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 61: Verto's Prisoner

Verto stood idly by as Bujin and Zangya were restraining Chal with their energy binding technique while he was being dragged into a holding cell. It was obvious what was next, and by the look of things, Bojack would be the interrogator. In this particular case, Verto wasn't sure if he was actually needed or not. He felt sure that Chal could escape those three when or if he chose to do so. Whether that binding technique affected Psi energy or not, Verto couldn't tell as Chal was not trying to use any of his power. In fact, he looked content to take the prescribed beating he was about to receive. Bojack stood in front of Chal once he was securely held in the middle of the room.

"I'll start this with one simple question, Saiyan. Where are your comrades?" Bojack asked.

"Probably on their ship, I really have no idea at this point," Chal replied coolly. That earned him a hard right hook from Bojack, directly into the side of his face. Bujin and Zangya stopped channeling their technique and stepped back to watch what would unfold.

"It's been a very long time since I personally snapped someone's neck. I suggest you answer my questions before I decide to do it," Bojack warned.

"What would be the point of that? If you have half a brain under that ridiculous turban, you'd kill me now!" Chal dared.

"Tempting, be careful what you ask for. Now let's try again, where is your ship?" Bojack asked again.

Chal snorted lightly, "Have you checked outer space lately?" He was flung into the wall by Bojack's throw this time, and fell to his knees.

"I have heard that Saiyans are particularly resistant to torture. I'm curious to see how much," Bojack said.

"Heh, I'm sure you are. But you'll have to do much worse than this to even come close to breaking me," Chal claimed.

"I know. Fear not, I am a very patient man and I enjoy inflicting severe pain on those that deserve it," Bojack declared.

Verto turned away in disgust as the beating continued, prompting Zangya to laugh at him, "Oh look, the little boy has a soft spot for this trash!"

"Torture isn't my thing. Anyone can beat a helpless person to death, it doesn't mean he'll talk," Verto said as he walked off. He proceeded to the bridge, where he could sense that Frost was waiting for him. He entered cautiously, noting the positions of all of the soldiers manning their stations.

"So, how is our guest?" Frost asked without turning in his chair.

"Probably worse than an hour ago," Verto retorted.

Frost took it in stride, "I was able to monitor your battle with scouter readings. It seems I was right to recruit you after all, that was an impressive display to say the least."

"I doubt that I saw everything he's got, especially if he and the other Renegades can control this unstable Psi energy. He didn't come at me like you might expect an average Saiyan to," Verto replied.

"I was referring to you, actually. Six hundred and twenty-two million, and you are only a child. Scary," Frost said.

"Well, I hope no one wet themselves over it. It's just a number," Verto said nonchalantly.

"They've seen higher, but I imagine they'll have a bit more respect for you now," Frost said, not sounding the least bit concerned. Well that sounds disgustingly familiar.

"So, just because I'm curious, how high is yours at your maximum?" Verto asked.

Frost shrugged, "It's been a few months since I last gauged it so it likely isn't accurate. Approximately seven hundred and forty-five million in my fourth transformed state. I trust that you already know about that?"

"Yeah, I heard about it," Verto admitted while swallowing the lump in his throat. Yikes.

Frost stifled a laugh as he turned around finally, "If you're wondering why I haven't heeded the words of my advisors, the simple answer is that I don't have to. You know as well as I that I could kill you if I so desired."

Verto remained as calm as possible, "The thought has crossed my mind a few times."

"I don't think you should let it bother you. The same goes for all of my forces, thus why they're so loyal," Frost reminded him.

"There's a big difference between me and them," Verto countered.

"Yes, I can tell. You may seem a bit soft, but you're not afraid of death, well not your own anyway."

Verto grunted slightly, "So now what? You've got your prisoner."

"He's your prisoner. Other than a few standard tests, I want you to weed as much information out of him as you can. I doubt torture is going to work as well as Bojack might think, so I shall leave the method to you. If Bojack or any of his men interfere, you know what to do. If you wish to rest first, you may proceed once we arrive back at the home base on Planet seventy-seven. He should be softened up by then I imagine," Frost replied as he laughed a bit. Verto merely nodded grimly and left the bridge, walking as brisk as possible.

Frost had been right about the respect title, those who were afraid of Verto before were now scattering well before they had a chance to stare. Only the on-duty soldiers stayed put and even gave him a passing salute. Each was as fake as Verto believed it to be, but he didn't disrupt their attempts to save face. Verto was moderately surprised that Lenz hadn't been at the docking ports to greet him, but he knew she must have been busy with something. It turned out she had stayed cooped up in their room most of the time according to security. Apparently they had been charged with keeping a close eye on her, a fact that bothered Verto quite a bit. So after threatening to wipe out a few future generations of aliens, he made his way back to see her. Lenz was sleeping soundly on the bed, giving off a decent snore when the door opened. Verto stepped in quietly, grimacing slightly at the sight. The half a shirt she had on barely covered anything, and she wasn't wearing any pants. Only the bare minimum of clothing left things to imagination. Typical, probably lost track of time again. Maybe if we had a slightly different situation I would go find a victim to use for prank bait.

"Ahem!" Verto cleared his throat. Lenz launched out of bed, flipped around, landed in a fighting stance and had a ki blast charged before she even blinked.

"Nice reaction," Verto said with a slight smile.

"Oh it's you. Sorry, the guards are making me nervous," Lenz said as she relaxed.

"Can't imagine why, although it seemed as though you were playing jailbait for anyone who decided to take more than a peak," Verto said as he pointed out her lack of modesty.

"Jailbait, what's that?" she asked naively.

Verto rolled his eyes, "You know what, never mind the expression. It's strange enough for me to be having this conversation anyway. But your lack of clothing is tempting to perverse aliens."

"What? I don't like sleeping in those jumpsuits, they itch! I borrowed those clothes from someone I know around here," Lenz claimed.

"Did you have a sleepover too? I promise I won't inform the guards of suspicious activity," Verto chuckled slightly.

"Well, actually…" Lenz started to say.

Verto smacked the side of his head, "Never mind! I don't want to know! I doubt the guards will give you much trouble though, I already had a word with them about it."

"Did you find the Saiyans?" Lenz asked, changing the subject.

"One, and I'm guessing he was left behind as a deterrent," Verto replied.

"What's a d-deter…" Lenz stuttered.

"Distraction, I'll try and dumb it down next time," he said, earning a deep frown from Lenz, "He probably could have killed everyone there except for Frost, if he wanted to."

"What do you mean?" Lenz asked.

"It's tough to explain. We brought him back as a prisoner, I might find out more later. Right now I need rest," Verto said as he stepped towards the bed.

Lenz giggled, "He couldn't have worn you down that much, you tiny little ox!"

Verto scowled at her playful laughter, "You'd be surprised. But no, I haven't slept since I left."

"Why not, it's not like you to go into a situation without rest!" she claimed.

"Same reason you leapt out of bed just now. Good night."

The next morning, Verto strolled down to the dungeon, finding Chal's new living quarters easily. It was the maximum-security cell with a small cluster of aliens surrounding it. The only members of Bojack's crew there were Bujin and Bido, with the latter taking shots at the bound Saiyan. Chal was chained by both his arms and legs, but was at least given the courtesy of being able to stand and sit on his own. Verto shoved the onlookers aside, who all backed away quickly upon seeing him. When they didn't leave, he felt the need to enforce whatever authority he had.

"Get on with your own damn business! If I see any of you still here in the next minute, you won't have the chance to leave again. Now move it!" he shouted. The only remaining aliens were the two guards, who didn't look eager to stay either. Verto entered the room just in time to see Bido land a vicious punch with his rejuvenated arm. Chal looked terrible, much like someone should look after multiple beatings. He was still cracking painful smiles though, and by the look of things, it was only making Bido angrier.

"Where is your ship?" Bido roared.

Chal grinned meekly, "What ship?"

Bido smashed his face again before hoisting him back up by the throat, "The one with all your monkey brothers and sisters!"

Chal spat blood at Bido's face, "Careful, too many blows to the head and I really will forget what you want to hear!"

"Argh!" Bido growled as he motioned to deck him again.

Verto stepped in at this point, "Stop, that's enough."

"Shut up runt! The only way to get information is to beat it out of him!" Bido claimed.

"Yes, someone as dumb as you would think that. Beating him within an inch of his life won't do anything," Verto said.

"It won't huh?" Bido asked as he dropped Chal, "How about I just beat it outta you then?"

Verto grimaced, "Think idiot, or are you too far gone for that? He was left behind for a reason, not because we got lucky. He obviously didn't take the mission just to rat his friends out."

"The boy is right Bido," Bujin said from the side.

"That's a load of crap!" Bido shouted.

"Then by all means, keep going. I can tell you've gotten just as far as Bojack did," Verto pointed out. Bido growled loudly and stepped towards Verto, taking up most of the smaller boy's view.

"One day soon kid, I promise I'm gonna make you wish you were never born!" Bido proclaimed. Chal started laughing, prompting Bido to shift his anger again.

"What's so funny, you stupid ape?"

"A buffoon like you making promises you can't keep. Oh, that's right, your brain is so small that you'll probably forget it within a few minutes!" Chal said.

Bido snarled back as even Bujin had managed a chuckle at this point, "I really hope Lord Frost let's me finish you!"

Chal smirked, "I'm looking forward to that."

Bujin motioned for his partner, "Come Bido, you've missed your breakfast again." Bido grumbled a reply and followed him out the door, leaving Chal and Verto alone.

"I'm really going to enjoy tearing him into tiny pieces," Chal said.

"Well don't get ahead of yourself, you look like hell," Verto reminded him.

Chal shrugged, "I've been through worse, though I'll admit that the one with the turban hurt me more than most." Verto shook his head slightly as he held his palm a few inches from Chal's battered head and allowed his energy to seep out. A calm green hue came from it, which quickly transferred to Chal after a few seconds before it vanished. Several of Chal's injuries closed up, but no more than that.

"You're a healer too? You keep outdoing yourself kid. I consider it quite impressive for one to master more than just a few battle skills," Chal said.

"I wouldn't call myself a master of that, I just don't want you passing out on me because of these idiots. You know why I'm here," Verto replied.

"I've been waiting for you to show up. Where would you like to begin?" Chal asked.

"Origins would be good."

"Alright. Most of our group came from Planet Vegita just like all other Saiyans. We relocated to Planet Shank, where I grew up," Chal began.

Verto gave him a confused expression, "Shank? Never heard of the place."

Chal rolled his eyes, "I don't imagine you have. I don't name 'em kid, that's just what it was called. Some of us had offspring that stayed behind on Vegita, and Frost moved them just before Frieza blew up the planet. They parented the hybrids known as Rotians. The rest of us stayed far away from the Kold Empire and began our own society. I myself am second generation born of planet Shank, but we kept the title of Saiyan. After all, we are pure blood."

"Fine, so what is so different about you? Why is it that you can control Psionic energy?" Verto asked.

Chal sighed deeply, "The full story has been lost to time, I really don't know it, but I can tell you this. We weren't able to do it without some help."

"Explain please."

"Since you asked nicely, but forgive me now. Everything I tell you is purely speculation when it comes to the far reaches of our past. I only know the facts pertaining to the last hundred years or so. For generations, our tribe of Saiyans have been outcasts. We've always been designated second or third class, no matter what our birth power or fighting abilities have been. Obviously we don't know why anymore, but that's probably because our eldest members have all taken ill and died at a rather early age. No one knew why, but it has pushed us to the brink of extinction more than once," Chal paused and took a deep breath.

"So, you obviously don't completely classify yourselves as Saiyans, we haven't gone extinct yet. But your condition, is it some sort of curse?" Verto asked.

Chal snorted, "You can call it that if you want. Oddly enough, it's also the source of our power, but I'm getting ahead of myself. Our previous generations knew of it to be sure, so at the earliest possible age, we mated to keep our tribe going until a solution could be found. The source of this eventual solution is incredibly ironic however…"

"And what is that?"

Chal grinned, "Tuffles." Verto's eyebrow shifted into a confused state, prompting Chal to chuckle slightly.

"Yes, I know that probably doesn't make a lot of sense to you. We allowed them to study us whereas any other Saiyan wouldn't have. Call it desperation if you want. Anyway, they found that we were emitting this unstable Psionic energy, and the reason we weren't living very long was due to the fact that none of us could release it properly. It would come out on its own when we fought and our ki would combine with it. The problem was that the energy output would become far too potent to control, at least for us that is. So, in hindsight, we had more power than we knew what to do with. Because of the lack of knowledge, our older generations died early, as this power was simply putting too much strain on their bodies and they fell apart."

Verto felt a twinge of familiarity in Chal's words, but merely nodded, "And how did you get around this problem?"

"It was many years before we actually did. For a time, the Tuffles helped in that regard. They were able to create devices which suppressed this power, allowing us not only the freedom to fight, but also to be able to live longer. Unfortunately, the civil war between our two races began soon after that. I'm sure you know that story all too well. We stayed out of the conflict for the most part, but we admit to betraying our people in favor of those who helped us. I expect you want to kill me for the sins of my ancestors," Chal stated.

"No, I would have done the same thing," Verto admitted.

"Interesting. Before the full moon that decided the war, our Tuffle allies allowed us to escape on their ships. We were sent to a preprogrammed destination far away from Planet Vegita and the Kold Empire, the Planet Shank. The inhabitants were experts on using Psionic energy, and sensing our plight, taught us how," Chal paused again and grimaced slightly.

"Let me guess, there was a problem?" Verto asked.

"Like I said, we had more power than we knew what to do with. It only took one surge of angry impatience for them to realize that we had another problem. In time, we learned to control it, an incredibly potent and dark energy. Can I assume you know what I am speaking of?"

Verto nodded, "To say the least."

"Then I won't explain those ugly details. We have learned to harness it from an early age in order to survive, though preferably as a last resort. It can still be quite overwhelming," Chal said as he showed a hint of distress.

"I've noticed," Verto said with a scowl.

"So, just out of curiosity, how many times have you used it?" Chal asked. Verto took off his glove and revealed a few small scars that looked as though they had been scorched into his palm.

"Just a few times, twice out of desperation. Only the first time did I use that particular power on purpose, and that's probably what unlocked it in the first place for me. I haven't had full control over my emotions ever since, and it continuously feels like it's slipping away from me. It's as if these burn marks are representing how many I've destroyed with it," Verto replied.

"Hmph, there's a simple solution to your control. It's because you're too soft, even towards your enemies. Harden yourself and you won't lose control of yourself nearly as often. True it may slip out easier, but you won't go berserk. Besides, compassion is not what fighting is about anyway," Chal suggested.

"Sounds like something Vegeta would say," Verto muttered.

"Vegeta? The prince of us all? He's still alive?" Chal asked. Verto bit his lip slightly, realizing what he might have just done.

When he didn't answer, Chal took the hint in stride, "I see, you didn't mean for me to hear that. What's done is done I'm afraid, but Prince Vegeta doesn't concern me. I'm much more interested in you."

"And why is that?" Verto asked.

"We may not have all the facts, but there is one thing that this 'curse' has made us aware of. The fact that there is a higher plateau that any life form can achieve, Saiyan or otherwise. It is almost a god-like state of power that would make an entire galaxy tremble all at once. You're not at that point, but you're the first I've seen to be able to control ki and Psi as one. Controlling them separately is easily attainable for us, but none of us can combine them," Chal pointed out.

"You have to balance the energy evenly, surely someone in your group would have figured that out by now," Verto said as he crossed his arms.

"Possibly, if anyone could stay alive long enough during such an attempt. We can't even do that, and there have been many deaths as a result. It's hard to explain it, but several of our more powerful brothers thought they could do it. They found out wrong, and their own Psionic energy overwhelmed them completely. Their bodies literally burned up and I can only assume that their souls went with them. It's as if fate doesn't want us to rise above this pitiful existence, and only granted us this power in order to laugh as we kill ourselves trying to master it," Chal said with pure disdain.

"So you believe this, curse, prevents you from achieving this higher form?" Verto asked.

"Precisely, but it looks like you know how to handle it. You must teach me and the others, share your knowledge with us!" Chal urged.

Verto's face shifted upwards to stare Chal directly in the eye, "Why?"

"We're your people, that's why. You could be our salvation, and the start of the next jump in our evolution!" Chal declared.

"And what would you do with this power? You know nothing about it, and who's to say that it's really all that great? Trying to reach an impossible goal is no way to live, you'll only be met with disappointment," Verto said.

"What kind of answer is that kid? You can't tell me you're not the least bit curious about it. Reaching even higher than you are now, who knows what you're actually capable of? You said it yourself, nothing is impossible," Chal reminded.

"I don't care what I'm capable of, so let's just keep things on a small scale for now. If I were to join you, and that is a really big if, I would be greatly influencing the balance of power in this region of space alone. If you couldn't tell, I'm not like other Saiyans, and I don't answer to their ways," Verto retorted.

"You can't be serious, you'd take the Kold Empire over us?" Chal asked.

"I didn't say that. They've already taken shots at me too, but they clearly see you as a larger threat and I can't say I disagree," Verto stated.

"Are you kidding? With your help, we would finally eliminate the Kold Empire from the universe!" Chal claimed.

"And then what?"

"We would establish our own empire, obviously. The Saiyans would reclaim their rightful place on top of the food chain. And then we would push even further, until we shattered the realms of the gods and made them submit to us as superior life forms!" Chal exclaimed.

Verto's eyes re-narrowed as he gave off a slight grunt, "And that's why I can't help you. You'll probably end up destroying everything around you while you slowly destroy yourself. And these god-like beings you're after, they don't exist."

Chal frowned slightly, "So, you refuse because it's against your beliefs?"

"I don't follow a religion if that's what you think. I've met my fair share of beings that are considered gods, and they are overrated. Pushing past their overall power is no great feat, nor does it mean anything. They have ways of getting around things like that, if they cared enough to worry about it. As for why I won't help you, I'd be trading one tyrannical empire for another, one that is probably worse by comparison. The Kold Empire is corrupt enough as it is, they already want to play musical chairs with their leadership," Verto said.

"I'm sure we're not the only ones aware of this godlike form, I'm very certain Frost has sniffed it as well," Chal said in a low tone.

"That doesn't matter, Frost will get his eventually. I may have power, but it's my choice what I do with it. I have a very good idea what you and your people would do," Verto said defiantly.

"I see, perhaps you just need time to see things for what they really are," Chal suggested.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

Chal didn't answer him directly, "Guard, the boy is finished with me!"

"We're not even close to done!" Verto argued.

Chal smiled evilly, "For now we are, unless you would like to try your hand at torture. Come back when you've changed your mind."

Verto walked into Frost's command chamber, perplexed by his interrogation of Chal.

Frost turned in his chair to face the smaller Saiyan, "So, did you find out where the other Renegade Saiyans are?"

"No, we didn't get quite that far. I doubt that he would have told me anyway," Verto replied carefully.

"Neither do I, we shall give him time to think things over."

Verto stared up at Frost, "You weren't listening in on the conversation were you?"

"Unfortunately no, only video transmissions exist down there, my dungeons are due for an upgrade," Frost said.

Verto shifted his feet slightly, "Well, he did admit that they are related to the Rotians in a cousins sort of way, nothing much past that."

"And that means their strange Psionic powers are linked as well. That will save us time on research and testing while we discover a way to counteract it. Have you thought of a way to reverse the Rotian condition?" Frost asked.

Verto paused as he had barely heard the question, "No, but I have a few hunches. I'll need to work with one of them directly."

"I will make the necessary preparations in the science labs then, you may start within the hour," Frost said. Verto nodded and turned the leave, Looks like I'll have to be careful with this one as well.

Frost cleared his throat, "One more thing." Verto glanced behind to see Frost observing a security feed, or in this case, rewinding it. It skipped back to Bido torturing Chal, and then slightly before that.

Frost paused it just as a being with purple hair slipped out of view, "You might want to warn the girl about visiting the dungeon. I don't think I need to ask twice." Verto grimaced and promptly left the command center, Damn it Lenz, this is the last thing I need right now.

"I just wanted to see him! Is that so bad, to want to see why the hell we're out here?" Lenz asked.

"Um…yes! You're giving them a reason to be suspicious, don't do that," Verto warned.

"Who, your new friends?"

Verto scowled deeply, "Lenz, they are nowhere near my friends. The only one here is you."

Lenz scoffed, "You have a funny way of showing it."

"Keep your friends close, keep your enemies…"

Lenz cut him off, "Yeah, yeah, I know!" Verto sighed, knowing the argument was decided, rather he proved his point or not.

"Look, I can't keep you safe if you pull stunts like that. Running off, picking fights, snooping around, none of those things are especially helpful," Verto pointed out.

"I can take care of myself, I am older than you!" Lenz countered.

"If that's the case, which we both know it's not, then prove it," Verto suggested.

"Fine, but what am I supposed to do around here, train all day?" Lenz asked with a bitter tone.

"Well, it couldn't hurt."

"Just as long as I stay out of the way, right?"

Verto held his head, as if that would prevent an ache, "I want you to be careful, that's all."

Lenz held her hand up as she left the room, "Whatever." Verto sighed again, The rebellious teenager is coming out at a really bad time.

A/n: We're starting to get into the nitty-gritty of this arc, which of course means that you action fans will have your match soon enough. I don't even have to say which one that is.

Next Time on DBV: Verto works to reverse the berserker state of one of the Rotians, eventually succeeding only to be met with rejection. Meanwhile, Lenz ignores Verto's orders and visits Chal down in the dungeon, who urges her to release her power and use it against her enemies. She comes across Zangya in training, and a quick scuffle turns into a much larger battle for survival.