Dragon Ball Z: Lord Slug 2,0

by PhoenixKnight13

The evil Majin Buu has been defeated, and Christmas is fast approaching once again. The Z-fighters are more than happy to celebrate the holiday. Even Vegeta is getting into the spirit of the season. However, a ghost from his past makes an unexpected visit. Will Goku and Vegeta be stong enough to defeat this new foe? Or, will they even want to fight at all?

Dragon Ball Z: Lord Slug 2.0

This fanfic is based on the Japanese anime series Dragon Ball Z. The plot takes place after the conclusion of the Majin Buu saga, but before the series proper ending (Also, no connection to the Dragon Ball Super series. Or the Dragon Ball Z: Lord Slug Abridged movie, which I'll admit I didn't even know existed till I'd almost finished this).

All Dragon Ball Z characters, locations and items mentioned are the property of Akira Toriyama and © Toei Animation. Also any other anime, manga or other fictional works mentioned are not owned by me either, but their respective creators.

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Chapter 1

It was a cold winter day in West City. Cars crowded the roads as families walked up and down the streets. And in an elevated train car, sat a surly Saiyan dressed in a blue tank top, beneath a dark-brown leather jacket and blue jeans. He was Vegeta, the Prince of all Saiyan's.

Vegeta had trained under the harshest conditions. Fought against the mightiest warriors in the universe. He had even felt the cold embrace of death, twice in fact. Yet one day Vegeta suddenly realized he'd never done something as simple and mundane as travel via the train. So instead of going off to do some training in seclusion as he'd told his family. He'd decided to give the public transportation system a try.

Now he understood exactly why so many people complained about it. It was crampt, noisy and there was an odd smell in all the compartments. Though he was tempted to simply pry the doors open and fly away. Vegeta decided to tough it out instead.

Vegeta continued to have a few lingering doubts about his life on Earth. Sometimes feeling as if he didn't belong in the picture, even amongst Bulma's friends. Or rather, his friends. It was still a little strange, to think of them in such a way. Though not because he had any remaining feelings of animostiy towards them. Rather, he now felt as though he was the one unworthy of their companionship.

Vegeta admitted to himself that he was a very single-minded man. Once he had a set goal in mind, he had tunnel vision. Focusing all of his energies on it. Whether seeking revenge against Frieza, then later Goku. Or reclaiming his "supposed" destiny to become ruler of the universe. It had always been so black and white. Either he would achieve his goals, or die trying. There had never been anything else. Up until now, at least.

But now that he had let go of the last bits of his resentment towards Goku, the Saiyan Prince felt as if he had... nothing. No one to defeat, nor a goal to strive for. He was a man without a map to guide him on the road of life. Vegeta was brought out of his thoughts when he looked out the window. It was as he watched the snow beginning to fall upon the city streets, that he remembered something.

The Earthling holiday called Christmas was fast approaching once again. He could never understand why Bulma and the others seemed to adore the holiday so much. He once had to explain to her that such a day of celebration did not exist on planet Vegeta. So the idea of some old man in a red suit, running around giving gifts to an entire planetary population never made any sense to him.

Vegeta's expression flattened as he stared down at the city below. Remembering how shocked and even heartbroken Bulma appeared when he'd told her that. Before she explained to him that the most important part of Christmas, was spending time with family and friends.

It was, strange... Vegeta had spent almost his entire life alone. In all that time, having a "family and friends" had never crossed his mind. And yet, here he was. Not the sole ruler of the universe, nor the single most powerful Saiyan to ever exist. Still, he was no longer ashamed that he enjoyed spending time with his family and yes, his friends.

Though he'd sooner pull his teeth out before he ever admitted it to any of them.

Vegeta ran his fingers through his hair in thought and smirked. In all these years he'd ignored the tradition of gift giving, even towards his family. Perhaps it was time for that to change, though perhaps... anonymously.

After all, I don't want any of those moron's to think I've gone soft. He thought, with a smile.

xxxx

It was a loud and busy day at the Capsule Corperation mansion. Bulma was supervising Goku and Yamcha as the pair flew up into the air. Hanging up decorations that would normally have required a ladder to reach.

"That's... perfect. Nice work boys." She noted happily as the men made the finishing touches.

At that, Goku and Yamcha smiled. Coming back down to the ground to join her in observing their handiwork.

"This year's Christmas is gonna be a blast! Thanks for inviting us Bulma." Goku smiled happily at her.

"Well this is your first Christmas back in the land of the living Goku. Naturally, that makes it extra special." Bulma nodded with a knowing smile and a wink.

Goku smiled sheepishly.

"Gosh Bulma, you don't have to go all out just cause of me." He replied with a modest and friendly laugh.

Yamcha however seemed to agree with Bulma, chuckling at Goku's modesty.

"Aw come on Goku. You made it back alive and saved the universe, again. You deserve a little reward. Besides, who doesn't like a Christmas party? Oh..." He suddenly stopped smiling and looked to Bulma. A somber expression on his face.

"Well that is... Eh, you know what I mean, right?" He asked with a shrug and a weak smile.

Goku looked from Yamcha to Bulma, confused.

"Huh?" He asked aloud.

Then much to the surprise of both men, Bulma smiled. She then held up a hand, to signal that all was well.

"It's okay Yamcha." She assured him.

Bulma then turned to Goku.

"It's simple Goku, you know Vegeta isn't exactly the... festive type. He's had a habit of being a no-show to these sort of parties." She explained.

Goku looked a bit downcast at that.

"Really? Well, that's a shame..." However, much to Bulma and Yamcha's surprise. He brightened up again a moment later.

"Hehe. Well who knows. Things might be different this year." He suggested with a smile.

His sudden change in mood left Bulma and Yamcha surprised. The pair took a moment to look to each other, all they could do was offer a bemused shrug.

xxxx

An hour later, Vegeta came walking through the doors to the Capsule Corp. mansion. He soon arrived at the living room and sat down in a heep. It hadn't been easy but, he'd managed to put the finishing touches on his plan. He allowed himself a smirk at the thought of the look on all their faces... when all was said and done.

Sadly, he'd been seated for only a minute when Bulma caught him. She walked in, likely to add another silly ornament to the room he mused. When she spotted him.

"Vegeta! You made it. And here I thought you'd be training till New Years." She noted in pleasent surprise.

He slowly, he straightened himself out to stand back up.

"Hmph. I knew this party was of particular importance to you. I also knew I'd never hear the end of it if I didn't show up." He responded dryly.

Bulma was genuinely surprised by his response. She then smiled at him warmly.

"You know, you don't have to join in if you don't want to." She replied.

Though Vegeta's outward expression was still stern. To the point of looking grim, his eyes softened.

"...I know." He replied with a nod.

With that, Bulma giggled and much to Vegeta's exasperation. She grabbed him by the arm, dragging him into the room where the party was about to start.

Little did they know that in that moment, someone. Or rather something was looking down upon the Earth. With questionable intentions...

Chapter 2

Far away from Earth, a large metallic insectoid shaped spacecraft quitely sailed through deep space. Within the alien craft... a loud beeping sound had disturbed one of it's occupants.

The little Arcosian scientist Gyoshu, slowly opened his large red eyes as the noise continued.

He shook his head as he woke up. Having fallen asleep at his work station, and not for the first time. The beeping stopped when he sleeply pressed the button in front of him to let the computer know he'd recieved the alert. The ship's main computer responded in a gentle, feminine voice.

"Target acquired. Do you wish to confirm acquisition of target?" It asked.

"A target? Yes, confirm identity please." Gyoshu replied as he pulled himself together. If the hunting drones had found another bounty, such a matter needed his undivided attention.

Upon the screen before him, an image. Along with some text appearing beside it came up. The image was that of a young man, wearing the armor of those associated with the deceased King Cold and his fallen galactic empire.

The man in question was humanoid, sporting black hair. Along with a pair of cold, fierce looking eyes. But the one physical characteristic that set this man apart from most, was the brown furry tail he had wrapped around his waist.

"Designation: Prince Vegeta. Species: Saiyan. Gender: Male. Offences: Several dozen counts of theft, extortion, kidnapping, blackmail, murder, planetary piracy and genocide. Unconfirmed destruction of several planets. One count of piloting without a licence. Known Associates: King Cold (status: unknown), Lord Frieza (status: deceased), Nappa (status: deceased) , Raditz (status: deceased), Cui (status: deceased)." The computer read out the text.

Gyoshu sat in his chair, frozen in shock. Though as he slowly regained his wits, he drew closer to the screen to confirm what he was seeing.

Once he'd done so, Gyoshu dashed out of the room.

The little Arcosians' heart raced as he ran towards the one place he knew their leader, Lord Slug would be at that moment. The training hall. He could hardly believe it as he ran, the long awaited day had come... at last.

Most everyone else among the crew had given Prince Vegeta up for dead long ago. Even the intergalactic bounty collection office had long since revoked the reward on his head. Declaring the man legally deceased. But not Slug, he'd somehow known the Saiyan scum was still alive. ...Somewhere out in the dark cold void.

Inside the room that made up the training hall, a tall man with percing dark eyes, and an intimidating looking scar on the left side of his face struck viciously through a field of small hovering semi-spherical machines with his right fist. His black, hooded cloak whipped around as he shattered the last of them.

"Apologies for disturbing you, Lord Slug sir!" Gyoshu called to him, panting to catch his breath.

The man called Slug paused as he held up a hand, signaling for the Arcosian to stop.

"Easy Gyoshu. Now take a breath and tell me what's wrong." Slug advised, with a hint of a smile.

Gyoshu did as he was told and took a breath before continuing.

"Sir, we located another target. It... It's him." Gyoshu explained in earnest.

Suddenly, the calm and relaxed look upon Slug's face changed. His expression became fierce and cold as he then began to pulsate with power. Though he soon calmed himself. Slug looked sharply at Gyoshu, his brow lowering.

"Your absolutely sure?" He asked calmly.

"Yes sir." Gyoshu nodded.

"Show me." Slug said as he threw his cape back over his shoulder.

Back in Gyoshu's labratory, the Arcosian pointed at the readout upon the screen. Slug approached the screen, placing his right hand upon it. He scowled at the cocky snear upon the young Vegeta's face.

"Location: A planet called Earth. What? Earth...?" He read aloud. Though Slug hadn't heard the name in many years, he knew the planet well.

But that couldn't be right, could it?

"It would seem so, sir." Gyoshu nodded, his attention being fixed on the screen. He failed to notice Slug's reaction.

"Yes... alert the others, were changing course." Slug snapped out of his stupor.

"Right away sir." Gyoshu bowed his head and left the room.

After Gyoshu left, Slug turned his attention back to the screen.

"So, I've finally found you... Prince Vegeta." Slug noted bitterly as he continued to glare at Vegeta's image.

xxxx

Meanwhile, back on Earth the Christmas party was in full swing. Goku and Majin Buu were reaching for as much food as they could grab. As Vegeta leaned against a nearby wall to watch, arms folded over his chest. Gawking disgustedly at the pair. Goku caught sight of him.

"Vegeta, you hungry? You're welcome to join in." He asked.

"Huh, watching you two decimate that spread is enough to make anyone loose his appetite." Vegeta replied as he shook his head lightly.

"Please, like his highness is one to talk." Oolong mumbled to Puar, who giggled at the comment.

Vegeta overheard them, but did nothing more than scowl and look the other way. Trying to appear aloof and disinterested.

Goku laughed at that.

As that was going on. Yamcha, Chiaotzu, Master Roshi, Turtle and Hercule joined together to sing carols.

"Hey, Tien! Come on and join in." Yamcha offered.

"Ehhh, I... better not. I don't have much of a singing voice." Tien declined the offer bashfully.

Krillin meanwhile was happily teaching his daughter Marron how to dance in time to the music. While Eighteen sat and watched the pair with a smile.

Chi-Chi, Bulma and Videl sat together at a table laughing cheerfully. While Gohan and Piccolo were outside watching as a barrage of snowballs was thrown across the yard. Anyone else watching would have just seen a pair of small blurs flying across the snow. Finally, the two boys seemed to have tired each other out too much to carry on.

"Ha! You got me good Trunks." Goten, now completely covered in snow laughed as he pulled himself out of a snow pile he had been incased in.

"Yeah, that was fun." Trunks responded, smiling while dusting himself off. After a short break, the boys got ready for another "battle".

xxxx

The tension within the alien craft as it approached the Earth, was palpable. Slug, despite putting on an air of eagerness, was actually feeling incredibly nervous. At long last, fearing in the back of his mind that his searching had all been in vain. The moment he had been waiting for, for almost ten years had finally come.

They had managed to find him... Vegeta.

He looked down at the two smallest members of his crew. They were shivering, either with anticipation or fear. Slug couldn't tell for certain.

True the little Arcosians were no warriors, but it was thanks in part to their work that this day had come. The tracking drone that had managed to track Vegeta down was their creation after all. He couldn't be any more proud than he was in this moment, of all of them. They had all earned the privilege to be here.

"Nervous men?" Slug noted looking down at him with a slight smirk.

"What? Oh yes, my apologies." Gyoshu replied anxiously.

"Relax, it's not necessary." Slug assured him again. His expression lightened a bit more as he lowered himself so that they were the same height.

"You, both of you have nothing to worry about. So long as you stay calm, and stay at my side." He explained, placing a hand upon Gyoshu and Kakuja's heads reassuringly.

"He wont lay a hand on either of you, And I... I will make him pay for what he and his kind have done." He gave them a stern look and a determined nod.

This seemed to be just what the two needed to hear, as both Gyoshu and Kakuja nodded with equal determination. Bulstered by Slug's words.

"Yes sir!" The pair chimmed together in unison.

At that Slug smiled again and nodded to them in kind.

Chapter 3

As he was getting himself another cup of hot chocolate, Goku smiled as looked upon his friends and family. All chatting and laughing together. Soon his gaze fell upon Vegeta, who, like always. Was standing away from the others. Leaning against a nearby window sill as he stared up into the sky.

"Hey Vegeta." Goku made his presence known.

Vegeta, without turning to look at him, only grunted in reply.

"Snow sure is coming down heavy this year..." He noted as he came to stand beside his fellow Saiyan.

Vegeta only shrugged at that, his thoughts focused on the blizzard swirling outside.

"Oh, I brought you this!" Goku announced, proudly offering him the cup of steaming hot chocolate.

"What is it?" Vegeta asked as he frowned at the cup.

"It's hot chocolate. Everybody's got one. So I figured, you should too." Goku clarified.

Vegeta remained silent for a long second, though he eventually took the mug. While not very interested in sweets. Vegeta decided no harm could come from taking a small sip of the drink. Though he'd never say so out loud, it did taste delicious.

After that, both men turned to quietly observe the snow outside the window once more. Suddenly, a loud noise could be heard all around the house. Something like the boom of a thunder clap came down from the sky. Making the ground shake all around them.

"What was that?" Goku blinked.

"Kakarot, look up." Vegeta said in a tone so serious, it startled the younger man.

Goku then lifted his gaze upward.

"Huh...? Gah!" He blinked in surprise.

Just outside, a large spacecraft hung in the air just a few feet above them.

xxxx

Everyone quickly rushed outside into the backyard. Goku and his friends anxiously watched the alien vessel as it hovered in the air, just a few feet above them. Save for Vegeta, who's expression remained calm as his brow lowered.

"...Their pirates." The Saiyan Prince noted sternly.

"Really? You mean, space pirates?" Goku gaped.

"What else could they be with a ship like that?" He snapped in reply.

"Ugh! Here we go again." Krillin let out a sigh of exasperation.

"No rest for the weary." Eighteen agreed as she and their daughter Marron came to stand beside him. She then scooped the little girl up into her arms.

"What are we gonna do?" Hercule asked, looking up at the ship nervously.

"Don't panic, they don't appear to be very strong." Vegeta snorted as he gained a better sense of the people within the alien craft. They were strong, true enough. But from what he could gather. They really didn't stand a chance against Earth's warriors.

"Whoever they are, they picked the wrong planet to attack!" Tien noted as he threw back his cape. Readying himself for battle.

"Yeah!" Gohan, Yamcha and Chiaotzu cried out together in unison. Ready, willing and able to defend their home.

"Now wait a minute guys. We don't know anything for sure yet. Let's not jump the gun." Goku argued as he came to stand between them and the alien craft. Holding up his hands to try and instill some calm.

Vegeta laughed coldly at that, making Goku turn and face him.

"Seriously? I know your not that naive Kakarot." He gave Goku a grave look.

Goku continued to look at his fellow Saiyan with a pensive expression.

"Tch! Fine, if you want to sit on the sidelines. Be my guest!" Vegeta snorted.

Before they could continue, their attention was drawn back to the alien craft as it came down. Sending much of the recently fallen snow flying back up into the air. At the far back of the group, Chi-Chi and Bulma grabbed ahold of Goten and Trunks. Who had attempted to get a closer look.

"Oh no you don't!" Both women snapped in unison.

"Mom!" The boys protested, to no avail.

Goku's expression flattened as he watched the ship descend. It's landing gear lowered neatly into the snow. Everyone was tense, gazing at the door to the spaceship. Hoping to be ready for whatever came out. At last... the large door in front of the heroes opened up. Extending into a ramp that came down. Several figures now stood before Earth's defenders. They were the most peculiar looking group Goku and his friends had ever seen.

One was a large, orange-skinned man with long brown hair. He wore an outfit made of black fabric with a golden ring chest piece.

Another was also built like a human, though shorter. He was a fairly good looking humanoid. With blue skin and shaggy blonde hair. Despite his regal appearance, Goku noticed he had a serene look in his eyes.

Between them, stood a short strange looking little man with large yellow eyes. As far as Goku could tell, he closely resembled a green-skinned frog.

Further off was a brown-skinned, winged gargoyle-looking alien. The armor he wore was black in color, with gold trim. He also sportted an orange waist sash and a pair of dark brown pants to complete his outfit.

And at the very back, stood a very tall, green-skinned man. He had a large painful looking scar running down his left eye. He wore a helmet that had two ear plates, which hid his ears from view. As well as a black cloak, along with a brown medallion with straps on it and a yellow undercoat beneath that.

"Wow, who are they?" Goku asked to no one in particular. Looking upon the odd assortment of people now standing before him in amazment.

Kakarot, always so easily impressed. Vegeta scoffed to himself.

"Don't act so impressed Kakarot. It's easy to tell, we don't need to be concerned." He stated, making them all look at him surprised.

Goku relaxed, thinking Vegeta ment that these new people were not hostile. Rather than lacking in strength.

"You can sense that? Well, that's a relief. Yo, what's up?" He turned and lifted his right arm and gave the aliens a big friendly wave.

The aliens lifted their heads inquisitively towards Goku.

"A "proper" greeting? And here I thought this'd be another back-water mudball planet." The little frog-man noted in pleasant surprise as he squinted at Goku.

"They actually think they're important. How adorable!" Vegeta openly chuckled.

"Come on Vegeta, be nice." Goku scolded lightly.

Vegeta did manage to get ahold of himself, but only when he noticed the man standing at the back of the group. He was a cut above the rest, a true warrior. That much Vegeta could tell straight away. Also, there was something about him that seemed strange, almost... familiar.

As if he'd noticed Vegeta's eyes upon him. The man stepped forward.

"You... It really is you, isn't it?" He hissed, his voice was full of venom.

"Lord Slug..." The tall man with orange skin looked to the one whom Goku assumed must be their leader, cautioning him sternly.

"No Zeeun, let him... He needs this, more than the rest of us." The blonde humanoid man argued gently. Though Goku noticed he too seemed apprehensive.

"Do you remember them Vegeta? Do you remember what you did to these people?" The man, Slug growled as he gestured back to the men standing behind him.

Vegeta said nothing, standing perfectly still as he gave the other aliens a fleeting glance.

"No? Fine, I'll introduce you. Commander Zeeun, of the planet Zeuin. Angila of planet Angira. Wings of Dorodabo. Medamatcha of planet Meda. And Gyoshu and Kakuja, of... Arcose." By the time he was done naming them all, the man was practically radiating with loathing. All of it aimed straight at Vegeta.

Arcose, something about that word clicked inside Goku's brain. As if it were a word that he should know. Yet try as he might, Goku couldn't recall where or when he might have heard it. His attention was quickly drawn to the two smalliest aliens. They were so tiny and innocuous looking that Goku had to admit, he hadn't noticed them till now. But before he could think on the matter further, Slug spoke up again.

"Whole populations, entire civilizations wiped out. They're worlds stolen. All because of you!" He snapped bitterly.

Vegeta was about to retort, until he noticed Goku's hand land gently upon his shoulder.

"Vegeta... Is any of what he's saying, true?" He asked in a low whisper.

Vegeta growled and shrugged him off, defensively folding his arms over his chest.

"What do you think Kakarot? Of course it's true. It was... a long time ago." He spoke with a surprising amount of melancholy. Before turning his head away from Goku.

Goku glared at Vegeta for a moment, before giving him a sympathetic smile. He then turned his attention back to the alien visitors. He stepped towards them, much to their confusion.

"I'm sorry for what happened to you. But, you have to know that revenge isn't the answer..." He spoke kindly.

"And just who do you think you are, Earth-man?" The man called Zeeun demanded, stepping in between Goku and the rest.

That caused everyone to tense up again. Earth's warriors and Slug's men were staring each other down now. However, before Goku could say anything to try and smooth things over, Slug interceded on his behalf.

"At ease Commander, the people of Namek know this man. He's no threat, that I can guarantee." He explained, and for the first time since they had arrived on Earth. The man's expression softened.

"I'm honored, or I should say that we are honored to meet you in person, Goku." He bowed his head slightly towards Goku in show of respect.

"What?" Goku looked up at the man puzzled.

"Eh, your Goku? The Goku? The Super Saiyan of legend Goku?!" Zeeun gawked.

"Show some respect men. We stand in the presence of the legendary Super Saiyan, Goku. The man who put an end to Frieza." Slug called back to the rest of his crew.

"You guys know about that?" Goku blinked at Slug in surprise.

"Know about it? Course we know that story!" The gargoyle-looking man called Wings noted with a smile. His wings rustling, apparently in excitement.

"Naturally, we were all told the tale of how Frieza came upon the Namekians. How he laid their planet to ruin. Only for a savior to appear, the Super Saiyan." Angila added thoughtfully.

"Hehe. Gosh, that's not exactly what happened." Goku chuckled, grinning sheepishly as he scratched at the nape of his neck.

"Tch!" Vegeta scoffed at Goku's modesty, even rolling his eyes.

It was then that he noticed Slug's attention was now on him again. The pair stared each other down for a moment. Before Slug focused upon Goku once more, who noticed the exchange between the two. Goku quickly stopped smiling, looking Slug square in the eye.

"Look, I'm sorry but. I think it's time you tell us what brought you all here today." He asked calmly, but firmly.

"I might ask you the same thing Goku." Slug stated pointedly. Now gazing down upon Goku critically.

"I don't follow." Goku replied with a raised eyebrow.

"Really? Then I'll explain." Slug pointed directly at Vegeta, still standing a few steps behind Goku.

"Why are you standing here, between us and that man? Why is he even alive and breathing?!" He snapped.

At that moment, Goku's expression lost all trace of levity.

"Well, that's easy. Vegeta's my friend." He spoke plainly. Saying the words as if they were the most obvious answer.

Many amongst Earth's defenders nodded in agreement at that, completely casual about their acceptance of the Saiyan Prince.

"I'm sorry... what?" Slug actually paused at that, looking at Goku dumbstruck.

Vegeta himself was momentarily startled by Goku's admission, collecting himself a moment later.

"So that's it... It's all so simple. This, is about revenge." He noted softly, smirking. Though his expression quickly became somber again.

At that, everyone from both groups now turned to look at Vegeta. As for Slug, he actually scowled at Vegeta's words. As if they were an insult to his character in some way. But before he could reply, Vegeta continued.

"However, you left yourself out of your little introduction. So... who are you, and what's your stake in all this?" Vegeta inquired with a furrowed brow as he eyed Slug.

"Well, I suppose you wouldn't recongnize me. ...No matter. I remember you very well." Slug looked down upon Vegeta smugly and chuckled. As if he knew some great joke the Saiyan warrior didn't.

Vegeta only gave the man a look of contempt in return.

"Why don't I just, show you..." Slug sneered as he threw off his cloak. He then slowly removed his helmet, unceremoniously tossing it aside.

In that moment, everyone aside from those among Slug's crew gasped in shock. Slug not only had green skin, he had long pointed ears and sported some very familiar looking antenna.

Goku, Vegeta and the others were stunned to realize Slug was... Namekian.

They all soon turned to their own Namekian friends, Piccolo and Dende. Who looked upon the man with as much shock and surprise as everyone else.

"For years, we've made a living hunting down the last remnants of Frieza's old regime. Meaning, people just like... you." Slug smiled with great zeal at Vegeta.

Everyone else turned to look at Vegeta again. Many of them with apprehensive looks on their faces.

Vegeta meanwhile, had gone surprisingly quiet.

This still doesn't make any sense. What would a Namek want with me? He mused to himself.

Then, as if in a flash. He was struck by a sudden epiphany.

"You..." Vegeta stuttered. His eyes widened as the memory abruptly erupted within his minds' eye. He could see it all now. Planet Namek, the village where the four star Dragon Ball had been kept. And... what he'd done to the people who lived there. It had been so long ago, he'd almost forgotten. Or perhaps, he'd tried to convince himself so...

"...You're a, a survivor!" Vegeta noted in shock.

Goku looked back to Vegeta confused, Slug however grinned.

"So, you finally remember? ...Good." The Namekian chuckled.

"Arrr! That's not possible. There were no survivors!" Vegeta argued a moment later, glaring at the man accusingly.

"Heh, you honestly think everyone from my village was present when you came to, visit? Fortunately, I'd been away that day..." Slug explained somberly. Before regaining himself a second later. Glaring bitterly at Vegeta once more.

Most everyone amongst Earth's warriors reeled back in shock, looking at Vegeta stunned. Whereas Piccolo eyed Slug sharply. While Gohan, Krillin and Dende all choose to look down at their feet, in shame.

As Vegeta caught sight of them out of the corner of his eye, his stomatch tightened up painfully.

Idiots, why are you all so surprised? You knew I was no saint when we first met. So why are you all acting like this is somehow your fault? He grumbled internally.

It was then that Goku addressed Slug's group again.

"I think I understand what's going on now. You want Vegeta to be punished for what he did in the past. I get it, believe me." He said kindly.

Slug eye'd Goku, as he stood before the towering Namekian.

"The thing is, Vegeta isn't like that anymore. And I can tell you with one hundred percent honesty... He's already paid for his mistakes, in full." Goku explained stoically.

In that moment, regardless that he hadn't powered up. Goku seemed to radiate with power. It was so intense, everyone was aware of it. Slug himself was left momentarily speechless at the intensity of Goku's aura.

Vegeta too was taken aback by the display. When suddenly, he realized why Goku was acting in such a manner. This was all for his benefit, Goku was trying to make Slug back down for his sake. In that moment, Vegeta recalled how Goku had once inspired him to take part in creating the fusion warrior, Vegito. Telling him about fighting for the sake of their friends and families. Goku was once again acting to protect one of his friends... him.

"Kakarot..." Vegeta noted with awe and understanding. Though the Saiyan Prince quickly tried to hide his reaction as he regained his wits shortly after.

"Fool... Do you really think it's that simple?" He argued quitely, looking down at his feet somberly.

Vegeta's words seemed to snap Slug out of his own stupor.

"Make no mistake Goku. I do respect you for what you did for my people. But words alone can't wipe that man's hands clean!" He said as he turned to Vegeta once more.

Once again a tense feeling came over everyone, muscles clenched and teeth were bared. Trying to be ready for whoever made the first move.

"I've heard enough! Fighting you all would be a waste of my time." Vegeta glared at Slug accusingly again.

"So either leave this planet now. Or, I'll force the issue." He ordered, with a smirk.

"Do you honestly think I'd still be intimidated by you?!" Slug snapped, before charging at Vegeta.

It was in those few seconds that Vegeta made a decision. He could have defended himself in that moment. He could have even dodged Slug's assault. Instead, he decided on a different tactic. He did... nothing. Slug managed to land a punch hard on Vegeta's jaw. Causing him to stagger, falling to the ground with a loud thud.

"Vegeta!"

Many amongst Earth's defenders wanted to rush to his aid. Though they paused when Goku came to stand in their way, silently holding out a hand to stop them. Slug meanwhile was surprised at landing a successful blow. The Namekian paused in his attack momentarily. In his hesitation, Vegeta looked up at him, still smirking.

"Really, that's all? I give you a free shot at me. Just to be generous. And that's the best you can do? How... sad." He taunted. Wiping away the single drop of blood that had fallen from his mouth as he continued to grin.

Furious, Slug was about to renew his assault. When something else caught his attention.

"Dad!" Trunks cried out as he rushed to his father's side.

Slug's anger quickly disappeared at the sight of the boy. Only to be replaced by confusion.

"What...?"

xxxx

Trunks, having managed to pull away from Bulma. Now stood at his father's side. Vegeta turned to glare at his son, before his expression melted.

Goku was ready to move in and intervine, though he stopped when he realized Trunks had no interest in attacking Slug. He then noticed that Goten had also joined them. Standing at his right, the boy looked up at his father with a concerned expression. After a moment, Goku smiled down at his youngest child. He then knelt down to ruffle his hair comfortingly.

"Don't worry Goten, we'll sort this out." He spoke calmly and assuredly to his son.

Goten nodding at his father, a big bright smile on his face once more. Goku smiled back at the boy as he stood back up. Turning to continue observing the situation at hand.

Meanwhile, Slug continued to gaze down at Trunks in confusion.

"You, boy. Who are you?" The Namekian questioned him.

In that moment, Vegeta instinctively raised his arm up in front of Trunks. As if subconsciously, he were trying to shield his son from Slugs' penetrating gaze.

"Who wants to know?" Trunks snapped in reply.

Slug didn't rise to the bait of Trunks childish retort. Instead, he realized something had begun to bother him. He took a moment to look over all the people before him more closely. Slug was soon startled when he came to a realization. All these people, they were ready to fight him, just to protect Vegeta!

What is all this? He mused confusedly to himself.

Then Slug remembered something, he couldn't believe he hadn't thought of it before. It was so obvious. And outright appalling at the same time.

"Now I understand..." He grit his teeth.

"You used the Dragon Balls, didn't you? You made a wish to get in their good graces. How... disgusting." He hissed. The other aliens seemed to understand what Slug was implying... and they all went deadly quiet.

"Dad, what's he talking about?" Trunks turned to his father and quietly asked in confusion.

For his part, Vegeta's blood was beginning to boil. Never had he been accused of something so utterly absured in his life. He was about to rebuttal Slug's ridiculous accusation, when Goku suddenly materialized. Standing between himself and the Namek.

"That's enough! We've all chosen to be Vegeta's friends, nobody forced us! And Trunks is Vegeta's son, who happens to be a very fine young man!" Goku spoke harshly, as if scolding an unruly child.

Slug was horrified as he looked down at Trunks again. The boy continued to glare at him defiantly. For his part, Vegeta didn't like the idea of a revenge obsessed Namek being anywhere near his family. So he turned his attention back to his son.

"Trunks, I need you to go, now." He explained sternly.

Trunks turned to look at his father, flabbergasted.

"What? But Dad I can help. I can fight!" He argued adamantly.

"Of course you can, I know that! But we can't focus on this fight with them on the battlefield..." Vegeta guestured towards Bulma and Chi-Chi, who had rushed to the front of the group. Trying to learn what was going on.

"...Do you understand?" He asked his son seriously, knowning Trunks was smart enough to already know the answer.

Trunks opened his mouth to argue, though paused to give himself a moment to think.

"Yeah, I understand. You can count on me Dad!" The boy replied with a determined nod. Before turning away to run back to his mother.

"Hey Goten, hurry up. We need to get everybody outta here!" He called to Goten as he grabbed his mothers' hand. Dragging Bulma along before she could protest.

"Oh right, go get 'em Dad!" Goten called back to Goku as he too made to led his own mother to relative safety.

With that, Vegeta straightened up. Standing face to face with Slug once more.

"What should we do about the kid? We can't take him too, can we...?" Wings noted as he fidgeted uncomfortably.

"What else can we do?" Zeeun replied. Though he seemed to take no comfort in the idea either. Looking down at his feet shamfully.

"Don't be ridiculous Zeeun!" Anglia snapped at the Commander.

"Ugh! Let's just grab em both and sort it all out later!" Argued the little frog-like Medamatcha.

For his part, Slug's jaw tightened in silent frustration.

While the rest of Earth's defenders were appalled by the attitude of Slug's men. Glaring at them in thinly veiled disgust. Goku decided it was time for him to step in once more.

"That's enough! Nobody is taking Vegeta or Trunks!" He insisted loudly.

Vegeta grit his teeth as he recalled his own miserable childhood. Being forcibly separated from his father at a young age. He utterly refused to force his own child to go through the same kind of nightmare.

"Kakarot's right, neither I nor my son are going anywhere with the likes of you!" He pushed past Goku, glaring at Slug and his crew.

He continued to gaze at the Namekian coldly. Slowly, his hair began to move, as if a gentle breeze had kicked up. Then a bright light exploded all around his body, as his muscles suddenly bulked up. His hair rapidly changed from it's natural black color, to a golden hue. His eyes were now glowing emerald green.

Slug and his crew gaped in shock for several seconds as they looked upon Vegeta's Super Saiyan form.

"A Super Saiyan...? Arrr! That doesn't change anything!" Slug snapped, once he'd regained his composure.

"Well, come on then." Vegeta challenged with a smirk.

Goku looked from his fellow Saiyan, back to Slug anxiously.

"Look, believe it or not. I know Vegeta's sorry for what he did." He actually started pleading.

"Tch!" Vegeta scoffed. Though if he were to be completely honest with himself. He had to concede that Goku wasn't entirely wrong.

"You have my full respect Goku. But your apologies mean nothing to me!" Slug snarled bitterly at him.

"Heh, as if you stood a chance against me." Vegeta retorted as he took a fighting stance.

"Vegeta, don't be stubborn! I know you don't wanna hurt these guys. Just go, I'll talk to them!" Goku turned back to Vegeta.

"No Kakarot, he wants this. I understand that, better than most..." Vegeta countered somberly, without turning to look at him.

"Enough! I have no interest any children. My only concern here is Vegeta!" Slug growled, powering up. Energy flaring out all around him.

Suddenly, there was another brilliant burst of light. Both Vegeta and Slug turned to see that Goku had transformed as well.

"Stay out of this Kakarot. I mean it." Vegeta ordered Goku sternly.

Immediately, Goku knew what he had to do. The only problem was, he also knew neither Slug nor Vegeta would like his plan. But he felt at this point, he didn't have any other choice.

"Vegeta." He turned to face Vegeta directly.

"Ugh! Yes Kakarot?" Vegeta grumbled. Turning just a fraction, to get a glimpse of both him and Slug at the same time.

"Look, I understand you consider this your fight. I want you to know I get that, I really do. I also know your going to be angry with me later. So, I just wanna say... I'm really sorry about this." He apologized, before letting out a sigh.

Vegeta rolled his eyes at that.

"What are you babbling about-" He started. Just before Goku's fist slammed hard into his stomach, causing him to cough.

"-K...Kakarot?" Vegeta noted with surprise, as he quickly fell unconsciousness.

Vegeta's hair instantly returned to it's normal black color as he fell limply, out cold. Goku quickly caught his Saiyan friend as he fell. He then pressed two fingers to his forehead. For a moment, Goku and Slug locked eyes. Just before he used his Instant Transmission technique. Causing the two Saiyans to seemingly vanish into thin air.

"Wha... What? What just happened?!" Slug demanded as he stood dumbstruck. No longer sensing Goku or Vegeta in the area.

Chapter 4

Within a large domed structure that sat just above the clouds, Goku suddenly appeared. Heaving under the dead weight of the unconsious Vegeta.

"Gah! Goku!? Don't you know it's rude to just pop in on people like that?" Grumbled the rotund samurai Yajirobe. Who'd been sitting at a table, idly eating some Christmas cookies. Startled at Goku's sudden appearance within the tower.

"Sorry Yajirobe. But I was kinda in a hurry." Goku repiled as he powered down from his Super Saiyan state, smiling apologetically at him.

Korin, the short, white furred humanoid cat sage approached them. He then waved his wooden staff. At that, a portable, lightweight cot materialized out of thin air. Gingerly, Goku placed Vegeta on it.

"I've been keeping an eye on our new friends since they entered Earth's atmosphere. Though I'll admit I'm a little surprised myself. What exactly is your plan Goku? I assume you didn't bring Vegeta here to take in the view. What with him being unconscious and all." Korin asked as he stroked his whiskers.

"Yeah, sorry about this Korin. But, I'm going to need you to do me a big favor. Could you let Vegeta stay here in your tower for a little while?" Goku asked.

"What...? Are you outta your head!?" Yajirobe demanded. He would have said more, though he stopped himself when Vegeta began to fidget grumpily in his sleep. Yajirobe yelped as he jumped away from the man.

"Alright Goku, I'm listening." Korin replied, turning his attention back to Goku.

Goku nodded at that.

"Well, you see. My original plan was to take Vegeta to the Look-Out. Then I remembered Slug has a spaceship, so he might be able to find it. But since your tower is under the Look-Out we might-" He started to explain.

"-You thought my tower would make the perfect hiding place for our troublesome little Prince here. Hehe, not bad Goku. Actually using your noddle for a change." Korin chuckled again.

Goku clapped his hands together in a pleading gesture and bowed his head.

"Please Korin! I know Vegeta can be a bit of a handful. But he's grown so much. He deserves a chance to prove he's changed!" He looked up at Korin again, practically begging his old mentor.

Korin stroked his chin again, this time in deep contemplation. After a moment he looked from the depserate Goku, to the still unconscious Vegeta.

Korin then... chuckled.

"Alright Goku, I'm convinced. You can turn off the puppy dog eyes." He answered with a grin.

"Really?" Goku asked happily.

"What?!" While Yajirobe snapped incredulously.

"So long as he's here in this tower. Vegeta is herby under my protection." Korin reiterated with a firm nod.

Goku brightened even further, he then grabbed Korin up into a hug.

"I promise Korin, you wont regret this! I'm really greatful, and I know Vegeta will be too. Thanks so much!" He cheered happily.

"Yeah, yeah. Now get outta here before I change my mind." Korin scolded Goku half-heartedly.

It was then that Goku realized something with a jolt.

"Oh, that's right. I kinda took Vegeta pretty suddenly. I better get back and explain all this." He noted with a chuckle as he set Korin back down.

"Same old Goku, always flying by the seat of your pants." Korin noted with a sigh.

"Hehe. Well I better go. Oh, before I do. Do you have any Senzu beans I could borrow?" Goku laughed sheepishly, before pausing to ask.

Korin nodded to Yajirobe, who pulled out something from his coat and threw it right at Goku. On instinct, he caught it. Looking down, Goku saw it was a bag of Senzu beans.

"Thanks, wish me luck." He said waving in farewell as he pressed two fingers to his forehead, vanishing once more.

"Well, I think your both nuts." Yajirobe grumbled as he came to stand beside Korin once more.

"Well then, it's a good thing nobody asked for your opinion." Korin countered teasingly.

xxxx

"What just happened? Where did they go?!" Slug demanded as he looked around the area. Trying to sense Goku or Vegeta. When that failed, he turned his attention back to Goku's friends.

"You! Where did they run off too?" He pointed at Krillin, gazing at him with an accusatory expression.

Krillin however was not so easily intimidated. He stood his ground and glared back at the angry Namek.

"Goku didn't "run off" anywhere, he's not scared of you! He just used Instant Transmission! " He explained. Angry that Slug would accuse his best friend of cowardice.

"...Then why did he just disappear?" Slug countered.

Krillin was about to argue with Slug, when he realized the man had a fair point.

"Eh, well... Goku's kinda funny like that..." He smiled weakly.

It was then that Gohan and Piccolo came to stand between Krillin and Slug. Both looked like they were ready for battle. This didn't go unnoticed by Slug's men. Who quickly rushed to stand between the pair and their leader.

"I'm sorry, but I don't appreciate it when people go around making baseless accusations about my father. I think it would be best for everyone if you turned around and got off our planet, now." Gohan stated in a calm, almost cold manner.

Slug was actually taken aback by such a blatant attempt to intimidate him.

"That's it! I'm done talking, time for action!" Medamatcha growled as he cracked his knuckles, anticipating a fight.

"I'm with you Medamachta!" Wings noted, his wings flapping eagerly.

Though they didn't say anything, Zeeun and Angila also took a fighting stance. Gyoshu and Kakuja meanwhile scrambled to get out of the line of fire.

"They wont be fighting alone!" The combatants turned to see they had been joined by Yamcha, Tien and Chiaotzu. All three made ready to help Gohan, Piccolo and Krillin. Both parties were about to clash.

...When Goku suddenly reappeared. Standing directly in their midst, startling everyone present.

"Goku!" Several of his friends brightened upon his sudden reappearance.

"About time you got back." Piccolo relaxed, looking at Goku with a grin.

Gohan and the others approached Goku. Eager to learn where he'd been and what he'd been up too. Though for his part. Slug's face twitched with the effort of trying to remain calm.

"Excuse me but, where is Vegeta?" He demaneded through gritted teeth.

"I took Vegeta someplace where he'd be safe. That's all I can say for now." Goku nodded severely.

"You did... what?" Slug's face fell and he blinked, stupified. The rest of Slug's crew gave each other similarly confused glances.

"Goku... you "need" understand. Vegeta is a dangerous man." Slug sighed in outright exhaustion.

"Yeah! What if your buddy decides to go incinerate a few hundred innocent people to blow off some steam? Ever think of that?" Medamatcha glared at Goku. His eyes made several seemingly uncontrolled movements, apparently in anger. Before they returned to their normal positions.

Goku looked down upon Medamatcha, his own expression suddenly turned very cold.

"I understand your concern, but... the Vegeta I know. Would never do something like that." While he spoke in a calm, quiet voice. The icy look in Goku's eyes actually made Medamatcha recoil in genuine discomfort.

Slug, realizing further arguing would be a waste of time, stepped in.

"Alright fine. Now, you obviously came back here for a reason Goku. So, what now?" He raised a hand, signaling for Medamatcha to stand down.

"Look, we all kinda started off on the wrong foot. But I still think we can sort this all out peacefully. So, I'd like to suggest we all sit down and talk this over." Goku offered.

Slug just stared at him, looking quite stunned. However, a moment later and the Namekian was struck by an idea. He knew exactly what to do, and it would only set him back a few days. He'd already waited almost ten years for this, he could afford to wait a few more days.

"Alright Goku, we'll hold... a tribunal." Slug replied, looking upon Goku calmly.

Slug's men all stirred greatly at that.

"What?" Several of them gawked at him.

"Sir, Goku's already proven he'll use force to get what he wants." Commander Zeeun warned, eyeing Goku accusingly.

"No, I'll vouch for him. Is that satisfactory?" Slug looked to the others for confirmation. They muttered amongst themselves for a moment. Before all eventually nodded in agreement.

"Eh, sorry to interrupt but, what exactly is a tribunal?" Goku interjected, confused.

Slug turned back to face him again.

"Simply speaking, it's a court proceeding, where the accused is examined. All while depositions relating to the guilt or innocence of the accused are entered into evidence." He elaborated.

"Oh, okay. I think I understand. ...Hey, that's perfect!" Goku noted happily, with a thoughtful nod.

"Eh, well. We'll only need a few days to prepare. However, so long as Vegeta is free. You Goku will stay onboard our ship. Upon arrival, you'll be allowed limited access for security reasons. Is that acceptable?" Slug leaned down to look upon Goku sternly.

"I can respect that. I just need to talk to my family and grab a few things before I go." Goku agreed, giving Slug an equally intense look. Though both their expressions soon drifted into mutal respect.

Goku and Slug then turned and walked away in opposite directions. As Slug's crew followed after him, expressions alternating between confusion and worry.

While Goku and Slug were each now wearing a look of grim determination.

xxxx

A few minutes later, Goku and the others stepped into the kitchen. Where Chi-Chi, Bulma, Goten, Trunks and Mr. and Mrs. Briefs had been waiting anxiously. Bulma was surprised when she looked up, quickly realizing Vegeta was not among them.

"Goku, where's Vegeta? What's going on?" She asked, confused.

"Vegeta's fine Bulma. He's... with Korin and Yajirobe, safe and sound." Goku repiled, giving her a very somber look.

"Wait, what? Vegeta's... in hiding?" Bulma looked at him stunned.

"What on Earth for? Goku, what's this all about?" Chi-Chi demanded.

"No!" Someone else in the room shouted. Everyone turned to see it had been, Trunks. Angry tears now spilling out onto his cheeks. Forgetting her own worries, Bulma rushed to her son. Intending to pull him into a comforting hug.

"Sweetheart, everythings gonna be okay-" Bulma said.

"No! This is your fault!" Trunks pulled away from her, turning to glare at Goku.

"He counted on you, he trusted you! And you, you let him down... Just like with Buu!" The boy snapped. Pointing a finger at him accusingly.

At that, there was a collective gasp from almost everyone present. While the pudgy pink entity in question tilted his head to the side in confusion.

"Trunks!" Bulma, Gohan and Goten noted with shock. Stunned by Trunks accusation.

"How dare you!" Chi-Chi snapped at the boy in outrage.

"No, Chi-Chi. It's alright." Goku interceded on Trunks behalf. He then knelt down to stand at eye level with the boy.

"Trunks, do you trust your Dad?" Goku asked, much to Trunks own surprise.

"Tch! Course I do." The boy replied in a condesending tone.

"Alright, so if your Dad trusts me. And you trust your Dad. Do you think, maybe you could trust me too?" Goku asked gently.

Suddenly, Trunks eyes lit up at the logic of Goku's line of reasoning.

"I... guess so." He conceded as he wiped the tears from his eyes, sniffling.

Goku smiled at the boy, giving him a sympathetic nod before standing back up.

"Don't worry Trunks, everything will be alright. I've got a plan." He explained with a wink.

"So, what is your plan Goku?" Bulma asked him. A hint of worry in her tone.

"It wont be easy, I'll have to be away for a few days." Goku's brow lowered as he turned to place a comforting hand upon her shoulder.

Chi-Chi stepped over to him. Goku moved to embrace her in a heartfelt hug without a moments hesitation.

"Goku... Just, promise me you'll have this sorted out before Christmas, alright?" Chi-Chi asked anxiously.

"Don't worry, Chi-Chi." He looked down at her with a comforting smile.

Chi-Chi nodded, matching his smile with one of her own. Goku then pursed his lips and turned to look up at Piccolo, who happened to be standing not far away.

"Oh and Piccolo. I'm going to need you to do me a favor." He smiled wearily at his Namekian friend.

"Huh, why do I have a feeling I'm not going to like this?" Piccolo noted suspiciously.

Chapter 5

Sparse light seeped into Korin's tower. Landing upon Vegeta's face, making him wince. Prompting his eyes to slowly blink the sleep away. Upon fully awakening, and being a perceptive man. Vegeta quickly realized something was, amiss.

This caused Vegeta to quickly sit upright and look around him in surprise.

It was then that he got a better look at the room he had been sleeping in. It was big, though sparsely furnished. Getting up, Vegeta contemplated the situation with a frown. He then walked over to the balcony and looked out. What he saw made him freeze. He was miles up in the air, above the clouds.

This, this isn't the Look-Out, what's going on here? He mused to himself, starting to panic.

Suddenly, a voice answered his unspoken question.

"Don't worry, this isn't Kami's place. But you'll be safe here."

Vegeta spun round, his eyes widened upon seeing a short, humanoid cat with a wooden staff in hand standing before him.

"Nice to see you back in the land of the concious, your majesty." The stranger noted with a smirk.

Vegeta fixed his face into a hard glare.

"You! What have you done to me?" He demanded abruptly.

"Relax your highness, I didn't do anything. Nothin except provide you with a nice comfy bed to sleep on. Oh, by the way... your welcome." Korin explained, allowing a hint of irritation to creep into his voice.

Vegeta gave Korin a critical look, quickly surmising him to be one of Goku's friends.

"So, this was his idea..." He grumbled bitterly under his breath.

"Pretty much." Korin replied smoothly. He then started to walk away.

Not knowing what else to do, Vegeta decided to follow him. The pair climbed the steps to the next floor of the tower.

"Where are you taking me furball?" He asked, still feeling agitated.

"Keep your shirt on majesty. Someone's here to see you. By the way, name's Korin." Korin replied without stopping.

Vegeta only huffed in reply to that. Really, he knew he should be more greatful. But he was still angry over being tricked by Goku. Vegeta understood his fellow Saiyan ment well, though he still loathed the idea of his family and the others being involved. This business with Slug was clearly his responsibility.

Slug... a lone survivor from his attack on that Namekian village. It was odd, Vegeta realized in some ways. He and the Namek were similar. Losing everyone and everything they had ever known at a young age. Only it was the Saiyan Prince himself who now stood in the role of the villain.

It was as Vegeta was contemplating that very thought, when Korin led him to their destination. There were no walls around them, only pillars holding up the ceiling. In the middle, a statue with a artistically decorated bottle sitting atop it stood.

"The Sacred Water, don't bother though. It's just some tap water, yeh know. For the tourists." Korin explained with a chuckle. As if he'd known what Vegeta had been thinking.

Ugh! Not another mind reader. How do I keep getting into these situations? Vegeta groaned in frustration.

After passing through the entryway, Vegeta sensed someone else was nearby. He turned to stare at the imposing figure of, Piccolo. Leaning against a nearby pillar, his white cape billowing in the breeze. Fixing his scrutinizing eyes on Vegeta, the Namek gave him a pointed look. Though a moment later. A sly, knowing smirk graced his lips.

"Vegeta." Piccolo greeted him casually.

"Piccolo! What are you doing here?" Vegeta's voice rang out in genuine surprise.

"Oh I'm just here as a favor, to a mutual friend. See, he got the impression that you might... wonder off. I'm here to make sure that doesn't happen." Piccolo stated, continuing to smirk at him.

"...Kakarot!" Vegeta hissed, punching the pillar he happened to be standing next to at the moment. Despite his anger, he held back. Though his punch left an ugly looking crack in it.

I can't believe this, they even sent Piccolo here to keep an eye on me! He clenched his teeth in bitter indignation.

Piccolo shrugged at his reaction.

Vegeta snorted at him, while Korin looked from one to the other. Letting out a sigh as he did so.

"Well, this is gonna be fun." He bemoaned to no one in particular.

xxxx

Goku was deep in thought as he sat aboard Slug's ship. Really, he blamed himself for not anticipating a situation like this.

I should have seen this coming. Of course there'd be other people out in the universe Vegeta's hurt. This isn't going to be easy. Heck, I don't even have much of a plan yet. Hmmm, I need to convince these guys that Vegeta's not the same man that he used to be, but how...? He mused to himself as he sat.

Goku looked around the small alien vessel, at the other occupants. His main obstacle in this mess was the anger and hate they all shared for Vegeta. Though Goku realized he still didn't know the details of why. Then again... maybe that was the key. In that moment, it was as if a light bulb clicked on inside Goku's mind. He couldn't change the minds of these people, if he knew nothing about them.

So that's it, I'll learn all I can about these guys and work my way from there... Goku nodded to himself, a fierce and determined look burned in his eyes once more.

A moment later and Goku felt the ship stop abruptly.

Okay, this is it. He thought to himself as he headed for the door, stepping down the ramp.

Goku began to walk, only to get shoved aside by Medamatcha. Who silently made it a point to disembark first. Goku gave him a brief look of disapproval, before stepping forward once more. Stepping off the ramp and onto Slug's main ship.

Though it was nothing like the spaceships Bulma's father had made. It didn't even look much like Frieza's ship. Goku first noticed a long walkway that featured many structural supports as he looked around. He also noticed much of the vessel looked a bit, disorganized.

Slug coughed to get Goku's attention. Upon hearing him, Goku snapped back to reality. He soon noticed Slug's crew now standing side by side together in a line. As if waiting for some kind of military ceremony to begin.

"Welcome aboard, Goku. May I formally introduce you to my crew. Commander Zeeun, Angila, Wings, Medamatcha, Gyoshu and Kakuja." Slug noted as he turned back to his crew.

"It's an honor to meet you all." Goku bowed to them all in a formal manner.

"Pfft!" Medamatcha snorted.

"That will be all for now. Angila, I'm going to need you. The rest of you can go." Slug stated, looking down at Medamatcha sternly.

"...Monkeys." The little man grumbled as he turned, marching off. The others followed after him silently to the nearest doorway. Goku's eyes rested sadly upon Medamatcha as he disappeared through the door. He'd learned from his encounters with Frieza and his men that the term "monkey" was ment as an insult towards Saiyans. While Goku wasn't personally offended, he knew that kind of attitude was going to cause him nothing but trouble.

Slug sighed heavily, pinching the bridge of his nose in resignation.

"Just ignore him Goku, he's always been like that." He noted as he turned, nodding to Angila.

"Now, Angila here will act as your guide. He'll take you to a room where you can wait until we're ready to hold the tribunal." Slug explained as he now turned back to Goku.

Goku glanced over at the man curiously. In greeting, Angila put his hand at the center of his chest in a fist, as if in salute. Briefly bowing his head to Goku.

"If you'd follow me." The Angiran offered as he stood back up to face Goku.

"Oh, um. Okay, thanks Angila." Goku tried to preform a more clumsy imitation Angila's actions in return.

Angila took a moment to blink in surprise at that, before leading him down long and winding corridors. Goku turned to get one last look at Slug before the doors to the hanger closed behind him.

xxxx

The pair walked down the corridor in an uncomfortable silence. Goku knew that Slug would likely want Vegeta to pay for his past crimes with his life. He also knew Vegeta had already suffered enough. So, Goku concluded he'd have to work hard to save his friend from being either killed... or locked up in a cage.

"Sooo, about this tribunal?" He asked Angila.

"Yes... Well, it's basically an open and shut case. It's obvious Vegeta's guilty. The main problem for you will likely be in regard to the severity of his punishment." Angila hummed thoughtfully.

"Well, I'll just have to work hard to make sure Vegeta gets the lightest punishment possible." Goku nodded confidently.

"You've got guts Goku, I'll grant you that. Though what you want's impossible. Not unless you tried something like... Heh, like the Right of Equivalency." Angila laughed a little at the thought.

"Right of... Equivalency? What's that?" Goku asked, curious.

"It's one of the older galactic laws. The guilty party would be allowed a substitute, one who would stand in and take punishment for the crimes committed. That person would have to serve whatever sentence was originally ment for the guilty party." Angila explained.

"Equivalency huh? ...Hmmm." Goku scratched at his chin, deep in thought.

Angila saw the look in Goku's eye, pausing to give him a stern look.

"That wont work for you." He explained rather severely.

"Awww. How come?" Goku stopped as well, looking to Anglia sad and confused.

"Because Goku, "that" law can only be invoked by a living blood relative." Angila explained with a sigh.

"Oh..." Goku noted sadly.

Angila stared at Goku in pure confusion as the pair continued down the hallway again.

"Still, I wont let hate destroy Vegeta. Things like hate and the desire for revenge... They can turn you into something unrecognizable, if you let them." Goku tried to explain gently.

"That's easy for you to say. I get the impression you've never really hated anyone." Angila chided, though his tone sounded gentle rather than condescending.

"No, that's not true at all Angila. I've known anger, hate... and the desire for revenge." Goku admitted sadly. Remembering all the times he'd gotten angry enough at someone to hate them. People like Tao, King Piccolo, and even Frieza.

Angila raised an eyebrow at Goku for that comment, though he didnt ask any questions.

"So Angila... I don't suppose I could ask you how you ended up joining Slug's crew?" Goku decided to change the subject.

Angila's expression quickly fell.

"Heh, interesting question... Well, where your people were a race of warriors. Mine were all very adapt in the mystic arts. The ability to wield magic." Angila clarified, once he saw the look of confusion on Goku's face.

"Eventually, word of our abilites reached Frieza's ears. As you can imagine. He came to us with an offer of an alliance. Naturally, my people refused to have anything to do with him." Angila explained.

Goku nodded, while he actually didn't understand what interest Frieza could have in a race of wizards. He knew for certian that it couldn't be anything good.

"So of course, he sent his men to attack us. We, didn't stand a chance." Angila a pained look came into his eyes for just a moment.

Goku's heart sank as he guessed exactly who Frieza had sent to attack Angila's people.

"...Vegeta?" He asked sadly.

"Actually, no." Angila almost chuckled at Goku's shocked reaction.

"It was a battalion, led by a man calling himself Cui." He elaborated.

"That's awful. I'm so sorry Angila." Goku looked down at his feet sadly.

"Goku, Frieza and his men were unstoppable. But then, you came along. You not only single handedly slew a tyrant. You managed to topple a "galactic" empire! There's no need to for you to apologize for anything." Angila now looked upon Goku with clear admiration in his eyes.

"That's not quite what happened Angila. You see, I didn't kill Frieza. I did beat him, but... I couldn't kill him. The last I saw of him, planet Namek exploded." Goku explained somberly. Though he decided not to mention Frieza had actually died at the hands of Vegeta's son. Recalling his rash actions in revealing the identity of Trunks to Slug earlier. He didn't wish to get the "other" Trunks involved in this mess, on top of that.

Angila now looked at Goku as if he'd grown a second head.

"You mean, you actually showed him... mercy? Heh, you really are fool Goku." Angila sighed, turning away from him again. The pair then continued down the corridor once more.

"Maybe. But, I was taught that giving in to anger would make me no better than my enemies. Besides, most people can change, if you give them a chance." Goku countered. Angila went quite at that, a contemplative look in his eyes. The pair then entered a nearby elevator.

"So, I know your story. Can you tell me anything about your friends?" Goku inquired further.

"Hmm, most stories begin and end the same. Though, I really don't know anything about Medamatcha." Angila glanced at him, before stroking his chin.

"The little frog guy?" Goku asked innocently.

"Yeah, but don't let him hear you calling him that." Angila nodded as he tried to hide a chuckle.

"I do know that he met Lord Slug before any of the rest of us. They found me while I was training, trying to get strong enough to avenge my people. That's when I learned about Frieza's death. Not long after I joined them, we encountered Zeeun and Wings. Like myself, they were the only survivors of their people. The one's responsible for that called themselves: the Ginyu Force. Fortunately, Gyoshu and Kakuja happened to be away when their planet was purged by Frieza himself." He finished somberly.

"So you all lost your homes thanks to Frieza and his men..." Goku said thoughtfully as they stepped off the elevator. He took note of everything Angila said, that information might come in handy later on. Still there was a piece missing... Medamatcha.

Goku was pulled from his thoughts when Angila stopped by a door and pressed a large button on the panel next to it. The door opened into a pleasantly furnished room.

"We're here. This will be your room until the tribunal." Angila said as he gestured inside.

"Thanks Angila. I appreciate this." Goku thanked him as he walked into the room. Taking a moment to glance around.

"It was no trouble, Goku." Angila turned to leave, before pausing for a moment.

"And Goku... Good luck." He added before leaving, the atomatic door closing behind him.

Surprised at first, Goku soon smiled and nodded at that.

Thanks Angila, I think I'll need a lot before this is over. He mused to himself.

xxxx

Slug paced back and forth in his cabin. So Goku thought to rob him of his chance for justice? No, he would ensure Vegeta received his just reward. But would Goku surrender Vegeta over to him once all was said and done? That was the trouble, he had no clue where Vegeta was currently located. He needed to know.

Slug clenched his fists tightly, weighing his options. Then suddenly, it dawned on him. He realized exactly what it was he needed to do. As Slug left his quarters and headed down the corridor, he felt like a fool for not thinking of it sooner.

Minutes later, he burst into Gyoshu and Kakuja's laboratory. Where the two often did salvage work, hoping to find anything useful in the bits of debris the ship picked up from time to time. Though it seemed only Kakuja was present at the moment.

The little Arcosian relaxed when he saw that Slug was the one who'd barged into the laboratory.

"Sire, you startled me." The little man squeaked.

"Kakuja. I need you to do something for me." The Namekian waisted no time.

"Oh, of course sire. What do you need of me?" Kakuja offered as he sat up in his chair.

"I hate to do this, but I need your hunters to monitor Goku. Keep an eye on everything he says and does." Slug replied sternly.

Kakuja blinked at Slug, stunned.

"Sire?" He asked.

"Trust me Kakuja. We're going to need to learn everything we can about this man. Also, I think it best that this conversation stay between the two of us." He lowered his brow at Kakuja.

"...Yes, of course sire. I'll take care of it." Kakuja stammered.

"Thank you Kakuja. I knew I could trust you." Slug laid a comforting hand upon the little Arcosions' shoulder.

Chapter 6

Goku sat on the bed that had been provided for him. Testing to see how comfortable it was.

"Hey, Goku!" A voice then came out of nowhere.

"What? Eh... Hello?" He looked around the room, confused.

"Relax Goku, it's just me." In that moment, Goku realized Korin had contacted him telepathically.

"Oh, Korin? What's up?" Goku asked, confused by his old master contacting him so suddenly.

"Look, I know your in the middle of a delicate situation Goku. But I gotta tell yeh, we got a problem down here." Goku couldn't help but notice a strain in Korin's tone.

"What's the matter Korin? Is something... Oh no. Is Vegeta alright?" Goku started to worry. Had anything bad happened while he was away?

"Easy Goku. Our favorite surly Saiyan Prince isn't in any immediate danger." Korin quickly explained.

"Oh, well then what's the matter?" Goku asked his old mentor in confusion.

Even though he was only speaking to him through telepathy. Goku could hear the tired sigh in Korin's next words.

"Look Goku, I get what your trying to do. Heck I think even Vegeta gets it. But that doesn't change the fact that Vegeta's a very free-spirited soul. One that's basically being held somewhere against his will." Korin explained in a resigned tone.

Goku suddenly realized he may have made a mistake in his plan to keep Vegeta safe. He'd been so preoccupied with keeping others from locking his friend up in a cage. He hadn't realized he'd become a kind of jailer himself!

"Ugh! Right, I didn't think about that. I'm really sorry Korin." Goku apologized. Smacking himself in the head for his lack of forethought.

"Don't beat yourself up over it Goku. I'd just appreciate if you could take a moment to talk to the guy. Piccolo's tried but I think you might be the only one who can get through to him. And if at all possible, could you make it fast? The pillars in my tower can't take many more Saiyan-style temper tantrums." Korin noted with a huff.

Goku panicked at the thought.

"Oh no, I'm so sorry Korin! I didn't even think to take Vegeta's temper into account. I'll head to the tower right now!" He didn't waste another moment. Quickly vanishing from Slug's ship.

Although Goku didn't know it, at that exact moment. He'd been watched by one of Kakuja's hunter drones...

xxxx

Suddenly, Goku found himself back at Korin's Tower.

"Whoa! Hey Goku, aren't you a little worried your disappearing act might get you in trouble with our knew Namekian friend?" Korin asked with a hint of concern when Goku appeared before him once more.

"It'll be okay, I'll just make this a quick visit. Hopefully no one will notice I was gone." Goku gave Korin a nod.

"Good old responsible Goku. Well, come on." Korin sighed and gestured for Goku to follow him.

"Say, where are Piccolo and Yajirobe?" Goku asked as he looked around for his other friends.

"Well, Piccolo's back at Capsule Corp. to keep Bulma and the others informed. And Yajirobe decided to play the better part of valor. ...He's hiding from Vegeta." Korin explained as he walked.

"Oh." Goku noded at that and quickly followed after his former teacher.

Soon, they'd approached the room were Vegeta was staying. Goku paused to peek around the corner. He saw Vegeta, apparently dozing on a cot. Likely the same one Korin had provided when Goku had brought him to the tower.

"Good luck Goku. You're gonna need it with that guy." Korin noted in a whisper before turning around. Leaving Goku with the dozing Vegeta.

Goku took a deep breath, knowning full well the heated reprimand he was in for. He stepped into the room and knelt down to his fellow Saiyan.

"Hey, Vegeta. Wake up, it's me." He spoke calmly as he gently shook Vegeta by the shoulder. Vegeta stirred at being jostled, grunting a bit as his eyes slowly cracked open.

"What the...? Hey!" The moment he came out of his stupor. Vegeta thrashed about defensively on reflex.

"It's okay Vegeta! It's just me." Goku tried to explain. Taking a step back, hands up in a submissive gesture.

"Wha... Kakarot?" Vegeta breathed, his thoughts clearing. His head jerked upward to spot Goku.

Goku smiled assuringly as he lowered his hands.

"...YOU! YOU DID THIS!" Vegeta barked at Goku. Jumping up, seething in a barely controlled rage while pointing at him accusingly.

"Look, I know your mad Vegeta. But I didn't have a choice! I swear I'll make it up to you. That's part of the reason I'm here! Honest!" Goku pleaded as he took another step back, hands up again.

After a moment, Vegeta's eyes narrowed. He growled in frustration as he looked away. At that, Goku lowered his hands once more.

"So, how are you?" Goku asked as Vegeta continued to look away from him.

"Oh, you mean other than my suffering from complete and utter humiliation thanks to your little stunt? ...I'm, fine." Vegeta's expression softened ever so slightly.

"Bulma and Trunks. ...Are they alright?" His eyes shifted back to Goku.

"Don't worry, they're both safe and sound." Goku assured him.

Vegeta's teeth clenched and his face hardened once more. Goku then came to stand at Vegeta's side.

"It's going to be okay, Vegeta. We're going to get this sorted out." He put a hand comfortingly on Vegeta's shoulder.

"Oh really? And just how are we supposed to do that?" Vegeta looked up, lifting the corner of his mouth in a cynical smile.

"Well, that's the good news." Goku said brightly.

"From what I've learned it's actually pretty simple. We just have to get Slug and his crew to understand that you regret what you did in the past." He explained as Vegeta eyed him suspiciously, before shrugging off Goku's hand.

"So... What makes you think I regret any of it?" Vegeta cracked another cynical smirk.

"What?" Goku blinked at his Saiyan friend in surprise.

"Tell me something, Kakarot. As I recall, you were raised as a Earthling by some old man. Have you ever regretted that?" Vegeta asked as he looked out into the clouds below.

"Huh? Not really, I guess." Goku replied as he blinked at Vegeta in confusion.

"So, you've never woundered what life you might have had. Had you been raised by your birth parents?" Vegeta continued, sounding almost wistful as he spoke.

"Eh, can't say that I have." Goku replied with a shrug.

"Why do you suppose that is?" Vegeta persisted.

"That's easy, we may not have been related by blood. But my Grandpa Gohan loved me like a son all the same. And I wouldn't change that for anything." Goku answered with a warm smile.

"So in other words, your "grandpa" made you the man you are today. So, how can you expect me to be any different? True my "father-figures" were very different from your own. Still, that made me who I was. Who I am." Vegeta turned to look him straight in the eye.

"...You're wrong." Goku replied, he expression stern.

"What?" Vegeta was genuinely startled by Goku's response.

"Frieza tried to nurture your darker nature, make you into a reflection of himself. You never had a choice before. When you finally had the freedom to choose. You chose to be better than him. You're not like Frieza, Vegeta... not anymore." Goku assured him, a look of firm conviction in his eyes.

Vegeta gave Goku a long, hard look. Before turning away from him again.

"Heh, you really believe that. Don't you?" He asked with a faint smile.

"Course I do, and don't worry about Slug. I think I can get him to see it too." Goku gave him a confident nod, and a wily grin.

Vegeta only scoffed somberly in reply.

Though when he glanced back at Goku, he saw the younger man's smile didn't falter. Vegeta, despite himself. Began to hope that in this case, like so many times in the past. Goku would prove him wrong.

xxxx

Slug found himself unable to work, distracted and irritable. Though he should have been focused on preparing for the coming tribunal. He found himself anxious for any news from Kakuja. While he had been genuinly honored to meet Goku in person. He'd still prefer to having Vegeta rotting in a prison cell at the moment, rather than Goku sitting comfortably in some crew quarters.

Fortunately though for him, Goku knew nothing about galactic law. The tribunal was more of a readying of the charges against a criminal than anything else. Once Goku learned exactly what kind of monster his friend was. He'd make his peace with the truth. Slug was certain of that.

It was as he was pondering that very thought, that his holo-messager. A small, circular device that sat upon his desk activated, beeping at him. Slug pushed the button to answer it. Watching as a holographic image of Kakuja was projected before him.

"Sire, pardon the interruption. But you wanted a report as soon as possible?" He asked nervously.

"Yes Kakuja, what do you have?" He stated with an assuring nod.

"Well... I don't think your going to like it." Kakuja replied nervously.

"What?" Slug frowned at the little Arcosian in confusion.

"Eh, apparently Goku left the ship some time ago without permission. Using that same teleportation trick, as before. Despite that, I managed track him down. He's, speaking with... Vegeta. At this very moment in fact." Kakuja explained hesitantly.

"...Thank you, Kakuja." Was all Slug said as he ended the transmission, his face twisted in rage. He clenched his fists as he left his room, practically storming down the corridor.

xxxx

As Goku and Vegeta were talking, Korin appeared and interrupted them.

"Sorry to intrude boys, but... It looks like, time's up." The wise old cat sage spoke, a somber expression on his face.

Confused, both men turned around and looked up. Catching sight of the towering Namekian now hovering just outside the tower. At his side, hovered a small semi-spherical machine. It looked to be about nine inches in diameter. The machine appeared to have one large, red eye to see with.

To say that he looked grim, would have been an understatment.

"Slug? Uh... Am I in trouble?" Goku asked, surprised to see him.

Slug spared Goku a brief glance, though he didn't answer him. Instead, he suddenly rushed at Vegeta. Slamming him into one of the towers' pillars, causing it to crack. Vegeta grunted as Slug forcibly held him in place. He looked back at the Namekian coldly, while Slug lifted him up by his shirt collar.

"So, you thought you could hide from me? You think this is some kind of game?!" Slug snarled as he opened his fist, displaying his long sharp finger nails.

"I never once believed that! Not once!" Vegeta retorted loudly.

"That's not true, and we both know it." Slug countered coldly.

Vegeta was actually startled by Slug's last words. So much so that he did nothing to defend himself from the Nameks' next attack. Thankfully, Goku grabbed ahold of Slug's arms. Wrenching them backward, thus forcing him to drop Vegeta.

"You can't do this Slug! It's not right!" Goku argued as the Namekian struggled against his grip.

Slug actually howled in rage as he attempted to throw Goku off. Without thinking, a burst of laser-like beams of light shot from his eyes. They hit Goku, square in the chest. Causing him to stumble backwards from the blow.

"Argh!" Goku let out a howl of pain as he fell to the ground.

"Kakarot!" Vegeta cried out, quickly rushing past Slug to kneel at Goku's side.

Something about witnessing that moment of camaraderie between the two made Slug freeze in his tracks. His jaw droppped as he looked upon Goku in horror. Awakening from his feverish rage, he then looked down at his own hands. Fully realizing what he'd just done.

Then, out of nowhere. Something hit Slug smack on the head.

"Oof! What?!" He demaned, looking around for the perpetrator. He looked down to see, Korin. Who now stood like a tower between him and the two Saiyans.

"I think that's enough. My tower wasn't built to handle the punishment you boys like to dish out." Korin stated bluntly.

"You, this, this place belongs to you?" Slug asked, his eyes still burning with hate. Though his anger was cooling with each passing moment.

"Yep, see this is a holy place. And that man..." Korin pointed his staff towards Vegeta.

"...Is under my protection, so long as he's here." The old sage finished.

Slug's eyes widened in shock, before looking back to Goku. Who had gotten back to his feet, eyeing Slug seriously.

"So, that was your plan." Slug's right eye twitched furiously as he and Goku stared each other down.

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner Slug... But I can't stand by and let you hurt my friends. I wont." Goku continued, his brow lowered.

"Your... injury. You should get that looked at by my medical people." Slug looked away from him, changing the subject.

"What? Oh, I'll be okay. Anybody can make a mistake. Besides, you just weren't thinking clearly, that's all." Goku replied as he inspected the damage idly.

"If it's okay with you, I'll go back to the ship now." He asked politely. As if the previous altercation had never happened.

Slug nodded shakily as he stepped aside, letting Goku walk past him to the edge of the tower.

"Wait!" Slug called to him. Causing Goku to pause, though he didn't look back.

"I'll... have to insist that you not use that teleporting trick of yours. At least, until this is all over." Slug explained.

"I understand. Sorry, Vegeta. Looks like I wont be able to visit for a while. You gonna be alright?" Goku asked, turning slightly to look at his fellow Saiyan.

Vegeta said nothing, though he gave Goku a silent nod in the affirmative. At that, Goku smiled brightly again. He then gave Vegeta and Korin a thumbs up before vanishing a moment later.

A few moments after he disappeared, Slug's attention shifted back to Vegeta.

"I still don't understand how a man like you, was able to get someone like him on your side." He seethed.

Vegeta glared back at the Namek.

"Don't be a fool and underestimate Kakarot, like I did Slug." He advised.

Slug glared at him for a moment longer. Before taking off into the air and along with his robot, flying back up into the sky. Vegeta said nothing as he left.

A moment later and Korin came to stand beside him.

"Not much of a people person, is he?" He asked in mock cheerfulness.

Chapter 7

Vegeta and Slug... you don't realize it yet, but you two sure are a lot alike. You're both so darn stubborn! If only I could make you see how much this is tearing you two apart inside. Goku's thoughts were interrupted by the growling of his stomach.

"Boy, am I hungry." He looked down and chuckled at himself.

He took a moment to look around his room, trying to spot a kitchen.

"Hmmm." Goku touched his chin in thought. Then, an idea struck him.

"Of course, I'll just use a Senzu bean! Better heal that wound I got earlier anyway." Goku noted to himself with a smile. The injury he'd sustained when Slug had lashed out at him was actually rather superfical. If anything, his outfit took the brunt of it, still. Better safe than sorry.

It took only a moment for him to dig out the bag Yajirobe had given him. When he looked inside the bag, Goku found it contained seven beans.

"Perfect, I'll still have plenty in case of emergencies." He smiled as he dug out a bean. Tossing it into his mouth and happily eating it. As the beans' rejuvenative magic took effect, Goku heard a knock at his door.

"Huh?" He walked over to the door and touched the same button he saw Angila press before to open it. The door opened instantly.

"Greetings sir. May I enter?" One of the smaller members of Slug's crew bowed before him respectfully.

"Oh sure. Your eh, Gyoshu. Right?" Goku asked as he stepped aside.

Gyoshu walked into the room. The little man then turned to stare up at Goku again for a long moment. Goku guessed he was trying to think of what he wanted to say. In the end, Gyoshu cut loose with a vengence.

"Ugh! Why, why did you have to get involved in this?" The little man snapped. Goku was a little taken aback by the sudden outburst.

"Sorry, sir. I, I didn't mean to offend." Gyoshu let out a long sad sigh. Taking a moment to sit down upon one of the chairs in the room.

"No. It's alright." Goku gently encouraged him as he too picked a chair and sat down.

"It's just... Vegeta must die! For, for all the suffering he's caused! Don't you agree?" Gyoshu began to rant. Looking at Goku, an almost pleading look in his eyes.

"Honestly? I can't say that I do. Really, I don't think anybody ever needs to die. Not if it can be avoided." He countered sternly, though not in anger.

"Wha...? But, what about Lord Frieza?" Gyoshu asked, genuinely confused.

"Frieza didn't die because I decided he should Gyoshu. He died because he refused to change his ways. He could have chosen to learn from his mistakes. Instead he let his anger, fear and his obsession with revenge destroy him..." Goku replied, choosing his words carefully.

Gyoshu looked upon Goku, more confused than ever. It was in that moment, something else caught the little Arcosians' attention.

"Wait, you don't have a tail." He noted in surprise, unintentionally changing the subject.

"What?" Goku blinked back at him puzzled.

"I just realized, you and Vegeta. Your Saiyans, but you don't have tails." Gyoshu explained as he pointed at him.

"Oh that? Yeah, my tail was removed." Goku absently turned to look behind him, were his tail used to be.

"Wait... Really?" Gyoshu gasped at the thought.

"Yeah, see unlike Vegeta I couldn't control himself when I turned into a giant ape creature. Some people got hurt... good people. So, I don't miss it." Goku's expression grew somber. Remebering the moment when he'd discovered the truth of what happened to his grandfather.

"So... Vegeta. He gave up his tail as well?" Gyoshu asked, cutting through the silence that had decended upon the room.

"Oh no, not exactly. We had a bit of an argument over that." Goku replied with a chuckle.

After another stretch of silence, Gyoshu spoke up again.

"I'll admit, this situation with Vegeta. It hasn't gone how I'd expected it wold." He admitted as he stared down at the floor.

"It was Trunks wasn't it? You don't like to hurt children?" Goku's eyes warmed as he asked the question.

"Of course not! Lord Slug has always been good to the people, especially children. I think perhaps because of what happened to him..." Gyoshu explained adamantly, before sitting back in his chair sadly.

"Do you know what happened Gyoshu? To Slug?" Goku asked.

"I'm afraid not, not exactly. Lord Slug has spoken very little about his past. The only one who might know would be Medamatcha. From what I do know, they knew each other before meeting the rest of us. You might get Medamatcha to tell." Gyoshu shook his head and offered timidly.

"Thanks Gyoshu. I think I might try that." Goku smiled at him.

It was then that Goku was struck by something. Suddenly, it hit him like a ton of bricks.

"...Arcose!" He cried out ecstatically, jumping up into the air happily before slowly coming back down. Startling the poor Arcosian.

"Uh, what?" Gyoshu blinked at him.

"The Arconsians. You guys were friends of the Saiyans! I remember now! A friend of mine told me about the Arcosians. But it's been so long, I'd almost forgotten, ha!" Goku explained happily.

"Well I wouldn't call it a friendship exactly, more of an alliance. Though my people did create technology for yours. ...That's what we do now, myself and Kakuja." Gyoshu's eyes shifted again.

Before my people sold out yours to Lord Frieza, for a "profit"... He lamented internally.

"Your welcome to come to the workshop. That's what we call the laboratory were Kakuja and I work." Gyoshu offered sheepishly.

"Well gosh, I'd like that." Goku laughed happily.

"...Speaking of work. I should return to my own." Gyoshu got up from his chair. He paused before turning to leave.

"Goku, em... Thank you, for listening." He gave Goku another humble bow.

"Sure Gyoshu." Goku's face softened as he looked upon the little Arcosian.

Gyoshu then turned and headed for the door. Goku watched him go, feeling a little better for some reason. Once Gyoshu was gone. Goku placed his hands behind his head as he leaned back in his chair. Learning more about Slug's past might be the key to solving his problem after all.

"Huh, Angila and Gyoshu said Medamatcha might know something..." He pondered aloud.

xxxx

In the training hall, Wings looked expectantly at the man standing in direct opposition to him.

"So, Medamatcha. What do you think of that Goku guy?" He grunted, as he strengthened his stance.

"Phaw! Monkey man? Don't know, don't care." Medamatcha replied with a dismissive snort. At that moment, he charged at Wings. Throwing a powerful punch at him.

"You really shouldn't call people names Medamatcha..." Wings blocked the hit with his arm, which took the brunt of the blow without any damage. When he looked at Medamatcha with a hurt expression, it had nothing to do with the punch.

"Why? Not like I was insulting you." Medamatcha smiled wily, before backing off. Waiting for Wings to make the next move.

"Heh, I tell you what Medamatcha. If I beat you today, you have to talk to him." Wings chuckled as he slowly slid his foot back. Raising his arms into a fighting stance once more.

"Wha...? Hahaha! You have got to be kidding me!" Medamatcha let out a full belly laugh. Though once he noticed the cocky grin on Wings face, he abruptly stopped.

"You are joking, right?" He asked.

"Nope, I tag you this round. You gotta do it." Wings replied.

"Huh, you really are serious... Alright, fine! But don't say I didn't warn you!" Medamatcha snapped. He then leapt at Wings, who tried to block his rapid assault of punches. Knocking Wings flat on his back.

"Ow! So you wont make it easy? Fine." Wings grumbled, before sitting up to stand again.

xxxx

Goku, after having talked to the some of the other people who worked aboard Slug's ship. Was now heading down to the training hall. He'd learned that Wings and Medamatcha would likely be there. After all, Angila and Gyoshu had suggested that Medamatcha may be the key to learning more about Slug.

Upon arriving at the training hall, Goku soon noticed the very people he was looking for. The two were apparently sparring. A smile came onto Goku's face as he watched.

The air filled with an outpouring of energy as Wings and Medamatcha leapt at one another. Wings managed to push through Medamatcha's assault, forcing the little green man to block. Suddenly, they broke apart. Wings cleverly used his wings to steady himself, conserving energy. Gracefully landing on the floor. However, Medamatcha was surprisingly fast. He used what looked to Goku to be a variation of the Afterimage Technique. Wings turned around, swiping at a mere illusion.

Moving swiftly, Medamachta came at Wings from the side instead. Kicking Wings in the head. He then slammed poor Wings face straight into the floor. The floor cracked under the pressure.

"Hey! That's kinda rough for training!" Goku called out.

Medamatcha froze, looking over to where the voice had come from. Then suddenly, he saw a flash of movement. Goku's distraction was enough to give Wings a second wind. Medamatcha was distracted, so he didn't block Wing's well aimed punch. Medamatcha was hit with such force... That the poor little man was sent sailing comically into the nearby wall, face first.

"Uh oh..." Wings warbled, staring sheepishly at Medamatcha.

Medamatcha soon fell to the floor, though he recovered quickly. He stumbled and rubbed his jaw, glaring at Wings and Goku.

"Sorry Medamatcha. I just saw an opening and I... took it. Guess I got a little carried away." Wings pleaded, shrugging helplessly.

"Oh really, yeh think?!" Medamatcha snapped at him.

"No, no I'm sorry. I shouldn't have butted in like that." Goku protested in Wings defence.

"Back off monkey boy! I'm only tolerating you because Slug vouched for you! And... Ugh! I actually respect the big guy." Medamatcha grumbled, his big yellow eyes narrowing at Goku.

"But you? So yeh, you managed knock some smug punk off his throne. That doesn't make you some big-shot hero in my book. It's making sure nobody steps in to take his place that counts!" He finished. Before turning away from the pair to let out a huff.

A rather uncomfortable feeling lingered in the pit of Goku's stomach at Medamatcha's words. It was true. Aside from his brief stay on planet Yardrat. He'd gone straight home once he'd learned to control his new Super Saiyan power. Goku had come to realize ever since meeting this group. He could have done a great deal more to help the people Frieza had hurt.

Once Medamatcha was done ranting, Goku let out a sigh.

"...You're right, Medamatcha. Defeating Frieza doesn't make me any better than you, or Slug. Or anyone else for that matter." He looked at the little man with earnest.

Medamatcha cocked his head at Goku in genuine surprise at the admission.

"I'll just leave you guys to talk. Gotta get this mess cleaned up after all." Wings noted, in a suspiciously innocuous tone.

Medamatcha grunted at Wings irritably as he walked off. Goku looked from one to the other, completely confused.

"Actually, this is great. I'd been hoping we could sit down and talk." Goku turned his attention to Medamatcha alone.

"Ugh. Fine! I got work to do now. I'll allow yeh to tag along." Medamatcha mumbled to Goku.

"Great!" Goku nodded with a smile.

"Yeah, great... Can't wait." Medamatcha let out another pained sigh as he walked over to Wings. Not wishing to eavesdrop, Goku waited patiently.

xxxx

As Slug was busy with getting ready for the tribunal. He took a moment to pull back from his desk. Leaning back in his chair, mentally fatigued.

Even days later, he still couldn't get the image of Vegeta's son out of his mind. Slug grimaced as he recalled the defiant look in the boys' eyes, a look he shared with his father. Slug still couldn't understand exactly how a man as outright vile as Vegeta could even have a child. It just didn't make any sense.

Slug found himself thinking back on that terrible day. When he'd been that young...

...

...He'd been walking home, having wondered farther afield than he had intended. Still training, practising to improve his healing abilities. Elder Tsuno had often told the young Slug that he was the most gifted healer he'd ever seen.

It was as he drew close to his village, that it happened.

"Stop child!" The young Slug froze. While he'd never experienced it before. The boy recognized someone had reached into his mind. Speaking with him, telepathically.

"You must not come any closer. A stranger is here in the village, he will harm you if he finds you!" Slug now recognized the voice within his mind as that of the elder.

"A stranger? Elder, he's not a Namekian?" The young Slug asked, startled.

"No, he is not. He is demanding to know the location of the Dragon Ball. I believe he intends to use it to make a wish." The elder explained calmly.

"What? But elder, our Dragon Ball is useless without the other six." The young Slug protested.

"That's true child, though it seems this man doesn't know that. Still, I suspect he knows more about them than he should." Elder Tsuno confided to the boy.

As he continued to converse with the elder, the young Slug continued forward. Though he did so much more discreetly. Making it a point to hide behind one of the buildings near the outer edge of the village. It was then he heard them, the screams.

Even years later, Slug could still clearly hear his brothers screams of pain and agony.

Then, that laugh... that horrible laughter. Even from a distance, he could see the Saiyan Prince hovering above his brothers. Laughing at them, as he butchered them.

Slug had been watching, when Vegeta made shards of rock rain down upon his brothers. He could still feel it. The sting when one small rock had hit him in the face, he nearly lost his eye as a result. It took all of Slug's restraint not to cry out in pain and draw attention to himself. He'd used his power to treat the wound, though he retained a scare in spite of his efforts.

The boy would discover later, he'd never be able to use his healing gift again.

"Listen well child, you must run. Get as far away from here as you can!" Elder Tsuno stated adamantly.

"What?! But elder, he'll kill you all!" Slug's eyes widened with despair at the thought.

"No elder! I can help! I know I'm not a warrior but-" The boy protested with stubborn resolve.

"-No!" Elder Tsuno snapped at him.

Slug was stunned, he'd never known the elder to speak so harshly towards anyone. It was then that the true nature of what was happening sunk in. His brothers were all going to die, and there was nothing he could do to save them.

"Elder, what...? What should I do?" The young Slug pleaded.

"There may still be a chance child. Go, run as fast as you can to the nearest village. We may fall this day, but you can warn our brothers of what's coming." Tsuno ordered.

Slug tried to calm himself, turning away from his home. But as he took a step to leave... He looked back at his brothers, his family one last time. He then heard elder Tsuno speak to him, one final time.

"And Slug, you need to remember. This universe we live in can be cruel and painful. You have a rare gift, the power to help ease that pain. Always remember child, try to create a universe where no one ever needs to feel this kind of pain again." Elder Tsuno advised him.

"I will elder, I promise..." Slug replied before running off. Trying desperately to block out the sounds of death that followed after him.

...

"I will never forget elder... Never." Slug noted. He then suddenly slammed his fist down upon his desk.

Chapter 8

"I can't believe this! How could I be so careless!" Piccolo berated himself as he spoke with Korin. Sunlight passing over them as they walked through the tower.

"Hey, you we're doing what you promised you'd do. You can't fault yourself for not being here twenty-four seven Piccolo." Korin replied, a look of weariness evident on his furry face.

Piccolo became silent again as he marched on. It was true, when he'd agreed to Goku's request to keep an eye on Vegeta. Bulma had caught him, insisting that he come by often to inform her of any developments regarding her husband. The annoying part of it all was, he'd only stopped by Capsule Corp. to report that he didn't have anything to report.

It was as he was silently berating himself, when they reached their destination. He looked around for Vegeta. Who was once again standing near the balcony, arms folded over his chest as he looked out into the clouds below. So without any preamble, Piccolo walked up to him.

"So, your back." Vegeta noted without turning to look at him.

"Yeah, sorry I was late to the party." Piccolo repiled.

"Heh." Vegeta scoffed at the apology.

Piccolo studied Vegeta carfully, a grim expession on his face. Something was a little... off about him. He then remembered that Korin was still standing nearby. So he turned to his old friend as spoke with him telepathically.

"Korin, could I have a word with him alone?" He asked.

Korin got the message, nodding silently before turning to leave them.

Meanwhile, Vegeta's thoughts had drifted elsewhere. Even though he'd changed a great deal over the years. He berated himself for still relying on others to fix his mistakes.

Vegeta grit his teeth, attempting to stifle his growing frustration. A few seconds passed and he felt Piccolo's gaze lingering on him. That didn't make him angry, no. What angered him was that sympathetic look he saw in Piccolo's eyes. Vegeta couldn't take it anymore. So he turned to the Namek sharply, shooting an icy cold glare at him.

"I don't wantyour pity Piccolo. And I don't need you to feel sorry for, me." He said the last word with a hint of melancholy. Turning away from him again.

"Who said I pity you? Remember, I'm just here as a favor to Goku." Piccolo repiled with a nonchalant shrug.

"Enough! It's written all over your face!" Vegeta snapped bitterly.

"Ugh, when did you get it into your head that you have to face this threat all on your own?" Piccolo frowned in frustration.

"Slug, isn't a threat! He's... a mistake." Vegeta replied, and despite his best efforts to hide it. A pained look fell upon his face.

"I see. He's your mistake." Piccolo looked at his Saiyan friend appraisingly.

"You heard him. Everything he said about me is true. Of course, you already knew that. I've done many terrible things in my lifetime Piccolo. I never tried to hide that fact. ...And how twisted is that?" Vegeta glared down at the Earth below.

"All of them, down there. They've all deluded themselves into thinking I'm somekind of brave and selfless hero! Pfft, ridiculous..." He scoffed, before letting out a small, bitter laugh.

Piccolo took in the pained expression on Vegeta's face.

"Well, I know one thing Vegeta. Before this is all over, you're going to have do something you really don't want to do. ...Forgive yourself." He noted thoughtfully.

A tense silence filled the tower.

"...What?" Vegeta asked coldly.

"You've become convinced you need to hate yourself, as much as he hates you." Piccolo stated calmly, meeting his eyes.

"I don't like when people go digging around inside my mind Piccolo. You know that!" Vegeta gave him a glare that could have melted solid steel.

Piccolo shook his head gently.

"I don't need to read your thoughts to know what your thinking, Vegeta. It's clear you want to help him. But, giving him what he wants... isn't the answer." He explained sincerely.

Eventually, Vegeta silently turned away from him again. Piccolo lowered his head somberly as he walked away, though he paused for a moment.

"Vegeta, just think about what I said. ...You're a better man you think." Piccolo said before leaving.

As he left the Saiyan to contemplate his words. Piccolo found Korin waiting in the other room.

"Did my best, not that it did much good." Piccolo sighed at Korin's questioning look, shaking his head despondently.

"Don't let it get ye down old friend. Besides, I got a few idea's of my own." Korin assured him.

Piccolo nodded in agreement at that, before glancing back at room he'd just come from.

xxxx

This was the golden opportunity that Goku had been hoping for. Today would be the day to talk things out with Medamatcha. The pair walked quitely up to a door. It then opened automatically for them. Once they stepped into the room, Goku looked down at Medamatcha curiously.

"Goku!" Someone noted with surprise. Drawing Goku's attention away from the little alien. He saw Gyoshu and the other Arcosian, apparently busy at work.

"I didn't expect you to come visit so soon." Gyoshu bowed his head respectfully.

"Oh don't mind me Gyoshu, I'm just here with Medamatcha. I wont get in your way." Goku grinned and waved happily to him.

A moment later and Goku started looking around the "workshop" in wonder. Goku knew that he wasn't as smart as Bulma or her father. Though despite the lack of understanding, everything in the workshop looked fantastic. He looked on as many clear glass containers were filled with a mixture of various gases and multiple beams of colored lights. He could barely contain his curiosity.

"Wow! This stuff is amazing!" He noted in awe as he approached one of the globe shaped devices.

"Hey! Don't touch anything." Medamatcha snapped at him in warning.

Goku turned back sharply towards him.

"I wasn't gonna break anything, honest!" He countered, pouting.

"Yeah, yeah. Whatever..." Medamatcha shook his head dismissively before turning to converse with Gyoshu.

Despite his obstinate attitude, Goku couldn't help but smile at Medamatcha as his back was turned. It was obvious that despite his outward rudness, he was a good person. Just like the rest of Slug's crew. In fact, Goku chuckled a little. Realizing Medematcha's behavior reminded him of a certain surly Saiyan Prince.

It was then that Goku caught sight of a rather large glass container, something was inside it. Curious, he approached it. What he saw inside surprised him. It was a rather small and innocuous looking object in the form of a palm sized, six-sided hexagonal red crystal.

"I see this one has caught your eye sir." Someone spoke to him.

"Huh?" Goku asked, turning to see who it was.

The other little Arcosian had come to stand at his side.

"Oh uh, Kakuja? Yeah, I was just wondering. What's so special about this thing?" Goku asked as he poked at the glass container curiously.

"It's a piece of derelict technology we collected recently. It gives off a rather peculiar energy reading at regular intervals. Though aside from that, it's just a paperweight." Kakuja shrugged.

It was strange though, even as Kakuja spoke. Goku could have swarn he sensed something from the object. Though he couldn't deny, it felt very faint. Uncertian what compelled him, Goku pressed a hand upon the glass container. He reached out towards the crystal with his mind... It was then that he sensed it. Goku's eyes then began to burn with tears as he felt a deep sadness fill him.

"Ehhh, are you alright sir?" Kakuja asked as he witnessed Goku's strange behavior.

Suddenly, the room shook so badly that Gyoshu and Kakuja hit the floor. All of the glass canisters and containers cracked.

"What the heck?" Medamatcha called out as sparks flew from the lights overhead and everything went dark. He stood looking at the still flickering lights, dumbstruck. Though it was over almost as quickly as it began. The lights were now flashing red and alarms began blaring. Medamatcha blinked in surprise.

"Security! What's going on down there?" Zeeun's voice came crackling over the speakers.

"It was a power surge Zeeun. But we're alright down here." Medamatcha blurted out.

"Oh no... Goku!" He heard Gyoshu gasp.

Gyoshu had been the first to reach the fallen Saiyan. Goku felt himself being helped to his feet. Despite the little Arcosian's small stature. Soon Medamatcha and Kakuja had rushed to his side as well.

"...Thanks guys." Goku thanked them weakly as they helped him get back on his feet.

"So, anybody know exactly what that was? And if it'll happen again?" Medamatcha turned to the Arcoasians with a frown.

"Don't worry sir, we'll figure it out. This room is sealed, we shouldn't have to worry about any energy leaks." Kakuja explained with a sigh.

Unbeknownst to any of them, the crystal in the glass container had begun pulsating again. With a slow but steady beat...

xxxx

Goku sat with his legs crossed under him in the corner of the room, snacking on some food Chi-Chi had packed for him. He'd offered to help the others clean up the mess in the workshop. But Gyoshu and Kakuja had insisted he should rest. While Medamatcha insisted he needed to run a thorough investigation into what had happened.

Claming Goku would only "muck things up worse".

It was strange though, he could have swarn he'd sensed something from the odd little crystal. And now that feeling was just, gone. Not only that, he felt like he'd gone another round with Cell, or that evil version of Majin Buu.

"You sure you don't want to get checked into the infirmary?" Medamatcha remarked, looking up from the paperwork he was going through with Kakuja.

Goku got a little sweaty at the mere thought.

"Oh no, that's not necessary. I'm fine, really!" He laughed nervously.

The pair looked at him puzzled, then went back to their investigation. Goku relaxed at that. Though he wasn't as prideful as Vegeta, he did hate to admit he was terrified of hospitals.

Once he was done speaking with Kakuja, Medamatcha walked over to him.

"So what, afraid of doctors?" The little frog-man asked, a smug expression on his face.

"Hehe, you caught me." Goku smiled as Medamatcha took a seat next to him.

"Huh, the mighty Super Saiyan. A big ol' scaredy cat..." Medamatcha's eyes shifted thoughtfully towards him.

Goku shrugged, until an idea suddenly struck him.

"Of course! I keep forgetting!" Goku noted with a bright smile, confusing Medamatcha.

Goku quickly dug into the pouch tied to his belt. He pulled it out and fished out another Senzu bean.

"Gotcha!" He noted happily just before eating it. Though Goku paused before eating the bean. It was rather foolhardy to just go around eating all the beans. He might need them in case of a real emergency. It was then that he was struck with another idea.

"Oh I know, I'll split it in half!" Goku concluded aloud, nodding to himself. He proceeded to split the bean down the middle. Both halves were smaller, though the magical healing effect would still be just as potent.

Medamatcha looked at Goku confused.

"Eh, what are you eating?" He asked.

Surprised, Goku turned to face Medamatcha.

"Huh? Oh, I guess you've never seen a Senzu bean before have you?" He suddenly realized.

"Here. Take a look for yourself." Goku offered, setting the bag down before him. Medamatcha blinked curiously. Opening the bag up to examine the contents.

"Eh... beans?" He asked, looking back to Goku.

"Not just any beans, they're Senzu beans. They have powerful healing properties." Goku explained.

Medamatcha held one of the beans between his thumb and index finger.

"That's it, your pulling my leg. Aren't yeh?" He asked skeptically as looked back up at Goku.

"No it really works. Go ahead and try one. I don't mind." Goku flashed him another grin and laughed a little.

"Heh, maybe some other time pal..." Medamatcha gave a nervous laugh as he put the bean back in the bag.

It was then that Goku remembered why he'd originally come along with Medamatch in the first place.

"Say, Medamatcha. I've been meaning to ask you some questions." He explained.

The little Medan looked up at Goku, startled. Though after a few seconds, much to Goku's surprise. He started to chuckle.

"Hehe, well I suppose it was only a matter of time. Let me guess, you want to know my life story?" Medamatcha chortled.

"Well, yeah. That's exactly it." Goku nodded enthusiastically.

Medamatcha suddenly stopped laughing.

"Wait what...? You, your serious?" He asked, confused.

Goku nodded again.

"Yep, that's why I wanted to talk with you from the start." He explained.

"Wha...? Ah what the heck. Surveillance is still out anyway." Goku watched as Medamatcha mumbled to himself thoughtfully.

Medamatcha then looked back at Gyoshu and Kakuja.

"Hey, Eggheads! Go hand Zeeun my report." He tossed his workpad to Kakuja. Who caught it, looking confused. The two Arcosians shrugged to each other and went about their way.

Leaving Goku and Medamatcha alone in the workshop.

"Okay, monkey boy. I'll tell you my story..."

xxxx

Goku listened intently as he sat next to Medamatcha.

"See, my people never really thought about Frieza's organization much. We kept to ourselves and expected everybody else in the galaxy to do the same..." Medamatcha began.

...

Prince Medamatcha clenched his fists, trembling with fear and rage. His mother held him by the arm and forcefully dragged him along as they walked. She was trembling as well, though only with fear.

Frieza's fleet had come to planet Meda. Though the tyrant hadn't bothered to come himself. Sending one of his peons to deliver his ultimatum, join or die.

Naturally, the people of Meda refused to bow down to such brigands. So the fleet attacked. Though that's not what angered Medematcha. No, what truly angered him was the fact that the people were dying. All while his father had chosen to hide behind their guards. It not only angered Medamatcha, it disgusted him.

Medamatcha wanted to help fight off the invaders. But his parents wouldn't have any of it.

"We have to evacuate son. It's our only chance!" His mother explained as she and his father forced him from his room in the middle of the night.

"The royal treasure must not fall into their hands. I wont allow those pirates to plunder Meda's heritage!" Medamatcha's father noted somberly. Even as his son continued to struggle against his mother's hold.

They paused as the doors before them opened. That's when he spotted it. Medamatcha looked up to see his father's royal planet crusier, it was all fired up and ready to fly. He watched as his father then hurried into the control room.

"No! No! I wont go! Meda needs me!" Medamatcha argued as the room began to tremble from the ships engines revving up.

"You must Medamatcha! Your duty is to protect our heritage! Not the planet!" His mother countered as she continued to drag him closer to the ship.

Once they were close enough, the main hatch opened up automatically for them. Medamatcha was furious now, utterly disgusted with his parents obvious cowardice.

"Arrr! No!" Medamatcha pulled as hard as he could against his mothers grip. Forcing her to stop, despite her best efforts.

"I'm no coward, not like you two!" He snapped, causing his mother to stop pulling. She turned to look at him aghast.

"Child, is that what you think of us...?" She asked, a shocked and heartbroken expression came into her great yellow eyes.

"There's no time for this." Medamatcha turned to snarl at his father. Who was approaching them, holding a bag in his right hand. Before they could argue further, all three turned at the sound of explosions in the diastance.

"They're coming! They'll be here any second!" Medamatcha's mother turned to his father, terrified.

Not wasting another second, the King turned to his son. Medamatcha glared at his father in utter disgust. Then with a wave of his hand, the King used his powers to telekinetically bind his own son. Medamatcha only recognized the technique being used just as his body became paralyzed.

"Medamatcha!" He remembered his mothers' cry of shock as she watched her son collapse.

"We can't afford to waste anymore time." His father replied coldly. Levitating his son and the bag onto the vessel. Medamatcha was helpless as he was practically tossed aboard.

He remembered watching as the doors to the hanger were blown apart.

"They've broken in!" Medamatcha recalled his mother scream, he'd never heard her scream like that. It made him shiver in dread.

Without another word, Medamatcha's father used his telekinetic powers to force the crusiers' ramp to shut quickly. Once the hatch was sealed, the ship began its take-off sequence. In that moment, Medamatcha had been freed from his father's paralysis technique. Quickly, he made a mad dash for the nearest window.

Things looked bad below. Medamatcha looked out and gasped as he saw lava boil up to the surface of planet Meda, shooting up in great geysers.

"...What?!" Was all he could think to say at the sight.

He knew Frieza liked to barter planets on the black market. So why in all the galaxies was his own home being torn apart so carelessly? His heart sank as he soon left his planet behind. The ship spiraling into deep space. He didn't even know where he was headed.

Medamatcha grunted as he slowly came to sit in the pilot's seat.

Planet Meda was gone.

Medamatcha shook his head violently as he tried to refocuse. He'd need supplies if he was going to survive. He didn't have time to think of his mother and father, his home...

"...The bag!" He remembered, racing around to the back of the bridge.

Medamatcha was happy to see the bag he'd seen his father place onboard contained some food. He continued to dig through it, finding a few blankets and a lot of crystals. He paused as he held one of them. It shimmered in a rainbow of swirling colors in his hand. He knew the crystals were considered the families royal treasure. They were of a rare mineral not found on many planets. Some of Meda even believed them to be sacred...

"Huh, useless..." Medamatcha snapped as he glared down at the crystal.

It was then that Medamatcha, Prince no longer wondered why he had been chosen to live. But in his heart he already knew. He had been saved because his parents were the King and Queen. The treasure was just an excuse to save themselves, nothing more than a pretext.

And yet, only he had escaped. Even though he was the only one among the royal family who didn't want to run. It hardly seemed fair. That's when he realized, life wasn't fair at all, not really.

Medamatcha threw the crystal he'd been holding away in disgust.

...

The workshop became very quiet after Medamatcha had finished.

Even though it was in the past and nothing could be done about it now. Goku clenched his fists, trembling with anger and heartbreak. After a moment of silence that felt like an eternity, he spoke up.

"Why would they do something like that? ...Why burn the planet?" He asked as he managed to unclench his fingers.

"Eh, probably because my father wouldn't hand over the royal treasure. Heck, maybe just because they thought it'd be fun." Medamatcha shrugged idly. As if he found the subject only mildy interesting.

Though Goku could see, beneath the veneer of indifference. The subject was still a painful one for Medamatcha. Without thinking, Goku gave him a look of sympathy.

"Medamatcha, I'm so-" He was going to say "sorry", when Medamatcha abruptly stood up. The little man now glared at him.

"Ugh! I don't need anybodys pity. See, this is why I don't talk about this stuff! I got my pride yeh know!" Medamatcha argued.

Much to Medamatcha's surprise, Goku began to smile at him gently.

"...Now I get it." He nodded knowingly.

"Eh, get what?" Medamatcha's expression quickly changed into one of confusion.

"At first I thought you were like Slug, out for revenge. But I understand it now. What matters most to you isn't revenge, it's your pride. ...Like Vegeta." His gentle smile grew.

Medamatcha looked back at Goku, stunned.

"Let me make one, no two things clear to you pal... First, I don't like being compared to that pirate scum! Second, don't you dare go talking down about Slug, ever." He now glared at Goku intensely.

"What? Oh no, I just realized you and Vegeta have something in common. I know Slug is a good person. I was just saying..." Goku protested.

"What? That Vegeta's better than Slug?" Medamatcha stormed over to Goku and grabbed him by his shirt, causing Goku to gulp nervously.

"Please listen Medamatcha-" Goku tried to explain himself.

"-No, you listen!" Medamatcha let go of Goku, dropping back into his chair again.

"I got another story to tell yeh. What happened to me after I made it off-world..."

...

It had been well over a month since the Namekians had left Earth. They were doing so well on the new planet Porunga had found for them that they were prospering. Everything had returned to normal... or at least, as normal as possible.

Slug's life had still been left in a tattered shambles. So with no remaining family, he had been taken in by the new Grand Elder, Moori. Under his care, it was hoped that the boy would eventually recover from his loss.

The entire ordeal had left Slug a rather somber child. He no longer laughed or played with the other children as he once did. And despite all his efforts, it seemed he had truly lost his power to heal. Regardless, the elder didn't push the boy. Treating Slug with kindness and patience.

It was as he'd been out tending to some plants that resembled the now forever lost Ajisa flowers, that it happened.

Slug saw two objects burning their way through the sky. The boys' heart sank when he caught sight of them. While he'd never spoken directly to the Earthlings. Slug recalled overhearing some of them speak of the spaceships used by Frieza and his men. Even from so far away, he could make out the shape of one, as that of a small spherical pod...

But Frieza and his men were all dead, weren't they?

"No... That's...!" Fear consumed the boy, his knees began to shake.

Gohan and the others had assured them that Frieza and his men had all died when Namek was lost. Had some of his men survived after all? Had Frieza himself survived? Had he come seeking revenge?

Slug continued to watch as the two ships came down in the distance. He then looked back towards the new village. He couldn't stand the thought of losing anymore of his brothers. So without thinking of the danger to himself, Slug leapt into the sky. Flying into the air towards the two spaceships.

"Please no... Not again!" Tears welled up in his eyes.

As careful as he could be, Slug concealed himself behind an outcropping of rock near the outer rim of the impact crator. He took in the sight of the two ships. One was massive in size, the other was the tiny sphere. Slug watched as one alien emerged from the larger space vessel.

"That couldn't be Frieza... But if not Frieza, could it be... him?" The young Namekian began to sweat nervously.

Though, much to his surprise. Slug saw the alien was infact, not Vegeta at all. He was a small, strange looking man with large yellow eyes. From a distance, the boy thought the stranger looked much like a Namekian.

He was in fact, Medamatcha.

Soon Slug got a look at the other alien as he emerged from the sphere. His head was pointed, long and oddly shaped. His face had more resemblance with a snake than anything else Slug could think of. While his skin was bright yellow. He also sported red eyes and a pair of large fangs.

The yellow skinned alien with red eyesquickly ambushed Medamatcha. Staring down at the little man with a sneer, but he didn't move.

"Gotta say, your pretty stupid highness. Thinking you could just run off like that. Now, why don't you hand over whatever valuables you tried to sneak off with. And I just might kill you quickly." The red eyed alien snickered at Medamatcha.

Medamatcha's face was filled with defiance. Which slowly gave way to a smirk.

"Yeah, about that... Funny, I just can't seem to remeber. Now where could they be...?" He pondered mockingly.

Slug watched as the red eyed alien grabbed him by the neck.

"Talk tweerp!" He squeezed Medamatcha by the neck, who struggled in vain. He continued to lift Medamatcha by the throat, before suddenly tossing him aside. Flinging the poor little man across the crator.

"Leave him alone!" Both men paused, looking around to find the source of the sudden outburst.

The pair quickly caught sight of Slug. Having left his hiding place to stand tall, glaring down at the red eyed alien.

"You, you're not... him." Slug noted with confusion.

"What? Who's that?" The red eyed alien blinked at him.

"This is my home! And if you're not Vegeta, or Frieza... Why are you fighting? What do you want?" Slug demanded.

"What do I want? Heh, kid it's not what I want. It's what the bosses want." The red eyed alien explained with a smug grin. Thinking the boy was harmless.

"Bosses? So, your another pirate? Like him..." The boy asked as he now glared down upon the mercenary. So, this man and Vegeta were connected after all.

"Pirate? Kid, I'm not just some random pirate. I'm part of Lord Frieza's galactic army. And I'm just finishing up a job." The red eyed alien laughed.

"Job? What Job?" Slug asked as he glanced over to Medamatcha.

"Ugh, the job I get paid to do of course." The red eyed alien let out a sigh of frustration.

"Hey, kid! Get outta here!" Medamatcha tried to warn him off.

"Sorry kid, but I gotta get back to work now." The mercenary scoffed as he turned his attention back to Medamatcha. A sphere of light began to form within his outstretched palm... However, his attack was interrupted by the audible sound of his scouter beeping rapidly. He allowed the sphere of light to dissipate. As he grunted with confusion, checking the readout.

"What the... What's going on?" His jaw was slack and trembling as the number on his scouter began to climb. He took a step back as the young Namekian began glow. A fiery yellow aura began forming all around him.

Tears began to fall from Slug's eyes in anger as the ground started to shake.

"You, you're all the same... I'll make you pay... You'll all pay!" He pronounced as the ground cracked beneath his feet.

Slug flew at high speed fist first, charging at the mercenary. The aura of light around him acting as a shield. He hit with incredible force, inflicting a high amount of damage. Breaking the chest area of the man's armor, while sending him forcefully tumbling backwards.

Exhausted, Slug now lay in the crater, looking up with glazed eyes as the mercenary collapsed. The spark of life slowly fading from his once bright red eyes. Darkness soon enveloped Slug's vision as Medamatcha rushed to his side. He could hear the little man asking him if he was alright... as he lost consciousness.

...

"Course, later on Slug filled me in on his part of the story. So... That's how it all started." Medamatcha nodded confidently.

"So, Slug killed him?" Goku asked sadly.

"Eh... wait, who?" Medamatcha blinked back at him.

"That mercenary, Slug actually killed him?" Goku asked again.

"Oh, well yeah. It was him or us." Medamatcha replied with a shrug.

"I just thought... Well, I thought you guys didn't do that." Goku noted somberly.

"Things were different back then Goku." Medamatcha sighed heavily. Though a moment later, he started to chuckle again.

"Hehe, not long after that. Slug practically begged the Nameks to let him go into space. Said he needed to put the scum in there place! Boy he was relentless, wouldn't take no for an answer! When the folks finally agreed he asked me for my ship. Can you believe it?" Medamatcha smiled at the memory.

Goku assumed Medamatcha's reaction was due to how he'd been so impressed by the young Slug's dogged determination and tenacity.

"Well, honestly I felt the same. So how could I refuse? Next thing we knew. We'd flown off into the heart of King Cold's empire, we've been tearing it down ever since..." He finished with a humble shrug.

"Wow... Wait a sec, hang on." Goku was genuinely in awe by Medamatcha's story. When something occurred to him.

"Hey, Medamatcha. You say this all happened after the Namekians had already moved to their new planet, right?" He asked Medamatcha abruptly.

"Eh, yeah. Why?" Medamatcha asked confused.

Once again, a light bulb clicked on inside Goku's brain.

"That...changes...everything!" Goku rambled as he paced back and forth through the workshop.

He then turned to Medamatcha, who was completely puzzled at this point.

"Thanks for everything Medamatcha. You have no idea how big a help you've been. I really appreciate it!" Goku giggled as he rushed over. Taking Medamatcha's tiny hands into his own, shaking them enthusiastically.

"Wha...?" Medamatcha tried to talk, as he was being shaken.

"Oh! I yeah I forgot, you've still got work to do. Well, I wont bother you anymore. Thanks again!" Goku thanked him once more, before letting go of the poor man. He then turned to leave, racing out of the room with a big smile on his face.

"Uhhh. Happy to help...? Huh, Saiyans." Medamatcha, while still confused, smiled as he shook his head.

Chapter 9

It had become very quiet and solemn at the Capsule Corp. mansion over the past few days. Despite the fact that the place had been very crowded lately. It had been decided that the others would stay over and keep an eye on Bulma and Trunks, as discreetly as possible. Naturally, Bulma's parents had been more than happy to have the company.

Mother and son where sitting at the dining room table together, both looking somber. Bulma staring into a cup of coffee, while Trunks idly poked at his meal with a fork.

Bulma grunted and glared at her cup, she then stood up abruptly.

"I'm going to get some more coffee." She explained to no one in particular.

Momentarily startled, Trunks looked up at his mother.

"Oh, okay..." He noted as he watched her head for the kitchen. Before going back to proding his meal.

Gohan and Videl, who happened to be in the room. Looked over at Bulma's nearly full cup. Videl turned to look worriedly at Gohan.

"I'll go check on her." Gohan assured her before heading for the kitchen himself.

Gohan let out a sigh as he stepped into the kitchen, finding Bulma busy fiddling with the coffee maker.

"Hey, Bulma?" He called to her.

Bulma jolted upright, before she calmed down at the sight of him.

"Oh, Gohan. You startled me." She replied as she resumed watching the coffee machine.

"Bulma... I'm really sorry this happened, and around Christmas no less. But you shouldn't worry. Dad's gonna fix it-" He said as he approached her.

"-I'm not an idiot Gohan." Bulma interrupted him.

"What?" Gohan blinked in confusion at her.

"This is all about something Vegeta did in the past, isn't it? Isn't it?" She looked at him. Making Gohan feel much smaller under her piercing gaze.

At times he had to admit, Bulma and Vegeta shared that same fierceness in their eyes.

"That Namekian guy. I'll bet he thinks Vegeta's just some kind of, monster. He wouldn't be the first. I think most everyone thought that back in the day, except Goku of course." She smiled just a little as she started to reminisce.

"I'll tell you a secret Gohan. I still remember the first thing I noticed about Vegeta. You know, once I got over being terrified of the dweeb. It wasn't his looks, or his "bad boy" attitude. I remember, I noticed that no matter what was going on around him. He was always... alone." She noted with a somber kind of fondness as she continued to watch the coffee maker.

"Bulma..." Gohan was lost for words.

"Course he pretended he prefered it that way. But I could tell, that's just what he wanted people to think. This aura of self-imposed loneliness built up around him. Some ridiculous martyrdom complex he proudly wore like a suit of armor. I could see more under the surface though. So, I found myself determined to be his first ever "real" friend. I just wish... they could see what I saw." She giggled a little even as her shoulders began to fall ever so slightly.

Gohan sighed, Bulma was right about that. Vegeta used to be so guarded, never letting anyone in. Everything was different now. He was different now.

Bulma turned to face him as she poured the coffee from the pot into another cup, a sullen look in her eyes.

"Huh... When you think about it, maybe I am an idiot." She noted wistfully as she put the pot back into place. Leaning back against the counter as she took a sip from her cup.

"...No Bulma. You're not, and neither is my Dad. You both saw something in Vegeta that no one else could. I'd say that's a pretty special gift." He came to stand directly in front of Bulma. Placing his hands comfortingly on her shoulders as he assured her.

"Thanks Gohan..." Bulma spoke quitely as she smiled at him.

The ding of the front door bell suddenly snapped the pair out of their somber thoughts.

"Now who could that be?" Bulma looked towards the front of the house in confusion.

The pair peeked around the wall near the entryway to the mansion. To find a rather cold and tired looking mailman standing at automatic double doors. The pair had to do a double-take at the sight. The poor man was carrying two hefty boxes under his arms. And many more sat at his feet. It was obvious he'd had to carry them on his own all the way up to the front doors.

"Wow..." Bulma whispered softly.

"Gosh Bulma, did you order all of those?" Gohan asked her.

"No way, not me." She replied as she shook her head. Soon the pair walked up to the man. Who looked very relieved upon seeing them.

"Mrs. Briefs?" The man asked as he handed her his clipboard.

"Yes..." Bulma answered with a raised eyebrow as she took it.

"I sure am glad. Sorry but this is my last stop today and I wanna get home." The man explained with a tired smile.

"I understand, though. Who sent all these?" She asked as she handed the clipboard back to him.

"Oh, well fraid I don't know that ma'am. Seems to be one of those Secret Santa situations. Well have a Merry Christmas!" The man noted cheerfully as he took back his clipboard. Giving Bulma and Gohan a wave in goodbye as he turned and left.

Leaving the pair stumped.

xxxx

"So, these presents are for all of us?" Krillin asked. Looking down at the boxes in confusion.

"It looks that way. Strange, I thought everybody'd gotten gifts already." Gohan noted as he too looked down at the boxes in confusion. Before glancing at the Christmas tree at the center of the living room. It had been agreed upon that this year, everyone would place a gift under the tree at Bulma and Vegeta's house.

"Well, what are we standing around wondering for. Why don't we just open em up and find out what's what?" Hercule asked, rubbing his hands together greedily. Buu, Goten, Marron and even Trunks brightened. Smiling as they looked upon the boxes.

"Hercule! You can't open presents before Christmas morning. It simply isn't done." Chi-Chi protested, sounding scandalized.

"Awww!" Hercule, Buu and the children all grumbled sadly.

"Ah come on Chi-Chi. Sure, all the other gifts are off-limits. But maybe we can make an exeption with these new ones...?" Roshi offered.

"Besides, it might lift everyone's spirits, just a little." He added thoughtfully. Chi-Chi looked to see the old man was gesturing discreetly towards Trunks, who was looking more exited than he'd been in days. She bit her lower lip, as everyone looked to her in anticipation.

"Well, maybe just... a few." She gave in at last.

Much to the joy of everyone else.

"Right, everyone gather around and let's get these babies open." Krillin called cheerfully as he took the first present down off the pile.

"Hey Tien, this one's got your name on it." He handed the box off to Tien.

Tien took the package, a curious expression on his face as he opened it.

"A box of of cresent-shaped dumplings. Stuffed with pork, shrimp, and scallions!" He noted with shock and amazment at the gift.

"That's my favorite! But how? Wait a minute... Chiaotzu, did you do this?" Tien turned to his pale friend.

"No way, my gift is still over under the tree. Wasn't me, I swear." Chiaotzu shook his head adamantly.

"Right, who's next?" Krillin noted eagerly as he picked up another box.

"This is for... Yamcha! Looks like your up buddy." Krillin handed him the package.

Yamcha gave it a tentative shake against his ear before unwrapping it. Revealing a large box full of buckweat noodles inside.

"A... hard-baked soba noodles? My all-time favs! Whoever this guy is, he's alright in my book." Yamcha smiled.

Meanwhile, another package had been dug up from the pile.

"A full month's supply of crab meat omelette's on rice!" Little Chiaotzu cheered and hugged the box after he'd tore away the wrapping paper.

"The next one is for Krillin, and family. Huh, kinda small..." Yamcha observed.

"Figures I'd get the smallest one..." Krillin grumbled sadly as he tore away the wrapping paper, to reveal an envelope.

"Could be a check for money." Eighteen shrugged.

Krillin opened the envelope curiously, then smiled.

"Well how about that, tickets to the fanciest Chinese buffet in town! All expenses paid and everything!" He noted cheerfully.

"Here Videl, this one's yours." Gohan handed the package he'd found to her.

"Huh." Videl noted as she was tearing the paper away.

"A cooler? With a... caeser salad inside? Who buys somebody a salad for a Christmas present?" She asked, more bemused than upset.

"But Videl, isn't that your favorite?" Hercule asked as he came to inspect the gift alongside his daughter.

"Well sure Dad, but still. Is it just me, or do all of these gifts seem a little. I dunno... overly "personalized" or something?" She explained as she continued to look upon the gift in confusion.

"Hey Hercule, got yours here!" Krillin called, handing the box to him.

Hercule took care as he opened the box and peered inside.

"The best high-class steak money can buy? Yeah!" He cheered as he pulled the meat out of the small cooler it had been placed in.

Videl shook her head incredulously as Gohan let out a strained laugh.

Goten, Trunks, Master Roshi, Turtle, Puar, Oolong and Bulma's parents also enjoyed the gifts of their favorite foods. After that, everyone quickly discovered that most of the other boxes belonged to Buu. Each one contained nothing but chocolate. Which made Buu very happy. Everyone laughed as the children begged and pleaded with Buu to share his sweets. Which he only did once Hercule had insisted that it was in the "Christmas spirit" to do so.

Though the room became quite when the names on the last two gifts were revealed.

"The Goku family. And Piccolo..." Gohan noted as he examined the last two packages.

The gift ment for Goku and his family was small, like Krillin's. Likely another card. While the one marked for Piccolo, despite the wrapping was obviously a large bottle of some sort. Gohan smiled wistfully as he looked upon them. He then turned to the others, who all looked at the two gifts with a mix of happiness and heartache.

"I'm just gonna... Put these two under the tree. If that's alright, Mom?" He asked, hopeful.

Everyone turned to Chi-Chi, who after a moments apprehension, nodded.

"Of course, the boys will want to open them right away. When they get back." She stated empthatically. Everyone else smiled a little at that. Each nodding in agreement as well.

Bulma hummed a little, leaving the room for the moment. She heading to the nearby window, looking up at the sky.

"You boys better come home safe..." She spoke into the air wistfully.

xxxx

Vegeta stood, gazing out into the night sky.

He'd been trying to reach out with his senses, hoping to get a glimpse of Bulma and Trunks back home. Though it seemed they were too far away for him to pick out their signals. Or perhaps, he simply couldn't focus.

It was frustrating, being away like this, not being able to tell if his family was alright. Vegeta frowned as he realized he was so uneasy because, he actually missed them. It was the strangest thing, the emptiness he now felt without being close to them. He then sensed a presence coming closer, though it wasn't Piccolo. He turned slightly, to see it was Korin.

"Hey, Vegeta." The wily old sage lifted a corner of his mouth as he came to stand beside him.

"Go away, furball." Vegeta grunted as he looked out into the night sky again.

Korin regarded Vegeta with a sigh.

"I know, I know. You wanna be left alone to catch up on your brooding." He shook his head.

Vegeta said nothing. He didn't even move.

Well, I'm pretty sure he can pass the test. Course, he's not all that afraid of death. So, that simplifies things. Korin mused to himself. Though he also knew Vegeta was no fool. The stubborn warrior would likely be insulted if he didn't phrase his next few words particularly carefully.

"Okay then. Looks like I got no other choice..." Korin regarded him with a nod.

Vegeta finally turned to look down at him again.

"What are you going on about now?" He asked.

"Well, since you Saiyan's don't seem to do so well cooped up for long periods of time. I've got an idea. I think a little training might be just what you need." Korin explained.

Vegeta raised an eyebrow at that, training? He hadn't thought of training since this whole ordeal had started. Though he'd have to admit. He would enjoy the sort of momentary escape that training provided. Vegeta actually smirked a little at the thought.

Chapter 10

Korin took a moment to snicker, though he quickly became serious again.

"See, there's a cavern far from here. It's a mystical place, great for training." His whisker's twitched as he explained.

"Where is this, cavern?" Vegeta asked, curious how a mere cave could be "mystical".

Korin gestured for the Prince to follow him. Vegeta sighed, he just didn't understand it. He should be focused on what was happening with this "tribunal" business. Not indulging in training. Yet still, he found himself following after Korin.

After they had reached another section of the tower. Vegeta looked around the room. He saw nothing, except some water pots. Korin led him to one of the containers and took the lid off.

Rolling his eyes in irritation. Vegeta looked down over Korin's shoulder, what he saw left him stunned. He'd expected to see nothing but the contents of a normal water pot. He instead saw a vast snowy landscape, as if they were looking out a window or into a television screen.

"What the...?" Vegeta muttered.

"This is the cavern, or the closest I can get you to it. I'll admit it's no Hyperbolic Time Chamber, but still. I think you'll enjoy the challange." Korin explained with just a hint of smugness.

"How do I get back?" Vegeta asked Korin before he made a move.

"Just go back to the spot you started. You'll find the light coming from the ceiling. That'll lead you out." Korin explained.

Vegeta nodded and jumped into the basket without hesitation. A light enveloped for a moment. Then some frigid air hit him. A moment later, he gently touched down onto the icy landscape.

"Of course, it couldn't be on a tropical beach..." He grumbled to himself. Vegeta then sighed as he made for the mouth of the nearby cave.

Back at the tower, Korin continued to look down into the pot.

"I'm still not sure about this Korin..." He turned to see Piccolo coming out of the shadows. Moving to stand anxiously at his side.

"He shouldn't have a problem with the illusions. Besides, in the end the choice will be his, and his alone. He can just leave it alone if he decides too." Korin stated.

"Knowning Vegeta, he'll try it just to test his limits." Piccolo noted with a sigh.

"I know your worried for him Piccolo. But Vegeta's a man still struggling between what he was, and what he's become. I can guarantee, this will help." Korin explained somberly.

Piccolo let out another sigh, before nodding in agreement. The pair then turned to leave the room. Not realizing that they had been watched the entire time.

xxxx

It was very dark in the cavern. Vegeta noticed it was surprisingly difficult for his eyes to adjust to it. He'd had never cared for the colder climates. They were the one thing Saiyan's had any real trouble with. This place in particular had a biting feel to it, as if threatening to freeze him in place.

Vegeta was also surprised at just how vast the place was. Though considering his previous experiences in the time chamber, it was tame by comparison. He continued walking down a narrow passage, which seemed to go on for ages.

It was as he'd begun to wonder if the cavern even had a bottom, that he sensed something...

Quickly, he spun around, hand outstretched and charged with an energy sphere ready to fire that he saw him. It was the samurai, Yajirobe not far behind him. Whimpering in terror, the man came out from hiding behind an outcropping of rock. When Vegeta gave him a rather dirty look, Yajirobe waved at him. Giving the Saiyan warrior a rather meek "I don't believe we've met" expression.

"You! What are you doing here?" Vegeta snapped at the man.

"Hey, stop shoutin', it's rude..." Yajirobe demanded, before he cringed at the angry look in Vegeta's eyes.

"Look, I just came to warn yeh. Korin's got something sneaky planned." He explained as he slowly came closer to Vegeta.

"No kidding." Vegeta scoffed, folding his arms over his chest as he glared down at the shorter man.

"What? You mean you knew he was up to something? B-But... Then what the heck are you doing here?" Yajirobe stammered.

"Huh, I don't mind the distraction. Honestly, I welcome the challange." Vegeta waved off Yajirobe's shock as he turned to walk away.

"Are you kidding me?! Are all you Saiyans nuts, or what?" Yajirobe asked angrily.

Vegeta just rolled his eyes as he continued walking.

Just then, the ground began to shake. It was an earthquack, yet Vegeta could tell that there was something strange about it. Quickly, the ramp they'd been standing on a moment ago gave way beneath them.

Which sent poor Yajirobe tumbling down a steep ramp. Vegeta flew down to try and catch him. Depsite his efforts to dodge them, the rocks that fell upon them seemed to grow in number. Vegeta looked back up for just a moment...

THUMP!

xxxx

Upon regaining consciousness, Vegeta immediately realized something was wrong.

Firstly, he was no longer in the ice cave. Secondly, he was not back home. Thirdly... he wasn't even on Earth. The light leaking in from the windows was tinted red. Nothing at all like Earth's sky. This final realization caused Vegeta to fully awaken with a start, sitting straight up in the bed he'd been placed in. He immediately backed up until his back was against the wall. Swallowing hard, his mind racing a mile a minute.

It was then that he noticed the room he'd been sleeping in, while not his own. Felt oddly familiar to him. Almost reminiscent of his childhood room back on planet Vegeta... He abruptly pushed aside the blanket to stand up. Realizing we was now wearing some silk robes, very similar to pajamas. But before he could go anywhere, or do anything. He heard a knock outside the nearby door. Vegeta quickly turned around, ready to glare at whoever was about to enter.

With another jolt, Vegeta realized exactly who the man that had entered the room and was now standing before him was. He was none other than, his own father. Vegeta looked at the man, dumbfounded.

"Heh, it's good to finally see you up and awake son." His father laughed heartily.

It was then, all rational thought left Vegeta's mind. Without thinking, he quickly came to stand before his father... Only to suddenly wrap his arms around the man. In a bone crushing hug. The King was completely caught off guard by the gesture. While Vegeta closed his eyes, as if to block out everything else going on around him.

King Vegeta looked down upon his son uncomfortably. Though the older man laughed again and patted him on the back. After a few moments of nearly squeezing his father to death. Vegeta suddenly realized what he was doing, hastily letting the man go and pulling away.

"Ha! No need for such sentiment boy! I was only gone a few days." The King, who while still looking a bit confused, chuckled good-naturedly.

"Now, I was hoping to enjoy a meal with my son once I'd returned. I suggest you change into something better suited." The King said with another hearty laugh as he turned to leave the room.

"Alright, father..." Vegeta said seriously.

The King smirked, looking over his shoulder. An expression of warmth and pride in his eyes as he looked back at his son, before leaving.

"My armor, now!" Vegeta pressed a button on the table near his bed. Immediately, two attendants entered, carrying clothing and armor. Vegeta then ordered the attendants to leave, which they did. Though they looked rather confused at being dismissed.

Alone again, Vegeta resisted the urge to break something. His frustration was not only at the situation, but also at his moment of weakness. How could he act so childishly, hugging a grown man like that?

He looked down upon the armor laid out before him. There was little doubt that it was made for those of royal birth. The refined white armor was even engraved with the Saiyan royal family crest. Vegeta got dressed, thinking. Somehow, he had found himself back on planet Vegeta. His father was alive and well. He wondered, did that mean Frieza had been defeated years ago. Or did he simply not exist in this, alternate timeline? Had someone used time travel to alter the past as his own son had years ago?

Did Trunks even exist in this timeline? Had he ever even met Bulma?

Vegeta paused while placing an ornate medallion, similar to his fathers'. Which denoted his royal position, around his neck. Thinking, even though he had been groomed for this kind of life since birth. It just didn't feel right, not anymore. Once dressed, he steeled himself before exiting the room. Heading down the long corridor that led to the dining hall. His red cape, fastened to his shoulders flowing behind him gracefully.

Vegeta soon came to stand at the doors to the hall. He then pushed them open. Once opened, he saw his father. Sitting at the far end of a long table, one fit for royalty. Upon seeing him, his father ushered Vegeta to come sit at his side. Normally, Vegeta would have hesitated, do to the suspicious nature of the situation. But... some food might help him to think.

Later, just as he was finishing his meal. The Kings' advisor came entered the room. Vegeta's father paused to glare at the man.

"What do you want? Can't you see my son and I are eating?" The King demaned of the understandably intimidated advisor.

"I am sorry your majesty. But we have captured an intruder in the palace." The advisor explained.

Vegeta narrowed his eyes briefly at that.

"An intruder?" He questioned.

"Uh, yes sire." The man turned to him confused.

Vegeta thought quickly.

"I wish to speak to the man who thinks he can sneak into the palace and get away with it. Bring him before me." He commanded, choosing his words carefully.

"As you wish your majesty." The man nodded to him before he scurried off.

"Do you think that's wise son?" King Vegeta raised his eyebrow at him.

"I assure you father, I can handle one lone man. I will have him brought to my chambers, for security." He said before striding out the dining hall and back to his private chambers.

Upon arriving at the room, Vegeta dismissed the guards. Sitting on one of the luxuriously decorated chairs. He turned his attention to the door, when he heard something.

"I KNOW MY RIGHTS! YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO SAY, "I have the right to remain silent". Well... NOBODY TOLD ME I HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN SILENT!" A loud booming voice reverberated throughout the entire area.

Naturally, you have the right to remain silent. Your simply an idiot who can't shut up. Vegeta smirked to himself. Knowing perfectly well only an Earthling could be that obstinate.

A moment later he looked up as the door opened and the guards entered. Between the two tall men, was none other than a rather irritated looking Yajirobe. The guards each held one of his chubby arms. While the samurai glared at them as he struggled in their grip. His legs flailing uselessly in the air.

When Yajirobe caught sight of Vegeta, he stopped and opened his mouth to speak.

"Silence!" Vegeta snapped, waving his arm with a commanding air about him. Trying to keep Yajirobe from saying anything else stupid. The man frowned, but kept quiet.

"Good, you may go." He then told the guards.

Aside from a moment of confused hesitation, the men let Yajirobe go. He scrambled to his feet and glared at them as they followed Vegeta's instructions. As the door closed behind them, Vegeta turned to Yajirobe.

"Alright. Now, I don't suppose you know how we got in this mess?" He demanded of the now rather agitated man.

"I sure do! This is all that crazy Korin's fault! Him and that creepy Darkness guy..." Yajirobe explained with a visible shiver of fear.

"Hmmm... No, matter. We're getting out of here." Vegeta noted frankly.

"You really wanna leave?" Yajirobe sounded genuinly surprised.

"Don't tell me you don't?" Vegeta asked in kind, mystified.

"Course I do! I'm not stupid! I just figured you'd wanna stay. I mean, this is what your life was like before livin on Earth, right? Seem's like a pretty nice setup to me." The samurai asked as he looked around the room.

"No... This, this isn't my life anymore. I... Arrr!" Vegeta snapped as he reached up. Yanking the medallion hanging from his neck off in frustration, hurling it across the room to hit the wall.

A few moments later, the King and the two guards burst through the doors. Vegeta held up a hand to stop them.

"It's alright! I'm... fine." He said firmly.

King Vegeta looked at Vegeta with a frown. He seemed to hesitate, before he strode purposefully towards the pair.

"The prisoner must return to his cell now, son." The King told him sternly.

Vegeta stared, the man's change in tone startled him for a moment. It was then that it all came together.

"You... You're behind this!" Vegeta spat, his eyes narrowed.

"Heh, I tried to do this the easy way Vegeta..." The now obviously fake King sneered at the pair. His pupils ominously began to glow a bright red.

"How did I not see this coming? Oh wait, I did." Yajirobe noted with a frown.

Suddenly, the pair was surrounded by sapphire flames. The shooting streams of fire rose up all around them. The smoke from the flames quickly thickened. Thus making it impossible for the warriors to see two feet in front of them. Then, a strong wind kicked up, forcing it into their eyes.

Before they could recover, both men experienced a feeling of falling from a great height once more.

xxxx

Once the ash and soot cleared away again, Vegeta quickly recognized the ornately decorated room. Wherever they were now, looked almost identical to the bridge of one of Frieza's old spaceships.

...Argh! Again, really? Vegeta grumbled internally.

"Hello, Vegeta."

Suddenly, time seemed to freeze.

That voice, that irritatingly raspy voice. Even though Vegeta hadn't heard it in years. He'd have recongnized that voice anywhere.

"No..." He said aloud, as a cold sweat slid down the back of his neck.

Vegeta turned to stare up at the person now standing before them. He was a small figure of a man, with a long reptilian tail. Along with a pair of black horns jetting out on either side of his head.

"Frieza? ...But, Trunks killed you! I watched you die!" He gaped as Frieza slowly stepped towards them.

"Hahaha, don't be so naive Vegeta. Your precious brat couldn't get rid of me so easily. ...Oh, how I've missed you. My favorite "pet monkey"." Frieza jeered. Wagging a finger at him playfully.

"I AM NOT YOUR PET!" Vegeta roared in fury. It was only then that he realized his arms were trapped. He quickly turned around to see chains around his wrists and ankles. Turning back around, he screwed up his face at Frieza. Tugging frustratedly at the chains holding him down.

Frieza smiled sinisterly as he continued his approach.

"Oh my dear Vegeta, when will you learn. You never stood a chance against me. In the real world. Or even, within your own mind..." He taunted into Vegeta's ear. Before idly walking away from him.

My... mind? ...Yes! Of course! This, all of this. It's being created from my thoughts! Vegeta's rage subsided as he was suddenly struck by an idea. He closed his eyes, silently picturing himself free of the chains. With a deep breath, Vegeta tried to will them away. He then felt more than heard the chains binding his hands and feet click open before vanishing. Free once more. Vegeta's eyes opened, he then stood up.

"My poor sweet Prince, when will you understand you could never defy... me?" Frieza's expression fell when he turned around.

-Only to see a fist coming at him at lightning speed. Vegeta punched Frieza right in the face. Sending the tyrant seizing and then flopping over rather comically, hitting the floor.

"Ha!" Yajirobe cheered.

"I've wanted to do that for years!" Vegeta noted as he turned to face him. A smirk on his face.

"Enough!" Frieza growled as he recovered, facing Vegeta again. His pupils glowing red, much like the fake King Vegeta before him.

"You have no power over me Frieza. ...Not anymore!" Vegeta spoke coldly, turning back to face the fake Frieza with a lowered brow. He then approached the apparition, as a golden aura formed around him.

The fake Frieza and Yajirobe both looked upon him in amazement...

Around Vegeta, several translucent images suddenly appeared. Each one wore an expression of stoic conviction and determination. First the images of Bulma and Trunks. Who were soon joined by Goku, Gohan, Krillin, Goten, and the Trunks from the future. Then Piccolo, Chi-Chi, Yamcha, Tien and Chiaotzu; Hercule, Buu, Bulma's parents and Vegeta's own father. They all surrounded him, shoulder to shoulder. As if acting as a kind of protective shield or barrier.

"I am not the fool I once was. And I am not alone anymore!" Vegeta stated proudly.

The images all disappeared, though Vegeta continued to glow in a golden blaze.

"Nooo!" The apparition froze, his eyes falling wide. He shook, his hands clasping the sides of his head as if he were hearing a horribly painful sound. Then came a horrible, wailing howl.

Vegeta and Yajirobe gaped, as the fake Frieza shook his head violently. Snapping his eyes shut and screaming painfully. Before suddenly vanishing in an instant, leaving the pair alone in the darkness once more.

Chapter 11

Vegeta and Yajirobe looked around the area confused.

"What was that?" Vegeta asked as he examined his outfit, which had turned back to his normal earth clothing.

"Ugh! I told you. They were fake's, made up by the creepy Darkness guy." Yajirobe grumbled as he got to his feet.

Vegeta turned to see that there was now a large lake beside them, its water black as ink, and something sturing within the water.

"You, Darkness! Show yourself!" Vegeta demanded.

"I am... Darkness. You have proven yourself, worthy." A deep raspy voice spoke from the dark waters.

"Ah man, it's him." Yajirobe gupled.

"What the...?" Vegeta muttered as he looked from Yajirobe, back to the dark waters.

Suddenly, a light was coming down from an unknown source. And beneath it was a small round table, with a tea pot and cup.

"It's that stupid water again!" Yajirobe pointed at the pot and cup in terror.

"The sacred liquid is very dangerous. One must be both mentally and physically strong to drink it..." Darkness spoke solemly.

Vegeta walked over to the small table, still frowning down at the rather humble looking tea pot.

"What does it do? Make you stronger?" He asked.

"It is, uncertain..." Vegeta actually blanched as he looked upon the dark shape that arose from the water before them. The dark substance took on the form of a vaguely humanoid face. It was truly, the most alien looking creature he had ever seen.

"The water takes advantage of the special properties within you. If you have none, nothing will change..." The creature explained dispassionately.

"Yeah, cept you forgot to mention that only special people like Goku become stronger. Everybody else just ends up dead!" Yajirobe actually worked up the nerve to interrupt the Darkness. Glaring at it as he pointed at the tea pot.

"That is, correct." The Darkness agreed, as if there had been no interruption.

"So, it shows you what you really are?" Vegeta noted as he idly picked up the tea pot.

"...Yes." The Darkness replied.

After a moments hesitation, he poured the contents into the cup. The liquid looked as black as night.

"Hey! Are you crazy!?" Yajirobe shouted at the Saiyan Prince in a panic.

Before he could say anything else. Vegeta picked up the cup, before quickly downing it's contents.

xxxx

It felt like fire rushing down his throat. And the fire spread, coating his veins. Vegeta soon fell to his knees, gasping in pain. Never had he experienced such terrible agony. As he suffered, he could recall pieces of his life. Years of humiliation, of pain and... the face of Bulma, her bright blue eyes sparkling with happiness

His delirious thoughts raced, images of all the times he'd spent with her flashing rapidly in his mind's eye. He remembered her smiles, her firey temper tantrums, the sound of her laughter. All taking place seemingly a lifetime ago... Vegeta's heart tightened with a pang of guilt. He'd forgotten to consider Bulma in all of this. Would she be upset if he died again? He wished he could have seen her again, just once.

Bulma, she'll have my head for this... Even in his agony, Vegeta smirked as he closed his eyes. Knowing he deserved the thorough tongue lashing he was likely in for from her.

Then suddenly, Vegeta's eyes snapped open again. He was laying on his stomach, on the ground. Blinking in surprise. The pain was gone, as if nothing had happened. Though he did feel strange, as if he'd been wearing a blindfold his entire life. Only to suddenly be able to see clearly for the first time.

He quickly pushed himself up off the ground. Looking over to see Yajirobe hovering over him. The poor man looked like he'd seen a ghost. Vegeta stood and looked at his hands, then at Yajirobe again.

"You, eh okay?" Yajirobe asked.

"No. But, I will be." Vegeta replied thoughtfully. He then caught sight of the the dark shape as it began to retreat back into the black waters.

"And you! ...Thank you." He called to it.

"Hmmm. You, are welcome..." Darkness noted softly as he sunk back into the waters.

"Finally! Can we go now? This place gives me the creeps." Yajirobe asked with a sigh.

Vegeta nodded, he then proceed to grab Yajirobe by the scruff and flew off.

"Hey!" The samurai yelped as they flew up out of the cavern.

It didn't take long for Vegeta to find the spot where Korin had told him to return to. It was as he was flying that he realized something.

The divine water had done more than make him stronger. It had helped the Prince attain a kind of clarity that he had never experienced before. Vegeta could now see, he was worth more than all the expectations that had been placed upon him by his elders since his birth.

Vegeta arched an eyebrow, intrigued at the notion.

Somehow, he'd obtained a new perspective on life. Could it be that after accepting that Goku was stronger, he also realized that this new life, in and of itself was enough for him? Perhaps that was the answer. It didn't matter that he had no "grand purpose" to his life. He could just, live it. Perhaps that was enough after all.

Back at the tower, Piccolo was pacing back and forth. While Korin sat quietly.

"I can't take this anymore! I'm going in!" Piccolo announced at last.

"Easy Piccolo, be patient." Korin offered calmly.

"He's been in there for over ten hours!" Piccolo argued impatiently.

Literally a moment later, Vegeta and Yajirobe emerged from the shimmering portal within the pot. Leaving Piccolo momentarily startled by their sudden reappearance.

"Well, you're... alright." Piccolo noted, non-pulsed.

Vegeta and Yajirobe exhanged a knowning look.

"No thanks to you two." Vegeta replied.

At that, Piccolo and Korin realized the they'd been caught red-handed.

"Wha-What do you mean?" Piccolo asked, growing just a little nervous.

"Apparently, I was the victim of... foul play." Vegeta's brow raised suspiciously at the pair.

"Well, to be honest. More "traditional" types of therapy weren't getting us anywhere." Korin confessed with a wiry smile.

"Well, your little scheme worked, furball." Vegeta smirked at the pair. He then walked out over to the railing.

"Hmmm, glad it all worked out." Korin nodding as he, Piccolo and Yajirobe came to stand at Vegeta's side.

xxxx

Slug's eyes were closed, counting down the minutes left till to the tribunal was due to begin. It was then he heard the door open. His eyes opened as Zeeun entered the room.

"Sir, we're ready when you are." The Commnader noted somberly.

Though before he could say anything, he heard someone come running just behind Zeeun.

"In coming! Whoooa!" Goku burst in, sliding to a halt just short of crashing into Zeeun. Both Slug and Zeeun began to sweat in embarrassment at Goku's unintentenaly childish dramatics.

"Whew! I made it." Goku noted with a smile while he straightened up.

"Ahem, Goku." Slug chimed in.

Both Saiyan and Namekian eyes met for a moment, each one silently acknowledging the other.

"Hi Slug." Goku softly smiled as he nodded to him.

"Eh, Hi...?" Slug cocked a confused brow at him.

"Well, good luck today. To both of us." Goku nodded to Slug.

"Wha...? Uh, yes. We need to get things underway. Commander, let's go." Slug turned to Zeeun.

With that, the pair departed.

Goku watched as the pair headed to the room where the tribunal was set to begin. He could see Slug's heart was still heavy, he sensed it in every deliberate step the man took. As stern and resolved as he appeared on the outside, Goku could tell the man was breaking inside.

Goku's brow lowered. He felt he had to win this tribunal. Not just for Vegeta's sake, but for everyone's.

Chapter 12

Goku took a deep breath and let it out slowly. He then stepped through the door to the room were the tribunal was about to be held. Immediately he was struck by how ornate his surroundings were. Unlike the rest of the ship. Which looked to be neglected almost to the point of disrepair, this area was handsomely decorated. He let out another breath, trying to calm himself.

This was it.

Meanwhile, Slug glanced down at Goku. Who was still looking as blissfully innocent as ever as he sat and waited.

What are you up to Goku? What could you possibly hope to gain by continuing to defend him? The Namekian pondered once more. Before forcing himself to look away again.

Angila, Wings, Gyoush, Kakuja and Medamatcha had assembled as the tribunal was about to begin. Though they had no duties to preform during the prosecution. They were all eager to hear Goku's defense. Slug grimaced as he looked upon them all, thinking of how much they all deserved to see Vegeta's fall from grace.

The room abruptly went quiet as Slug stood up, making himself known to all in attendance.

"To everyone gathered here today to witness this event. I officially declare this tribunal, in session." His voice boomed across the vast room, head held high and brow lowered.

Goku watched and listened as Slug finished, taking his seat once more.

xxxx

Goku's visage darkened as the room started to quiet again. He felt Slug's eyes weighing heavily upon him.

"Present the charges." Commander Zeeun ordered the ships computer.

A large table looking device in the middle of the room lit up. A moment later and a holographic reprisentation of Vegeta's crimes appeared listed for all to see.

"Prince Vegeta. List of offences: Several dozen counts of theft, extortion, kidnapping, blackmail, murder, planetary piracy and genocide. Unconfirmed destruction of several planets. One count of piloting without a licence..." The ship's computer answered him in it's calm, feminine voice.

Goku stared up at the image quizzically. Admittedly, the list was rather vague in the details. That was no real surprise to him though. Goku had recently learned that offical records of Vegeta's actions were nearly all lost when Frieza's empire fell. As he was reading the list. Goku wished he'd had more time to talk with his Saiyan friend about this before the tribunal. Up until now, Vegeta had rarely spoken of his past. And of course, Goku had always respected his privacy.

But now was the time to meet the ghosts of Vegeta's past, and learn of all the terrible things he'd done. Or rather, all the terrible things Frieza had made him do.

Frieza, Goku had been thinking about him a lot the past few days. Even in death, the man was still finding ways to hurt his friends. All Vegeta wanted to do now was make a life of his own on Earth, in peace. But was Frieza's lingering shadow something Vegeta could never escape from?

A hush passed over the room as the distinguishing of the charges ended.

"The people call... Goku, for examination." Commander Zeeun turned, casting a hand toward him.

Okay Goku, you've got this. Goku got up from his chair.

"You will please approach the central platform." The Commander explained to him.

All eyes on him, Goku nodded and walked forward, taking his place on the platform as the light focused on him. He'd spent many hours preparing for this moment.

"Goku, how long have you known Prince Vegeta?" Zeeun continued in his formal manner.

"Ten years, roundabout." He answered. While he'd technically only known Vegeta for little over three years. Goku felt it would only confuse everyone if he tried to explain he'd been "mostly dead" for seven of those years.

"Please explain, when did first you encounter him." Zeeun asked.

"Well, my friends intercepted Vegeta and his Saiyan partner when they arrived on Earth, looking for the Dragon Balls. By the time I got to the battlefield, everyone but my son Gohan and my friend Krillin had been killed." Goku allowed his expression to grow a bit somber at the memory.

Though he paused when he heard those up in the stands to stir and murmur amongst themselves.

"...I'd like to point out, Vegeta's partner was solely responsible for those deaths." Goku stated clearly. His statment caused the people in the stands to murmur even more. Whether or not that ment they believed him, Goku couldn't tell.

"When I arrived, I injured the other Saiyan. But instead of trying to help him, like I'd expected. Vegeta... well, he killed him. Vegeta then challanged me to a one-on-one fight." He explained bluntly.

After that Goku explained at length about his use of the Kaio-Ken technique to try and counter Vegeta. Leading up to their duel of energy blasts, that ended up sending the Saiyan Prince into the stratosphere.

"Once he'd recovered from that, Vegeta returned to the battlefield. He then transformed into a giant ape creature to try and beat me." In the stands above, Gyoshu lurched back in surprise.

"I had to use every trick in the book and then some just to keep up with him... After all was said and done. We we're all left running on fumes, even Vegeta." Goku's now captive audience listened to his story with baited breath.

"After Yajirobe weakened him by cutting off his tail. Vegeta tried to escape by crawling to his space ship. My friend Krillin tried to kill him with Yajirobe's sword. Fortunately, I was able to stop him just in time..."

A hush suddenly filled the room as Goku paused. He looked confusedly at the assembly. Wondering why they were now looking at him, as if horror struck.

"Is he saying, what I think he's saying...?" Angila murmured.

"That, that can't be right..." Medamatcha stated, large yellow eyes bulging in shock.

"So, he spared Vegeta's life. That makes sense..." Wings noted with a shrug. Though like Goku, he too was confused by the horrified expressions on the faces of his commrades.

"You don't get it Wings. Goku just confessed to letting Vegeta get away. Which means, he could be held responsible for every crime Vegeta commited after he left Earth..." Medamatcha explained somberly.

Wings eyes went wide as well, suddenly filled with panic as he looked back down at Goku.

Slug too gazed down upon Goku, silently judging him.

"Uh, yes. When was the next time you saw Vegeta?" Zeeun coughed, as he too needed a moment to regain his composure.

"On planet Namek. See Bulma, Krillin and Gohan had gone there looking for the Dragon Balls. We were hoping we could use them to bring back our friends who'd been killed. I was still recovering from my injuries, so I couldn't go with them. When I finally made it to Namek myself, well... Things had gotten a lot more complicated." Goku explained.

"Instead of looking for a fight, Vegeta worked with me and my friends to stop Frieza. He even went out of his way to save my son's life." That statment caused another round of murmurings from those in the stands above him.

"Now, I want everyone in this room to know that Vegeta doesn't need to suffer anymore for his past crimes. Because... he already died for of them." Goku spoke, a sever look in his eye.

This caused even Slug to look upon Goku in shock.

So, Goku explained himself. He told them all of Vegeta's attempt to fight Frieza, thinking he'd become a Super Saiyan. ...And about the price he'd paid for that mistaken belief.

"When I got there, Frieza had Vegeta dangling in his grip. I tried to help Vegeta by demanding that Frieza leave him alone. But... he didn't. Frieza blasted a hole, straight through Vegeta's heart. He even smiled when he did it." A collective gasp filled the room, as Goku let out a sad sigh. Clenching at his own chest with his right hand.

It was in that moment, that a memory surfaced within Slug's mind. One of Vegeta laughing as he rained death upon his brothers. So that's where the man had learned how to be so, so needlessly cruel. Slug realized, it all made so much more sense now.

"I'll admit, it was pretty horrific. I'd never imagined Frieza would be that cruel. Killing someone in such a vicious way. Completely devoid of any mercy, or honor." Goku's brow lowered somberly.

"It was after Vegeta died, that I came to realize something important. ...Not once since the day he'd been born. Had Vegeta ever had a chance to be anything other than what someone else wanted him to be. Raised from childhood with the burden of high expectations. Then being treated like less than a dog for the rest of his youth. Every moment of his life, till the day he died. All of it had been shaped and molded, by someone else..." He shook his head sadly as he finished.

After that, there was a long drawn out silence throughout the entire room.

"...Why Goku? Why did you let Vegeta live? Despite everything he'd done?" Slug asked at last.

"What? Oh... Well, because I wanted to show Vegeta that there's a better way to live life. See, I believed he deserved to have that chance. After all, Piccolo learned. So I figured if Piccolo could learn that lesson, anyone could." Goku smiled a little.

This again, stirred up the crowd.

"Piccolo learned... What does that mean?" Slug asked Goku, eyeing him suspiciously.

Goku thought about that, before gazed at Slug directly.

"See, my friend Kami used to be one person. But he eventually had the darkness in his heart removed. Unfortunately, that negative energy took on physical form. Becoming the man who would call himself, King Piccolo. That version of Piccolo then terrorized the people of Earth. Until I fought and killed him. Though not before he created his own reincarnation, the Piccolo you all met on Earth." Goku repiled.

"When I first met him, I could sense that this new Piccolo was very bitter, angry, brash and arrogant. Despite that, he wasn't evil by nature like his father. Yet he wouldn't realize that himself until much later." He went on.

Many up in the stands looked at each other in confusion. Slug meanwhile understood, at least in part what Goku was trying to say. He'd had once heard Piccolo's story back when he and the other Namekian's had been staying on Earth.

"It just took being treated with a little kindness by somebody for him to realize that. Basically, what I'm saying is this: For almost all their lives, Piccolo and Vegeta felt like they'd been born unable to decide their own fate. But they both managed to defy expectations, eventually choosing their own path." Goku finished his explanation with a bittersweet smile.

"...Thank you, Goku. We'll adjourn now to discuss sentencing." Slug nodded to Goku as he stood once more.

Goku watched as Slug and his top men headed for a door behind Slug's chair. Slug stopped momentarily to look upon Goku, before disappearing with the others. The atmosphere around the room relaxed slightly as quiet conversations broke out.

Goku let out a long sigh as he returned to his seat, hoping he'd done well. He wondered how bad he was going to get it from Vegeta for exposing so much of his past to so many strangers. Not particularly eager to find out.

"Well, that's it. Hope it worked..." He admitted aloud.

xxxx

That door remained closed for a long time. When it finally opened once more, the room instantly went quiet.

Slug returned to his chair and sat down again. Goku tried to read from his face what had happened, but it was unclear. Though the Namek looked somber. The rest of his crew sat in their seats. Goku watched as Zeeun came to stand at his podium once more.

For a long moment, nothing could be heard in that heavy silence.

This is it! Goku thought, his heart racing.

"It's been decided... Prince Vegeta, will be taken from planet Earth. He will be placed in the custody of the nearest Galactic Bounty collection office. At which time he will likely complete a duration of imprisonment of no less than, twenty years." Zeeun announced at last.

Twenty... years? That, that can't be right! Goku gaped in horror as some in the stands nodded in approval. He suddenly felt his heart sink into his stomach.

An image of Trunks flashed within his mind's eye, in tears. Just like the day Vegeta died fighting Buu. Just like a few day's ago...

"He counted on you, he trusted you! And you let him down..." Goku winced at the memory, clenching his fists tightly.

Up in the stands, Slug was completely unaware of Goku's devestated reaction.

"I believe that concludes-" He began.

"WAIT!" A great murmur started up again as all eyes fell on Goku once more. Standing tall, his head raised.

Slug cocked his head in confusion.

"Yes?" He asked, puzzled by the outburst.

"Don't you understand? Vegeta doesn't desereve that kind of punishment! Not anymore!" Goku protested, his clenched fists now shaking.

Despite his best efforts, Slug began to grow irritated again.

"Goku, unless you have further evidence to add, you are dangeroulsy close to being held in contempt!" He replied sternly.

Goku's insides burned, his mind racing.

"But, I do have something else to add!" He called up to Slug, who paused.

"...Alright. What is it?" Slug raised his brow, curious now.

"Okay, I wasn't going to mention this before. But I guess I don't have a choice. See I remembered what you said to Vegeta a few days ago, about those specific planets you said he'd destroyed." Goku nodded to Slug.

Slug was completely perplexed now. Unable to understand why Goku would even bring that conversation up.

"See, I've learned that the people of Zeuin and Dorodabo were destroyed by Captian Ginyu and his men. While planet Angira was wiped out by a man called Cui. Arcose was destroyed Frieza himself and planet Meda..." Goku paused, taking a moment to look apologetically at Medamatcha. Who could only responed by continuing to look at him in confusion.

"...I know for a fact Vegeta had nothing to do with what happend to that planet. Because he was already living on Earth at the time it was attacked!" He finished, renewed passion in his voice.

Confused, the crowd above him stirred. This new information was a genuine surprise to them.

"So you see, you guys were after Vegeta mainly because of what happened to those planets. But since he had nothing to do with what happened to them specifically. On that count-"

It was then Angila, Medamatcha, Wings, Gyoshu, Kakuja and even Zeeun all knew what words were coming... and dreaded them.

Don't do it Goku. Please don't say it... Gyoshu pleaded silently.

"-Vegeta's completely innocent!" Goku finished dramatically. Though he almost immediately regretted saying those last few words. Once he noticed the fire they put in Slug's eyes.

"...We're, done here. This tribunal is over." Slug spoke, clenching his teeth despite himself. He then rose up, looking at Goku with his eyes quivering in a barely contained rage.

Goku's head lowered despondently as Slug's words passed over him. But suddenly, he came up with another idea. Quickly lifting his head once more.

"Okay... But, if I can't change your mind. Then, take me in Vegeta's place." He pressed a hand to his chest.

The room exploded with shouts and outcries at his words. Slug's own eyes widened in shock and horror as he fell back into his seat.

"He... he's claiming, the Right of Equivalency!" Angila stared, his face turning a chalk white.

"Wha!?" Medamatcha nearly fell out of his chair in shock. Again his eyes made several uncontrolled movements. Returning to normal as he righted himself.

"Goku!" Gyoshu cried out.

"Why?!" Wings asked no one in particular. He turned desperately to Kakuja, who could only shrug helplessly in response.

Though throughout the chaos, Goku stood firm. Keeping his eyes on Slug and Slug alone.

"Goku... The Right of Equivalency can only be invoked by a living blood relative. You're not-" The shocked Namekian started.

"-I know, and I've been thinking about that. See, Vegeta and I... We're the last Saiyans left in the whole universe. More than that, though he'd probably never agree. I've come to see him as something like, a brother. So please, take me in his place." Goku continued, looking into Slug's eyes.

"Goku... You understand, if you do this. There will be no going back." Slug's brow lowered, trying to get the young man to fully understand what he was asking.

"I understand that." Goku assured him, looking undeterred.

After a long pause. Slug let out a very deep sigh, before speaking again.

"...Very well. Guards, take Goku... into custody." He touched a hand to his head, resigned.

"No..." Gyoshu looked upon Goku, a heartbroken expression in his eyes.

Goku then let his head hang low. Slug and his men all looked on somberly. Watching as two guards came to lead Goku down the center aisle.

The tribunal was at last, done.

Chapter 13

Slug had meant to speak with Goku after the tribunal had concluded... though, not like this. The cell soon came into view. It was one of the larger cells, with a door that had a large reinforced vewing window built in. So that anyone could easily look inside to make certian prisoners were not attempting to escape, or cause trouble. Slug looked inside to see, much to his surprise. That it's current occupant was lying down on the bench, asleep. Before he began to stir.

He's been taking a nap, at a time like this? Slug was left baffled.

Goku stretched and turned around to behold Slug's face.

"Slug?" He looked on in bemusement, straightening up. Goku now looked upon the Namekian with his full attention.

"You owe me some answers, Goku." Slug hissed, eyes narrowed as he glared at Goku.

"I do? I don't understand." Goku blinked at him in confusion.

Much to Goku's surprise, Slug then pounded his fist into the nearby wall.

"Stop that! I'm tired of you playing dumb Goku! You know exactly what kind of a man Vegeta is. And yet, yet you still defend him! You don't make any sense!" He shouted as he leaned against the wall. His whole body trembling in fury. For a long moment after that, neither of them said anything else.

"...But, that's not why I'm here." Slug continued at last.

"It isn't?" Goku asked hesitantly.

"No, it isn't." Slug shook his head. The anger slowly drained away as he spoke again.

"What do you see when you look at me, Goku?" He asked plainly.

"Wait, what?" Goku gazed up at the man in confusion.

"Just answer, what do you see?" Slug insisted.

"Well. Ehhh, a warrior?" Goku replied, now holding his chin in his right hand.

"Very true. I've transformed myself into a living weapon. Tell me, have you ever wondered... why?" He cocked his head at Goku.

Though uncertian of what the point was to this line of questioning. Goku found himself too curious at this point to end the conversation now.

"Well, I assumed you decided to put yourself through some pretty intense training...?" He replied honestly.

"That's true, but it wasn't always that way. You see, I was born a natural healer. And I was a very gifted one at that. But the day Vegeta came to my village... Everything changed, I changed. I lost my healing gift." Slug's eyes shifted down and his brow lowered.

Goku was genuinely surprised at Slug's story. He'd never heard of something like that happening to anyone before.

"I don't know why exactly..." Slug continued, refocusing on Goku.

"...But after that day. I'd tapped into the strength seen only in the warriors of my kind. In fact, I'm probably a more powerful warrior than even Nail. You see, I'll likely go down in history as a hero. Not for the gift I'd been born with. No, I'll only be remembered as someone who took lives rather than saved them. All because of that man who you call, friend." Slug abruptly spat out that last word.

"This wasn't the life I wanted! He made me into what I am Goku! I refuse to let him do that to anyone else!" Slug seethed as he pressed a hand to his chest. The other still angrily balled into a fist, braced against the wall.

In that moment, Goku looked upon him gently.

"I get it. Your afraid of what the other Namek's might think of you. Honestly though, I don't think for a moment that they'd be ashamed of you Slug. I think they'd be proud." Goku assured him.

Slug looked at him, stunned. Genuinely taken aback by Goku's words. Though he shook off his surprise a moment later.

"Were, drifting off topic. I came here to cut a deal with you Goku. So, I'm only going to make this offer once. ...Leave, now." The corner of his mouth lifted ever so slightly.

"...What?" Goku asked, feeling totally confused.

"You heard me, leave. Use that teleporting trick of yours to slip away." Slug's face in that moment, was the embodiment of seriousness.

"Why would you want me to do that Slug? It doesn't make any sense." Goku replied. Now suspicious of Slug's intentions.

"Vegeta was supposed to be sitting in that cell, not you! He's not worth you throwing your life away Goku!" Slug demanded in kind. He then stood up straight and backed off from Goku's cell. Hitting one of the buttons on a nearby control panel. Goku was shocked when the door to his cell suddenly opened.

"Just hand him over... and walk away. That's all I'm asking, Goku." Slug stood, hands now clenched at his sides.

Goku stared at him for a long moment, taken aback. While Slug waited patiently, eyes intent.

"I appreciate the offer Slug. But, I can't do it. Vegeta's my friend. And I could never turn my back on a friend. ...I'm sorry." Goku explained sadly.

Slug stared back at Goku in shock, a heaviness hanging in his chest. Feeling even more rattled than before. He abruptly pushed the button on the control panel. Locking the door once more. Before turning to walk away.

"And Slug..." Goku called after him.

The Namekian paused, without turning to face him.

"Maybe you should go back to New Namek. I'm sure they'd all be happy to see you." Goku suggested kindly.

Slug's breath hitched, though he continued on his way a moment later. Goku watched sadly as he disappeared from view. He then turned back to look at the dented print of Slug's fist on the wall.

xxxx

Angila sat, a grim expression on his face as he watched his commrades argue back and forth over the fate of their newest prisoner.

"Enough, Medamatcha! You've made your point!" Zeeun snapped as he leaned over the table. Glaring at the little man.

"And you still wanna go through with it? It's ridiculous, and you know it!" Medamatcha shot back, pounding the table with his small pudgy fist.

"Goku followed the proper procedure!" Zeeun shouted back.

"Please, there's no way that claim would hold up in a real court!" Medamatcha countered with a sneer.

"Medamatcha, please." Wings interjected.

"No one asked for your opinion, fatso!" Medamatcha snapped at him, without turning away from Zeeun.

"Enough!" Someone else exclaimed.

Everyone in the room turned to see Slug, who was now standing in the doorway. They all remained silent as he entered the room. Slug let out an audible sigh as he sat at the conference table. They all briefly exchanged worried glances. Taking in his seemingly haggard apprearance.

"I didn't expect a brief absence would lead to a free-for-all. Let's at least try to keep this civil people." Slug groaned wearily as he began pinching the bridge of his nose.

"Well, I thought my opinion mattered..." Wings stated, looking dejected.

For a moment, Medamatcha wore a regretful expression on his face. Before turning back to Zeeun. Giving him an impatient look.

"I still think this is stupid. At least Vegeta had a bounty on his head. Even if it's expired. It's not like Goku has one. So turning him in would be pointless..." He added thoughtfully.

Medamatcha was interrupted in his musings when he noticed the horrified expressions on the faces of the others, even Slug.

"Oh come on! I'm not acutally suggesting we turn him in." He grumbled loudly.

"Well... we can't take Goku from Earth. It's his home. Besides that, he hasn't done anything wrong." Gyoshu offered meekly.

"I said it before and I'll say it again. We have no choice!" Zeeun protested.

"Ah shut up, Zeeun!" Medamatcha shot back.

Slug's eyes wandered about the room. His head resting in his hands as he watched his crew continue to bicker and argue. Contemplating his current predicament.

For years he'd had a plan to make certian Vegeta was properly punished for his crimes. He knew a Saiyan couldn't be imprisoned for long...

So he'd planned everything out, to the last detail. He'd hand Vegeta over to the authorities, using an unmanned transport ship. Naturally, for "safety reasons" the ship would be remote piloted. It would be sabotaged, exploding with only Vegeta inside.

Slug knew even with all his power, Vegeta did not possess the ability to breath in the vacuum of space. It was perfect, Vegeta would pay for what he'd done. And no one else would be harmed.

...Though, his thoughts drifted back to his previous talks with Goku. One conversation in particular stood out.

"I can't stand by and let you hurt my friends. I wont."

Slug heaved a sigh, the image of that stern look in the Goku's eyes lingering on within his mind.

xxxx

Goku's brow lowered, he looked down at the floor and frowned. He was pretty certain Chi-Chi and the others were starting to worry about him by now. He needed to find a way to get back home soon. Of course, there was the little problem of his... current situation.

Chi-Chi's gonna kill me for this one. He lamented silently.

Sadness filled Goku when he realized exactly what he'd gotten himself into. He really didn't intend on staying imprisoned long. This was actually his backup plan. He'd intended to stay like this only long enough to have a good long talk with Slug. Admittedly, he hadn't expected Slug to approach him so soon. And with such an offer!

Goku had never really thought Slug would go so far as to do something like that. He didn't really think the man respected him so much. Goku then found himself thinking on how hard everyone back home on Earth would react to this.

Well, I know Vegeta's gonna be mad at me. At least that one's a sure bet. He let out a sigh at the earful he knew he was in for from his fellow Saiyan. Needless to say, he wasn't looking forward too it.

His thoughts soon drifted to his family. Goku felt a momentary pang in his gut at the thought. All he'd wanted was to spend his first Christmas back from Otherworld with them.

"I'm so sorry Chi-Chi, Gohan, Goten..." He let out a sigh.

Goku could see his wife in his mind's eye, Chi-Chi's bright brown eyes sparkling at him, smiling with a tenderness that made him feel warm and happy inside. Over the years, Goku had been lucky enough to have made many friends. But Chi-Chi was something special, there was only one of her in the whole world.

It was with a heavy heart that Goku realized that he hadn't always done what she'd wanted. Hadn't always given her what she deserved. Staying dead for all those years was a hard decision for him, but in hindsight. He'd never really taken the time to ask her what she would have wanted.

Goku straightened up at the thought.

"I wont give up. I'll find a way to help both Vegeta and Slug. And I will be back home in time for Christmas! I wont break anymore promises, Chi-Chi." He noted with renewed determination.

It was as Goku was thinking about that, when he felt, something. His cell had grown eerily quiet. That was when he'd sensed it. A presence...

Then he heard it, the sound of grinding metal. Goku whipped around, just in time to see something come crawling out of the airvent cover just above his head. Forcing the vent cover off, some... thing emerged from the hole.

"Wait, aren't you...? ARGH!" Goku's eyes widened as the thing rushed at him.

Chapter 14

Vegeta's senses were now sharper than ever, even from such a great distance. He was able to pick up on what was going on back home. He smirked a little in satisfaction. He could now tell with perfect clarity that Bulma and Trunks were safe. Though his smirk disappeared, replaced by a deep scowl when he picked up on Bulma specifically. He exhaled through his nose in frustration. Knowing that for her own sake, he still could not return to her.

He paused in thought, his dark eyes briefly scanning the skies above. And... there it was. Vegeta managed to pick up on Slug's spacecraft.

It was at that exact moment, that it hit him.

"...ARGH!"

It was as if someone had been screaming right next to him. Vegeta felt, rather than heard it. Startled, he spun around. Confused, trying to find the source.

"What the...?" He noted in surprise. His scowl deepened when he realized exactly what it was that had just happened. Someone was in trouble and he'd picked up on that person's distress, somehow. Though he wasn't certian how he'd managed it. Instinctively, Vegeta knew it was someone calling out for help.

But who...?

A moment later and Vegeta's eyes widened, he quickly looked back up into the sky.

"...Kakarot?" He suddenly felt uneasy. Vegeta's fists clenched tightly as he continued to glare up into the sky. Trying to figure out what was going on. Failing that, he whipped around and headed back into the tower. Korin and Piccolo were talking, while Yajirobe sat nearby idly drinking some tea. All three were caught off guard when Vegeta marched into the room. Grabbing up and searching all the pots he could find. Before tossing them aside.

"Whoa, hey, Vegeta! What's the matter?" Korin asked as he looked up. Quickly realizing something was amiss.

"I know this is where the Seznu beans come from. I need them! Something's, gone wrong." Vegeta stated bluntly.

"Sorry, Goku took the last batch." Korin said as he stroked his chin.

Vegeta bit his lip, before turning to look outside the tower again. Piccolo watched him, following his line of sight.

"Vegeta, what are you thinking?" He asked, suspicious.

After pondering that very question himself for a moment, Vegeta made up his mind.

"...I'm going." He then turned to leave without another word.

"What!?" Both Piccolo and Yajirobe lurched back in surprise.

For his part, Korin remained perfectly calm.

"I figured as much. Had a hunch Goku might have bitten off more than he could chew. Well, do us all a favor; and be careful." Korin nodded to Vegeta in agreement.

"Korin, you can't be serious!" Piccolo snapped, heading Vegeta off. Vegeta paused as the Namek now stood in his path.

"Sure am. Besides, do you wanna be the one who tries to stop him...?" Korin replied calmly.

Vegeta began to grimace in mild irritation.

"Out of my way Piccolo. Something is very wrong up there." He stated bluntly.

"And why exactly does it have to be you who goes Vegeta? Tell me that!" Piccolo stood firm.

"Yeah, your the one guy those crazy aliens are after. Let somebody else deal with it!" Yajirobe argued, causing Vegeta to scowl.

"Enough! This is a private matter! None of you should have been involved in the first place!" He snapped, turning to glare down at the floor.

"Vegeta..." Piccolo lowered his head.

After a long moment, he threw out his arm towards Vegeta. Piccolo then hit the Saiyan warrior with a beam of light. Momentarily startled, Vegeta looked down to see Piccolo had used magic to summon a new set of clothes for him.

Vegeta watched as his civilian clothes transformed. His new outfit looked similar to the one he'd worn for the World Martial Arts Tournament. A sleeveless navy blue bodysuit, along with a pair of white gloves and boots. He watched in awe as the armor materialized.

"There, that armor will offer some protection. Considering the kind of trouble you manage to find yourself in, your going to need it." Piccolo explained.

Vegeta took a moment to examine his new garments in awe, before regaining refocus.

"I'll, be back soon." Vegeta noted as he turned away from the three. Hoping his words weren't just an empty promise.

"I'll round up the others. We might still be able to do some good." Piccolo said.

Vegeta paused, though he didn't turn to face him.

"That's a good idea Piccolo. Best to have everyone on stand-by." Korin nodded thoughtfully.

"...Do what you want." Vegeta said, before shooting off into the sky. Though he paused briefly to take one last look back at the tower, before flying off.

xxxx

Kakuja was shaking his head.

"Strange... All this fuss, over one man." He sighed. While he should have stayed at the meeting. The little Arcosian found everyone working themselves into a heated argument to be very stressful. So when Lord Slug excused himself to take a break, Kakuja could not resist following suit. Almost everyone was on edge lately. But the reason why confused Kakuja. Goku's insistence on defending Vegeta left the little Arcosian perplexed.

He returned to working on one of the many drones on his desk. It didn't really need any major repairs. But he found the work calmed his troubled mind. Then, something inside one of the larger containers began acting up. Kakuja noticed sparks coming from within the container.

Curious, Kakuja took a break from his work and approached it. What he saw, shocked him. It seemed the normally innocuous derelict crystal tech was radiating, lightning.

"How is that possible?" His eyes grew wider at what he was seeing.

Suddenly and seemingly without rhyme or reason. Several wires and cables were pulled from the walls, floor, and ceiling around him. All flailing around the room wildly, as if they had come to life.

"My stars!" He exclaimed in terror.

Kakuja wasted no more time. He rushed out of the room, making a quick escape. Even as the wires and cables seemingly tried to grab onto him. The living metalic mass then shifted. As the crystal began to glow ever brighter, levitating into the air as it became covered in a shell of all the technology in the room.

xxxx

Medamatcha was about to go into another rant, when suddenly. The door to the conference room opened, as Kakuja rushed inside. Unable to stop himself, he fell through doorway with a yelp. Before hitting the floor.

Everyone in the room paused in confusion at the scene.

"Easy Kakuja." Wings said, trying to help the little Arcosian to his feet.

"No, no! Don't worry about me! Something terrible has happened! The workshop's been taken over!" Kakuja said as he stood up on his own.

Everyone in the room looked at him, more confused now than when he first charged in.

"What do you mean? What's taken over?" Slug inquired with a raised brow.

As if on cue, the lights in the conference room began to flicker. This was followed by the door opening and closing again several times, seemingly at random.

"Lights must've shorted out. Nothing to worry about." Zeeun offered.

"Yeah, nothing creepy going on here." Medamatcha muttered.

The lights flickered back on at that moment, suddenly revealing a robot now standing in the room with them.

"Gah!" Medamatcha jumped away from from the thing.

The towering automaton stared at them stoically. The robot was a white, gray in color and roughly the same height as Slug himself. It had a heavily armored body. A large torso with elongated shoulder plates, long arms and a semi-spherical head with one large, red eye.

While everyone else took a defensive stance. Slug looked upon the robot with a raised brow. He cleared his throat... But before he could say anything. The machine grabbed the Namek by the face. It's single red eye began flashing lights in a sequence at him.

"What's it doing to him?!" Zeeun demanded.

"The light at the center of it's eyepiece. It seems to be flashing in a pattern." Kakuja noted, watching in facination.

"It's not random either. I'm not too sure, maybe it's trying to communicate?" Gyoshu offered.

"I don't care what it's saying! Just get it off me!" Slug's muffled, angry voice could be heard. Even as he was trying to push and punch the mechanical arm holding him, to no avail.

While everyone else was still dumbstruck, Angila rushed up to the pair. Throwing an energy blast at the robot. The automaton loosened it's grip upon their leader. Allowing Slug to slip free from it's grasp.

"Was it trying to kill me?" He demanded as he rejoined the others.

Despite Angila's powerful attack. The robot emerged from the cloud of smoke, appearing to have sustained little damage.

"You! I'll say this just once. Get off my ship!" Slug told the automaton.

The robot didn't respond, it apparently didn't possess the ability to speak.

"Better listen if you know what's good for yeh." Medamatcha jeered.

Again, the robot did not respond. After a moment of silence, it attacked them instead.

"Scatter!" Slug shouted to the others.

The warriors of the group suddenly disappeared, and just as suddenly reappeared. Attacking the robot from several angles. It immediately grabbed ahold of Zeeun and Angila, throwing the pair into the walls.

Not wasting time, Medamatcha and Wings jumped in. Though Medamatcha was able to defend himself from the robots strikes, he got knocked down. It then changed tactics, appearing above Wings. Though Slug punted it, the automaton soon recovered.

Gyoshu and Kakuja ducked for cover.

"Careful! You could blow a hole in the ship!" Gyoshu warned.

Wings bravely charged at the robot, but each blow he threw at it was parried. It then slapped him to the ground. Medamatcha rushed to his side. A moment later and Slug, Angila and Zeeun joined them.

"If we all focus our attacks. Maybe we can junk this tin can." Slug wheezed.

"Sounds like a plan to me sir." Zeeun nodded in agreement. It took only a moment for the others to do the same.

As it got closer, Slug gave the signal.

"NOW!" He cried out. They all charged up a sphere of energy in one hand. Together, they fired off their attacks all at once. The robot paused, likely intending to dodge the combined assault. But it wasn't quick enough. The attacks went straight through it's abdomen. Incinerating the machine on contact. Leaving nothing behind but a few scattered pieces.

While the others paused to take a breath. Slug walked over to the remains. He glared down upon the broken bits of metal.

"This, was no accident..." He stated somberly.

Before he could say more, the lights in the room turned red and the doors closed.

"Ugh! Now what?" Slug snapped, now directing his glare towards the locked door.

"It's that thing in the workshop. It must be!" Kakuja stated helplessly.

"Hey, hold on a sec. Goku's still in his cell, right? Saiyan's love a good fight. So, let's him on sic 'em on whoever's behind this?" Medamatcha interjected.

Slug tensed up at the mention of Goku's name. Uncertain of how the man would react to being asked for help, after everything that happened between them recently.

"Come on boss. We might need the muscle." Medamatcha pointed out.

Slug gimaced, though he couldn't help but agree with Medamatcha.

"Sir? I could try to contact him myself, with telepathy?" Angila offered, before turning to Slug.

Everyone else soon did the same. Slug then let out a sigh. Giving Angila a silent nod in affermation. Angila nodded in kind, moving to sit sit on the floor with his legs crossed as he then closed his eyes in meditation. Trying to reach out to Goku's mind. A moment later, he gasped.

"No, Goku..." He whispered, his eyes quivering as he opened them.

"What? Angila, what's wrong?" Slug asked anxiously.

"I, I can't feel his presence. There's... nothing." Angila stood back up and took a few unstead steps back, only to bump into the nearby wall. He covered his face with his hand, clearly in distress.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Wings asked, starting to turn pale.

"I think he's... He's dead." Angila lowered his hand. A heartbroken expression on his face.

Chapter 15

Flying over the countryside with the tower quickly shrinking into the distance, Vegeta shot towards the coast and out over the ocean. He flew at high speed across the water's surface, creating large waves across the calm stretch of blue sea. His aura flaring around him as the wind whistled in his ears.

This just doesn't make any sense. Kakarot's compassionate to the point of stupidity. But he wouldn't be foolish enough to let down his guard right in middle of the lion's den. Something else is going on here... Vegeta mused to himself as he shot up into the clouds.

He blinked, taking a moment to pause. Letting his eyes adjust to the change in brightness.

Slug's main flagship was huge. Much bigger than the one the Namek and his crew had used to land at his house. Vegeta had no doubt it was bigger than any of the ships Frieza owned. He looked around, the craft appeared undamaged. And he still sensed numerous power level's inside.

After Vegeta had gotten closer to the ship. He came to a stop, floating in the air close enough that he could easily reach out and touch it. Glaring at what appeared to be the main hatch, Vegeta's brow twitched.

What am I supposed to do now. Just knock? He grumbled to himself with a huff.

Though he refused to just give up and turn around. Vegeta knew full well that Goku was in danger. But did that mean the others aboard the vessel were as well?

xxxx

Zeeun watched as Gyoshu and Kakuja worked to temporarily hotwire one of the ships control panels. In the hope that the crew could at least gain a better understanding of who or what had taken over the ship. The group had escaped the conference room. And were currently hiding out in one of the many spare rooms that had been converted into storage space.

"What's the hold up?" Zeeun asked, leaning over the Arcosians. Trying to get a better look at their progress.

"Hold up? There's no hold up sir. Just calculating, always calculating... As rapidly and effectively as possible. yes sir..." Gyoshu offered meekly.

"Patience, Zeeun." Angila advised, his eyes closed in meditation as he sat nearby. Still trying to pick up Goku's presence.

"Angila's right. It's the only thing we can do right now." Slug agreed, though impatience was clearly written on his own face.

Just then, the computer came back to life.

"We did it!" Both Arcosians noted with surprise.

Everyone, save Angila gathered around the screen.

"Alright, what's going on out there?" Slug examined the readout.

"It's a disaster sir. Some kind of virus has infected several of the ships systems. It started in the workshop." Kakuja answered anxiously.

"But why hasn't it taken over the entire computer already?" Slug asked, his eyes narrowed.

"Well, it seems this virus isn't actually interested in the ship. It's devoting most of it's energies into creating more of those robots. It's currently taking apart as much of the ship as it can for the raw materials needed." The little Arcosian explained.

"Why create more of those robots...? Something doesn't add up here." Slug cupped his chin, his brow narrowed in thought.

"Any ideas?" Wings asked hopefully.

"We still have control over some of the drones. The ones that were about to be launched for routine scouting missions." Kakuja offered.

"Perhaps we could send them... wait." Gyoshu, who'd been working at the console, paused. Leaning closer toward the screen.

"What?" Slug pressed.

"It's not possible, but. It's... Vegeta." The little Arcosians' eyes widened in shock.

"Vegeta?" Slug rushed to the screen, pushing past Zeeun and Wings.

"I don't get it. What's he doing here?" Wings asked, scratching his head in confusion.

As if on cue, an image of Vegeta as he was hovering just outside the ship came up on the screen. From what they could see, he was looking very irritated.

Slug eyed him anxiously.

xxxx

Vegeta gazed at the ship, his brow knit with frustration.

"Tch! Damn it. What am I supposed to do now?" He growled.

Just then, Vegeta watched as a port opened in one of the walls of the ship and a small semi-spherical machine whistled out. Identical to the one he'd seen accompanying Slug when he'd come to the tower. He observed it, ready to fight if it proved hostile. Suddenly, it came right up to him, blocking his way.

Vegeta's eyes widened when, much to his surprise. A hologram of Slug was projected before him. Along with the faces of several members of his crew. He allowed a snide expression to creep onto his face. Before getting serious again a moment later.

"Well this is, unexpected... Alright, what's going? And where's Kakarot?" He demanded.

"Goku? Ehhh." Wings remarked, looking away from him sadly.

"Look, all we know for sure is that Goku's gone missing. And some crazy robots are trying to take over our ship." Medamatcha pushed past Wings to answer him.

"Missing?! What do you mean missing? Arrr! Incompetents! He trusted you!" Vegeta snapped as he glared at them.

"Enough!" Slug retorted, catching his men and even Vegeta himself off guard.

"We don't need your "assistance" Vegeta. So why don't you go crawl back under the rock you've been hiding under." He grunted irritably.

Vegeta wanted to just ignore Slug and blow a hole in the hull of the ship. But he also knew that impatience had always been a weakness of his. So he began looking to Slug's crew to get more useful information. He soon spotted Gyoshu.

"You, Arcosian. What's the situation?" He barked at the little man.

"Who, me?" Being singled out startled Gyoshu.

"Yes you, tell me exactly what you know about these machines." Vegeta demanded.

"Well eh... Apparently they steal energy by using their arm extensions to hold a target. They then drain the victim of energy while restraining them." Gyoshu explained, finding it easier to speak to the Saiyan Prince than he'd expected.

"Machines that drain energy... Well, that's nothing new." Vegeta nodded thoughtfully. Memories of Dr. Gero's Androids flooded his mind.

Much to the confusion of Slug and his men.

"Alright then..." Vegeta then fixed his expression into a look of grim determination. The wind around him kicked up as he powered up.

"Wait!"

Vegeta paused, looking back at the projection of Slug.

"Just what do you think your doing?" The Namekian demanded, none to kindly.

"What does it look like? I'm coming aboard. I'm going to find Kakarot and put an end to this!" Vegeta explained, irritated.

"You're crazy if you think I'd let you loose on my ship! ...Why do you even care what happens to us?" Slug scoffed, giving Vegeta a scathing look.

"That idiot, that man... I owe him my life a dozen times over. And right now he's in trouble... So I'm going to help him, to hell with you and your pride!" Vegeta explained, adamantly.

Slug actually lurched back, stunned at be adressed in such a way. And by Vegeta of all people.

"Look, we're running out of time. If these machines drain people of energy like you say, countless people may die! We all know very well what they're next target will likely be." Vegeta explained as he took a moment to glance down at the planet below.

"The Earth..." Slug spoke somberly, suddenly understanding the meaning behind Vegeta's words. The rest of his crew went quiet. Looking to one another other in worry.

"I guess... we don't have a choice." Zeeun nodded, a defeated expression on his face.

"You can't be serious! You really want to leave our fate in his hands?" Slug turned to look at him in outrage.

"Look boss, you hate Vegeta's guts! I don't blame yeh! But, we're low on options." Medamatcha argued back without fear.

"Angila? What about you? What do you think?" Wings turned to the Angiran.

Angila, who up to that point had been completely quiet. Looked from Slug, to everyone else present. His eyes then coming to rest upon Vegeta.

"This, bond of brothers that Goku spoke of. Isn't one of blood, but of respect. Prince Vegeta, for all his bitterness. Seems to have earned Goku's respect. I suppose, that's good enough for me." Angelia spoke softly, his brow lowered as he faintly smiled.

Vegeta's expression faltered.

"I... brothers?" He gaped at the Angiran.

Slug was shocked as well, his expression softening ever so slightly. Reminded of Goku's words during the tribunal.

"Lord Slug?" Angila asked, turning to face him.

Slug rubbed his head in irritation.

"...Alright." He let out a sigh.

"But make no mistake, Vegeta! What's between us, isn't over..." Slug looked at Vegeta vindictively.

"Fine, whatever." Vegeta snorted at the man.

"Boys, be ready to open the hatch." Slug peered down to the little Arcosians.

Vegeta's chest heaved, blood and adrenaline running through his veins. A golden light began to blaze all around him like a flame. His eyes glowing emerald green once more.

Slug let out a resigned sigh.

"...Do it." He spoke bitterly.

"Finally!" Vegeta roared again as the main door to the ship began to open for him.

"And Prince Vegeta? Good luck." Angila nodded.

"Thanks, but I won't be needing any." Vegeta assured as came aboard the alien vessel. After a brief pause to get his bearings. He took off rapidly down the nearest corridor.

Chapter 16

Vegeta dashed into one room after another, looking for any sign of Goku. It was a slow, frustrating process. But he endeavoured to persevere. As he began running down another corridor. He paused upon coming to a fork. Looking down one corridor, then the other.

Vegeta grunted and closed his eyes as he attempted to focuse his senses. He'd expected to have picked up Goku's presence by now. Though sadly, while he was able to pick out everyone of Slug's crew. The one person he'd been hoping to detect most of all, just wasn't there.

"So it's true then... you're dead, again. Aren't you, Kakarot?" Vegeta looked down at the floor.

"What did you do, ask those mindless machines if they wanted to be your friends?! You should have known better! You stupid, trusting fool!" Vegeta's teeth set on edge, when suddenly. A particular memory came to him...

...

...How, how could it have all gone so wrong? In the blink of an eye, he had gone from the strongest Saiyan ever born. To having been so completely and utterly humiliated in a battle. It didn't make any sense! It was not possible for the Saiyan Prince to be so badly beaten by a low class warrior, an abandoned cast-off! ...And yet, Vegeta found himself weakly crawling along the ground on all fours.

"Those fools , they haven't seen the last of me! I'm... Vegeta. The strongest Saiyan in the universe! I'm invincible!" He proclaimed defiantly. Even as he desperately attempted to get aboard his ship.

It was then that Vegeta had heard him.

"Hey! Saiyan!"

Glancing behind him, Vegeta saw... Krillin. The little man was glaring down upon the Prince. Yajirobe's sword in hand, with nothing short of pure hatred gleaming in his eyes.

"You think you can just slither out of here, after what you've done? Well, think again!" Vegeta could still remeber it with crystal clarity. Watching in a mixture of frustration and fear as Krillin readied to bring the blade down upon his head.

"No. No! You can't do this to me!" Barely able to move, and totally unable to defend himself in that moment. Vegeta recalled with shame how he'd been reduced to pathetic blubberings, as Krillin prepared to finish him...

However, something stopped Krillin just short of the Princes' face. Vegeta remembered that, while still terrified of dying. He'd been left completely confused at the Earthlings' sudden hesitation. Though he quickly realized that Krillin was speaking to Goku at that moment. The Prince turned to look at his fellow Saiyan. Bloody and beaten, looking upon the pair. Despite his own pain, Vegeta noticed Goku had a look of serenity upon the face.

"Goku, is that you? We-We've got to stop this guy while we have the chance! He's, he's pure evil." Vegeta now watched Krillin, feelings of outrage and indignation welling up inside him.

'What is this? Is he, mocking me? A true Saiyan needs no pity!' The Prince thought bitterly to himself. Even after being reduced to crawling on hands and knees. Vegeta had still felt insulted at the idea of owing his life to the whims of a "weakling". With that thought in mind. He renewed his efforts to escape with grim persistence.

"No! Listen. Just let him go, Krillin. Show him what it means to be, merciful..." Vegeta overheard Goku argue weakly.

"Merciful!? But Goku! He's-" Krillin asked, looking at Goku flabbergasted.

Despite his best efforts, Vegeta's strength nearly gave out on him. He recalled how he'd collapsed. Having almost made it into the pod. How Krillin had turned to face him once more, sword poised to strike him down. Though, the man now looked very conflicted.

"But the Saiyans killed Yamcha, Tien, Chiaotzu! I can't let him get away!" Krillin started ranting.

While desperate to escape. Vegeta found that he couldn't resist the urge to turn around and see what was happening behind him. Much to his surprise, he saw Krillin had lowered the sword. A resigned expression now upon his face. Then, much to the shock of the mighty Saiyan Prince.

Krillin... dropped the blade.

Vegeta, digging into the last reserves of strength he had left. At last managed to pull himself inside the pod. Once he'd gotten in, he remembered looking at Krillin with a snide smile.

"When I come back to this planet. Your all going to suffer. And when you beg me for mercy. I'll stare into your eyes as I crush to life out of you..." He threatened, wanting to preserve some of his pride.

He then laughed at the Earthling for his foolishness, just before falling unconcious.

...

...With the benefit of hindsight, Vegeta eventually came to realize something about that moment. Krillin and Goku had spent most of their arguement about letting him live, telepathically. Though curious, he'd never learned exactly what they'd said to each other that day. Of course, in his hubris. Vegeta's own pride never allowed him to even consider simply asking them.

As he'd been recovering, Vegeta had re-lived that battle in his mind over and over again. Even months later, his hatred for Goku was all-consuming. Not only had he been furious over his defeat. Vegeta became bitterly angry at Goku for his supposed weakness. Though now, the proud Saiyan Prince believed he'd come to understand Goku's line of reasoning.

"Mercy? That's right, you thought it merciful to spare my life. At the time, you didn't understand... It was the greatest insult you could have inflicted upon me, Kakarot. I believed you simply didn't have the strength of will to finish an enemy. That you didn't have the heart of a true Saiyan. Of course, the truth was that you saw something in me that even I couldn't see. You saw that deep down... We're the same." Vegeta's arms fell down loosely at his sides.

"All this time, you never saw me as an enemy. Only, as a fellow warrior. A friend... a brother. I wonder, exactly when was it that you even started believing that? And... when did I, do the same?" Vegeta then glanced off down the two corridors. His brow narrowed as he hissed and began to blaze with power once more.

"This crime shall not go unpunished! I will right this wrong!" Vegeta vowed. There was a bright flash of light as he took off down the corridor on the left.

xxxx

Though Vegeta soon stopped when he came upon several members of Slug's crew, passed out on the floor. He worked quickly to check each of them. Begrudgingly, he decided everyone in the room could survive without his assistance. For the time being at least. He was about to leave, when he was stopped by one of them suddenly reaching out. Grabbing him by the arm to halt him.

"Can't... move..." The crewman mumbled.

"Wha?" Vegeta instinctively stopped to look down at him. The man was a fish-like humanoid with purple-pigmented skin. He couldn't recall the man's species or planet of origin.

"...Who are you?" The man was only able to weakly whisper his question.

"It's alright. I'm a... friend." Vegeta attempted to assure the man.

"Ship... In danger..." The man continued to breath weakly.

"It's alright. I'm here to end this. Your energy is low, you need to rest now." Vegeta replied, trying to sound gentle and comforting.

"You should... Be careful." The man noted as his breathing steadied a little.

"I will, where have they gone?" Vegeta asked in reply.

He watched as the man wordlessly pointed down the next hall. Greatful for at least that much. Vegeta took a moment to give the man a nod in gratitude before leaving.

"Good luck..." He heard the man gumble weakly before leaving.

xxxx

Crawling through the tight spaces of the internal maintenance conduits. Spaces normally used to provide crew access to various ship's systems, was proving to be incredibly difficult for Slug. He started grumbling as he tried to move through crawl way. Of course, the fact that the rest of his team were all squeezed inside didn't help matters.

"Ugh! Wings, I can't see!" Slug heard Zeeun grumble. Who currently was trying to see past the Dorodabo's wings.

"Hey! I'm doing the best I can here!" Wings sulked.

"I don't even get why we're doing this! I thought the "Prince of all Monkeys" said he could handle these toasters?" Medamatcha called irritably from the back of the group.

"Heh! Do you honestly think I'd trust that arrogant Saiyan to deal with this? No, I'm not that gullible. Vegeta came here looking for a fight. Well, we gave him one. Now, while he's busy fighting those machines. We can focus on eliminating the problem at it's source." Slug explained as he began crawling forward once more.

Slug knew what they had to do thanks to Kakuja. The source of the problem lay within the workshop. Gyoshu and Kakuja, having worked at a feverishly rapid pace. Managed to create an electronic device that, upon insertion into the workshop's system. Would override the virus's defenses. Allowing them to regain access to the main computer.

Slug pulled out the device to inspect it.

"...If those things get off this ship, we'd be responsible. I refuse to allow that!" He snapped, his grip on the device tightened.

With that, the bickering came to an abrupt end. As the group continued forward once more. Sounds of machines at work could be heard ahead. It didn't take them much longer to find an exit. Slug could see light eminating from the vent before him.

He quickly crawled up to it, easily pushing it loose. After that he managed to pull himself out without much difficulty. Ending up near one of the control panels. He hurried over to a panel as the others made to crawl out of the conduit.

"Alright, let's get started." Slug noted as he readied the device.

Just then, he heard something move. Just behind his shoulder.

"Eh, boss... We may have a problem with that plan." He heard Medamatcha, a note of alarm in his voice.

Slug shut his eyes, shaking his head despondently. Realizing... they, had been caught. He then opened his eyes and turned around. Only to see dozens of the alien machines as they slowly began advancing upon him and his men.

Chapter 17

Vegeta's head jerked mid-flight, sensing Slug's presence nearby. He grit his teeth when he realized the Namek was not alone either.

"Darn it, what has that fool gotten himself into now?" He cursed, as he rushed to Slug's location. Vegeta then halted when he came to a doorway, it was closed tight. He walked up to the door, placing a hand on it and taking a moment to concentrate.

They're just on the other side. Though, I doubt they'll roll out the red carpet for me. He mused with a smirk.

Vegeta then took a step back and threw out his arms to the sides. He began to howl, as his arms began emitting a few stray sparks. The glow around his body soon grew even more intense. Finally, he thrust his wrists together, feeling the power condense between his curled fingers.

"Alright! ...Open sesame." He smirked as he fired the beam of energy he'd formed at the door.

It struck true, easily eating through the metal. Though Vegeta quickly dispelled the beam of light as soon as he'd broken through. He didn't want to tear a hole into the ships hull after all.

Even with being surrounded, Slug turned to stare up at the gaping hole. Which had once been a doorway just one level above them. He was again surprised to see Vegeta. Who slowly emerge from the smoke created by the blast. Vegeta folded his arms over his chest, his face intent. Slug's crew were all gaping at him as he now hovered above them. Gracefully coming down to stand in front of Slug himself, facing the mechanical creatures.

"And here I'd thought you'd have been smarter... Than to foolishly go rushing off to your death." Vegeta noted impassively without turning around to face them.

Slug's staring at Vegeta, quickly morphed into a scowl.

"You have some nerve to lecture me. When you go around blasting holes in my ship!" He snapped in reply.

Vegeta payed Slug no mind. He was more focused on the swarm of mechanical creatures that moved to form a circle around him. Their heavy metal feet made loud thudding sounds as they marcheed, trying to trap him.

"So, got me surrounded. Heh, seems I don't have a prayer." Vegeta snickered.

The machines only stared at him. Though Vegeta was surprised, realizing from their posture. They were hesitating to attack. As if something was holding them back, fear perhaps?

"Alright listen up, I'm feeling generous today. So your going to get one warning, just one. Return the man you abducted. Then leave this ship and this planet. Do that and I'll let you live. Don't... and I will turn you all into scrap metal." He threatened coldly.

After a moment of silence, much to Vegeta's confusion. The single red eye on each of the automatons began flashing lights in a sequence at him.

Well, not the most conventional way to surrender. He mused as he looked at the alien machines with a raised eyebrow.

"Ugh! Not the creepy light show again! Hiya!" Medamatcha complained as he fired off a blast at them. He hit one of the automatons, causing it to explode as pieces of it's arm were sent flying in all directions.

"Idiot! I had this under control!" Vegeta turned to glare at Medamatcha outraged.

"Oh, so sorry to ruin your brilliant plan!" Medamatcha retorted as the other robots charged at them.

Vegeta and Slug's crew braced themselves, preparing for a fight.

xxxx

The automatons continued to charge them. Vegeta and Slug glanced at each other, nodding. Then at the same moment, they unleashed a simultaneous burst of energy upon several of the automatons. Blowing them all to pieces in one combined shot.

At that point, everyone went on the attack.

"Watch out!" Wings yelled as he and Medamatcha dodged blasts shot at them.

"We're outnumbered! I'd say it's about time to even the odds..." Medamatcha noted, as his skin began to move strangely. Vegeta paused long enough to catch sight of... "something" beginning to twist and squirm out of his skin. Normally not the squeamish type. Vegeta found himself taking a moment to gag in disgust at the unpleasent sight.

Not so with the rest of Slug's men.

"Yeah! Let the Medas loose!" Wings cheered as four miniature versions of Medamatcha leapt into action. The tiny little aliens jumped onto several of the automatons. Soon they each began to glow with a bright blue light.

"Now they're absorbing all your energy! See how you like it!" Medamatcha boasted as the machine desperately tried to remove the tiny aliens. Soon collapsing as it lost energy and shut down.

Zeeun punched one of them in the gut, as Slug kicked it in the head. Sending the robot into a nearby wall. Another attempted to ambush them, when Angila came and blasted it. While Slug and Zeeun easily dodged the blast.

"That was easy. Is it over?" Zeeun asked.

"Don't count on it." Slug said as an explosion came from behind them.

"Heads up!" Vegeta called as he punched another of the machines so hard, it's head came off.

The robot's detached head rolled to a stop at Slug's foot. Slug raised his brow questioningly at the Prince as he came to stand upon the remians of his "kill". Standing tall and looking ever so smug.

Just then, Vegeta was swarmed by several of the automatons. Who appeared to be trying to bury the Saiyan Prince alive.

"Vegeta!" Angila called to him.

Even Slug was anxious for a moment. Though a second later, he realized they had no need to worry. Because a bright light suddenly shown within the a disorderly heap of metal. A moment later, Vegeta blasted them all away in a golden blaze of light. Vegeta's eyes were momentarily pure white as blue sparks now came off of his body. When his eyes returned to normal, he looked over at Slug and the others.

For once Slug looked upon Vegeta not in anger or disgust, but in pure awe.

"Time to end this." Vegeta noted as he looked down upon the remains of the automatons he'd just destroyed.

"All of you, get moving unless you want to die!" Vegeta called as he raised a hand up into the air. The glow around his body grew brighter. Then, he fired a massive barrage of golden energy waves up into the air. Which soon turned to rain back down on all the automatons present. While Slug and his men quickly dodged the blasts. After the smoke cleared, no robot was left standing.

"Wow, just... wow." Medamatcha noted in awe, as he watched Vegeta slowly decend once more.

"We did it!" Wings cheered as he scooped Medamatcha into a hug. Squashing the poor man in his grip. Zeeun let out a laugh at the sight, giving Angila a hearty pat on the back.

Though Slug's attention was still solely on Vegeta. Who paused to share a knowing glance with him. Before either man could say anything, Slug suddenly turned. Looking sharply over to his right.

"Quiet!" He snapped.

Everyone did just that, looking at him puzzled.

"This, isn't over..." Vegeta explained somberly.

The sound of mechanical whirring could be heard throughout the area. It sounded louder than that of anything they had heard so far...

"Who's there, show yourself?" Vegeta called out.

Then, ever so slowly. A robotic creature, much larger than the others emerged from the shadows. The towering automaton was easily the size of a small house. Centered in the middle of the metalic frame of it's head, was a large glass dome. Inside Vegeta could just barely decern a small red crystalline object. It had arms coming out on either side and long legs with three claws coming out of the bottom.

Though shocked, Vegeta refused to allow his surprise to show. His eyes only narrowing further as he tensed up. Preparing for a fight.

"Oh, you have got to be kidding me..." He heard Medamatcha grumble from behind him.

xxxx

They watched as the robotic behemoth raised it's left arm up. Clenching its three claws into a fist.

"Come on then!" Slug fired off a blast. Hitting it dead on, only to not even scratch the giants' metalic skin.

"Arrr!" Slug snarled as he glared up at the mechanical monster.

Angila rushed to stand and face the creature, putting his hands forward.

"Paparapapa!" He yelled out.

Vegeta was shocked as he watched Angila summon a crystalline-like substance. Which appeared and clung to the enemy. The magical subtance discharged lightning, pressing tightly against the thing. Though the malleable crystals proved no match for the creature. It strained against the bindings for a moment. Breaking free only seconds later, sending poor Angila straight into the nearby wall.

"Angila!" Slug and the others called to him.

"Ugh! Ow..." The Angiran grumbled as he slowly emerged from the recently made hole in the wall.

Slug rounded on the creature in a newfound rage.

"That's it! I'm done playing games!" He challanged loudly.

Vegeta was beginning to think he should step in. Though he was caught off guard a moment later. When he noticed the sudden up surge in power, coming from Slug himself.

Slug began yelling at the top of his lungs. As his muscles began to grow larger. It took a moment for Vegeta to realize, it wasn't just the Nameks' muscles that were getting bigger. His entire body was growing larger! To the point that he was soon towering over everyone in the room.

"This ends now!" Slug screamed as he his power contined to grow, along with his height. Much to the amazment of the Saiyan Prince, Slug grew to an incredibly size. To the point where he was nearly three stories tall.

"Your about to witness a true force of unparalleled power tin can! Right now I'm more than powerful enough to crush you." Slug boasted as Vegeta stood with his mouth agape.

Zeeun, who was helping Angila to his feet paused. Both men watched in awe at the sight before them.

"Go get em boss!" Medamatcha called to Slug, while Wings cheered.

"Come on!" Slug declared in a challenge and charged

While the mechanical creature did not speak, it charged at him in kind. The pair soon clashed. Hands locked together in a death grip, wrestling for control. In a contest of pure physical power.

Vegeta looked on as a battle of titans had begun, right before his eyes.

Chapter 18

The ship was shaking, parts of the vessel were sent flying when Slug managed to send the giant mechanical monster flying.

"Vrrrr!" It wheezed as it collapsed on its back, desperately trying to get back up. When Slug planted his boot onto It's chest.

"Do yourself a favor, stay down-" Slug was cut off when the the creature fired a massive energy blast from its hand at his chest. The blast hit, managing to knock Slug off his feet.

"Gah!" Slug shouted in pain while the creature was getting back up.

"Slug!" Vegeta found himself calling out to the man in a near panic. Though he couldn't imagine why he'd do such a thing.

Though Slug soon managed to reorient himself, charging at the creature once more. The mechanical monster did the same. They clashed again and wrestled for control. The creature gained the upper hand this time however. Getting in under Slug's guard, managing to lift him off the ground. Only to throw the Namek into the floor again.

Slug managed to recover quickly, punching the creature in its faceplate. Making it stumble backwards and trip, falling in the process. Slug then grabbed the behemoth, lifting it up into the air and throwing it with as much force as he could muster. Before firing an energy blast at it, creating a large cloud of smoke.

For a moment, it seemed that Slug had won...

"Idiot! Look out!" Vegeta called out, having realized before anyone else what had happened.

Slug turned to look at him in irritation, when he noticed something was holding him back. Looking down, he saw a tangle of wires and cables had shot out from the very walls of the ship. They'd wrapped around his wrist, refusing to let go.

Slug tried wrenching his arm free from them. Ironically, they continued to cling to his arm despite his efforts.

"What the...? Get off! Let go of me!" Slug demanded as continued to struggle. Yelling in pain as he began shrinking back to his normal size.

Meanwhile, Vegeta and Slug's men quickly realized the battle had taken a turn for the worse. Watching in horror as Slug was being restrained, seemingly be the ship itself.

"Fool! He left himself wide open!" Vegeta noted, sensing the Namekian's energy was now being drained away.

"Then let's even the odds." Medamatcha suggested, getting ready to join the fight.

"Right!" The rest of Slug's men agreed, ready to rush to the aid of their leader.

Or so they'd thought. But suddenly, several more wires and cables shot out from the walls all around them. Grabbing up everyone and restraining them all.

"Argh!" Even Vegeta had been caught unawares.

He soon felt the energy been sapped from his body. Looking up, he saw the mechanical monster that Slug had supposedly defeated. It was clinging to the celling, looking down upon them coldly with it's single red eye.

xxxx

Breathing heavily, Vegeta tried to move. Though he quickly realized he must have blacked-out for a moment. He also noticed the wires still attached to his body, keeping him suspended in the air. Alongside Slug's men.

"What...? Ugh! Not this again." He bemoaned to no one in particular.

"Vegeta!"

Vegeta looked around sharply, and saw no one. Yet, he could have sworn he'd just heard someone call his name.

I must be... going... crazy... Vegeta thought to himself. He almost slipped back into unconsciousness, when he heard it again.

"Your not crazy Vegeta. No more so than usual anyway. But your going to be in big trouble if you don't stay awake!" The voice threatend.

Wait, that voice... King Kai? Vegeta pondered.

"Yeah, it's me all right. I thought I sensed something fishy was going on down on Earth. So I contacted a mutul friend. He told me all about the trouble you've managed to get yourself into." King Kai replied.

"Wait, mutual friend...?" Vegeta asked aloud.

"Hehe, yeah. Of course you know him more affectionately as "furball", I believe?" Vegeta could hear King Kai snickering.

It was then that Vegeta realized King Kai must have been referring to Korin.

"Why that crafty old... Arrr! I don't have time to chitchat!" Vegeta smirked, before shaking his head. He turned his attention back to the wires holding him. Tugging at them experimentally.

"What? No Vegeta, you have to listen to me. This is important! The Gete Star is not to be taken lightly!" King Kai pleaded.

"The what? What the heck is a "Gete Star"?" Vegeta paused to ask.

"The Gete Star is the creature you've all been fighting for the past ten minutes. Try and keep up. I'll admit, I don't know all the details. What I do know is that the Gete Star was at one point nothing more than a single computer control crystal. Floating around in space for who knows how long, dormant. Then it was discovered by your Namekian friend. Something reactivated it recently, and now it's taken over the computer of Slug's ship. Absorbing everything in it's path, including people!" King Kai elaborated.

"So, it's a parasite." Vegeta concluded, disgusted.

"In a way, that was most definitely not it's intended purpose. It was "supposed" to be a sophisticated recording device, containing the collective knowledge of it's creators." King Kai pointed out.

Just then, Vegata was nearly overcome by a terribly painful sensation. He felt the energy being drained from his body. It hurt, a lot. Vegeta howled in agony as he began losing strength.

While it didn't stop, Vegeta quickly began to resist the draining process. Leaving him gasping for breath in a partially dazed state. He soon spotted Slug nearby, who was also being drained. Vegeta turned to see the rest of Slug's crew were also being sucked dry. He could tell it wouldn't be much longer till some of them died.

"Vegeta! You have to do something fast! Or Slug and his people will be drained dry!" King Kai pleaded.

Do what? what am I supposed to do? Vegeta thought bitterly as his eyelids grew heavy again. In spite of the pain, he laughed humorlessly.

Several cords then came together, forming what appeared to be a large imitation of a humanoid hand. Which grabbed Slug and began squeezing him tightly. Causing the once mighty Namek to let out a howl of pain.

Something about seeing the man in agony awoke a memory within Vegeta. Of a time when he'd seen other Namekian's in pain, suffering. Only they'd suffered at the hand of another... his hand.

The giant robot then came to hover before them. Glaring down upon Slug, preparing to fire off a beam of energy from it's right hand. Slug bitterly looked up at it, glaring back in contempt.

When it fired at him. The blast struck, though to Slug's horror. The blast did not strike him down.

Rather, it hit... Vegeta.

xxxx

Time itself seemed to slow down in that moment. Somehow, Vegeta had managed to pull free of the wires restraining him. He didn't even know what made him move, he simply moved. Throwing himself directly in front of Slug, shielding him from the blast.

He soon felt a sharp pain.

"Heh. That... was... stupid..." Vegeta coughed up blood as the realization struck him.

"VEGETA!"

Outcries of shock resounded throughout the room. Though Vegeta hardly noticed. Since from his perspective, time returned to normal. He looked back to see Slug. Still restrained, but alive. Using what remained of his strength. Vegeta formed some energy into a piercing blade of light around his hand. In one swift movement. He instantly sliced up the wires and cables holding Slug and his men, freeing them. Smiling, he then found himself slumping to the floor.

Slug and others rushed to his side, completely ignoring the robotic behemoth standing not far away. The creature in turn paid them no mind. In fact, it almost appeared to be just as stunned as they at the recent turn in events. Watching in silent confusion, as Vegeta's life slipped away.

Meanwhile, in Otherworld. King Kai was horrified by what just happened.

"Oh no! Vegeta! This is terrible!" He called out helplessly, as Bubbles and Gregory looked on in worry.

Back aboard the ship, Slug and the others crowded around Vegeta.

"Isn't there something we can do?" Wing's voice came out hoarse, panic overtaking him.

"N-No...! You all need... to run..." Vegeta argued. Weak yet adamant, even as he started to hack up blood.

Though Slug refused to move. Instead, he slowly came to kneel down at Vegeta's side. Placing a hand on Vegeta's chest, to monitor his heart rate. Which was getting slower with each passing the second.

"...Why? ...Why'd you do that?" He asked slowly. Still trying to reconcile what had just happened, with what he knew of Vegeta. Or rather, what he thought he knew.

"Heh, don't know myself. Maybe, maybe it was nothing more than some foolish sentimentality. Imagine that... Vegeta, Prince of all Saiyans... moved by sentiment." Vegeta replied weakly.

Slug shook his head slowly at that.

"You can't just die! Not like... this." He shut his eyes as they began to sting, despite his efforts.

"Goku... he kept saying you were his friend. He, he risked everything for you. He... he wanted to protect you. Because... because he knew how much I hate you!" Slug's other hand tightened into a fist as his voice cracked.

Despite his own pain, Vegeta's gaze fell as he watched Slug's internal struggle.

"It's true... I wanted you to suffer. I'll admit that. But, can you blame me?! I had every right!" Slug's now wet eyes cracked open again.

Vegeta continued to weakly look upon the Namek, sadly.

"I know he wanted me to forgive you, but... I can't! I'll never stop hating you! ...But, that doesn't matter now... Goku... He, deserves better than that... All he wanted, was for you to survive this. I just, wish I knew how..." Slug quietly confessed.

Slowly, a gentle white light began to glow around the distraught Namekian, a warmth that he barely noticed. Without realizing it, he began transferring that energy to Vegeta through the hand that still rested upon the man's chest.

Seconds passed as both Saiyan and Namekian failed to notice this.

Until suddenly, Vegeta took in sharp intake of breath. His fingers twitched as he came to realize that his body. Previously close to death, had been healed and revitalized. Confused, he slowly sat up.

"Impossible!" Zeeun noted in surprise as he looked on.

Medamatcha, Wings, Angila and Zeeun all stared at the now fully recovered Vegeta, frozen in shock.

"I'm... alive?" Vegeta checked his pulse, making sure this wasn't a dream.

He then caught sight of Slug. Who was currently unable to find the words to express his own shock.

After all these years, his healing gift had returned to him. Allowing him to save a man's life. But not just any man. The very man who'd been the responsible for him "loosing" his gift in the first place. None of it made any sense.

"You, you healed me? You can do that?" Vegeta asked, though the answer was obvious at this point. However everyone else in the vicinity seemed just as surprised.

Though Vegeta soon shook off his shock. He quickly stood back up. And rounded on the robotic behemoth, his eyes alight with thinly veiled contempt.

"So, you thought this fight was over, did you? Well, time for round two." Vegeta sneered.

Chapter 19

The floor began to shudder under Vegeta's power, his very body trembled in containing it. Surrounded in a golden light, spiraling upwards into the air. As if he were standing at the heart of a small tornado. His hair set ablaze as transformed to Super Saiyan once more.

Vegeta turned slightly, his emerald eyes landed upon Slug and his men.

"You all need get out of here, now. From this point on, you'll only be a liability." He stated bluntly.

"Wha...? Are you nuts?!" Medamatcha protested.

"Even I wouldn't let my "worst" enemy fight that thing alone!" He was stopped however, when Slug rasied his hand. Signaling for silence.

"As much as I hate to admit it, Vegeta's right. We'll only get in the way at this point. We need to go." Slug explained warily.

Slug then took a moment to analyze Vegeta, he did notice something about him seemed different somehow. He wasn't anymore pleased than Medamatcha with the idea of Vegeta facing this monster alone. But for the moment, he was the one hope they had.

"You should listen to him, little man." Vegeta sneered, turning away from them to focus on the threat in front of him.

Medamatcha huffed loudly at that. Though Vegeta payed him no mind.

"Move!" Slug ordered. Without further protest, his men took off into the air.

Though just as he turned to leave, Slug paused and spoke quietly.

"Just one thing... All this power you and Goku have. You had me outclassed from the start. So, why'd you let me think I could kill you?" He asked.

Vegeta lost his composure for a moment.

"Let's just say, I've been in your position myself. Heh, I suppose I wanted to give you the personal satisfaction I never got." He explained somberly, still facing away from Slug.

Slug's eyes widened at Vegeta's words. He then turned away from the Saiyan Prince. Silently taking off into the air a moment later.

"That takes care of the peanut gallery." Vegeta cracked his knuckles, taking a step forward. Towards the robotic behemoth. Wearing a self-satisfed smirk on his face.

The creature actually took a step back from him. It then extended it's hand, forming a large sphere of energy. Firing it at Vegeta, who lazily raised a hand and batted the ball away. It then fired off multiple bursts from both hands at Vegeta. The resulting explosions hid Vegeta in a massive cloud of smoke.

Waiting for the smoke to clear, the robotic behemoth had expected Vegeta to have been blown into a thousand pieces. However, Vegeta slowly emerged from the smoke, completely unharmed. Vegeta stared at he creature, his eyes were filled with hatred.

Vegeta vanished without a trace. Before quickly re-appearing in front of it, poised to strike. He slammed his fist hard into what he guess was the creatures brain. The gigantic automaton wreeled back, as if in pain.

Vegeta then thrust his fist into the creatures' face once more. The force of the blow sending it skidding backwards.

A moment later, and Vegeta slowly descended. Landed on the ground not far from it. With a smirk, Vegeta silently waited for it to get back up again. Even though he rarely liked to play "fair". It didn't seem sporting to Vegeta to finish the monster while it cowered on the ground.

His patience was rewarded within a moment. The behemoth rose up into the air again to match Vegeta's level. That's when he saw it, something within the cracked armor plating of the automaton.

It was... a man.

While unable to make out the man's face. Vegeta could see he was trapped in some kind of cocoon, made up of more wiring and cables. Though unlike himself and Slug's men. This poor soul had been almost completely integrated into the monsters body. That's when Vegeta came to a horrible realization. He suddenly felt a chill run down his spine. His expression morphed into one of horror.

"Ka-Kakarot...?" Vegeta found he could barely whisper the name.

Shaking his head to clear away the shock. Vegeta's eyes were now burning with anger and scorn.

"You... monster! How dare you!" Outrage filled every fiber of Vegeta's being. He rushed towards his trapped friend in a combination of blind panic and pure rage. Quickly tearing away at the mess of wires and cables.

He then ripped Goku out of the mess. Catching his fellow Saiyan before he could fall to the ground.

"Kakarot! Can you hear me? I'm right here!" Vegeta called as he held him.

"Kakarot? Wake up!" Goku didn't move. Vegeta started to panic. He then began shacking the poor man.

He's still breathing. Come on, Kakarot! Snap out of it! Vegeta urged him silently.

Goku eyes slowly opened and shifted to look up to Vegeta.

"Hey Vegeta... What, took you so long?" He asked with a weak smile.

"Heh, idiot... You let your guard down, predictable." Vegeta grunted.

"Ehehe, sorry. But hey, thanks for coming..." Goku laughed weakly.

xxxx

"Eh, Vegeta? I think, I'm gonna take a little nap now..." Goku explained with a weak smile, just before he lost consciousness.

"Ugh! Why do you have to be so useless?" Vegeta grumbled in reply. Just as he was caught off-guard himself. Quickly trapped and tangled up in wires and cabling once more. They wrapped themselves tightly around his wrists, attempting to throttle him this time. Unfortunately, this caused Vegeta to loose his grip on Goku.

Vegeta's eyes followed the decent of the unconscious Goku. He was relieved to see Slug fly up and catch him. Despite the danger to himself.

Vegeta then turned his attention back to his own predicament. Sadly, it seemed the Gete Star was a fast learner. Despite his best efforts, Vegeta found himself slipping away...

...

When he opened his eyes again, Vegeta was surprised to find himself standing in a seemingly endless void of black emptiness.

"Where am I? What's going on?" He called out.

Then he heard a voice, coming from behind him.

"Is that it Vegeta? Your just going to give up?" The voice asked.

Vegeta turned around to see, Trunks. Though not the young boy he'd known for the past eight years. The young man who stood before him now, was one who had traveled back in time to meet him years before.

"Trunks? Son!" Vegeta looked upon his son in shock.

The young man smiled knowingly at him.

"I've been watching your fight Vegeta, and I've got to say... I'm a bit disappointed." The boy stated rather bluntly, though he continued to smile at him benevolently.

Vegeta paused to look at the teenager, irritated.

"Oh really? So sorry to disappoint you." He grumbled in reply.

"I thought the Ultra Divine water had helped you get stronger, didn't it? So why are you holding back now? What possible doubts could you still have?" Trunks asked, sounding genuinly confused.

"Yes, it did. I'm just, I wont deny. It still feels like I'm being pushed into following in the footseps of someone else!" Vegeta confessed.

Trunks looked at him, stunned.

"I understand now, Kakarot will always be better than me. He's the best..." Vegeta added wistfully.

Trunks stared at him for several long seconds. With a blank expression on his face. Until, he started to chuckle. Much to Vegeta's confusion. The elder man's confusion soon gave way to irritation.

"And just what's so funny about that?" He demaned irritably.

"Well of course Goku's the best!" Trunks now laughed.

Vegeta raised an eyebrow at him, more irritated than ever.

"No wait, listen. Goku's the best "he" can be. But Vegeta, don't you see? You can still be the best "you" you can be!" Trunks continued to explain.

"You don't want to just imitate Goku anymore, do you? You've already figured out your fine just the way you are. The world needs you just as you are, exactly as you are! So why worry what others think?" Trunks offered kindly.

Vegeta looked at his son in confusion for a moment. Before his words fully sank in.

"So the question is, who are you?" Trunks asked.

"There was a time when I thought I knew the answer to that question. That I was nothing more than others expected me to be. But I'm not what any of them tried to make me into. I... am Vegeta. The Prince of all Saiyans! And the Earth is my home! That, is who I am. Who I choose to be!" Vegeta nodded to his son.

Trunks smiled back, before fading away, back into the darkness.

...

Vegeta awoke with a start. He tried to move, only to realize he was still being restrained. While it didn't stop it, he quickly began to resist the draining process once more.

"Vegeta!" Slug called out to him.

Come on Vegeta! Your too stubborn to just quit now! Fight back! Slug encouraged him through gritted teeth.

Suddenly, a golden aura flashed all around Vegeta. His arms thrusted downward as he let out an earth shattering scream. Slug's ears ached in pain from the shear intensity of the sound, as everything around them started to shake.

All as Vegeta's screaming grew louder and louder still.

"It's unreal!" Zeeun declared in awe. He was soon sent bouncing off the nearest wall.

"That's Vegeta? He's amazing!" Wings eyes were as wide as dinner plates as he gazed upon the man.

"He's insane is what he is!" Medamatcha countered, though he too looked on in awe at the sight before him.

The energy around him intensified. Vegeta's screaming continued, as the golden light around him became a mighty inferno. Soon lightning began flashing wildly around him as well.

His golden hair seemed to be shinning brighter than ever before. His muscles briefly tensed as he began sparking with electricity. All while his hair started to tremble and slowly grow in length. It inched down his neck in thick, golden strands.

Slug watched, seeing Vegeta's hair growing longer and longer. His brow became more pronounced as well, his eyes even seemed to become fiercer.

He waited, hoping to weather the storm of power. Praying that what ever was happening, it wouldn't kill Vegeta in the proccess.

xxxx

Meanwhile, the rest of the planets defenders turned from each other. Pausing in their conversing while waiting at the Look-Out. Many of them turned to stare up into the sky agape.

"That power! Holy cow! Is that... Vegeta?! Man, who knew he had that in him?" Krillin cried out cheerfully.

"It's unbelievable!" Yamcha nodded in agreement.

"Hooray!" Chiaotzu cheered as he threw his fist into the air to celebrate.

"I don't know know guys. Something doesn't feel right. Why haven't we sensed Goku yet?" Tien asked, concern evident on his face.

"Oh..." Krillin, Yamcha and Chiaotzu all looked to Tien in concern as well. Before turning back to look uo into the sky again.

It was then that Piccolo spoke up.

"All we can do for now is wait for the right moment to step in. Till then, we shouldn't go making any wild guesses." He reasoned as he too looked up into the sky.

"That makes sense." Krillin mused thoughtfully.

"I suppose, we'll have to just wait and see..." Gohan frowned as he gazed back up at the sky again.

Chapter 20

The ship stopped shaking as Vegeta barely managed to gain some control over the energy practically pouring from his every vein.

This, this strength. This enormous amount of energy. While he'd never experinced it before, Vegeta somehow knew deep in the core of his being what this was. Somehow he'd tapped into a reserve of power he'd never believed he had. Thus he, Vegeta had achieved the "Ultimate Form" of Super Saiyan.

Super Saiyan Three...

Vegeta looked at his hands, his eyes wide.

He tried to wrap his mind around this new power, hoping to understand it. He then gazed down upon the mechanical monster, the Gete Star. His eyes danced as his fingers seemed to itch with excitement.

"I never thought I'd be graced with the opportunity to taste this kind of power." He smirked as the golden light continued to rage around him.

"But all the same... I'll admit. I didn't even want it. Huh, imagine that. Me, not interested in absolute power." He wasn't sure how much longer his body would endure the stress of the transformation. But in any case, he did know one thing. This power would be mighty enough to vanquish the monster before him.

Vegeta's muscles tightened, ready to fight once more.

In Otherworld, King Kai was overjoyed by the turn in events.

"I'll be, he did it... He, he actually did it! Ha! That's the power of a newly minted, Super Saiyan three!" He cheered. Gregory joined him, while Bubbles happily jumped for joy.

Back abord Slug's ship, the Gete Star shot up like a rocket. Vegeta had just enough time to ready his defence, as the creature raised up a single arm. Firing off an enormous sphere of energy, almost as large as the Spirit Bomb. Which came barreling down at him.

"Final... FLASH!" Vegeta roared, his golden hair igniting again as he threw out both hands, pouring forth a golden beam from his palms. The two opposing attacks connected.

xxxx

The room was beginning to crumble this time, panels and wiring came loose and went flying. The ship shook and as cracks spread up and down the walls.

Vegeta howled as he closed his eyes tightly, his arms began buckling under the strain. The Gete Star silently pressed it's attack, he could feel his palms beginning to burn in pain as he held fast.

"I refuse to lose! You hear me monster? I wont give up!" Vegeta managed to say through tightly gritted teeth. He glared as he slowly began to push more energy forth.

Vegeta's brow lowered. His muscles swelled around him as a plume of golden energy around him grew even brighter.

"It's... OVER!" The energy within his hands exploded violently, swallowing up the creatures' attack.

Vegeta's Final Flash then fully engulfed the energy sphere. The ship continued to shake around them. The two opposing attacks exploded against each other. Until the Final Flash burrowed its way through the body of the Gete Star, incinerating it. Continuing into the nearby wall... before it was finally extinguished.

Then finally... there was silence.

Vegeta breathed heavily, his hands still poised where the energy beam had been mere moments ago. Finally he lowered his palms. His mighty main of hair slowly dissolved, as if melting away. Though Vegeta failed to notice as he slowly fell forward.

A moment Slug and his men watched as Vegeta came falling down towards them.

"Uh guys, he's falling fast. Shouldn't somebody-" Wings started explaining, just as Vegeta crash landed behind the group.

"Oh... Eh, never mind." He finished rather meekly.

Zeeun and Angila quickly rushed to his side, helping Vegeta get back on his feet.

Without hesitation, Slug quickly joined them and used his healing powers on Vegeta once more. With his strength restored to him again. Vegeta breathed a deep sigh of relief. Though a moment later, he looked sharply over towards the newly formed crater in the floor.

Eyes focused, he walked over to the crater. Causing Slug and the others to watch him, puzzled.

xxxx

Vegeta slowly made his way down into the crater. It didn't take him long to find what he'd been looking for. Half hidden under dust an debris. It was a rather small, harmless looking red crystal. Vegeta realized it was small enough, he could have held it in the palm of his hand. He also noticed it seemed to be giving off a faint, intermittent glow. It almost reminded him of the beating of a living heart...

Vegeta stared at his foe for a long moment, taking in the sight of the seemingly benign looking thing, and then closed his eyes with a little laugh. He then, ever so slowly. Raised his foot ever over the crystal, letting it hover. Before getting ready to shatter the thing under his heel.

"Vegeta, no!" Someone called out.

Vegeta hesitated, he turned to see who'd interrupted him. His eyes widened when he saw who it was. Slug and his men also turned to stare, at Goku.

"Tch!" Vegeta paused, clenching his teeth.

"Eh? Goku? We're kinda busy at the moment. Can't it wait?" Medamtacha asked confusedly.

"No, please! Don't hurt him!" Goku persisted.

"Wait, who?" Medamatcha froze.

"The Gete Star! The Crystal!" He insisted adamantly.

"Woah there, hold up. Did your brain get fried?! That thing is dangerous!" Medamatcha argued, shocked by Goku's plea.

"Please Vegeta, don't do it! Don't hurt him!" Goku's eyes narrowed, even through his own pain and exhaustion. Looking directly at Vegeta.

"...Are you insane? We have to end this while we have the chance! This, this creature is pure evil, Kakarot!" Vegeta argued back.

"No Vegeta! Please listen. This, all of this. It's not his fault. He didn't understand. See I managed to connect my mind to his. And I learned... The Gete Star. He was alone, all alone. Out in the cold dark of space... for a really long time. Then Slug and his crew found him. He was so weak, he couldn't even ask for help! He never wanted to hurt anyone! He was just scared and confused!" Goku stated adamantly.

Slug's men looked to each other, stunned. This new information put everything that had recently happened into a far different perspective.

Then to Goku's shock, and Vegeta's great surprise. Slug now stood in Goku's path, holding an arm up to block him.

"No, Goku." The Namek explained somberly.

Goku looked at Slug in shock. Though he quickly turned to look at Vegeta again.

"Please Vegeta! Be compassionate, be merciful..." He pleading once more.

"You were always soft, Kakarot." Vegeta noted bitterly. His attention turned back to the thing under his boot. Vegeta's eyes became intense as he began to aply pruessure again. Preparing to crush the helpless creature.

Then, something made him pause.

Wait. Something's wrong here... He looked back to Goku again. Startled when he realized there was something familar about that look in his eyes.

Why, why do I feel as if... I've seen this all before? Vegeta mused. He then looked back down at the crystal again.

Suddenly, a memory came to him. Oddly enough, a memory he'd been thinking about less than an hour earler. The day his life had been left to the mercy of a lone man, with a sword.

No! Vegeta's eyes widended in realization. Though he tried to deny it. The pieces continued to fall into place.

You... You knew I'd see similarities for myself! Didn't you, Kakarot? Arrr! NO! It's just a coincidence! His eyes grew ever wider.

Though every fiber of his being wished to deny it, the truth was all too clear. For all of their differences. Vegeta realized he and this strange creature. This... thing. They were in many ways, the same.

He angrily looked back at Goku.

It's just a machine! It's broken and needs to be destoyed! So why shouldn't I, Kakarot?! He argued, more with himself than Goku at this point.

But Goku didn't answer.

The onlookers stirred as Vegeta, slowly. Moved his foot away from the crystal. His shoulders heaved as he turned to leave. His fists clenched at his sides, trembling with frustration. But as he walked away, he paused to look over his shoulder.

He turned back to the debris and scooped the crystal up into his hand. Gently, he placed it in his pocket.

Goku let out the breath he'd been holding up to that point as he watched. Bringing a smile to his face. While Slug only stared at the strange sight as Vegeta started to walk back towards them.

Chapter 21

Vegeta continued his march, his steps slow and steadfast.

"Eh... What was that about?" Wings asked, a confused expression on his face as Vegeta approached.

Vegeta only shrugged in reply as he rejoined them.

Goku laughed and smiled, his eyes filled with relief as he went to sit down. Passing out from exhaustion again a moment later. The others saw this. So Zeeun knelt down to check on him.

"Hmm, he looks pretty bad sir." He noted with concern.

"Hey! Hang on!" Medamatcha piped up.

Much the the confusion of everyone else, he rushed over to Goku. Pulling a small bag out of his pocket.

"Ha! Magic beans. Well, let's see if these things work as advertised." Medamatcha noted as he pulled a bean from the bag. Preparing to feed it to Goku.

"No!" Vegeta stood up, coming to stand before Slug.

"What do you mean no? Goku's supposed to be your friend isn't he? He'd give you one if you needed it!" Medamatcha argued angrily.

"That's not the point! Look, we all know Kakarot has been interfering in this from day one. We need him out of the way, and at this point. Keeping him unconscious seems to be the only surefire way to do that." Vegeta explained with an exasperated sigh.

He then straightened up, taking a step towards Slug. Looking him squarely in the eye.

"I know you've been thinking about this for a long time, so. I'm prepared to accept whatever punishment you've been planning." He stated bluntly.

While the rest of his men gawked at Vegeta in a combination of shock, and horror. Slug looked upon the Saiyan Prince, genuinely confused. Though after a moment to think, an idea came to him.

"I see... I, made a mistake. I was young, and my memory was faulty. You're not the man who attacked my village." Slug explained with a hint of a smile.

"What? What are you talking about? There's no mistake. I am that man! I did it!" Vegeta argued adamantly.

"No. I see now, that man died on Namek. Heh... Goku was wrong about one thing. Frieza didn't kill him, you did. I suggest you... take your friend and, go home." Slug continued, putting a hand on the stunned Vegeta's shoulder.

A few seconds passed and there was a loud groaning sounded all around them. Then the artificial gravity died and everyone was sent bouncing off the walls. Lights began flashing as sirens sounded everywhere.

"What's going on? What's happening?!" Slug called out as he looked around.

Then Medamatcha angrly launched himself towards Vegeta. Latching onto his shoulders, shaking him.

"Idiot! You blew up the ship's propulsion system, didn't you?!" He snapped at him.

"Dammit!" Vegeta called out as a small piece of debris fell towards them, pushing them apart.

"Wait, what does that mean?!" Wings asked in confusion.

"It means, we're going down!" Medamatcha replied in exasperation.

xxxx

Outside the ship. The animals below were frightened as it sailed by, shaking everything in the process.

"Oh no. It's here!" Piccolo caught sight of the massive ship as it came crashing down. He and the others had flown to the location where they'd sensed the ship was crashing.

"Wait, are they landing, or is it crashing?" Yamcha piped up.

"No doubt, it's crashing alright!" Piccolo replied, still gaping upward.

The ship lazly glided through the air. massive object sputtered, it's spare engines firing. Trying to stay in the air. As a trail of smoke began pouring out of it.

"It looks like it could flatten a whole town!" Chiaotzu noted in alarm.

"We better follow it down." Krillin urged, everyone quickly flew off after it.

Piccolo eyed the alien craft as it was coming down.

Then, without a word. He flew in haste. Managing to get to the front of the vessel. He gripped the lower part of the ship with both hands. Firmly, trying to slow the ship's momentum.

It didn't take long for him to realize, the rest of Earth's defenders had rushed in to help. Piccolo took a moment to pause. Looking from left to right, at each of them. Without a word, he allowed himself a small smile, before refocusing on the task at hand.

It was a great deal harder than they had expected. Still, by all working together. They managed to ease the ship down to ground in a relatively controlled descent. Keeping it airborne long enough to harmlessly pass over the forest. Making it past the trees, plowing harmlessly into a rocky ravine nearby. Before it finally came to a complete stop.

Once they'd managed to stop the ship. It had gone deathly quiet.

"Man. Goku always knew how to make an entrance, but this. This is ridiculous!" Yamcha noted, as he rubbed at the back of his head.

xxxx

Piccolo placed a hand against the ships hull. Trying to detect Goku and Vegeta within the wreck.

"...There! Goku and Vegeta. I found them!" He said excitedly.

"What?" Yamcha, Tien and Chiaotzu all noted with surprise.

"Really?" Gohan and Krillin asked in unison.

"Yeah, but... something's not right. We need to get them out, now!" Piccolo noted, his expression turning into a frown. Realizing one of the signals he was detecting, had grown faint.

"Okay but, I don't see any doors. Should we blast our way in?" Krillin asked.

"Krillin, we can't do that. People might be just on the other side of the panel." Gohan argued.

"I got this..." Chiaotzu assured them. He squared himself and raised his arms towards the ship, without touching anything. His eyes began to glow, just as the panel in front of him began to do the same.

With little effort, Chiaotzu telekinetically ripped the paneling off and away from the ship. Insuring that no one inside would be harmed.

"Great idea Chiaotzu!" Tien cheered for him.

"Way to go little dude!" Yamcha praised him as well.

Chiaotzu blushed, just before they all noticed someone come stumbling out of the hole he had just made. They watched as a rather roughed-up looking man came stumbling out.

"...Dad? Dad!" Gohan was the first to realize the man, was his father. Who was being assisted by Vegeta. Goku's arm over his shoulder as he helped the younger man walk.

Both men looked up at the sound of his voice. Catching sight of Gohan and the others for the first time.

"Dad!" Gohan rushed to his father's side. Vegeta quickly moved to allow Gohan to take his place in helping to support his father.

"Hi Gohan. Good to see you son." Goku looked at his son and smiled at him.

"Are you okay, Dad?" Gohan asked, urgently.

"Goku, what happened?" Tien asked.

"I think... we might have, broken Slug's ship a little." Goku replied a bit sheepishly.

Vegeta huffed indignantly at that. Though he didn't explain himself, as everyone noticed his face seemingly turning red.

Not far away, another craft landed near the crashed spaceship. Though this was a much smaller craft of earthly design. The glass domed roof opening, as Bulma herself jumped out. Soon followed by Chi-Chi and the boys.

"Oh hi, Chi-Chi!" Goku greeted his wife, as cheerfully as he could muster as she rushed over to him.

"Vegeta!" Bulma exclaimed happily, running to him.

"Bulma, I'm fine." He grunted as she hugged him tightly.

"I don't think so buster! Your not getting out of this with a simple "I'm fine". Not today." She snapped as he tried to pull away from her. Though she wouldn't let him. Vegeta blushed and shifted his gaze away.

Trunks ran with such excitement, Bulma only had a few seconds to move out of his way. As the boy came flying towards Vegeta. Throwing his arms around his father's waist.

"Yeah! I knew you'd be okay Dad! I just knew it!" The Boy cheered as he hugged Vegeta.

"Humph!" Vegeta, having been caught off guard by the tackle. Fell to the ground with a thud.

"Easy boy, easy." Vegeta tried to calm his son, lightly ruffling his hair.

Chapter 22

A loud clanging sound came from within the ship behind them. Everyone turned to see, Slug and his crew. They were all looking very disheveled, but otherwise unharmed.

"Slug, guys!" Goku noted happily.

"Your alive." Even Vegeta was pleasantly surprised.

"Oh yeah, we're alive. No thanks you, yeh Saiyan brute. Look what you did to the ship!" Medamatcha grumbled as he hobbled his way out of the wreckage.

Everyone turned to to look at Vegeta, stunned.

"Wait wait, you did this?" Krillin looked at him, as he pointed at the ship.

Vegeta, for his part. Let out a self-conscious cough.

"It's not my fault, how was I supposed to know where the ship's propulsion system was?" He huffed defensively.

Slug let out a long pained sigh.

"We'll fill you in on the details..." He explained as he looked over the group.

As Slug then explained what had happened. His men went about searching for other survivors aboard the ship. Gyoshu and Kakuja were the first one's found, both alive and well. Aside from being understandably shaken by recent events.

Goku was both surprised and happy when he learned that by some miracle. There had in fact been no fatalities among the crew during the crash. Zeeun had orgainized the able bodied into setting up a temporary base of operations. Makeshift tents were easy to set up, what with all the scattered pieces of debris everywhere.

Once Slug had finished, Bulma got to her feet.

"Well, while your story was interesting. I'm still upset at you for trying to kidnap my husband. Which I'd like to point out, you still haven't apologized for." She noted as she glared at him.

"Bulma..." Vegeta mumbled. Hoping she might drop the subject, though that seemed unlikely now.

Bulma noticed his expression.

"What? All I'm only looking for is an apology. I don't see how that's too much to ask." She argued with a shrug.

Slug eyed the pair for a moment, thinking.

"Well, on the subject of Vegeta. There's one last thing that needs to be... resolved." He explained somberly.

Vegeta let out a resigned sigh at that, while Goku looked on nervously. Slug slowly turned back to face them once more. Then much to everyone's surprise, he swiftly turned to Zeeun.

"Commander Zeeun. If I'm not mistaken. The Galactic Bounty office has declared Prince Vegeta, legally... deceased. Is that correct?" He asked cordially.

Zeeun looked back at his leader, confused.

"Eh, yes sir. We haven't had a chance to contact them yet." The Commander replied, confused.

He wasn't the only one. Many among Earth's defenders, and even his own men looked upon the Namekian now. Confused at this new line of questioning.

"Well, with that in mind. In addetion to Goku's testimony during the tribunal. I believe that means an apology is in order." Slug and Goku's eyes briefly met.

"I'm sorry for the mix-up. It seems Prince Vegeta died several years ago. So..." He then gave Vegeta a humored look.

"As of this moment, you sir. You, are no longer a wanted man." Slug finished as he turned his back on again Vegeta.

"That sounds nice and all. But incase you've forgotten. Technically, I'm alive. Therefor I'm still a wanted man." Vegeta countered.

"I dunno. I could have sworn I heard Goku say Prince Vegeta died on Planet Namek years ago. ...Guys?" Wings, who wasn't nearly as good at hiding a smile as Slug. Looked to the others.

Angila, Gyoshu and Kakuja all nodded thoughtfully at that, even Zeeun. A moment later and they all turned to Medamatcha.

The Meda glared at them all with his great yellow eyes... Just before shrugging.

"Shame. I was looking forward to seeing him locked away myself." He replied nonchalantly.

Everyone present cheered at that, much to Vegeta's embarassment.

xxxx

After that, Bulma rested her hands on her hips.

"Well, I'm still not happy about you guys did." She noted with a stern look in her eye.

Slug and his crew all began grunting and murmuring uncomfortably.

"Though... considering what you've all just been through. I think we can forgive and forget. Right Vegeta?" She turned to her husband questioningly.

After a pause, Vegeta only offered a nonchalant shrug in reply.

"Well, that settles it. And since you're all going to be here for a while. Why don't all you come stay at our place?" Bulma smiled as she turned her attention back to Slug and the others.

"Wait, what?" The towering Namek blinked at her.

"Well Goku liked you guys from the start. And you've somehow managed to win Vegeta of all people over. That makes you alright in my book. Besides, it's Christmas. It wouldn't be right to just leave you guys out on the street." Bulma winked at him as she explained herself.

The rest of Slug's crew looked to each other.

"Well, I see no reason to refuse." Angila offered with a shrug.

"Not like we have a lot of options anyway." Medamatcha conceded. While Zeeun and the others all nodded in agreement.

"Alright then, I guess that means. ...We accept." Slug repiled cordially.

After a few more exchanges, the defenders of Earth made to help Slug and his men gather up the rest of his crew. They had a lot of work to do as while no one had died in the crash, many had been injured. Majin Buu, Dende and Slug himself set about healing those who needed immediate care.

Goku meanwhile, had been happy to see his wife and sons again. As the four made ready to head for home. Goku spotted Vegeta standing alone in the distance, gazing up into the sky. He paused and turned to Chi-Chi.

"Hey Chi-Chi, would you mind waiting here for just a minute?" He asked.

"What?" She asked, looking past him to see what he'd been looking at. When she spotted Vegeta, Chi-Chi let out a sigh. Though she smiled just before giving him a nod.

Leaning against a tree, Vegeta remained silent. Even as he heard Goku approaching. The younger man came to stand next to him.

"So, I guess a lot happened while I was out of commision?" Goku asked innocently.

"Not much." Vegeta shrugged in reply.

"Hmmm, so. Super Saiyan Three?" Goku asked, giving Vegeta a coy little smile as he nudged him in the shoulder.

"Don't get excited Kakarot. What happened during that fight was a fluke. A freak accident, it'll likely never happen again." Vegeta replied.

"Aw, don't say that Vegeta. I bet you've only just scratched the surface of your potential!" Goku argued, his poorly disguised excitement easy to see.

Vegeta let out a breath, turning to glare at Goku critically.

Goku, in turn tilted his head at him in confusion.

"Trunks, the "other" one. When we spoke. He never once adressed me by name." Vegeta explained, continuing to glare at Goku accusingly.

"Hehehe. So, you eh. ...Figured that out?" Goku smiled nervously as he took a step back, hands up again.

Vegeta's eyes narrowed.

"Heheh well you see I didn't have any strength left to fight myself. But I could tell you'd gotten a lot stronger! So I just figured you could use a little, confidence boost! Trunks just seemed like the perfect person to get you motivated!" Goku quickly tried to explain himself.

"Calm down Kakarot, I'm not mad." Vegeta snapped at him.

"Oh, your not?" Goku asked, hesitant yet curious.

"No... Honestly, I appreciate it." Vegeta noted, now looking much less irritated.

"Huh?!" Goku blinked at him in surprise.

"Don't get me wrong. I don't appreciate all the humiliation I've had to go through these past few days. Or that you got the twisted idea into your head that impersonating my son in some kind of crazy "vision" was a good motivator. Still... your actions were well meaning. Even if they were, ill-conceived." He explained.

Goku lifted a corner of his mouth.

"You're welcome, Vegeta." He noted happily as he placed a hand on Vegeta's shoulder.

Vegeta snorted and shrugged off Goku's hand, eyeing him thoughtfully for a moment.

"Good. Now I think I can retire from fighting altogether." He nodded thoughfully. Hiding the smirk lifting at the corner of his mouth from Goku.

"Wait... WHAT!" Goku noted with a horrified expression.

"Oh yes, I think that's what I'll do. After all, now that I've reached the pinnacle of power. I'll retire, undefeated." Vegeta laughed scornfully.

"What? But, but you can't do that Vegeta! You need to master Super Saiyan Three! Besides... Who will I have to spar with if you quit!" Goku whined, his eyes wide and helpless looking.

"Ha! I knew this was really all about you wanting a new sparring partner! Well you can find someone else Kakarot. Because I'm not interested! Huh, "brothers" my eye!" Vegeta turned to dramatically point a figure at the younger man accusingly.

"Oh come on, Vegeta. Sure training with someone who can also go Super Saiyan Three would be great. But that's not the only reason I helped, honest!" Goku tried to explain himself.

"Oh give it up, Kakarot." Vegeta turned and began marching away from him.

"Oh come on, Vegeta!" Goku pleaded as he began to jog after him.

"Hmph." Vegeta continued to smirk as he walked. Idly listening to Goku, as the younger man tried to plead his case.

xxxx

Back in West City, within the Capsule Corp. mansion. Another Christmas party was taking place. The mansion was still filled with joyful music. While tables had been pilled high with food and drinks.

Bulma was currently relaxing in chair amid the hustle and bustle of the party, chatting away with Chi-Chi.

"Gosh, these last few days have been so stressful. But you'd never tell my watching Goku." Chi-Chi observed as she sat and watched Goku. Who was once again enjoying the food. Joined by his son's, Trunks and Majin Buu.

As it turned out, the mystery gift for Goku and his family. Had been a ticket guaranteeing of "all you can eat" at any restaurant within the West City limits. Fortunately, Bulma had talked him into letting him order everything over the phone, so he wouldn't spend all afternoon in every restaurant in town.

"Yeah, good to know some things never change." Bulma noted with a laugh. Taking a sip from her glass of Eggnog.

Chi-Chi then scrunched her nose in disapproval.

"Well, minus one exception. I mean really, with all the trouble he put everyone through for him lately. You'd think Vegeta would at least show up for a party which is basically being thrown for him." She remarked with a frown.

Bulma nodded astutely.

"Good point. Think I'll do a little snooping. See if I can't dig him up." She set her glass down as she got up from her seat.

"Good luck with that." Chi-Chi offered as she watched Bulma leave.

Meanwhile, over at a table laden with food. Goku and the others were joined this time by Korin and Yajirobe. And even Slug and his crew. Angila, Zeeun, Medematcha, Wings, Gyoshu and Kakjua sat down to join in the eating. While Slug decided to continue standing idly. Piccolo, having taken a liking to bottled water that had been his "mystery gift" also declined a seat.

Goku continued eating, until he spotted Dr. Briefs and his wife approaching.

"Oh, Doctor Briefs Mrs. Briefs! Come join us." Goku called to the older man.

"Well don't mind if we do." Dr. Briefs replied. He and she wife then happily walked over to join them.

"I hope you boys are all enjoying yourselves?" Mrs. Briefs asked casually as they joined the group.

"Well, sure. It's a little modest compared to the banquet's back home, but still. This mudball's got some decent good food." Medamatcha noted with a shrug.

Wings quickly made to elbow Medamatcha in the ribs. Making the little Meda squeak and his great yellow eyes bulge for a split second.

"What Medamatcha means to say, is that he loves it." The Dorodabo corrected Medamatcha. Who thought better than to argue the point.

This did not go unnoticed by everyone else present, who all laughed.

"Glad to hear." Dr. Briefs nodded as he adjusted his glasses.

"Yes well, I wanted to express our thanks for all the help you've given in repairing our ship." Slug spoke up, thanking the old scientist.

"It's no trouble at all young man." Dr. Briefs assured him with a smile.

Bulma meanwhile searched the house, but didn't find any sign of Vegeta. She searched up and down, to no avail. She'd been walking by one of the balconies, when she finally spotted him.

He was standing near the railing, looking up at the night sky. At what exactly, she could only guess.

"Vegeta?"

He turned slightly at the sound of her voice, looking mildly surprised at being found. Before silently turning his gaze back to the stary sky again.

Bulma walked over to him, standing next to him, not saying anything. Eventually, Vegeta himself broke the silence.

"Alright, out with it. What do you want?" He asked peevishly.

Bulma rolled her eyes.

"Relax Vegeta, I don't want anything." She explained offhandedly.

He huffed and rolled his eyes at that. Despite putting on his usual air of aloofness. Bulma sensed something was a little, off. Then without warning... He buried his face in her neck.

"Bulma... There's something you need to know. I've been thinking about this for a while. Exactly how I'd tell you. I suppose there's nothing for it, expect to just say it. Bulma... That day at the tournament. I... allowed Babidi to turn me into that, monster you saw. I let him get inside my head. He didn't make me do anything... I didn't want to." He confessed.

Bulma's eyes widened at his open confession.

"I wanted him to reawaken the evil inside me." He ignored her shocked expression and continued.

"Bulma, you have to understand that what I was... That was the only kind of life I'd ever known before I came here. Then over time, living here on Earth. I'd started to feel things. Feelings that in my youth, I'd been led to believe were a weakness. I'd grown ashamed of myself. And... I was afraid. Over the years, those fears and doubts kept growing, and when Babidi tried to get inside my head, I let him do it. I wanted him to do it. I blamed my failings on my family, on you!" Vegeta said passionately.

He captured her eyes with his own.

"I'm baffled by my ability to lie to myself, Bulma. I was given the opportunity to tear my family out of my heart, but I couldn't do it. But make no mistake, I allowed it to happen." He paused and looked her square in the eye.

Bulma regarded him curiously. That's when, much to his surprise... She started, giggling. Which she tried to hide from him.

Vegeta did not take kindly to being the brunt of some joke.

"What are you laughing about? Bulma, this is serious!" He asked as his brow raised, disbelieving.

"Just full of news aren't you? Telling me all kinds of secrets. Well, I want you to know a secret too. I... already knew. Your reasons for fighting Goku, your little confession to him? I saw it all. I've known since before we got back from Otherworld!" She explained through her laughter.

"H-How?!" It was the only thing he could think to say at that point. This was certainly not the kind of reaction he'd been expecting from her. For one of the few times in his life, Vegeta was at a loss for words.

"Honestly Vegeta, you keep forgetting. I've got connections in high places. After all, your not the only one who's friends with a fortune teller who can see into the future, and the past." Bulma explained, with a smirk.

"...Baba?! Why... that... old... witch!" He blurted out.

Bulma soon stopped laughing, as a melancholy look came into her eyes.

"I'll admit, in the end. I think that whole thing was my fault more than yours. I'm the one who should have seen the signs. Huh... Funny, guess I really was am an idiot after all." She admitted somberly. Her shoulders falling ever so slightly.

Vegeta sharply turned to look at her.

"I was so caught up in living out my "happily ever after" with my "prince charming"... I didn't even stop to think, how you felt..." Bulma confessed as she looked out over the balcony. Up into the night sky.

"No Bulma!" Vegeta quickly grabbed her by the shoulders.

"What I did was my own fault, not yours! It was my mistake! My weakness!" He insisted, Before letting her go. Partially turning away from her again.

"I'd understand... If you, never wanted to see me again." He finished, his voice softer than she had ever heard it before.

Bulma gasped, pulling away to look into his eyes.

"What?" She asked.

"I've always known, that I could never be what you need me to be." He muttered.

Bulma didn't hesitate. She stepped forward, raising a hand to stroke his cheek. Her heart melted when, instead of grabbing her hand to stop her. He leaned his face into her touch.

"Vegeta..." She whispered.

"Why... After everything I've done. Why don't you push me away?" He asked eyes closed, his own slowly came up to hold hers agains't his cheek.

At that, Bulma smiled.

"I'm here, because I love you, you dweeb. Oh, or should I say, secret santa?" She whispered. Teasing him as she pressed her forehead to his.

He actually lurched back at that, taking a step away from her. Apparently, his wife was full of surprises.

"What are you talking about?" He asked defensively.

"Oh come off it Vegeta. Despite what the others think, I know your paying attention when they talk. Oh, and all their favorite foods. Not exactly the most original stratagy pal. Though it's very... Saiyan of you. Personally, I loved my basket of strawberries." She came closer again. Making Vegeta feel a little better as she embraced him once more, in spite of himself.

"Arrr! I didn't know, what else to get..." He grumbeld quitely. His arms sagging slightly in defeat.

"Well don't worry, your secrets safe with me." Bulma replied with a content smile.

Now it was Vegeta's turn to surprise her. He quitely shoved his hand into his pocket and pulled out some small object. Handing it over to her without a word.

Bulma grabbed, it was a crystal.

"Eh, is this for me? It's, nice?" She couldn't hide her surprise.

"It's not a gift. It's what was left of that creature, the Gete Star." Vegeta explained bluntly.

Bulma's eyes widened at that.

"Vegeta... are you? Do you want me too-" She looked at him again. Though he was now avoiding her gaze.

"-Kakarot was right about one thing. It... he didn't ask for what happened. I, know what that feels like." Vegeta muttered under his breath as he shrugged again.

Bulma put two and two together. She looked back at her hand, examining the crystal.

"I promise, I'll take good care of it, until I can get it back up an running again." She said softly.

Vegeta noded silently at that, so Bulma figured he was satisfied with her promise.

Then suddenly, colors exploded brightly in the vast, dark sky above them. Shining brilliantly like glittering diamonds. It was magical. It was the fireworks display that she had aranged. Vegeta hugged her tighter.

As he and Bulma listened to the whistling fireworks. Vegeta realized, he couldn't remember a moment when he was happier.

"Merry Christmas Vegeta." Bulma said quietly, as she placed her head on his shoulder.

"Heh... Merry Christmas, Bulma." He whispered in reply.

The End

---

Author's Notes:

Well well well. Here we are again readers. I hope you all enjoyed my first ever "Christmas special" fic.

I wont deny this one took me quite a while to finish. This was going to be a much shorter story, following the model of a standard DBZ movie. Though you probably already gathered that from the, admittedly unoriginal title lol. After all was said and done, I suppose it turned into somethig closer to one of the old-style "saga's" instead. Interestingly enough, the idea grew out of a thought I'd have after just watching that new "Broly" movie. (Yes, I've gone on record that due DBS continuity and characterization... eh, issues. I basically consider it as non-canon as DBGT). While the movie still had some of these issues. Broly was not one of them. This new Broly not only showed promise in backstory, he showed it in characterization too. Heck even his father was better in this version. So one day I thought to myself: maybe what Mr. Akira Toriyama did for Broly. I might be able to do for another DBZ movie villain.

So from the beginning, focused, not on which of the heroes would be the lead. But rather, who I wanted the main villain to be. The hardest part after that, was choosing which villain. I immediately decided to leave Garlic Jr. alone. Not because I didn't like the character (or his film), but rather due to the opposite. His was actually one of the best films, in my opinion at least. So I figured I couldn't do much to improve his story. Then I considered either Turles or Cooler. Though I gave up on them when I remembered the lastest film starred a Saiyan, and a member of Frieza's family (Frieza himself no less). So that seemed like treading over old territory. I'd also already done something with Hirudegarn (sorta), so that took him out of the running as well.

So, that left me with: Dr. Wheelo, Slug, Android 13 (and all androids connected to him), and Bojack and his crew. Though I tossed out the Androids when that newest DBZ video game came out, with the Gero androids playing a big part. That narrowed the options to three. Wheelo, Slug, and Bojack. With that fact in mind, I decided to look around for fan fics on all three. I was thinking I'd go with the character who had the least. So the winner turned out to be: Slug. It was kinda sad really, not only did he star in very few fics. But I just couldn't find many. So I thought to myself, "this is actually a character with a lot of untapped potential." So that's how and why I settled on Slug as one of my centeral characters. Then came, the premise...

Now Slug's backstory in the original Japanese dub was a cut-and-dry copy of Piccolo/Kami's origin. Not bad, but not very original. I did kinda like his origin story in the dub, of him being a "Super Namekian" from Namek's ancient past. Since we never got much information on what Namek was like before the natural disaster that nearly wiped out all life on the planet. Though I soon realized as interesting as that idea was. I needed a reason for Slug to come to Earth. Now, I knew from the start I was going to make this version of Slug more sympathetic than the original. Let's be honest, sympathetic villains were getting pretty rare by the time DBZ ended.

That's when it hit me, Vegeta. It was perfect. Vegeta had a very brief, yet very tramatic encounter with the Namekians in the Namek/Frieza saga. But... the plot was dropped like a hot potato.

See, I don't consider myself a hue Vegeta fan (Goku will always be my favorite). But, I have found myself intrigued by him as a person/character. One thing I always liked in the older dub's. Vegeta came across as a bit more complex than almost all the villains who came before. Heck he offered Goku a chance to team up with him, despite thinking he had all the cards. All the guys before Vegeta only made offers like that to Goku as a way to trick him. But Vegeta broke the mold in that he saw all the angles, and realized Goku could be useful (Sadly he was a little less nuanced in the original unedited version). In the older dubs, I got the impression Vegeta became what he was because of the dog-eat-dog world he grew up in. That he was so ruthless because he had to be. Which when you think about it, makes total sense.

Well going back to Slug. I figured I could tie his new backstory into Vegeta's, by having him be one of the Namekians who lived in the village Vegeta slaughtered. It made perfect sense in that regard. So Goku and the Z Fighters would be faced with a new dilemma. One were fighting wasn't the answer. At least, not fighting in a way they're used to.

Which brings me to the judicial elements of the story. While I wanted a courtroom drama from the get-go (I thought I'd be interesting to see Goku in such an out-of-place situation). I'll admit, I had no clue how to write a courtroom scene at all! So I did some reading up on court procedures and all that stuff. Gotta admit, it was boring (lol). But I found myself drawn to and intrigued... by the Salem Witch trials. See, I wanted Goku and the gang to be facing a Kangaroo Court from the start. The point of the trial/tribunal wasn't for Goku to win. It was for him to reveal just how flawed that kind of system was.

And while I'll the whole "heroes and the rival join forces" plot point is a bit cliche. I'd always intended have another party appear near the end of the story, a wild card element. Basically someone/something to give Vegeta a "true villain" to defeat. Giving him a chance prove he's changed, though even that character end up not being an outright villain character either. The real curve ball being, that it was the Big Gete Star, of all things. Mostly I choose the Big Gete Star because, I thought the concept was actually pretty cool. Only that the character wasn't utilized to its fullest potential. Though it seemed practical to leave out the "Big" in the name.

Well, I tried to avoid making any OC's but I suppose with giving Slug a new backstory. You could argue that's what I did here. I didn't change the character designs cause, I actually liked how they all looked from the film. Save maybe Angila (though the greek/roman style outfit wasn't bad), I mean the guy was almost a watered-down Zarbon. At least Wings and Zeeun had a little originality in their designs. Heck, with Angila's original signature move being... stretchy arms. He was like a watered-down Zarbon and a watered-down Mr. Fantastic. So he got an upgrade to magican, and his teams version of Piccolo. While Medamatcha became a parallel to Vegeta, even becoming a Prince! I'll admit that last bit was actually inspired by the old "Frog Prince" story. Medamatcha just always reminds me of a frog. (lol) Interestinly, while the original Slug was ment to be a kind of parallel to the original Piccolo. My version actually has more in common with, Dende. I will admit I added the healing powers to his skill set to invoke that a bit.

Well, once again both my fic, and my author's notes have run much longer than I had intended. So I'll end things here. Though if you like, it doesn't have to be the end of "this" story. I've had a lot of fun working on this version of Slug and his crew. If you'd like me to continue writing about them, please say so. Or, I could start on another DBZ baddy in need of an update/upgrade. Well regardless, your always welcome to read my stories. And I hope you liked this one.