The hospital walls were painted an unattractive shade of white. If they were meant to promote a peaceful healing they failed miserably. Chiasa had become very familiar with these walls as she often accompanied her mother to visit her father. Goku was chafing at the enforced hospitalization and Chiasa knew it would only be a matter of time before he successfully escaped. Since Chi Chi could not be there every minute of the day, she had appointed her daughter second in command. It was her duty to watch him and make sure he did not do anything to hinder his healing.

Time alone with her father was a rare commodity. There were always doctors and nurses coming in and out taking tests and marveling at his recovery rate. Chi Chi was an albatross hanging over everyone's necks. So when the room was empty of all but them, Chiasa enjoyed the moments with his undivided attention. Like now, with her mother hanging laundry and the doctors working with other patients, father and daughter were able to converse on the myriad of subjects he had missed with his death. Although Goku looked like a mummy with his bandages and wraps, his eyes were just as warm as ever and his smile just as wide. Chiasa felt her heart fill with love for him whenever she met his gaze.

Today they had been discussing what she had studied so far in her schooling. Her father had never been much of a scholar and he was proud of the fact that his children were so intelligent. Despite the fact that much of what she told him was beyond his comprehension, he listened as eagerly as if he did understand. That was something that she adored about her father because he was sincere in all he did. Their conversation was interrupted by a doctor and his nurse. Chiasa moved to the side to allow them room to work.

A few minutes into the visit, the door opened to reveal an old man in a black suit. He moved with ancient grace to speak with Goku and Chiasa deduced this was Roshi, the man who had trained her father so long ago. It looked as if life was going to get exciting again.

"Goku we have problems," Roshi said, wasting no time with introductions.

"What problems, Master Roshi?" Goku was doing his best to avoid the doctor's probing hands while having his conversation. He was failing miserably.

"We just heard from Bulma and she said Vegeta is on Planet Namek right now!"

Goku's face hardened. "Vegeta!"

"So you need to get off your lazy behind and get to Namek," Roshi said. "Korrin has senzu beans on the way."

Chiasa did not understand much of what they were saying, but realized the gist was going to be Goku going away again. Her heart sank as she imagined the coming days of dealing with a depressed and ranting mother. Looking at her folded hands, she withheld a sigh knowing it would be futile. Vegeta. The name made her shiver slightly. If Gohan was in any danger due to the Prince she would want her father to go immediately.

Detached from the entire situation, Chiasa watched as another man entered the room. Grossly fat and bad tempered, the sword wielding man tossed her father a strange bean. Almost instantly he sprang from the bed, fully healed and capable. Goku quickly dressed and took the proffered bag from his friend. With a jaunty wave he flew from the window. Chiasa watched him go and felt the bandage holding her wound together rip away painfully. He hadn't even said goodbye.

Chi Chi entered the room than and her explosion rivaled any that Chiasa had ever seen. Roshi and the other man cowered before her as she raged, striking them repeatedly with a bedpan. In the doorway, Grandpa stood trying his best to placate his rampaging daughter. Chiasa wondered why he still tried. Once Chi Chi started it was best to let her rant until she ran out of steam. The longer she held the anger inside, the worse the explosion. Eventually she ran out of words and as she heaved for breath Roshi and his friend escaped. Chi Chi turned her watering eyes on her daughter. Chiasa stared back and for a moment both understood the other. In the next moment she was in her mother's arms and Chi Chi enfolded the pain into her own.

"My Chiasa," she whispered. "I wish that I could spare you this. All we can do is remain strong for our boys."

As her mother held her, Chiasa felt something die inside. How much longer could her mother sacrifice? Why should she even have to? It wasn't fair and she swore that she would never allow a man to control her so completely. She would learn from her mother's mistakes.

Days melded together as Chiasa kept busy with school work and her scouter. She had learned basic information about the Saiyans and looked at several different pictures of the race and their planet. When she had exhausted the scouter's databanks, Chiasa carefully wrapped the eye piece in cloth and tucked it away. Bulma would want it back when she returned. In her free time, Chiasa would go to the quarry and lift stones. She did not want her mother learning about her sudden interest in training so she improvised on exercises. She knew her father had started with basics when he was young so she did the same. Whenever Goku and Gohan returned, she would ask them to train her. If nothing else it was healthy for the body.

Everything changed a few weeks after her father's disappearing act. Chi Chi came home, a determined look on her face that did not bode well for anyone.

"Okay, Chiasa, I've waited long enough for that brother of yours. We are going to Namek! I've already spoken with Dr. Briefs and he has a spaceship ready for us."

Chiasa's face brightened. "I get to go too!"

"Yes," Chi Chi said firmly. "I'm not letting you out of my sight and once Gohan's home both of you will be hitting the books!"

Her face fell. She had been hitting the books. How much more studying could her mother cram into her head? At least she would get a space trip out of the deal. She would get to see Planet Namek! Excited, Chiasa rushed around with her mother packing and preparing.

"Now," Chi Chi said as they headed for Capsule Corp. "I couldn't persuade some of your father's friends from coming so we're laying down some ground rules. First, you will not speak to any of your father's friends, especially Roshi. They are horrible influences and I blame them for your brother's sudden desire to save the world. He should be at home preparing for his future like you and I am not losing another child to these ridiculous notions your father's friends always seem to have, understand?"

"Yes Momma," Chiasa said, not planning on talking with them anyway. Her main focus was getting away from earth to see the universe and reuniting with her father and brother. She could care less about saving the Earth.

They arrived at Capsule to see everyone assembled. Chiasa waved solemnly at the droopy Dr. Briefs and listened attentively as he went over the spaceship. Shortly after that they were buckled into their seats while he went over last minute checks.

"Don't you worry, Gohan, Momma's coming to save you," Chi Chi whispered, gripping her armrests. Chiasa raised an eyebrow wondering if the inevitable had happened and her mother had lost her mind.

There was a cackling and then the video screen came on again. "Slight change of plans guys," Dr. Briefs said. "Looks like Bulma is back on Earth and has Gohan with her so unless you guys still want to go to Namek I'd say the trip is cancelled."

Chi Chi's eyes filled with tears. "Did you hear that, Chiasa, my boy is back!"

Not sure if her mother expected a response, Chiasa settled for patting her hand. So much for the space trip, she thought grumpily. Gohan always ruins everything.

Dr. Briefs got everyone situated in one of his giant vehicles and they made for Bulma's coordinates. Chiasa sat far in the back, away from the commotion of excited babbling. She had noticed that Dr. Briefs said Bulma was back with Gohan, not Goku, and she wondered if her father had died again. It hadn't seemed possible when just a few short weeks ago he had been so real, so healthy and strong. Leaning her head against a window, Chiasa blinked away tears, wondering if their life would ever return to normal or if they were doomed to forever lose the ones they loved.

Eventually they landed and Chiasa allowed the others to rush off before her. She followed slowly, scanning the crowd of green aliens for her father. Gohan was always making friends with stray creatures so she wasn't particularly surprised he brought an entire planet back with him. Moving through the general grouping, Chiasa broke free of the cluster and saw her mother hugging Gohan tightly. He probably would not even get in trouble for being away for so long. She would scold him and make him finish his homework. Disgusted, Chiasa turned away and her eyes settled on a lone figure propped against a tree.

Vegeta.

His hair upswept like a flame, cruel dark eyes, and short but compact stature were unmistakable. This was the Prince of her race just as he had appeared in the picture on her scouter. He was scowling at the crowds of happy aliens as if he wished to blast them all away. Looking at him, Chiasa felt a wave of awe and fear. Here was a warrior like her father, but there was a ruthless edge that Goku would never be able to obtain. It reminded her of, well, her deep inside where she carefully concealed her anger and bitterness.

He looked at her then, as if feeling her eyes and his scowl deepened. Chiasa made to return to the ship when her tail betrayed her and unraveled from her waist. As if seeking the Prince, it bobbed in time to Chiasa's movements. Before she made more than a few steps, she felt his presence, and instinctively rewrapped her tail.

"Saiyan," Vegeta hissed. "Female?"

Suddenly Piccolo was there as well and Chiasa looked upwards at the green giant who had long ago stolen her brother. They had never formally met, but Gohan had regaled her with stories about his teacher.

"Is there a problem, here?" Piccolo asked in his deep bass.

"How many more Saiyans do you have lurking around here?" Vegeta snapped, pointing accusingly at Chiasa's tail.

"She's my sister," Gohan supplied from where Chi Chi was still mothering him. "Leave her alone, Vegeta."

"Do not presume to tell me what to do, spawn! How is it possible that an imbecile like Kakarot could produce twins? And a female?"

"The normal way I suppose," Piccolo rumbled sarcastically. "Why? Do Saiyan's have a vendetta against the females of their race? It wouldn't surprise me at all."

"Quite the contrary," Vegeta said glaring at the Namek maliciously. "I could care less."

The Prince walked away, leaving Chiasa and Piccolo staring after him, one in confusion the other in consternation. Piccolo looked down at her then and said, "Stay away from him, Chiasa. He is dangerous."

Ignoring the Namek, Chiasa continued towards the ship. She knew the Prince had been lying. He did care that she was female and Saiyan. She wondered why, knowing her value to be completely useless. She could not fight and no one would teach her. Glancing back at the Prince she was not surprised to find him watching her. Perhaps her luck was about to change.

The flight home was quiet. Chi Chi drove like a mad woman, eager to return and start dinner. To pass the time, Gohan had begun telling stories of his time on Namek.

"So he is dead after all?" Chiasa whispered, staring blankly out the window. She refused to shed tears. She was not a baby!

"We think so," Gohan said sadly. "I just can't see how he would have escaped the planet in time. It's okay though, Chiasa, we're going to wish him back with the Dragon Balls. Everything is going back to normal, I promise!"

It would never be normal again. No matter what happened, Chiasa knew there would always be a fear lurking in the back of her mind that her father would disappear again. The faith that she had in Goku had been horribly shaken and it angered her that Gohan seemed unaffected. Did it not bother him at all that Goku abandoned them? No, Gohan would never look on their father's disappearance as abandonment. Goku could do no wrong as far as her brother was concerned.

"Maybe when Dad gets back, he can train me too?" Chiasa whispered, not wanting their mother to overhear. Gohan's face grew uncomfortable and he shrugged.

"I don't know, Chiasa. I doubt Mom would let him. I mean, don't you think two warriors in the family is enough?"

Looking out the window, Chiasa resisted the urge to get angry. She had figured he would say that, but it did not worry her. There was one Saiyan she knew would train her. The look in his eyes had said it all. Now all she had to do was convince her mother to let her stay at Capsule.

"Thank you so much for taking her, Bulma! I just don't know what's got into her lately!" Chi Chi complained to the blue haired woman. Chiasa stood slightly behind, holding a suitcase full of clothes. It had required quite a few temper tantrums, destroyed property, and fights with Gohan to convince her mother.

"I'm sure she just misses, Goku," Bulma said. "Besides, just think of all the great tutoring I can give her. She was very interested in my experiments when she visited last time."

"That is the only reason I'm allowing this ridiculous notion she got in her head. Chiasa seems to think she'll learn better by being here. Anyway, Gohan's so behind, it's probably just as well so she can stop distracting him."

Bulma giggled. "Not a problem, Chi, we'll have lots of fun studying."

Chi Chi turned to her daughter. "Now, Chiasa, you better behave or I will march right back here and take you home. Do not give Bulma any of your lip and control your temper!"

Dutifully kissing her mother, Chiasa nodded, and waved as her mother departed. Bulma laughed softly behind her. "Talk about a contradiction! Chi Chi telling someone to control their temper. Well, kid, let's get you settled."

Following Bulma inside, Chiasa made sure to hand over the box carrying the scouter. "What's this?"

"The scouter. I thought you might like to have it back. Thanks for letting me play with it."

"Not a problem. Did you learn anything?"

"Not really," Chiasa easily lied. "It was a little over my head."

Bulma laughed and shook her head, blue hair flying with the movement. "You are too cute, Chiasa. Well, here's your room."

The bedroom was spacious with a computer and big screen television. It had its own private bathroom and the bed was humongous for one person. "Thanks, Bulma, I'm glad you let me stay here."

"Sure, kid! Besides, Gohan got to have his own little adventure, you should too."

Her hostess left her to unpack, which Chiasa did in record time. She had a mission and it was time to get started. Unfortunately, she had no idea where to look and no one to ask. Bulma would get suspicious no matter how she phrased the question, so Chiasa decided to wander. She probably should not have returned the scouter so quickly. She could have used it to find his level. Well, once she figured out how to search for levels.

It was a beautiful day outside and Chiasa saw the Nameks who were staying with Bulma were taking advantage of it. Everywhere she looked green men were talking, playing, or drinking water. A little overwhelmed by the crowds, Chiasa quickly pushed through them and headed for the private gardens that Dr. Briefs kept for the family. He had once given her permission to go in anytime she wanted so she took advantage of that invitation for the quiet.

She was glad that she did when she spotted the familiar sweep of hair that belonged to Prince Vegeta. He sensed her presence as soon as she entered and turned to glare fiercely. Dark eyes softened minutely when they realized who had disturbed his meditation.

"What do you want, spawn?" He spat, when Chiasa moved closer. "I don't have time to entertain third class brats."

Chiasa knelt and studied him quietly. He was like a caged wild animal and she decided to let him make all the moves. Vegeta watched her, his soulless eyes unreadable, and his expression grim. "I asked you a question, brat! Don't think I'll baby you like your imbecilic father."

No anger came at the insult to her beloved father and Chiasa wondered at that. Was she prepared to leave behind her family and devote her life to this madman? Her father had made that decision with Roshi, but the turtle hermit was not a mass murderer.

"I wish you to train me," Chiasa said simply when she saw her silence was infuriating the Prince.

He stared at her for a moment and then threw his head back in maniac laughter. Chiasa waited patiently for him to finish, battling her growing embarrassment. Maybe she had miscalculated his look that day.

"Brat, I don't have the time nor the inclination to entertain such foolish notions."

"I am not here for entertainment," Chiasa said sharply, her natural temper overriding her embarrassment. "I am looking for a Sensei."

"Go find your brother," Vegeta snapped, his face schooled once more into grim blankness. "Such things should be kept within the family."

"I have already asked, my Prince, and he refused me."

Vegeta started visibly. "You know who I am?"

Chiasa nodded. "Bulma gifted me with a scouter that held information on our race. I have exhausted the databases, but have learned little except our name, our planet of origin, and that you are our Prince."

Crossing his arms, Vegeta glared at the ground. "If you know who I am than you must know that I would never lower myself to train the half breed spawn of a third class imbecile."

He turned to leave and Chiasa felt panic envelop her. The last chance she had to become a warrior was walking away. Despite the danger to her life, she could not allow him to refuse.

"Why than?" She screamed, making him pause. "Why did you look at me when I was walking back to the ship? Why did you give me hope?"

"Hope?" Vegeta snarled. "Hope is for the weak. Hope is for humans. You are ruined. You are worse than a half breed. Your human half has destroyed all that is great about the Saiyan race with your peace and love tactics."

Rage filled Chiasa and instead of tamping it down as she had always done in the past, she let it loose. The anger filled her every pore, lending strength to her fists. With no thought to her own safety, she launched her body at a very surprised Prince and slammed her fists into his armor clad form. Unlike the stones, the armor withstood her punches and even when she landed hits on his body, it was worse than striking stone.

Eventually she had to stop from the futility of the exercise. Her hands were bruised beyond imagining and she thought she might have busted some of her knuckles. Gasping for air, Chiasa looked up into the inscrutable eyes of her Prince. He watched her silently, waiting perhaps, to see if she were finished.

"You realize that any other Saiyan who had dared strike me in such a way would be put to death?"

"You won't put me to death," Chiasa blustered. "I'm Saiyan and female and that meant something to you. Why?"

Frowning, Vegeta sat, and a minute later, Chiasa joined him. "I suppose I did say that."

Silence settled between them, but there was no animosity to be found now. Rather it was the silence found between teacher and student, and Chiasa hoped that she had convinced him. Though eager to learn his thoughts, she did not rush him. As his student she would have to learn patience and control.

"You could not possibly understand the act of losing an entire race," Vegeta finally said. "Or the horrors that Freiza perpetuated. We were destroyed by a coward who feared we would rise up and obliterate him. He was right, of course, for the Saiyans are the most powerful in the universe. It was only a matter of time before I attained the highest level and defeated him."

"Super Saiyan?" Chiasa queried.

He gave her a sharp look, but nodded. "I suppose your idiotic brother told you that."

Chiasa nodded, remembering her brother's attempts to describe the awesome power their father had wielded when he ascended.

"Soon, I will achieve that level, which is why I have no time to train you. I must focus my efforts on becoming a Super Saiyan."

"Yet you are here? Why? Would your training not be better served in the wilderness or a gym?"

"I am awaiting your father," Vegeta admitted. "So that I might learn how he ascended."

"Then train me now," Chiasa persuaded. "If, in three months, I have not met your expectations I will turn away and never see you again. My father will be back and he will show you how he ascended."

Vegeta laughed, but there was no cruelty this time. "Very well, brat, you have a deal. I highly doubt you'll last the first day."

What Vegeta did not know was the stubbornness inherent in the Son family. No matter how brutal, or cruel, Vegeta's tasks were, Chiasa finished them. He had her run for days on end with little food and rest. He broke her down to the barest inch and then slowly reconstructed her. Everyday he swore in three months time he would turn her away, but Chiasa continued her training.

Bulma, involved in caring for hundreds of Nameks, was unaware of the developments between Vegeta and Chiasa. She had time to check her guest's schoolwork and chalked up Chiasa's exhaustion to the grueling school load. Chi Chi occasionally called to check in, but had her own distractions in keeping Gohan at home to study. He was consistently sneaking out to fly to Capsule and spend time with Dende. If he was suspicious about his sister's absence, he never said, believing her to be jealous of his adventures. He figured once Goku returned, life would return to normal.

The day the wishes were to be granted, Chiasa was surprised to find her Sensei sitting in their usual training spot. Kneeling in front of him, she waited patiently for him to speak, wondering what test he had in store for her today.

"We will not be training today, brat. I have come to a decision about you."

Chiasa waited with baited breath. All her future depended on this moment and she did not know what she would do if he refused her. She frowned inwardly. That was not wholly true. Just because Vegeta rejected her did not mean she had to stop training. He had taught her how to fly, how to sense power levels, and how to manipulate her ki. She was novice in all three categories, but that did not mean she had to stop because he let her go.

"First, I have a question, and your answer determines my decision. When your father returns, it is my goal to learn from him the secret of ascension. Once I have succeeded, I will kill him. You must now tell me how you will react."

Frozen, Chiasa stared at him in shock. Kill her father? Kill beloved Goku? She supposed he might be able to, and with Goku dead there would be none strong enough to challenge him. What would she do? How would she react if her father were killed before her very eyes?

"May I think, Sensei?"

He snorted. "Fine, though I believe I know what your answer will be."

Chiasa bowed low and then left. The idea of her father dying again made her blood run cold. Her months of training with Vegeta had taught her that feelings were useless commodities if she wanted to be a true Saiyan warrior. Saiyans must be ruthless, emotionless, and hungry for power. There had to be a taste for greatness and a need to be the strongest. This was the life of a warrior and no mistakes were allowed. Her soft heart would have to harden. The fight would have to be all that mattered, seeking battle to strengthen her power. She had to welcome the bloodlust and sacrifice the weak. For even though her father was physically stronger than Vegeta, in reality Goku was the weaker of the two. He was weak because he would rather talk, than fight. He was weak because he sought peace over battle. These were not the traits of a Saiyan warrior. Chiasa knew that she could not sacrifice her father and she knew in that moment her future as a Saiyan warrior was doomed. Goku would never betray his family and Chiasa knew she could not do the same.

The rest of the morning, Chiasa wandered the grounds. A part of her wished to tell Vegeta immediately, but she figured he had already guessed. He was right. The human half of her had ruined forever the Saiyan personality that made them warriors. It made her sad, though, for she harbored real affection for the stony Prince of her race. She knew nothing would break through his shell of indifference. Freiza had seen to that. A burning hatred for the lizard welled inside. Vegeta had occasionally spoken of the Saiyan race before Freiza had completed his control. Once they had been honorable warriors, but the Ice-jin had shown them the truth of the universe. In order to survive, the Saiyans had ceased to care about little besides the next battle. Some remnants of Saiyan life bounced around in Vegeta's brain, but he felt it useless to discuss. The Saiyans were dead and he was a mere ghost of remembrance.

Eventually, Chiasa made her way to the courtyard where Nameks and humans were gathering to begin the ceremony. Vegeta was leaning against the wall and his dark eyes sought hers. His lips twisted into a deprecating smile as he read her answer in the shame on her face. Chiasa hung off to the side, not wanting to leave his line of sight, but not brave enough to venture closer.

"Where is Gohan?" Bulma burst out. "We can't start without him!"

"We're here! We made it!" Everyone looked as Gohan and Chi Chi ran into view. "Sorry we're late I had to finish my homework!"

"That's ok, Gohan, you're just fashionably late, which is totally cool. Okay, Dende, let's get started!"

Chiasa had never seen the Dragon before and was awed by the majesty of the giant creature. She glanced at Vegeta who bore the same indifferent expression and she wondered if anything surprised him anymore.

"Goku's not dead!"

Her mother's shriek snapped Chiasa to attention and she straightened. Her father wasn't dead?"

"Where is he than?" She heard Gohan's piping voice. "Why hasn't he come home?"

"Who cares?" Bulma said. "We'll just wish him back to Earth!"

Vegeta had also straightened and his face bore the tell tale signs of anger. Chiasa edged closer.

"The one called Goku does not wish to return to Earth," the Dragon rumbled. There was a shocked silence among the spectators.

"Why?" Gohan asked again. Chiasa saw Piccolo turn and answer, but she did not process the words through the waves of betrayal pouring through her. Goku was not dead, had never been dead. He had chosen not to come home. He had chosen to abandon his family, again. Fists clenched tightly, Chiasa struggled to control her rage. Her power level was still no where near the assembled fighters, but if it spiked it would get their attention.

Looking up, her eyes met Vegeta's mocking orbs and a grim smile settled on her features. Standing in front of her Sensei she bowed. "You have my answer…my Prince."

"Let's go, brat."

Chiasa followed him towards the spaceship. He wanted to find her father, which was fine with her. She had a few things to say to the deadbeat. Her gaping wound inside hurt like nothing had before, but she ignored it. The pain would give her strength and she would be strong. She would be a true Saiyan warrior; it was all she had left.