I know it's been long since I update this... I'm sorry. I'll update better, I promise :)

Chapter 5 - On Her Way

Her cramped quarters in space were beginning to drive her crazy. There was nothing to look at but a solid shiny metal surface. Her bed was the standard one issued to slaves, and the only item of clothing she was allowed to wear was a tan spandex suit… once again, the traditional color of slaves. Occasionally, she was allowed to train in the soldiers training room, but only at odd hours when no one was around. She was really beginning to feel the sting of isolation. It was as if she never existed. She only existed to fight.

She began to doubt that her name meant anything here… being called "woman" constantly was making her edgy… and angry, very angry. She suppressed her emotions in order to survive the psychological onslaught that would ensue the minute she touched down on her home planet. Two weeks in space had past and arrival on planet Vejiitasei was in less than 24 hours; she hadn't seen the prince or her father, let alone fought anyone.

There was a shuffling outside of her door. With no modesty to knock, the door was flung open and a large man reached into her chamber and dragged her out of the room. "Let go of me!" Sereki protested. The least she could do was walk wherever that man wanted to take her.

"Shut up, woman!" the guard yelled at her and kicked her in the side. He resumed dragging her down a series of corridors. Each group of Saiyans that they passed gave her amused looks, and some outright laughed. Sereki didn't know how long she could possibly take this humiliation, but knew if she couldn't handle it now that all hope was lost once she reached her home planet. She went limp and allowed the stupid man to drag her along the floor. If only he realized how powerful she was…

Her thoughts were interrupted as she was thrown into a pitch black room. Her blood ran cold. Something was awkward in this place – something was waiting to happen. She calmed her senses and focused. No ki signatures… no scents… no sounds…

SIZZLE…pop! She opened her eyes and threw her body to the left as a ki blast brushed past her head. Her senses reached for new heights as she responding to her instincts – dodging up, down, left and right. Her attacker was smart, and powerful… and sneaky.

"Where is he?" She muttered under her breath. She closed her eyes and gave up on her vision. It wasn't helping her in this dark room. She focused inwardly and her fluid motions took over her body as she ceased to think – only respond. She became accustomed to the room, and decided it was her turn to take the offensive. She slid to a halt and crouched into her fighting stance. Her warm tail wrapped around her waist tightly as she readied her body to attack. She threw her hands in front of her chest, and curled her fingers as silver light began to emanate from them. She lifted her hands above her head and let it go.

"Mirror's Reflection!" She shouted in an ancient tongue. Instantly, the room was bathed in a silver light, revealing her attacker – the prince. Figures, she thought. Who else? She mentally chastised herself for not seeking out his ki signature after the ki blasts began coming after her. She just had to throw in the special technique to light up the WHOLE room. You always have to do things the hard way, don't you Sereki? She almost laughed at herself.

"Took you long enough." The Prince scoffed at her. "I expect more from my sparring partner. You really need to get used to tough situations." He began walking towards her as he lectured her.

Sereki tried her best to not roll her eyes. If only he knew the situations that she had been in… much worse situations at that. She almost grinned as he walked towards her. He doesn't know what's gonna hit him! She waited, calculating the perfect moment.

"Are you ready to fight now, woman? I'm ready anytime, anyplace." He lunged for her, but only grasped empty air. His breathed in sharply. What the crap? Where…?

CRACK! His search for her was over when he felt a powerful force connect with the side of his ribs. It seems I spoke too soon. She does know what she is doing. Like I'll admit that. Ha.

She continued her onslaught of attacks. She broke through his defenses and she nailed him in the chin with an uppercut. This was the best way to release her tension from the past two weeks… just beat it out. The prince soon recovered from her surprise attack and matched her for every blow, block, and dodge. The fight was dead even, no one coming out on top. They clashed and fought longer, unaware of the crowd gathering outside of the door listening to the fight.

They separated to opposite ends of the room. Sereki badly wanted to make a sarcastic remark about her 'tough situations,' but in her current position in Saiyan society, she had no right to even speak to him… and it seemed he wanted to keep it that way. He smirked at her from across the room. A somewhat amused look as on his face. "Watch your back, woman." He left the room without another word.

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The Prince almost grinned to himself. Sparring her was going to be one of the highlights of his days. He didn't have to hold back with her… something that kind of bothered him. A woman? Almost equal to him? No. Not quite… almost equal… yes… that sounds better. She has quite the spirit inside of her, I can sense it - a very stubborn spirit. He mused over the ancient words she had spoken to light up the room. "How odd. I don't think that was ki energy… the only place she could have learned that from was the mystical planet Kadar." His eyes grew larger for a second as he realized she truly had been to the edges of the universe. This female is interesting.

He reached the bridge of the ship and a communications officer filled him in on their estimated time of arrival. He walked over to the control panel and watched the soldiers do their work. He couldn't get his mind off of her… she had so many secrets and mysteries about her. His musings were cut short as the image of his father filled the ship's view screen. "Vegeta!" his voice boomed. "Chikyuu has been spared in exchange for a female?! Tell me I am wrong."

"You're right." Vegeta glared back at the screen.

"You better have an explanation for this. What female can be worth a planet? None could be stronger than the Duchesses here – they are the strongest females in the universe. They are nothing compared to you and I, of course, but what good is this third-class scum?"

"She is a good fighter." Vegeta was getting annoyed. "I shouldn't have to explain myself."

"You're the man of many words. Tell me, does something else interest you? More than her fighting ability perhaps?" The King cocked his eyebrow at his son.

"Shut up, you know nothing! She's a good fighter, that's all!" Vegeta shut off the communications with a twitch. Part of what he said was true… and it bothered him. I'll never be interested in some stupid third-class female! He huffed and walked rather forcefully off the bridge.

So, what do you think so far? This is going to be a LONG story, and it's nowhere near done. I've still kept my promise and everyone is in character :)