What had once been a grand feast was now reduced to a pile of licked clean plates and bowls and a bunch of very contented looking Saiyans. Goku laughed merrily, patting his stomach.

"Wow, I'm full!" he grinned.

"That's a first," Chi-Chi snorted.

Goten sat next to Trunks, a bowl on his head for whatever reason. "Yeah, that was great! Hey Trunks, we should go play a fight game now!"

"We could," Trunks gave a wily smile, "Or we could dig up that weird creature I told you about."

"Ooh, I bet it's cute!" Goten threw up his arms, "Yeah! Let's go do that! I'm gonna catch it!"

"You're not going to do anything, Goten, until you clean up this mess," Chi-Chi glared, gesturing to the piles of dishes, "That goes for you too, Goku."

"I'll help out," Bulma offered, getting up, "You too, Trunks."

"Aw…" the boys groaned in unison.

"Hey, just make it a race again!" Goku encouraged, a pile of dishes already in his arms, "Let's see how fast you two can move!"

"Yeah!" the boys cheered.

"Just don't break anything!" Chi-Chi interjected. Bulma laughed.

Goku watched the boys whirl past him as they raced to put the dishes in the baskets, Bulma returning the rest to her capsule. He was so proud of how strong they were at such a young age and how they continued to work daily to get stronger, even in their small games. Could he be a happier man if anything were different? He thought not. After all, what more could he want in the world than this?

He placed his collection of dishes neatly in the baskets as the boys shot off to play, Bulma and Chi-Chi still sitting together and chatting. He smiled at them as well. And then his gaze shifted to Vegeta, leaning back on the ground and staring up at the clouds with a deep expression. It was hard to tell what he was thinking sometimes, but Goku knew he was happy. Though…he looked a little troubled.

Goku's thoughts drifted back to their battle with Buu and all they had risked and sacrificed to defeat him. From there it drifted back further to all the battles he and Vegeta had fought together, the trials and troubles they had each suffered, all the way back to the day the prince had first come to Earth – the day Goku's eyes had been opened to just how strong a warrior could become. He owed Vegeta that. He was forever grateful to him for that, even though at the time he had meant harm and not good.

Amidst all these thoughts, looking at his fellow Saiyan gazing solemnly at the sky, Goku realized just how happy he was to see Vegeta where he was today. His considerations landed on that pivotal moment where Vegeta had been sent crawling back to his pod, barely enough strength in him to even raise off the ground. How much would have been lost if hadn't stayed Krillin's hand that day. He wondered if Vegeta knew just how much good had come about because of him – the happiness he had brought to Bulma, Trunks, Goten through Trunks, and the entire Earth. It wasn't something Vegeta would want spoken of, but Goku hoped that deep inside he knew.

Goku hummed thoughtfully, closing the basket and walking over to where the Saiyan sat, tail wrapped neatly around his waist. "Hey Vegeta?" The grim warrior looked up at him. "Mind if I join you for a bit?"

Vegeta grunted. "I won't object."

Goku smiled softly. "Thanks." He took a seat next to him, watching as their sons ran around the park poking at holes with a stick. "I actually wanted to ask you something. I know it's not something you'd normally like to talk about, but—"

"Just spit it out, Kakarot," Vegeta mildly snapped.

Goku's expression lowered. "I wanted to know how you've been doing. You probably won't admit it, but I know that all that happened with Buu and Babidi was really hard on you – having your mind controlled, what happened to you in Other World, what Buu did to your family…" He saw the lines in Vegeta's face deepen. "I just want to say…you seem to be handling it alright and I'm glad." He smiled softly again. "Things are different now. For the best. And you deserve it, Vegeta."

Vegeta looked up at the sky again. "Really? Even though I was sent straight to Hell when I died?"

"Ah…" Goku's mouth opened, frozen as to what to say.

Vegeta looked down again, shutting his eyes and chuckling. "But I knew that I would. I'm not you, Kakarot. Besides, it matters little to me where I go when I die. Death is death to me and I intend to keep on living for as long as possible."

Goku smiled again. "Not that it's going to count for a long time, but next time we're in Other World I'll make sure you go to Heaven."

Vegeta busted up laughing. "Didn't you hear me, Kakarot? I said it doesn't matter."

"I know, but it matters to me," Goku insisted, "You may have deserved to go there once but not anymore. You've changed, Vegeta."

"Hmph," Vegeta snorted, shutting his eyes again, "Have I really, Kakarot? Have I really? I'd still crush you given the chance, don't think I wouldn't."

"Well of course!" Goku laughed, "I know you still want to be stronger than me and I say go for it! It just encourages me to keep getting stronger too."

Vegeta smirked, but it quickly went away, his head lowering and staring intently at the ground. "But…I will admit something." Goku gave him his full attention. "Nothing has felt quite…right anymore. I don't even know what my purpose is."

Goku blinked. "What do you mean, Vegeta?"

Vegeta gave him a sharp look. "The fury of the entire Saiyan race flows in my veins, Kakarot. That fire has driven me my entire life." He looked away again. "But now, what is it? I don't even know anymore. It all seems a waste."

Goku smiled with understanding. "Hey, I get it. It takes time getting use to being alive again. And you got a kid on the way, that always scares me!" He laughed and looked at the brown band around Vegeta's waist. "Having your tail back after all these years must be strange too, I bet."

The tail tightened in its grip. "It's more than strange, it's aggravating!" he snapped, "At first I thought I'd be happy about it, and I am. But…" His teeth gritted. "Now there's the constant risk of losing it again. There's no way I could endure that humiliation twice."

"There's no real point in worry about it," Goku held up his hands, "Besides, you'll get used to that too."

"Well, look at you two," said Bulma, balancing her belly as she approached them, "So nice to see you guys together when it's actually peace time. Hopefully it stays that way for a long time, I could use a break from all the excitement." Goku smiled and Vegeta grunted. "Hey, you know there's still some drinks left if you want some."

"Sure, why not?" Vegeta shrugged.

Bulma tossed him a beer can and he caught it. Goku's mouth opened slightly as Vegeta popped the tab. Vegeta looked at him. "What?"

"You know that stuff isn't very good for you, right?" Goku innocently pointed out.

"Oh shut up, Kakarot," he growled back, tipping back the beer.

A loud shrieking filled the air. "I think got it! I think I got it!" Goten cried, his legs sticking up in the air as his top half was dragged into a hole.

"Goten, Trunks, what do you think you're doing?!" Chi-Chi shot up and screamed at them, "You're gonna to get your clothes all muddy!"

Goku laughed. "I think they caught something, Chi-Chi."

An enormous boom made the sky shake, sending a torrent of wind through the trees, causing leaves and the picnic blanket to go flying. Chi-Chi and Bulma screamed, shielding their faces from the wind, which abruptly died down a moment later.

Trunks lifted his head, gaping at the sky. "Uh…Goten? I think you better get back out here…"

"What was that?" Goku blinked, brushing some leaves from his hair.

"Kakarot," Vegeta said in a voice so serious it startled him, "Look up."

"Huh?" Goku blinked again and slowly raised his gaze, "Gah!"

The entire blue sky above them had become filled with dozens of space ships, hanging in the air like ominous black clouds. Bulma and Chi-Chi clung to each other, their faces trembling with shock and fear, Goten at last popping his head out of the hole and staring up dumbstruck as well.

Vegeta was the only whose expression remained calm, his arms crossed and brow lowered. "It's an invasion force."

"What?! Really?" Goku gaped.

"Vegeta, are you sure?" Bulma squeaked.

"What else could it be with that many ships?" he returned.

"Oh no!" Chi-Chi cried, "Not more aliens again!"

"Don't panic," Vegeta snorted, giving them all a cross look, "Whoever they are, they picked the wrong planet to stop on." He lifted a corner of his mouth and chuckled. "In fact, I welcome it. I could use a little work-out."

"Now wait a minute, Vegeta," Goku finally spoke up, "We don't know that yet. Maybe they're not here for those reasons. Maybe they need our help."

Vegeta laughed coldly. "What are you blind, Kakarot? I haven't seen a fleet of that size since I was a child. They don't need anyone's help. There're here because they want something." He looked around them. "And this planet has plenty of resources more than worth the taking."

"Well, if that's really the case," Bulma darkly smiled, folding her arms, "Then you guys better send them packing. Nobody messes with us and gets away with it!"

"Now hold on," Goku continued to protest, holding up his hands, "We don't know that yet! We can't just go attacking someone without knowing why they're here!"

"If you want to sit on the sidelines, then fine by me," Vegeta snorted. He looked at his son. "Come on, Trunks, we're going to—what the—?!" He shielded his eyes as suddenly three small, hovering probes surrounded him, shining a bright light on him from all directions.

"Dad!" Trunks cried out.

Everyone stood in shock at first, but quickly calmed as they saw Vegeta's arm lower, apparently having been merely startled and unharmed. A blue light lit in the eye of each of the probes, passing a scan over his body. Their lenses turned red.

"Target confirmed," chimed a feminine computerized voice, "Vegeta, Prince of All Saiyans. Transmitting co-ordinance now." The light on Vegeta went out and the probes pulled back, hovering in the air, Vegeta's expression harder than ever as he glared at them. There was another, much softer boom in the sky.

"Look!" Bulma pointed. They all lifted their gaze to see a small ship shoot out from one of the vessels in the sky, moving down through the atmosphere.

"Ah!" Chi-Chi cried, "It's coming towards us!"

"What should we do, Dad?!" Goten called, quickly looking to his father.

Goku's expression flattened, watching the ship descend with serious eyes. Vegeta seemed somewhat shaken, his fists clenched as he stood next to the taller Saiyan. The ship flew down smoothly, carefully plotting its course till it was hovering above them. The landing gear extended and the shuttle lowered neatly to the ground, creating little mark on the planet's surface. They all stood in tense attention, gazing at the door to the ship, ready for whatever came out.

At last it opened. They started slightly. The ramp extended down and several figures drifted out, the most peculiar band any of them had ever seen. They came in all shapes and sizes. One looked like a cross between a shimmering jellyfish and a lobster, fuzzy behind the ears and hovering with iridescent wings. Another was built like a bear with small yellow horns, white fur, a dark green and violent woven tunic, engraved bracers on his wrists, and large, stern eyes. Between him and the other was a creature that looked more like a rock than a living thing, short but tough with black pebble eyes. Further off was what seemed to be a lovely woman shrouded in black robes like some sort of monk, only her glowing violet eyes showing through her veil. Then there was an incredibly strange creature that looked like a wad of flowers, leaves, and vines, all stretching and moving slowly. And at the very back, standing above them all was a gorgeously colored bird creature, hard scaled plates like a crocodile mixed in with their feathers and a giant plume of silky fuzz hanging draped against their back. The one characteristic they all shared in common was a gold bracer clasping a mauve gem worn around each of their necks.

Goku marveled at them. "Wow…who are these people?"

Vegeta was suddenly smiling, a chuckle humming deep in his throat. "They're nothing," he stated, making them all look at him in surprise again, "Sorry for getting you all worried before. Even if these are invaders, Earth's warriors will be more than a match for them. I don't recognize all their races, but most of them don't even have a warrior class."

Goku's face softened. "So I was right. They aren't here to hurt us." He turned and lifted his arm to wave at the visitors. "Hey! Welcome to Earth!"

The aliens lifted their heads inquisitively. "And who is that?" purred the lovely woman in the black robe.

"It seems one of the natives is greeting us," said the little rock man with pleasant surprise.

"Ha! And you thought they wouldn't recognize us on this back-water planet!" said the buzzing wispy creature, elbowing the rock man, his voice high, sharp, and nasal, "But then, I wasn't expecting a hello either. Most of the time these sorts run from us!" The funny creature folded his arms smugly. "Course, I can't blame them. We do look pretty intimidating!"

Vegeta about busted a gut. "Oh this is hilarious!" he cried, "They actually think they look intimidating! HAHAHAHA!"

"Cut it out, Vegeta," Goku scolded, "You're gonna hurt their feelings."

Vegeta ignored him and kept on laughing, only quieting when he noticed a seventh member of the group peeking out. This one was no more impressive than the rest, but there was something about him that seemed familiar…some kind of insect creature. And the only one wearing a scouter. The insectiod looked right at him, his whole body rattling and trembling.

"You…" the bug hissed, "It's really you…you…you MURDERER!"

"Vegeta!" Bulma screamed as a red beam shot from the insectiod's mouth parts straight into her husband with a large plume of smoke.

But the smoke quickly settled, Vegeta mildly waving it away in annoyance. "So that's it," he stated, "I thought I recognized your kind. You're an Arlian, aren't you? I'm surprised, I hadn't imagined there were any more of you left in the universe."

"You monster…" the Arlian seethed.

"Sepis," cautioned the deep-voiced bear creature.

"No…let him," trilled the feathered one in the back.

The Arlian trembled as he stepped forward, clenching a fist at Vegeta. "So…you do remember my people. Do you remember what you did to us?!"

Vegeta said nothing.

Bulma blinked. "Vegeta…do you know these people?"

The Arlian hissed, his antennae quivering wildly. "You murdered us all in cold blood!" he screamed, "Blew up my planet…just for sport!" He shut his eyes tight as he continued to shake. "I'm…I'm the only one left. I was rescued just before my home exploded. But my family…? Everyone I knew…?" His eyes snapped back open. "They're all dead because of you!"

Vegeta gazed back coldly, jerking a little though when Goku's hand suddenly landed on his shoulder. "Vegeta," he stated in a low voice, "Is that true?"

Vegeta growled and shrugged him off, turning away. "What do you think? Yes, it's true. It was a long time ago. I barely even remember it, just a little event that happened on my way here to Earth, in fact."

"Monster!" the Arlian screamed again.

Bulma looked down and shut her eyes. "Oh Vegeta…"

Goku glared at Vegeta for a moment and then went over to the Arlian, looking down at him with a low expression. "I'm sorry. I can only imagine how angry you must be. That was a horrible thing that was done." He held out his hand to him. "But, there might be something that could be done about it. Not right now, but maybe—"

"And who the hell are you?!" the Arlian cried, pushing Goku's hand away, "And what would you know about it?!"

The leaves of the plant creature rattled together, producing a quiet, eerie voice. "The grasses of Namek speak of him. We are honored. We are deeply honored, golden one."

"What?" the eyes of the robed woman bulged.

The bear creature took his battle staff from his shoulders, planting it on the ground. "Uun'raso, bow your heads, honored champions. We stand in the presence of the Saiyan Kakarot, slayer of Almighty Frieza."

Goku went from serious to surprised. "You…know about that?" he blinked.

"The entire universe knows." The towering bird moved through the center of her company coming to stand at the front, her arms folding and gazing critically down at Goku. "The legendary Super Saiyan, rising up from no one knows where and throws down the mighty Frieza and then disappears just as mysteriously as he came. Soon after the other heads of the Planet Trade Organization go missing, believed to have been slain by the same." Her pupiless, magenta eyes narrowed at him. "Why are you here, champion?"

"Well…first, my name's Goku," he hesitantly smiled, "And I live here. Earth is my home."

Her gaze narrowed further and she leaned back. "What a coincidence."

"A lucky coincidence for sure!" chimed the little rock man. He laughed nervously. "Goku, is it? You're a sort of inspiration to us all."

"Well gosh," Goku about blushed, rubbing his head and giggling, "This is sure unexpected." Vegeta snorted and shifted his eyes, looking away from the scene.

As he turned, the bear-like alien moved, seemingly materializing in front of Vegeta and holding out the arm with the baton in his path. "If you think to flee, Prince Vegeta, do not. There is no where you can go to escape us now."

Vegeta mouth opened agape. "How dare you?" he snarled, "I wasn't even going anywhere, why would I?!"

"Don't talk to him like that, what's the matter with you?!" Bulma shouted, glaring at the furry warrior, "Who are you people anyways?!"

Goku's brow lowered at this and he looked at the other visitors. "I'm sorry," he stated firmly, "But I have to know…why are you here?"

The colorfully feathered one bent down, bringing her beak near his face. "We might ask the same of you, honored champion," she stated pointedly.

"I already told you," he answered, unmoving, "The Earth is my home."

"No," she corrected, her brow growing sharper and her plume lowering, "Why are you here? Why are you standing in this exact spot at this exact moment?"

Goku's face fell into confusion. "I…I don't really know what you mean." He spread his arms. "I was just here having a picnic with my family and our friends."

Her beak clacked. "I'm sorry, but what?"

"Peace, Justiciar Nevrrest," the one standing over Vegeta hummed, "There is no need to interrogate him or any native who might be happen to stand near our quarry."

"Agreed," rumbled the rock man, rubbing his fists together, "Trouble the natives as little as possible. That is our prerogative."

The leaves of the plant being lifted and rattled. "The souls of the lost and shattered worlds cry out for this. It must be, as it must always be. Justice reigns."

Their bodies turned to blurs as they moved and reappeared, encircling Vegeta. Vegeta's head lowered, shutting his eyes and chuckling softly. "Well…what do you know."

"Mom," Trunks said, grabbing Bulma's sleeve, his eyes slightly wide, "What's going on?

Bulma's brow lowered. "Yeah, that's a very good question!" she snapped at them, "What is going on?" Chi-Chi held Goten close, suddenly looking scared.

Vegeta smiled softly, his arms folded and head still lowered. "Isn't it obvious? They're here for me." All his companions started. He looked up at the aliens that stood around him. "Isn't that right? Mercenaries, I'd guess, hired to take me down? Whoever hired you must be awfully poor, there isn't a real warrior among you. Honestly, I'm disappointed. When I saw your ships arrive I was hoping for a real fight, but now looking at you, I think I'll just stand here and let you do whatever you want. You aren't even worth my time."

These words had barely left his mouth when suddenly a loud, boisterous, hissing laugh erupted from the one called Nevrrest, who had yet to join the circle. The laugh carried on for a long moment and ended abruptly. She grinned viciously, the circle parting as she marched towards him.

"There it is, that delicious arrogance that I remember so clearly," she said through her vicious smile, her body terrible and elegant as it moved. She stopped and trilled, still grinning, darkness in her eyes. "Oh how I have missed you, Vegeta."

Vegeta's brow lowered as he eyed her. "I don't even recognize your species – who are you?"

Vegeta started, his mouth hanging open slightly as she suddenly appeared in his face, her large beak bent down upon him, her eyes wide and excited. "You wouldn't, would you?" she laughed, "No more than you remember what you had for breakfast. And that gives me the advantage." She pointed a talon at his forehead. "Cause I remember you, Vegeta. Oh so very clearly. And I know you, oh so well. Ten years is a long time to lose sight of someone, but fortunately, you haven't changed a bit."

"Alright, I've heard enough!" Goku suddenly snapped, making everyone freeze. He gave the aliens around Vegeta a scolding look. "I want to know why you're here. And I'd like to know right now." They stared at him, looking embarrassed. "And while you're at it, I'd also like to know who exactly you people are."

The little rock man blinked his earthy lids. "You mean…you don't know?"

The robed woman stirred uncomfortably. "Justiciar Nevrrest…"

"No," she interjected, still smiling at Vegeta, "It's alright…I'm would be happy to answer that…" She eyed Goku sharply. "After all…if not for him…none of us would be here…" She spread her arms, her feathers rising in a brilliant flare of color. "We are the leaders of a fleet known as The Justice. I am its founder. For the past several years, we have scoured the galaxy, rounding up and delivering just punishment to the members of Frieza's regime." She chuckled, her beak clenching as she smiled. "We are the Justiciars. For most our career, we captured low-ranking members of the Planet Trade Organization. Our primary targets were the war criminals Zarbon and Dodoria, but later we discovered them to have fallen with their master." She turned to Vegeta again, ever smiling with zeal. "Do you know what that means, Prince? Zarbon and Dodoria among our targets were number one and two. You were number three. But since they're gone…" She held up a finger. "That makes you number one. Prince Vegeta, the galaxy's greatest mass murderer."

Vegeta wasn't smiling anymore.

"That's not true!" Bulma suddenly screamed. She caught herself. "Well…maybe it is…but it's not that way anymore!"

A terrifying trill sounded in Nevrrest's throat, enough to make Bulma's eyes bulge as she turned about. "And who are you to speak so?"

Bulma's brow lowered and her mouth opened. "Stay out of this, Bulma," Goku's voice abruptly cut her off, actually making her choke at its severity.

She stared at her old friend. "Goku…?"

Vegeta had gone into a meditative state, his face flat and eyes closed and remained that way for a long while. Goku raised his head and approached the group. "So that's it. I think I understand." The circle was force to pull back as Goku made his way into their midst. "You want to take Vegeta because of what he's done. I'm guessing your friend's world isn't the only one he's destroyed. He attacked Earth before too." Vegeta's eyes cracked open and shifted to him. "But things are different now. Vegeta isn't like that anymore. And I believe whatever crimes he may have committed he's already paid for in full." He frowned. "Still…I imagine you'll take some convincing on that. So why don't you stay on Earth for a while? He'll show you." He looked down at the Saiyan. "Won't you, Vegeta?"

Vegeta's teeth clenched. "Kakarot…" he growled, "Do you really think it's that simple?"

"I'm afraid it's not," said bear-creature with his baton, "You are greatly revered, Kakarot who calls himself Goku, but your words cannot cleanses this criminal of what he's done."

"He's not a criminal!" Bulma screamed again, throwing her fists down against her belly, "I don't care what you say, he's not!"

"Bulma!" Goku warned.

"He's a good man, you hear me?! A good man!"

"Bulma," Vegeta snapped, at last silencing her.

A darkness had fallen over the faces of the justiciars, anger welled in their eyes and bodies, muscles clenched and teeth bared. Nevrrest viciously pointed a finger at her. "And who is this bloated creature that dares speak such blasphemous words?! A pet, perhaps?!"

Bulma's face turned red. "Why you—!"

"Don't talk to my mom that way!" Trunks screamed over her, jumping in front of her, his fist clenched.

"Yeah!" Goten joined him, "Trunk's mom can't help that she's all fat right now!"

"What?!" Bulma squealed.

"ENOUGH!" Vegeta suddenly screamed, throwing back his head and letting out a giant burst of yellow-ish white energy. The aliens gathered around him stumbled and fell under the force of the blast. The gust died down and he chuckled, gritting his teeth as he gazed at them all fumbling on the ground. "Pathetic. You're suppressing your power levels, aren't you? If not, that blast would have crushed you all. I had suspected as much. Still…I'd leave now while you can. You're no match for me and if you try to lay a hand on me, someone might just get hurt." He pointed a finger down at them. "So either leave now, or tell me who among you could possibly challenge me?!"

"Me." Vegeta gasped as a taloned hand snapped down on his shoulder from behind. One of them…she hadn't been blown back! Her fist drove repeatedly into his side and then threw him straight threw a row of trees.

But Vegeta laughed as he got up. "Would you look at that!" he cackled, "Someone who actually managed to tickle me!" He turned around. "Is that really all you got?"

"Hmhmhm…" she giggled, shutting her eyes modestly, "I thought you'd never ask." Slowly she raised up a hand, her fingers stretching up towards the sky. They clenched. There was a red flash of light and a burst of power. Her entire body turned a golden-red, her eyes shining yellow, and red energy swarming around her, a cloak of feathers sprouting from her arms and draping down majestically.

Vegeta's eyes bulged. "What?!"

"No way!" Goku cried, staring in amazement, "She's…transformed! It's almost like she's a…a Super Saiyan!"

Vegeta snarled. "Don't be ridiculous, Kakarot, only a Saiyan can be a Super Saiyan."

"Oh I wouldn't dare to claim to be what Kakarot is," she trilled, pressing a hand to her chest just below the mauve gem, "But all the same, I have ascended. This form is what I call Crimson Fury." She struck him again, this time sending him straight into a crater, obliterating what was left of the trees. The Arlian on the sidelines excitedly and viciously bobbed.

"Dad!" Trunks cried, running to him.

The energy disappeared around Nevrrest as she abruptly recoiled at the sight of Trunks, though her body remained transformed. Vegeta spat dirt out of his mouth as he sat up, holding his gut for a moment before mildly pushed his son away.

"So I was wrong," he cracked a smile, "There is a warrior among you….I'm still not impressed."

"We are all warriors here." The other justiciars had gotten up, the bear with the baton leading them at a steady walk. "But it is only Justiciar Nevrrest who can transform without the aid of the Quantum Fusion Core, only she who has power enough to face you without it." His brow lowered a notch. "But that won't be necessary. Justiciar Nevrrest, I humbly suggest we activate now."

"Don't bother," Nevrrest laughed, "In fact, sit back and relax. I'll take him apart myself." Her gaze turned with abhorrence upon Trunks once more. "But first…what is that abomination? A child…with this monster's face." All the justiciars noticed Trunks for the first time…and they turned quiet. She looked at the one who had just spoken. "Justiciar Oom'Bagu …you can sense the threads between beings. Tell me for certain…of whom is this child?"

Oom'Bagu's face deepened with sadness and a mauve light briefly flashed in his eyes, glancing between Trunks, Vegeta, and Bulma. He closed his eyes and sighed heavily. "It is so. He is the offspring of Prince Vegeta…and the blue creature is surely his mate."

"The seed…" shuddered the plant justiciar, "The seed of evil grows inside her."

"Worse, Justiciar Misado," Nevrrest corrected in a dark, cold voice. An outstretched finger raised at Trunks. "The seed of evil stands before us."

Trunks stared at them and then looked up at Vegeta. "Dad…what are they talking about?"

Vegeta glared coldly at them, his hand gripping Trunks' shoulder.

"Hold!" Oom'Bagu held out a thick arm, "He is but a child, think not of him."

"He is my son," Vegeta at last affirmed. He looked down at Trunks who was standing very close. "What are you looking like that for?" he scolded him, "You could easily take them apart, show some dignity!"

Trunks stiffened and glared at the justiciars. "Right, Dad."

"Now I understand why you disappeared for so long," Nevrrest hissed. Her eyes shifted to Bulma and, further back, to Chi-Chi. "Come to think of it…these natives do resemble Saiyans in some aspects. You're breeding them."

Goku appeared between her and Vegeta before anymore could be said. "Now stop this," he scolded, "It doesn't have to be this way." He held out his arms. "This is Vegeta's family. That over there is Bulma. She's a friend of mine. And there's nothing even remotely evil about his son. You should be careful before you go saying something like that."

"And I'm Goku's wife!" Chi-Chi abruptly shouted, "Nobody's breeding me!"

"And this is my son," Goku added, gesturing over to Goten, "There's nothing bad going on here, so you should stop right now."

"But what are we gonna do?" stuttered the rock man, "None of them ever had a child before."

"Isn't it obvious?" said the translucent, winged justiciar, "We have no choice but to take him with us."

"Ha!" Vegeta scoffed, "I'd like to see you try. In fact, go ahead, it's been a while since he's seen battle. Not that any of you would provide any real challenge for him."

"Nobody's taking anyone!" Goku insisted, his brow tight, "Especially one of the kids!"

"This is not anyone's child," said Nevrrest darkly, "This is the offspring of Prince Vegeta. If we leave him, he'll grow to be just like the father." Her brow lowered. "In fact, he probably already is. A child monster is still a monster."

"Reason!" Oom'Bagu cried, "We are agents of justice, not robbers of the cradle. What will we become of us if we start arresting the children of criminals? What next will we do? Shall we also rip his unborn child from the mother's womb?"

The justiciar in black robes violet eyes shown. "I say yes."

"No!" Bulma cried, turning aside to protect her bulge, "Don't you dare lay a hand on me or Goku and Vegeta will make you pay for it!"

Vegeta growled deeply and pushed past Goku, glaring at the justiciars. "Kakarot's right, I've heard enough of this. I'm not going anywhere and neither is Bulma or my son." He looked up at Nevrrest. "If it's a fight you want so desperately, I'll give you one. But first…who are you?" A corner of her mouth lifted. "I know we've met before…I can tell by the look in your eye. I don't care for guessing games, so just have out with it so I'll know who I'm about to crush."

The red faded from Nevrrest's feathers and she got down on one knee, lowering herself below him and looking up into his eyes. "Of course…I don't know if I can make you recall, but it's worth a try." She shut her eyes and her feathered flattened, her voice lowering. "It was so long ago…we were both children at the time…if you can call what you were a child. On my world, a tropical planet called Blech, which is now barren and wasted, all its resources scrapped away. Ring any bells yet?" She cocked her head and frowned softly. "…No. Considering all the worlds you've terrorized, I doubt any of that would stand out. You came to us, a boy Saiyan prince…and slaughtered us all…a cold grin on your face. Yes, that smile, I think I remember the best of all." Vegeta's eyes followed her as she lowered onto all fours. "The dead all around me, nowhere left to hide, I came to you…like this…crawling…crying…bleeding…"

Vegeta's eyes widened and his mouth opened as the memory abruptly erupted in his head. He saw her, smaller than him at the time, a soft body of colorful fuzz and a tiny soft beak. Please! she begged, her hands clasped, Please, spare me! I beg you! I'll…I'll do whatever you want! I'll be your slave! Please, just let me live! Please…just don't hurt me!

"…and you looked at me with those cold, pitiless eyes…raise your hand at me and said…"

Vegeta saw in his mind his youthful gloved finger point at her, energy lighting up the tip. Only weaklings beg. I have no use for a pathetic weakling like you…but you just might make good target practice. So run for me, weakling. Amuse me. Run.

"…You blew a hole in my chest." She rose towering above him again. "But you didn't kill me…you thought you had…but, by some turn of chance or fate, I survived. I escaped, bleeding and trembling. But that was then, this is now." She grinned darkly. "I am so much stronger now…"

Vegeta stared at her in silence, unmoving. "What do you want, pity?" he snorted.

She clenched her beak. "No…I want you to die."

He continued to gaze coldly at her. Slowly, his hair began to move, as if a gentle breeze blew up from him. Then the gold light exploded around him, his energy humming as golden locks fluttered above his head, the tail around his waist turning flaxen as well, his eyes glowing green.

"Well then…take your best shot," he quietly challenged.

There was another flash of golden light and Goku stood between them, his hair and eyes also transformed. "This has to stop. Now. Before it's too late." He looked at Nevrrest. "I'm sorry for what he did to you…and believe it or not, I know Vegeta is deep down inside too. But what you're trying to do, it won't fix anything."

She let out a screech at him. "Do you think your apologies mean anything to me?!" she snapped, "You have my full respect and honor, Goku, but I'm taking what I came here for."

"Let her try, Kakarot," Vegeta snapped, "She's only digging her own grave."

"Oh you think because you're a Super Saiyan that means you're safe, do you?" She cackled. "I admit, I didn't see that coming, but all it means is that the Quantum Fusion Core might be needed. Disappointing, but I'm flexible."

"Quantum—what?" he scowled at her.

Bulma blinked as well, considering these words. Then, her eyes focused on the bands each of them wore around their necks. "Oh no…Vegeta, look out!" she cried, "I think they've got some kind of—"

"Quiet, woman!" he snapped at her, flashing a glare. He lifted his arms up as his muscles further bulged. "This is no concern of yours!"

Her brow shot down. "Would you just listen to me?! I think—"

Nevrrest clenched her beak and threw out her arm, the shockwave sending Bulma flying off her feet. Vegeta jerked and Trunks screamed. "Don't you hurt my mom!" Trunks flew at her, his own hair turning golden as he landed a blow across Nevrrest's cheek. She went flying, plowing through what was left of the nearby trees. Vegeta grinned and chuckled. Nevrrest sat up, her eyes full of hate. Getting up, she raised her arms and screeched, powering up and turning red once again.

"Oh…so you want a royal beating. Fine. I'll make this an extra special occasion!" She then began to cackle, her face trembling viciously as she twisted the clasp around the mauve gem. It started to glow. She started to laugh. "Justiciars!" she cried, "Activate!"

"What, all of us?!" remarked the weird, translucent creature.

"It is so," Oom'Bagu agreed, grasping his own bracer and twisting the gem. The others did the same.

Nevrrest looked over at the Arlian, watching the scene through his scouter. "Sepis, prepare yourself."

Sepis looked down as the gem on his bracelet started to glow. The computer's voice echoed throughout the fleet as every personnel's bracelets in kind started to glow. "Quantum Fusion Core charging. Quantum Fusion Core changing. All personnel assume the safety position and prepare for energy share." They all got down on their knees where they stood and relaxed, bowing their heads as particles of energy began to be drawn from them.

Sepis sat on the ground, looking up with glee as waves of mauve energy began to pulse down from the sky, flaking from his carapace as well. "You may have thought no one could touch you, Vegeta!" he shouted, "But with my Quantum Fusion Core, no one can defeat them now! Crush him, Nevrrest! Make him squeal!"

Goku's eyes widened with amazement as he sensed the justiciar's power skyrocket. "Their energy! It's gotta be ten times stronger! No! A hundred times stronger! Ah! A thousand!"

"It's worse than that for the monkey prince, I'm afraid!" Sepis declared, "My Quantum Fusion Core increases a warrior's power level by the ten thousand fold!"

"What?!" Vegeta cried, "That's impossible!"

A deep groan rose from the justiciars as their bodies began to change. Muscles bulged and teeth turned to fangs. Oom'Bagu's horns extended and grew giant, his fingernails turning to claws. The black robed woman blazed with violet energy burning about her arms. Misado's vines grew thorns and the flowers turned gigantic and dripped with acid, growing in size. The little rock man tripled in size, his pebble eyes burning and giant crystals shooting out of his back. Nevrrest's grew taller and longer, her talons extending and her plume flowing all the way to the ground. The translucent winged creature grew two extra sets of limbs, his wings turning razor sharp on the edges and his waistline beginning to glow.

Vegeta gritted his teeth and shifted his foot back, strengthening his stance, no longer so sure this was going to be an easy fight after all. Goku bared his teeth as well, glancing rapidly back to his son.

"Goten!" he shouted, "Take your mom and Bulma and get out of here!"

"But…Dad!" Goten protested, about to power up himself.

"Don't argue, just get out of here!" he continued to bark.

Goten looked quickly at Trunks, powered up next to Vegeta.

"Do it now!"

At last, Goten obeyed, taking off the ground, picking up Bulma and Chi-Chi, and flying off with them.

"Vegeta, Trunks, no!" Bulma cried as she was carried away.

Goku grunted fiercely, looking now to Vegeta and Trunks. "Trunks, you better get out of here too," he advised.

"He's not going anywhere, Kakarot!" Vegeta snapped, standing blazing next to his equally golden haired son, "A real warrior never runs from a fight!"

"Vegeta, don't be stupid!" Goku shouted, "You heard what they said! Are you really going to risk your son to save your pride?!"

"I'm not risking anything, you can handle this, can't you son?" he stated pointedly.

Trunks growled and heavily nodded. "You bet I can, Dad."

Goku gritted his teeth and looked at the justiciars, now truly a sight to be reckoned with as they stood together, blazing with power. "I'm going to ask you one more time," he called to them, "Please, stop this! You're making a mistake!"

Nevrrest, a burning tower of red, moved deadly forward. "You seek to oppose us, Kakarot Goku?"

Goku's expression hardened. "I won't attack you…I think you have good intentions at heart. But if you try to take Trunks or Vegeta, I'll stop you."

"Dangerous…" she hissed, "Standing in the way of justice could be considered a criminal offense…" She smiled cruelly. "But who would dare arrest the Legendary Super Saiyan? If you wish to get in our way, we'll simple have to get in your way." She shifted her fierce gaze to the other Saiyan. "Vegeta, Prince of All Saiyans," she called in a mighty voice, "On the charges of xenocide, mass murder, unlawful imprisonment, torture, and theft, this day I declare you a prisoner of The Justice." Her brow lowered. "Your little brat too."

"Shut up!" Trunks shouted, "We're going to teach you guys some manners!"

"Trunks!" Goku called, "I'm warning you! Get out of here! Vegeta and I can handle this, just go!"

"Just shut up, Kakarot!" Vegeta snarled, "If you're not going to help, then get out of my way!" Blazing like a golden flame, Vegeta flew at the justiciars,

his hair turning ridged and sparking like lightning as he flew, his fist raised in attack.

And got far more than he had bargained for.

The Justiciars weren't a band of super powered weaklings. They were trained warriors who had fought together for many years. When Vegeta struck a blow at Nevrrest's chest, she moved to the side, dodging it and at the same time Oom'Bagu's baton came down on Vegeta's head. Vegeta quickly recovered from it, but a sticky webbing struck him from one side from the mouth of the iridescent warrior and the vines of Misado grappled with him, the thorns threatening to latch on his flesh. Vegeta howled, letting out an explosion of power to drive his attackers back, a moment later Trunks charging in and delivering super speed punches at the not-so-little rock man who blocked them with equal speed. Oom'Bagu came from behind Vegeta and latched his baton over his neck, Vegeta wrestling against it. Goku screamed, coming in with the force of his elbow colliding with the horned bear's chest, meant to disable him.

At that moment, Oom'Bagu's eyes flashed mauve. Goku cried out as he felt an invisible blow strike him in the chest as well at the same moment. He held his heart, panting in confusion and struck again, this time swatting the robed woman away from Vegeta. Oom'Bagu's baton came at him now and Goku blocked it at lightning speed as it spun around at him again and again, his opponent's face calm and intent. Vegeta roared, driving his knee down on the head of the web-spitter only to receive and incredibly precise blown to the spine.

Nevrrest grabbed him, screeching horribly, lifting him up and bludgeoning him back and force with her hard, thick tail. Vegeta gasped, the wind momentarily knocked out of him, in disbelief at her speed and power. He remembered her species now. The Blechas weren't a warrior race, they hadn't even put up a fight when he'd come to their world. So where was this ferocity coming from?! Both of Trunk's boots landed on Nevrrest's head, knocking Vegeta from her grip.

"Ha!" Trunks pointed, "That will show—" A red energy beam about blew his face off, sending him tumbling up through the air.

"Carrrsss…" Nevrrest hissed. She turned on Vegeta again, seizing his head with both hands. "Make some noise, monkey!" She shrieked, bringing his forehead head down repeatedly against her knee. Vegeta cried out with each strike before finally twisting from her grip, snarling and gritting his teeth as a droplet of blood ran down his forehead. She cackled. "My first blood…the first of many I shall draw from your despicable flesh!" She flew at him, a great boom of power sounding the air as he blocked it.

"Damn peacock," Vegeta spat.

"Resorting to insults?" she mocked.

Vegeta grunted as sharp vines grabbed him from behind, wincing against a blast of searing pollen. Vegeta threw out his fingers, blasting several of the vines off him, finally just exploding to drive them back. Trunks came around again, being tackled in mid air by the razor winged combatant, spewing sticky webs in his face. Trunks gagged and pummeled his midsection, but his jelly-like hide bounced most of them back.

Goku flew back as he landed another blow on Oom'Bagu and felt the same invisible blow strike his shoulder. "This is no good!" he exclaimed, watching his opponent who floated patiently before him, "No matter what I hit him with, somehow he's making the same force hit me too!"

Oom'Bagu spun his baton and snapped it down before him. "Cease, honored Goku, I do not wish to fight you any further."

"Me either," Goku admitted, "But I can't let you take Vegeta or Trunks, it isn't right!"

"I have no interest in harming the child," Oom'Bagu returned, "But Prince Vegeta must be made to face his crimes."

"He doesn't need to, he's not like that anymore!" Goku insisted, "Why won't you listen to me?!"

"It's not entirely up to me," he hummed.

Goku turned, tried to block, but this time the black robed woman came down hard on him, an energy blast cutting across his chest and ripping his tunic. She screamed, unloading shot upon shot of energy down upon him. But when the smoke had cleared Goku stood firm, glaring at her. She watched him, her eyes widening just before he appeared in front of her with an upper cut strike, sending her flying backwards and temporarily dazed. He hit her again from the back, sending her crashing against the ground.

The rock man grunted as he hit the ground as well, driven by a strike from Vegeta's boot. But he had barely time to breathe before Nevrrest came at him again, blocking several blows from her jabbing beak before the talons of her feet sunk into his leg. He cried out as his pant leg was ripped, leaving several bloody gash marks behind. He snarled, blasting energy at her that she barely dodged and moving in, pounding at her chest with his fists. She was a hard target to hit, body too narrow, but he managed a blow that sent her flying back before she broke the spin in midair. Her tail weaved about and struck out at him. It grazed his cheek as he dodged it.

Trunks still struggled against the webs being slapped against him, the creature's limbs latching onto him as well. Finally, Trunks managed to get a kick off at his head, one of his few non-squishy parts, knocking him off.

"Saiyan blood indeed!" hissed the justiciar.

"You betcha!" Trunks shot back, throwing out his arms and making the webbing explode off him. A thick golden-red tail wrapped around him, making him choke as he was chucked down at the ground, hitting it hard. The next second Nevrrest's foot landed hard on his stomach, her talons digging into him. Vegeta screamed, tackling her. She cackled, grabbing him by the hair and threw him against the ground next to his son. Her other foot planted viciously on his chest, the talons digging into him as well. She hissed a laugh through her beak and teeth, slowly raising both hands, two fingers extended on each. A moment later she unleashed a horrid, endless barrage of red bolts down upon them, holding them down underfoot as the energy pounded against their chests, crying out. Nevrrest laughed louder and louder as she watched them helplessly suffer.

And then she heard something. "Kamehameha!"

"What?" she ceased the barrage and turned her head just in time to have a blue beam strike her. She shrieked as she was sent flying and bouncing across the dirt. Goku lowered his hands and Nevrrest lifted her head up, her eyes squinted in pain and anger. "Detain him!" she commanded. She forced herself to get back up. "These two are mine."

Goku's gaze jerked sharply as he saw the other justiciars converging on him. "This isn't good." He didn't want to hurt them. And none of them seemed to want to hurt him either. In fact, this fight was different than any he could remember – the land around them had been only minimally damaged by their battle so far. They were being careful. They were trained to be careful. Which served to affirm his belief that these were good people at heart. He saw Vegeta struggling to get back up, Trunks still in a daze. That Nevrrest…she'd hit them hard. He grunted resolutely as the five took formation. "All right then…I'll just have to keep the rest of you busy." He threw back his head in a loud cry, charging golden energy around him and prepared for attack.

Vegeta gritted his teeth, his torso throbbing as he sat up. He looked over at Trunks, grabbing his shoulder and shaking him fiercely. "Get up, Trunks!" he ordered, "This battle's far from over!" Trunks groaned softly as he lifted his head. Vegeta heaved himself onto his feet and looked sternly down at him. "You—"

A tower of red materialized behind him and drove a fist into his side. Vegeta gasped and gagged as blood flew from his mouth. Nevrrest hissed as she caught him in midair, throwing him skidding across the ground. Vegeta growled, lifting his head up in a stiff motion. She appeared in front of him. "Did you really think I'd let you recover?" Her tail snaked around his neck, lifting him up. "I don't hesitate." She drove her fist up his chin. "I don't take time to gloat." Her talons spread. "And I hold nothing back." Vegeta choked as she thrust her talons into his gut. "And…I remember a promise to make you bleed." Screeching, she whipped her arms back and forth, ripping into him. Blood started to splatter her beak. "Hahahaha! Hahahaha! AHAHAHAHAHA!"

Goku screamed, throwing out his arms in a giant pulse of energy in an effort to push the justiciars back. But they blocked it, holding firm as they skidded back through the air. He could feel Vegeta's power rapidly dropping, but he just couldn't get to him. Nevrrest had sent the others to keep him busy and that's exactly what they were doing. Trunks lifted his head again, his bruised face quivering as he saw his dad being ripped apart. He warbled and grunted, forcing himself up, and braced his hands together.

"You…" he grunted. Nevrrest paused in her slashing, letting Vegeta dangle dazed in her tail as she looked back at the half-saiyan. Trunks teeth gritted. "Take this!" He screamed, unleashing a volley of yellow charges, blasting at her repeatedly and rapidly.

Nevrrest hissed, her hands swirling as she deflected the bolts, her tail holding Vegeta behind her. Vegeta twitched, blood running down his carved up chest and from his mouth. Struggling, he raised his hand.

"Big…bang attack!" Nevrrest screamed as she was blown down, a sizable crater filled with smoke appearing where she'd been standing. Vegeta hung floating in the air about it, breathing heavily.

"Dad!" Trunks flew to him. Vegeta touched him briefly and they both looked down as the smoke cleared.

Nevrrest's shoulders shuddered as she pushed herself back up. "Hehehehe…" She turned around. "Sorry…still…alive."

"I've had enough, you damn feathered freak!" Vegeta snarled back at her. He clenched his fists and energy swirled around him. "I was playing nice before, but you've incurred my wrath!"

She giggled. "Oh yes…your anger. Because that has saved you so many times before, right?" She cackled at him and raised two fingers. "I'll give you a prediction, Vegeta. You are going to waste the last of your strength trying to knock me out of the air. And when you've expelled the last of what your 'wrath' can provide, I'll take your tail like you take your whore." His face shuddered with ire and he snapped his wrist down, viciously pointing his palm. She smiled and gently floated up, arms spread. "Two Super Saiyans, and still not enough. Who's the weakling now, Vegeta?"

"I'VE HEARD ENOUGH!" He threw both his palms out, hurling and utter storm of energy down upon her. Trunks charged up and joined in, doubling the storm, the barrage so thick they completely lost sight of their target, smoke brimming in the air.

"What are you, a landscaper or a warrior?!"

Vegeta spun around and fired in the other direction, screaming all the while. Trunks and him continued to turn, their attack pursuing her endlessly, the beautiful park below being reduced to a giant hole.

"What's the matter, Vegeta?! I thought you preferred a moving target?!" She reappeared and struck Trunks with a whip of her tail. He sailed off through the air, creating a trench as he slide to a halt, the gold fading from his hair. Vegeta ground his teeth, hissing and shuddering. She floated down before him again, her tail looping and weaving powerfully behind her. "So…got anything left?"

Vegeta screamed, blazing with power again and flying at her. This time he attacked with his fists, each one charged with rage, flying at her so fast the air trembled. She didn't even uncross her arms, moving subtly from each blow, her eyes glaring hatefully back at him. Goku ripped free from the webbing that held him once more, flashing a glance rapidly over towards Vegeta. This wasn't good! He was hoping that maybe if he kept the other justiciars busy, Trunks and Vegeta could take care of Nevrrest. But Trunks was down. And Vegeta was losing. He was about to instant transfer over to him when he saw the robed woman eyeing Trunks on the ground. She signaled to the winged creature and they shot down towards him. Goku shot down with them, crying out as he barred their path. No, he couldn't let them take Trunks! Vegeta would just have to make it on his own.

Vegeta spun, hurling a kick at his foe as hard as he could, gasping as she caught it and crushed his leg in her grip. "I'm sorry, but I think that's enough. You're finished." She tossed him up and seized him by the throat. He snarled and choked, grabbing her wrist in both hands. "Look at you struggle. How did you ever get so small?" She held up her other hand tantalizingly. "It's time, Vegeta. Relax…it will make it easier to bare."

Vegeta gargled and growled, twisting his head about violently as he struggled to get free of her strangling grip. His eyes widened as he saw her hand reaching out towards his waist. "No!" he cried, letting go of the hand on his neck and seizing the approaching hand with all his might.

Nevrrest cackled, her eyes sparkling. "Yes…" she purred, "Fight me…struggle with every last inch you have left…it makes it so much more fun!"

The grip on his neck became too much and he grabbed it again with one of his hands, the other one still struggling against Nevrrest's approaching fingers. He blazed with every ounce of energy he could muster through the pain and lack of oxygen, burning against her, his every muscle in his body clenched. But she just continued to laugh, slowly working her talons near and nearer to the golden tail about his waist. Vegeta shut his eyes, putting his entire concentration into trying to overpower her, his teeth grinding as he refused.

"Oooh the anticipation…how much it must be adding to your coming agony!" she gnashed her beak in a grin, "The building dread…clinging onto your last inch. Spend your energy, Vegeta. Spend it all. Delay it as long…as…you…like."

Vegeta let loose a gagging, gasping scream, his mouth stretched open wide as he channeled all his energy against her. She winced against the pain as his power scorched her and shoved her backwards, but still she held onto him like it was her last breath. Blood began to appear on his neck from her digging claws as she moved in once again.

"No…no…! No!" Vegeta howled. His arms buckled and she forced her fingers under the loop of his tail, squeezing as hard as she could. Vegeta's eyes bulged as one of the most horrid pains he'd ever felt shot through him up his spine – so terrible he couldn't even cry out. His eyes watered and still he struggled, trying to concentrate, trying to push the energy out of his tail before it was lost. She squealed with glee, giving her grip on the tail a sharp twist. "Ak…" he choked, a tear leaking from his eye. His body went limp, the gold fading into black.

"Yes…YES!" Nevrrest shrieked as Vegeta unwound from his tail, falling and dangling from it upside down in her grip. She spread her arms and threw back her head. "This is my day—you hear me?!—my day!" She laughed and then sneered, glaring down as she saw Trunks getting back up. She jabbed the finger of her free hand downward. "Seize the brat!"

Trunks powered up again and screamed, throwing both arms ahead of him as he flew up at Nevrrest. She grinned and snickered viciously, pointing two fingers down at him that charged with red energy. Trunks flew faster and faster at her, his fist locked back by his head.

Goku grabbed him, his arm clenching the boy by the waist, his green eyes looking directly into Nevrrest's severely as he pressed two fingers to his forehead. Trunks gasped and squirmed, crying out as he reached out a hand towards his dad. They flickered and vanished.

"CrrrrrAAAAAA!" Nevrrest screamed, blazing in a rage, their energies nowhere in sight. Her feathers rustled as she hissed, shifting to the Saiyan prince who dangled helplessly in her hand. She opened her mouth in another shriek, charging a giant ball of red energy and blasting the barely conscious Vegeta with it. She hit him with another and another and another until the blood started to run over his lips.

"Nevrrest! Nevrrest!" Oom'Bagu seized her arm just as she held up another charge. "You are killing him, stop!"

She froze, her breathing heaving and eyes bloodshot. But slowly she relaxed, the energy about her dissipating.

"Yes…calm, friend…calm," Oom'Bagu encouraged, loosening his grip on her and finally letting go, "It's over now. We have him."

"Hm," she grunted, touching the gem on her neck once more. She powered down, her body resuming its myriad of colors and normal size. The other justiciars followed suite, also powering down, their bodies changing back. "Forget the brat for now then," she snorted. She held up the dangling Saiyan. "He has been successfully captured. Return to the shuttle, I want him processed immediately."

Justiciar Horkion grunted as he became a little rock man once again, shifting his shoulders as to adjust to his normal size. "He'll have to be placed in a healing chamber, otherwise he won't even survive processing. Not with how bad a shape he's in."

"We'll capture his mongrel heir later," said Nettelish, brushing off her black robes.

"No." Oom'Bagu gave her a sharp, threatening look. "Put it the child out of your mind. Our work on this planet is done. We return to the fleet."

On some deserted plateau on the other side of the world, two Super Saiyans appeared. Trunks broke free from Goku's grip, powering down. Goku did the same. He watched silently as Trunk's shoulders shuddered.

"You…" He spun around and began to pound his fists again Goku's stomach. "Why did you do that?!" Trunks screamed at him, "Why?! Why?! Why did you stop me?! Why did you let them take my dad?! Why?! Why?!"

Goku let him pound on him with a quiet severity, putting his arm around Trunk's shoulders as he eventually started crying. "I'm sorry, Trunks," he finally said, "I didn't have a choice. If I didn't, they would have taken you too."

Trunks sobbed angrily, clenching Goku's tunic in his fists. "We shouldn't have run away, you never run away from a fight, Dad wouldn't have!"

Goku watched him for a moment longer and then got down on one knee, putting a hand on Trunk's forehead and pushing his fingers up into his violet hair. "Don't be scared, Trunks. I know it seems bad, but it's not over yet. Your dad's still alive and he's going to stay that way."

Trunks quivered as he looked down, trying to hold back the tears. "What are they going to do to him?"

Goku shut his eyes and sighed. "I don't know." He looked at him again. "But don't worry about it. I'm not abandoning your father. Wherever they take him, I'm following. You'll just have to have faith in him to hold on until then." Trunks gulped and sniffled. Goku stood up again and looked off. "I want you to stay here and hide for now. I don't know if they're still going to try to take you too or not, but I'm not taking any chances." He looked at him and smiled softly. "Don't worry. I'll let your mom know you're safe. But you have to promise me you'll stay out of sight. All right?"

Trunks bowed his head. "Dad wouldn't hide…but okay." He trembled.

Goku touched the top of his head again. "Thanks. I'm counting on you." He floated up, touched two fingers to his forehead, giving him a reassuring smile, and disappeared.

Trunks rubbed his fist over his eyes, pushing away his tears and looking around. It was then he spotted him floating in the air a ways away – a Namekian with a fluttering white cape, who studied the boy for a long moment.

"So," stated Piccolo, "It sounds like you have a story to tell."