I wish I owned DBZ, but I don't. I own DVD's and tapes, but it just isn't the same. I also don't own the rights to any of the music pieces you see selected, just copies of merchandise, such a shame. The artists that created them are geniuses and we all must bow to them.

Chapter 56: The Rotian Survivors

Verto remained on edge as he and Frost left the spaceship. He had kept his senses fixed on Frost for any sort of deception for most of the short trip. He didn't feel any malicious intent at all, but that didn't relieve his suspicion. Frost posted several guards both inside and outside the ship, while he and Verto proceeded alone.

"I suggest you fly, these Rotians have repeatedly attacked anyone that lands on the surface," Frost said.

"Thanks for your concern, but I will sense them coming before that scouter does. That is unless they can suppress it," Verto replied.

"Well then, I'll let you lead," Frost offered. Verto gave him a slight glare as he stepped forward into the trees. The forest around them was much like an Earth jungle, except that the trees and plants were mostly various shades of red, orange and purple.

They hadn't gone very far before Frost resumed the conversation, "They are usually found in the caves of the mountains ahead, but they have been known to attack randomly from the forests. Such savage creatures."

Verto's head snapped over so fast that Frost had a feeling that it would come off, "Savage? Is there anything else you would like to add to that? Maybe a monkey reference?"

"I meant no insult, let me explain. From what our scientist have gathered, this unstable Psionic energy has eroded the minds of every Rotian. I can provide you with visual records of their destabilization when we return," Frost explained.

"So they are basically rabid animals now?" Verto asked.

"If by rabid, you mean uncontrolled, then yes. One could say that they are similar to Saiyans in the Oozaru ape form that cannot control themselves," Frost continued.

Verto rubbed his chin slightly, So they all assume that Berserker state? Is it the same as mine? "Have any of them managed to snap out of it and return to normal?"

Frost glanced down at him with a confused expression, "No, as far as we've been able to tell, the change is permanent. The Psionic power level increases by a fair amount, but it doesn't appear to be anything like the Super Saiyan state that you and the others have. Although that might be inaccurate with someone who could control this power." Verto grimaced and considered how he would reply to that as they entered a thicker part of the forest.

After a few minutes of silence, he spoke up finally, "Can I ask you something?"

Frost didn't turn, "What is it?"

"If you've deemed these crazed Rotians a threat, why have you let them live? It doesn't sound like something you or your family would do," Verto pointed out.

Frost snorted slightly, "They're not a threat as long as they're isolated to only this planet. Without technology or the inherit ability to think, they won't be anything to worry about. Besides, if they are indeed connected to these Renegades, I can study them for possible solutions. I am not my father after all, I do not have to follow in his flawed footsteps."

"I guess I can't argue with that, but whether or not you're like your father is still to be determined," Verto blurted out before wincing at his mental error.

"You sound as if you've met my father. What did you do, get lost in the bowels of hell?" Frost asked, amused. Well, guess it can't hurt if he already knows about the Dragonballs.

"I have met him several times actually. Almost none of those meetings went peacefully," Verto admitted.

"Is he still the same weakling as he was years ago?" Frost asked with a vile tone.

"I'd say he's stronger than he was, but let's just say that unlike a few others I know, he learned to keep his distance from me. For reference, you are quite a bit stronger than him," Verto replied. Frost's eyes narrowed at this, but he didn't turn or say anything as they continued onward. The odd pair trekked another mile or so on foot before Verto detected something nearby. Frost turned on his scouter the moment Verto stopped and turned to his right.

"It's within one hundred meters. Perhaps your senses are not as fine tuned as you believed," Frost sneered.

"Lay off, I just now noticed it. It's not like your scouter was actively searching," Verto countered.

"Its Psionic level reads thirty-thousand, very little threat for the two of us," Frost claimed.

"I wouldn't trust that reading to completely match your standards. It's a very potent energy in case you forgot," Verto said. Frost chuckled and remained relaxed while Verto tensed up. The sounds of rustling bushes and snapped twigs were a prelude to the newcomer. It leapt from the brush, heading straight for Frost despite Verto being closer. The experienced alien phased out at the last moment, and the confused creature landed on all fours before turning around. Verto recognized the furry tail immediately, as well as the humanoid features. This particular Rotian was male with brown hair and a rather battered looking face. Verto saw that his eyes had indeed become a glossy red color, but they seemed a bit dull. He felt out the energy level, noticing it was lower than he had previously sensed, but still emitting a lot of rage. The Rotian jumped at Frost again as Verto turned to the other direction.

"Don't tell me this weakling frightens you?" Frost laughed.

"He's not alone, there are others," Verto replied with a glare. Another Rotian appeared in the high tree branches, this time featuring light orange hair. It too had an enraged expression directed towards Frost. Frost himself was still dodging the first attacker, apparently toying with him.

"Are there any more?" Frost called out.

"You're the one with the scouter," Verto said as he crossed his arms.

Frost scowled, "It hasn't been fine tuned to separate Psionic power signals. The sensors on the home planet are more advanced."

Verto looked to his left, "I'd say two more at least." Another Rotian male with dark blue hair jumped from the trees directly behind Frost, but missed badly when the changeling phased out.

Verto grimaced, These guys can't control it, no way. Just as I thought, they are just rabid animals like this. Although, I doubt they'd be able to even touch Frost anyway unless he got extremely careless. Frost leapt into the air and stayed there while all three Rotians merely glanced up and growled at him. Verto heard leaves rustling again just before another Rotian, a female this time, jumped from a treetop. Frost swatted the attack away easily, and she landed with the others. This one also had brown hair, and a similar enough appearance that allowed Verto to assume that she was related to the first one. Once it was clear that Frost was going to stay in the air, the Rotians dashed towards the trees and climbed up. Frost looked half amused and half bored, but made no movement. They reached his altitude quickly and resumed their attack. This time, all four attacked at once from both sides. Frost vanished at the very last moment and the Rotians all collided with each other.

Frost landed a few feet away from Verto while the Rotians fell into a pile, "Quite useless without a brain, aren't they?" Verto gave him another slight glare, but didn't answer while the four Rotians picked themselves up. Frost could have buried them all with a look. He must be waiting for me to act on this, perhaps as a test. Well too bad for him, I'm not letting anything slip out if I can help it. I'd be much more interested in helping them if I can.

Verto focused his attention on all four demi-Saiyans, but turned slightly to direct his words, "So why are you drawing this out? We both know you could have wiped them out with little effort."

"I wanted to see your strength. These pitiful specimens are obviously a poor choice of opposition, but in return I granted your request to come here," Frost admitted.

"I see, too bad they're so focused on you," Verto pointed out.

"Yes, that is a pity. We should change that," Frost suggested. He suddenly vanished and appeared far above the tree canopy. Verto guessed that it was via instant transmission, because the Rotians completely lost him this time. The humanoid growling that followed clearly said that the Rotians had changed targets. Verto stared them down carefully, as no one moved an inch for several minutes. During this time, Verto scanned them over and over again, getting a better feel for the unstable Psi energy pulsing from them. With each passing moment he became more convinced that they had gone beyond all reasoning, especially since they attacked without being provoked in the first place.

Then again, I'd be pissed at him too for blowing up my home world, just like his father. But that doesn't mean that they can't return to normal. They're just consumed by rage and it's certainly justified, surely there's a way to help them. But I don't think the Feedback technique would be enough in this case, they wouldn't be able to calm themselves down or suppress something they can't control. Verto's thought process was put on hold when one of the Rotians flinched. All four collided at his position, but never touched him. Verto didn't hesitate and swooped down from the air, cracking the blue haired Rotian in the back of the head and knocking him out. Both of the brown-haired hybrids were met with swift kicks to the jaw at the same time, grounding them as well. The last one lunged towards Verto and clawed at his head, only to hit a thin blue energy shield. God damn it. Verto turned in annoyance and allowed his power to surge outwards. The orange-headed Saiyan flew backwards and smashed through a few trees before slumping down.

Verto couldn't help but feel a bit angry, Maybe I should have just let him hit me, but no, I just had to follow my instincts just like he did. Frost landed nearby, chuckling slightly at the scene.

Verto's mood didn't improve upon seeing him, "What's so funny?"

Frost struggled to contain his laughter, "Oh just a joke my father told me years ago, you probably wouldn't find any humor in it. I suppose we should find you a stronger opponent next time."

"You could fight me yourself if you're so eager to learn, but I wouldn't advise it," Verto blurted out, regretting it immediately.

"Tempting, however I would not want to waste my efforts, nor resources. We're going to take these four back to the home planet for further study. Preparations and precautions have already been taken. I have shown you some of my good faith in this endeavor, now there are two things I ask of you, if you're willing," Frost said.

Verto bit his lip, "Such as?"

"We need to capture one of the Renegade Saiyans alive to compare to the Rotians. I want to find out if they are connected genetically. You will assist a combat team that will depart in a few days time. We have anticipated where the Marauder will show up next and I plan to be waiting for them. I don't expect to find them all at once, but if it comes to an all out battle, we will defeat them. If not, we shall proceed with the mission," Frost explained.

Verto nodded, "I agree with that. I'd like to see if I can help these people also, there are beneficial ways to use Psi energy. I might be able to help them recover their conscious minds at least, but I'm not sure at the moment."

Frost frowned slightly, "I'm quite curious to see that. As for the other minor duty…" Verto's alertness shot through the roof when Frost paused, though there was no hint at of an attack coming. I really don't like the way he's looking at me.

"I need your full cooperation in these endeavors. Therefore, I cannot have you going back to Earth, even when this is over," Frost said sternly.

Verto's eyebrow lifted up, "And just what is going to keep me here?"

"Knowledge is power. If you attempt escape, I cannot promise the safety of your planet," Frost warned.

"You called me all the way out here for blackmail?" Verto asked with a raised voice.

Frost remained slightly more composed, "No, I wanted Son Gohan here, but I have since realized that he probably wouldn't have cooperated anyway."

Verto's glare filled with malice, "Threats don't generate cooperation."

"Oh, I think it will. You may not fear your own death, but what about the girl?" Frost asked. Verto felt himself on the verge of slipping already and all they had done was talked. Calm down! Maintain control no matter what he says. I can't lose control of myself out here no matter what happens. Even if it means I have to work with him for awhile.

Verto sighed heavily, "In case you've forgotten, there are ways around death. Killing me or her won't do you any good."

Frost's frown deepened, "Alright, suppose you're right and I allow you two to not only live, but return unharmed. How long do you think that Earth could remain safe before I personally lay waste to it from outer space? I wouldn't even have to get near the planet to turn it into dust." Verto's eyes threatened to change color, prompting Frost to pay a bit more attention when they flashed red for the briefest moment.

Verto raised his ki level, but not in an overly threatening way all things considered, "My advice to you is not to underestimate the situation. You aren't as safe in space as you might think."

Verto took another deep breath as Frost appeared to be at a loss for words. Don't lose it! Showing him Super Mystic is one thing, he already knows about it. Going Berserker on him would be very bad. It would for sure mean the end of the remaining Rotians even if I survived this. Someone like him won't be as easily deceived or defeated as that android was.

"So, is that all you have to say to that?" Frost asked. Verto had to think quickly, Frost was running out of patience.

"I agree to your first stipulation. I'll help you out, if you allow me to return to Earth later with the Rotians and if you agree to leave Earth alone. It will solve two of your problems and keep a war from spilling out. The others on Earth won't be willing to bargain, but I doubt they'd come all the way out here to make trouble either. They've had their chances," Verto offered.

"You make a good point. Although I find it very entertaining, a Saiyan bargaining for peace?" Frost laughed.

"Think what you want. But know that while I'm not as strong as some others, I am just as dangerous to cross. I may not show it, but I left my gentle nature behind awhile ago, whatever was left of it," Verto replied.

"Now who's issuing the threats?" Frost taunted.

"Take it or leave it. I don't really care which one," Verto growled. Frost kept his amused expression, which only fueled anger from the other direction. Verto's ki level remained eerily steady as his eyes flashed red again, making Frost a bit tense even as they changed back. He seemed concerned about it, but didn't advance the issue even as Verto tried to calm himself down.

"Very well, I will consider your assistance to be temporary. You should feel both relieved and honored. It is not often that the ruler of an empire requires the help of a peasant," Frost claimed.

Verto turned as he gritted his teeth at the insult, "Don't think so little of me despite my appearance. That would be a catastrophic mistake." Both warriors fell silent while waiting for the empire soldiers to arrive for the Rotians.

Lenz slowly munched on something that resembled a turkey leg while remaining quiet. Fuzai sat across the table from her, slightly puzzled by her behavior in the noisy bar.

"What's the problem?" he asked.

Lenz didn't even look up, "Nothing."

"Wrong answer sis, I can still read you like a book," Fuzai claimed.

Lenz grunted in annoyance, "Well Mister 'I know all there is to know', I'm sure you can guess."

"You're worried about the runt leaving alone with Lord Frost," Fuzai replied. Lenz nodded, causing her brother to snort in annoyance.

"If Lord Frost was just going to waste his time and bring him all the way out here just to kill him, he'd have done it already. It's not like he was the right one anyway, maybe he sees an opportunity," Fuzai pointed out. His eyes narrowed as he thought about it more though.

"Yeah, I know all that. But this whole thing seems fishy to me," Lenz said.

"Tell me, how long have you known that kid anyway?" Fuzai asked.

"I met him a few days after I got killed. Why? I know I told you that already," Lenz grunted slightly.

"I have my doubts that he's trustworthy. I can't quite tell what it is, but I don't like the feeling I get from him. There's something about his eyes that isn't normal," Fuzai said.

Lenz glanced up, "Oh you saw the red eyes didn't you?"

"He's done that before?" Fuzai asked in surprise.

"A few times, you're right, it's scary when he does that. There was one time that he did it and basically turned into a monster. Then he became possessed by something and tried to kill me, that was a crazy day!" Lenz proclaimed as she tore another piece of meat off and chewed it.

"Wait, he can control it?" Fuzai shuddered as he asked.

"I don't think so, not completely. He was working on it before you showed up though. I think he has better control over it when he's not powered up or anything. Or maybe it's the other way around," Lenz explained.

Fuzai gulped slightly when Lenz looked away, "I see."

She snapped her head back quickly, "Wait a sec, how did you know about that?" Fuzai fumbled through his own thoughts for an answer, but didn't need one before her attention was diverted to a few new arrivals.

"Oh great, what do they want?" she grumbled.

"It's a public bar, and I doubt anyone wants to tell them no," Fuzai pointed out.

"Don't remind me, I have bad enough memories about this place," Lenz muttered. The group in question spotted the two half Saiyans quickly and moved in their direction. Lenz noted that Bojack was not with his crew for once, but that didn't ease much of her tension as Zangya bent over slightly to look Lenz in the eye from a few feet away.

"Look what got left behind!" she laughed.

Lenz scowled, "Go away."

"I'd like to see you force me," Zangya dared. Lenz growled immediately but merely turned her head.

"Why does Lord Frost bother with these monkeys anyway?" Gokua asked as he held his sword over his shoulder.

"It is not our place to question Lord Frost's motives. Master Bojack says to follow him, and so we shall until he says otherwise. This alliance has benefited us greatly," Bujin explained. Gokua grunted a wordless reply while Bido chuckled a bit.

"I'm with you Gokua, these apes are worthless to us. Though I'm sure this one might be useful, perhaps in more ways then one!" Bido claimed. He sat down and slipped his hand under the table towards Lenz, until she slapped it away from her leg.

"Hands off!" she shouted at him.

"A feisty one, I like that," Bido said as he leaned across the table.

Lenz stood up, "Then go find another before I pound your face into mush!"

"Now that wouldn't be very becoming of a nice, tight, little girl like you," Bido said.

Zangya chuckled, "Are you kidding? There's no way she's anything but loose, you know her background!"

"Well that's the point isn't it? How about a friendly contest in the arena, let's say in an hour. If you win, we can forget about this, but if you lose, you spend the night with me. And I take that pretty little necklace from its cozy spot. It won't be the only thing I take tonight!" Bido snickered.

Lenz supplied a grin, "Fine, you're on!"

Fuzai shot her a look, "No Lenz!"

"It's okay. I'm a Super Saiyan remember? I can handle this creep, no problem!"

A/n: An alliance you say? Surely there's no way that it could work! Well, you're probably right about that, but let's give it a try before it completely implodes.