"Italics" = Namekian language

Chapter 5

Cera thought quietly as she sat on the round chair outside the house she was brought to. Nothing that had happened so far today made any sense to her: first she crashes on a planet that's somehow escaped Frieza's attention, then she is rescued by a Saiyan who thinks he is a Namekian! Now she was sat outside the home of this Saiyan and his family waiting for them to pass judgement. Where would she go if they told her to leave? Her pod had been destroyed when she crashed on this planet. Would they hold her prisoner or would they just kill her and be done with it? She looked up as the Saiyan and two of the Namekians left the house.

"Why were you running away?"

She allowed her confusion to shine through. What had he said? The Saiyan frowned and tried again, this time in heavily accented Common.

"I said, why were you running away?"

Cera thought for a moment, she didn't see the harm in telling this unusual Saiyan. Who knows? He may actually allow her to stay. She looked at the ground between her feet.

"I was running away because of what was waiting for me the moment I turn twenty. Frieza, one of the three rulers of the PTO wanted me … as one of its personal slaves."

A bitter, pained look passed over her face as she looked up at the younger Saiyan.

"I, heh, I refused so my Prince, the other survivors of our race and a friend helped me to escape. I've been on the run for days and now, I've ended up here. Now … now I have nowhere to go."

She thought about those who had helped her to escape. Prince Vegeta: an arrogant bastard even on his good day's but he'd always looked out for her. Nappa: the closest being she'd had to a father. Raditz: the obnoxious third-class had always been willing to train with her, playing the part of the annoying older brother to perfection. And then there was Jeice. The snow-white haired warrior had been a good friend, someone for her to just talk with when she wanted some non-Saiyan conversation, a shoulder to cry on when things got too much. Now she worried for all of them, the Ginyu Force would protect Jeice, but Vegeta and the others had no such protection.

Ryon shared a look with his father and brother. If what she said was true then they couldn't force her to leave, it wouldn't be right. Yet if she was lying to them, Ryon knew the only reason he had beaten that Appule was because he had caught him off guard; the entire planet could be at stake if she was leading her comrades here. Ryo frowned, thinking along the same lines as his youngest.

"There's only one way we can know if she's telling us the truth … we need to take her to see Guru."

Both Royan and Ryon stare at their father in shock. Nearby Flute, Ryno and Jek also look up. Has their old man finally cracked?!

"Are you insane?! What if she attacks Guru?"

Ryo throws an irritated look at his most impulsive son.

"Ryon, do you really think she can overpower all six of us and Nail to attack Guru? Think boy! Guru can read the truth in a person's heart and thoughts, he'll be able to tell us if she's been lying to us."

Ryon visibly deflated, he knew his father was right. Still, it didn't mean he had to like it. He walked back over to Cera, the female Saiyan looking up in surprise.

"Come on, we're gonna take you to see the Grand Elder. He'll know if you're telling us the truth or not."

Cera inwardly gulped, she was telling the truth but who knows what it would take for this Grand Elder to see that. She took off alongside the five Namekians and the Saiyan. They flew for what seemed like hours in complete silence. In all honesty Cera found this more intimidating than even Dodoria's temper tantrums, they were mainly noise and light but this … this felt more frightening. Eventually they arrived at a tall plateau on top of which was a building. She followed the others down onto the plateau. Cera watched as the door opened and a broad shouldered Namekian exited.

"Welcome guys. Guru's been expecting you and your guest."

Jek leaned over and muttered to Ryon and Ryno.

"I've gotta figure out how the Grand Elder seems to know everything that's happening on Namek."

The three brothers shared a grin as they followed Nail inside. Guru was sat in his chair, seemingly asleep. Ryo dips his head in greeting.

"Grand Elder, are you aware of today's events?"

The elderly Namekian stirred.

"Yes Ryo I am. What is it you wish to know my son?"

Ryo gestured at Cera, the Saiyaness looked extremely wary.

"My son's and I have asked her how it was she arrived on Namek, however we are unsure as to whether she is being truthful with us. Is it possible that you could look into her memories and find out if she was being honest with us?"

Guru was silent for a moment. Out of all his children Ryo was one of the least trusting so this sort of request really didn't come too much as a surprise to him. He was surprised though at how calm Ryon was considering there was another Saiyan in the room. Finally, he nodded.

"Bring her forward."

Guru watched as Ryon led the female Saiyan forwards. She looked wary but he could already see that she had little to hide. He gently rested a hand on her head and she tensed immediately.

"It is alright child, I can already see that your intentions are not to harm my people."

Cera's memories were full of loss, pain and bloodshed yet through it all, she had survived and remained relatively sane. Guru saw how she regretted each life she was forced to take, sometimes spending hours crying into the shoulder of another warrior. He saw the revulsion and fear she felt whenever her tormentor summoned her and her relief when she was able to finally escape. Having seen enough, he removed his hand.

"Ryo, she should be made welcome here, she is not our enemy."

Ryo and his sons all looked slightly taken aback but knew that Guru was right. Ryon approached Cera.

"Come on, you can stay with us if you want."

Cera was surprised, first he nearly attacks her then he interrogates her, not only that but he then brings her to be interrogated again and now he's inviting her to live with him and his family!? Then again, he may actually be alright if she gave herself the chance to get to know him properly. She smiles at the taller, yet younger Saiyan.

"I'd like that."

Sorry about the delay, this one just took a little longer than expected ^_^'

Thanks to everyone who has favourited and/or followed this story, you guy's inspire me to keep writing ^_^

R&R please