Disclaimer: Nope...can't say that it was me.

AN: Here's the new chapter guys. I really hope you all enjoy it so let me know at the end of it, okay?

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"Heaven only knows how much I've missed you my dear!"

Bulma clasped her mother just as tightly as joyous tears slipped down her cheeks and her father looked upon the pair happily. "Believe me, I do know mother. Truly I do."

As the embrace finally ended, mother and daughter pulled back to give each other a cursory glance, laughed happily then embraced again causing her father to chuckle softly. From a few steps away, Vegeta watched the emotional reunion between his mate and her parents. The public display between parent and child was unusual to his people, particularly when the participants were royalty, and he quickly lost interest in it. Scanning the grand hall, Vegeta spotted the buffet table on the other side of the room. Without a word of parting to his mate, Vegeta started across the hall. He was halfway to his destination when a familiar voice caught his ear. Eyes narrowed, he redirected toward the flash of blue hair.

"You are just too kind!" Marron gushed as she smiled up at the face of the handsome man before her. He returned the smile but he wasn't the only one. The other seven gentlemen circling her joined him in gazing upon the ample bust of the lovely lady. Marron was in her element as she charmed the dignitaries who surrounded her. She had been blessed from birth with the ability to woo the male portion of any population and had honed her skills to an art over the last four and a half years as personal companion to the Crowned Prince of Maldrat. It was a title she should not have gained so easily seeing as she'd only lived on Maldrat a total of five years and her origins were unknown, but as stated before, the lady had her talents.

"You must come to Naforia and share your expansive knowledge on intergalactic etiquette. I'm sure my children would benefit from study under your tutelage," one balding, purple skinned monarch said as he gave the beauty a lusty smile.

"If my prince will allow it, I'd be more than happy to join you and your queen for a short period," Lady Marron said with a bat of her eyelashes. The king's face fell at the mention of his queen as the others chuckled at his expense.

"Well, if it isn't the whore of Vegetasei."

The gruff voice cut through the laughter of those gathered like a hot knife through butter. While the men turned to the voice with curiosity, Marron turned with pure horror. A shade paler than before, Marron watched as the men parted for the diminutive prince. "How- how did you find me?" her voice cracked with fear.

Dressed in the dark blues of his Saiyan finery, Vegeta stopped before the girl. "Find you? Finding you would imply that I'd been wasting time looking for you."

Marron was surprised to find his demeanor so calm under the circumstances. After all, this was the high and mighty Saiyan prince and she had run out on him, leaving him without his precious power key. After such disrespect, she expected him to incinerate her where she stood and yet he did not look angry. In fact, he almost looked...amused. However, this did not assuage Marron's fear. She had been on the receiving end of Prince Vegeta's fury often enough to know this was probably the calm before the storm.

"I-I'm-uh- I can explain," she stuttered as she began backing away. She could not help noticing that none of her admirers would be coming to her aid as they too began inching away from the scene. "You have to understand- I – I meant to come back," she lied.

"Oh really?" the dark prince questioned, his face unchanging.

Now certain he intended to kill her, Marron fell to her knees, effectively ruining her beautiful gown. "Please don't kill me your grace! I'm so sorry! I meant no slight to you," she groveled at his feet.

Vegeta released a cruel chuckle as he stared down at her blue head. It had been a while since he was this entertained. "Well, my boots could use a good licking while you're down there. Perhaps if you do a good job I'll let you keep your limbs."

Marron's tongue was all ready making its way the golden-tipped footwear when a smaller pair of shoes stopped beside them.

"Vegeta, what in the world are you doing?"

Sighing, Vegeta glanced over his shoulder at the voice. "I was having a good time but now that you're here I'm sure that'll come to an end."

Bulma frowned at her mate. She had been in the middle of catching up with her parents when a commotion on the other side of the hall grabbed her attention. Something had told her that Vegeta was in the middle of it and she had, of course, been right. "Why are you torturing this girl?" she demanded.

"Because she deserves it," he answered, not looking the least bit guilty.

"Must you humiliate someone on every trip we take?" Bulma huffed her irritation.

"Yes," came the expected answer.

As the two continued to bicker, they forgot all about the woman now sitting back on her hunches as she watched them in mute awe. Marron examined the new arrival in surprise. She could never claim to be brilliant but after taking in the woman's swollen belly, her obvious lack of fear of the Saiyan prince, and her odd hair color so similar to her own, even her rusty gears began connecting the dots. "You have blue hair," she finally said in astonishment.

The statement caused Bulma to pause mid-rant as she looked at the girl. "Why yes and so do-" Bulma stopped and looked at Vegeta, her own gears calculating a lot faster than Marron's. "Is this- I mean are you Lady Marron?" she asked turning back to the girl. When she nodded a smile of understanding crossed the Saiyan Princess's face. "That's what you meant by she deserved it! You're the one who ran out on Vegeta! Well, I guess I owe you a great deal of thanks, don't I?"

'Thanks?' Marron thought in confusion. This woman had obviously been forced to take her place as Vegeta's slave. Why in the world she would be thanking her, Marron had no idea.

"Marron, dear, why are you on your knees?" Prince Yamcha questioned as he came upon the group.

"Because its the position she is most comfortable in," Vegeta answered, drawing an amused gasp from his mate and a concealed glare from the subject of the insult.

Prince Yamcha seemed not to hear to barb as he extended his hands to assist the lady to her feet. Keeping her eyes lowered, she turned to the couple watching them. "My lord, have you met the Prince and Princess of Vegetasei?" she muttered as she attempted to brush off her dress.

Yamcha took a few moments to help her straighten her clothes before turning to the pair with a proper royal greeting, however, when his eyes fell on the face of the woman before him it died on his lips. "Princess Bulma? Is that you?"

Bulma too had just recognized the man before her. "Prince Yamcha?! It's been too long!"

"It has been and you look...so...grown up," he said on a chuckle as he gave her a once over. "But Princess of Planet Vegeta? I thought you were to marry Kakarot or was that just a lie your father told mine to keep you out of a marriage contract with me?" he teased good naturedly.

Bulma laughed as she shook her head. "No, nothing like that. Plans just changed a little, that's all," she said, winking at her husband.

"I see that," Yamcha chuckled. "You know, my father was quite fond of you. You should come to Maldrat for a visit sometime soon. He'd love to see you."

Bulma nodded. "That sounds wonderful! Vegeta and I need a vacation. You would not believe-"

As the conversation continued down its meaningless path, Vegeta realized he was once again trapped in another of his woman's sentimental reunions. He had only just escaped this nonsense moments before. He was plotting his next movement when Bulma subtly closed the space between them and slipped her arm through his, all the while still talking to her old friend. Her message was clear; he wasn't getting away so easy this time. Vegeta sighed, looks like he was in for a long and shitty night.

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Young Prince Gohan found himself in a predicament similar to that of the Saiyan prince. The boy had never imagined his parents knew so many people outside of their home world. The countless names and faces of those he'd been introduced to swam in his head. His mother said good little princes never forgot the names of their peers once formally introduced to them. He feared this was one expectation of court he would not meet because many of the names had all ready slipped from his mind.

As he stepped out into the cool night air, he sighed in relief. He would still be trapped in a tangle of introductions if it had not been for his father. The cheerful king took pity on his son and when his wife was deeply involved in a conversation with some dignitary, he pulled the child aside.

Squatting to the boy's level, Kakarot smiled conspiratorially. "How about you sneak out back for a break, son? I'll cover for you."

Gohan looked nervously at his mother's back then met his father's eyes. Nodding, he quickly hugged his father's neck than hurried to the back door, his tail wagging happily behind him.

Now, as he walked among the columns outside the sprawling palace, he kicked a little rock as he hummed to himself. He had only been walking a couple of minutes before his nose picked up a very familiar scent. Lifting his eyes, he quickly made out the silhouette of a tall long haired man leaning against a far wall. Smiling, he ran over to the smoking figure. "Hey unc."

Radditz blew a puff of smoke in perfect ring before glancing down at the youth. "Does your mother know you're out here boy?" he asked as he brought the cigar-like object to his lips.

"Nope," the boy answered as he leaned against the wall in a manner similar to his uncle.

Radditz returned his eyes to the starry sky, marveling at how bright it was despite the lack of a moon that night. With so many Saiyans on the planet it was probably good the moon had chosen not to make an appearance that evening, he thought with a small smile. "Risking your mother's wrath? You're getting bold, boy."

"Not really. Dad's going to cover for me," the child shrugged.

Radditz chuckled. "Well, he is a braver man than I."

Gohan smiled as he joined the man in his star gazing. They were silent awhile before the boy spoke. "Momma said smoking is a disgusting habit."

Radditz blew out another smoke cloud. "Trust me, I know." His knowledge came from personal experience. He had been chased from the Royal Palace of Isles on more than one occasion for smoking inside.

"Then why do you smoke? It makes her so angry at you." As one of the people he loved most in this world, the boy hated whenever his uncle got in trouble.

"I thrive off the danger that challenging your mother entails," the older prince replied, throwing the boy a grin.

Gohan chuckled then fell into silence again. As they stood enjoying the night, Radditz noticed the boy's curious eyes kept straying to the object between his fingers. Without much time to consider the weight of his actions, Radditz offered the roll of Elyon Weed to the child.

Gohan's eyes widened comically as he quickly shook his head.

"Come on boy. It'll put hair on your chest," his uncle coaxed.

The boy frowned. "Why would I want hair on my chest?"

Radditz sighed. "It's an expression. Just try it," he finished, handing the object over to the boy.

Gohan hesitated another moment before his pride and curiosity got the best of him. Taking the lit object from the older man, he held it awkwardly between his thumb and index finger before bringing it to his lips. Upon inhaling the smoke, the boy began choking immediately and shoved the object at his uncle.

Initially, Radditz was more than a little amused at the boy's plight as he took the cigar-like object back. However, when the coughing did not cease, he knelt beside the child and began patting him on the back. "Buck up, boy. It's not that bad."

"Th-th-at w-w- as dis-" Gohan choked before breaking into another coughing fit.

"Perhaps a glass of water might help."

Looking up from his nephew in surprise, Radditz's eyes fell upon the very face he'd spent the whole evening searching for in vain.

Kneeling on the other side of the child, Nissa offered what remained of her glass to Gohan. "There you are, young prince," she said soothingly as she rubbed his back. Having returned early from her business in the providences on the other side of Mongo, Nissa intended to sneak into her quarters for an early rest before having to start her tending to the pampered and, for the most part, useless royalty of the galaxy. After getting a glass of water and staring out her kitchen window a few moments, she rethought her plans for heading straight to bed in favor of a quick starlit stroll. She had not intended on straying so close to the grand hall and the jovial party it contained for fear Lord Krillin might spot her and ask her to join in the festivities. Deciding to put some distance between herself and the party, Nissa rounded a corner and immediately spotted uncle and nephew conversing softly. She turned to leave the pair to their solitude but was drawn back at the sound of the boy's choking and decided to offer her assistance.

As the child's coughing began to ease, Nissa kept her eyes on the odd pallor of his face. "Do you often give narcotics to children?" She directed her comment at the man watching her.

Radditz's state could only be considered as awed as he briefly blinked at the woman before speaking. "Elyon is hardly a narcotic."

"Perhaps," she started still not looking away from the boy sipping from the cup in his hands. "But a body as small as his might not know the difference, do you not think?" There was no disrespectful slight in her tone, however it was clear to Radditz that she was not pleased about his lack of judgment.

"He'll be fine. He is Saiyan, after all. We're a stronger breed than you might have encountered in the past," he replied in his defense.

"I see," was all she offered before turning to Gohan again. "How are you, your majesty?"

"Fine," the boy muttered, looking anything but.

Nissa studied him thoughtfully before turning to the other adult. "Perhaps I should fetch your queen-"

Radditz shook his head quickly. The last thing he wanted was ChiChi harping on him about her baby. "I assure you he is fine."

Nissa was unconvinced. "I think it would be for the best-"

"I'm sure you think it would be but I am sure he'll be fine-"

"Uncle," Gohan muttered, turning a slight shade of green.

"I really think you should reconsider-"

"No. It's okay-" Radditz interrupted her again.

"Uncle, I don't feel so go-" Gohan never finished as the nausea he was feeling turned his stomach, causing him to lose his dinner all over the front of Radditz's white top.

"Ah damnation!" the man cried, standing to his full height.

Years of proper etiquette allowed Nissa to keep her surprise and amusement at bay as she watched the Second Prince of Isles glared down at his clothing in dismay. Pulling a handkerchief from her sleeve, she wiped the Crowned Prince's mouth before handing it to him. "I bet you're feeling better now," she said, giving him a warm smile.

Gohan nodded as he took the now stained white lace handkerchief from the nice lady. "Thank you," he said as his eyes darted nervously toward his uncle. Boy, was he ever going to get it for this.

"You're very welcome," Nissa said as she stood. "Well, it seems you have everything under control here, your highness. I bid you good evening," the brunette said with a little bow before turning and heading on her way again.

Frowning deeply, Radditz watched her go. This was not how he planned their first meeting to go. He turned his frown on the boy standing next to him and was met by a pair of big, round, watery eyes.

"I'm sorry, Uncle," Gohan got out on a trembly voice.

Radditz could not help a sigh as his anger evaporated just like that. He could not stay mad at the boy longer than five minutes. Throwing his still lit bud away, he stepped on it before turning and starting down the sidewalk. "Come along, brat. We'll clean you up before your mother sees you."

Realizing he was no longer in trouble, Gohan sighed his relief then quickly followed his uncle with his little tail swinging back and forth behind him.

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Heavy clouds blotted out the life giving sun above and the king could not help noting the symbolism of the situation.

"Sire," came a hesitant voice from behind him.

"Did the courier make it off the planet in time?" he asked as his black eyes scanned the darkness beyond his window.

"We were able to sneak him off safely. Your son will know of what happened here today," the small bald man at the door replied.

The king nodded briefly before continuing. "And what of Musuke?"

The man was silent a moment before delivering his news. "She refused to go. She chose instead to remain with you, sire. Her nursemaid assisted her in her passing and said it was painless. Her final words were to tell her love she awaits you on the other side."

The king closed his eyes and lowered his head against the painful blow. He knew that she would not flee the planet as he had ordered but instead would choose to follow him into the afterlife. This knowledge, however, did not stop the crushing pain in his heart at the news of her suicide. "I should have made her my wife," he muttered to himself.

"Lady Musuke would have made a wonderful queen," was all the old man could offer.

Opening his sorrow filled eyes to the darkening sky beyond the windowpane, the king turned to the rooms only other occupant. "You are a good steward, Avengion. My only regret in this life will be that I did not send you to Mongo with my son."

The old servant mustered a smile as he looked into his king's face. "I share Lady Musuke's sentiments in that I'd rather die with you today then live another thousand years unable to serve under you."

A sad smile touched the king's lips as he rested his hands on the man's shoulders. "Then let's meet our fates together, what say you old man?"

When his friend nodded, the pair left the royal chambers and continued through the great dark palace. When they reached the front doors they exited and were greeted by the wary site of what was left of the once formidable royal army. The king walked through the parting crowd of two hundred or so men to his mount, whose reigns were held by a young soldier. The king dared meet the youth's eyes and the fear he saw there disheartened him further. Climbing atop the horse, he took the reigns in hand then turned the beast so he was facing his men. "We go into this final battle knowing our chances are slim," he started in a loud clear voice. "But we also go knowing that we gave our all and if we die today, we do so with no shame in our hearts. Remember this my brothers."

"What a charming sentiment," came the mocking tone from behind.

The king barely had time to turn his animal before four fire balls of energy collided head on with much of his first line, incinerating most of the men on the spot. Terrified murmurs came from those who remained as the enemy advanced on them. The king attempted to hold his ground as the horse stirred restlessly beneath him as the five invaders approached.

"You are demons!" The king cried out to them.

"Demons? That is no way to speak to my master," the smallest of the five, wearing a white turban, commented.

Spitting on the ground, the leader met his enemy without fear in his eyes. "That is what I think of your master."

"Such insolence," the blue skinned female began in amusement.

"From such an insignificant flea," the tallest of the four underlings finished for her.

"May we kill them now, master?" the fourth asked as he pulled his sword from its sheath, his orange hair, so much like the others, swaying in the heavy breeze.

The leader of this small band of invading aliens held up a halting hand to his minions as he stepped forward to meet the eyes of the king. "What is your name, brave king?"

"That is not your concern, however, I will take the name of the monster I am to return to hell," the king said, drawing his own sword and pointing it at the blue skinned, orange haired man.

"My name?" the villain started with obvious amusement. "Why, it is Bojack, destroyer of worlds and bringer of your death."

"We'll see about that!" the king screamed as he kicked the sides of his horse and charged forward. The army rallied behind their king and followed suit.

A smile on his face, Bojack let the army of two hundred advance on his band of five for four full minutes before saying simply over his shoulder, "Destroy them."

Each of the four gave their own gleeful sound, having been waiting for just that command. "Yes master," they said in unison as they each formed massive ki blasts in their hands.

'I will be with you soon, Musuke,' the king thought as he continued his charge, her beautiful brown eyes and soft pink hair floating before his mind as he pressed on. "ATTACK!!" he screamed as they came upon the glowing invaders. His men did not have time to respond to the cry as the four monsters released the full force of their energy on the charging army.

As the light approached, another face replaced his beloved Musuke's. It was the smiling face of a dark haired boy with bright eyes and a jagged scar across his cheek. 'Be strong, my son. Please, live on my...' "Yamcha," he breathed his last word as the blinding hot light engulfed them all, the screams of agony of his men vibrating the air around him.

And then there was silence.

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Thanks for reading.