AN: Hey Everyone, I hope you are all excited for the next chapter of our story! We are so sorry for the delay as things have been a little hectic around here. Sanshilove and I hope you all had a lovely holiday. So, I feel it is only fair that we give you a proper update on life before you go ahead and read this story. Mostly the hold up had been my end of things. I was hospitalized for 22 days and it was like a bad episode of 'House'. No know knew what was wrong with me and after several surgeries and countless tests, they found out I have a rare disease that is threatening my life. Long story short, currently taking endless meds, doctor appointments, and chemo to try and fight this. I am not out of the woods, but I am doing my best to try and get back to what I consider normalcy for the moment. But I promise I haven't forgotten this story and will continue to work on it with Sanshilove. If anyone would like to know more about my condition or would like to support me, please let Sanshilove know, she and I have a gofundme page to help with medical costs and will be more than happy to explain what happened. If not, just you being and supporting the chapter is more than enough! Thank you all for understanding! ~CML

Song for this chapter is entitled "Out of the Woods" by Taylor Swift.

Give it a listen while you read, might find you enjoy it as much as I did writing with it. Hey, while you are at it, why not leave us a review? We love to geek out with you all with our work! Until next time guys, enjoy!

Chapter 20: The Interview

~Medical Cafeteria~

"You should give her more time!" Kalei was pissed that her brother was even considering dragging this girl in front of the public after only a single day of stability. She had caught her brother shortly after his war meeting to discuss their father's plans for the girl, as she had not heard anything as of yet.

"Father wants her in the public eye, I'm only coming to check on her and see how she is doing. If she's not ready we'll just take a few pictures and use that to appease father." Vegeta had, had enough of people griping at him without any understanding the entire situation. He needed the girl to make an appearance since the call to arms was not going as originally planned. The rebels had started the war and the Kolds had already gotten the jump on them. With all the recent events, they were losing allies to the Kolds which meant nothing but trouble for the royal family. It was as if he waited to catch them with their pants down and become the laughing stock of the damn cosmos; it only infuriated his blood that much more. Vegeta needed to regain face with the people again, to fight for the empire as proud saiyans. The girl would be the start of that, or so he had hoped. If there was ever a time for them to start being the proud race they once were; it needed to start today.

"Prince Vegeta," Bardock's voice rang out clear in the mess hall, "are you looking for us?"

"There you are, how is the girl? Is she awake yet?" Vegeta only then, glanced down to see the grateful girl staring up at him from the bench. She looked worlds better and as her eyes met his he could see the strength she was mustering for him.

The sight of her prince warmed her up inside. As she gazed at him she suddenly remembered her name clearly in her head. "Sanshi, my name is Sanshi." She had spoken without thinking causing Bardock's eyes to go wide while his mouth hangs open in shock. Just like that, one look at the prince and her name was clear as day to her once more. "Your highness," she bows her head as her heart began to race, "it's an honor to be in your presence again."

"Same to you Sanshi, how are-"

"You don't have to talk to him like that! He should have saved you a long time ago." Kalei pushed her brother aside to get a better look at the her. "My brother came here to drag you in front of the council and the public, and I want to make sure your healthy and feeling up to it." Kalei once again interrupted her brother, whom for the second time attempted to open his own mouth, but was continuously cut off. Sanshi's once reassurance quickly shifted to fear.

The young refugee was at a loss for words at first, as this girl addressed her so directly, passionate eyes meeting her own confused ones. "Brother? . . . That makes you the princess?" At the realization of her own words, she felt her face flush and then quickly pale. Another royal and she dares to sit here and not give proper respect! Without a second of hesitating, she found herself once again bowing her head in respect. The royalty here didn't seem to care as much about their position as what she had been exposed to. "Princess thank you for your concern, but I'll be fine." Sanshi, half in vain, attempted to give confidence; which only came out in a soft resignation.

"Your highness," Bardock appeared nervous with the unwanted attention of those suddenly beginning to notice their situation in the middle of the mess hall, "we haven't discussed any of that with her yet. Can I speak to you both in private." He motions away from the girl and begins making a b-line to an empty area near the conference rooms. The pair of royals look confused at first, but follow closely wasn't lost on any of them the dejected expression at their backs from the child while the guards stood by and watched over her pick her meal.

"What is it Bardock?" The two royals look back to make sure they are out of earshot of the girl. The dark prince looks to Bardock unsure, but eager to hear what his trusted advisor had to say.

"You know you can't bring that girl in front of the public without knowing who or what exactly she is. They will want to know the whole sob story of where she came from, and how she ended up in the Kolds hands-" Vegeta stops him by raising his hand.

"Bardock, weren't you looking into her heritage? Shouldn't you know by now who is responsible for this child." The prince was irritated now, was Bardock stalling for the girl's sake or for his own? The man was clearly nervous about answering the question, which made it that much more important to hear.

"Well you see sire . . . The girl is of your lineage." Bardock blurted out, feeling his heart and stomach creep up his throat. There is no way his is going to live through delivering news like this, but he ran it so many times it had to be true. The pair stare at him in awe and confusion taking glances over at the young girl.

"M-my . . . Lineage?" Vegeta's confusion had thoroughly hit and broke through his tolerance level. What? How could that even be possible? How would he explain this to the public, how would he explain this to the woman. His mind now racing, trying to clue himself in on who this girl belonged to, how it could even be possible. All of this at once was becoming far too much to handle.

"What? How is that even possible?" Kalei steps in for her dumbfounded older brother. Looking at the girl now she did see a resemblance and now she couldn't unsee it. "Geeze brother two bastards from two different women? Father is going to kill you." The girl she was desperately arguing with the council to save was in fact her own niece.

"Sire," Bardock spoke afraid to say much more, "looking at the results it shows over a 38% match to your own DNA. That puts her as a definite part of you or your father's lineage. To be precise she is either your long lost sister or . . . your granddaughter." He puts up his hands and looks around nervously as he received a duel death glare from the pair. "Which I know sounds ABSOLUTELY nuts, but everything fits and I ran the tests five times more times to be for certain. If only his majesty would allow his DNA to be added to the database I would know for sure." Bardock stood his ground the best he could for whatever may come from this information. Ideally this was news no one ever saw coming; and of course at the worst time given the political climate.

The information hits the prince in nauseating waves. This couldn't even be close to possible? He certainly wasn't that old yet and as far as he knew his only sibling was Kalei. How would he present this to the council? The public will want the parents to be reprimanded, but who should he call her parents? Kalei, feeling his inner turmoil, suddenly reached out and latched her hand with his as she dragged him away to one of the soundproof conference rooms as Bardock allowed them space. Seeing that the news was properly given, he makes his way back to Sanshi in order to let the siblings work this out.

Watching her savor look so shocked at the doctors results made her nervous. Did she do something wrong? "If his highness wishes it of me, I would be glad to do anything." Sanshi swallows her food remembering her name said in her angels voice. That's who she was, she was Sanshi. She was Sanshi and her savior, her precious prince was here trying to ask a favor of her. She would do anything for him

"We'll see what decision they make after their meeting, Sanshi." Bardock takes nervous breaths as he looks down at the table. "You should keep eating. The prince needs you at your strongest." She nods and continues eating taking glances towards the room. Bardock studied the child for a few moments in his own attempt to take his mind off where the prince and his sister went to. She was a mystery this little one, and yet, he could still see the slight tremor of her hand as she continued her meal trying to appear unfazed about the sudden exit of the prince. Who exactly was Sanshi, and where exactly had she come from?

~Vegeta & Kalei~

The prince burst through the conference room with little care if anyone was present or not. Luckily for him the room was vacant for the moment. Hot on his heels was his sister as concern and suspicion was coming off of her in waves. She watched her brother move to a wall and slam his fist so hard into the offending structure that it spidered out from the impact of his force. A low growl burst from him as his shoulders were rigid and his breathing shallow with his rage. "Damn the gods!" He seethed in his infuriation.

From the doorway, his sister allowed him the moment to regain his composure before she dared to take a step into his space. "Vegeta, you need to calm down-"

"Shut the fuck up! I don't need you to tell me what to do!"

"Hey! Don't talk to me that way! I am on your side remember!" Kalei narrowed her eyes as she folded her arms. At first she wanted to yield to him and allow him a moment to relax, but that quickly changed when he threw his tantrum on her. No one talked to her that way; not their father, and most certainly not him. She would not put up with it.

"I said fucking leave!"

"You need to seriously calm down, you know this isn't the right path to take, and using me as your emotional punching bag isn't doing you any favors! You need to get your head together and start thinking like a leader because we both know Mother and Father are going to rip her apart. We are the only two that are stopping the rest of the world from hurting her, and right now, you need to figure out exactly where you stand. What I can see, it isn't good. So focus and talk to me. I am here to help, but only if you get your head out of your ass."

"You are certainly one to talk!'

"Ugh, big baby."

Typically, insults like that would have rolled off his shoulders without a second thought; however, wound up as he already was left little room for his self control as he turned his dangerous gaze that was now aimed solely on his little sister. "I swear to the gods! Say one more thing! I dare you! Say one more thing, Kalei! One more word and I swear I'll-"

"You'll what, Vegeta? You gonna hit me? Just you try it and I promise you that Mother will have you up by your ears before the end of that threat! Besides, attacking me won't make any of this go away!" His sibling challenged him. It didn't make her feel anymore better when she watched the pure madness in his eyes become restraint by the last of his will power. Her words washed over him as the last logical part of him reigned it all back in. He ran his hands over his face as he attempted to steady his own erratic breathing.

Seeing him begin to resettle back down, the royal princess took her time in assessing what her next words would be. Finally seeing him remain silent and focused on his thoughts, she approached his side once more, "Let's look at the facts here. What exactly do we know?"

"She is my blood, my lineage...or she belongs to Father...but the age doesn't match up for either…"

"Well, let's look at this way, where were you stationed about the time she might have been born?"

"Frieza's base."

"N-not that I'm implying anything but were you-"

"Of course not! And even so, I was exceptionally careful in those matters! Besides if she was my child the match would be higher!"

"Hey! I had to make sure! I don't like asking that question anymore than you liked answering it, but we gotta cover the basics, okay? So why don't you use that smart brain of yours and truly, honestly think carefully about your time being imprisoned by the Kolds?"

"That was a long time ago! Even if I could pinpoint a time frame, there have been so many experiments and lapses that I cannot recall from the beatings to my own skull that I may not remember correctly."

"Did the Kolds...did they have blood samples from you?"

"Of course, they have blood samples from every slave and employee that works for them. Why would you ask...you don't think-"

"But why would they use your DNA, or even Dad's, to create a child?" The princess pondered aloud with her eyes fixated at a spot on the ground in concentration.

Suddenly feeling lack of energy to waste standing, he found himself finding one of the boardroom chairs to have a sit in while his mind was reeling with theories that he hadn't wanted to consider about this innocent, young girl. It was bad enough to sire one half-breed out of mating, but to also be the reason for the start of the war? And if the girl was a third sibling, his parents would certainly not take the fall for it. They would blame it on him if they had to. If he wasn't certain if his parents would have his head with just the one child issue, now he was guaranteed a rough execution-more than likely by his father's hand. He paled at the thought of meeting his end in such a way. Leaving the universe without honor and those he actually began to feel for at the mercy of the political climate. As his mind wracked through the onslaught of memories that were better left forgotten, he suddenly began to understand what exact motive those bastards would need to bring an ultimate blow to his character or that of his father. They would need to do something drastic, so disrespectful, so barbaric that it challenged their laws. This was insurance plan and simple one on their part. Should the prodigal prince break free from their clutches and return home, then they would need something to seal his demise by the form of a half-breed.

Of course, if they'd known about what transpired on Earth, it certainly would have saved them the trouble. But here he was, father to not just a son, but possibly also a fake daughter or sibling. The only difference was he knew the mother of his son, so who did the Kolds pair him or his father with for the girl's mother?

Taking in the sympathetic expression of his sister, it would appear that they both reached the same conclusion, "They couldn't…"

"They did. If but to be a cosmic joke at my expense. They did this so it would blow up in my face. These are the games that they play." Despair radiated off him as he growled into the hands he buried his face into. He felt her arms embrace him as Kalie could only offer this in her meager support.

"There has to be a different explanation."

"And what might that be? What other reason would you, as a Kold, utilize in ensuring great disrespect towards a race that you personally feel is beneath the ground you walk on? What better way than to add salt to the wounds than to take the prince and have him commit taboo acts that go against our laws, our bloodline, and our race? I am her father or her brother."

"You certainly don't waste anytime…"

"Your jokes are not appreciative." He growled, but held no bite to his promise. He felt so utterly exhausted. What would he give to go crawl into his bedding and let this all be a terrible dream that he could awakened from. The war, the dysfunction of his family, the damn protests, and even his tension with the Woman and their Brat; it all didn't seem worth the trouble he was now facing. It was as if every lucky break he was given only added to the weight of the obstacles he was continuously carrying. How he wished he could be so far away that nothing mattered anymore. He wished he didn't have to feel, to think, or to plan. Things used to be that much simpler when all he had to worry about was his next purge mission. He felt so consumed by the rampant of his thoughts that he hadn't even registered what his sister had been babbling on about.

"Vegeta, uh hey, come on, don't space out on me now! Vegeta, hey! Are you even listening to me?" He finally made out the words when he lifted his head and returned his attention to the last bit of her complaining.

"Huh?" He asked numbly.

"I was asking what we should do?"

"I don't know...I am not sure…" He fumbled with his pathetic excuse of a tone.

"Well, we need to figure out something out. She is depending on us to help her. It was you that decided she needed to be saved."

"Kalie, I mean this in the nicest of ways, but could you shut up for one second? I know you enjoy hearing the sound of your own voice, but for now I need to think without your incessant questioning. I hear you, okay but right now I just found out that I am father, grandfather, brother or whatever the hell I am once again. Besides, it was also you that was all gung-ho about the operation of rescuing that child."

"When we thought she was a noble! Not that she was my niece or sister!"

"So, what you are saying is that we should have left her!" She did little to hide the outrage in her accusing tone.

"What?! No! That isn't what I am saying at all! Don't put words in my mouth!" Her brother snapped back.

"Then let me think about how to fix all this and stop jumping down my own throat. I am doing the best that I honestly can. Just let me think in peace." The room was silent as it was before the pair intruded upon it. Kalie sat next to her still brother as he tried to come up with a plan of sorts that would save face with them all. He struggled to think of the best solution while ensuring the utmost secrecy.

"We," licking his lips in anticipation, his gaze met that of his anxious sister whom was doing her best to remain silent. "We will need to keep her in the dark and we will let her know when the time will be right and much safer for her. We need to let her and the lot of them all continue to believe the lie; for right now at least."

"And when, dear brother, do you feel it will be safer?"

"Hopefully after this damn war is won and over, and if I take over the throne."

"And what of them? Your children? Will they be your true heirs? Will you bend the laws for them?"

"I will change the laws. I will find no use in bending what needs to be radically changed. For now, no one needs to understand what I have sired, this will only heightened tensions. Right now, this is clearly a battle we most certainly won't win if word gets out."

"So that is it then? Have her be an unknown noble's daughter and be the face of the royal family's good deeds? What happens when father feels she has outrun her usefulness? How will we protect her?"

"Your antics are wearing thin, Kalei." He growled low in his warning.

Kalie didn't seemed the least bit fazed by her brother's annoyance, "Well, forgive me Vegeta, but I am not the one with the baby momma drama here."

"You act as if I had a choice in either matter!"

"On some level you have. You know, instead of moping around and feeling sorry for yourself, why don't you put yourself in their shoes! Sanshi is lost, alone, abused, and beaten. She didn't ask for this life, but it was certainly provided for her. You are all that she has left in this world. As for Trunks, he has lived in the darkness of your shadow. He was denied the chance to even get to know you because you allowed that! You are allowing your children to suffer and you aren't even thinking of being there for them!"

"Again, you act as if I have a hand in any of this! As if I am provided with so many choices. Easy for your to point your finger and blame when you are not the one in my boots!"

"That is because I don't put myself in these positions, but you are certainly doing a shit job of providing or parenting for either of them!"

"And what would you have me do, Kalei? Shall I go tell Father and Mother? Shall I notify the blasted council? Better yet, why don't I tell the whole cosmos? Would that be the solution you want? You sit there and judge me as if I made this all possible with all of my infinite knowledge. So forgive me if I take a few moments to stress out! I am not eating! I am not sleeping! I am constantly on alert for the backstab of betrayal that is heading my way from either the damn Kolds, our fucking parents, or this goddamn planet!" By now the dark prince was standing on his feet with clenched, shaking fists at his sides. Hands balled up and glaring down his nose at the ignorant sibling that dared to say he had not a hand in accountability. His breathing was quick and rapid as he struggled to not raise a hand to her.

"Then you need to find a real way to make this right for them. Stop your pity party. Get yourself some rest and then deal with this. I don't think keeping them in the shadows is the best option. I think it is more of the same, so stop pushing them off so you can lie to the world about them. Don't you dare stand there and give them more of the same. They deserve better and it is passed time you gave them better." She folded her arms and glaring up at him with the same deep set scowl.

"I am going to train. Do not follow me." Was his promise as he stormed out of the room. Throwing a stray ki at a wall that left a small crater in its wake as he retreated.

~Few Hours Later~

In King Vegeta's personal study was most of the attending councilmen, Bardock, his mate, and children. All eyes were on the person sitting in the chair directly across from him. The bane of his existence up until this point: the bastard noble's daughter. He took great pleasure in seeing the little bitch squirm in her chair as she desperately tried to seek comfort from his son. Nothing pleased him more to remind her just how much trouble she caused and who held her fate. He loved watching her fear betray on her emotions as she rooted herself into the chair and fidgeted with her hands. A voice cleared next to him, his mate, whom locked eyes with him. Her expression was sympathetic but he could tell from the depths of her eyes that she was enjoying this as much as he was.

"Dear, don't you think we should get started. We have other several important matters to get to before our dinner. Considering we are in the middle of the war." None missed the underhanded tone as it all implied to the girl before them. Inwardly they enjoyed her flinch back at the subtle way the queen was attempting to knock her down. One could practically taste the fear in the air.

"Quite right, my darling." He took her hand into his. A sign of joint unionship. They were going to enjoy themselves by the way he felt her squeeze back. "Now girl, state your name. It is a crime to lie to your king."

Sanshi, the girl in question, felt nervous beads of sweat roll over the hot flashes of her body. Too many eyes, so many faces were on her. Was it just her or was it so damn hard to breathe in here? The king was saying something, but she couldn't register just what it was. He was cold; too cold. And his...wife? Mate? She wasn't too sure, she seemed nice until she spoke. Something about the way they were looking at her. It was the same as the monsters on the ship. Where was her Hope? She needed Hope...she needed to run...but she couldn't...no her angel was there. He would protect her...right? He wouldn't let them...let them hurt her…

"Your King asked you a question, dearie. I suggest you answer him. It is rude to not to answer those who have risked resources and the prince's life for your own. Get yourself together."

Vegeta could feel the girls tension and had to act as he took a step forward and placed a gloved hand on her small, trembling shoulder. She was shaking like a leaf. His heart twisted at the game his parents were playing. He couldn't afford to go off the handle right now, not when she needed him to be strong. He would gladly take this up with his parents later when there wasn't the council to weigh in, but for now, he would play their little game and still protect his potential...daughter. It was strange for him to think that thought, but he couldn't get caught up, not right now. "Go ahead and answer them, this is just a small interview before they let the pubic meet you."

"Sanshi . . My name is Sanshi your highness." She couldn't believe how quiet her voice sounded as she looked back up and between to the royal pair. She felt a gentle squeeze on her shoulder as if her angel was giving her reassurance. Just knowing that gave her what little courage she had left to meet their gazes full on. Of course that didn't stop the trembling though.

A small chuckle came from the side of the room as Lord Dack made his way forward. "Your highness's if I may?" He motioned that he would like to ask a few questions as the council's head of public relations he would be writing the script for her interview as well as setting everything up. He had waited so patiently to see this girl up close. The footage of her didn't do her justice. Even just feet away, she wasn't the worst looking little creature. A little broken in; but that didn't deter him. He smiled almost in a condescending way as he began to circle her chair.

The young Saiyan felt the prince tower over her; as if he was being a shield towards this man. She felt a sickening feeling in her stomach; the familiar ache of wanting to be sick all over herself. She squeezed her eyes shut as she tried to push those thoughts...memories...to the back of her mind. She didn't want to think such horrible things; especially at a time like this. She had to be brave, she had to be strong, or else her angel would abandoned her like everyone else had. She could feel the moisture begin to gather behind her eyelids as she trembled even more.

Seeing the girl react in such a way only thrilled the lord even more. "Nothing to be afraid of little Sanshi. I just want to ask a few questions."

"Then ask them or shut up!" Barked the Prince. Judging by his tone, he was not in the mood for this play of power to continue on.

"Vegeta, manners, or you can wait in the hallway." Chided his mother as she scolded him. "Please, Lord Dack, continue. I want this over quickly. As I said, we have other matters to attend to." The queen narrowed her eyes at her son.

"Of course, your majesty. Sanshi, can you tell me a bit about your background? Who are your parents? What section of the planet do you come from?" He smirked in a triumphant manner.

At this point Bardock to a step forward and took a bow, "Lord Dack, your majesty's. As you know, I am her current physician here and have taken care of here upon her arrival. She has a severe case of amnesia and only just this morning had remembered her own name. I highly doubt she will be able to answer questions of that sort on her own." Bardock could see from his peripheral that the prince was getting more agitated from the line of questions, but better for him to answer questions than the poor girl.

"Ahh I see," Lord Dack had expected this to happen. After all he had seen what that level of trauma does to a young child first hand. "So then, I'm sure you have done all the proper testing to locate her lineage and family then? We should also be able to tell her age as well right?"

"She is roughly 16 though her size would suggest otherwise. This, we can only guess, would be due to malnutrition and the abuse that she underwent. I am sure you are all aware what happens to a Saiyan when they are denied food, much less basic rights in order to grow in a healthy manner. It is highly suggestible, we believe, that this child has endured the worst case of trauma I have ever witnessed in my entire career. As for her parentage the results are inconclusive at this time." He swallowed hard as he knew he had just set them all up to take his ass down.

Whispers were resonated around the room as curious expression were on the royal's faces. "Inconclusive? How can that even be? Bardock, you have created a highly sophisticated system that has never once failed us before. So, please tell us, how is this answer a possible one?" The queen's once sweet voice was now icy cold with a twinge of anger bubbling underneath as she narrowed her eyes at the scientist.

"We think it had something to do with the Kold's experiments on her. You see her DNA results showed different every time I ran them." Bardock glanced at Vegeta before taking another breath to continue. "I apologize for not finding the true parentage of this child, just know my people are working on it tirelessly as we speak. No high class child should grow up not knowing their own parents."

The lord narrowed his eyes at the explanation given as did all upper leadership in the room, they could tell that they were being lied to, but it did not matter was the King waved his hand, "So be it. Just get us the results soon. Maybe when she is exposed for the media, someone will come forward. Perhaps a reward. I am sure that will melt the peasant's hearts." He sat back in his chair and appeared bored. "Now someone ask something viable so we can move on. I want real answers here incase those bastards want to protest something else!"

"As you say your highness," Lord Dack looked at the girl closely. "They say you lost your memory and were drugged when you arrived. Is that true?" He would start with simple questions that even a moron could answer, she had to remember something.

"Yes . . . that's true though it's still somewhat blurry to me." Sanshi spoke again feeling a little better with her angels support.

"Do you remember the rescue? Any details would be fascinating to hear." Lord Dack was eyeing the prince as he finished his sentence. He was careful with his wording; not that he didn't get a kick out of riling up their "prince's" feathers, but even one misstep would have him being sent to the infirmary and the assailant with a slap on the wrist. The majority of the rescue mission has been kept classified, but that doesn't stop him ever of course. He knew under normal circumstances this child would never have made it out.

"I . . . I remember a voice . . and Hope." Sanshi began to recall as she struggled trying to remember every small detail that she possibly could. "It was...it was horrible. I wanted to die until...my salvation came. It was like an angel descended and pulled me out of that hell."

"Oh my how poetic," Lord Dack nearly busted out laughing at the reference to Vegeta being an angel. All eyes were on the now uncomfortable prince as he desperately tried to keep a still face and glare them down. Slight, pink tint began to grow across his cheeks as he remained firm in his death stare at them all. Clearing his throat, Lord Dack returned their attention on the girl in question, "Go on."

"He . . removed my collar with a device I had never seen before and gave me shots to help me." The next few moments in her memory were too blurry to recall, but she remembered the alarm. "An alarm when off...it was so loud...and then... and then he was carrying me because…" she licked her lips nervously as she tried to not appear self-conscious by all their staring. This was the most she had ever talked that she could remember, "...my legs were so weak and I couldn't move them..." She finally looked up from her wringing hands and met the eyes of her queen and king, "He saved my life." The majority of the council gave a look of surprise and sympathy for the girl, she was spilling her heart out for the council to see.

"I see so Prince Vegeta you set off the alarms?" Lord Dack looked at him straight in the eyes only glancing at the young girl he was defending.

"No I didn't. A rouge rebel ship began attacking Coolers ship while I was still onboard. When we made it back to my ship and escaped we saw the carnage left after the battle." Really? Lord Dack was questioning his report. The port had already declared a missing ship and verified that rebel forces had assaulted the Kold empire beginning the war. What did Dack have to gain here?

"Is that how you remember it Miss Sanshi?" Dack now locked is eyes on Sanshi once more; his glare ever more sinister. "We all read the report his highness turned in, however something about it quite bothers me. Our highest class assassins couldn't even set foot on that ship, but somehow our Prince made his way through the ship to Lord Coolers own bedroom dungeon to rescue you. Heh, one might think the prince was in league with the Kolds." He laid the proof there for everyone to see, anyone would suspect the report the prince turned in. No amount of technology could get you that deep into Kold territory, much less take something the Kolds hold close. From the glances he received from the King and Queen with his question the tension in the room escalated quickly.

"What you dare to suggesting is grounds for treason, Lord Dack. Have you any proof of my son's involvement with the Kolds?" The King, with all amusement gone from his expression, turn his enraged gaze towards his son. His son faced Dack with an expression that very well would put Frieza to shame.

"Your highness I was merely stating the most likely reason your son moved so freely through the enemy's ship."

"No, you are insinuating that my son, your prince whom, by the way, will be next in line for the throne, was in cahoots with the Kolds; the very enemy we are currently at war with. So, please tell me, what actual proof do you have? Because what you have suggested is high treason." The King spoke with a dark glare.

"Dear I also wonder how our son moved so freely through an enemy ship when only a week or so prior he claimed it was impossible." The Queen resounded hiding a small smirk. Her intel on this subject was so far missing as none of her spies made it into the room with the prince's scientists.

"I had Bardock and his team of scientists study data from the enemy ship acquired by spies to cloak my presence on the ship. I'll admit I likely would not have made it out if it wasn't for the rebel attack on the Kolds ship." Prince Vegeta spoke clearly and with confidence so as to remove any suspicion of his actions. "If you want, Bardock is here, and can verify all of this information as proof along with my actual mission feed."

"That is correct your highness and council. Our team is also developing new weapons and shields to better protect our military against this Kold threat." Bardock spoke up as he strategically moving to the prince's side for support.

"And tell me, great scientist, how did you acquire this new stroke of genius. Have you been holding out all these years? I mean, with inventions and innovations you have been creating, this could have been useful many, many years ago. So what is your secret, Bardock?" The King leered as he leaned forward with his gaze solely focused on the head scientist.

"As the prince said earlier your highness, we received lots of data from a spy recently that allowed for such breakthroughs." It wasn't really a lie so Bardock felt confident about his answer to the King.

"What spy? How do we know we can trust this source and not be double crossed? What have you invested to gain such favor that this person won't stab us in the back?" The queen hissed as she looked skeptically at her son, as she refused to give Bardock or this girl her time of day.

"Mother you know all spies are protected in there secrecy. As for the information, I got through that ship just fine so the information all seems to be just fine. As with any spy there are never any guarantees. It's not like he is making our tech either." Vegeta was getting bored with this conversation already, none of this was really about the girl. However he somewhat expected this.

"Be that as it may, I would very much like to meet this spy considering that this person has come up with life-saving inventions. Can we get moving on, are we done with our questioning of the girl. The media wants to interview her immediately." She sits back with her usual facade, but her eyes never leave her son. He can feel her boring holes into him with the promise of a grilling lecture much later.

"We aren't quite ready, your highness." Dack cleared his throat, "Sanshi, what will you say if someone asks you about the royal family hand in helping you escape to safety?"

Sanshi glances up as she had been trying to hide herself in all this arguing and tension, "Huh...w-what was the question?" She felt terrible like that breakfast was only moments away from coming back up and making it harder for her to keep her focus.

"The royal family has helped in your aid to seek refuge and asylum Sanshi. You may not realize it but you were the start of this war. What do you have to say on behalf of the royal family? There are groups out there blaming the royal family for your harm, so what do you say to those groups?"

"The royal family did nothing but save me. The prince was my angel in the darkness, I would never speak ill of the people who put in the resources to rescue me from that hell. I am sorry for the war . . . but so grateful to be here." The hot tears fell without warning from her cheeks once again, was she breaking again? She grabbed onto the only ground she knew, she put a hand on top of her saviors on her shoulder which eased her nerves.

At the start of the fresh tears, the reception of the group is mixed, but one thing was clear the royal couple could only sneer at the sniveling child before them, "Stop your tears, girl. It is unbecoming. Have you no pride!" Snapped the king.

"Forgive her, sire. She is still recovering." Bardock spoke up for her as she suddenly turned in her seat and reached for Vegeta's arm where she buried into the warmth. Unable to turn away, Vegeta sighed. It was hopeless, he wasn't going to deny her.

"Father, I think we need to take a few moments and reconvene."

"She won't be able to do that in front of the media, Prince Vegeta. She is going to make this a mockery." Lord Dack sneered; his own desires for something he could probably never have were quickly building.

Sanshi gripped her saviors arm tighter while trying her hardest to reclaim control over her emotions. She wished she wasn't so weak; so low. What she would give to feel an ounce of normal-even for just a moment. At her lowest, she looked up to feel a warm hand wipe her cheek as Vegeta kneeled to get eye level to her.

"Hey, stop listening to that voice. You are in control. I am right here with you, but I can't take you all the way. You gotta find the strength inside you to stand tall and be a proud Saiyan. They can't take that from you, they just trick you into thinking they did. Now, dry your tears. Stand tall. You are a proud Saiyan." Vegeta spoke so low that only she could hear his words of comfort.

It was then that everything began to be in a different perspective as Sanshi looked into her savior's eyes and, without meaning to, suddenly found the strength within herself. A strength that she had long accepted that was no longer there began to blossom within her. Quickly, wiping the tears that had slipped out, she found her bravest face and gave him a proud nod. He couldn't stop the smirk that broke though his own facade as he gave a wink.

"I believe in you, Sanshi. Show them that even the weakest of us can still topple the best of them. For honor and for pride."

"For honor and for pride." She gently repeated. The onlookers could only share the same confusion to the quiet conversation that was happening between the pair and it grew on the last of the patience of his parents.

"I am done with this farce. Clearly she is incapable of coherent questions. Perhaps you are right Bardock, she is of no use to us now." The king scoffed cruelly.

Suddenly, Sanshi stood up with a glare on her face that would even rival the queen's. "I can do this. I owe it to Prince Vegeta to give it my all, and I will do just that. No matter what." This new confidence had her head pounding, did she really just talk back to the King? Was that the wisest idea? Oh well, didn't matter now, her savior was here so she could do it. She couldn't see the proud look he was giving her or the shocked looks of the others. All she could see was the appalled look fo the Queen and King as their jaws dropped at her sudden change of character.

"You dare speak to us this way!"

"Now, now my mate, let the girl speak. She says she can do it, I suggest we start with harder questions. Lord Dack?" The queen squeezed her mate's hand so tightly, he grinded his teeth at the annoying pain it was causing him.

Lord Dack was so shocked by the sudden change he barely heard the queen's command, "yes your highness, but of course. Miss Sanshi, please tell us how you felt while in captivity. How much do you remember?"

"I don't remember much before being rescued . . . I remember the sound of heels and lots of pain. The drugs made it hard to tell what was real and what was hallucinations."

"Do you know how you got captured in the first place?"

"No . . . my memory is still hazy, but I do remember someone talking to me next to fire." Slowly a headache was forming as she tried her hardest to remember and answer questions.

It goes on like this for a good half hour before the council and the parents are satisfied with the answers. By then, Sanshi was a drained mess inside, but still manages to keep her bravest face on until after the room empties and falls slump against her savior and allows herself the first real tears to fall. Gently arms embrace her as the prince felt the side of his shoulder become wet as he gently holds her wracking body. So many emotions welled up within her and it only took until this moment before she allowed them to spill out. Comforting, soft words whisper in her ear as his praise washes over her like the first cold drink on a hot summer day. It feels nice, it feels wanted, and she desperately clings on and refuses to let go.

"I think we should take her somewhere to rest before the public interview in an hour."

"Where?"

"My lab isn't too far, she can rest in my study if she wishes, or she can head to the infirmary, my mate could have something made in a second for her."

"She probably needs to eat something." Vegeta murmured into her hair as he continued to allow her cry into him.

"I can have something light brought up. Just where are you going to take her, sire?"

"Your study is closest, and it has a nice couch. Have the snack brought there."

"I am coming with you, brother." Kalei approached them.

"I think she needs to be alone right now."

"I think alone is the last thing she needs. No sense in arguing with me, you know I am more stubborn than you are." She folded her arms knowingly.

"Whatever you say, brat." Grumbling, he uses his hands to help dry the tears off the girl's face. "Sanshi, you did very well. Come on, let's go rest. I want to properly introduce you to my sister, Kalei."