It should go to say that Father was more than displeased with me. He was yelling at me for a solid twenty minutes about how irresponsible I was for hunting alone and staying out past dark. He was positively infuriated. I thought his head was going to explode; his face was so red. If I hadn't been on the receiving end of a borderline abusive verbal lashing, I would have found it rather entertaining. I was tempted to provoke him further.

Then I brought up the woman.

All hell broke loose.

My head ached when he finally had to stop to breathe. Before he could resume, I cut in. "I will take full responsibility for her, Father. She will become an asset of some sort."

"No! I will not hear of it! We are not simply taking in strays, Vegeta! She will leave the second she recovers."

"How? She has no way to get back to wherever she came from." I was taking great pains to be calm. Yelling would take me nowhere.

"Then kill her!"

Something in me snapped when he said that. The thought of such a thing made me furious. I had saved her, and he wanted me to do that? It was unthinkable in my mind. "No!" Screw being calm.

He took a threatening step towards me. "Our people do not need another mouth to feed."

"We have children every year, and the elderly pass away," I pointed out. "She will earn her keep."

"I don't care! She is a poison to our way of life!"

"How do you know? She hasn't tried to amend anything! And even if she was, how do you know it would be so horrible? Why are you so against change?"

"We do not need such a thing! I don't care how you do it, but you will get rid of her by the end of the week."

I knew I had to remain firm or else. I only had one final argument to make. "Mother would never do that." He fell silent. I knew I had beaten him.

I was named for my sire, and he was a complicated man. Ever since my mother was killed, he'd never been the same. He refused to move forward with anything, living in the past. He clung to tradition like a security blanket, and was as stiff as a board. I knew he was worried about Tarble and me, cared about us in his own nagging way, but I still resented him for his foolishness. When I claimed power from him, things would become different. I don't care what he thinks.

I had won, but it seemed a hollow victory. Knowing him, we would hardly speak for a few days or so, as that was the usual occurrence whenever she was brought up. "If she endangers anyone or becomes a liability, it will be her head."

I nodded. Saluting him, I left, knowing he would fume for the next hour or so. Besides, I wanted to see how the blue-haired girl was faring.

When I arrived at the medical lodge, I found that she was not in the company of just my brother. Kakarot, his banshee of a mate, and brat were there as well. They didn't seem to notice as I strode in. The girl was ruffling Gohan's hair with affection. He probably did something she thought was 'cute.' I don't understand females.

She finally looked up and saw me. "Oh! Hey." The others turned as well, Kakarot waving like the fool he is. Tarble just offered an understanding smile. He knew things with our father had not gone over well. The whole village probably heard him screaming. I looked at him pointedly and he came up with an excuse to usher everyone from the room. Something about finding another herb.

I crossed my arms and sat by her bedside. She blushed, though I had no idea why. She twisted the cotton blanket in her hands and struggled with something. I watched, oddly patient and curious, the former not normally an attribute of mine. "I…Thanks. For saving me, I mean."

That made me uncomfortable. I never liked to be called on it when I did something "nice." So I waved her off.

She became indignant at that. Her cheeks flushed even more with embarrassment that I had no hope of comprehending. "I'm serious! I would have died if you hadn't found me…Though, that may have been for the best," she added, her voice barely a whisper.

"Tell me how you came to be here," I demanded, deciding to bypass that depressing statement that was obviously not intended for me to hear. I'd always been rather blunt.

She sighed. Her shoulders slumped in surrender, and she told me of the ship, pirate, her parents, what she'd done, the little girl that had cried for help… "The next thing I know, you're there." I could tell she was trying hard not to cry. Through it all I remained silent.

Her experience reminded me of…

No. I shook my head as if to rid myself of such thoughts.

I gave her a minute to recover before breaking the silence. "You won't be able to get back," I stated. I would not sugarcoat the truth. She seemed surprised at first, but not bothered for the most part. She baffled me. Almost hesitantly, I moved on. "I spoke with my father. You are my responsibility from now on."

She straightened her posture. "You don't have to –"

I silenced her with a half-hearted glare. "Yes, I do. If you become a weakness to our tribe, my father will kill you. I am to make sure that does not happen."

"Oh."

"Rest, Girl. The sooner you recover the sooner I may begin training you in the ways of the saiyan." I stood and left after smirking mischievously. I needed a good spar.

…

I can tell my brother likes her. I'm glad for that. Sure, he knows everyone of our tribe, but only a hand full deeply. We were both incredibly close to our mother, and neither of us have yet to fully recover from our grief, though I like to think I'm doing better than Vegeta.

Bulma is fragile, not very strong, and has obviously never done physical labor before, but I like her too. She's smart – that much I know from when she started asking me about the composition of the medicines I gave her when she woke up. From the way she treated Kakarot's first pack, I can tell she is very kind and generous.

I also suspect she's a spitfire, but I've yet to see her in action. Though, if she hangs around my brother that will definitely come to surface.

Chichi seemed to bring great relief to Bulma as soon as she explained how she came to be with us. I suppose it was having someone that could relate to the changes. She adored young Gohan, playing along with surprise when he proudly announced his age of two. Kakarot laughed and smiled throughout the conversation, not contributing much aside from his presence. I could tell he was pulling up information about her, trying to get a feel for what she was like without prodding.

We would learn more about this newcomer with time. I could tell she was struggling with something – and it was something she would have to solve on her own.

I just hoped our relatively quiet tribe could handle whatever came next.

…

There is no possible way I can express how glad I was to know Chichi could help guide me through things. Sure, she seemed a tad high-strung, but she was nice and she was welcoming. Her son was possibly one of the most adorable toddlers I'd seen in my life. His eyes lit with happiness whenever I showed interest in his age or likings. He was such a little gentleman. I wasn't sure about Kakarot (or Goku, as his name translates) yet, but he had a kind and good nature about him that made me feel relaxed despite circumstance. Tarble was very sweet and understanding. He tended to my injuries and answered all of my questions about the medicinal products he was using. Underneath his 'go with the flow' personality, I thought he was protective.

I was ruffling Gohan's black hair when I saw him again. I was even less certain about Vegeta than Kakarot. He seemed so aloof and gelid, but he saved me, a total stranger. He couldn't be bad.

I'd decided all of that before he took three steps into the room. Tarble removed everyone from the lodge and I found myself alone with my strange rescuer and his flame of black hair. To say I was nervous would be an understatement. I didn't know how to act around him. He'd offered much to me and there was nothing I could do to repay him.

He eventually got around to the one question I'd hoped he wouldn't ask. Though, it was more of an order than a question. "Tell me how you came to be here." I could do nothing but answer honestly. I'd been able to distract myself from my guilt and trauma with all of the excitement going on, but it was inevitable that I would have to face my actions.

I felt small and useless, but there was something distantly akin to admiration and maybe sympathy in his eyes. I was struck further by his surprises when he told me his father's commands.

I was ashamed for being such a dead weight, but he didn't seem to mind it that much. It was as though he was anticipating this training I would undermine.

Every day for the next two weeks, Chichi and Gohan would visit and she would give me lessons about the tribe and local language. Sometimes Vegeta or Tarble would join. Sometimes Kakarot. Sometimes curious villagers. I learned much. They were known as the Saiyans. They lusted for battle, but held steadfast to their honor. They ate a lot. Vegeta and Tarble were the tribe's royalty, their father the stubborn king. They'd inhabited this island for generations.

It was one lesson in particular that drew my attention.

We were taking a break, talking about idle and trivial things. I'd already told her of the incident with Bojack and the biggest mistake of my life, but she didn't hold me accountable like I did. She treated me no differently, and for that I was grateful.

Anyhow, she was running her hand through Gohan's rebellious hair since he fell asleep while we talked. She was overbearing, but a good mother and 'mate.' "I can't wait to find out what his Beckoning is. Although, I'm sure it will be academics and learning," she mused proudly.

"Beckoning? What's that?"

"Oh? I didn't tell you? It's one of the most important aspects of saiyan culture! Sort of a rite of passage type thing. I don't fully understand it myself, but the basic idea is that everyone has a Beckoning, or calling. For me, it's cooking. For Tarble, medicine. For Goku, it's the sun. Beckonings can vary from a set of skills, talents, or abilities, to actual objects and what they represent, like my Goku's. Everyone has one. For saiyans, when you discover your calling, you can begin to become an adult. That's what I like about it here. To be an adult, you have to earn it."

"Wow. Wait, what did you mean by objects?" I leaned forward as though she were telling a magnificent tale to a child, fascinated.

"That's a bit more difficult to explain. Um, I guess… Uh. Well, take Goku's, the sun, for example. It represents warmth, light, and it gives life. Those are traits found in him. He naturally wants to help everyone because that's what his calling is. Of course, there are bad callings, but those are sometimes the best because one has to find the good in them, and resist the bad."

"The bad?"

"Yeah. Um, look at Vegeta."

For some reason, I got really defensive because of that. He saved me for Kami's sake. "What's bad about Vegeta?"

She raised her hands in a gesture for peace. "Calm down, Bulma. That's not what I meant. He hasn't found his yet, but (and don't get all defensive) he can be cold. He can let his arrogance blind him. Sometimes, after you know him for a while, you have to look really hard for his good qualities. I heard rumors that the Seer said he was going to have a big struggle, and that he worries he is instable. But, he also said that if he overcomes them, he will be Legendary. However, they're just rumors, so I wouldn't put much faith in them."

I couldn't help but wonder what my calling was. And Vegeta's.

I woke up the next morning to a mouthful of dirt. Spitting and sputtering the dust and fibers from the carpet my face had oh-so-graciously plopped on, I stood to confront the jackass that dared yank me out of bed like that.

"What the fu - !" It was Vegeta.

"Get up, Girl," he said gruffly, though I could tell he was trying hard not to laugh at my predicament. "Tarble has informed me that you are more than ready to go. About damned time too. I was beginning to think you would never recover."

"Hey! I can't just heal as fast as I want! And you didn't have to literally drag me out of bed, you big brute!" He just shrugged, amusement dancing in his coal black eyes.

"Quit whining. It's time to start you're training." When I followed him outside, I became even angrier.

"What the hell, Vegeta! It's still dark out! Do you have any idea what time it is?" I couldn't believe him! Waking me up in the rudest way possible and starting my 'saiyan lesson' before the sun was up? Was he absolutely insane?

He sighed. "What did I just say? Since you're a beginner, we're starting at the basics. I have to cram an entire culture into that thick head of yours so you could just say we're getting a head start. Now I'm only going to say this one more time: Stop bitching."

He led me through a worn path in the woods to a large clearing near a small irrigation ditch. I guessed that it was a field. I wondered what we were going to do. He went to a small lean-to and pulled a long stick out. I couldn't quite see what it was in the dark. He handed it to me. "I want half of this plowed by sunrise."

What. The. Hell.

"Are you kidding me! This is huge! There's no way I'm going to get half of it done by dawn!"

He smirked and it irritated me. "Your problem. Not mine."

He glared at me knowingly. Then I remembered. He wasn't trying to work me over, well he was, and he was enjoying it, but his main reason was his father's threat. This was for my benefit. The more I proved myself, the less he would hate me. I didn't say anything else, and started working. I knew I would have serious blisters within an hour.

And I did.

I just barely met his expectation, but he never said I could stop, and I never asked. I kept going until other saiyans came to work on the field, eyeing me with curiosity. My lips were becoming dry and my hands were bleeding, though I hardly noticed.

At some point, I felt a hand on my shoulder, and looked up to find Vegeta. He told me to follow him, and after Tarble bandaged my hands, we ate breakfast by the big fire. I use the word breakfast loosely. It was more like a feast for an army. Of course, while my hunger was more than satiated, I had the, um, pleasure of meeting King Vegeta.

The two were carbon copies, save for the beard that sported the king's chin. I swear the man stared at me the entire meal like he was waiting for me to stand up on my hands and try to beat everyone to death with my spoon.

After about twenty minutes, he decided to honor me with acknowledgement. "Kelt nauhli tened guft diko nitsha." He never bothered looking up from his food. I turned to Vegeta for translation.

"He says, "So you're the Away girl my son dragged off the beach.""

"Away girl?"

"We call those that don't come from here the Away People."

"Oh."

"Jut skeht oju tran."

"What did he say that time?"

"That you're not very impressive."

I'm not impressive? Me? I am the flipping genius that helped my father develop the single greatest invention of all time before I hit double digits! I had more patents in my hand than there were trees on the island! I was beautiful and smart, two things that are rarely found in one entity. And I'm not very impressive? Who the hell did this guy think he was?

Oh, I was going to earn this old fart's respect if it killed me.

Which, when given thought, may have been literal.

…

This girl is going to be nothing but trouble. What a skinny, frail, and hopeless thing. I don't know why the boy cares at all about her. She knows nothing. She has grown with outsiders that blind themselves for comfort, so how could she?

I was not impressed by the sight of her in the least, and I told her so.

I have never seen such furious eyes. I almost wanted her to argue, just so I can see what she's really made of, and maybe have an excuse to be rid of her, but I also don't want to hear her talk.

She held her tongue.

Not that I would've understood what she was saying anyway.

I'm ashamed to say that I've grown apart from my children over the past three years or so. When my mate was killed by the Ice folk that inhabit odd parts of the island, I became very strict with them. I would not allow Vegeta to hunt at night anymore, or alone, which were the two things he preferred above all else. I scarcely let Tarble leave the village at all. I was afraid that I would lose them somehow, and I have.

And it's my fault.

But I can't just suddenly let them do as they please. I just can't.

I feel that this girl, Bulma is a threat to our way of life. It was trying to change that, which led to many deaths in the past. It's bad enough we speak English now.

I notice the bandages on her hands. No doubt my son has been working her since dawn. Maybe earlier. I will expect her to get up and work on her own at some point. Vegeta has his own chores to do, and he had most likely gotten up far earlier than her to complete them. She is a burden.

I didn't know who she was, who she thought she was, or who she hoped to become, but I could tell she had a captive audience, my eldest in the front row. Fascination can be a dangerous thing. I don't plan to let this go on, but I will not interfere. I promised Vegeta a chance to cure her of her delusions, and I am a man of my word.

Regardless, I'll give her a month, tops, before she keels over.

…

A/N: I would like to thank all of my reviewers for your encouragement. It really motivates me to write. I would like to give special thanks Wilted Passion and maymayB for your support.

Oh and just shameless plug, DestinyLost by the latter and TheCompetition by the former, both great reads.