As if on cue, a soft grunt reached Serenity's ears. She turned swiftly oh her heel, but inhaled sharply at what she saw.

Behind a large window was a branch off to another room; no doubt Vegeta's private training room.

She approached the glass, placing a nervous, shaky palm on the window. He was performing his kata, and by the looks of it, it was a lengthy one. One the late King would more than likely admire.

His movements were majestic, every well practiced kick and sway resulting in utter perfect. Another grunt would have him nearly slipping though, and just barely avoiding the little machines Ami had conjured up to test the Saiyan's skills against. After a quick analysis of the situation, Vegeta seemingly came to a conclusion, and in a bright flash of light, the contents of the room beyond Serenity's reach was flooded with Vegeta's power.

She felt her heart thumping heavily in her chest, but she didn't dare close her eyes. As the light died, it revealed Vegeta, ridden of the computerized opponents and a bit tuckered out. Serenity's face softened at the site. He pulled his shirt over his head, wringing it of the sweat, and then leaned down to attempt the same with his pants, but without removing them. Though both were quite futile. He seemed to give up, discarding the garment and shaking his bangs out of his eyes.

As if her knees fell weak, Serenity pressed her weight against the glass. Her eyes lidded, tiny lashes blurring her vision. Why was her heart pounding like this? Her chest felt heavy, but her limbs were so light she could collapse at any given moment. She could have torn her eyes away, but she didn't want to. She was holding onto this feeling for dear life, its oddity sparking her interest.

It almost made her laugh that he was, without a doubt, feeling quite powerful at that moment and here as was: falling weak at the sight of him. His aura dying down, breath heavy from work, eyes wider than normal as he stared across the room, impressed with himself. His bangs tossed to the side of his face, his shoulders relaxed. In that moment, to Serenity, he seemed…
"Beautiful…"

Almost immediately Vegeta's head snapped up to her direction and Serenity bolted away from the glass, gasping as red tinted her cheeks and her basket slipped from her fingertips! Without thinking, she reached for it, only realizing her mistake as she caught the buddle before loosing any on its contents. A tear fell down her cheek she heard his breathing above her, still heavy from his work, but it wasn't like he was trying to mask it.

He said nothing

He was waiting for her to look at him. She knew it. He wanted her to acknowledge him. He'd wait forever if he had to. The moment she moved, no matter what direction she went in, he'd be able to stop her.

Her only hope would be to run away with her eyes clamped shut. Then when he had easily caught her and had her at his mercy, just keep her eyes closed and wait for the inevitable.

Her options:

Look at him or Death

…

Death was sounding pretty darn good at the moment…

"Did you hurt yourself?" Serenity's eyes opened wide at the sound of his voice. She exhaled unsteadily, pushing a strand of hair behind her ear. Coy eyes peeked up at him, but didn't meet his glance. They didn't even have time to as he leaned down, taking the basket from her hands and opening her palm. "Hold still" he ordered, and before Serenity even realized it Vegeta had sharply pulled out a sliver that had engorged itself into her skin.

Serenity yelped and eyes filled with large tears as she nursed her hand, mumbling some soft whines to herself. Vegeta huffed over her shoulder. "That distracted?" He blurted out.

Serenity inhaled, and she heard him do the same. In the corner of her eye, she could see his cheek redden, but she wouldn't have had to, for she could practically feel the heat off of his skin. They remained quiet, holding their breath and waiting.

Finally, Vegeta stood, snagging Serenity's wrist roughly and pulling her up with him. Serenity struggled, but when his hold tightened, she succumbed. Staring at his hand, tightened wrist and muscled biceps only reminded her of how powerful Vegeta really was. He could break her in an instant…

Moments upon moments passed that felt like an eternity. But in truth, it wasn't an uncomfortable silence. Serenity wondered: Is it more vital that two people can talk to one another without running out of anything to talk about…or perhaps that two people can merely find tranquility in silence.

Then she wondered: How would Vegeta answer that? What would he think?

Without a moment's hesitation, Serenity gazed up, focusing on the stray hairs falling over his eyes as she spoke.

"Sire," she began, "What do you believe is more important between two people?" She asked. Vegeta's eyes were already widening, despite that she hadn't finished her question, but Serenity didn't know, for her eyes were fixated elsewhere. "Endless enjoyable conversations, or …" she paused, racking her mind for words, "comfortable silence?"

Vegeta shifted his weight from one foot to the other, seemingly debating the question.

"I don't mind just listening to you." He answered, in such a plain manor it left Serenity without words. He pulled her too her feet, obviously not thinking much of what he had just said to her. Serenity interpreted it in a much different light though, and without permission, or even thinking about what she was doing, Serenity dove at him, head buried against his chest and arms wove around him in a hug.

Vegeta froze instantly, staring with wide eyes at the wall ahead of him. 'What is she…' his mind reeled with uncompleted, and unanswered, questions.

They stood like that for mere seconds, but to Vegeta, it seemed like and eternity before the door drew open, and Serenity pulled back, straightening herself and collecting her composer. Vegeta watched in silence as Serenity spoke with the intruder, or rather: Radditz. But he didn't hear a word of the conversation. He'd later discover he missed something interesting, but at the time, his thoughts had taken weigh of him.

What provoked her to do that? She hugged, and practically cuddled him. She found comfort in Vegeta, for whatever reason was completely beyond him!

He was honest with himself in admitting that he was curious about it, but he wasn't quite yet ready to confess that he wanted to know more.

Confession or not, he'd get what he wanted.

That night, Serenity came late to bed. For the first time in their marriage, Vegeta was first to get under the covers. He paused, privately rethinking his thoughts in a less-than-innocent manor, but quickly dismissing it after sufficiently sucking all the humor out of it. He waited, and waited, until eventually, he was dually irritated. Tossing the covers aside violently, and with a few soft growls, he went in search of her.

"What could she possibly be doing this late?" he muttered to himself along the way as he peeked down corridors. "A wife is supposed to be in bed at these hours…she's supposed…" Vegeta stopped himself though, realizing there had been piles upon piles of nights when he hadn't come to bed until late, or even at all.

Still, with a growl plastered on his face, he searched. Not one hall in the ship when untouched. Yet, she was nowhere to be found. Feeling somewhat defeated, Vegeta retreated to the kitchen. She could very well have been with one of her Senshi. His head snapped up immediately as the young Kakarotto entered his mind. He was about ready to fly down to the third class Saiyan's room when it dawned on him that Serenity wouldn't do something like that to Mina. With a soft grumble, he swung open the kitchen door with a thud, irrupting a small gasp from the room's occupants.

Vegeta looked up as well, startled at first, and somewhat surprise to see two refined and proper princess downing some chocolate shakes in some sort of a race. Serenity and Yasmina lowered they're overly large glasses, snagging some napkins to wipe their mouths clean of the milk stains.

"I'd say Mina won that one." Reipan said, leaning down and measuring the cups. Serenity's eyes went wide with horror,

"No way! Rei! You're picking favorites!" The young blonde hollered. Rei batted her eyes coyly, and rolled her shoulder in a shrug.

"I won! I won!" Mina chanted in a sing-song voice, grinning proudly before flashing a peace sign at her competitor.

"As lovely as it is to see you two gain pounds by the second," Rei mocked, poking Serenity in the stomach, invoking a rather angry growl from the normally docile princess, "It's nearing midnight!" she exclaimed. Serenity sighed with aggravation, folding her arms and giving in as Mina giggled widely. Rei winked at the two blondes, before turning to the door,

"Night handsome" She cooed softly as she passed Vegeta. Vegeta stiffened slightly, this time not daring to make eyes contact. As enticing as the priestess was, he found it surprising the way she flirted with him. In fact, it was almost a turn-off.

"Well, though Rei has Radditz around her finger, Kaka-chan isn't as patient." Mina said, tossing her dishes in the sink.

Serenity giggled as blush rose to Mina's cheeks. "Later Sere-chan" She called as she made her way to the door, "Goodnight," Mina blurted out. Her eyes darted around as she searched her head for a proper way to address him, "Sir Vegeta," she managed before practically flying down the hall. Vegeta didn't take the time to answer as he turned to Serenity,

"Rei has Radditz around her finger?" he asked, utterly confused. Serenity looked up at him, mirroring his expression.

"Weren't you listening to Radditz today in the training hall?" She asked. His expression gave her the go to continue, "Lady Rei and Sir Radditz are having quite the love affair." Serenity said, brows raised and tone somewhat suggestive. Serenity cleared off the rest of the table, as Vegeta thought this over. So what was up with all the flirting?

Finding himself rather confused, he decided now wasn't the time to resolve this topic. Instead, he looked into the sink, full of dirty dishes,

"Is that all yours?" he asked. Serenity laughed, nodding, though more to herself than Vegeta.

"Yes. It was a nightly game Mina and I use to play back on Lunaria." She explained.

"Oh" Vegeta mumbled, though hardly audibly.

"And your reason for not being in bed?" she inquired, glancing over his night attire. Vegeta huffed a bit, sitting down at the table as he folded his arms over his bare chest.

"I was waiting for you." He stated, snagging her milkshake before she could take it away and downing it. Serenity recoiled in surprise, brows creasing at his words; "It was weird not having you there." Serenity's face softened a bit, but that didn't last long, "So do me a favor and don't do it again." Vegeta bellowed, slamming the cup on the table and practically knocking the chair over as he stood up. Serenity gasped, eyes wide in shock.

"Pardon me?" she snapped, taking the cup and tossing it in the sink forcefully, "My whereabouts have never made a difference to you!" she snapped, "Don't you even think you can order me around!" she said, pointing a right finger at him. It occurred to Vegeta that Serenity's little friendly feuding with Rei might have sparked the young queen. He'd have to put an end to that.

Serenity didn't see it coming either. In front of her eyes, Vegeta was gone, and before she even had time to look around, his bare chest was pressed firmly against her back. His right hand rose to catch her finger, while his left coiled over hers, and locked it firmly between their bodies.

"Is that a challenge?" His raspy voice whispered against her ear. Serenity gasped, attempting to struggle, but found it to no avail. Her heart pounded heavily against her chest, and she let out a yelp. Releasing her left hand, he covered her mouth, and forced his right hand down as he pinned both her hands against her bosom. Still, she struggled, eyes darting around. Tears brimmed her eyes as a blush rose to her cheeks. She didn't know what was more insane: Vegeta, or the tickles running up her spine. Vegeta's well-toned arms wrapped around her, and her bare back pressed against his hard chest.

Finally, she calmed against him. He must have felt her heart's thud, for he released her hands, and rested his palm against her breast where her heart beat strongest. Her hand rose, urging him to take his hand away from her mouth. He allowed it to drop, and her fingers coiled around his hand as he rested on her collarbone. She leaned her head back into the crock of his neck, closing her eyes as she tried to slow her heavy breathing.

What had just happened?

The thought had crossed both their minds, but neither could answer.

Their hands lowered, and every so slowly, Serenity turned to face him, but, like usual, she wouldn't look at him. Vegeta had noticed this for a long time. In the beginning, he rejoiced in it. Now, it was purely bothersome.

"Look at me." He said. Serenity stiffened, but didn't budge. Vegeta sneered, resulting in a soft rumble from his chest, "look at me." He repeated, this time, cupping her chin between his finger and thumb, and forcing it up. Her frightened eyes stared up at him as her heart thumped heavily once again. "You will do as I ask without question." He stated. She watched him as he examined her watery eyes. He wasn't threatening her, but he was serious.

This would be the first time since they'd first met that he'd gazed directly into her eyes. He wasn't sure how long he'd kept her there, staring at her, but he truthfully didn't care. He'd make her stand here an eternity just to gaze into her eyes.

"I can't do that." Serenity whispered. Vegeta blinked, forgetting his thoughts and furrowing a brow. He only caught on a moment later, but she'd already begun to slip away from him. He caught her by the wrist, already hearing the drumming of her heart. He bolded swung her around, sweeping her off of her feet. His arms wrapped around her mid-section as he nuzzled his ear against her heart, hearing every panicked beat. Serenity gasped, her finger digging into his shoulders in fright. Her lips grazed his temple, and she peered down at him. His eyes were closed as he intently listened to her heart, which was slowly becoming steady once more. She felt his calloused fingers against her back as they moved ever so slowly now and then. They didn't hurt though. They didn't bother her at all.

She leaned her head against his, her arms clinging firmly around his neck as she rubbed his back soothingly. She was frightened, but at the moment, wanted nothing more than to calm his racing heart, which, unbeknownst to him, had beat rapidly against her as well.

Serenity had woken a few hours later in her own bed, though didn't recall how she got there. As she'd rolled over, she'd found, instead of Vegeta, a lilac flower, which was now in her grasp as they began to approach Lunaria. Behind her, she could hear Kakarotto going practically ballistic about seeing her kingdom. Mina, on the other hand, wasn't as joyful. Serenity cast a glance to her friend, smiling as bright as she could. Mina smiled sorrowfully back, and then looked at Kakarotto with the same painful stare. If he only knew what heartbreaking fate lay ahead of them…

Radditz, on the other hand, was freaking out for a different reason. Within the hour, Rei would be introduced him to her father. Aries, the ruler of Mars, and properly known as "The God of War", was, you could say, every Saiyan's idol. Rei rolled her eyes, smacking her lover over the head.

The concept of 'lover' was quite strange for Serenity to say. She was married and wasn't considered a lover. Of course, Mary had a child and wasn't one either…

She awoke from her thoughts as a hand rested against her back. She nearly gasped, but restrained it. She looked up at Vegeta, who merely stared out the window, and then around at her friends, who all cast some funny looks.

She could hear Vegeta mumbling to himself. She stepped closer, though he didn't quite notice.

"Good evening-er-morning your majesty…honor…grace…excellency….okay…good evening-damn it…..good morning, your excellency…."

Serenity tipped her head slightly, a smile forming on her face. He was nervous!

As they began to dock, Serenity could feel the ship rumble from the cheering of the public.

"Woohoo!" Kakarotto cried as he stared out the window, waving at the people below. "We're louder" the boy informed, turning to his brother and addressing him as if he'd asked a question. Radditz rolled his eyes.

"Their happy you're home it seems" Vegeta mused, eyes scanning over the millions of lunar beings. Serenity sighed softly. Vegeta was quite irritable and short today as well. In her head, she could hear Mina saying: "Well, he's short everyday!"

It brought a smile to her face

They landed, and were surrounded by a plethora of attendants. Serenity just couldn't hold herself back anymore though. She shoved through the people, earning many exclaims such as:

"My, what's gotten into her?"

And

"Good Lord, look at what those Saiyans have done to our princess!"

But she truly wasn't concerned with it. She made a mad dash for the throne room, not stopping to see what the series of yelps behind her was about. Around the corner and she tossed her shoes aside, breaking out in a full-blast sprint. Before her was the door that she's swung open carelessly hundreds of times. This time, it was different though. She was finally home.

They flew open, and she burst in like a ray of sunshine. But as her eyes grazed the throne, it wasn't her mother they landed on. Instead, she found herself walking toward a familiar woman with long beautiful red hair and dark mysterious eyes.

"Aunt Beryl?" Serenity inquired softly to the weeping woman, whom was hunched over her mother's throne. Her head lifted to reveal puffy red eyes blurred with tears.

"Oh…" she moaned softly, shaking her head as a downpour of sobs overcame her, "Dear child," she cried, practically flying up from the floor and encircling her arms around Serenity.

"Beryl-chan?" Serenity inquired softly, "Where my mother?" she asked. Beryl's body towered over Serenity. She'd always been the outcast of the family. She was so different from everyone else, and not just by appearance. It was said that the older sister of Lunaria had deeply resented Serenity's mother for taking the throne. According the birthright, it should have been Beryl's kingdom. Serenity never truly found out the truth about that. Her mother never wanted to speak of her strange sister, and Beryl was never on Luna long enough to answer such questions.

"Beryl?" Serenity asked again. Her fiery locks of hair were pushed behind her shoulders, and she stood straight, whipping away tears from her eyes with the back of her hand. She was regaining her composer.

"She's dead Serenity." She said sternly.

At that moment, it was as if a gong had rung inside of her head, followed by utter silence. Beryl kept on talking, telling her the story of her mother's unexpected assassination. Beryl would be sworn in as queen, unless Serenity chose to take the throne. The murky woman left no responsibilities for Serenity. She was taking care of the funeral, and of any diplomatic events at the moment.

Serenity recalled every word she had said, but didn't remember her saying at of it. Vegeta had held the door shut after Serenity had burst into the throne room. When Serenity had taken off, he'd taken to the air and went after her. The crowd followed, but never made it inside while Beryl explained to Serenity the situation at hand.

The Queen had been killed in her own home. The assassin had simply jumped the palace walls, aimed, and fired.

And that was it.

Lunaria was no longer the safest place in the universe. Beryl had said, "Ignorance only got your mother so far," Serenity hadn't understood that. "You were lucky," Beryl had told her. "All of your life before you were stolen and taken to Vegeta, you lived on pure luck." Someone could have killed Serenity just as easily as they killed her mother. She'd cut Beryl off by restating that she was, in fact, stolen by the Saiyans. Nearly a year and a half ago, her luck had run out.

"If they hadn't kidnapped you, you'd be dead today as well you little fool"

Serenity hadn't said a word after that. Beryl had ordered some attendants to take Serenity to her room, but she wouldn't budge. She just stood there, contemplating her aunt's words. Beryl had taken a glance at Vegeta, but didn't say a thing. Instead, she held her head high, and left Serenity,

"You'll have to handle this one on your own child," she said before the door slammed shut behind her.

Vegeta watched the tears pouring down the girl's face. He watched her fall to her knees and sob.

And he stood there. He held the door shut, tuning out all of the noise behind him.

Vegeta held that door for hours. It was in the early evening when Serenity pulled herself up from the ground. She hadn't cried the WHOLE time. She's talked to herself a little, held her arms, stayed still as stone until she erupted in tears again. She'd nearly screamed when she'd seen Vegeta at the door, staring at her through narrowed eyes. His back was significantly bruised by now. He'd leaned against the door the entire time, its marble sculptures of angels and the heavens stabbing him in the back as people relentlessly tried to enter the throne room.

He never allowed it though.

"Perhaps I should take you to the royal bedroom…" She said, though it was more so a question. Vegeta half nodded, seemingly displeased with what his niche had been the past few hours. She sighed heavily, nodded her head as well. They'd first returned to the ship to get their belongings, discovered that their companions had already departed to their respective rooms long ago. By now, Radditz had, with out a doubt, been beaten down by Rei for smothering her father.

There had been only silence for quite a long time. Vegeta was rather uncomfortable with it, but Serenity was off in her own world.

"We'll be stayed in my old bedroom," she said suddenly. Vegeta didn't respond. He didn't really care where he slept, just as long as Serenity wasn't crying like that again. If they were to stay in the royal bedroom, she'd be sobbing all night long…

It took forever to get Vegeta to Serenity's room. He'd stopped countless times, staring at the beauty of it all: stained glass windows, ceilings that might have touched the stars, library's filled with books upon books, gorgeous rooms and halls, lined with roses of red and white. Their garden flourished with more flowers than he knew existed. Fish, horses, rabbits…and foreign animals he knew nothing about!

Everywhere he turned; there was one wonder after another. Finally, Serenity gave up, dropping her bags in the hallway and asked the computer to find someone to pick them up for her.

"Luna P?" Vegeta had asked as Serenity's addressed the walls, and got a computer like response.

"She's built right into the palace. She regulates everything that goes on here." Serenity informed dryly. Vegeta nodded slowly, now just staring at the marble walls. Hours upon hours they wandered, and Vegeta drunk in every piece of it, never leaving a question unasked, even if Serenity's couldn't answer it. If Vegeta was this bad, Serenity's could only image how Mina was doing with Kakarotto.

Music was heard through the open windows of the surrounding of the palace, gaining Vegeta's attention once more. He peeked out, staring off at the new arrivals. Men and woman, dressed in glittering leaves and clothes, hair outstanding colors and eyes, bright and blue like a bug's.

"Nymph's…" Serenity said with a sigh, "Don't look into their eye's when they sing, you'll be dancing for hours." she said, waving them off and continuing on.

Vegeta was baffled. He'd seen countless species in his time, but these ones were so different. They said strange things and did strange things. There was tons of variety.

In a way, it was no different than his planet though. On Vegeta, there were many different people, but they all had one thing in common: They were all openly criminals. Here, it was the exact same things, only their true natures were hidden.

That was one thing he didn't like about this place. On Vegeta, you can trust a dishonest person to always be dishonest. But here, you never know when these so called honest people are going to stab you in the back.

When they finally arrived at Serenity's room they discovered the bags had beaten them there. It was defiantly a princess's room. The doorway made its own little foyer. There were white walls with pink carpeting. You could see two doors down the left wall; one a bathroom and the other a walk-in closet. The right wall though, only led to a corner. On the other side was the bed, which was the center of the room, but barely seen through the white sheer canopy. Opposite of the bed was the balcony, where white curtains hung to the floor. The bed, dressers and end tables were made of solid oak.

And there were stuffed animals.

Everywhere

Serenity didn't step up and speak at the funeral that night. The next couple of days went by like one giant blur for Vegeta. He never had time to train, though he couldn't recall what it was that kept him from doing so. Serenity wandered the halls, doing whatnot all day. Her senshi were often with her as well, cheering her up at any costs. Kakaotto was bouncing off the walls at a constant rate, but Vegeta hadn't seen much of Radditz.

"Speak of the devil," Vegeta mused to himself. He'd once again found himself wandering these endless halls when he stumbled upon none other than Radditz himself. The man adorned his usual Saiyan armor, but now sported an arm cuff with the symbol of Mars on it. Lucky for Radditz, Rei's father liked him very much. Rei, on the other hand, was quickly getting peeved at being ignored anytime her lover and her father were together. Luck remained on Radditz's side though, for Serenity had recently occupied much of Rei's time and attention.

And apparently she was occupying Radditz's time to. Radditz swayed slightly, revealing that Serenity was before him, eyes a little teary. The gruff solider sighed from exhaustion, obviously uneasy about whatever they were speaking of. He lifted his large hand, patting Serenity's shoulder and rubbing her arm gently.

"Radditz!" Vegeta called out. Both of them snapped to attention as Vegeta stared at them, mouth wide open. What had he done that for?

"Yes sire?" he inquired, bowing before his king. Vegeta hesitated, eyes darting back and forth for a moment.

"Rei" he blurted, "she wanted to see you," It was obvious that the two of them were baffled, but Radditz wasn't about to question him.

"Thank you," he managed, and scurried off in a hurry. Vegeta could have kicked himself as he watched the solider go. He sighed and turned to face Serenity, only to find that she was heading in the opposite direction.

He called out to her, but she didn't stop walking. So, after her he went! But she only quickened her pace. "Damn it!" he hollered, "Stop I say," still, she didn't! "Child?" he bellowed, "Child!" He burst up from the ground as she turned a corner, landing just as his hand came in contact with her arm, "For God Sakes turn around!"

He spun her around, but released the second he saw the tears in her eyes. She had flung herself at him now. It was like slow motion as she tied her arms around his shoulders and buried her face in his chest, yet it all happened in the blink of an eye.

He heard his heart thud in his chest

Vegeta was staring with wide eyes at the two ondago's, wrapped with ribbons. She was clinging to him, and crying again.

"I don't know what to do!" She screamed. Outside, birds were chirping and there was a soft rumble from the townspeople. But all that was heard in their nearly vacant hallway was Serenity's muffled cries, "I don't know what to do…." She repeated. Vegeta's chest rose and fell heavily and his mouth was dry.

"Sere...Seren…" he breathed.

"I WON'T DO THIS ANYMORE!"

Serenity gasped as both of their heads jerked up. The walls were shaking!

"Was that Kakarotto?" Serenity asked. They looked at one another questioningly, and then took off down the hallways. Light was shining through the corridors from the ballroom.

"It's Mina." Vegeta noted. The young blonde was cowering away from her beloved at the top of the double staircase. Serenity fell to her knees beside her friend, holding her closely and rubbing the frightened girl's back. Vegeta bolted down the stairs however, where Kakarotto was hunched over, his powers radiating around him. It crackled and snapped, warning Vegeta away, but he pursued on.

"Kakarotto, you clown, what are you doing?" He yelled, but there was no response.

"Brother?" Vegeta looked up to see Radditz and Rei on the upper balcony. Radditz jumped down immediately.

"I can't get close to him," Vegeta hollered. Radditz joined Vegeta as they attempted to approach the boy.

"He's going to kill himself if he keeps that up!" Serenity screamed as Rei assisted her in getting Mina to her feet.

"Get the hell away from him!" Rei hollered. "He'll take you both with him!" They paid no heed to her words though, and dove in to snatch his arms, which were turned in to hug his chest. Their hands burned at Kakarotto's power tore off their skin. They lunged for him, holding onto his body tightly, yelling at him to stop and trying to contain his power waves.

"Kakarotto please!" Mina begged. "Please stop!" Vegeta and Radditz could feel Kakarotto's shoulder rise and fall with heavy breaths. He slowly looked up at Mina, and his power died down. Vegeta stood abruptly, sizing up the boy and preparing himself just in case he exploded like that again. He didn't though. Instead, he stood up, whipping some sweat away from his brow. His eyes were red and puffy, though he showed no signs of tears.

They watched as they boy left down a hallway, more than likely to the training hall. Radditz followed after silently. Mina didn't say anything at all as the tears overwhelmed her. Vegeta walked over, his bleeding hands of no concern to him as he lifted the young Venusarien into his arms and, with Rei and Serenity beside him, carried her to her room. He set her down inside, Rei immediately there to tend to her as the Ladies Amira and Aerlita arrived. Serenity stopped him at the door as he prepared to leave.

"I'll be late to bed," she said softly. Vegeta nodded.

Serenity wasn't that late though. Vegeta had just finished changing when she arrived, explaining that Mina really wanted to be left alone. Mina hadn't explained why Kakarotto had such a violent outburst, and wasn't going to.

"Radditz said nothing after he spoke with Kakarotto." Vegeta informed, having addressed the older brother about the situation earlier. Serenity nodded slowly, sighing heavily to herself and she made her way to the bathroom. Her head hung low for so many days now. Everyone was tired of seeing her so gloomy. Even she was sick of it. She just wanted to be happy again. Her mother was gone, and that was that.

Vegeta sat up abruptly when a knock came at their door early the following morning. Stuffed animals went flying in all directions as his upper body sprung up. The squeaky ones bounced off the bed posts, making themselves known. Vegeta fought his way out of the canopy, rubbing his groggy eyes as he quietly opened the door.

Beryl queered a brow at the boy, adorning only his nightwear. She crossed her arms, peeking over his head into the room.

"Is she ready yet?" the woman inquired. Vegeta cast a quizzing look, and then glanced into the room where his wife laid sleep.

…his wife…

…oh how strange that still was to say…

"Apparently not," He said, turning back to the displeased vixen. The woman shook her head,

"She was asked to meet with the council today, she…" the woman went on to explain more about her situation, but Vegeta drowned her out. He knew what was going on. They were debating weather Serenity would become the new queen or not. Apparently, they had not factored Vegeta in at all, or so his connections told him. They certainly didn't want a Saiyan ruler, and they knew he wouldn't leave his people without a king. For them, it seemed full-proof.

"I'll take her place," He said. Beryl was alarmed by this, tipping her head and stopping the door before he closed it on her. He was surprised by the woman's strength as she held it steady, her arms flexing with a great power. "I'll be ready much quicker, and I do believe I'll be of more use than she will in her condition." He stated. Beryl accepted this, and waited a few moments as the boy dressed. He emerged in his Saiyan armor and any Saiyan accessories he could find. Beryl mused to herself, but said nothing as they walked through the halls. She led him to the throne room, which he'd only been in once before. It was different now though. Now there were many other seats besides the royal throne, and it was bustling with people. Some looked on with confused expressions when Vegeta took what was suppose to be Serenity's seat, but most simply dismissed it. One delegate spoke up though,

"Milady," he hollered down to the queen. Many people quieted, listening in on what he had to say, "Where is her majesty Serenity?" He inquired. "We can't be expected to choose a ruler without the main candidate present.

"I will speak for her," Vegeta informed. The man laughed a bit, those who had listened in shaking their heads along with him,

"We don't work like that your highness," he said in a rather sassy tone of voice, "This is a democracy, Serenity shall speak for herself,"
"Actually," Beryl interjected "Serenity is his wife, therefore she follows by the customs of his kingdom. And we must respect their culture," Brief, but to the point. Beryl sipped at her tea, her naturally defiant eyebrows lifted, eyeing the delegate dangerously. He scoffed, saying nothing to her comment as the meeting progressed.

Vegeta sat back, listening to these men and women as they disputed over a ruler. Beryl had apparently refused the crown. Next in line was Lady Yasmina of Venus. The goddess Selene, Serenity's grandmother, had given birth to Selenity, Beryl and Aphrodite. Selenity took over Lunaria, and Aphrodite became the Venusarien Queen, giving birth to her first son, Yandreon whom was supposedly going to take the throne of Venus, and then had Yasmina. This made Yasmina and Serenity cousins.

However, if both Serenity and Yasmina refused the throne, Yasmina would be left to either choose a new ruler or announce an election.

There were knocks at the door. Serenity moaned into her sheets. 'Go get the door Vegeta…' her mind pleaded. She whined as the knocking continued, her hand reaching over to search for Vegeta's body, but it was nowhere to be found. She huffed, rolling over as the sheets spun around her. Her hands reached out to snatch the canopy, moving the material aside,

"Come in!" she called out. She struggled forward as she heard the door open, the sheets falling forward with her as she tumbled to the floor.

A small chuckle sounded through the room, "Good morning princess," A soft voice said. Serenity sat up abruptly at the male voice, covering herself quickly as she stared up at the man with a gasp,

"Endymion..."

Whew….that was mighty difficult.

I received a review recently that kind of made me laugh inside. I've been accused of forcing my religion on my readers. The first thing that came to mind is: "but I'm not religious…." I believe in God and whatnot, but I'm no catholic and I've been to church probably 3 or 4 times in my entire life span. After that thought had passed the following was: "I was under the impression that fan fiction was based on an author's own state of mind" So technically, they can write whatever their heart desires. If you don't like it, don't read it.

I just needed to get this across.

Again, sorry this chapter took so long to post. Hopefully, I'll be able to get chapters up much quicker now that summer is here, but I'm warning you, I work all the time to pay for my two trips this summer (my first vacation! Woot!), Then I have a photography class, driver's Ed (shoot me now) AND my own personal life.

Please be patient.