Notes: This part of the story takes place 8 years after the events of Part 9.

Disclaimer: I don't own DBZ..yadda, yadda, yadda. Let's move on.

* * * * *

Gohan shifted uncomfortably, the metal table underneath him providing him no comfort. He had nearly killed himself this time, but it was worth it. After 8 years of excruciating pain, he would soon be free. He would kill Ryuu, Vejiita, all those who had done him wrong. Gohan closed his eyes and sighed dreamily, 'I must be strong enough.' he thought, 'I just need to regain my strength and then I'll overload that damn computer.'

He sat up and stretched his muscules. "Yes." he said outloud, "This is going to be a good day." He continued out the door, surprised that it had been left unguarded. 'Strange.' he thought, 'Where is everybody?'

He stopped when he heard voices echoing of the steel walls. He quickly hid himself and listened. "We'd better get moving." one said, "Lord Freeza will be arriving shortly."

At the mention of Freeza, rage and anger built up inside Gohan, causing his blood to boil. "We'd better get the brat first. Ryuu wanted him personally to serve him and Freeza. If the brat tried to revolt there, Freeza would kill him on sight."

The two chuckled at the thought. Gohan had not been popular amoung the guards. While other slaves were obedient and quiet, Gohan stirred things up and was quite defient. Gohan stared down at his hands, thinking to himself. "It's now or never." he whispered to himself.

He thought of Freeza, of how his father must have died, how Piccolo must have died. Years of sadness, replaced by anger and hatred. His body was on fire, his aura blinded the two soldiers as they approached him.

Nearby, techs began panicking as their main computer began to overload. When Gohan reached his peak, the computer exploded and his chip shorted. Gohan stood proudly, his hair glowing gold, his teal eyes fixed on the terrified soldiers in front of him.

Without a thought of pity, the new Super Saiya-jin lunged at the two. Smashing his fists into their chests. The two keeled over, death was quick. Gohan stood, their deaths were not satisfying. "Ryuu." he whispered, "You're next."

* * * * *

Ryuu smiled polietly at Freeza as he examined each slave. "Tell me." Freeza said, "What are all of your slaves specialities?"

"Mainly domestic duties." Ryuu replied, "They all come from weak races."

Freeza shook his head, "They do me no good. I require strong slaves, powerful slaves. Tell me," Freeza turned and faced Ryuu, "What slaves did you use to construct the main bridge into the city?"

Ryuu hesitated, "I only used one. He is a strong boy, his power is such that we had to use a micro- chip in his brain to keep it under control. He, however, is not for sale. He has yet to be completely broken in. I think my Lord would find no use for him."

Freeza chuckled, "Oh, I could easily brake the boy in. I believe you just don't want to give up such a precious asset. Actually, I am more curious about this chip you've implanted. Tell me, how many slaves have you tried this on?"

"He was the first. It's been quite a success. Unfortunately, the brat is too stupid to understand that it's not worth fighting."

Freeza nodded, "It doesn't matter. I can get many powerful slaves from another dealer. You, on the other hand, can get me others. I hear you are planning an attack on Bati-sei soon. Explain."

"The Bati-jins, as we all know, are very gifted in the fields of science and math. They do not have an army, and the last we heard, they lacked real leadership. However, to make sure our records are not too outdated, we have sent a small group of spys to Bati-sei about a year ago. They are disguised as scientists. One of the men should be reporting to us shortly on his findings. We shall continue our plans from there."

Freeza nodded approvingly, "I would most certainly like to sit in on that." he said.

"I had anticipated this, my Lord. We shall be hearing from them in a matter of moments."

* * * * *

The throne room was packed, everyone was waiting for his arrival. Bulma pushed herself to the front of the slaves and waited eagerly. Vejiita watched her from the throne, hoping she would remember her place in public. He had reminded her so often that until the Neo Saiya-jin empire was firmly established, she would remain a slave.

He glanced quickly back at the door, no signs yet. He glanced back at Bulma, it would be difficult for her. Her son was returning, yet she could not display any motherly emotions in public. As far as everyone else was concerned, there was no mother.

Bulma met Vejiita's eyes, disappointed when he quickly averted them. He was so careful about not displaying any emotion towards her. He wanted everyone to think that she was nothing to him. Truth was, everyone already knew. Secrets were not easy to keep on Bati-sei.

She began to think of Chikyuu and Vejiita's promise long ago. She was no longer needed, Genesis was finished and Vejiita's empire was being rebuilt. Still, she had been promoted to head of the tech slaves. Often, she had reminded Vejiita of that promise. He would become angry and quickly dismiss her, not calling on her for weeks. Then, he would visit her and act as if nothing had been said. He was a very difficult man, stubborn as an ass.

The room fell silent as the doors opened and two Saiya-jin guards escorted a young boy into the throne room. Vejiita rose from the throne and studied the boy, no sign of emotion on his face. Bulma, too, studied him. Smiling at the handsome boy. His long hair was a lavender color and his eyes were her shade of blue. His face, however, was truely Vejiita's. It was difficult not to run up and hug him.

"You've returned." Vejiita stated simply, "That means you are prepared to fight in a tournement to earn your title and name?"

The boy nodded sternly, Bulma frowned. 'Just like Vejiita.' "I'm ready to claim the title as Prince of the Neo Saiya-jin empire, and be given my name."

Bulma sighed, it was amazing how much the boy knew. It was perfect genius that Saiya-jins had programed the computers in their pods with their history, language, and customs. This computer seemed to feed the infants on their first mission.

A shiver ran up her spin, her son had killed a planet. Wipped it and its people from exsistence. She had tried to stop Vejiita from sending him, but it was a right of passage that she could not prevent-and so was the tournament.

Vejiita nodded, "The tournament will be held tonight at sunset. All will attend and be prepared to swear their loath of loyalty if a prince should be crowned."

The room began to empty and Bulma took her leave. The heir was led to the training facilities where he could prepare for the tournament. Vejiita followed Bulma to speak with her.

* * * * *

Bardock watched her as she entered the lab. She didn't seem to notice his presence, she did notice the King's. "Are you going to say something, or just follow me all day?" she spat.

Vejiita returned her glare, "You have yet to update my gravity chamber. I can't train until you up the G's!"

Bulma smiled as she glidded towards,him, her hips swaying seductively as she approached. "Not until you agree to name him Trunks." she whispered playfully.

Vejiita growled. "It isn't proper!" he shouted, "He will be the prince of the Saiya-jins, it is tradition that he be named Vejiita!"

Bulma sighed, "How many Vejiita's can their possibly be? It's getting old, this is a new empire." she reminded, "The genesis Saiya-jins follow your every whim. They wouldn't care if his name wasn't Vejiita! You were so worried they would reject a 'hybrid' for a prince. Did you see the respect they gave him, and he's not even their prince yet! You said yourself, Saiya-jins respect power, not a name. If you want that upgrade, then name him Trunks!"

Vejiita opened his mouth to argue, but found no use. The woman was too stubborn. "You owe me." he whispered dangerously.

Bulma smiled, wrapping her arms around his neck, "I love to be in debt." she purred.

Vejiita smirked and then quickly made his exit. Bulma turned and sat at her computer, preparing to make the upgrades Vejiita had wanted. Bardock came out of the shadows, "You are amazing." he said softly, Bulma jumped in shock, "I've never see anyone live after speaking to him in such a tone."

Bulma smiled uncertainly at his comment. During the years she had worked with him, that discomfort she felt around him remained. She knew he was attracted to her, and it was flattering, but she couldn't shake him off. She couldn't be blunt, afraid of the Saiya-jin anger. So far, he had stayed back and perhaps he always would. Still, it had to hurt to be watching from the side lines.

Trying to think of a way to escape, she quickly muttered something about preparing for the tournamanet and then dashed out the door. Bardock sighed and returned to his work.

Bulma ran down the hall and to her chambers. Why wouldn't Bardock just get over her? She had often told him that she loved Vejiita, and she did. Still, his longing for her remained obvious. She knew he posed no threat, despite Vejiita's arguments, still she hated to be the cause of his pain. She prayed to Kami that everything would be set right. She had yet to recieve an answer.

* * * * *

Freeza smiled as the man continued with his report. Despite the fact that his image on the computer was fuzzy- something with a computer malfunction that obviously had Ryuu upset- his voice could be heard perfectly. "Something his Lordship might find to his liking. The Bati-jins have taken a king. The former Saiya-jin no Ouji, Vejiita."

Freeza's smile widened, he turned to Ryuu who was whispering furiously to a soldier. "What seems to be the problem?" Freeza asked as the soldier left.

Ryuu began to sweat, "Nothing really, a slave has vanished but he won't get far."

Freeza's lips turned in disappointment, "I thought you'd keep better track of your slaves. You could lose business if word gets out that you can't hold weak slaves."

Ryuu shifted uncomfortably as Freeza motioned for the spy to continue with his report.

Gohan watched, hidden behind tapestries. He had managed to control his anger to a point where he would not be detected. He listened carefully, his attention piqued at the mention of Vejiita.

"Vejiita has set to work with the Bati-jin scientists and as begun to recreate the Saiya-jin empire. At last count, there were over fifty thousand adult Saiya-jins co-inhabbiting Bati-sei with the natives, this count does not include infants that have been sent on purging missions."

"How disturbing." Freeza sighed, "I'll have to exterminate the empire once again. Tell me more about what our 'King' has been up to."

"Despite all attempts to keep it hidden, we have come to know about his relationship with the head tech slave. It is believed that she is the mother of the heir who will fight in a tournament tonight to claim his title."

Freeza began to contemplate, "You say Vejiita has a mistress, intruiging. Do you have any pictures for us?"

One of the techs set to adjusting the computer screen and a picture of Bulma flashed on the screen. Gohan stiffled a gasp, she was alive! Freeza studied her intently, "Where is she from?" he quired.

"She is Chikyuu-jin, she arrived with Vejiita when he landed."

"Interesting. I wonder how they managed to get together." A sadistic smile twisted on his wine lips, "We shall have to ask her personally."

"I want you and your men to follow her closely. The first chance you have, take her and bring her here. I will remain with your master. Do not harm her. Now, hurry."

"Yes my lord." the soldier nodded and the screen went blank.

Freeza turned to Ryuu, "There has been a change in plans. We will not be taking Bati-sei for slaves. I have to destroy Vejiita-I have to crush the little monkey. I hope you don't mind that I invited his mistress, it has been quite some time since my men and I have had a female's companionship."

Ryuu smiled, "I don't mind at all, my Lord, not at all."

Gohan watched the two, anger building in the pit of his stomach. He had to remain in control. He would wait, somehow. Try to go unnoticed until she arrived. They were ordered not to hurt her, he just had to hope that they were loyal.

* * * * *

Hello! I managed to get this finished. It's not a horrible chapter, but it wasn't great either. Part 11 should be good. (You're going to hate me for this next line.) HOWEVER, part 11 won't be out for quite some time, I'm talking end of December if I'm lucky. These next few weeks I have a HUGE English project I need to work on, plus I have Finals in three weeks. I need to devote my time to these things so that I pass and maybe be able to graduate this spring. I hope to have it done by the end of my Christmas break, but we're only given about a week break and I'll be gone most of that time. I'm sorry, but I have to take a break. I promise, the next part will make up for it.

Don't hate me!

An extremely stressed out Meiko ={. chiaka_chan@yahoo.com