Goku wasn't sure where Vegeta would be after the battle, but he wasn't expecting to see the beautiful, embeveled walls of the judicial deck. What he expected even less was that terrible stench that instantly slammed him in the face. It was a scent he hated, a scent he did his best to avoid because of what that smell meant: death. Specifically, the death of others. It wasn't hard to find the source of the stench either. There were corpses scattered all around him. Most of them had holes through their chests, many of them were missing portions of their bodies, but they all had one thing in common – each of them wore the crimson attire of Prison Ship 7.

"What…" said Goku, his expression wide and tight with horror, "What happened here?"

It was just then he heard a sound and turned about, perceiving the very one he'd come looking for, but not as he'd hoped to find him. Still nursing injuries from the battle, he carried a corpse over his shoulder like a slab of meat, his expression cold and distant. Goku found himself voiceless, watching with confusion and disbelief as Vegeta dropped the body and – gritting his teeth – grabbing it by the arm, spun with it, hurling it across the room. The corpse made a wet, slapping sound as it impacted the wall, leaving a splatter and smear on the engraved metal and stone.

"Vegeta, what are you doing?!" Goku at last managed to cry.

At the sound of his voice the prince immediately froze, his jaw locking open and lingering as he choked in a breath. He remained still for a long moment and finally turned his head to behold the saiyan in orange and blue, his pupils becoming very small in the midst of his wide eyes. "Kak…karot…" he sounded.

"Vegeta…" Goku answered, almost as still as his fellow.

Vegeta breathed heavily and staggered a little, coming closer. Seeing him straight on now, Goku couldn't help be reminded of a butcher he'd once known on Earth. The saiyan prince had blood coating his forearms up to his elbows. His clothes were probably smeared with it too, but he couldn't tell soiled from clean in that crimson fabric. Blood smeared his face in places as well from where his hands had touched. But what confused him the most was the very little blood that touched the corner of his mouth, as if he'd missed a spot with a napkin. Vegeta stopped in front of him and reached out a hand, planting it in the middle of Goku's torso, seeming to make sure he was solid. This confirmed, the shock drained from Vegeta's face, his look tightening and starting to quiver as he seized the blue part of Goku's tunic and hauled his upper half down to his level.

"How long have you been alive?" he growled.

"I…" said Goku, trying not to look at the blood on Vegeta's mouth and failing, "Well I never actually died—"

"What?!" Vegeta snarled, jerking him down further.

"It's not what you think!" Goku protested, holding up his hands, "I almost did die!" This did nothing to soften Vegeta's expression. "The fake Nettelish sucked all the blood out of me and I just barely held until Sepis found me and gave me some of Misado's magic fruit!"

"Sepis." Vegeta's eyes shifted to the side, thinking hard. He tensed again. "That was at least an hour ago – where have you been?!"

"In my room! Resting!" Goku piped back, still holding up his hands.

"What?!" Vegeta held the front of his tunic in both fists now. "You mean to tell me that all this time you've been NAPPING?!"

"It's not like that! I was still recovering! It took some time for me to get all my strength back!" At this Goku expected he would let go of him, perhaps turn away with a growl and mutter something. But he didn't, he kept holding onto him, trembling with rage. No, wait, it wasn't rage. Yes, Vegeta was angry, but it was more than that. Looking into those black eyes, he could see something worse than anger. It was pain. Goku's visage melted into concern. "Vegeta…what happened?"

"What happened?" he deeply hissed. He pulled Goku very close, his expression darkened with a look of betrayal. "You failed me, Kakarot."

"What?!" Goku exploded with shock, "But…how did…?" Vegeta at last let him go and shoved his palm into his face. Goku jerked back, it taking a moment for his vision to focus on the sliced flesh. "I don't understand," he said, tipping to the side, "You hurt your hand?"

"Garrh!" Vegeta snarled, lowering the hand like he wanted to slap him, "You idiot! Any warrior worth his merit would know what this is!"

"Well I don't!" Goku pleaded desperately, "So can't you just tell me what it is?"

Vegeta growled again and looked at the palm himself. "It's the mark of a Blood Pact, Kakarot."

"A Blood Pact, huh?" he said, touching his chin and readying his brain for serious thinking, "I don't know what that is, but it sure doesn't sound good."

"It's not…" Vegeta affirmed, his voice lowering bit, "Not in this case at least. The Blood Pact is the ultimate promise made between warriors. The cost of breaking it is to forfeit both your life and your honor."

Goku's face paled a little, starting to understand. "But…who did you make it with?" Vegeta looked at him. "Oh no…oh no!" Goku cried, taking a step back, "No, you didn't! Not with Nevrrest!"

Vegeta turned away, looking at his palm. "She left me with no choice." He looked accusingly back at Goku. "You left me with no choice."

"Me?! But what did I…what did you promise?"

"A bargain, Kakarot," he grimly corrected, "I ensure that she gets the revenge she desires and she will never do harm to either my family or the Earth."

Goku turned paler. "But why would she—"

"She was going to destroy it."

"What?!" Goku cried, jumping back a little, "Seriously?!"

"Yes, and she wasn't bluffing." He turned, regarding Goku carefully. "I could see it in her eyes." He looked down, clenched in pain and rage again. "And there was nothing I could do to stop her." He squeezed the hand and blood leaked out through his fingers. "So I did the only thing I could…!"

"You didn't have to give into her like that," Goku insisted, stepping forward, "I could have—"

"You could have what?!" he shouted, his eyes filled with betrayal once again, "You could have what, Kakarot?! What aid did a corpse have to offer me?!"

Goku stared at him, at last dawning with understanding. His mouth closed and his stance moved back. "You didn't know…so you had to sacrifice everything to save everyone on Earth." His head fell, his fists clenching at his sides and starting to shake.

"It's too late now," Vegeta said through his teeth, "My honor binds me to see to it that she gets what she wants. There's nothing that can change that."

Goku looked over the bodies scattered about the hall. "Did she make you kill all them?"

Vegeta almost laughed. "No," he snorted, "She did that just fine by herself."

Goku's head jerked with shock and anger. "She killed them?"

"Slaughtered them like cattle more like," Vegeta bitterly affirmed with another snort, knocking a body against his boot, "And all they could do was run around and squeal about it, if they even managed that."

"That's terrible," Goku concluded in his simple, serious way. He knelt by one of the bodies. "Even if they were murderers themselves, no one deserves that." He reached out for one.

Vegeta slapped his hand aside. "Don't touch them," he snarled.

"Why? We can't just leave them lying out here like this. It isn't human."

Vegeta was tempted to roll his eyes at the earthen terminology. "Can't you see that's exactly the point? This is all part of her plan."

Goku looked at him heavily. "You don't have to do this, Vegeta."

Vegeta seethed and turned on him as thought he might bite him with those bloodstained teeth. "Yes, I do!" he roared. He held up his palm again. "It is done, Kakarot! I have played my last card and must follow through with it till the very end – my honor is staked upon it! Nevrrest will have her revenge and I will see to it! Even if that means I have to stop you from interfering!"

Goku looked almost frightened at first, but then he stepped back, giving Vegeta a look of respect. "Okay, Vegeta," he quietly said, "I understand. I won't try to stop you." He turned, his shoulders squared like they sometimes did when he was mentally preparing himself for a fight. "But I also understand what it is to make a promise." Vegeta eyed him. "It only counts so long as the person you made it to holds you to it. So that's what I'm going to do." He turned around, all the softness of his face disappeared into a warrior's stern brow. "I'm going to go to Nevrrest and do whatever it takes to make her release you from your promise."

Vegeta regarded him, almost daring to be hopeful, but then shook his head. "She won't. Not now that she's finally getting what she wants." He snorted. "I think she'd rather die," he remarked with disdain.

"Maybe," Goku nodded, "But I still gotta to try." He looked like he was about to leave right then when he noted something. Vegeta watched him enter the bloodstained courtroom and after a moment he followed.

He found him standing over Un Nettelish's remains. "Don't be fooled," he warned, "It's—"

"I know," Goku assured, kneeling next to it, "She showed me right before she tried to kill me." Goku studied the body, taking in the wild black hair, muscular form, and long brown tail. "She's pretty," he observed.

Vegeta snorted, his arms folded. "A pretty corpse perhaps."

Goku pursed his lips and slipped his hand under her head, lifting her up slightly. "I know it wasn't the real her…" He reached out and closed the empty black eyes. "But still. She was one of us." Vegeta said nothing as Goku arrange the body in a respectful manner, laying the hands neatly over the chest and placing the legs together. The warrior stood up. "Vegeta. Whatever happens, I want you to remember this. I made a promise too. That promise was to come home with you. And even if it takes doing something I won't like, I'm going to keep it."

Again, Vegeta said nothing. Still, the two warriors eyed each other, a silent understanding passing between them. Despite all the power they had obtained over the years, they were still just men, with all the grieves and struggles that came with that existence. Vegeta nodded to him. Goku nodded back, turning away and vanishing without even a raise of his hand.

(**Scene Break**)

Sepis was content in the warmth that surrounded him. It had been long since he'd received an embrace from Nevrrest. She was not a person who's affections came easily. At most, he'd usually get a smile or a hand resting atop his head. But upon seeing him standing there, alive and well, she swiftly took him into her arms and held him close like a precious treasure. Such a terrible day, and yet I am so happy, Sepis thought warmly as he pressed his face to the soft fan of feathers that adorned the base of her neck, I have my friend Nevrrest. I have my friend Goku. The monsters are defeated. What more could I want?

Yet when he looked into her eyes he could see something was wrong. That warm magenta color…it seemed darker somehow. And she looked at him like she were seeing him from a far away island, not held to her chest as she crouched before him. He wanted to know what was troubling her, but he dare not ask. Honestly, he shouldn't be surprised. Being trapped in that room while all those terrible things went on must have taken its toll on her. He wanted to accept this as the simple facts, but he couldn't help be troubled. So he buried it in her warmth.

Nevrrest's fingers ran delicately over the top of his head. "Sepis." He met her eyes. Still so distant. "Do you love me?" she asked, as though whispering to the wind.

He blinked at her with surprise, but then squinted warmly. "But of course I do, friend Nevrrest."

"Always?" she softly pressed, continuing to stroke him, "No matter what?"

His antenna fell to the sides. "…Yes," he hesitated, not out of resistance to the question, but fear that something else was behind it.

But she just nodded. "I know. They all changed with time into different people." She looked upon him intensely, holding his head up in both hands. "But you, my Sepis? You have always been the same." His cold-blooded digits wrapped around her fingers. He had only meant to hold her hand for a moment, but his eyes flicked down, seeing a fresh wound sliced across her palm. She noticed him eyeing it and gently took the hand away, standing up. "Sepis…I know it has been a…an unspeakable day. But before anything more happens, there is something I must say."

"Yes?" he attentively asked.

A light flickered through the glaze that seemed to have covered her irises, her hands folded behind her. "…I don't want you involved any further in the matter with Vegeta."

Sepis's antenna lifted hopefully. "Yes, friend!" he agreed, surprising her, "I think perhaps…we have done enough…?"

She studied him for a long moment with a deeply furrowed brow, her plume draped over her shoulder. In that moment, he was reminded that she was, what many other species would consider, beautiful. And yet, he was a bit frightened by the smirk that curled over her cheeks. "No, Sepis," she whispered, "No, not nearly enough." She took his chin in her hand. "But you have done more than enough. The end is near. You don't have to worry anymore."

He could tell she wished to assure him, but it did not. Rather, it made him feel afraid. What is in you, my friend Nevrrest? He touched her hand again, but this time did not dare look at the mark. "Then I won't," he warmly assured, "You won't see me worry a bit." A strange noise sounded in the Hammer's control room, where he had found his friend Nevrrest, but he immediately recognized it. "Goku!" he cried cheerfully as the saiyan flashed into existence.

Ke-ke-BUMP! Came the loud shuffling of Nevrrest scurrying back and falling against the control panel, several annoyed beeps coming from the computer as random buttons were accidentally pressed.

Sepis laughed at her expression of terror. "It's alright, friend Nevrrest! It's not a ghost!" Nevrrest's face reddened and he held out a hand at the Saiyan. "Remember I told you I had a surprise I'd be sharing with you soon? This is it! Goku didn't die after all!" Nevrrest continued to stare at Goku apprehensively, confusing Sepis greatly. That was until he looked at the warrior's face.

Goku wasn't looking his usual good-natured self. That wasn't to say he looked bad, but he certainly no longer looked friendly. His eyes were heavy and narrowed, locked on Nevrrest like he was trying to glare her into submission. And it almost seemed to be working. Nevrrest stared back at him like she really was being visited by a ghost – and a vengeful one at that.

Sepis looked between the two of them. "…Friends?"

Goku's knuckles whitened. "Take it back, Nevrrest," he ordered.

Her chest rose and fell stiffly. "What?" she said in a whisper.

"The promise you forced on Vegeta."

The paleness at last left her beak and her lids flattened half way on her irises, her gaze disdainful, empty as a void. "Oh. Is that it?" She leaned back on the control panel, spreading her arms down the length of it. "My are you quick. Back from the dead and already causing trouble again."

"Yeah, I get that a lot—" Goku was starting to say but then he froze, the anger draining from his face into horror. "Nevrrest," he suddenly breathed, "What have you done to yourself?!"

Sepis gasped and immediately jerked his attention in Nevrrest's direction, expecting to see some horrid wound or deformity that would render such a question. But he found nothing of the sort. Rather, he once again found himself noting how beautiful she was. It was strange, he had never considered that aspect of her before. He had always thought of her as strong, powerful; determined. She was still all those things, but a bizarre sort of contentedness had come over her, bits of her silky, shiny plume draping over her shoulders as she leaned back against the control panel, her tail curling across the floor, her many colors dark and brilliant, her eyes lustrous and frightening. It all almost gave him the urge to take to a knee and pay homage to her.

But whatever Goku saw must have been something entirely different, his lids tight with unhappiness. "It's…it's like the Majiin Curse! But…but that can't be! Babidi's dead!"

Nevrrest frowned at him. "What are you babbling about?"

Goku's jaw clenched apprehensively. "The negative energy that's filling your body!" he exclaimed, "It's choking out almost everything that's good in you! Can't you feel it?" She examined her talons with disinterest and Goku's expression grew stern and angry again. "You feel like my brother, Vegeta, and Frieza all did. Evil."

Evil? Sepis whispered in his mind.

"Hmph! Hahahaha." She reached back, running her fingers through her green and red plume and tossing it with contempt. Then, she smiled, sending shivers through Sepis's shell. "Well. Everything has its price."

Goku growled and flinched like he'd just been struck. "And you're okay with that?!"

"Okay with it?" she almost laughed, "Why…yes, I suppose I am. Honestly, I didn't think I'd be. I was terrified of the consequences, should I ever cross that line." She shut her eyes and tipped her head back, her plume rippling with the motion. "But now that I'm here…? The relief of all those burdens lifted off me is incredible."

"Burdens?!" he shouted at her, stooped and muscles tight, "You mean all the people who were counting on you?!"

"I wouldn't be so personal about it," Nevrrest chided, glancing briefly at Sepis with mild concern, "Besides, it's only temporary. I always knew some price would be involved in getting the justice my people deserve. I just never expected it'd be this particular one."

Goku shuddered, disbelieving of what he was hearing. "You can't just become something evil and then go back again when you want to!" he shouted at her, "It doesn't work like that!"

"Why not?" she grinned, cocking a brow at him, "It's what your friend did, isn't it?"

His expression flattened. "That's not the same at all. Besides, Vegeta had to pay for his mistakes. Have you considered that, Nevrrest? What you might have to go through because of what you've done?" He dared to gesture at Sepis. "What the people you care about might have to go through?"

Her eyes flickered for the briefest of moments. "I have," she confidently answered, "And it's unacceptable." That shark-toothed grin spread again under her beak. "But I always find a way. I'm a survivor, Goku." She tapped the side of her skull gently. "And I have a plan that will make everything better in the end. So don't you worry."

"I don't much care what your plans are, Nevrrest. I'm not letting this go on any longer. I gave you plenty of chances to do the right thing, but you refused."

Sepis's heart raced faster and faster with every word with that passed between them, flooded with confusion and fear. Why was Goku so angry? He hadn't seen him like this since the day Vegeta had been poisoned. No, even that wasn't an accurate comparison. That day, Goku had been so worried and upset. But now, the look in his eyes was that of a hero facing a villain. But it was all wrong. All wrong! Whatever Nevrrest had done, surely she'd had a good reason for it. And Nevrrest, what was this promise she'd made with Vegeta? Why did she have to look so sinister? Shouldn't she be happy to see Goku was alive? This was all so devastating he wanted to cry.

Nevrrest stared at Goku in silence, seeming to size the saiyan warrior up. "Not letting it go on any longer, are you?" she remarked, amused. She ceased leaning on the control panel and took a few steps toward him. She grinned and held out a hand, flicking her talons at him. "Well…come with it then…Legendary Super Saiyan. It's about time you got around to revealing your true nature to everyone, you impudent little monkey."

"No, please!" Sepis cried, leaping out and grabbing Goku's arm in both hands, "Don't do this, friends!"

Goku's mouth twisted a little at Sepis's pleas. "I'm sorry, Sepis," he answered, eyes still on Nevrrest, "But this is something I have to do."

"Don't bother trying to reason with him, Sepis," Nevrrest coldly remarked, also unceasing in her glare, "Once a Saiyan always a Saiyan. I don't care if he is half brain dead."

Goku was unmoved by the insult. "I'm going to give you another chance, Nevrrest," he stated firmly, "Take back the promise you forced on Vegeta and right the wrongs you've made."

She moved fast, slashing open both cheeks without fear. "You presume too MUCH!" she shouted with an eagle-like cry. Goku caught her fist, white energy swirling around them both as blood dripped down Goku's cheeks like war-paint. "I would never submit to the likes of you, no matter the case!"

"Nooo!" Sepis pleaded, jumping up and down, "Stop!"

Goku forced himself to ignored the Arlian, though it hurt to do so, unwavering in his concentration as he caught Nevrrest's other fist. She's strong… He thought as he grunted.

Their fingers interlocked. Nevrrest's eyes narrowed to slits, their two faces just bare inches apart, gritting at the other. Her eyes widened as he suddenly shoved her arms up and, before she could act, slammed his knee into the unarmored part of her gut. His other knee came up to hit her again, but her tail lashed around it like a serpent, yanking him off balance. They both ended up spinning across the room and bumping into control panels.

Nevrrest coughed a little and waggled a finger at him. "Oh you're good," she grinned, her eyes lighting with excitement, "Your form is just as beautiful in person as it was on the screen."

Goku remained against the control panel, though his arms and legs were tense, ready to move again. "If we're going to do this," he advised, "We should take it somewhere else. Someplace where Sepis doesn't have to see it."

She cackled at him. "Take what somewhere else? Ha. You think I'm actually out to fight you?" Her talons twitched as though they were itchy. "No. As wonderfully exciting as that sounds…" She grew another disgusting grin. "I just wanted to piss you off…"

They zipped forward and met at the middle, fists clenched at their sides and bent in each other's faces. Goku frowned heavily, his brow knit together with disapproval. His mouth twitched like he was composing a sentence when the nearby door opened.

A sound rang out somewhere between a gasp and a gargled growl. "Kon'gat!" Simultaneously, Goku and Nevrrest's eyes widened slightly and shifted to the doorway, finding Oom'Bagu standing there with his battle baton strapped on, looking like he'd just swallowed a live fish.

Nevrrest straightened up. "Oom'Bagu. Your timing is strangely appropriate." He continued to stare.

Sepis skittered forward. "Goku's alive!" Which he clearly didn't notice, seeing that he was staring right at the Saiyan.

"Yes, and as happy a discovery that is," Nevrrest stated and then pointed disapprovingly at Goku, "He must be sent away from the fleet. Apparently, somehow this current situation gave him mind to threaten and then attack me."

Goku's expression grew slightly panicked. "But wait—she hit me first!" he cried, pointing back.

Oom'Bagu blinked at the two warriors as they pointed accusingly at each other like little children. At last he sighed, removing his baton from its shoulder sheath. "…I was not expecting this," he stated helplessly. His eyes shifted heavily on Nevrrest.

She gave him a slightly irritated look in return. "What are you staring at, Oom'Bagu?" she chided. He didn't answer, still gazing upon her with sternness and disappointment. She blinked and then glared. "Well? What's that look for?!"

He briefly allowed himself to look at the Saiyan again. "Goku." He managed a very weak smile. "It greatly pleases me to see you alive and well. But…" He resumed looking at Nevrrest unhappily. "Forgive me if I am unable to celebrate."

"I know you told me not to fight with her," Goku answered, trying to be reasonable, "But she left me with no choice."

"I know." Both Goku and Nevrrest stood stunned by this answer, Sepis finding himself anxiously retreating all over again. Oom'Bagu took a deep, measured breath, resting his weight on his battle baton. "Nevrrest…I asked you to remain in your quarters."

"Oom'Bagu, you know very well there is too much turmoil in the fleet for me to remain idle," she countered, her tail flicking, "I know I had a…emotional slip-up. But I'm much better now. The Justice needs me."

The Gregorik looked down sadly and slowly shook his head. "Nevrrest, my friend…" He was silent for a long moment, his lips parted and struggling. "You…no longer have a reason to lie to me." She took a step back. "…I've been sorting through all the security files concerning Vegeta." He move gently forward. "And do you know what I found?"

A feather came loose from her crest and drifted down onto the floor. "What?"

"Nothing," he deeply pronounced, "Not a single piece of evidence remained. Any and all files pertaining to his recent traumas no longer exist." He stepped forward. "Now, if those injuries were self inflicted, why would the security footage be edited to look like nothing occurred?"

Her lids fluttered. "I…I don't know."

"On the surface nothing appeared to be amiss," Oom'Bagu continued, pacing a bit, "No one would see anything wrong unless they already suspected trouble. But given the need of close inspection, the signs of tampering and foul play are self-evident." He eyed her carefully. "Do you understand what I'm saying Nevrrest? Enough evidence has been gathered to warrant an arrest." Her talons twitched at her side. "An arrest…of Sepis."

Goku jerked with horror, turning to the little Arlian. Sepis's carapace had turned pale and oily, looking between the three of them desperately. "An…arrest?" said Sepis, barely able to speak, "Of me? But…I…"

He was about ready to faint when Goku's body planted in front of him. "No, Oom'Bagu, please!" he firmly protested, "Sepis—"

Oom'Bagu held up a hand, assuring him he wasn't finished. "That is whom the evidence accuses. His metaphorical 'fingerprints' are all over it." He stepped a little closer towards Nevrrest. "But we both know that Sepis is incapable of masterminding these things. That he would never act on his own. That it's completely outside his nature. Isn't it?"

The Grand Marshal looked down, nodding silently with every word. "Yes." She looked at him without hesitation. "Sepis was very little involved. I did it." She gave a minute shake of the head, her voice a whisper. "And I'm not sorry."

Goku put his hand down on Sepis as the Arlian hugged his waist.

Oom'Bagu's forehead rippled with pain. "Why?"

"You mean why did I do it?" She gave him a little, sympathetic smile. "The Justice was never for me, Oom'Bagu. It's ways are not what I wanted. If I truly had my way, every single one of those monsters we captured would be little more than corpses now. But I gave you what you all wanted. I did it to give you peace." She clutched her hand in a claw over her heart. "But this one thing…this one thing…I had to keep it for myself. It's all I've ever wanted. Just this one thing…"

"Is that really the case?"

"I…" She let the hand fall. "I suppose not. There was a time where I wanted to believe the way the rest of you do. I struggled with that desire many, many years." She arched her body back, spreading her arms like she wanted to float away. "But now? Now I've finally accepted the truth and given up. And I'm so…free."

"You're mad is what you are." She jerked upright. "Yes, I said it. Mad. That is what I felt in the courtroom. Both tonight and this morning. Madness."

She stood taken aback. But then her brow flatten, her eyes narrowing emptily. "Madness, it is? Tell me, Oom'Bagu…is it madness to love someone?" Oom'Bagu's brow hardened further. "Even when that person is terrible? And even greater…is it madness for that evil person to love someone else?"

Oom'Bagu swallowed and held out a hand. "You…are not well."

Her head fell, trembling, the shadow deepened over her eyes. "You say that as if it should come as a surprise…" Dark red energy swirled around her, her talons upheld and twitching furiously. "I haven't been well since the day that ape bastard set foot on my planet!" She roared angrily, her feathers all fanning out as she clutched her head. "He's like a poison that got into my veins, haunting my every waking moment! Still, I tried so hard to be the good person I wanted to be." She turned on them all, her eyes bloodshot, throwing her arms out at her hips as the red energy burned around her. "Don't I deserve some credit?! I tried, didn't I?! DIDN'T I?!"

Oom'Bagu winced slightly against the blaze of energy, but still took a step forward. "Yes…you did, friend. You did. And I failed you because I was too weak to see this demon inside. I've let it torment you for so long. No more." He held out a hand again to her. "Please. Let me help you. No one has to suffer anymore. Especially you."

Her fangs slipped back into the soft gums of her beak, her breathing catching and her feathers relaxing a little. "So…you do understand then?" she asked hopefully, "You understand all that I've done? Why I've chosen to become this monster? Why I tortured a man who brought so much pain to others? To me?"

Oom'Bagu grimaced at her words. "I understand…that you are confused. Lost." His eyes glowed mauve for a moment. "I can feel it…I've been able to feel it for a while. But I refused to believe it came from you. Because…you won my heart, Nevrrest." He gave a tiny, helpless laugh. "You won all our hearts. Your strength. Your courage. Your tenacity. You made us all believe in things we were too afraid to hope for anymore." Her plume fell a little more and he smiled softly. "Even if you didn't mean to. I understand now. All you ever wanted was to destroy – a terrible creature, as you said. You never meant to be loved."

Her brow shivered and Goku brightened with hope, seeing the darkness in her beginning to part. "I…I never asked for it," she replied, holding herself, "But…to have it…I wanted to be…I wanted to protect you all. Can't you see that is the reason for all the disguises and lies?"

Oom'Bagu was right before her now. "And in that, I find your redemption – that you, in your own way, wanted to protect us from yourself." He gently grasped her by the wrist. "I understand now how you see all that has happened. And I promise, I won't forget it." She dared to smile at him, reaching out a hand to touch his face. He grasped the other wrist before she could reach him. Both their expressions fell. "But I can't ignore what you've done." He placed her wrists together between his two hands, cupping them. "Though it pains me to do so, I'm removing you from command. You're going on medical leave. Indefinitely."

Never was horror so evident across a being's entire body as it was Nevrrest's in that moment. She molted several feathers at once, all the color draining from her beak and her eyes turning to dots, barely able to breathe. Oom'Bagu held her, speaking gently to her, trying to assure her that he would help her get well again, that the nightmare would be over soon. But as she wavered and shivered, her muscles starting to bulge.

Goku saw it, his insides jumping. "Oom'Bagu, look out!"

But the empath must have sensed it coming as well, ducking as Nevrrest's tail whipped up, swiping where his head had just been. Oom'Bagu rolled to the side, his baton immediately in hand. "I had feared you would resort to this," he said seriously, "Nevertheless, I will take you quietly."

Her darkened eyes narrowed to slits. "I don't think so." She reached up, twisting the gem on her band to the right. Nothing happened.

"The Core has been deactivated for repairs," Oom'Bagu told her, crouched in a battle stance, "Your quantum form is out of your reach." His eyes shifted back. "Goku." The Saiyan gave him his full attention. "I do not wish this to get out of hand. Therefore, as Grand Warden of the Justice, I request you aid me in detaining Nevrrest. Be swift and gentle. I do not wish her harmed."

"Mm," Goku nodded, squared and brow lowered.

Nevrrest hissed. "But what if she wants YOU HARMED?!" She threw back her head with a screech, white energy shooting up in a vortex around her and flashing bright red, every feather on her body turning stiff and red, her eyes glowing yellow. Goku and Oom'Bagu readied themselves, but she didn't attack. Instead, she straightened and pointed vindictively at them. "I don't know why I thought for even a moment you might understand. You two, you want the universe wrapped up in a neat little bundle, black and white, all simple and plain." Her teeth appeared. "Well it's NOT! The universe is all chaos where demons are heroes and good men and women are crushed by the promises of hope and joy. There are no such things!" The hand balled into a fist. "There is only strength. That is the only constant I have found."

"I see it is futile to reason with you at this point," said Oom'Bagu, putting on a cold, stern face, "A time will come for love. A time will come for forgiveness and understanding. But it is not now!" This time he pointed. "Now it is time to contain this evil that has taken over you."

"Evil?" she almost laughed. She looked down at the cut on her palm and Oom'Bagu frowned heavily at it, having not noticed it before. "Yes…I will not deny that."

Oom'Bagu straightened, still gripping his staff. "What have you done?"

"That's what I was here," Goku explained, glaring at Nevrrest, "She forced Vegeta into some kind of promise, saying she would destroy the Earth if she didn't get her revenge."

Goku have never seen so much white in Oom'Bagu's eyes before. Sepis cried out in terror as Oom'Bagu slammed Nevrrest against the wall, his baton pinned against her throat. "How could you?!" he bellowed at her, "After all the worlds we saved together?! After all the battles we fought – protecting the innocent! You would throw it all away for one man?!"

Nevrrest hissed, gripping the staff as it pressed against her. "For…my people…"

"Your people wouldn't want this, Nevrrest!" Goku insisted, standing by the angry Gregorik.

"Heh…I suppose I can't say," she admitted, muscles seeming to ripple, "The dead don't speak to me." Her eyes shifted. "But…there is one who still lives. And if for no one else, I have gladly become evil for him."

Oom'Bagu followed her gaze, seeing that it landed on Sepis, who gasped, his carapace sleek with oil. His brow lowered slightly. "Is it so, Sepis?" he prodded, "Is this what you wish? For your friend to sacrifice her soul to bring you vengeance?"

Sepis quivered, looking at Nevrrest with wondrous desperation. "I…I don't…"

An eagle's shriek with the force of a typhoon rang out, red energy exploding as Oom'Bagu was sent flying over the control boards. Goku was right on the beat, his hair flashing gold as he met Nevrrest with a strike, her guard beautifully blocking it, followed by a series of rapid punches she easily weaved through. Goku's teeth gritted, his lips crinkled with impressment, just before her tail snagged his neck, whipping him in a backwards arch. Goku flew and Oom'Bagu reappeared, zooming across the room, baton locked at his side. Nevrrest ducked and weaved to avoid the weapon's strikes, veering to the side as Goku came at her again with a high kick.

Sepis gripped his head in horror as he watched this take place. He was anything but a warrior, but he didn't have to be one to see that Nevrrest was in a very bad place. The control room was a terrible battlefield, small and full of equipment. Despite being fathoms more powerful that Oom'Bagu, she couldn't risk a direct strike to him without feeling the punishment of his empathic reflect. And Goku…he moved so fast he could barely see what was going on. But despite these drastically poor odds, she was holding her own. For now.

But was that a good thing? Was this what was right? Is this what his dear friend Nevrrest deserved? Was this just retribution for her sins? He shut his eyes and quivered. I have gladly become evil for him, her voice rang in his mind. His lids cracked open again just in time to see Nevrrest rip a panel from the wall and belt it across Oom'Bagu's face with both hands. Oom'Bagu's chin was thrown to the side, red blood flung from his jaws.

Of course! thought Sepis hopefully, The Empathic Reflect only works if he's attacked with direct contact or energy!

But wait…was he…cheering for Nevrrest? Who's side was he on? He winced as Goku's fist broke straight through the paneling, nailing Nevrrest in the cheekbone. She impacted the wall, causing cracks and sparks of shielding. She winced one eye half shut, hissing through her clenched beak. The two warriors came at her again, but her energy flared, causing the entire wall of paneling to shred and break apart into needle-like projectiles. Goku and Oom'Bagu were forced to shield themselves against the assault, Nevrrest leaping into attack position once again.

Her hand came up, her body sparking as her fingers spread and arched forward in a shape Sepis had seen before. "Vice Web!" Threads of red energy shot out from the tip of her talons like vicious threads. Goku tried to guard against them, but they moved away from him and whipped back, wrapping around like a red cocoon. The Saiyan warrior struggled and growled as his limbs were pinned to his torso. But before he had a chance to break free, the threads pulsated with terrible crimson power. Goku screamed, his eyes seeming to turn white as the energy tore at his body.

"Nooooo!" Sepis wailed, too afraid to look.

Oom'Bagu came at her from a blindspot, but she sensed him, whipping her tail at him. But the tail missed its target. Oom'Bagu moved his baton in the way, letting the tail wrap around it instead and yanking hard. Nevrrest let out an almost comical squawking sound as she was hurled to the side, losing control of her attack. Goku collapsed.

"Goku!" Sepis cried, running to his side. He shook him gently, whimpering. "Friend Goku!"

Goku grunted, pushing himself up on one arm and gritting his teeth. His skin was darkened and roughed in places, but otherwise he seemed alright. As he got to his feet, Sepis held onto his arm, as though his desperate, weak grasp could hold him at bay. Goku looked back at him seriously and sadly, his golden hair rippling on an invisible wind. The Arlian's digits faltered, slipping and drifting away. The Saiyan pinned his gaze on Nevrrest once more.

Oom'Bagu and Nevrrest were locked in mad combat that Sepis could no longer follow, Oom'Bagu's battle baton spinning wildly around him and Nevrrest's entire body whipping about. The air whistled with the sound, the control consoles creaking and groaning as they struggled to stay attached to their podiums. Nevrrest did a quick twist motion and suddenly Oom'Bagu's baton was in her hands. She raised it above her head, eyes hatefully narrowed at her old friend.

Su-weep! Nevrrest cried out in an angry gasp as Goku suddenly materialized behind her, buckling his powerful arms around hers and yanking them back. She growled and screeched as her back slammed against his sternum. Her tail whipped. He stomped on it, pinning it to the floor.

"I'm sorry, Nevrrest," he said quietly.

She struggled, but not in time. Oom'Bagu leapt, a pair of fingers outstretched like a spearhead. She gagged, her eyes wide as he rapidly jabbed several places, her breath quivering as her legs gave out. The red energy around her flashed, fading into normal colors and leaving her slumped and dangling in Goku's grasp. Oom'Bagu studied her grimly and reached out for her fusion band.

"NO!" Oom'Bagu was startled as Sepis leapt between him and Nevrrest, his arms outspread in a body shield. His eyes snapped shut and he screamed. "No I won't let you do this Oom'Bagu!" His body quivered, starting to weep. "How dare you…?" He looked over his shoulder at Goku, his bulgy red eyes electric with anger. "I saved you! I called you friend! And now…you want to destroy the only other person I care as deeply about as you?" Goku's serious expression quivered and faltered under this accusation. His hair faded to black and his grip on Nevrrest loosened, letting her slip to the floor at his feet.

"Goku," Oom'Bagu warned.

"Sepis, I—" Goku tried.

"You're supposed to help people!" Sepis shouted at him, "Isn't that what you told me? That…that you wanted to help me?"

"I…I do, Sepis," Goku said with a look of pain, "But…" He shut his eyes, tipping his head down grimly. "But I have a friend to protect too. And you know how badly she wants to hurt him."

Sepis hugged Nevrrest's head, resting her beak on his shoulder, still looking at Goku angrily. "Then maybe you're as stupid as she says." He stroked her, looking at his dear friend gently. "She doesn't want pain. She wants freedom. All these years…we've been trapped! Trapped by the wickedness that was done to us. All we've ever wanted was for it to end."

Oom'Bagu looked like he was struggling against the emotions Sepis was pouring out, but he held firm. "Sepis…while your sentiments and loyalties are admirable—"

"Shut up," Sepis snapped, crying as he held her neck, "She called you friend too. And you let her down."

Oom'Bagu looked like he'd just be stabbed in the heart. "I know." His expression quivered, but then hardened. "Sepis, I order you to get out of the way."

"No," he shot back, holding her tighter, "I won't let her go!" Nevrrest's eyes cracked open, sad and disbelieving at her own blurred vision.

Oom'Bagu drew a breath. "Very well."

Next thing Sepis knew he was sailing through the air. He squealed as he thudded against a control panel, the buttons giving annoyed beeps as he tumbled over it.

Goku looked horrified. "Oom'Bagu—!"

"Goku," Oom'Bagu said coldly as he stood over Nevrrest, "I am being merciful."

Sepis squeaked painfully, his vision clearing as he climbed over the side of the control board. It was like a moment frozen in time. He could see Goku standing like a wall between him and Nevrrest, pain and concern written all over his face. Oom'Bagu had turned to stone, his thick fingers frightening as he reached for Nevrrest.

Evil.

I have become evil.

You feel like Frieza did. Evil.

I must contain this evil!

Evil.

Gladly…for you.

He saw Vegeta standing there, his hand filled with light. Heroes are monsters and good men and women are crushed by the promise of hope and joy! On a cold planet years ago, Nevrrest's body curled around him, protecting him from a terrible blast. She threatened to destroy the Earth! Goku's recent face looked stern and sadly upon him. I'm sorry I called you a coward. You're a lot stronger than you think you are.

Nevrrest turned as Sepis wandered into the cabin of their tiny ship, nervously holding a scouter in his hands. "I…I fixed it." She raised a brow with curiosity and he secured it on, pressing the button on the side. "See?"

She came closer and took it from him, frowning it as she tried it out herself. "How…did you do this?"

Sepis fiddled with his hands. "I…I don't know. It just…came to me."

She handed it back to him and he tried it on again. Smirking disdainfully, she suddenly flashed red. The scouter squealed and crackle-popped.

"Gah!" he cried, fumbling with it as it smoked.

"Hmph," she snorted, turning away, "Still no good to us."

"I'll make it better!" Again, she looked at him with curiosity. He shifted and then squinted his best smile. "I'll make it so good it…it will make Lord Frieza jealous! Erm…somehow."

And she did something for the very first time. She laughed. She laughed warmly and smiled ever so slightly, touching a hand to the top of his head. "You're a good…you're good to have around, Sepis." She cleared her throat nervously. "I'm…I'm glad to have met you."

He dared to touch her hand. "As am I…friend Nevrrest."

Standing before him, Goku finally looked down shamefully and turned away.

Sepis's eyes watered. Fate is cruel, my friends.

Oom'Bagu grasped Nevrrest's fusion band, tapping out the sequence code necessary to remove it. Goku wasn't looking anymore, his expression silent and sad. But then the air grew hot. Very hot. Goku and Oom'Bagu both stiffened, but only just before they screamed. Nevrrest's eyes widened with disbelief as the most powerful pacification field she'd ever witnessed ripped through their bodies. They fought and struggled against it, but it wouldn't let up, shocking, torturing, and overwhelming them until they both collapsed on the floor in disheveled heaps.

Nevrrest's jaw hung, breathing sharply as she limply pushed herself up. But…how could that have happened? The pacification field didn't just fire off at random, it worked by locking onto the genetic signatures of prisoners. So how had…

Her eyes drifted to the side and spotted Sepis. He was breathing heavily, his fingers still locked over one of the manual control panels. He breathed a deep sigh. "Good…so my math was right."

She pushed herself into a sitting position. "Sepis…?"

He hopped down from the slightly bent swivel chair. Before she could say anything he ran to her and wrapped his cold, hard arms around her. "I'm sorry I let them hurt you…!"

She stared at Goku and Oom'Bagu's still forms with disbelief. "You…you knocked them unconscious…" She blinked and then looked at him with angry concern. "Sepis, you've—!"

"My dear friend." He took her hands and looked at her with earnest. "If you are evil, then I am evil as well. I have remained by your side all these years…how could I call you friend if I abandoned you now?"

A groan sounded behind him. "Sepis…" pleaded Goku's voice.

Sepis winced, but he patted Nevrrest's hand. "Don't worry. I'll take care of everything. Your secrets are safe." He pressed her hand to his chest. "Here."

"Sepis…don't…do…this…" Goku's voice continued to creak, barely conscious.

Sepis left Nevrrest and crept up by Goku. His hand trembled with grief, but he stroked Goku's messy hair. "I'm…I'm sorry, friend Goku." He quivered. "When the time comes…you can blame me. Hate me. Punish me."

"Sepis—!" Goku tried to reach for him.

"But for now…" He grasped Goku's head and thudded it against the floor. "Just go back to sleep…"