Chapter 86

The palpitations in his heart are ceasing and his lungs feel like they can finally breathe again. Vegeta discards the energy absorption gem into the lake. His ki is low, but it will start to recover now. Keeping it in his boot for close to a day has irritated his sole, his whole foot feeling withered, yet it was the only way he could ensure it remained in contact with him. Vegeta cracks his neck and shoulders as he stretches in the pre-dawn outside his house. There is a strange ki he can sense. Walking inside his house and turning immediately into his training room he finds Ryoko did do as she said, and he has found the mystery ki.

A Super Saiyan version of himself sits motionless next to a pile of blankets and cyan hair. She could not have the real him. Ryoko has used a simulation of Vegeta to emulate his light and ki, in addition to keeping the lights of the training room on. Vegeta looks at this imposter. For a Super Saiyan its ki is ridiculously low and he can think of one easy reason for that; the guest he has yet to greet. Vegeta walks to the console, the simulation unmoving, and he deactivates it.

Ryoko is horrendous with mornings. She is a night owl in nature. She is also now highly attuned to Vegeta's ki. The disappearance of her light and that signature next to her disturbs her. Her elfin ears twitch, she rolls about and scratches at her stomach. Vegeta clunking about in his weighted boots is enough to wake anybody. Golden eyes groggily open. She yawns and from within the blankets comes the yawn of a cabbit. Ryo-Ohki hops out and stretches out on the tiles. Her mistress is less enthusiastic about waking. Through the blur of half opened eyes she points at the silhouette of spiked hair and gives the command of turning Super Saiyan, of giving off light. Vegeta has not come here to wake her and going Super Saiyan himself is still a tall ask with his depleted energy. He leaves. Ryo-Ohki scampers and follows.

Upstairs he walks the short distance to his bedroom. Vegeta enters it and looks at the ring he previously abandoned for over a year. Ryoko obeyed and has placed it on the bedside cabinet. He picks it up. The metal is cold, no-one recently has been wearing it. He puts it back down again, rings are not accessories he wears. Drawing the curtains to the gloom outside Vegeta looks out at this scene so different from the one he just left. He removes his top that is stained with the blood of Ayeka. He frees his tail from his lower outfit and undresses. Veins stand prominent on the leg which housed the energy absorption gem, his foot appearing pale. It is a device never meant for long term exposure. Vegeta can attest to the grand discomfort of it.

A pile of blankets floats into the room and past him, a tail flicking on the light switch as it passes it. The bundle collapses onto the second bed in the room. Eyes glimmer out from within the covers.

"Welcome home … breakfast in bed?" A muffled grumble comes from the bed covers. Ryoko tries to sound happy and the early morning disagreeing with her converts her voice. She yawns from within the blankets.

"So long as you can assure me that your no touching rule also applied to that mannequin." Vegeta grumbles back in his mostly undressed state, feeling her eyes upon him.

"It sure as hell does. … I didn't think of that. Thanks for the idea. Though, I remember you saying you like girls playing solo so maybe I won't. I'm hungry. Food. I had to cook for myself yesterday and it coulda gone better." Ryoko manages a tired chuckle at this stimulating thought before shooing Vegeta from his own room.

With no ki there can be no training for him. The other main priority for Saiyans – food – is a matter he can agree on with Ryoko. Vegeta walks out of his room. Ryoko hopes he is actually going to bring food back up for her. The golden ring sits there on the cabinet. She glares at it. The temptation was there but she retained a modicum of control and has not worn it. She stretches from within her covers and begins to sort them out properly on the bed so that she can sit up to eat. She wants to ask him about it, talk to him and question him. Ryoko drums her fingers and looks out the window at the early morning.

A tray with a hot mug of tea, a few slices of toast and a bowl of porridge is placed on her expectant lap. Ryoko smiles and thanks Vegeta for complying in this wish she has held for several days now. He comments that his porridge is how the dish is supposed to taste as opposed to her earlier efforts. She takes a sip of her drink and with her mouth full makes a sound at Vegeta as he is in the doorway. For her breakfast in bed is not a meal to be eaten alone and him to sneakily disappear as soon as he gives her food is not what Ryoko wants. Vegeta explains the simple reason that his breakfast is downstairs. She wags a finger at him. He catches a piece of toast she throws at him to somewhat appease his hunger and give him a reason to stay.

The slice of toast lasts seconds, Ryoko prefers to savour her treat of a meal. She can sense his dismally low ki and knows he cannot train and has to rest. She waves him over to sit down. Vegeta prefers to stand.

"Is this Kaia woman still here?" Vegeta questions as his ki gradually regenerates. Someone as weak as described he will have trouble sensing.

"Washu can't just teleport her back, so yeah she's in the lab with Washu trying to make her healthier." Ryoko finishes her mouthful and answers.

"Will she be asleep now?"

"That's really sinister coming from a guy like you. I guess she's asleep. Why wouldn't she be?" She shrugs. It appears Vegeta wants to meet with this new guest and get it over with whilst he is too weak to train. At this ridiculously early hour she can only assume any sensible person to be asleep.

"It's not as if night has the same effect on her as it does on you. Any progress on her ki sensing issue?"

"She can sense about 3 feet further now. Maybe a few thousand or so more in power levels. Not the good news you want."

"Is there nowhere else she can go? This is my house after all." A slight growl comes from his throat.

"Yeah right, you lost control on who stays here after your kid let me in. Gohan can try but his girl's dad could bring Buu around any moment and she dies. Android 18 she wouldn't sense but I don't think Ayeka wants her left near Roshi. Goku can't for the same reason as you. Probably some others and more reasons but it's Ayeka and Kaia you need to be talkin' to, not me."

" … Ayeka has been a cause for far more guests than yourself, there is that. Though do you not have any say on this blind victim of yours after you seduced her?" He directs a raised eyebrow at her. She looks back and winks.

"I've got a ways to go till she's wrapped around my finger and spoiling me like you. Kaia's still adjusting and not too happy with me attacking Ayeka a lot before this. I'll give it time and she'll come around." Ryoko has a bit of work to plaster over the attempted murders of the Juraian Princess, she is respectfully giving Kaia time to herself first before pursuing her for more fun and games.

"... Given time will you?" Vegeta steps towards her so he is beside her bed.

Tea is listlessly swirled around in its cup. Ryoko wipes at her tired eyes. For all the good that the simulation of Vegeta did with its light and ki there was nothing it did when the night terror struck. Those red eyes gleaming in the dark. That haunted visage as he left Bulma's room. She pulls on the blanket to cover more of herself.

"Wait till our big date, then we'll know." Ryoko smiles up with hope.

"I'm still not having a rehearsal wedding ceremony with you." He smirks back and teases her. He watches her eyes flicker hungrily to his ring at the mention of the word 'wedding'.

"Maybe at that point I'll settle for just the honeymoon, and the dress, and a house, and an eternal future with you."Her main want is to overcome her trepidation in any physical touch or intimacy with him, these other boons she shall also gladly accept for her troubles.

"Funny you should say that. You are the only woman who can spend eternity with me, in Hell."

Ryoko goes back to finishing her breakfast. Her elfin ears are raised and stick through her messy bed hair. A dim hue of red flame layers over her skin. She makes a disparaging sound and snarls momentarily. Her predatory eyes lock onto the near-naked Saiyan.

"That's a horrible thing to say, y'know. My advantage is damnation? I don't wanna go to Hell, I've only killed a few. You can train till you're strong enough to protect me from going there." With ire in her voice she scolds him for that painful truth.

"At that level of strength to defy the afterlife and gods, would that not mean I gain the ability to see Bulma?"

"...You'll have me then, so it won't be too big a deal. Since you already turned this nice chat morbid, how're you doing about Bulma being dead?"

Despite Ryoko's assumption, Kaia is not sleeping at this hour. When she left Jurai it was later in the day than when she arrived here so a form of interplanetary jet lag has her sleep schedule out of whack with Earth's day and night cycle. Her morning however is far darker than everyone else's. After an evening of medical examinations and interviews with Washu her gloves were taken by the scientist for upgrading purposes. They have not been returned to her as of yet. This laboratory environment has a lot of ambient noise. Having been rushed to this place she cannot recall her path and Washu informed her of an ever changing layout. For now she will stay in this guest bed, in a night gown borrowed from Washu.

"Ya awake? Feeling OK?" A man's voice queries from a few metres away in front of her.

Kaia positions her face towards the noise and her hand instinctively rises. Someone is nearby. There is then a weak amount of ki that grows. Her face alters by a slight angle to this. She recalls this voice now. This is Yamcha, the man with Washu. She has been sleeping until recently. She also heard no footsteps approach her.

"Thank you for your concern. My body can take a while to get itself going in a morning. How- how long have you been there?" Kaia modestly pulls at the blanket she is using to cover herself. Her other hand reaches out to the side of her pillow. It finds the fabric of her blindfold which she lifts over her head.

"If you're worried I was watching you in your sleep you chose the wrong place as Washu's got cameras everywhere. I got here about 5 mins ago to check up on you. Ya got no gloves so need to make sure you're fine."

"Are my gloves not ready? I apologise for sounding presumptive and impatient, I am aware that this is Dr Washu Hakubi taking her own valuable time to aid me, but she did assure me that they would be completed by morning." Her blindfold is secured in place now, she humbly questions as to the devices she requires. The news of cameras monitoring her she is not fond of, given that this is the esteemed Dr Washu she will decide that the cameras are for medical purposes – that and it is kind enough she was given a place to sleep.

"... Yeah, there's gonna be a delay. My fault, kinda. … Washu's had some bad news, she's not exactly working right now. Sorry about that." He speaks with a deep and heavy sigh.

"There is no need to apologise. Yet, if Washu is upset would you mind if I ask why you are here with myself and not with her?"

"Oh I am gonna go back in a bit to her. Just... Washu can be a bit dangerous sometimes. I'm giving her a bit of time."

Yamcha knows that getting on the bad side of Washu can be a fatal error. What he has said to her could very well push her over the edge, some time for her to calm down might be essential. Additionally, his own guilt over those words forces him to take this less than honourable break away from her at this moment. Kaia does not want to intrude upon their personal lives or pry. Without gloves she is unable to freely walk around. Without Washu she may not get her medicine.

"... Are there any canes or sticks I can use in the meantime?" Kaia queries with a small smile.

Workarounds will have to suffice. Kaia has no intention of sitting in this bed and waiting however long for Washu. She hears movement from before her along with a short apology. Making sure she is covered up by the blanket as best as possible, she realises something else. Making so many demands is out of character for her, it feels impolite, but in this she must insist. Kaia asks Yamcha if there is any chance for some spare clothing. Her own clothing she has already worn, she is now only wearing nightwear, as a Juraian lady of high standing clean clothes are essential. Yamcha offers some of Washu's clothing as they are expandable and form fitting to deal with her age changes. He excuses himself and 5 minutes later returns with what she needs.

He hands her a metal telescopic rod that she can use as a cane for guidance. He then places a spare work shirt of Washu's and a long skirt and some plain underwear on her lap. In a quiet voice she thanks him and then asks about the cameras again. Yamcha's aid ends here. There is nothing he can do against the constant surveillance of Washu. He has upset her enough, destroying parts of her laboratory will earn him no favour - if he can find the cameras in the first place. With that he leaves the room for her to change. For Kaia to preserve her dignity and modesty she makes the choice of attempting to change her clothes underneath the bed covers. It is an awkward affair for her and as to how much of herself is concealed this way is hard for her to tell. She manages and takes a few breaths before reaching for and extending the rod and standing.

In a soft voice she calls out that she is dressed and with that she feels the ki of Yamcha return. He asks again if she is fine or if she needs anything else, with it being this early in the morning Gohan has not reported in for his work and he doubts there are others to take care of her.

"Thank you, no, I am fine. I know what you do is out of the goodness of your heart yet it is a peeve of mine being … treated this way. I appreciate this kindness yet I am competent in my own ways. Can you please show me the exit to this laboratory and I will be able to manage from there. You have another to worry over rather than myself." Kaia is an independent woman of 30 years old and though appreciative of concern is someone who values her own independence. She does not mean to be rude, she only wants to be treated like an adult and not a dependent child.

Yamcha can understand, he knows how important pride can be to certain individuals. What she intends to do once away from this laboratory he does not know, though he shall comply. Due to her wish he does not take her hand to lead her. Yamcha walks on with his ki at a constant level for her to follow, tapping along behind him with her cane. He knows how to spawn in Washu's entrances and doorways so the walk is over shortly. She is told where the door is and that he will inform her of when Washu has made progress. Kaia nods and thanks him and opens the door and steps out. Ryoko said she warned Vegeta of Kaia so Yamcha feels he should not have to worry. His mind goes to Washu. He flies over to where he knows she is.

There is barely any sound now that she has left Washu's lair. All the ambience of machines and computers has dropped and been replaced by little. She has no clock, no watch, no ability to see how little light there is, Kaia has to assume no-one else is awake and that it is still early in the morning or night. In a quiet voice she calls out to the room to check. No gloves means that with no response she cannot perceive any people. Her nostrils twitch. Though she hears no people she is smelling cooked food coming from where she recalls the kitchen being. Sweeping her cane along the wooden flooring and avoiding the table and then pushing open the door she asks again if there is anyone there. Kaia gets no response.

It is strange that freshly cooked food is left unattended. Either the cook or the diners should be here. At least from this she deduces that someone else has to be awake. Breakfast is something she can get behind in 10 or so minutes when her metabolism awakens. For now Kaia's plan is to wait here as someone has to return here for their food. Her cane raps against the table and chair legs as she manoeuvres about the kitchen.

Oppressive blackness pushes down on her. From above what once was nothing becomes a large presence. It grows and it grows. A ki spikes into her range of sensing and this spike embeds itself within her perception. Anger. Despair. So many dark emotions pulsate from this entity moving about above her, including pain. Not just pain from her sensing a high level but an empathetic pain from the energy of the generator.

Her hand goes to the table to brace herself. Lances of pain rip at her mind. Kaia grimaces and her breathing accelerates. The metal cane looses itself from her grip and clatters to the floor. The ki continues to grow. It hurts like none before. Going far beyond the test of Gohan this ki of dark emotions pervades her mind and suffocates it. Kaia's balance falters. One small wobble is all it takes for Earth's gravity to grip her. She lands on the floor. Kaia whimpers as she clutches at her skull. Her head is aflame with this entity within the house. Her breathing is failing. Anaerobic respiration begins in her body as her single lung struggles.

Then it all stops. The ki vanishes. Pain subsides. Kaia hears a footstep near her.

Dazed following such an influx of agony she remains unable to react. Pants tear from her lung. Her chest hurts, her weak heart beating faster than doctors warn her to let it. There is another footstep and the sound of her cane being picked up. Kaia moves slightly and inhales sharply from pain. Impacting the floor as heavily as she did has hurt. She suspects some bruising to occur from this. After a moment of getting her breath back she sits up and waits for her head to stop swimming before attempting to stand. Her hands go out and feel their way to the nearest chair which she uses to help herself stand.

"I am Vegeta, Prince of all Saiyans, and I take it that you are Kaia. … Is this level of ki one you can handle?" A gruff voice speaks to her from close by.

Blood runs chill. Now that she has somewhat recovered she can think on the cause for the sudden pain. Naturally she flinches and recoils from his voice. Kaia trembles. The homeowner has returned. The mass murderer is greeting her. She knows of all the many people assuring her of her safety, even Ryoko who also gave her the worrying claim of his physical abuse. Kaia is terrified regardless. That ki she sensed was his. That overwhelming ki that almost tore her mind asunder was from this Saiyan. All those frightening emotions housed in this one man now before her. All that anger and rage is his.

"... Ryoko said you were blind, are you dumb also? Speak. Or is my ki still hurting your feeble self?" Vegeta impatiently awaits an answer from this petrified woman. He goes to hand the cane back over to her but she does not make a motion to take it.

At him speaking this name her fear deepens. She feared so much his judgement of her disability that in all the confusion and emotion this detail slipped passed her. Ryoko has flirted with her. Kaia has flirted back. This man is engaged to the woman she spent time in the bath with. This killer now has a motive against her. She has made a large mistake.

"If you're not going to talk then I'm going to eat. Being Juraian I at least thought you knew proper decorum and manners when being addressed by royalty."

A chair scrapes against the floor as she hears him sit down, with him placing her cane resting against her for her to take whenever so that he can eat. Kaia manages half a step backwards. Then her knees lock in place. A cold perspiration escapes through her pores. Cutlery noisily clangs. Crunching, chewing and the biting of flesh is all she hears in this frightful breakfast. His ki is there in a restrained turmoil. She can sense him. His power borders her levels of discomfort. Through this sixth sense she perceives the man before her. Those emotions are horrifying. Kaia stumbles back until she rests her back against the wall.

"As flattering as your intimidation is, this is becoming irksome. -"

"Please no! No, no, please don't. I meant no harm! Spare my life I beg you. Please." Kaia exclaims in response to his annoyance at her. Her body wavers like a leaf in the autumn wind. If she had the physical ability to cry she would. She pleads for her life.

"Harm? Is this concerning Ryoko by any chance? She's already informed me of her actions. I am well aware of how aggressive she is in her pursuits. She's toying with you, that's all there is." Vegeta replies with little emotion. The sounds of breakfast continue.

"I-I meant no offence a-against your fiancée, please let me live." She continues to beg with her body hard pressed against the wall, her cane once again on the floor.

There is a tired sigh and then the ki from in front of her moves suddenly to the floor above. Kaia's head darts to follow it. Full of fear, she dreads his return. She hears a swish in the air and then a sharp pain as her nose is flicked. Kaia recoils with a loud yelp. Then a finger is placed on her lips.

"Silly Kai-Kai. I told you my Vegey won't hurt you. Now look, I was trying to get back to sleep and you not behaving got me woken up by lover-boy. Shush. Shush, shush, shush. You weren't being mean and bullying her were you?" Ryoko's voice speaks now, her head turning away to Vegeta.

"Didn't need to." The sounds of a moving chair again are heard as Vegeta continues nonplussed with his meal.

"Hey. You stop letting this feed ya damn ego." Ryoko puts a hand on Kaia's shoulder to try and calm her down. She winces at the touch. "She's hurt. What'd ya do?"

"I found her on the floor writhing in pain. Chances are for a weakling like her a slow fall hurt her. She seems to be concerned that I might attack her because of your sudden interest in women."

"Well … can't say I wasn't aiming for jealousy."

"Trying to make me feel like you and Ayeka? Ha. That will not work on me."

"That or I want some outburst of emotion from you over your love for me."

"An outburst? So you want Kaia to die?"

"Oh no, guess I gotta get dressed quick then to save Kai-Kai's life before you get too flustered. Down boy."

"R-Ryoko-Ryoko please, please stop wi-with this arguing. He-he... Lord Vegeta is incredibly angry already." Kaia holds onto Ryoko's hand on her shoulder and continues to plead for clemency.

"Huh? No he ain't. Don't worry. We're just having some fun here. Tell her Vegey." The woman in front of her sounds confused, not agreeing with this opinion on Vegeta's dark emotions.

"I have neither raised my voice nor made any action against yourself, why do you think this is in anyway scraping the surface of the rage I am capable of?" In between mouthfuls Vegeta speaks of his tranquillity. Nothing has stoked him into anger currently. He is innocent in this.

"... But-but um your ki ..."

Kaia does not understand. Ryoko she cannot sense but the man behind her sat at the table she clearly can and that ki is exuding emotions. If he is not angry at her then that is a relief but then she has no clue what she is sensing with this ability of hers. Ryoko makes a confused noise and Kaia feels her hair brush against her face as Ryoko looks about.

"Through ki I can sense the intentions of whom I fight, whether they intend me ill, their likeliness to strike. You are not worthy for me to remotely think about fighting, those are not thoughts I am harbouring. However, you ki sense is not the standard. What do you sense?"

"I-I do not know. I am sorry for my ineptitude in this. I had nothing like this from Gohan, your power is different and greater. There is anger there though. I-"

Ryoko wants Kaia to calm down quickly. Kaia feels a hand places itself on her forehead and blindfold. A strange and invasive feeling tingles inside her skull. She frowns at this weird sensation and then something unaccounted for occurs. The blind Juraian senses new emotions and not in the same sense as the direct ki sensing of Vegeta. They originate from this palm and as the play into her mind they are very clearly Ryoko's. The complexities of her romantic feelings, her fear over her loneliness and rejections and of the darkness of the world, a tiredness dulling them all along with a relief that Vegeta has returned and is interacting well enough with Kaia.

"Why are you showing me this? Is this supposed to placate my fears?" In a soft voice she questions these personal feelings coming through the hand on her.

Promptly the hand is removed. She hears two footsteps as Ryoko distances herself. Kaia raises an eyebrow underneath her blindfold at this reaction. From the ki of Vegeta she can ascertain that his attention has swiftly fixed onto her. She feels about with her left hand, her cane is nowhere near.

"How? Kaia, that ain't how this works. I was reading your mind. The hell did you get into mine? This is Kakarot's technique and even he can't do that, can you mind read as well?" She sounds shaken and shocked at Kaia's unassuming question. Ryoko whispers to Vegeta to see if he has any idea as to how Kaia is capable of reversing the mind reading technique.

A label is given by the Saiyan Prince. There is only one way to describe this mysterious blind Juraian. Kaia is an empath, able to perceive strong emotions through an equally strong ki or through a direct ki link with someone. Ryoko questions Kaia as to how Vegeta's emotions change in the next few seconds. It is hard for her to decipher. To her it appears that his anger lessens and she states this uncertainly. Ryoko says she smiled at Vegeta and herself is quite happy with this response. Her new friend has a handy trick that she can use to get past the facade of Vegeta. Ryoko already had one way into his mind and Vegeta does not want her having this secondary option. Kaia is one step ahead of him thanks to her still present fear and apologetically says that she will not reveal any personal emotions unless given permission. She curtsies. Ryoko hands her her cane back to her, wary of directly touching her.

In the depths of her laboratory, within the hidden sanctum of her lair lies the personal quarters of Washu. It is better lit than her workspace although minimally decorated. A desk and floating cushion on one side, rows of shelves on one with trinkets and artefacts she has gathered or created in her time and a large queen sized bed taking up the majority of the chamber. There are wet stains on her pillow. The screen of her holographic laptop is vacant. She struggles to maintain her form as an adult, regressing to an 18 year old body. Washu lies atop her duvet on her belly, her hands before her face, wearing no clothes and staring at a small plastic container she has in front of her.

He does not knock as he walks in. His lover is practically omniscient and so knows of his presence. Yamcha walks in, thankful her crying has ceased for now. Her pink hair flows loose over her bare back. He goes over to the desk. Next to her monitor are two framed images; one of himself with her from one of their outings and the second of her in a hospital bed cradling her greatest failure in her long life. He sits on the edge of the desk and looks across at her.

"Ironic, the first gift you gave me is now something you won't give me any-more, not even as a present on our wedding night – if that's even going ahead any-more." Solemn and depressed, a voice weary from 20 millennia speaks in a deflated way. Her hand knocks at the sperm sample container of Yamcha. "Every target in one nice and easy spot, all off guard and handed on a silver platter for Kagato. Should we still get married? Or are we delaying this as well? I was kinda hoping that we still could. I've had a kid before … haven't gotten married before though, thought it'd be nice."

"... I don't know." Yamcha hangs his head. Putting it like that it does sound like an extreme risk.

He has broken off his promise to her. He devastated her by speaking aloud the thought they were both thinking. Yamcha no longer agrees to make a child with Washu. In a time where she is being targeted so actively they both know it is irresponsibly reckless for them to put a child's life intentionally in danger. It is far safer and smarter for them to hold off on family making until Kagato is dealt with. Washu knew this. She did not take hearing it well. Her dream is being taken away by this villain. She holds nothing against Yamcha for this, she just wishes it did not end up like this.

"Guess it's up to me to know, that's my job. … I'm so sorry Yamcha. I am so sorry that you had to be the one to say it." She rolls over to look at him. Sorrow held in her emerald eyes over this forsaken promise. She would not speak of it and she is guilty over forcing this onto Yamcha. Washu closes her eyes and shakes her head.

"I'm sorry that I'm so weak it had to be said, at least you're good at your speciality." He walks over to her. A hand reaches out and holds his.

"Kaia will want her gloves, I've got a lot of work to do. So much work. Give me a minute and I'll get myself ready." Despondently she stirs. Distracting herself with work has always worked in the past. She wants something else to focus on rather than this misery. Washu has responsibilities to fulfil and work that calls to her.

"No, you won't." Yamcha places a hand on her shoulder to keep her from standing. He shakes his head. He knows what she is trying to do and it is not healthy. For days now he has watched her struggle on and work herself to the bone, and he will not watch it any longer when she is in this state. "Kaia's not gonna like I lied to her but this is an intervention. You ain't working today. You're having yourself a break from all this, you need it."

"... I need children as well." Her head leans forward and rests against him. She sniffs her nose and lets out a shuddering exhale. This is a painful loss.

"One thing at a time, I'm not taking you for that kinda break. Kame island, day of Sun at the beach for you to calm down and relax. No worries about work. No Kagato. No Seto." He rests a hand on her head and strokes her hair, speaking in a hushed voice.

"I need to work." She is resisting this idea of abandoning all her work responsibilities and Kaia and her efforts against Kagato. Truthfully she is not in the mood for an excursion.

"You need to sleep. You need time for yourself, and that's what I'm giving ya. No two ways about this. 5 minutes and then I'm picking you up and flying off with you." Yamcha is not taking no for an answer, she needs a rest and a break from her work – all the proof he needs is the fact that both are readily awake at this ungodly hour.

"I think you would have made an amazing dad... When the time's right." Washu pulls back and smiles up at him, weak and not hiding her despondency. If he is going to force her then she shall concede. It is too much energy to resist, and she will do anything to not have to argue with Yamcha at this time.

They hold each other. Washu mumbles that she needs to at least give Kaia her medication to survive the day, that Yamcha will allow. The scientist then releases him and lays back down on the bed. A silent plead is in her eyes as she looks up to her lover. He calmly tells her that she has 4 minutes left as he ignores her temptation. She winces and curls up on her side. Washu shall not bewitch him like that in her desperate attempts.

Though unsure whether this is a privilege or not, Kaia sits at the same table as the Saiyan Prince for breakfast. Her appetite is never large and it is decreased further now. Between her and the Saiyan sits Ryoko also not particularly eating the food. Nervously, Kaia explains her situation and how she came to be here in what details she knows and litters it with apologies for inconveniencing him. She mentions how she normally wears gloves to aid her disability however Washu has taken them and not returned them as of yet. Ryoko keeps Kaia encouraged and keeps speaking to her so she does not fall to fear again. However, the blind Juraian is unsure of how much good Ryoko's attention being on her is for her when her fiancée sits on the other side.

"Has anything else transpired in my absence? Anything in particular after you returned here Ryoko?" Vegeta finishes his food and leans back in his chair, gruffly probing Ryoko for any more information.

"Besides your damn ring causing a bit of a fuss, no, nothing really. Ayeka is being mean to me. Like, really mean and bullying me for no reason."

"I somehow doubt there is no reason when you are consorting with one of her acquaintances."

"Kai-Kai is a big girl who can make her own decisions on who to fool around with so Ayeka can butt out, she's my friend as well now. But, she is being a royal bitch and saying that I'm some house-wrecker causing you constant pain, making your life hell and she doesn't want me having my special Super Saiyan slumber no more." Ryoko gives a playful poke of Kaia's cheeks which she moves away from. She eyes Vegeta now to hear his verdict on how they shall sleep.

"And this is unusual why?" This sounds par for the course to Vegeta, bar Kaia, so he does not see why Ryoko is bringing up Ayeka not wanting her near him.

"It. Is. My. Turn." The pirate spells out with a light growl.

"...I am dreading this but, turn for what?"

"Last night you slept with your wife, night before you slept with pretty princess so-"

"Ryoko could you kindly not infer that the Princess of Jurai holds the same manner of relationships as yourself." A quiet voice from Kaia interrupts for the sake of her friend and princess.

"Ouch, guess you're still mad at me, I'll get you back don't you worry. But it's true. Passed out dead drunk on the willing lap of a Saiyan, whole night undisturbed. You haven't told me why yet, Vegey. You asked why I let it, so why did you want her sleeping with you? And no temper, don't hurt Kaia."

"I have no reason to answer a private question in the audience of a stranger." His arms cross as he also makes use of Kaia's presence to his advantage.

"I'll come back to that later then. My turn though. This night you sleep with your beautiful Ryoko and keep me company with your shiny light."

"Yes, I'll go Super Saiyan at your request and kill Kaia. … How long until you can return to Jurai?" The great flaw in her desire is there. The Saiyan faces Kaia and not so indirectly questions when she will be out of his house.

"Washu informed me that a royal escort is available within several hours of me requesting for one. If you wish for me to leave then … I shall." Her head bows. She can sense his unwelcome.

"No you're not. You wanna spend more time with me and Ayeka. You're not going, yet." Ryoko is already arguing with Vegeta so she continues her stance against him in this also, she holds onto the sleeve of Kaia as she firmly denies Vegeta's request.

"Ryoko this is my house. I plan to do 20 hours of training today. Explain to me how this works with her around." Nothing stands between him and his training, certainly not a sickly and disabled woman whom just so happens to be here. If she can leave it will be better for her and far safer.

"You train in a new way. Kaia can be the spark or inspiration for you to … learn … how to … fight without anyone knowing about your ki?"

Ryoko has bullshitted her way through a lot of things, this is not one she is confident about. She cannot think of any real reason for Vegeta to abide Kaia. This quick improvisation shall have to do. She glowers over at Vegeta. He shall not be taking her new friend from her when she hardly has gotten any enjoyment out of her.

"So. Strengthening my tail, mastering Super Saiyan 3, relearning my fighting stances to incorporate my tail, adapting my strategies against Kakarot to include his tail, improving my own new techniques, bridging the power gap between me and him … and also now you want me to learn how to not just lower my ki but make it undetectable like an android's energy? Ryoko that could work." Vegeta nods, much to the incredulity of Ryoko. This sounds an impossible task which is exactly the reason he shall accept this ludicrous arrangement. An evil smirk takes hold of his face. "Tournaments hold a rule for no killing. If Kakarot cannot sense my strength he will have to pull his punches in fear of destroying me, and I will not as I destroy him."

"Good. You're happy. I'm happy. Kaia's happy and she gets to stay. Now-"

"The price of board and lodge: my training." That is the extent of his lenience in this. He shall accept this task for now, it does not mean he is going to accept another freeloader staying in his house. Vegeta is neither generous nor a fool to be taken advantage of. The budding smile of Ryoko vanishes.

"Uh, no Vegey. She ain't that strong so 20 hours is gonna kill her. I can sense ki as well, you don't need her special ki sense for this. Me and you, alone time, sounds nice." She shakes her head in defence of Kaia. That arrangement will not work. Her friend has her protection.

"And yet I feel training with you around to be substantially less productive. I plan on testing these boundaries of her abilities, figure out her ranges and powers and use them to see what distances I need to use first to protect her from my power."

"As you wish, Lord Vegeta." Kaia bows and solemnly nods her head. She is in no position to make demands and shall concede to the wishes of the homeowner and of the genocidal killer. It should not be too steep a price for her continued stay on Earth, though she suspects pain to be involved if he is to test her sensory abilities.

"Also, since you are to be in the company of the great Prince Vegeta you will do away with that disgraceful rag about your face." With a blasé wave of his hand at her face, Vegeta gives another order to the Juraian. That item he does not like.

"What? ... My- my blindfold is an a-accessory to protect my eye sockets and out of politeness to hide my wounds from view." Her hands go protectively to her head and to her blindfold.

"Shame born from vanity then. Why hide them? They're there. Wearing that and other's can easily tell they're there. You are fooling yourself if that is your defence from the harshness of people's judgement. Take it off." Vegeta deems it an act of cowardice, of a poor attempt at hiding herself instead of accepting her own identity. These acts of shame he does not want lingering around himself. She shall take pride in herself if she is to be around him or her company shall lesser him. Kaia nervously lifts her blindfold and reveals her face. This is a killer and she has little option but to obey. "Good. You are a woman of supposed high birth, take some damn pride in yourself."

"I still need a protective layer though. Please, Lord Vegeta, can I not wear something? Eye- eye sockets are not intended to be bare, I run a high risk of infection and I only have a thin skin graft covering me. With your great strength you might not realise however any risk to my health is potentially life threatening." Her voice comes immediately. She argues back at him for this is no mere rag worn from shame, she has a medical reason and this piece of fabric is lined specially for her health.

Vegeta shrugs. Dismissively he allows for her to wear her blindfold. Kaia quickly lowers it to conceal her barren sockets. She heard no reaction from this Saiyan at her face, much like Ryoko, though she suspects this aberration would not shock someone who has committed the atrocities that he has. Her hand finds her plate and a small morsel of food. Vegeta stands and she hears his movement and that of the chair. He gives her notice to get herself ready for them to commence testing and training as soon as possible. She pauses and thinks on this deadline. With no belongings this is close to as ready as she can become except for visiting the bathroom to clean herself. She speaks that she requires medication from Washu as well as her gloves. Whilst waiting for them she shall perform her rigorous hygiene ritual. She can feel a presence near her. Ominously Ryoko floats by. She has not gone to the bathroom yet either. They can go together, again.

Kaia does not wish for a repeat of yesterday. With Vegeta present here and a grudge still held against Ryoko's evil she speaks of her wish for privacy. Surprisingly Ryoko easily accepts with no counter argument. Kaia picks up her cane and steadily makes her way to get ready for her first morning on Earth.

As soon as she disappears from the room an evil glint holds Ryoko's golden eyes. Red gleams in the kitchen as her sword hovers at Vegeta's throat. Even with Kaia limiting his strength she is still overshadowed by his power, regardless Ryoko seizes this chance. She threateningly repeats her question of why he allowed Ayeka to sleep with him. He moves forward so his neck touches her weapon.

"A radiant voice most fair can soothe even the most savage beast." Vegeta answers with his own knowing smirk.

"Good to know, since you'll be hearing my singing every night from here on out." She swipes her sword across his throat before she dissipates it.

"You sing me to sleep and your light goes off."

"I'm sensing a good bit o' resistance from you. Ya joining princess' side even more now? I am sleeping with you, and you are gonna tell me why you wanted her snoring on yer lap."

"... Fine. I shall be honest. … My mind was not in a good spot, thinking on what the day ahead of it would bring, and with all that going on I decided 'to hell with it' and slept where I sat. Sure Ayeka was beside me, in her drunken state she was hard to ignore. You were there too. I was not expecting you to leave me as is." After a pause he reveals his reason to her, and how one domino that refused to topple made for that morning.

"You sayin' you wanted me to shove her away and for me to- wait but I can't sleep touching you." Ryoko's immediate thinking goes to him voluntarily sleeping believing herself to take some action upon him, and for her those thoughts entail waking up in the same spot Ayeka was in.

"My intentions were not for replacement, not that I really held many intentions in that impromptu decision. I felt like sleeping. I also did not feel up to the hassle of spending an hour glowing for you whilst my mind dwelt on Bulma. You were to move Ayeka off me, and to remove her hand from my tail which was quite uncomfortable."

" … I'm not too sure if I buy this. Sounds right, me getting princess off you is what you would expect. I think it sounds too clean, too precise, like some alibi I'd give to the cops. But, I guess relationships are all about trust. So, there, I'll trust you on this … until I want to touch again, then I'll read ya mind to be sure." For now she accepts it. He is hard to read. His decisions are made with a different thought process to hers and both of them are acting with slight peculiarities due to the ongoings around them. Ryoko holds her open palm up as a warning if he is lying to her. The threat yields no reaction from him, not that it would even if he is lying.