Disclaimer: I don't own DBZ or the characters

Thank you to everyone who reviewed, including all the guest reviewers who I couldn't write back to. I appreciate all of the feedback.

I have to say, I went on a writing binge with this story that I'm already a couple chapters ahead once again, so I decided to give another update since I had missed updating last week. Thank you all!

Vegeta damned himself when he let the patrolman go, and his two Saiyan comrades were reluctant to make the call back to base that Vegeta was horribly injured and needed life-saving treatment. Once he was healed, they knew Frieza would land him back in the infirmary immediately. They did not want this to happen to their prince. Unfortunately, they had no choice, and Nappa alerted Frieza. As expected, the tyrant remained deathly silent before he demanded they return.

Frieza was waiting for them in the infirmary when they returned. The monster grimaced at the child's unconscious form before he stepped aside. Raditz handed Vegeta off to the medical crew. Frieza left them, said nothing about the mission's progress. Nappa was terrified over Frieza's reaction, or lack thereof, but his primary concern was Vegeta. Who had done this to him?

Meanwhile, Jaco raced to Planet Vegeta to warn the royal family. When he arrived, he was apprehended and thrown down before the king and queen. Where the king glared at him, the queen seemed confused but not angered by his presence. "What is Galactic Patrolman doing on our soil? You are not welcome."

"I know," Jaco said, his voice quiet but confident. "Your Majesty, I am here to warn you on behalf of the Galactic Patrol and your son. Frieza is coming to destroy you."

The queen nearly stood up when he mentioned her son and looked over to her mate in alarm. She refused to let him hurt someone that might tell her how her son was faring. The king also softened slightly, and then demanded all but Celen and Zorn leave the room. "What do you know of my son?" he demanded once they were alone.

Jaco sighed and said, "Prince Vegeta touched down on the planet where we had one of our bases. My commanding officer sent me documentation explaining that you allied with the Kanassans and Nameks against Frieza. Frieza's family is planning a massive purge of many planets, and they will arrive here three days early. I was tasked with getting the information to one of our members hiding out here." Celen flashed Jaco a glare, a warning for him to be careful. He didn't want anything the alien said to put his mate and child in danger. "We needed to get the information spread everywhere before the three tyrants eliminate all those worlds. I ran into Prince Vegeta as I left, and he was going to fulfill whatever mission Frieza assigned to him, but when I told him Frieza would be coming in three weeks exactly, three days earlier than scheduled, he let me go and told me wound him so that Frieza would think he failed."

"How do we believe this?" the king growled. "You just admitted to hurting my son! And having an informant on our planet! Who is he?"

Celen's heart froze, especially when he felt a familiar energy entering the throne room. What was Tights doing there? Stay away! he shouted in his mind, hoping she'd sense his distress. Unfortunately, she took his adamancy as a cry for help and entered the room without permission. When her eyes landed on Jaco, she uttered his name and that sent the king raging.

"Jaco?"

The king's attention immediately shifted to her and then landed on Celen demanding an explanation. "Did you know she was part of the Galactic Patrol?"

Celen didn't want Tights to be put any more at risk, but he refused to let her deal with this alone. "Yes."

Tights gasped and then tried to refute his claim. "Your Majesty, Celen had no idea—"

"Did I ask for your input, alien?" the king bellowed. His glared centered on Celen once again before he asked, "How could you betray us like this? After all we've done for you?"

"Your Majesty, it was not betrayal," he countered. "I joined the Galactic Patrol to help others mainly, but I also did it to get information on what Frieza intended to do to the Saiyans, our people. I couldn't sit on the sidelines knowing that he wanted us dead. She is honestly my medical assistant, but she is also an informant. She was the one who found out about Paragus after I made the connection. Sir, we only wanted to protect the royal family."

Although the king was enraged, the queen finally stood up and walked over to the man. "Celen, I knew," she admitted. She shocked both her friend's son and her mate.

"What?!" King Vegeta shouted.

Celen was speechless, and the queen ignored her mate's outburst. "Your father asked me to protect you if anyone else ever found out. He was worried you would not be able to keep quiet for long. I went along with it because I knew that where you betrayed the PTO as a whole, you remained loyal to the Saiyan crown. For that, you and your assistant will not be punished."

"Kalina, you have no right—"

The queen turned to face him. "Tell me, Vegeta, what wrong have they committed? Just because they joined doesn't mean they harmed us in any way. We are against Frieza, just as the Galactic Patrol is against Frieza. They did everything to warn and protect us. Nappa left to protect our child so he wouldn't suffer alone. If you really wanted to honor Nappa's sacrifice, you would listen to Celen instead of claiming betrayal and treason. They remained loyal to us, not Frieza. Can't that be enough for you?"

The king let his mate's words reach him, finally, and nodded. He observed the fearful alien woman. "It is, for now. Woman, what did you have to gain from all of this?"

"Your Majesty," she said warily, "it was the right thing to do. I couldn't sit back and watch people suffer. I apologize for deceiving you, but I knew you wouldn't have listened. I would have been killed, and I couldn't let that happen either. Plus, you would have charged one of your own for treason. I just couldn't allow that. I am sorry."

Jaco stood from his kneeling position. "And I am too, for not being able to warn you sooner and for your son. He was so brave, Your Majesty. He asked that I attack him. He never looked away, just told me to keep shooting. He said he could handle it."

King Vegeta smirked. "That boy," he said fondly before he grew serious. "You are sure Frieza is coming in three weeks."

"I am," Jaco replied. He looked to Tights. "Uh, we need to get the information to the other planets so that they will be aware."

Tights looked to the two royals, and they nodded. Celen moved to go with her, but the king's glare stopped him. Jaco was dismissed, sent with Tights to Celen's home to get the information to the other worlds. Celen, unfortunately, was not getting a break. "You need to help me make preparations. We're getting my son off of that ship."

Celen stood tall and bowed to the man. "Yes, Your Majesty. I apologize as well for lying to you. It was not to betray your trust. I only wished to protect everyone."

"Well, now that we know about Frieza's sneak arrival, you have."

"Celen could sense energy?" Trunks asked.

Vegeta nodded. "At the time, he was the only one who could. He learned it from a different alien species," he explained. "I believe Nappa picked up on the skill as well, somehow."

"And the girl was able to warn the planets?" Tarble questioned hopefully.

"She was," Vegeta answered. "But it put a target on her back. You see, Frieza and his father had no idea that the Saiyans knew about the purge, but one of the planets Celen's assistant informed had a mole, and because of that Frieza was not the only one in our system the day of the battle."

"No," Trunks said, his expression dark. "N-Nappa…he said he never saw Celen again…"

A grim nod was Vegeta's response. "That's right. Cooler came to the system and sent his fighters. Mostly everyone else was off-planet fighting Frieza and rescuing me. Three of his men were tasked with finding Celen and his assistant and killing them. Celen was able to ship the woman off to another world while he fought the aliens off, but he died in battle. No one saw him again, and the woman was never heard from. Cooler's subordinate found her coordinates and followed her to whichever planet Celen sent her. He erased the coordinates so no one would be able to send backup."

"That's horrible."

"I know," Vegeta replied. "Most likely, she died at the hands of Cooler's men, and the planet he probably sent her to was her home planet."

Trunks felt a horrible pain in his chest, his hand moved there. He couldn't believe that Celen and Tights, two of Planet Vegeta's greatest heroes, perished. Now, he felt even more sadness, for Nappa hadn't only lost his mate and son, but he lost his daughter-in-law and grandchild also. Vegeta felt his son's distress and placed his strong hand on his head. "Don't worry, boy. We'll make him pay."

The young prince's eyes narrowed, and he nodded. He truly believed that his father was right.

When Vegeta awoke, he was wet and cold. He realized he must have been taken out of the tank some time ago and hadn't woken up. It was strange because he didn't take much damage from the blaster, at least not enough where he wouldn't wake. It was then a doctor entered the room and looked at the young boy with a grim expression. He moved to work and took an IV out of Vegeta's arm. Vegeta watched the doctor cautiously wary of the fact that he wasn't speaking.

Once the doctor left, Vegeta felt dread. The alien didn't say he could leave, didn't tell him his condition or review the information. He simply walked right out the door and turned down the hall with a troubled look on his face. This never happened to Vegeta before. He remembered everything that happened and knew Frieza was most likely angry with him for failing the mission. He would be in for it later, when Frieza summoned him. Vegeta mentally accepted this and got up from the bed.

As soon as his feet tapped the ground making a distinct click, he turned and saw a very displeased Frieza standing in front of him. Vegeta steeled himself to appear neutral but inside his heart thumped hard against his ribcage. Frieza never came to personally get him, ever. Vegeta was loath to admit it to himself and anyone else, but he was terrified. The Arcosian prince was going to kill him. He just knew it.

"Come with me."

Those three words froze Vegeta's soul, and the expression 'frost demon' that Raditz and Nappa used seemed incredibly accurate. Knowing he was already on thin ice, Vegeta stood up straight and complied. "Yes, sir."

The little Saiyan followed Frieza and never missed a step. If anyone saw him, they would never be able to tell how frightened he was by whatever was about to happen. Vegeta realized, as Frieza brought him to the viewing dock, that they were in front of the planet where Vegeta failed. The young prince tried not to react and merely looked up at Frieza. The Arcosian wore a frown and looked unamused and irritated, something Vegeta knew no one would ever want to see.

"I gave you a simple task," the tyrant spoke with bite to his voice. "Destroy at least one planet, find the Galactic Patrol base on this side of the galaxy, and take out the remaining populations. None of the mission objectives were completed, and I can hardly blame the other two for they actually performed well on the job until your scouter's distress signal went off. Tell me, Vegeta, how did anyone get the drop on you?"

Vegeta didn't know how to answer for really no one had. He let the patrolman go so that his people might have some warning. How long had it been since the failed mission?

When Vegeta didn't answer, the Arcosian sighed and said, "If you want something done right, you have to do it yourself."

Before Vegeta could ask what the Arcosian meant, Frieza moved to exit the ship. He stood outside in front of the planet. He had given Vegeta a task hoping the boy would complete it. The Arcosian wanted Vegeta to find the Galactic Patrol base and destroy it and the strong soldiers stationed there. Of course, Frieza couldn't have guessed that the base housed a whole bunch of non-fighters. As Vegeta watched Frieza destroy not only the jungle world but the other two as well, his heart nearly stopped. Frieza was making an example of these planets, destroyed them all directly in front of him. Vegeta was relieved that he let the patrolman warn the people of the jungle world, but that still left the other two planets full of unsuspecting people who were just going about their day. The prince could not believe it.

Frieza then entered the ship once again and glared heatedly down at the boy. Vegeta had to resist the urge to step back. He couldn't afford to show Frieza any weakness now. "Vegeta," Frieza called, his voice dark and cold. "I have been patient with you, beyond patient, and yet you still find ways to defy me. I have trained you, provided you with knowledge and education no other would receive. Do you remember the planet with the king, what I taught you about questions?"

"Yes, sir," Vegeta remarked, not understanding why Frieza would bring that moment up. It still haunted Vegeta. It was a month back and Frieza asked Vegeta to tag along to meet with this king to discuss a possible resistance troop stationed there. He didn't even ask the king any questions before he shot him dead. When Vegeta questioned him on it, Frieza said that he knew all he needed to know, and to think first and ask questions later. There was no need to talk, just probable cause to attack.

When Frieza took out a small device and pressed a button, Vegeta knew he was screwed, just as soon as he heard the static-filled and warbly conversation. "If it isn't a Galactic Patrolman. I'm guessing I found the planet Frieza wanted me to destroy. Your base is stationed here, isn't it? That's why I couldn't get readings. You've hidden yourselves from the scouter's detection. I'll just kill you and then destroy the planet. Then maybe the other two can be spared."

"P-Prince Vegeta, listen to me. I'm on your side, really. You have to let me go."

"Why should I?"

"Prince Vegeta, Frieza is out to destroy your planet. I was going to warn them that he'd be heading there earlier than expected to destroy the place…three weeks exactly from today, three days before he's scheduled."

"W-what? You're lying!"

"I'm not, honest! L-look, it's not a stretch. I'll let you in on a Galactic Patrol secret… Frieza and his family have been destroying certain worlds. Not so much Cooler, but Frieza and King Cold have been taking fighters or scientists from planets deemed threatening to them and their rule. In three weeks, even Cooler will take part in a massive purge. You have to believe me. I need to bring this information to your parents."

"I-I…" And then the line went dead.

Frieza stopped the recording and eyed the prince whose countenance changed from neutral to downright shocked and horrified. Vegeta's wide and shaky eyes met Frieza's as he tried to swallow and say anything that he could to defend himself. "I will break my rule of questions once, Vegeta. Did you destroy your scouter and let the patrolman go to your parents?"

Vegeta could hardly speak but he finally regained enough composure to say, "No, Lord Frieza. I was caught off-guard while the patrolman was speaking to me."

Frieza seemed to ponder his answer. Vegeta spoke it with such sincerity. Even though it was a lie, it would have been easy enough for the Arcosian to buy it. The Saiyan just hoped it would be enough.

Frieza then snickered, his slight amusement returned. "Hm, then it was your own fault for not practicing my teachings." Vegeta stiffened. "Come now, Vegeta, you do realize there is no way to get out of this." The Arcosian's eyes narrowed and cut Vegeta very deeply. "You may have just cost us our empire, you vile little monkey, and for that you will pay dearly."

"L-Lord Frieza," Vegeta tried, "you were able to destroy the planet. Chances are—"

"Nothing. Chances are nothing, Vegeta. You've had a great deal of chances, and now it's time for you to see just what happens to someone who not only fails me but defies me and refuses to follow my every order. By the time I'm done with you, you will have wished I killed you, my pet."

Vegeta didn't know what to do as Frieza struck him hard in the gut. It caused the prince to cough up a large amount of blood. Next, the Arcosian hit him in the back and then disappeared and reappeared to where the boy had flown through the air only to hit him again. Vegeta tried to fly out of the pattern, but Frieza was way too fast and strong. He couldn't focus his ki as Freiza continued to use him as a plaything. It wasn't until Frieza caught him that the torment stopped.

Of course, Frieza had a lot more in store for him, and they had a full week before the reached Planet Vegeta. Frieza didn't care if that patrolman went to Planet Vegeta. The end result would be the same. All they were was a race of weak monkeys, and they definitely weren't strong enough at that point in life to take on the Arcosian and his array of transformations.

"He…he tortured you?" Tarble breathed out as he willed himself not to let his emotions take hold. The little prince realized he was more emotional than most Saiyans, but he still tried his best to be as strong-willed as his brother who had gone through all of this trauma.

Vegeta's countenance seemed strange, like he was giving a report instead of an account on something personal that happened to him. Honestly, the older prince needed to remain as detached as possible. He wouldn't be able to get through this part of the history unless he did. Remembering it, all he just spoke, Vegeta didn't realize what he said until it was all out there. "He did. For one whole week. He was right. By the time he was done, I wished I was dead. I almost did die. When our father found me, I was so far gone that they didn't know if I'd survive."

He felt Trunks's anger rise. Knowing how the boy felt about injustice, not to mention the fact that Trunks knew that sort of life would have been his own, caused the child to feel emotions Vegeta hoped he would never have to experience. "Trunks, come here."

"No," the boy replied as he glared out the window and looked over the city. "I can't. If I do… I'm just so pissed off that he did that to you…that Cold would have… It makes me want to find Cooler now and end him."

"Trunks," Vegeta sighed. He got up from his seat and stood beside the child. They both looked over the city under the black and purple sky just as Vegeta had done with Bulma all those years ago. "You are strong, and you get stronger every day, but you do not yet have the experience you need to take on any Arcosian. I promise you that you will learn, and you will be ready for when they strike, but right now you need to focus on the things here and around you. That is something your mother taught me." When Trunks didn't respond, Vegeta frowned. "Maybe we should stop for now."

At that, Trunks became alarmed. "No," he pleaded before he looked down in shame. "I'm sorry, it's just… I want to know, but it makes me so angry that someone could do something like that to someone I care about. It just makes me feel so…so… I can't even think of the word."

Enraged, Vegeta told himself. That deep, fiery rage he felt everyday towards the Arcosian race was exactly what his child felt in response to the story. Vegeta couldn't fault him, but it did amaze him. Trunks was far beyond his years and felt things that even Saiyan children rarely felt at his age nowadays. He was reminded of Bulma, the gruesome things she dreamt up, and wondered if her perception and ability to think and take on others' emotions had been passed down to their son. It wasn't a bad thing, but it made Vegeta realize Trunks was ready for a lot more than he thought. He was ready to be trained to fight with others that had more experience. Vegeta would keep that in mind and most likely allow his son to begin training with army, as long as Bulma agreed to it, of course.

"You don't need to give an emotion a name to feel it," he assured the boy. "Just relax. Unfortunately, the worst is yet to come, but you already know the outcome. I may have gone through all of that, but what we're living in now is our reality." Trunks looked up at his father as the man picked him up. "I may have suffered then, but now I have you. I have your mother and Tarble. The relationship between my parents and me has gotten better. All of this that I am telling you, it's just a distant memory now."

"Yeah," the boy replied and hugged his father. "You're right. I…think I'm ready to hear the rest now… If you're willing to tell it."

Vegeta looked out to the night sky knowing it was well past their bedtime. Of course, Bulma had gone to bed very early, and his mother and father were on a trip together. There was no harm in letting the boys stay up just a little later.

"Stop fidgeting," Celen ordered as Tights paced back and forth. "Everything is going to be fine."

"We don't know that," Tights argued. She sighed and then looked her mate in the eye. "I know you're right, but I just feel like something terrible is going to happen. We may be prepared, and the other worlds were warned, but what if Frieza just can't be defeated."

Celen walked up to the woman and held her in place. "He will be. I promise you that. All thanks to you."

The woman smiled at the Saiyan. "And you, too." She took a deep breath and then decided to change the subject a bit. "I can't believe next week will be Christmas back home. Once the battle is over, we should go. We know it won't go over well if an 'alien child' is born on Saiyan soil."

Celen chuckled. "I can't wait to see your sister again. Her and your mom are the only ones who seem to like me."

"Don't take it personally," Tights tried to assure the man. "My father is very…um… I can't think of a good word, but you have to realize he's had a tough time with his own life and marriage. He and my mother had me out of wedlock, and his father demanded he choose between my mother and his inheritance. My grandfather didn't like that my mother came from a broken home where her father was in prison."

Celen knew the story, for Tights told him when they had their night. It was difficult to hear Tights speak of her imprisoned grandfather whom she loved so dearly. Her father never liked the idea of her going to see the man with her mother, but he did nothing to stop them. Still, it was hard to hear Tights think she was the cause of all of her father's problems and the problems in her parents' marriage—the reason she felt the need to escape her world. Where the two loved each other, there was still always a distance there because they got married after only dating six months when the mother found herself pregnant. Of course, her grandfather treated her and her younger sister very well from what Celen saw.

Only Tights's parents knew Celen was a Saiyan. They weren't thrilled at first, but for two different reasons. Mrs. Briefs was only concerned for her daughter's safety and happiness. They usually went off to have girl talk, and now Little Bulma would tag along since she was three. The little child practically worshipped her sister and wanted to be like her, have incredible adventures, and find such a strong connection with someone one day. Celen actually liked the little child. She was a very refreshing change to a life he knew all too well. He wondered if their son would be like that as well.

There were times when he'd find Bulma up at night just lying on the grass and looking at the stars. Even for a three-year-old, Bulma always seemed to have a lot on her mind. Sometimes, Celen would join her, and he'd tell her about Planet Vegeta. Bulma really wanted to go, but he knew it would be too dangerous the way things were now. Even if he explained that it was illegal for him to take an alien mate, he couldn't trust that a child wouldn't spill the secret. It was then he taught Bulma about the bonds between comrades and the immense trust between them. Anything he told her, Bulma took to heart, and any secret he spoke she held in complete confidence, not even telling Tights who already knew all of his secrets.

After a while, before he and Tights returned to Planet Vegeta, Bulma begged to go back with them. Tights was concerned, but she humored the child. She told Bulma that the conditions were very rough for a child with her strength and size, so they all made an agreement. Celen trained Bulma a little bit and taught her how to instinctively defend herself and the beginnings of controlling her ki—though she never mastered it—and Tights found a way to simulate her father's gravity increasing technology. She used the machine to create Vegeta's arid temperature. Each week, Bulma would go up to another gravity level. By the time they left, she was already comfortable with five times Earth's gravity, and she promised, by the time they returned for the baby to be born, she would be ready to go back with them.

Although Celen wished he could have gotten Dr. Briefs's acceptance, it was enough for him to have the two females on his side. He loved Tights, and he didn't care what anyone thought. It was why he was able to not care even when the two most important people to him, his parents, couldn't accept her. It's why he chose to believe his opinion was the only one that mattered. Though Tights loved her father, she felt the same way, and it was just a bonus that her mother and sister adored her mate.

"Did you let your father know we're coming?"

"I did," Tights relayed. "I lied and said I missed the shuttle this week. I couldn't tell him we were preparing for a war or he would have gone crazy. It was just a voice recording to let him know we'd be back before Christmas. I offered for them to maybe come back with us next time just to see Planet Vegeta since it would be a while for them to get used to the conditions. Probably in a year or so. By then, I think everyone will be more accepting."

"I agree with you there," Celen said with a smile. "Hopefully by then my father will also be back and they could all meet."

"I'd really like that." Tights leaned in to kiss Celen, but their moment was short-lived when they heard a banging on the door. "Who in the world?"

Celen moved to answer his door and was surprised to see the king standing in front of him. His expression became serious and he respectfully bowed to the man. "Your Majesty, what can I do for you?"

"I would like to speak with you and the woman. It's important."

"I understand," Celen responded grimly as he allowed the king to enter his small home. "Please, make yourself comfortable."

"I'll make some tea," Tights offered.

"That won't be necessary, woman," the king gruffly spoke. Tights to sat back down across from the man.

Celen joined them and sat beside Tights, not touching her at all. They needed to appear disconnected despite how strong their bond was. After all, the laws had not changed. Where they hoped they would in the future, for now, this is how things needed to be.

"I was wrong."

Both the Saiyan doctor and the human informant were startled by that admission. They didn't know what those three words meant, but they were both quiet enough to listen. "In these past couple of weeks, I've learned more about the universe and what you people do. I accused you of treason and betrayal, but my mate was right. You never betrayed the crown, Celen. It is difficult for me to admit that I was wrong, but I need to learn. I was wrong about a great many things including letting my son leave with that…that…"

"Frost demon?" Tights offered awkwardly. The king looked at her strangely when she added, "That's what we all call him in the Galactic Patrol."

"Interesting," the king murmured as he thought of the name. He then shook his head and continued, not wanting to get sidetracked. "As I was saying, I should have never treated you the way I did or imprisoned the woman. I should have honored your father's sacrifice from the start. I would like to promote you back to first-class status, Celen. That and…you and this woman are welcome on the planet at any time. If you ever need anything, either of you, do not hesitate to ask."

"I…" Tights breathed out before she bowed her head. "Thank you, Your Majesty."

The king nodded and then looked to Celen who was mulling over his offer. "Your Majesty, I am truly honored, but as a doctor…a fighting status doesn't really fit. I…this is a lot of ask, but if I have a child in the future, regardless of who I take as a mate or his power level, will you grant him first-class status and honor him in my stead."

The king seemed shocked by the proposition, and he could not understand why Celen worded his request in such a way. Whatever the reason, the king agreed, and with that promise Celen felt immensely relieved. At least he knew that if he ever returned to Planet Vegeta, even with Tights's family in tow, his son would not be banished from the planet. Even if Celen was arrested for taking an alien mate, Tights would be allowed to return home or even stay on the planet if she wished, and their son would never be harmed by his people.

"That seems like a strange request," Tarble stated. "Did Celen ever have a kid?"

Vegeta shook his head. "As I said before, he perished during the battle, so he never had the opportunity. Father never understood why Celen requested this, but when he told Nappa, something shifted inside of him. I felt the stir of emotion, but for the life of me I couldn't understand it either."

Trunks did. He sat in silence, his emotions at peace. It was strange to know something that neither his father nor uncle knew, but he promised Nappa he would never speak her name or ever let anyone know she was Celen's mate, even if it was accepted now. He hid a smile at the fact that Celen had wanted to protect Tights and his son, even if his people were more accepting of them. Just in case, Celen made sure they would always be honored on the planet if anyone ever found out the truth. Of course, it still bothered the child immensely that Tights most likely died when she escaped.

Vegeta looked out into the dark horizon and sighed. He knew it was going to be hard to get to the conflict of the story, but thankfully he was almost done with the history lesson.

Once he was, he and Bulma were taking a trip to their outskirts home. He needed a break once his parents returned.