"I guess that's really the only solution…isn't it?" Sepis stated, gazing at his wristband with terror.

Sepis's brain had always worked fast. He had considered every possible solution to the problem. The most obvious idea had been to switch the other justiciars' nodes from receiving energy to giving it. And though Oom'Bagu in particular had a couple million's worth of power level to contribute, it wasn't nearly enough to give Nevrrest the increase she was asking for. He had pondered ways of boosting the reflectors to increase the energy amplification through the giant chunk of ybora that made the core's heart. But that would surely cause a system meltdown and every other alteration ended similarly.

Then the obvious solution had presented itself. The horrible, obvious adjustment. It was simple, even. Any one of his engineers could have performed it – perhaps not while the Core was active, but still. The risk involved…not to mention the side effects…

"It's the only way," he repeated, "You've already figured that out. So are you going to do it…are you going to keep your promise…or are you going to chicken out after all…?" He gripped his wristband, his entire body rattling audibly against the floor. "No-I'll-do-it. I will." He forced his hand to grab the tool. "I will."

(**Scene Break**)

Bulma blinked as the chocolate sauce dripped from her spoon and landed on her shirt, the bowl of ice cream balanced on her swollen belly. Any day now, the doctor had said. It could even be today or tomorrow that the baby decided to enter the world. And Vegeta still hadn't come home.

She stared at the spot of chocolate sadly for a long moment before calling across the house. "Oolong! Bring me a wet towel right away!"

"Yeah, yeah, I'm coming," grunted back the little pig-man, carrying a tray with a glass of milk. He sat the tray down and climbed up on the sofa, getting a towel like a regular little butler and cleaning up the spot. "I don't get why I have to help take care of you for. I don't have anything to do with this!"

Bulma socked him on the head. "Would you stop complaining already?! You're driving me crazy!"

"Hey!" he shot back, rubbing his noggin, "I'm the real victim here!"

Bulma seized him by the collar. "My husband is in a space prison and my son is hiding in a cave somewhere, you jerk!"

"Ow! Hey!" he oinked, flailing in protest, "At least they got Goku and Piccolo to look after them! Who do I got, huh?! I got nobody to protect me—aaah-aah-aah!"

"I'll show you being in need of protection!" she shouted back, hooking her arm around his neck and digging her knuckles into his skull.

At that moment, the shopping channel on her TV changed. Words played across the screen accompanied by a pleasant, female voice. "This is an emergency Justice broadcast. Your time and attention please."

"Wait, I've seen that before," said Bulma, still squishing Oolong under her arm, "That's the same thing that appeared when that video of Vegeta destroying a planet was played." Her blue brow tightened and she growled, chucking the pig on the floor. "Hrrrnn! What are those freaks up to now?!"

She waited impatiently as the screen changed to some kind of logo and then faded to a bizarre looking alien with a translucent body, wrapped in bandages and dressed in a gorgeous set of make-up, gemstones, and a cape of pure gold.

"Hey!" Bulma pointed over Oolong's shoulder, practically tackling the little pig, "It's one of the guys who took Vegeta! Looks like he's had it rough. Serves him right!"

"Would you get off of me?!" Oolong squealed and squirmed, "With all that baby-weight, you're practically crushing me to death!"

"But still," Bulma ignored him, touching her chin, "I have to admit he looks pretty impressive right now. Even with my incredible fashion sense, I'd have a hard time topping that ritzy look!"

"Recently," the glamourous alien spoke, "Justice News announced that Prince Vegeta had played a vital role in a traitorous plot to destroy the Justice and release thousands of high-powered criminals on the galaxy…and had been executed."

"WHAT?!" Bulma shrieked, plowing over Oolong and seizing the sides of the TV.

However, her expression changed as he continued. "I'm here to tell you now that that…was a total lie."

(**Scene Break**)

Piccolo had grabbed Trunks as soon as his sharp, Namekian ears had caught wind of it. Now, they were both crouched outside some house in the middle of nowhere, spying through the window at the TV of an elderly couple. The old man kept fiddling with the dials, but on every channel the image was the same.

"The truth is, someone in the Justice had an interest that went against the truth," the bandaged and wonderfully colored creature continued, "And the truth is this: on the day of the break-out, a former member of Frieza's regime and master of disguise released seventy percent of maximum security vessel Prison Ship Seven's population from their cells and restraints. Security was thrown into chaos by the infiltration and the strongest members of the security force – the five remaining Justiciars – were cut off from aiding in the crisis."

"Come on, Piccolo," Trunks complained, "What does this have to do with Dad?"

"Quiet," Piccolo answered.

"This is where the truth ended and the lie began," the Justiciar gravely spoke, "But I'm here today to put an end to the deception." He waved his arm and the bottom of the screen lit with data readouts. "I have here executive orders given with the full approval of all five remaining Justiciars to release Prince Vegeta from his cell."

"Dad!" Trunks cried, pressing closer to the window's glass.

"As well as an approved request by a licensed physician of Seven to remove Vegeta's shackle. This was done as an emergency countermeasure for the safety and well-being of both the fleet as well as the citizens of the galaxy threatened by this crisis. Here, I also have dozens of witness reports that Vegeta proceeded to incapacitate every single threat without causing a single death. He then returned to Justice custody without any resistance."

This is good, Piccolo thought as he hunched silently next to the boy, This is the first real piece of information we've had since this all began. With any luck, we may finally have a plan of action.

"However," the TV hummed, "It is here that the truth takes a darker turn…"

(**Scene Break**)

They were lucky they were passing near a television store when the broadcast began. Now, Gohan and Videl stood close together, lips pressed with confusion and concern as they watched the being on the many TVs speak.

"Master Guardian Hameus did, in fact, die heroically at his post. But his death was tarnished in a lie to cover up the honorable services performed by Prince Vegeta. Anyone who challenged this lie received threats, bodily harm, and imprisonment. This was all orchestrated by one individual. An individual who deceived all into believing that she was the embodiment of Justice itself. But when the scales did not tip in her favor, she resorted to vile tricks and barbarism. I know hers is not the name you wish to hear as guilty, but you must accept the truth." His expression darkened. "This was all done by Justiciar Nevrrest."

"Who's that, Gohan?" Videl asked.

"I don't know, Videl," Gohan answered, wishing he did.

"From here on, I must ask you to remove any young children from the room as the evidence I am about to present is very graphic in nature." He waved his arm again and Gohan's brow lowered. "These are doctor-taken photographs of Justiciar Horkion's amputated arm, which several witnesses saw Justiciar Nevrrest sever in rebuke for Horkion's refusal to approve Prince Vegeta's unjust execution order. This is another doctor-submitted report which states that evidence was forcefully implanted inside Vegeta's body, likely under threat. I believe that further investigation will reveal more evidence of coercion."

(**Scene Break**)

"Who cares about that?!" Bulma shouted, shaking the TV with both hands wildly, "Just tell me what happened to Vegeta NOW!"

"Hey, cut it out!" Oolong said as he tugged at her arm, "You're gonna break the TV and then nobody will know what happened!"

"Now, be advised," the alien on the shaking screen continued, "What you will be seeing next comes from a live and ongoing scene." Bulma stopped shaking the TV, her gaze fixed on the image of a room covered in blood. "Further investigation is required, as this scene was only discovered an hour ago, but this is the facts we know so far. That after the falsified official execution, against all knowledge, Prince Vegeta was taken to this room and submitted to brutal torture of an unknown origin for a period ranging anywhere from three to eight hours."

(**Scene Break**)

Piccolo's eyes shifted to Trunks. The boy's expression had gone ghostly white.

"The original order for Prince Vegeta's execution was performed in an attempt to cover up Justiciar Nevrrest's incompetence from the public. But this act of torture was done in complete secrecy in a room that does not exist in the fleet blueprints, meaning it was a premeditated act long before Prince Vegeta was even captured. It's possible that both Justiciar Oom'Bagu and the Legendary Super Saiyan, Son Goku alias Kakarot, knew about this plot before it was enacted. What we do know is that both these figures were imprisoned by Justiciar Nevrrest before the false execution order was given, under the claim that they had attempted to unlawfully removed Nevrrest from her position. Obviously, further investigation is required."

(**Scene Break**)

Videl was trying to figure if she had ever seen Gohan look so horrified and angry.

"The scene was discovered by Son Goku and Dr. Betatom Tottle, a physician of Prison Ship Seven where Goku was being held without warrant and against protocol in solitary confinement. According to what little evidence we've uncovered so far, Prince Vegeta was found in critical condition and submitted to emergency medical treatment at the scene. But upon the arrival of Justiciar Oom'Bagu, Justiciar Horkion, and myself, Dr. Tottle was found dead with Justiciar Nevrrest and Son Goku locked in combat."

(**Scene Break**)

Bulma's belly rested against the floor as she sat, looking like a lost little girl staring at the screen. Oolong had decided to eat the rest of her ice cream since she was no longer touching it, sitting on the couch as he stuffed the spoonfuls into his mouth. But even the sweet dessert couldn't hide how pale and uncomfortable he was looking as he watched.

"However, I am happy to report that Prince Vegeta himself…" The alien waved his arm and a live image appeared of a saiyan covered in blood gazing upward. "Is fully alive and in a stable condition."

"WAAAAAOOOOOH!" Bulma screamed, startling Oolong so badly that he dumped the ice cream all over himself.

"And the Justice intends to ensure his continued survival and the true justice he deserves once this matter is resolved."

(**Scene Break**)

Trunks clutched the corner of Piccolo's cloak in his fists, the color returned to his face and his eyes lit eagerly. The Namekian gave him a glance before returning his gaze to the fuzzy picture on the old television set, the elderly man having given up on it by now and wandered off.

"I won't deny it. Due to Nevrrest's actions and failure as the pillar of justice she claims to be, a crisis has formed we all must face. But I encourage you, people of the galaxy, to stand together! And if you must blame someone for leaving this totalitarian bent on revenge unchecked…" The alien humbly put his fist to his breast. "I take full responsibility. The united Justice did all in its power to fight her and all who did suffered for it. Only I bent under her threats. I allowed her to sacrifice a reformed man who fought to save lives and did nothing until the results were right in front of my eyes."

(**Scene Break**)

"But now, I stand with the Justice and fight. And I'm not the only one." The alien moved his arm across the screen once again.

This time, a live, moving image appeared at the bottom of the screen that made Gohan hiccup with surprise. "Dad!" It was indeed him, though not the usual him that Videl and Gohan knew – a side of Goku that the two of them had only witnessed a handful of times. Super Saiyan Three, a fierce form with a long, golden mane like a lion and a crowning brow like a proud gorilla. Pinned against him was a gorgeous, powerfully built bird-lizard with crimson feathers and golden scales, her plume just as long and fanned as Goku's mane. Gohan's eyes narrowed and his fist tightened. "So that must be Nevrrest. She's the one who's been causing all this! The one that Dad left to stop."

"The Legendary Super Saiyan fights for us all," the alien announced, "He fights for the belief that no one, no matter how strong, has the right to oppose the actions that we all believe to be right." He paused. "But maybe I'm wrong about that. Maybe you believe that what Nevrrest has done is right. That's why in this hour, I'm asking you all – the free souls across the galaxy – to consider this crisis in your hearts. Do you believe that Prince Vegeta – once a taker of lives, now a guardian of them – deserves the fate that Nevrrest has in store for him? Or does he deserve a chance to prove he is truly a changed man? And Nevrrest…does she have the right to be judge, jury, and executioner to anyone anywhere as she pleases? Does her fantastic strength and cunning make her a god who we mere mortals aren't allowed to judge?

He folded his hands. "I think some of you may actually believe that. Perhaps you feel inclined to give her special rights because she came to your world like a warrior angel descending from the sky. But if you think that she's on your side for one second then you're forgetting something very important. Angels don't fall from the sky. Demons do."

(**Scene Break**)

Horkion's jaw tightened as he watched Laswe.

"Thank you for your time. For continued updates as this crisis unfolds, please tune your receivers to the Justice News channel. The frequency number is available at the bottom of the screen. Blessings to you all. Justice reigns." The probes' lenses changed back to blue and Laswe turned to Horkion. "Well, friend. The rest is up to you."

Horkion nodded, balancing the lamp in his palm. "But Laswe…don't you think you went a little too far?"

"Eh?"

"You called her a demon. And you said the Imposter Crisis was her fault."

Laswe sighed and rocked on his bulbous tail. "Nevrrest was right about one thing, Horkion. Someone had to be the scapegoat. Since she thought it was a great idea to pin it all on the guy who saved us, I thought it was only fair for her to take the burden." He held up a hand. "Besides. She's caused us so much suffering it's only half not true to begin with." He patted Horkion's shoulder. "But…it's that kind of attitude that makes you perfect for collecting the ghost vote. Good luck, buddy. I'm going to go organize the Guardian Core. See if we can do some damage control." The ship shuddered.

(**Scene Break**)

Bulma finished scribbling down the number from the TV onto a scrap of paper and shoved it into Oolong's hands. "Here. Take this to the main computer downstairs and enter these numbers into Dad's scanner. And don't mess this up! We have to keep an eye on what's going on up there!"

"Yeah, fine," Oolong grunted, "So long as watching is all we're doing."

Bulma ignored him and heaved herself up, shuffling quickly to her workroom. Pushing some spare parts away, she pulled back the cover and lifted up the world's most powerful industrial super laser ever built. In the end, she'd made it so powerful that the cells in it were only good for one shot. But that didn't concern her. Chances were, one shot was all she would get anyhow.

"Bulma," chimed a voice from behind, one that had become familiar in the Capsule Corp Mansion these days, "What are you doing with that thing again?" Chi-Chi took her by the arms from behind. "Come on now! You need to be resting! Think of the baby!"

"Resting?" Bulma piped, turning around, the laser clutched to her chest, "At a time like this?! Didn't you see what was on the TV?"

"Of course I did!" Chi-Chi snapped, giving her a direct, scolding look, "I'm not blind or deaf, you know!"

"Well?" Bulma pointed up, "You know Goku! Do you really think that ship's gonna keep flying as long as Goku's fighting in it? I know Vegeta's coming back to Earth and this time I'm not going to let him get cheated and taken away!"

"Rrrr, do you have any idea how selfish you are?!" Chi-Chi barked at her, her fists clutched up by her chest, "My husband's been gone too, you know, so why don't you just shut up and listen to me?!"

"I don't have to listen to anybody!" Bulma shot back, the two women in each other's faces, "Besides, I've known Goku even longer than you have!"

"You've got some nerve!" Chi-Chi growled and then folded her arms and turned aside. "Fine. Keep your stupid gun. But unless you're planning to start shooting at the sky, I suggest you lie down and let Goku handle this. I mean seriously, it's not like he's going to lose. I've had to stand by and watch him get into enough fights to know when he's going to win."

Bulma didn't say anything, but she had watched Goku for long enough to know the same.

(**Scene Break**)

Piccolo grabbed Trunks' shoulder, pulling him away from the window. "Come on, Trunks.

"Where are we going?" Trunks asked and then folded his arms, "Don't tell me back to that stupid cave."

"No. We're going to find Goten."

Trunks' face instantly brightened. "Really?!"

"Yes." He walked, his hand still on the boy's shoulder as he led him away from the house. "It's no guarantee, but this fight may make its way to Earth. The others are probably all thinking the same. And if it does, if you fuse with Goten, you might actually have a chance."

"Wait a minute," Trunks jogged backwards in front of him, "You mean you're actually going to let me fight?"

"I don't see a point in trying to stop you." Piccolo looked up and grimaced. "Besides. If this Nevrrest came after you and I tried to stop her, chances are neither of us would survive."

Trunks gulped and then tightened his fists, floating up into the air. "Well, what are we waiting for then? Come on, Piccolo, let's go!"

Piccolo watched him fly up. "Mm." And took off as well.

(**Scene Break**)

"Hey! Gohan!" Both Videl and Gohan turned as Krillin descended from the sky, dressed – to their surprise – in his old orange and blue gi. "Thought I'd find you out here. Did you see it?"

"The thing on the TV?" Gohan asked, "Yeah, we did. But why are you here?"

"Piccolo asked me to get everyone I could ready. And I think if that means anyone, it means you especially, Gohan. You're the only one anywhere near as strong as your dad, after all. Heck, you might even be stronger."

"That's true." Gohan looked up where he could sense his father battling. "I'd like to help, but how can we do anything? Dad's somewhere in space right now."

"Well I got a feeling it's not going to stay out there much longer. So I went and got us some of these." Krillin took the bag off his belt and dumped a few shiny, green beans into his hand. "Too bad Korin only had three of them left. But every bit counts, right."

"I guess so," Gohan agreed, glancing over the sensu beans. He straightened. "Well I guess I better get ready too then. Sorry, Videl."

"Don't worry about it, Gohan," Videl assured. She gave him a thumbs up and a little smile. "Just stay safe. Okay?"

"You got it," Gohan assured.

"Here, this should save you some time." Krillin pulled a bundle out from under his arm and held it out to Gohan. "I managed to grab your gi from your house on the way over here."

"Oh." Gohan's brows tilted sadly. "That's nice Krillin…but I was going to get my Saiyaman outfit."

Krillin's face flattened under his six dots and black hair. "I'd just save that one for fighting robbers and saving dinosaurs if I were you," he muttered.

"Well, thanks anyhow, Krillin," Gohan chimed, taking the uniform, "Wish me luck, Videl."

"Go get 'em, Gohan!" Videl called as her fiancé flew off.

(**Scene Break**)

With a sizzle-crack, the Core came to life with a flash of power unlike Sepis had seen from her before. It was a new animal, giving its first howl of life in such a way that Sepis was almost terrified at his creation. One thing was for sure – he had accomplished what he set out to do.

The vision of the whirling reflectors flashed against Sepis's moist, bulbous eyes. "Well…I've done it, friend Nevrrest." The bright lights flashed across the chamber, casting Sepis's silhouette against the far wall. "I've transformed the Quantum Fusion Core into a Demi Fusion Core."

He turned his head to gaze at the disconnected transistor. Once it was put back into place, the Core's new functions would activate. After that, there would be no going back. Sepis looked at his wristband again, shaking, terrified at the choice he had made. But it was surely the right thing to do. If he was going to put other's lives at risk, he should put his own life on the line as well. Of course, he wouldn't tell Nevrrest that. Knowing would only distract her from her battle. As long as he granted her wish, it would be enough.

Still…he was scared.

He felt ghostly, outside his body as he forced his hands to grasp the controls, directing the mechanical arms inside the Core's liquid field to connect the transistor back into the main unit. The moment he did, he screamed in pain.

(**Scene Break**)

Nada woke with the instant certainty that he was having a heart attack. Immediately after, he decided that he was far too young to have a heart attack and that, in any case, a heart attack probably didn't feel like a damn vacuum cleaner had been glued to your ribs. Nada clamped his large, cypher hand over his chest, pulling back at the fabric till he'd exposed his scarred abs and pecs – searching for the source of his pain. That's when he noticed that his fusion wristband was glowing incredibly bright and that his body was growing weak at an alarming rate.

"Damn." He repeatedly flipped the safety switch on the side with his thumb. "Is this thing busted? I'm not supposed to be donating energy right now. And why does it feel like…?" He lifted his head, his golden eyes refocusing as he sensed a pair of incredible powers deep in the bowels of the ship. Suddenly, it all made sense. "So," he mused, stumbling as he stood up, "The goddess has finally come to seize all power for her own."

(**Scene Break**)

Laswe was instantly frightened and confused. He'd never had his energy drained before, but he could sense the power leaving his body. But why was it happening? And why did it hurt? It hurt so much! Laswe slumped against the wall, trying to regain himself. That was, until he heard voices crying out ahead. Laswe forced his wings to buzz and hovered down the rest of the hall, finding the three master guardians he had arranged to meet with to discuss the current crisis. All three of them were on their knees, clutching their wrists to their chest and giving out cries of pain.

"Grand Guardian!" one of them called, "The safeties are malfunctioning!"

"What?!" Laswe gaped.

"The fusion has been doubled and we can't turn our bands off!"

Laswe looked at his neckband and – tempting fate – twisted the gem. Nothing happened. Laswe's flesh flushed blue. "Fusion…I can't use fusion anymore! And…if I'm being drained too…!" He rapidly turned, sensing. "Oh no! Oom'Bagu! Horkion's one thing, but not Oom'Bagu in his condition!" He leaned on the wall again and his fists tightened with hate. "Of course…Sepis! I should have taken down that damn bug when I had the chance!"

(**Scene Break**)

He was backing her into a corner. Nevrrest knew she could only play delay tactics for so long before Goku got around them. What the man lacked in common sense he made up for in strategic brilliance. She felt her body bending under his strength; overcome by his speed. But she hadn't lost hope. She knew Sepis wouldn't let her down. He never had. He never would. He was the one person she could always count on. The one person who had also accepted the truth of the universe – that the root of all good and evil was one and the same.

Strength.

Goku's fist connected and Nevrrest crashed through several decks again, landing somewhere in storage and causing a crater in the mess of spare parts and debris. Nevrrest hissed, struggling as she pushed herself up. "I…must…" A ring of red energy suddenly swirled around her followed by a pulsating explosion. Nevrrest screeched, landing on her stomach, her sixteen talons sinking desperately into the crater.

"That energy!" Goku gasped, stopping in midair. He shot downward and stopped just above her, eyes wide. Nevrrest's body jostled and writhed in the center of the crater, her very flesh undulating as though some living thing was inside her and trying to escape from her bones. "What's wrong with her?!" It took him a moment, but he soon noticed that not only was her own energy skyrocketing uncontrollably, but the energy of everyone else in the fleet – save the prisoners – was dropping dramatically! "She's taking more energy from the fleet…but her body can't handle that much power!" Goku dropped to the storage room floor, his mass of hair whipping behind him as he ran to the edge of the energy ring. "Nevrrest!" he called to her, "Stop! Don't do this!"

Nevrrest gasped for breath, gave another cry, and shifted her glowing yellow eyes sharply to him. "What?" she hissed through the pain.

"Your body can't handle the amount of energy you're trying to absorb!" he answered, pleading and concerned, "If you keep this up, they'll be nothing of you left! Please, Nevrrest!"

She twisted, gasped, and shrieked, turning her gaze at him once more with a snarl. "Shut up," she snapped. She clenched her beak and managed a weak laugh. "I may have misjudged you, Goku…but you don't know me any better! You don't know what I can handle!" She shrieked again, her five limbs convulsing. She managed another laugh, lifting a finger up at him fiercely. "So just stay back…and enjoy the show! You're about to witness…why I deserve to be the one to protect the universe from harm!" Her voice dissipated into more piercing shrieks.

(**Scene Break**)

Vegeta ground his teeth, livid with no outlet. If only he'd been able to fight, there was no way this would have happened. But leave it to Kakarot, the greatest fighter he knew, to cause a mess like this. The whole time, Vegeta had been holding his breath, just waiting for Kakarot to finally get on with it and destroy that damn bird. But no. Instead, he'd just kept playing with her like this was some kind of game. No, it was worse than that. He'd been showing her mercy.

"That power will likely kill her," Vegeta mused aloud, glaring across the storage, "But if it doesn't, she'll reach a level beyond even Super Saiyan Three. Tsk. Kakarot…you're digging your own grave."

(**Scene Break**)

Nevrrest… Oom'Bagu's mind wavered in and out of consciousness through the pain and distortion, his dark brown eyes squinting against the bandages, I see now, old friend, that this truly is the path you have chosen. It is not the result of delusion or choice of the moment. This is something you are willing to risk your life for. I wonder…are you even able to comprehend the pain you cause? Though, I am not sure if you are aware at what price your new power comes. But even if you did, I am certain you would merely accept it and press on.

He lifted his hand off the bed and gazed up at the furry back of it. It breaks my heart…that even while lost in your inner darkness, you still bear so many admirable traits. Fear grips me…I have no idea how this will end for you. Nor do I wish to imagine. I cannot bear it. He gripped his face, his body swooning under the drain of fusion. Vegeta…please hear my weakened and pitiful call. I suspect…you are my only chance to fight in this battle once again.

(**Scene Break**)

Frozen together somewhere in Earth's sky, Krillin said what Gohan knew he was going to say. "That power!" the tiny human cried, "It's unbelievable! Holy cow, I never would have guessed Goku was actually against someone stronger than him! No wonder they took Vegeta so easily!"

"I don't know, Krillin," Gohan answered, thinking hard as he sensed into space, "Something doesn't feel right. Haven't you noticed?"

"Eh?" Krillin asked.

"All those thousands of energy signatures around them…they've all been dropping rapidly." He looked at his family's long-time friend. "What if this Nevrrest is somehow stealing energy from those around her?"

"That would be bad," Krillin mused, folding his arms, "Especially for your Dad. At this rate, he could end up being…" A sweat droplet fell from his hairline. "In serious trouble. Which is double bad news if this thing comes to Earth after all. You might be our only shot in helping him out."

"I guess…we'll have to just wait and see what this Nevrrest can do." Gohan frowned, riddling through his thoughts. "I wonder…what Vegeta's up to? I can barely sense him up there."

"Bulma said they're using some kind of technology to take away his power," Krillin reminded, "At this point, he'd be even less of a help than I'd be." He turned a little blue. "Uh…but don't tell him I said that."

Gohan didn't answer, but gazed up at the sky again. Dad…for the first time, you're fighting something I know next to nothing about. I wish I knew what was really going on up there. Who really is this person you're fighting? And if I could ask about the battle…what would you say?

(**Scene Break**)

"This is bad," Goku said aloud, watching helplessly as Nevrrest continued to jostle and writhe under the surge of power, "Her body's reaching its limit! At this rate she'll—!" Nevrrest gave one last shrieking cry before a spray of blood flew up from her eyes, beak, nostrils, and earholes. Her eyes turned white and she flopped over motionless. "NEVRREST!" Goku slid down into the crater and crouched by her, taking her head into his arms. "Oh no…no, no, NO!"

Back in the Core Chamber, a little Arlian stared up blankly as the core resumed a gentle hum. "Uh…did it…Nevrrest…?"

Across the storage bay, Vegeta sensed the energy plateau into nothing. "Hmph. How disappointing. In the end, you destroyed yourself. Pathetic."

Goku gritted his teeth and planted his knuckles into the crater. "Damn it! How could you, Nevrrest? You owed everyone…so much more than this…" Goku rested her head on the ground and stood up. "I tried to warn you, but you didn't listen. You never listened once." He started to turn away when he suddenly heard a crackling sound.

To his shock, he turned back to find Nevrrest's body changing. The armor plates that existed in patches on her body were growing and spreading to cover the topside of her entire body, leaving the feathery orange only on her sides and on the underside of her arms, legs, and tail. Her body was also shrinking back to its normal size, but thickening as well, her bones and muscles expanding. The feathers about her plume grew into a large, intimidating crown and the jawline of her beak grew more powerful as well. Goku took a defensive stance just as Nevrrest's eyes snapped open, her irises enlarging until reptilian-like pupils came into existence.

Nevrrest stood up, her bone-armor clicking as she moved. She blinked and held out a hand before her, examining the plated back of it. "Incredible…" she breathed, "I don't even know what to make of this wondrous new form…" She flexed her arms experimentally, swiping her tail and splitting the storage room in two, metal debris falling into the blackness below. Nevrrest opened her beak in a delighted smile. "Ha…it seems, like a phoenix, I have passed through the fire and been reborn."

She turned to Goku, a shockwave of red shooting from her – blowing through Goku's hair like a hurricane – as the crimson power alighted around her body once again. "I think I'll make it simple for you…and call this Super Quantum Nevrrest."