Chapter 82

Trunks does not bother knocking as he opens the door and walks into his parent's room. He began to wonder what was keeping Ryoko so long since his dad has been back a while and now he has his answer. Vegeta stands, leaning against one of the bookcases on the wall, his stoic face raises an eyebrow at his son. Trunks can sense the turmoil of ki within his father. Ryoko made the correct move of her own initiative since his dad will never ask for this. From across the room he tosses the energy absorption gems of Dr. Gero's design. Vegeta catches them out of the air and makes a snarl at the intended use implied by these. Trunks will not waste words arguing against the brick wall of his father's pride. With that delivery done he exits and leaves. Vegeta kicks off his boots and grumbles to himself.

Ayeka squeaks with surprise as Ryoko teleports down to the main group and gives the Juraian Princess a hug from behind. She looks around the room to see the Briefs family still present. Ryo-Ohki meows at the return of her mistress whilst happily munching on some leftover vegetables. Ryoko releases Ayeka and keeps her ki sensing attuned to the man upstairs. She reassures Ayeka that she has got things in hand now and helped Vegeta whilst at the same time making him angry. Trunks enters the room after walking downstairs and gives a brief thumbs up to Ryoko.

"Hey, Trunks, when you and your dad did your training did he ever mention his plans for some Baba woman to you?" Ryoko levitates over to the baggage of the man she loves. Out of her discussion with Vegeta in the crater this is the main point she shall discuss, Ayeka should know of it as well.

"Yeah he did, were you forgetting about her all this time? I get mom back, not dad – just got a long wait and hope that old woman don't die of old age before then." Trunks shrugs. His dad has denied him the ability to see his mother in Otherworld and postponed his ability to see her with the help of Baba. His friend Goten got his dead parent back through Baba so he takes it for granted that the same method shall work for himself.

Dr Briefs nods in the background. He did take the liberty of reading the heartfelt messages written to his daughter and his family. Fortune-teller Baba is an entity he can understand will hold a lot of interest, and fear, for these alien women. Unlike Trunks he hopes more for his longevity to sustain himself to that fateful day more-so than the only woman on this planet older than Ryoko he knows of. Confusion forms on Ayeka's face. The name Baba is not ringing any bells for her. Ryoko anticipates as much and turns about, smiling warmly at the Juraian princess.

"Baba is the one who brought Kakarot back to life for an Earth day. Yeah, I kinda forgot about this minor detail too but listen 'cos I asked Vegey about it. … He's chosen us over a day with his Bulma. Trunks is the one who gets to use that time when he's older, Vegey can see his wife again but he made a decision not to. Are you happy? He was goddamn nice and polite telling me it 'cos it scared the shit outta me at first." Ryoko blurts it all out to Ayeka as she grins being able to truthfully state this.

Red eyes blink a few times. That is a lot of heavy information to digest at once. Bulma can return at the behest of Roshi's sister. The ghost haunting Vegeta can materialise and possess him if he so wishes. He has denied her return. From their first meeting he had accepted her death. The Saiyan Prince never mentioned any want or desire to overpower death itself to bring his wife back – the only desire he spoke of to them is that of moving on. Ayeka does not know what to say at this. It is a big thing for Vegeta to have said, and it is an overwhelming thought, yet her current position is in a room with the family members of this deceased woman so jubilant over her remaining in Otherworld like Ryoko is showing would be impolite at best. Ayeka quietly nods her head in response.

"I take it then you've given up on that little charade of acting polite and kind. Can you not talk about my little sister that way?" Tights is not impressed with the way Ryoko is so ecstatic that Bulma is staying dead.

Ayeka promptly apologises on both their behalves as the pirate tilts her head and grins mischievously. Trunks raises and lowers his ki to remind Ryoko of his presence, and all it does is remind Ryoko to keep an eye on Vegeta's still high ki. Ryoko stretches her arms out. A hand from Ayeka places itself on her shoulder, she tells Ryoko to remain civil – keeping true to Ryoko's want before they set off to keep her in line. Ryoko looks over her shoulder and says that she tried to get Vegeta to have a conversation with her since she is not faring so well but he declined to show some goodwill back to Ayeka for keeping her word. She says an apology herself to Tights and picks at some of the dirt still on her from the crater,

Flashing blue lights and a beeping sound come from the translation glasses that Ryoko is wearing. Ayeka is startled and Ryoko frowns at the display on the lens as it shows a name for who is contacting her. She makes no effort to excuse herself and simply answers the incoming call, her eyes glancing towards Ayeka.

"Hey Queenie, whassup, are- You're not Queenie. You're Big Daddy Emperor. Do your wives know you're calling me?" Ryoko is cheerful in her voice as she plans to continue her teasing from early on in the morning until an image appears in the left lens showing Azusa instead of Misaki. She rolls with it and teases regardless, to the ire of Ayeka.

Several seconds pass. A few more seconds as Ayeka glares at Ryoko for the adulterous insinuations towards her esteemed father. Ryoko sticks her tongue out at the princess as she waits. After half a minute a response happens – 30 seconds latency in communications between far distant planets is not too shabby, despite Ryoko's impatience. The sound plays only into Ryoko's ears. It begins with a tired sigh as the Emperor of Jurai hears Ryoko's impertinent greeting.

" … Emperor Azusa of Jurai speaking, and yes one wife does know of this call." On his end Azusa rotates the camera and pans it out to reveal Misaki stood behind him tightly hugging Lady Seto from behind ensuring she cannot escape. "As much as I would prefer you were not, by any chance are you within the vicinity of my daughter?"

"Yep, stood next to Ayeka. Why? This about the cute pic I sent Queenie or the special surprise gift that I saw when I went back to Vegey's place?"

There is puzzlement on Ayeka's face at this mention of some surprise back at Vegeta's house though Washu is a strong suspect for anything having happened, and her confusion is hidden by her crushing embarrassment at what Ryoko just mentioned to her father. She walks towards Ryoko and puts a hand out to take the glasses and the call from Ryoko. The rogue impishly floats higher and tells her that is rude as she is busy talking to someone. She wags her finger at the princess. The Briefs family see her blatant disrespect to figures of authority and how this could cause some friction with Vegeta, and her unbending nature to others which at the same time he would respect. Then Ryoko chuckles as she watches Azusa look confused and turn to his wife. Misaki waves off the question about a picture saying it is unimportant. Seto glowers at the screen, she wants to be released now and her daughter is hearing none of it. Misaki's constricting embrace is inescapable.

"The latter option. I take it then that you have met and spoken with Lady Kaia Jhun and are no longer near her, nor does my daughter know of her. I have been trying to get in contact with Dr. Washu but so far it has yielded no response. How is Lady Kaia? As you can see we have apprehended Seto, does Kaia require us to rescue her from Earth?-What is this!"

Whilst Azusa was talking and Ryoko paying minimal attention she thought it necessary to send the same picture she took of Ayeka sleeping to her father. Ryoko says that she has no clue about Kaia as she was in a rush and to ask her herself as she removes the translation glasses and drops them into Ayeka's awaiting hands. The fair Juraian assumes Ryoko's last statement to be about herself. She is unprepared for the conversation she joins. Ayeka sees in one lens her angry father, her mother looking away as Azusa questions her on this, Seto muttering under her breath 'like mother like daughter' to Misaki's disgruntlement, and on the other lens she sees the offending image. The princess freezes. Ryoko smiles at her accomplished mischief and that she can sense a drastic drop in Vegeta's power level. Ayeka hurriedly walks out of the room into the corridor. Ryoko has kept Kaia a secret for a few minutes longer.

"H-hello, f-father, mother, what is the nature of this call? I-I-I can explain-"

Azusa's voice rings out interrupting her, her own words not reaching him yet.

"Ayeka, what is the meaning of this? Your mother leaves and within hours you have gotten heavily intoxicated and-and-and fallen asleep in a most uncivilised manner. I hope that-"

"Give it a rest, Azusa. Did I kick up this much of a fuss when it was you and Misaki being found out in a more compromising position than this?" Seto chimes in to the defence of her granddaughter. She does not fancy listening to him ranting on and on for any longer today and there is no harm done in her eyes. A finger raises and prods at her blushing daughter's cheek. The hug keeping her in place gets tighter. "And you were not this noisy when you found out about Yosho and Haruna sneaking around behind your back."

"I apologise for my uncouth behaviour, father, I now know the dangers and risks of alcohol after experiencing it for myself and have learnt my limits so shall not drink to excess again. And-and how is Sasami?" She battles to not stammer over her apology to her father and tries to gloss over the untoward things her grandmother has said as her crimson face echoes her mother's. One question above all else has to be asked whilst she is in contact with her family.

Upon hearing her daughter's question, Misaki shoves Seto over to Azusa and the two ungracefully collide before grudgingly standing by the other. The mother takes the front and centre of the call to her grown up child. For these parted siblings she shall act as the bridge between them. Misaki beams a bright smile.

"Pretty Sammy's still tired from her trip, she's tucked up in her own bed now. Most of the journey back she would not settle and kept asking about you and then she started playing on that game that Trunks gifted her. I'll be sure she's around the next time we call as she will need regular contact from you, Ayeka. Be brave, be the big, strong sister and you both shall manage fine."

"... I shall try mother. Why did you call Ryoko though?"

"Sorry, we are trying to get in touch with Little Washu but she's not answering at the moment so we tried the only other number on the planet. … Once we get a hold of Washu, we can talk more then. The line will be better and we shouldn't have this massive delay, and maybe Sasami will be up then. Speak to you soon, Ayeka, and I'll be sure to keep Nana Seto in line."

Goodbyes are quickly said and the call is ended when Ayeka's farewell reaches them. She removes the translation glasses. Her hands tremble. Being big and strong like Vegeta is a hard ask. Some surprise is waiting at home and her parent's and grandparent need to contact Washu about it. There is too much on her mind to worry about. She places a hand on her sternum and takes some deep breaths. A roar comes from upstairs. No shaking rattles the house, the lights remain, Ayeka hears that pain – a pain that dwarfs her own and makes her feel unworthy for the troubles she is going through in comparison to Vegeta. She leans against the wall. There is no Sasami here to find comfort in. Another muffled roar sounds through the ceiling. Ayeka slides down the wall. That sound hurts. This building is not a place welcoming to her.

"Didn't wanna do that but it's for yer own good that you don't know what that secret is till you and Vegey have a talk." Ryoko phases through the wall Ayeka is leant against and gracefully somersaults down so she is sat in front of the princess. She reaches out and takes back the translation glasses.

Ayeka tucks her knees underneath her to sit in a formal position. She does not trust Ryoko. She does not trust this secrecy. Nor does she like Ryoko's ability to follow and help Vegeta when all she can do is sit and wait for him to return. A loud thud comes from above and Ayeka jolts at the noise, Ryoko does not flinch.

"Just another perk of your friendship is it? Tsunami help me, how can you stand that noise?"

"Well I kinda caused it, helped it at least. In that crater with Vegey I pressured him a little, and when I went back to our place I got those energy stealing gems, and he's got them now. No Big Bang when he cries any-more." Ryoko paved the way for this, she can sense Vegeta's ki and with that she can perfectly tell what he is going through and what emotions he hides. Pain is still there at hearing his grief, yet this is a grief she wants him to go through. Vegeta's ki is almost nothing. Ryoko shall have him expunge all he keeps locked within.

An act of that magnitude, giving Vegeta the means to properly grieve without fear for his surroundings or the safety of others, is something Ayeka wishes was within her power to grant. He would never have asked for this, she did it of her own accord and since this building is still standing it is obvious that he accepted. Her own worries and fears are great though comparing herself to the trauma that has almost unhinged Ryoko she can only view herself as a failure. Ayeka wants to help him. She wants to be there for him, be there with him. Vegeta will protect that room with his life. She will not be let in. Her chance to aid him is gone. The other she has been recently aiding can have a short lecture in his stead.

"Teleporting to him was not smart, have you not learnt the dangers yet?"

"Never claimed to be smart. I'm gonna try and help him, if I can, and then he can help me. … He ain't gonna make our deadline, he says he'll try but it fucking won't happen."

Ryoko is aware of the risk she took. She rolled the dice, she got in the cage with the lion, and for the most part it worked. This snuffing out of her candle of hope, the promised time that her suffering will end is the main stinger. Ayeka told her before, watching the wedding it was shown, and now he admitted to her it would be impossible. Ryoko looks to her rival in love stuck in this same spot for more guidance.

"Patience is not your strong point. I have already stated to him that I shall wait however long is necessary, pressuring him into some choice will hurt us far more than having the time to build a closer relationship with him and his son." An end to unrequited love is preferable to Ayeka only if the end is mutual love. Emotions change over time, they do not change because of time.

Ryoko rocks backwards. That answer does not help her. Time gives her more chances to get obliterated by Vegeta for overstepping her bounds, time lets him onto Jurai, time will make her act out impatiently, time will leave her stuck in this purgatory unable to do anything but wait – as if she were in a prison cell. Beyond the default win of Ayeka's fertility if Vegeta chooses for more children, Ryoko could lose by default simply through given ample time to self destruct. It always comes back to Ayeka – the threat to her happily ever after, the princess stealing from the thief. Ryoko slams a fist onto the floor.

"You're already close enough. He's already said you're damn well winning our competition, only 'cos I keep fucking shit up for myself mind you. I had to wait till he was broken to drag him to my bed. What made our Vegey sleep with princess?" Friendliness goes up in smoke as the flames of jealousy ignite. Ryoko hisses. She watched, she saw it, her man sleeping with a content princess purring away where she should have been.

"Shut it! I do not need both you and my parents yelling at me for that mistake, I was drunk-"

"Can it, sister, I ain't talking 'bout you being a lightweight. Vegey fell asleep before you, you might not remember but I do. He fell asleep with you at his side. Why did my Vegey sleep with you? Guy who never drops his defences thought you'd make a nice cuddle buddy when you're grinding against him like some bitch in heat. You're the one who's got an engagement ring waiting for them, and it looks so damn nice. Yeah, I've seen it, and I want it. … I hate it! Don't steal away my Vegey! Don't. He's my one ticket outta this hell. I need him. I need him bad." Her hand is close to Ayeka's throat, ready to squeeze and extinguish the life of her nemesis as she growls in envious anger. The other fist impacts and shakes the wall inches next to Ayeka's head. That same statement taunts her: 'Ayeka gets freely what Ryoko has to fight for'. Vegeta promised to sleep with her in the same room, he promised that day to keep her company through the night yet Ayeka was the decision. Her hand presses down against the soft skin of Ayeka. She releases the scared princess. Ryoko sits back in her spot. "But, dammit, you're gonna have to go to him next 'cos he'll hit me if I go anywhere near him now. You wanna talk to him, go. … And if he hits you, well at least he's weak now."

She stands up itching to hit something and destroy Ayeka. Ryoko cannot act out in a way to hurt Vegeta when he is like this. For every word she has said in jealousy gives another reason she cannot attack Ayeka as those are reasons that will cause Vegeta pain if she were to kill Ayeka. The frustration within her rages. Red ki shines and shimmers around her. The ball is in Ayeka's court now to aid the Saiyan widower. Recovering from the sudden threat, Ayeka stays wary of the flaring Ryoko. She looks down at her trembling hands. Two warriors from space are being too stubborn to ask for the help they need.

"Ryoko, you have grown much as a person to stay your fist against me like that. If I am to be your friend as you claim then I can give no answer as to Vegeta's... sleeping, however I can ask the alternate. You allowed it, why?" Ayeka purposely keeps her lower profile as she talks in a soothing yet authoritative tone. She holds her hands so that the trembling is less pronounced. She will not let Ryoko retreat in this state, only ill will come of it. If she is to try to help Vegeta then she has to be able to aid Ryoko first. This simple question that Ryoko has been dodging all morning will illuminate the state of mind of the pirate.

Within the golden eyes of Ryoko when her hands were around her neck she saw fear. That fear is less hidden at this straight forward question. Ryoko's feet leave the ground. Both are aware of their monstrous jealousy. Some factor overrode Ryoko's jealousy, something made her decide to not act on Ayeka's ill chosen place of rest. Ayeka maintains eye contact as Ryoko glances about at the ki signatures within the building.

"... Because- be- 'cos that's what Vegey chose. He looked nice and happy and he let his guard down and he never lets his guard down. Vegey was relaxed and at fuckin' peace with you snoring on his dick and after all the shit I put him through I let him have his nap, prince and princess." Her face is hidden by her hands as Ryoko makes this painful confession. She cared more for Vegeta than her own hurt and envy, and apparently in his sleep he seemed more content with Ayeka's company than her own. Excusing it as some recompense for all her wrong doings and mistakes – her owing a debt to him for a change. Ryoko had him promise to stay with her, she fled from those words. So many easy reasons come for her to give. None hurt her like this truth.

The emotionally charged words of Ryoko are given several second to settle. Ayeka detests that description of what alcohol did to her but refuting it is not possible. Those words, that reason, resonates with Ayeka. After being separated from Sasami she would not have made the same choice. Ryoko has matured as have her emotions. Ayeka talks of domesticating Vegeta and continuing Bulma's work and stood before her is a woman struggling her way through a similar path. There is little joy found in what Ryoko says to Ayeka. The princess will not delude herself that Vegeta falling asleep holds great meaning, she can hear his pain, she heard and saw it yesterday, he is a stoic man who lives by different reasons and motivations. Ayeka stands. She stands as tall as she can manage.

" 'Sleeping in the same room with no threat of any further intimacy', those sounds like the terms you made me accept when you forced yourself into Lord Vegeta's room. It hurts doesn't it?" Ayeka states the common ground they share, the pain both feel when Vegeta falls asleep near the other. Empathy for this situation Ayeka has. She will make Ryoko understand what was asked of her to accept.

From the roaring of a grief ridden Vegeta there was no reaction, at this comparison Ryoko recoils. Guilt and sympathy have been elicited for her rival. She does not like it at all. Ayeka has played a clever manoeuvrer on her. Ryoko can only think of one thing that Ayeka would be aiming towards by telling her this: an end to Ryoko sharing a room with Vegeta. Truthfully Ayeka would be very happy to hear that concession. However, making Ryoko realise the damage she causes and the pain she purposefully inflicts on her will help to prevent any future conflicts between them – as the friends Ryoko says they are.

"I need his light, his Super Saiyan. No! I won't let that go-"

"Ryoko, I am in no shape currently to handle you either passing out, taking a swing at me o-o-or menstruating, so go home and relax. Go have fun with whatever that surprise is, tease my parents, drink yourself into a stupor, sing with a voice far greater than mine. Go home, relax, rest. … I shall try and take care of Vegeta, following your lead. I shall even put in a good word for you, Okay?" A quick interjection cuts off Ryoko before she can work herself up further in ranting about her phobias and fears, Ayeka strikes at her with brusque concern.

Ryoko hangs in the air. Ayeka is at her limit, she needs this to end swiftly and so called for Ryoko to seek some solace for her ailing mental health. Animosity has to be released, even in the slightest fashion. Ryoko gives Ayeka a slight push. Escape is what they both require.

"Fuck you, that sympathy really fucking hurts. I'm holding you to those words though, I get to play with the surprise. Help Vegey, I'm no good at this stuff. Help him. Then I'll help you back."

Only the sounds of Vegeta remain as Ryoko vanishes from the house. Ayeka is not too sure of what she accomplished in her short talk with Ryoko yet progress feels as if it was made. She stands there motionless trying not to listen to Vegeta. A minute late and Dr Briefs enters the hallway pulling out a cigarette from his pocket. Only a few times has he caught his own daughter looking as fragile as Ayeka does right now. Like a glass statue the purple haired maiden appears as if a minor breeze could topple and shatter her. Ryoko is not the quietest of people when emotional, and Dr Briefs does not appreciate strangers hitting his walls.

" It's good that someone around here has a level head on their shoulders. Was wondering when you'd come out of your shell." Dr. Briefs nods her way as he gives her a compliment and takes note of her inner strength.

"I … I am Ayeka Masaki Jurai, Princess of the Juraian Empire. My station dictates that someday I shall have to take care of a far larger population than one household, so managing this much is a must. I should not be letting my own silly worries about my sister interfere with the far more important-"

"You're not gonna be able to help others if you can't help yourself first. My girls were never the closest, different interests and ages, one friends with a policeman from space and the other a fighter who a while before tried to blow up the planet. Tights hasn't written a single page since her sister passed away... Family's important. It's one of the few things that matters to Vegeta. From personal experience you're going to need a sister to complain to about Vegeta so don't be going belittling your own issues just because Vegeta makes a bigger fuss over his. It's his own fault, he should've been doing this a long time ago, so let this be a lesson about bottling up your own problems." He imparts his wisdom on her to not let Vegeta and his life overpower her own as he slides the unlit cigarette under his bushy moustache.

"I thank you for your hospitality." Ayeka graciously bows at this respected elder for his kind words. She heard them, she listened and hears the truth, but she can still hear Vegeta and she has a dire need to reach out and help him as she promised Ryoko she would.

The father of Bulma nods back at her and continues on his way outside of his house to smoke. Ayeka slowly ambles back in to the room she left because of her private call and she tells the two women that Ryoko has left early since she was getting too stressed out by being here. Ryo-Ohki hops around Ayeka, the only familiar face the cabbit knows and meows to be re-united with her owner which is beyond Ayeka's power. She lifts up the animal and pets it. Tights directly asks Ayeka if Ryoko is normally violent towards her since they heard the commotion and banging on the wall. The princess nods her head but explains that since Ryoko's ordeal it has been more outbursts of emotion than premeditated violence and that between the two of them she was the last one to seriously hit the other. Ayeka looks towards the doorway leading to the stairs.

It rings for close to a minute before the call is picked up. Kiyone took the time and whilst everyone else was fretting over Kaia and Ryoko she was doing exactly what they came into Washu's laboratory for. She searched through a contact list of residents on Jurai itself, narrowed it down by the family name of Jhun and after a bit of digging found the most likely contact number to work. Waving her hand behind her she beckons for Mihoshi and Gohan to bring Kaia over since the call has been answered now. A male voice questions this unknown number ringing him.

"Hello, this is Kiyone Makibi of the Galaxy Police, no need to worry I'm just helping out your daughter and calling on her behalf since she wants to talk to you. Are you available at the moment to speak?" Kiyone politely explains the reason of her call as Kaia makes her way over to the console. The screen is blank save for the name and number she dialled for opening up a video call would be redundant for Kaia and possibly unwise to show the father the inside of Washu's laboratory.

"Of course, I always have time for Kaia. I take it this is about what Lady Seto contacted me about a couple of hours ago. Kaia's too slow if she wants to surprise me with the good news." The man's voice is in good spirit upon hearing his daughter's name and gives a hearty laugh revealing his knowledge on the 'good news' that Seto told him concerning his daughter.

Kaia pauses, unsure of what to say and uneasy that Lady Seto has already contacted her parents - and did so before she was contacted herself. She does not want to cause them worry or fear on her behalf when they are light years from her and unable to aid her predicament. Her father is always happy when she calls, and her calls are regular, though if her sense of time is correct he should be working now. Kiyone offers the seat to Kaia and she takes it and is careful not to press any of the buttons on a computer within Dr Washu Hakubi's laboratory. She supposes that there is only one place for her to start this conversation; on what twisted truths Seto told her parents so that they are not concerned for her safety.

"Dad, did Lady Seto tell you where I am?" She cautiously asks. Sitting like this is not preferential to her, she took the seat as it was the polite thing to do yet keeping her hands in a position to see people behind and either side of her and aware of her dubious surroundings is not a simple task. There is a slight pause as the father hears the nerves in his daughter.

"She told us enough. Nervous about being off-world for the first time? You don't need to worry, you're in more than capable hands down there, she even said Dr Washu Hakubi of all people will be with you on this diplomatic venture. I did expect you to call us before you left though." He carries on confidently and tries to dismiss the niggling doubts that might be troubling Kaia whilst jokingly reprimanding her on not telling them she was going far away from them.

"Sorry, it all happened quickly once Lady Seto asked this of me. Are you not worried at all about me being on Earth?"

"Whoa, easy there. I'm going to pretend I didn't hear that planet name, and you should know better than to just divulge sensitive information like that. And no, I have faith in you to accompany Princess Ayeka in this task, so I am not worried in the slightest – well not unless you begin giving more sensitive data out because Officer Makibi might have to take some action then. Might be your first day but there are rules, Kaia." Seto told him enough, and that enough did not entail top secret information about his empire's colonisation plans or the whereabouts of Ayeka – he works in the government so he is aware of protocol and will tell his daughter as much.

"I … I was not aware this planet's name was to be kept secret. There seems to have been a lot Lady Seto kept me in the dark about."

"That's the nature of the job. You should enjoy yourself down there, it's a good chance for you to explore their art and culture and you can even try promoting yourself. It is a wonderful chance. Don't have doubts now, you should be honoured that Princess Ayeka personally asked for your aid in this whilst she is still recovering."

"I love you dad. I love you, but I'm scared." Kaia wants to confide in him and seek comfort in her parent. She needs to hear more of his voice. She cannot find strength in his words ignorant of the dangers she is in. Her voice is faltering. Stood behind her is a man whose power could break her mind in two by her merely sensing it.

Mihoshi rests a reassuring hand on Kaia's shoulder. Nervousness makes the blind Juraian's hands tremble, the trembling of her hands distorts her ability to perceive through her gloves and with that her discomfort grows. The father clearly hears the distress in his daughter. Kaia is not a girl who is easily shaken.

"I know, you are not the best at hiding your emotions. What shook you up so much? Don't say anything you shouldn't or I might have Lady Seto marching into my office. You're not normally this easy to frighten, is it homesickness?" A seriousness enters his voice, he knows of Seto's reputation. There is a reason his daughter is contacting him, and it is not to celebrate her new role within Juraian society.

She bides her tongue both out of fear and out of not knowing what she is legally allowed to disclose to her father. Kaia shakes her head as she does not know what to say. It is selfish her calling her parents to make her feel at ease whilst worrying them. Their daughter is in contact with the notorious Saiyan race is not something she can disclose. Gohan steps up.

"Hello, sorry uh, name's Gohan – Washu's new apprentice, aide, assistant – and I think I can answer that without breaching any confidentiality rules. My home planet that Lady Kaia is visiting does have a few individuals who have sought asylum here. In Jurai they would be wanted for serious crimes. For these years they have caused no trouble to Jurai, or its colonies, and here there have been some minor issues with their rehabilitation but not enough for us to rid ourselves of them. She is rightfully afraid of these dangerous individuals. We had no prior knowledge of Jurai or the Galaxy police and at the moment we have a few more pressing issues for discussion before possible extradition. Your daughter remains anxious, you have my word though that she is in no danger."

"... My tongue is tied in these affairs so I cannot ask whether they are war criminals from the Planet Trade Organisation yet that would be my guess. My Emperor has entrusted his daughter to this mission, so it would be a failure on my part if I could not do likewise. Gohan, I will hold you to your word about her safety." But a moment's hesitation disrupts the conversation as the father of Kaia takes onboard this information and places his trust in the voice of a complete stranger.

Kiyone does not know if speaking of extradition is the correct thing as neither Ryoko nor Vegeta will ever come quietly or allow the law to bear its consequences upon them, but for what it is worth she could not say anything better to this Juraian. Confidentiality is a factor she has had to contend with in her reports to both her seniors in the Galaxy Police and also to Jurai, though she feels some redaction occurs before they are read by anyone. Gohan is grateful for the trust placed in him.

The Juraian father goes on to emphasise that between Washu, the Juraian Empire and the Galaxy Police offering her protection there should be little for Kaia to fear. Violence is not a thing she can deal with. He does ask about her return and she is quick to say that she is expected back home after a week. Kaia attempts at small talk asking about her father's day and the whereabouts of her mothers and if they know yet that is not where her mind is. In an abrupt manner her father cuts her off and directly questions her if she has met with one of these criminals and if that is why she is acting so frightened. A subdued silence falls over Kaia. She quietly confirms this, and her voice is doubtful. A spontaneous woman, moving without footsteps, of apparent power and infamy, the criminal Ryoko. She empathised with her situation, playfully teased with her and made no motions of violence or aggression. Ryoko was not all that bad to meet and from what she heard it is an emotionally trying time and Ryoko made no attempt to lash out at her invading where she lives. Kaia is confused now on her own stance towards these known criminals.

For another quarter of an hour Kaia talks with her parent and is granted a level of privacy from the three around her so that she can speak more openly. She does not manage to get much resolved yet she accomplished her goal of speaking to her folks back home. Kaia leaves their conversation with this partial lie to her father of her visit sitting unwell with her. Using a holo-top and pressing a few buttons, an exit to this realm is conjured out of the air by Gohan and Kaia has to ask whether her gloves are malfunctioning or not. He states that within here it might be the safest place for Kaia to reside temporarily and Kaia resolutely replies that she is here for Ayeka. At this the son of Goku concedes that given a few minutes he will keep a look out on her behalf for Vegeta so that he can intercept and either get him to lower his power or have Kaia retreat.

Ever looming this threat of the Saiyan Prince and his return presses down on Kaia like the stronger gravity of this planet. One place of escape from this exists. Floating on water she will feel little discomfort from her enhanced weight. She asks and is given directions and is offered a guided escort which she declines. She climbs the stairs, she walks down the hallway and is slow in her gait as Kaia takes the time to count her steps about this strange house and note the directions and layout. The police told her that there is no-one else within this house. She opens the door and figures that this house is larger than the hallway suggested.

The bathhouse is impressive in its size, scale and amenities within her range of detection. Her gloves are a second skin to her and follow her throughout most of her waking hours. This is an exception. She does like to wash her hands and feel with her own skin. For a few minutes she walks about the bathroom. Without her gloves she will have to walk about here based off her own memory so she works out a path of minimal distance that she can navigate with little difficulty.

She questions the room around her if anyone is within it. Kaia reckons that the warm air must have tricked her into thinking she heard someone breathing and the water features she hears do make constant noise. Before she removes her gloves she gives one final sweep of her hands.

A few minutes later when she has undressed and a noise has her freezing on the spot. Clapping is echoing off the tiles. Light giggles come from the pools.

"Lucky me, how much do I owe you for that lovely show. Did you forget I said those gloves don't work on me?"