* * * * * * * *

Toukan smiled graciously at King Cold, hiding his avid hatred for him well. "You summoned me, my Lord." He bowed respectfully, his polite tone shadowing the malice his felt. Cold smiled, "I hate to bother you, Toukan, but I have a little job for you that I believe you will enjoy immensely."

Toukan perked, this sounded quite promising. "Please, continue my Lord."

Cold leaned back in his throne. "As we speak, an army of my men are attacking and conquering the mighty Saiyajins." Toukan arched his brows in surprise while Cold continued; "You know I am a dying man and have little time left to cause pain and suffering. Even now, I am no longer able to appear on the battle field and meet my enemy face to face." Cold paused to sigh in disappointment, "I have always had a special loathing for the Saiyajins. They’re a primitive people with little appreciation for the art of agony. I wish to show them just how delightful pain can be. This is were you come in." Cold smirked at Toukan who listened with anticipation. "Their Prince, or King, I’m not quite sure what his title is now, is a proud creature. He is one of the strongest of their kind. I met him once and found him quite disgusting. I believe, however, that you would enjoy him greatly. I am having him brought to us by Ginyu, I will hand him over to you so that you may break his mind, body and soul. I want him to see what suffering really is."

Toukan licked his lips; he had seen the Prince once, a truly magnificent being. "I am most gracious for the opportunity, King Cold." Cold smiled, "I knew you would be." Rising from his throne, he turned, "I will leave you to prepare and I will contact Ginyu and see how things are progressing on Vejiitasei."

* * * * * * * *

Bulma woke with a splitting headache. She tried to sit up, but found that her ankles and wrists were bound. She rolled over on her side and stared at a puddle of red liquid. It took her a few moments to realize that it was blood. Is it my blood? She wondered. She followed the tiny stream and her gaze fell open a body, or what was left of it. It was nothing more than a bloody mound of flesh and organs. Dondurma. Bulma heaved and the contents of her stomach mixed with Dondurma’s blood.

Groaning, she turned away from the mess and closed her eyes. Vejiita, help me. She heard faint voices, coming closer to her. As they approached her, she could make out their conversation. "…Council fell easily." One accented voice said, "First bugger didn’t even know what hit him. The rest were to busy arguing to care about their comrades who were dying. Even as we speak, cities and villages are falling."

Another voice laughed, "Good. What of the Prince?"

There was a pause, "When we couldn’t find him, we searched the docks. The computer logs show him taking one of the pods and blasting off the damned planet about a half-hour before the assault. The bugger removed the tracking device so we can’t locate his whereabouts."

Bulma shook her head; none of what they were saying made any sense. "Fuck." The second cursed, "Cold will be pissed. There goes our commission. Secure the palace and check with all squad leaders to make sure their area’s are secure."

"Right Captain."

Bulma heard footsteps fade away and then a metal door slid open. She wasn’t alone. "Shit." She heard the familiar voice curse, "You just had to make a mess, didn’t you." She was lifted partially off the floor by her hair and turned to face what was perhaps the ugliest thing she had ever seen. It was the same man that had been tied up earlier. What the hell was going on? "Who are you?" she gasped, surprised that her throat was hoarse.

The alien chuckled, "Silly girl, don’t you remember me? We served the same master." Bulma shook her head, "I am Ginyu, captain of the Ginyu Force. Does that ring a bell?"

Bulma searched in the deepest fathoms of her memory; she had tried so hard to forget her years with Freeza and forget all those she came in contact with. Suddenly, she remembered. They had met once, briefly. Freeza rarely dealt with the Ginyu in public and she was immediately dismissed when he arrived. She could, however, remember the utter disgust as she saw him and recalled stories of him possessing bodies and assassinating countless political leaders. Ginyu smiled, "You remember now, don’t you?" He released her and let her slide back to the floor. "I remember you. One look at you and thought Freeza was the luckiest son of a bitch to have a slut like you in his bed. But then, he told me that you weren’t a part of his harem. Idiot placed you in the science and engineering division. A waste if you ask me."

Bulma glared up at him, "Why did you do this to Dondurma?"

Ginyu shrugged, "It was the perfect disguise. He was so peace-loving and disgusting." He shuddered and continued, "By switching bodies with Dondurma, I was allowed access to every secret place in the palace." He smirked as he sat down next to her, running his hand up her thigh, Bulma resisted the urge to vomit "I learned a great many things--things everyone tried to keep secret. The rising of the Super Saiyajin and his cowardly disappearance, and" his smile grew wider as his hand slid under her skirt, brushing the bare skin of her thigh, "your dealings with the Prince."

Bulma gagged as he pressed his lips against her neck, his tongue sliding over her exposed flesh. "At least Vejiita knew what you were good for." He breathed, turning her on her stomach. Bulma began to struggle and buck under his weight, he merely laughed as he tore at her clothes. Bulma’s stomach turned in knots and she prayed to Kami it would end soon. Then, she felt his presence vanish and she heard him curse. She turned her face and saw him standing in front of the telecom. "Yes, my Lord." It was Cold

"How are things going on Vejiitasei?"

Ginyu paused for a moment, trying to find the most suitable way to answer. "Jeiyce is securing the planet as we speak. The council fell rather easily and Vejiitasei will be under our control in a matter of hours."

Cold nodded, but he wasn’t satisfied. "And Vejiita?"

Ginyu closed his eyes and inhaled, "He went off planet before the attack began. He removed the tracking device in his pod, so we have no way of locating him"

Silence.

Then, a roar of anger, "YOU COMPLETE MORON! I GAVE YOU THE SIMPLE TASK OF MONITORING THE PRINCE AND BRINGING HIM TO ME AND YOU FAILED! FREEZA HIRED A BUNCH OF IDIOTS!"

Bulma smiled as Ginyu flinched; pleased he was so distracted. In his earlier assault, he had loosened the bonds around her ankles. Bulma contorted her body so she could slip her hands underneath her feet. Remind me to thank Daddy for those gymnastic classes. Ginyu was too preoccupied to notice her slip away. If I could get to my lab, I could get some weapon and some help.

"I’m sorry your majesty." Ginyu stuttered, "But I did manage to capture Vejiita’s woman."

Cold cocked his head sideways, "That Chikyuujin whore that served Freeza?"

Ginyu nodded eagerly. "Well, that will have to do. Bring her here and perhaps he will follow. But if he does not come, you will suffer an agonizing death."

Ginyu nodded and turned to the girl, jaw agape when he saw her gone. "What now?" Cold’s voice dripped with annoyance. Ginyu turned nervously, "It seems the girl has gone."

Cold inhaled, controlling his rage. "Find her." He said calmly, coldly, "If you do not bring her, or the Prince, to me, I will make you suffer so greatly that you will beg for death. And when you do, it will not come."

Ginyu swallowed and nodded. Cold’s face vanished from the screen and Ginyu dashed out of the ship to find her.

* * * * * * * *

Kakarott stared blankly at the stars as they flew past him at an amazing speed. Kakarott you must return to Vejiitasei quickly. We cannot survive without order. Rettich had pleaded for his return. But he had refused to come back. I’ve dishonored Vejiita; I have no right to claim his throne. I will come back when he is ready.

But Rettich pleaded The council bickers all day, Kakarott. They will not listen to Vejiita’s voice of reason, so he shuts himself up in the training chambers all day. Our armies are suffering from the onslaught of attacks. We need you, Kakarott, you must return.

Against his better judgment, Kakarott jumped in his space pod and headed towards Vejiitasei. Tyr, please forgive me.

* * * * * * * *

Vejiita rested quietly in the pod. He wasn’t quite sure where he was headed, but at the time it didn’t matter. He needed to escape; he needed to go in search of something—himself. His entire life, he had been told he was the Legendary, the Super Saiyajin that would rule the universe. He believed those lies. Now, he didn’t know who he was.

For a while, he could find release with Bulma. She listened to him and comforted him. By Tyr, he had never known what it was like to have someone hold him and stroke his hair while he sulked bitterly. She was beautiful and the emotions she stirred inside of him were new and strange. Her gentle touch and melodious voice were often enough to make him forget, if only for a moment, the shame he felt.

But now, he had to take matters into his own hand. He missed her already; he missed her tender kisses she planted on his forehead while he dreamed about losing to Kakarott. He had to put those things aside, at least for the time being. He had to be alone, away from any distractions. Only then, could he truly become what he was destined to be. If he could not be the Legendary, then who was he?

* * * * * * * *

Enjinia worked in solitude. It would be several months before Freeza would rise, a few months before the scientists could finish work on the new heir. It would give Freeza plenty of time to prove his worth. And he would be worthy.

With the improvements he would make, no one would be a formidable foe for Freeza, not even the great Super Saiyajin. Enjinia snarled at the thought of the stupid monkey who destroyed his master. He had something very special planned for him, something special indeed.

A soft hiss of a door opening and closing brought Enjinia back from his reverie. He turned and smiled softly at Gishu, "You shouldn’t visit me here, if I get caught, and you could get in trouble as well."

Gishu turned his eyes away, "I know." He whispered, "And I believe you are incredibly stupid and insane to be doing this, but I won’t stop you." He paused, "Toukan is here."

Enjinia breathed, silently turning to Gishu. He knew how Toukan had hurt Gishu. Oh how he wished he could tear his heart out for the things he had done to Gishu. "You spoke to him?"

Gishu nodded, "Briefly." Enjinia shook his head, "Why?" Gishu thought for a moment, "Because, I thought he would be different. But, he’ll never change."

Enjinia nodded, "I hope you’re satisfied." He turned back to his work. Gishu’s jaw dropped, "Is that all you can say?" he hissed, clenching his teeth and tightening his fists, he stormed out of the lab in fury.

* * * * * * * *

Bulma sprinted down the corridors towards her lab, her breath coming in short gasps. The sights she had seen, just in the halls of the palace. She brushed the tears from her cheek. So many dead--so much blood. She turned another corridor, and faced the door to her lab. Her trembling fingers punched the access code as her eyes darted around to make sure no one was there.

She proceeded to tear her lab apart, screaming curses as she threw countless designs, destroying months of work. None of it mattered anymore. "Finally!" she cried, clutching her latest prototype. She barely touched the tip of the dagger and blood trickled down her finger. She had tested it on one of Vejiita’s guards, slicing a hole in his leg. She pressed the red button on the bottom of the handle; the metal of the dagger shone a bright blue. It had been an absolutely brilliant idea to power the dagger with artificial ki.

She carefully hid the dagger under the neckline of her tattered dress. She would kill Ginyu and all of them if necessary. She slid quietly out the door; her breathing calm and her mind focused. The entire palace was silent except for her breathing. She could already smell the blood. By Kami, how many died? And where was Vejiita?

Stay focused! She ordered herself, Vejiita is just fine and you know that! Then, she heard it: laughter. It was coming from the council chambers. As she inched closer, the sounds became clearer. Screaming, moaning, laughing…she covered her ears. She had heard those sounds too often on Freeza’s ship.

Peering in the door she saw a group of soldiers around a young slave girl, beaten and tossed around between the men like a doll. "I believe its my turn." It was a voice from earlier. Grumbles and complaints from the group arose and the red man turned sharply, "You do have duties, you know, finish them!"

Bulma tucked herself in a corner as the room emptied, leaving the poor girl and him alone. I will not stand here and watch this happen! Bulma pulled out her dagger, and, using the shadows, slid behind Jeiyce. She struck with a fury like none other. The blade slid into his bare back with ease. Bulma watched as blood trickled down, the bastard paralyzed and gasping for breath. Bulma stared coldly as she pressed the button, sending a wave of ki through his heart, stopping it. She pulled the blade back and stared at the corpse.

The girl had vanished, no doubt trying to find refuge, but Bulma didn’t notice. Bulma stood motionless, waiting for the next fool to come. She didn’t wait long.

"Jeiyce!" Ginyu’s voice screamed, "Jeiyce, where the fucks are you!" He paused at the entranceway, taking in the scene before him. His eyes danced from the corpse, to the dagger, to Bulma. His eyes glittered with hatred as he bared his teeth, "You fucking bitch!" Bulma remained stoic as he approached her menacingly. "I swear, after Cold is finished with you, I’ll…"

He never finished; Bulma stuck the dagger in his neck. She withdrew the dagger and watched as the blood spurted from the wound. "How could…" Ginyu gasped. Bulma smiled, satisfied as he slowly bled to death.

Bulma calmly walked out of the chambers, pausing for a moment to stop at Rettich’s corpse. "Thank you for everything." She whispered, bending down to close his eyes. Once out of the chambers she leaned against the walls to support her trembling body. Her shoulders hunched over, she began to cry.

* * * * * * * *

Kakarott’s pod did not land in any designated port; he set the coordinates outside his tiny lodge. He could feel the rage swelling as the smoke invaded his nostrils and he could see the devastation done to his city. "Raditz!" he cried. He had to find his brother, his only family. "Raditz!" he called again, his voice quavering.

"Is that anyway for the great Super Saiyajin to behave?" a familiar voice teased. Kakarott turned and smiled at his brother. By Tyr, he looked awful. He was clutching his shoulder, blood oozing between his fingers. Raditz followed his brother’s line of sight. "That’s nothing." He shrugged, "Some bastard got a lucky shot, but I missed most of the battle. By the time I arrived, the victor had already been decided."

Kakarott shook his head, "And the palace?" Raditz sighed, "I haven’t heard any official report, they’ve pretty much taken control of all the main systems of communication. Rumor is, the council fell and the palace with it."

Kakarott balled his fists, "And Vejiita?" Raditz turned to look at the setting sun, "No one has seen him since the before the attack."

Kakarott thought for a moment, then with determination, "You and I are going to the palace."

Raditz shook his head, "I am a warrior, but I am not stupid. You may go, oh Legendary, but I do not stand a chance."

"We will not fight, we will find survivors, find Vejiita and leave. Gather our allies and strike back at him who ambushed us in such a cowardly manner."

"You’re willing to stand up to Cold?" Raditz asked.

"It was him?" Raditz nodded, "The Ginyu hold the palace. They will be a challenge for you, Kakarott."

Kakarott smiled viciously, "Not for me."

* * * * * * * *

Bulma glared angrily at the soldiers before her. "Would you please, just get on the ship!" she begged with them. Fortunately, the slaves were easier to get on the ship; the promise of safety was all they needed. The Saiyajins, however, that was a different matter.

"We are not cowards, wench!" on bellowed. Bulma frowned at him, she knew him well. He patrolled the Tech halls sometimes and he enjoyed harassing the slaves. "I know you’re not cowards, Endou! But there’s nothing left here!"

Endou shook his head, "Then we will die here! You, woman, do not comprehend the honor of dying in battle."

Bulma shook her head, "You’re right." She muttered, defeated. She didn’t have the will to play games with him. Endou, nodded, "Take the slaves and leave. Go anywhere you wish. You do not need to risk your lives." A few other soldiers nodded their heads. "You’re all insane, you know that?" She muttered.

She glanced at Endou. He was staring over her shoulder, mouth agape. "The Super Saiyajin." He muttered.

Bulma turned and found herself facing Kakarott himself. He smiled at her, "I’m glad to see you’re still alive." Bulma forced a smile, glancing back at the Saiyajin behind him. Endou pushed past her, patting Kakarott on the shoulder, "The Legendary has come to avenge our dead and lead us to victory!"

Battle cries erupted from the group as Kakarott pulled away from Endou. "I will not lead anyone." He said solemnly, "It is Vejiita’s right, and his right alone."

Endou stared at him, puzzled. "Vejiita is gone." Bulma whispered her eyes brimming with unshed tears. Kakarott turned, "Where to?" Bulma shrugged her shoulders, "I don’t know."

There were murmurs among the group. "I know what happened to him." A small voice from the ship called. A young servant boy peered out the open door, his head high in an attempt to look brave. "I was playing in the docking areas, I know that’s wrong, but…" he paused, focusing his thoughts, "I saw him take one of the pods. It was before the attack."

Kakarott sighed, "There is no point to staying here. The countryside is littered with corpses and even now, Vejiitasei is burning. It would be best if we left, found refuge with an ally and planned a coordinated attack against King Cold, with Vejiita to lead us to victory."

Endou frowned, "I agree with you, but why Vejiita? I understand, he must be found, but you are the Super Saiyajin, you can lead us."

"NO!" Kakarott cried, ‘Don’t you understand? I am not meant to lead anyone, I’m NOT the chosen one!"

Raditz stepped from behind his brother, "You will listen to what he says. We leave now, Vejiitasei is dying and we do little good standing here waiting to die with it. We will find Vejiita and avenge the dead. But first, we must get off this planet."

Kakarott smirked gratefully, "You were always the one who knew what to say." He muttered, earning a grin from Raditz. Kakarott turned to Bulma, "I trust you can help take care of the slaves?" She seemed deaf to him, her eyes were wide and her hand was covering her mouth. Kakarott placed his hands on her shoulders and shook her lightly, "Woman?" he asked. "It’s my fault!" she shrieked, "He left because of me!" Tears spilled down her cheeks, "I drove him away!"

Kakarott firmly held her shaking shoulders, "Get a hold of yourself!" he cried, shaking her harder, "He left because it was what he needed to do! It has nothing to do with you, I promise you that! He left because of me! Because I fucked up! He left because I took his destiny…I…" Kakarott stopped, gasping for breath. Bulma stared up at him, her face pale.

Endou frowned, "That’s no way for the Legendary to behave." He sneered, "I can’t believe such a warrior would ask us to run with our tail between our legs like cowards! Just to save a Saiyajin who was not worthy of his title!"

Bulma snapped, "Shut up!" she cried, "Vejiita is more worthy than any other Saiyajin here! He fought for you, even when you turned his back to him. Don’t you remember, Endou, not just three weeks ago he deflected that stray blast that most certainly would’ve killed you! And what did you do? Nothing! You didn’t even acknowledge him! You ungrateful…" Bulma stopped as Kakarott placed one hand on her shoulder gently.

Endou’s face was beet red, "Shut up, whore!" he bellowed, "You know nothing about honor and pride!"

Bulma opened her mouth to respond, but Kakarott beat her to it, "She knows plenty. Do you forget that she killed Zarbon, with her own hand? And, I hear just today she slew two of the Ginyu, including their captain? She’s as much of a warrior as anyone else, perhaps even more so. Vejiita is your King and has more than earned his title. I have no doubt the next time we see him, he will prove himself once again as the Legendary."

Endou did not respond and Raditz nodded, "Good." He said, "Get on the ship. There is much to be done and many lives to be avenged."

* * * * * * * *

Cold frowned in displeasure as he heard the report. "I should have known Ginyu would fail in some manner." He turned to Toukan, "I’m afraid my plans have been delayed, I’m terribly sorry."

Toukan smiled, "Please, my Lord, I don’t see a problem at all. I would rather hunt Vejiita, myself. It makes the capture all the more thrilling."

Cold nodded, "Do as you wish, but bring the woman as well. I’d like to meet the bitch who killed Ginyu."

Toukan smiled, "I would be more than obliged." He turned his back, baring his teeth with a vile smile, "The hunt is on."

* * * * * * * *