This chapter is dedicated to Hidden_Angel.

"You are pathetic," Arwen asserted. Goku looked down to the being he held in his arms.

"I'm not going to change my mind."

"So," she began. "You won't even give it a try? Afraid to fight me?"

"Just leave me be." His voice was low, deeper than usual. Filled with pain and worry. Arwen did not notice.

"Why do you dote on that unconscious woman? What makes her so special?" He looked up in disbelief.

"She's my wife. I love her!" Arwen looked at him in confusion. Her face betrayed uncertainty.

"I am Arwen, I know no love. No one truly loves, it's all theory. Love does not exist!" Goku frowned.

"You are so alone." Her eyes widened and she took a step back. A haunting mist glazed her pupils. Suddenly, she shook her head as if to break the reverie.

"I'll find other game to prey upon." With that she left.

Goku looked down to ChiChi and sighed. Her breathing was regular, her heart beat was steady. He placed a hand upon her forehead. No fever. So, she had just been knocked out. Goku trembled and looked down upon her face.

She was so beautiful. Slowly, he brought his head down to her and brushed his lips to her own. They did not respond, but he could at least feel her once more. So soft and warm. Goku gasped and put a hand over his face.

He could have easily lost her tonight. That finality bit into his heart. Goku felt helpless. No matter how much strength he gained he could still not protect her. What had he been doing all of these years?

Goku lifted her frail body gingerly and put her on the bed. He had spent so much of his life fighting to protect her. Always, he'd fought for the continuation of Chikyuu. Just what good had that done? He'd lost half a lifetime with her and he'd gained power. Power that had not helped him tonight. Running a hand through his hair, he wondered what it all had been for.

He could not find a reason.

****

Trunk's eyes were wide as he watched his mother attack his father with an enormous red orb of ki. Chimera lay on the ground and from the looks of it, the beast was dead. Trunks gasped as the power surged forth. His father would never be able to withstand such a menace.

Indeed, Vegeta looked rather desperate and Trunks could tell he was summoning all of his power for a shield. He looked from one person to another in consternation.

Then, suddenly, he knew exactly what was to be done.

****

Chimera created a circle of power around both Vegeta's and his old body, which was lying on the ground in a deathly stillness. It was puny compared to the might of the Crimson Absolution, but he would not die in vain.

The power began to lick at the edges of his ki and Chimera bent his head in submission.

Then, surprisingly, there was more power. Chimera looked up in surprise, only to see that Trunks was beside him. The youth smiled upon him and then reinforced the shield.

Chimera used Vegeta's lips to smirk. Perhaps he wouldn't die after all.

****

Galvan was finally on Chikyuu. It had taken those damn subordinate fools long enough. He inhaled the sweet air and allowed the vista of beautiful to soak into his pores. How he loved this place.

'Saliya should see this.' It was a simple thought that his mind offered impusively. However, at the introduction of this thought, Galvan growled. He would not think of her, not now.

He opened his traitor mind and felt out her ki. It wasn't too far away, he could be there in half an hour. He smirked as he entered the air. Arwen would meet him soon enough. Then, and only then, would her streak of assumption end. She'd learn who had the power.

He only prayed she wouldn't fight on Chikyuu.

****

She gasped and fell to her knees. So close had she been to giving in. Bulma shook her head and ran her hands over her face and through her hair. Hugging herself tightly, she rocked back and forth anxiously.

Vegeta stood behind her. Fists clenched, he brooded with uncertainty. Suddenly, his feet moved of their own accord. He was coming down to the ground beside her. His hand reached and found her shoulder. Bulma was trembling. Her rocking ceased at his touch and she swiveled her head around. Blue owl eyes peered at him, they were so large and gorgeous. One slender eyebrow was raised in bewilderment.

Vegeta set his jaw.

"I still do," he managed. She frowned and looked down.

"Still do what?" She finally asked. He sighed and rubbed his empty hand over his eyes. Then he found his strength. Reaching over, he grasped her adjacent shoulder. Firmly he brought her up to her feet. She did not resist him. He stared into her eyes levelly, face portraying nothing but the necessity of the moment. Her lower lip trembled as she anticipated his words. Taking a breath, Vegeta knew he could say it. He squared his shoulders and cleared his throat. Damn it, he'd only say this once.

"I...I," he began.

"You?" Bulma said, trying to get him to hurry along with it. He looked upon her face and saw the reflection of himself in her eyes. Smiling softly, he moved his hands down her arms. He took a step forward.

"I still love you, woman."

It took her a good minute before she could find a reaction. Slowly her lips curved. For the very first time in two years, Bulma directed a genuine smile to Vegeta. He dismissed the single tear that dropped from his eye.

All he could see was her face.

****

Author's Note: I have nothing to say for this chapter. I'm still basking in the warm glow of my happiness from having Vegeta finally say that. ::sigh:: I'm gonna go daydream now!

Special Note: If you haven't checked out Guardian Angel by Hidden_Angel, I expect you to do that ASAP!!! =)