'She will be spending the night in the healing tank I asked your mother to build.' 'Thank you Prince. Trunks, I will see you tonight no doubt wearisome from my training.' 'Here,' Vegeta held out a bag. 'Training clothes.' Kuumba pulled out training garb. 'Its pink!' she scoffed. 'I had bought it for Bulla for if she ever became interested in the fight, she has more of her mother in her than I thought.' Vegeta lamented. 'Change, I am an impatient man.' Kuumba pulled off her blue dress over her head, as Trunks flew to Vegeta and turned in embarrassment. Vegeta lingered. 'Father!' Trunks exclaimed. 'Very well,' he said turning, 'She is a warrior Boy, this wouldn't have bothered her. 'Why are you facing the door.?' Kuumba asked, changed into the pink garb, she let her bushy hair flow wild around her pretty little face, her tail fastened tight around her. 'Come Kuu,' Vegeta powered up to fly from the window. 'I will see you tonight.' Trunks touched Kuumba's face. 'I know,' he said, holding back his disappointment. 'Go spar with my Father, I will see you tonight and spend all night near the healing tank if I have to. I'll go and help mother prepare it.' Kuumba powered to fly with Vegeta. She could not contain her happiness as she followed the prince, twirling and shouting in the air. Vegeta stopped before her, she almost flew into the back of him. 'Kuu,' he said holding her tight against him, 'I am so glad you are here. That I am not the last of my people, that there are more of us somewhere.' 'I am also pleased Prince,' she replied embracing him. 'I…' she began. 'I am yours to command, have me do as you wish for you are elite and I am a low class warrior.' 'Given your power Kuumba, I here by promote you to middle class, a great honour.' Vegeta smiled 'If you can punch me.' Kuumba smiled charging her power. 'It is a privilege all mine, great super saiyan prince.'

Kuumba flew in straight attack, a powerful blow intended for Vegeta's stomach. He dodged with ease. She aimed for his head, he moved effortlessly. She went to grab him with her legs, he moved. She tried instant transmission, he was still faster. Vegeta smiled at a panting Kuumba. 'Do you have no more to give? Come on wretch, I even felt the breeze on a few of those punches.' He taunted her, which flamed her anger. She was always the weakest, weaker than Tamo, weaker than Vegeta, weak - she thought of her fight with Trunks. 'Maybe I should tell my son how weak you are?' Her eyes flicked toward him filled with fury, she would not be a weakling in anyones eyes any more. She was the last female, she chanted like mantra. 'The last, must be strong.' She gave it her all, punching, attacking, fiercely even Vegeta had to admit. She grew close to landing a punch when Vegeta attacked, punch to the stomach, the head sending her flying into the ground. Earth shattered around her as she coughed violently. The dust settled around her as she struggled to her feet. 'You have far to go, don't let your guard down!' Vegeta shouted, appearing behind her, grabbing her tail. She fell to the floor again, 'Prince!' she whimpered. 'Step one of your training; strengthen your tail.' She whimpered, bleeding from her mouth, panting. 'Stand up Kuumba.' She tried, placing one foot in front of her, weak she brought herself to her feet, legs wobbling. 'Good,' Vegeta smiled, grabbing her tail tighter 'Do not fall. Now walk.' She fell to the floor as Vegeta powered a weak Ki blast shooting at her. 'I will keep shooting until you move.' Vegeta stated coldly, grabbing her tail. She stood, was blasted and fell again. Vegeta would not relent, 'Again.' he stated, disappointed. He has undergone this training as a child, he knew it was hard but it was the most important piece of battle training he had received. 'Stand Kuumba,' Vegeta barked as the light began to fade; he continued to blast her. She was done in, he released her tail as she fell forward defeated. This would be more challenging for the poor girl than he had anticipated, she had great untapped power, she could be a super saiyan, but all in due time. Vegeta carried her weary body over his shoulder, powering down.

As the light began to fade he landed at Capsule Corp and carried Kuumba into the healing tank in the lab. He started the technology, leaving her to heal. 'You are a good fighter, Kuu, and a worthy opponent. I wish I had known this was fated.' He whispered kissing her forehead placing the mask on her, closing the tank. He felt conflicted, he loved Bulma and his family but here was a chance to produce more pure-bread saiyan warriors, enough to restart his race, he pondered. He felt a true sense of care for the young woman but he knew his son also cared for the girl. He joined his family at the dining table for a supper of broiled meats and vegetables.

'How was your day dear?' Bulma asked, as she did nearly every meal time. 'I have found a protege worthy of my tutelage. I can't recall when I last felt so alive!' Vegeta smiled broadly. 'Thats nice dear,' Bulma said dismissively. Trunks came down to dinner 'Father, wheres Kuu?' 'Eat boy, you have been working all day.' 'Do not test me. Where is she?' Trunks slammed his fist on the table as his hand journeyed through the table splintering the old cherry oak wood. 'Trunks!' Bulma exclaimed. 'The table.' Her pleas were ignored as Trunks and Vegeta stood locked in the eyes of battle. 'Boy, eat. She isn't going anywhere. She's exactly where I told you she'd be - in the healing tank.' Trunks looked angrily at his father. 'You hurt her?' he snarled. 'A necessary part of her training. Now don't make me tell you again, eat.' Trunks picked up his plate. 'I'll be eating in the lab.' Trunks walked away, the door slamming behind him. 'What the hell is his problem?' Vegeta returned to sitting with his wife and daughter. 'Vegeta,' Bulma was shaking her head in shame. 'You could have gone easy on the girl for him.' 'She wants to fight, get stronger, I am helping her. He seems to forget his sparring in the hyperbolic time chamber.' 'He won't see it that way.' Vegeta took an mouthful of his meat. 'The boy needs to toughen up. He can't be so sensitive about these things. She's a grown woman for christ sake.' Bulma shook her head, she was amazed how pig headed her husband could be and pondered how her son could cope with his incessant self motivated regime.

Trunks placed his food next to the healing tank, he felt physical pain seeing Kuu's beaten and broken body in the healing tank. Her muscles twitched, her tail floated free in the healing fluid. Trunks put his hand to the glass. 'Why did I let him do this to you?' Trunks choked back his tears. He hated seeing her like this, in pain, her beautiful face bruised and ashen with scorch marks. She almost looked abused, beaten beyond the point of fair game. Trunks wondered how she had been beaten to receive such injuries. 'Tomorrow, I want to show you the most beautiful places in the world. I want you to see how much of a wonderful place the Earth is.'

Vegeta lurked in the door way, 'Do you think thats the way to impress her boy?' 'Father, what did you do to her.' 'I am training her. I am doing what she asked me to, what she came to Earth for. She didn't come here for you Son, she is a born warrior.' Trunks looked into the tank forlornly. He thought back to her in the field, healing his tail, in his office that morning, so weak and fragile. 'You're wrong, theres more to her than just fighting. She's special.' 'Don't let her veiled fragility fool you, I raised you to be smarter than that. She is playing a game to better herself, even if that involves playing with your feelings. She's a ruthless cold blooded killer.' Trunks scoffed at the idea of him getting hurt by her, he sensed something decent, something beautiful, something that was untainted by his fathers perceptions of Saiyans. 'You're wrong Father, I'll prove it.' 'Let her tell you herself then.' Vegeta turned and left on his words leaving Trunks sat as he chattered to Kuumba in the healing tank all night, sleeping in a chair with his head resting against the glass. He didn't want to leave her side, besides he'd promised he'd stay with her before she headed out for training and it was a promise he intended to keep.

Trunks awoke to Kuu's gentle rasping on the glass. He drained the tank and lifted her soggy body out of the tank. 'You stayed all night?' Kuu smiled wrapping her tail around Trunks' 'I said I would.' He retorted, holding her deeply. It had felt as if an age since he held her. She smiled sweetly at him, brushing his messy purple hair off his face. 'Kuu, do you have to train today. You were so hurt.' Trunks brushed her wet hair away from her pretty face, wrapping a towel around her. 'Trunks-chan. To train with the Prince Vegeta is a tremendous honour and privilege, I couldn't go against the request of an elite even if I wanted to. Its simply not done.' 'Nice to see you still have your manners, I didn't beat them out of you I see.' Vegeta lurked in the door way again, carrying training clothes for Kuumba. 'Dry yourself child. Then I trust you will find these garments more to your liking, particularly the shade.' Vegeta gave her indigo blue leggings and a bralet he obviously bought from a sporting goods shop. He and Trunks both turned as she again unashamedly disrobed from the pink garb. 'Father please let me have a day with her, the girl has to rest.' 'Nonsense, if you want to spend the day with her you should come train with us. I can test you as well.' 'How do I look?' Kuumba announced proudly sporting the indigo hue, a contrast to her pale skin. 'Like a saiyan elite.' Vegeta smiled. 'Last chance to join us boy.' 'Father you know I have to work.' 'Suit yourself, Kuu will return how she returns, hopefully she will grasp my teaching better today.' Vegeta shouted soaring off through the open window. 'Bye Trunks.' Kuumba shouted pulling on her socks and sneakers. Trunks looked wishing she hadn't gone, he felt the fear of his fathers words being the truth. He got out his phone and sent a quick text to Goten, he thought maybe some guy time would help him make sense of his girl situation.

The work day passed swiftly as Trunks laboured to the end of the day to no avail. The scouter still made very little sense to him and he felt as if he were missing something glaringly obvious. A polite but firm rapping came to his door. 'Kuu,' Trunks turned dropping the scouter, 'Ah shit.' He dove under his desk for the fragile piece of equipment. 'Expecting someone else?' Came Goten's sarcastic reply. Trunks crawled back out from under his desk. 'No, Yes, Maybe.' 'Im guessing you want to talk about her?' Goten smiled turning a chair, sitting with the back of the chair between his legs. 'Trunks, come on man.' Trunks sat on his desk facing Goten, his caught a glance of himself in the window, he looked as if he had hardly slept. 'Man you don't want to hear about my girl troubles, especially when she's your half sister.' 'I'm alright with the idea,' Goten said running his hands through his hair, 'Its Gohan freaking out about how the hell we tell Mother! I have no words, she doesn't have to know Dad cheated, he and Videl seem convinced they have to tell Mum.' Goten sighed. 'Is Gohan dealing with having a sister any better?' 'No, man, its fucked up.' Goten sighed again. Trunks rubbed the back of his closest friend, 'You want to grab a soda?' 'Yeah,' Goten smiled, 'If you're paying.' Trunks smiled, Goten never had any money but all the girls after him, Trunks gladly payed for him, after all what were friends for.

Goten and Trunks walked the short distance out of the building and across to a little cafe where Trunks regularly went for lunch. 'Two sodas please,' Trunks asked politely as they sat at the kiosk. 'Thats 25 zeni.' Trunks payed and tipped generously. 'You can talk to me about Kuu, god knows I've bitched at you for my girl troubles over the years.' 'But.' Trunks stammered. 'She's your half sister.' 'That I only found out I had a few days ago, you've had more to do with her than I have, doesn't matter if we share a parent, I don't know her at this point.' 'Ten, she's mind blowing, she's clever, strong, smart, has healing hands, 'Woah dude there are limits.' Goten said recoiling from the conversation. 'I mean, she gave me back my…' his voice dropped to a whisper 'tail.' What?' Goten exclaimed shocked. Trunks tapped him on the leg with his new appendage under the table.

'My God! You have a purple tail! Can I get one?' 'I can ask Kuu, its meant to unlock all sorts of hidden power.' 'No way, If Gohan isn't willing to give her a chance because of this than I don't know what will help the poor girl. She's used to having a bigger brother, I want to be a brother to her, y'know. I can't think of a better guy for her than you mate.' Goten punched his friend softly in the arm. They had trained in martial arts together since they were children, there was no one in the world he felt closer to.

'So,' Trunks started. 'How do you tell her?' Goten suggested. 'Yes, No. Maybe, Girls are a mystery to me Ten, what do I say?' 'Usually taking her out for a soda would be a good start.' 'We had breakfast in my office, but then Father showed, he seems to want her for himself…' 'Woah, wait, what?' Goten interrupted. 'Your Father wants her, what about your Mother?' 'Not like that,' Trunks explained, only half believing himself. 'Least I hope not. Is it weird I'm worried my Father will see this as an opportunity to restart his race. I genuinely care about her, I've never felt this way about anyone.' 'You're worried your Father will steal your girlfriend, reality tv eat your heart out.' 'He's just so possessive over her, like she's his soldier, come to serve him.' 'Trunks, listen, I don't for a second think you've anything to worry over. Your Mother would sooner kill a woman than stand by and let her man go. And, for all your Fathers faults, he loves your Mother. I think you're overthinking it, personally.' Goten tipped the remainder of his soda bottle into his mouth, gulping it down. 'So, any chance of seeing my sister or just talk about her.' 'Want to come over? We can play on my game station and wait for her and my Father to come back from training?' 'Even better, lets go find them and train, I can't wait to see what she can do.'

Kuumba had grasped Vegeta's training much faster than he had anticipated. She could now walk, not quickly, but walk while Vegeta squeezed her tail. 'Good, you learn at an impressive rate.' Vegeta rolled a blanket, unpacking a simple meal to sustain them. He wished to train until after dark, tonight there was no moon. Kuumba sat politely and ate the meal given to her, she was ravenous, the appetite of a true saiyan. 'Tell me Prince,' Kuumba started, 'Yes.' Vegeta raised an eyebrow, his mouth full of bread. 'You released me from my duties, yet you train me. You fight with your son about me, why am I worth this bother to you?' 'Perceptive aren't you…' Vegeta paused. 'Kuu, I wish I had known this were fated, i'm sure you see the opportunity before us as plainly as I do. Yet, I already have a mate. On earth one does not change mates, they pair for life. As much as I am a saiyan, earth has rendered me some humanity in me, I cannot leave Bulma.' 'So as you forget you're a saiyan, you forget your duty.' Kuumba shivered. 'It would be more than a duty child, there is something most beautiful about you, even if you are the daughter of lower class scum like Kakarot. I would not consider it a duty per se.' Kuumba moved closer to Vegeta, 'You must remember who you are Prince, what makes you great, a warrior. My prince, Vegeta.' She whispered softly. Vegeta moved toward her and brushed the hair from her delicate little face, every wild bit of him yearned for her, his most primal instinct. He looked into her deep dark eyes.

Vegeta's life was with his family but he thought could his life be more. It wasn't like him to doubt himself. He knew this in and in a breath he felt his control slip as he moved to kiss her. He pulled back as he sensed power coming toward him, Trunks and Goten. He could not hide his arousal so he fled. Kuumba sat confused, stroking her arms she felt a failure. She did not feel as she has done something to be proud of, Tamo always exclaimed she should feel pride in being the last female, if they sought out the prince, she could be queen, bear sons of the saiyan race. The final force to conquer a new vegeta and live in honour. She could not feel less honourable.

'Hey Imouto-chan,' Goten appeared above her and smiled. 'Oniichan, Trunks-chan.' 'Are you okay?' Trunks looked into her big black eyes. 'Did Father hurt you?' She faked a smile and shook her head. Vegeta had rejected her, no physical pain compared to it, she had failed her race and all she could think about was the young prince by her side and how she could lose him. 'I do not feel I have impressed him, he left…' she searched for the word, 'disappointed. I have disappointed the prince…' Trunks ran his hand over her hair, resting his fingers on her jaw. 'I doubt it Kuu-chan.' he whispered as he smiled at her. Kuumba smiled back briefly. 'Food', she offered the meal left by the prince to her superiors, they would eat first before her, as was the custom; unless she was invited to eat at the same time. Trunks and Goten devoured the left over food before Kuumba finished her plate, pondering how she had offended the prince. She cleared up and followed the men home in silence, despite Trunks' repeated attempts to make her smile and chattering. She went to bed and stayed there the whole night.

Vegeta stopped suddenly in a new part of the wastelands. He screamed in frustration, firing blasts into the rock formations, releasing his anger and power. 'Hey.' shouted up a familiar voice as Piccolo flew up from the rubble. 'Mind not disrupting my mediation.' 'Bite me; Namiekan.' 'Wow someones cranky, did you miss a nap?' 'I am not in the mood for your humour.' Vegeta hissed with vitriol. 'I don't even know why we put up with your shit Vegeta.' Piccolo muttered, returning to his meditation. Vegeta screamed again before flying to a new part of the wasteland. He landed, 'Kuu.' he muttered in frustration, he still sensed his son and Goten with her, he thought about the feel of her body against his, even in that sweet instant. It felt wild and primal, like he re-connected with some forgotten part of himself. He thought about her pert breasts, how they would feel in his hands, what she would look like as he slowly peeled off her training garb. He sat on the floor, punching the rocks in front of him. 'Damn woman.' 'So female problems eh?' Piccolo was behind him.

'Does Bulma know?' Piccolo landed in front of him, sitting opposite him. 'Why do you care green man? We've never been confidants.' Vegeta muttered. 'I wager this female saiyan is dangerous, Gohan told me she has a tail. I make it my business to know if my planet is going to be destroyed. But then again it would appear the planet isn't all she's after taking hostage.' Vegeta glared at him. 'Does Bulma know?' 'No,' Vegeta sighed, Piccolo wasn't going to let this go. 'Kuu is young enough to be my own daughter, she is younger than Trunks for pity sake. And then the boy…' Piccolo smiled 'Trunks likes her too, huh?' Vegeta sighed 'She is truly a beautiful woman; if Planet Vegeta were here she'd be a royal fighter, the highest honour for a woman - she would spar with other beauties in the palace to train on display and likely be the kings guard if she trained hard enough.' But this isn't Vegeta, he thought and sighed.

'She gave Trunks a tail; she's magic.' Vegeta sighed. 'She can re-grow a Saiyan's tail?' Piccolo exclaimed, shocked and afraid. 'Yes, I don't think that he will be unable to control it though, he refuses to talk to me about it because I'm training her.' 'So the two saiyan princes at war over a female, its almost juvenile.' Piccolo laughed, standing, raising himself in the air. 'I aren't worried over your family drama or petty squabbles. But be warned I will do my best to protect Earth, even if that means ending her.' Piccolo flew before Vegeta could reply. 'Damn it all to hell.' Vegeta punched the rocks in front of him before flying home. It was late; no doubt there would be questions to answer if he did not return soon.

Kuu laid awake in the darkness. The failure, hurt and rejection clung to her, she was unable to shake the feelings that made her sick. To say she didn't care for the young prince was a lie; this was obvious to her but her duty lied in the same bed as his father. Her saiyan honour rose and told her that she must not be swayed by the boy; her heart told her otherwise. It was the first time she had felt such conflict, is this the humility she would learn? Her door opened in the darkness. 'Who is it?' she whispered sitting up. 'Why are you awake Kuu?' Vegeta spoke from the doorway. Kuumba sighed inside. 'We have much training to do tomorrow, I want you at full strength.' 'Prince.' Kuu mumbled as Vegeta tried to close the door. Even the smell of her made his primal urges strengthen. 'Yes, child.' 'Please, may I speak my mind.' Vegeta apprehensively entered her room, he would feel himself stiffen with his discomfort. 'Yes, child.' He mumbled sitting on the edge of her bed. 'I apologise,' Kuu sat up. 'What happened earlier was manipulative and wrong of me. I beg forgiveness.' 'Kuu.' he started, he could not let her think she was solely to blame. 'For tonight, may I lie with you? Just to hold you would be a great pleasure.' Kuumba was taken aback by this. 'As is my duty and my privilege Prince.' She laid down and felt Vegeta curl around her. He held her so tightly; as if she may escape, he ran his hands over her silhouette and kissed her neck before just holding her. Kuumba turned to face him. 'Prince,' she muttered as sleep took her, she felt his warmth holding her close to him, relaxing her and terrifying her at the same time. This was her duty; this was her place; she knew her duty. When she awoke in the morning, she knew he'd be gone.

The nightmare took her again. The man in orange, pulled and pushed her into the shadows, an alley way, a corridor. Was she outside? The man in orange pushed her out into the day light, she fell hard to the ground. 'Father?' she stood and called toward the light. 'Kuu.' She heard as he pushed her down to the ground, holding her down. She felt her tears roll down her face. 'Help.' Goku raised his head looking at her. 'I can't fight. I don't want to fight.' Tamo kicked her father from her. 'I have come for Kuu.' He picked his sister up, standing beside her in a fighting pose, his eyes sought his opponents. Her Father stood opposite him, her brothers, her eyes sought friendship. 'Oniichan, Oniisama, Trunks?' They're faces gave nothing away, the coldness in their eyes frightened her. 'Kuu is a saiyan, she will not stand down.' She looked at Tamo, he stood angry, ready to fight, his power scared her. Her eyes pleaded with Tamo 'I have seen all this before.' She pleaded, dreamily, aware of her weakness. Her tail fluttered, her hair picked up in the wind, a moment of peace broke her tension, her eyes connected with Trunks.

'Please…' the word on her lips as she woke in her room, panting heavily.