AN: I'm glad you all feel I'm portraying the characters in a realistic, believable manner. Hopefully you all will enjoy the upcoming tales of valor and strength. Read, review, let me know what you think! Best Path! :)

Long Way Home

"NOW, SIT. BREIF me on your years of servitude to that white demon." Vegeta-ou's voice was as commanding and strong as Raditz remembered it to be from years long past. And the King's appearance was still that of youth and tenacity, though over fifteen years had passed and they had been neither painless nor forgiving.

He sat in one of the chairs that sat before the immense wooden desk, noting that Nappa did the same. Bardock remained standing at Vegeta's right, and Raditz wondered exactly what his father's new position was in this make-shift court on Chikyuu. Obviously the King trusted Bardock unfalteringly for him to remain present for such important affairs.

His brother, Kakarrot, remained standing dutifully before the office doors, as if to make sure none entered or even paused to listen to the meeting being conducted. Raditz observed his brother curiously; for he had never seen him, even as a babe, for he had been accompanying Prince Vegeta around the time Kakarrot had been born and their natal planet destroyed. The boy mirrored their father exactly, save for the scar that graced Bardock's face. Raditz wondered if the boy had even a fraction of the merit their father did. Time would tell regarding this issue, the warrior supposed.

"There is not much to tell, Vegeta-sama. We were mercenaries for Freiza, purging planets for sale and enslaving races to serve his empire. Vegeta-ouji led us wisely and safely." Nappa's booming voice answered respectfully.

Raditz nodded in agreement. "We did not see too much of Freiza, since we were off-base more often than not and didn't have the opportunity to discover his weaknesses, nor hear of his more intricate galactic plans." he added.

"I see." Vegeta-sama leaned back in his chair, stroking his goatee thoughtfully. He had hoped that perhaps Nappa and Raditz could offer insight regarding Freiza, but it seemed they were just as misled and deceived by that chilling monster as he himself had been. He would, as always, continue to rely on Bardock's Sight.

Raditz watched the King carefully. "Sire, I apologize for not being of greater assistance to you." he finally voiced aloud. He felt as useless to the King as he did the Prince; unable to assist either in anything remotely important. The inadequacy spoke in volumes.

Vegeta's features softened. "Nappa, and yourself, have kept my son safe as much as he has kept you safe. I am in your debt, for without the Prince..." he trailed off then, barely able to voice the possibility of Vegeta the younger meeting his demise, though that fate was not nearly as cruel as the one he had already met. But, still, the Saiya-jin race needed an heir, a prince who could lead them back to their former glory.

"You honor us, Ou-sama." Nappa said humbly, bowing his head in reverence. It was apparent that Nappa was as much of an ass-kisser as always, Raditz thought snidely. The giant of a man had always sought to be at the King's right hand. Raditz pondered how Nappa felt seeing Bardock in that position instead. Surely discontent would brew and a battle for the King's favor would ensue...

"I only give gratitude where it is due, Nappa. You know this as well as I. You have served my house loyally for decades. It has not gone by un-noticed." the elder Vegeta answered.

The warrior nodded, schooling his features so his pleasure of being praised was well hidden. "Forgive my impertinence, Vegeta-ou, but when young Kakarrot here was telling me of the events that have unfolded on Chikyuu-sei...some of your decisions...they do not bode well with me."

Vegeta's brow wrinkled, as if puzzled. "Speak, Nappa." he bade him, for the man had indeed served his house loyally for decades and his opinion was valued.

"My main concern is that of your decree that allows our soldiers to breed with the Chikyuu-jin women...our racial purity is at stake, My Lord." Nappa waited pensively once he finished speaking. It was a dangerous game indeed, to question his Liege about decisions that had been made well over fifteen years ago.

Vegeta laughed heartily. "Ah, you doubt the strength of our progeny, do you?" Nappa, unsure of how to respond, for his King had laughed in such a manner before, and then promptly struck whomever had questioned him dead, remained silent. The King continued in Nappa's absence of response, "Perhaps you'd like to test for yourself the strength of our half-breeds to be certain they are worthy?"

Nappa blinked. "Your Eminence-"

"Don't protest. I know you would like to see firsthand the strength and wit of our demi Saiya-jin warriors." Vegeta-ou's gaze veered to Kakarrot. The boy, already at attention, straightened even taller. "Please escort Nappa to the training hall. Select the youths I myself have sparred in the past; Kale, Lechuga, Aspara, and Rhuba. Nappa should find himself quite pleased, I am certain."

Kakarrot nodded. "Yes, Your Eminence." He had subtly mocked Nappa's reverence in repeating his utterances. Raditz hid his wry grin, for his brother was seemingly as clever as their father.

Nappa stood, hiding his fury at Kakarrot's mocking. "I shall return with a full report on my findings, Your Majesty." He turned and left the office, his hulking frame barely fitting through the door.

"Kakarrot." Bardock spoke, his son pausing at his father's bade. "Please come to my quarters once you have finished escorting Nappa-san. Raditz and myself will be awaiting your arrival." The youngest of Potat's line nodded wordlessly, bowing quickly before taking his leave.

Vegeta chuckled once the doors to his office had closed, earning the gazes of Bardock and Raditz. "Your son truly is clever and brave, to openly mock Nappa so." he commented, thoroughly amused.

Raditz bit his lip, though Bardock chuckled in return. "Yes, Vegeta, he certainly has gall." Raditz also remained silent over Bardock's familiarity with Vegeta-ou and lack of utter respect. They must truly be close, he thought, awestruck that his father, a man of middle to lower class, could become so close to the ruler of their proud race.

"Well, enough has been discussed today. All that lacks is the arrival of my son." the King commented softly, his features unreadable. Not because he had schooled them, but because too many emotions openly flickered across his facade, perplexing the two men who were so accustomed to stone-faced expression.

"He will come around, Ou-sama. I can See that clearly." Bardock replied kindly, as a friend would reassure another. Raditz wondered what his father's emphasis on 'See' was, but he would be able to ask him in private soon enough, and thus waited patiently.

Vegeta's mouth quirked into something of a grin. "I give you leave Bardock. You have much to speak of with your son, as I do mine." Conversations that would not necessarily be pleasant...

"Thank you, Your Highness." Bardock bowed briefly, as Raditz himself rose and bowed as well. He followed his father's lead, leaving the King to his isolation and silence.

"YOU ARE BOLD for one so young." Nappa announced once he and Kakarrot exited the King's office. His fury was barely restrained, for his did not want to cause a scene in this hall where others could be privy to it. No, he'd make the brat pay for his carelessness in private, where no one could protect him from his wrath.

Kakarrot remained calm, seemingly unruffled by the threat in Nappa's tone. "It is not difficult to be bold when you have the strength to back up your statements." he replied curtly, walking to the training halls. He pressed several buttons on his scouter, sending alert messages to the strongest four of the demi Saiya-jin. They would join Nappa and himself in the training halls within minutes.

Nappa grit his teeth, keeping his features neutral. "Ah, strength you may have, but in your youth you lack the skill. It can be your undoing, brat."

Kakarrot his his smirk, punching a code into the door for one of the many training rooms. "Honestly, are you foolish enough to believe I lack skill? With Bardock as my sire, I am aptly trained for any situation that presents itself. Such as a brute like you threatening me or my family because you no longer hold the King's favor in comparison to my father."

Nappa lunged for the second son of Bardock, snarling when he dodged, blurring from his vision. The door to the training room remained open, but he cared not at this point. The whelp of Bardock was cruising for a proverbial bruising and he would be the one who would dole it out to him!

Kakarrot chuckled, dodging each of Nappa's attacks. As he had suspected, Nappa relied on his sheer size and brute force in battle, instead of being strategic and using one's weaknesses against them. And he boasted about skill! He charged his ki, sending several scathing blasts at the larger man, crowing with pleasure as his shots made their mark.

Nappa emerged from the blasts, seething with anger, and the younger man crossed his arms arrogantly. "Wouldn't you rather save your energy for the demi Saiya-jin you are about to fight?" he questioned, his tone almost coy. He didn't mind if Nappa exhausted himself before even fighting them, but he really did want Nappa to see how insignificant he'd be in comparison to these young warriors.

"I will always have energy in reserve to beat you into a pulp, brat." he snarled, a threat that didn't perturb Kakarrot in the slightest. He longed to crush the boy into a pulp, but surely he would be punished for such actions, seeing as how Bardock was Vegeta-ou's new favorite and Kakarrot was Bardock's son. Curses...

They were interrupted by the cheery voices of four young demi Saiya-jin entering the training room. Nappa and Kakarrot regarded the four demi Saiya-jin who lined up before their Saiya-jin brethren. Kakarrot smirked, proud of the fact that these four youths, only two years younger than himself, were the strongest, quickest, and keenest of the demi Saiya-jin and in all likelihood would crush Nappa into a pulp were they to unleash their full strength on him.

"You see before you our eldest and strongest of the demi Saiya-jin, Nappa-san." Kakarrot informed the elder. "First is Rhuba," Kakarrot gestured to the youth who stood six feet tall, with unruly auburn hair, green eyes, and a guileless expression, "Then Aspara," the woman who stood beside Rhuba, short in stature with unruly blonde hair spiking down her back and sharp violet eyes, "Kale," another boy, taller than Rhuba, with white hair, blue eyes, and unreasonably handsome, "And last is Lechuga." the girl stood, tall and slim, her hair trailing down her back like an ebony waterfall, her features pale in comparison to her onyx eyes.

"It is an honor to meet you, Nappa-san." Rhuba said, bowing slightly. As the strongest amongst the demi Saiya-jin he was oftentimes the spokesman for them and their cause. Strength was, after all, the ruling class amongst the Saiya-jin.

"Likewise." Nappa answered, though it was obvious he did not agree with his own statement in the least.

"Nappa would like to spar with each of you, to make certain that you are warriors worthy of his respect." Kakarrot crossed his arms, appearing completely amused by this turn of events. "You may decide amongst yourself the order of who will spar with Nappa." With nothing more to say, Kakarrot turned to leave.

"Wait, Kakarrot!" Aspara rushed to his side, leaving the others to decide amongst themselves as to who would spar with Nappa first.

The younger son of Bardock blinked, surprised that Aspara had forfeited her chance to spar first simply to speak with him. "Yes Aspara?" He, much taller than she, looked down at her. She was slightly flushed, though he couldn't imagine why. It was almost alluring, her big, violet eyes and unruly blonde hair falling into her face...but he was keen on Bulma, and no other woman could distract him from that.

"I just...ah..." the younger girl paused, hurriedly trying to think of something, anything, to say to Kakarrot. "I wanted to know what it was like meeting the Prince." she finally blurted, immediately regretting it. Now Kakarrot would think that she was a brown-nosing, royalty seeking woman...stupid, stupid.

Kakarrot blinked once more. "Well, truth be told, I only had a few minutes in his presence. I couldn't tell you much about him." he answered honestly.

Aspara bit her lip, fighting the urge to fidget. It was unbecoming of a warrior, but yet...she still felt every bit as much of a teenage girl despite her being one of the strongest of the demi Saiya-jin. "That's not really what I meant to ask." she murmured aloud.

Kakarrot, with his Saiya-jin hearing, caught her utterance. "Then what did you wish to say?" he queried patiently. Despite Aspara's nonsensical nature at times, he respected her as a warrior and did not go out of his way to mistreat her.

Aspara sighed softly, her breath ruffling her bangs. "I wanted to maybe spar with you sometime this week. I mean, when you have the time. There are a few techniques I've heard you are skilled at." she said, speaking a bit faster then was necessary.

Kakarrot digested the girl's request and nodded. "I don't see any reason why not. Tomorrow may be a bit tough, but the day after should lend me some time."

Aspara smiled, and for a moment Kakarrot was caught off guard. No woman had ever smiled at him like that before, not even Bulma: A smile of complete and utter happiness at his willingness to fulfill a request that meant something to the woman asking. "I'll contact you the day after tomorrow if I don't see you before then." she chirped before running off to join her comrades.

Kakarrot watched her and wondered exactly what had just transpired. But now wasn't the time to contemplate such things. He needed to meet with his father and brother. He had to get to know Raditz and determine for himself if he were a man worthy of their father's regard.

He left the training hall, but not before taking note that Kale was the first to spar with Nappa. He chuckled to himself, for that boy was arrogant, cocky, and down right strange at times. He had a very human personality, having been completely and utterly spoiled by his human mother as a child. Had his Saiya-jin father stuck around, Kakarrot knew Kale would be more of a serious soldier than a horny teenager.

And Aspara... she herself had been raised only by her Saiya-jin father, her Chikyuu-jin mother having died while birthing her. She was, more often than not, a tomboy and battle-oriented woman. He found himself enjoying her company, on the sparring field and off. Conversations with her whenever he ran into her in the hallways or the mess hall were always intriguing. Whereas Bulma was focused on science and technology, Aspara cared more for fighting techniques and battle strategy. And there was something interesting about a Saiya-jin woman who was your own age.

The one thing about Bulma that bothered Kakarrot was that she was too Chikyuu-jin at times. Her concerns, her lack of psychic abilities to match his own, and her lack of aggression when it came to mating...

Had Bulma been Saiya-jin, it was likely she and he would be mated by now. But she wasn't, and they weren't. And oh, how he longed to make Bulma-san his. But she never gave him the open opportunity to hunt her. Their relationship was professional, for the most part, and he barely got to see her. Today had been a rare exception where she and him had worked together for their common goals. And although there had been moments, very few, where there had been some tension, something always occurred to break the aforementioned tension. It was almost as if fate didn't want them to be together! But, he digressed.

Kakarrot stopped before Bardock's private quarters and knocked politely. It was more out of formality than necessity, for Bardock was his father and was expecting him. But he did it regardless and waiting for his father to answer. Kakarrot wordlessly entered his father's quarters. Raditz sat comfortably in their father's common area and the brothers locked eyes.

"So we finally meet." Raditz remarked, standing to greet the younger brother he'd never truly talked to.

Kakarrot nodded wordlessly, taking in his brother's attributes. Though they were brothers, Raditz was taller than him and only vaguely resembled him. Perhaps he took after their mother's side...

"As I have told you before, Kakarrot, your brother was a comrade of mine in battle and a man I trusted with my life. Something rare for the Saiya-jin, to value family so intensely." Bardock intervened, sensing the awkwardness between his sons. It was to be expected, the two knew nothing of one another, and in addition to their age difference of fifteen years, Raditz had been absent for over fifteen years. And in Saiya-jin society, family didn't mean nearly as much as fighting squads and battle comrades did. So these two men were essentially strangers who knew nothing of one another.

"Thank you for saving our father's life on occasion." Kakarrot replied stiffly.

Raditz grinned. "It is alright Kakarrot. We will come to know one another in time. Father has told me much about you. I would be interested in a spar when things settle down a bit around here." Because the elder brother knew their father so intimately, he trusted his father's stock in young Kakarrot. And since he and Bardock seemed to get along so well, Raditz knew that he and Kakarrot would come to be close comrades in due time.

The younger of Bardock's progeny relaxed visibly and the father of the two chuckled. "It is good to have you both here. Come, let us pour wine and celebrate. Our troubles can be remembered on the morrow."

The two followed their sire's lead without protest.

THE WIND PICKED up the Chikyuu-jin's cerulean hair, the moonlight highlighting each gossamer strand, keeping Vegeta entranced by it. They remained silent on the way back to Capsule Corporation, though it was by no means uncomfortable. It was the companionable silence that two friends often enjoyed with one another, though Bulma was not one he called 'friend'.

He had not yet decided, after all.

The Prince watched her, taking in her ivory skin, her delicate features, her ease with which she operated her machinery. He would even go so far as to call it a grace of sorts. She exuded it, it emanated from her. And he found a simple sort of pleasure from merely watching it and her.

This woman, Bulma-san, had intruded on his volatile inner musings, physically entering his environment, hoping to offer her friendship to him, not knowing if he would end her life then and there for her gall. He had already deduced that he would train every waking moment of his life from here on out to attain his goal of becoming Super Saiya-jin. The fights and struggles of his life would not be for naught, his father be damned!

But she didn't demand anything of him. She only gazed upon him, her eyes cool, clear, calm pools of ultramarine. She spoke, her voice demure and musical to his ear. Her face a beautiful oval, framed by unruly, wind-swept aqua locks.

This Chikyuu-jin, so fair and lovely, had offered her friendship, not expecting anything in return, not even his response. And he followed her as she beckoned him back to the very place he had vowed not to go.

But he didn't begrudge her that. He was no coward. He would meet with his father, confront him, challenge him...and perhaps understand why he himself had suffered so needlessly. He loved his father. He hated his father. He didn't know what he felt towards his father. He just knew that he needed answers. And the only way to obtain them would be to meet with him. Vegeta-ou; the King of Saiya-jin.

She landed the vehicle in the compound. Vegeta had seen it looming in the distance, and instinctively knew it was one of the Saiya-jin bases. The formation of it was too similar to the Saiya-jin compounds of Vegeta-sei that Nappa and Raditz had told him of to be anything else. As Bulma turned off the engine, unbuckling her belt, she turned her ethereal gaze towards Vegeta.

"This is my own personal courtyard, away from the Saiya-jin barracks. My quarters are here. I have a spare bedroom, if you wish to spend the night and make a decision tomorrow..."

Vegeta cleared his throat. "It is probably best that I meet with my...the King tonight." he spoke softly, averting his gaze. Belatedly it occurred to him that his behavior could be perceived as meek, but this woman's opinion mattered not.

Bulma nodded, climbing out of the aircraft, and Vegeta followed suit. She encapsulated it, earning Vegeta's surprise, but now was not the time to ask about technological advances. He had to meet with and face his own father for the first time in over fifteen years.

He wondered what he should say, how he should feel. This man had abandoned him for the sake of their race. But, then again, what would he have done had he been in the same position as his father? Probably something similar, had the same choices been presented to him. And Kakarrot had said that his father had wanted to rescue him, but that Bardock foresaw that Vegeta-ou would fall in his attempts to rescue Vegeta-ouji.

"I'll take you to King Vegeta then." she replied, a small smile on her face. She entered her quarters, and Vegeta once again followed her. Apparently her own bedroom gave view to her courtyard, and Vegeta looked around the intimate surroundings, his eyes adjusting to the light that she turned on with the mere clap of her hands.

The room was painted in shades of soft, pale blue. The furniture was all wood, painted in pristine white. The room was not overly girly, but it had a feminine touch. It was sensible, but revealed the nature of its occupant. There were a few objects in the room that most likely had sentimental value, such as a plush animal sitting primly on the bed, and photographs placed in frames sitting on the vanity. The room was neat, but still showed signs that someone lived there. Cosmetics lay haphazardly across the aforementioned vanity, and an outfit or so, likely rejected for wear that day, laid across the back of the vanity's chair.

"Hn." Vegeta unknowingly grunted aloud, gaining Bulma's attention. She turned to look at him expectantly.

"What is it?" she questioned blankly, completely unaware of Vegeta's thoughts or observations.

Vegeta blinked. "It is nothing." he answered quickly. He sensed that if he behaved a certain way, she would become annoyed or enraged by the aforementioned behavior.

She arched a brow and her hands came to rest on her hips. "Is there something wrong with my room?" she queried quickly, immediately guessing what Vegeta had made a noise over.

Vegeta resisted the urge to twitch. "No. There is nothing wrong with your living quarters. I was merely taking in my surroundings and unwittingly made a verbal comment." he answered, somehow sensing that he had to choose his words carefully. He fought to keep his own temper from rising to meet that of his opponent's, though there was difficulty in doing so.

She held her battle-ready stance for a moment, then decided to let it go. "You should be happy to see my room at all." she said arrogantly, her hands dropping from her hips. "No man has ever been inside my room." her tone softened, and she thought of the moment she and Kakarrot had nearly shared that afternoon. Had he been trying to kiss her? Or had it merely been her own imagination?

Vegeta blinked at the unexpected volunteering of information. "So you are telling me you are untouched?" he questioned dryly. This woman had unwittingly given him ammo for his arsenal.

She flushed, looking away. "Well, I guess I inadvertently just did." she snapped, though she lacked the harsh bite she'd had earlier. Great, Kami only knew what sort of damage this sullen Prince could do with such private information. Though she had offered her friendship, it didn't mean he'd take that offer and be her friend in return. So he could still be an enemy, much like how she sensed that Nappa would be.

Vegeta's features darkened, and Bulma found it both surprising and intimidating. "It is much better to be untouched than touched against your will. Savor your innocence, woman." he quickly warped his face into a neutral mask as quickly as he had become sullen.

Bulma blinked. "I...uh...let me take you to see Vegeta-sama..." she murmured, not sure what to think of such an outburst or such bitter emotion. She couldn't quite grasp Vegeta's statement at the moment, nor did she have the time or energy to delve further into his dark statement. It was best to bring the Prince to the King and leave matters in their hands from there.

He followed her through the vast halls, quietly observing her as she punched the security codes. She felt his eyes upon her, watching her every movement, and she fought self consciousness over it. Many a Saiya-jin had eyed her up, of course, but none so...intense...as Vegeta.

She stopped before Vegeta-ou's office, knowing full well that he'd still be inside, long after every other scientist and warrior had retired for the evening. The King always worked tirelessly, and she suspected Junior would be very much the same. She faced the man, taking in his unreadable features and confident stance. Though, somehow, she knew Vegeta-ouji was as nervous and jittery as any young man would be after a sixteen year absence from his father.

"Well," she began softly, aware that Vegeta-ou could hear whatever was being said outside his office door, "here we are, Vegeta."

He exhaled softly, his obsidian eyes piercing to her very core. "I...thank you." he murmured, fully taking in all that she had done for him and all that she had offered.

Impulsively she leaned in, pressing a kiss to his smooth, tanned cheek. "I'll see you later." she rushed, mortified by her actions. She dashed off, leaving Vegeta before the heavy door of his destiny.

Vegeta watched her leave, his fingertips raising to touch where the Chikyuu-jin's lips had. He shook his head, dropping his hand into a clenched fist. Now was not the time...his father was waiting...and much needed to be said.

He rapped politely on the door. And held his breath.