Lema sat in a cave, nibbling at a rabbit. She had barely a week left before returning, and she was no closer to over coming her deep hate of the fields. Lema had gotten close a few times, and each time she wanted to tear the field masters limb-from-limb. The conditions of the field servants were beyond peasant status. They were slaves and were beaten for something as simple as sneezing without permission.

Deep in thought, she failed to see the shadow, not until a hand covered her mouth and pinned an arm behind her back. Lema bit her tongue, refusing to cry out, feeling the pressure intensify the more she moved or tried to escape. In the end, she could only submit, shocked that so simple a move could make her helpless. It was like sharp knives racing up and down her arm.

She tried to understand her attacker, but his emotions were a wall of black fury and hate. It was so much like her own, only she had never acted upon it. His hand lowered to her throat, applying enough pressure to keep her from turning the tables. His power was incredible. "Why do you dress like an elite?" Lema paled. She would rather he try to kill her than keep her prisoner.

Lema was an unmated female, and the laws were quite clear. He could claim her and at the moment there was little she could do to stop him. The male snarled at her silence, twisting her arm enough to drive Lema to her knees. Despite the pain, she refused to beg or scream. "You're an odd one. Few elite have your kind of pride."

"What would you know about pride?" Lema spat, turning her head to meet the red glow in his eyes. There were red flecks in her own, Lema fighting her own rage. "Only a coward would attack another from behind!"

He spun her around so fast she saw stars as he rammed her against the jagged edge of the mountain side. His hand easily circled her throat, cutting off her air. He wanted her to beg, to see the fear in her eyes, but there was only defiance. He paused, feeling uncertain. His hatred was for the elite, but she acted and talked like a field servant. "Normally you would be dead!" He released her throat, pulling back to allow her to gulp in large amounts of air. She refused to rub her bruised neck.

"You're not an elite."

"How observant..." Lema growled weakly. For a moment, she had seen black dots. The red slowly receded from his gaze, returning to a normal black. He was easily taller than King Vegeta, his hair reaching to his mid-back. There wasn't an ounce of fat to be found, every inch of him pure muscle. She had never seen nor heard of this Saiya-jin, but she did know the rumors of several field masters and elites dying in these mountains. It was an old story, one she thought was used to scare the peasants and slaves from escaping.

"Again, why do you dress like one?"

"These are the clothes of the royal guard, not an elite!"

His eyes widened, searching her face closely. "You're lying. A royal guard wouldn't have been so easy to defeat!"

"You under estimate your abilities. My uncle would give anything to fight you at full strength." Lema tried to read his energy level, but like Bardock, he was supressing a good portion of it. "Who are you?"

"Dillon."

The name meant nothing to her, but it didn't really matter. "I need to go."

Dillon snatched her arm, holding it in an unbreakble grip. She was so tired of males trying to boss her around. "You will stay."

"If I refuse?" Dillon shrugged, as if it were no difference to him. Lema had to cut off her emotions, feeling Bardock reach for her mind. He would know if she were upset. This was her task and she couldn't allow him to help her. "Let go..."

"You are definitely an odd one. Females are generally timid around stronger males."

"If I chose, we would be fighting instead."

"Then why do you hold back?" Dillon snapped, sensing that she was speaking the truth. This was not a normal female, her courage told him this much.

"I..." To be honest, Lema didn't know why she wasn't fighting him. She had every right, but he had stopped himself from killing her. Lema sighed, moving to the corner of the cave and sat, staring into the fire. "I use to have a reason to fight, but the last three weeks..."

"You've lost sight of what is important..." Dillon observed. He had been in her shoes, not knowing what to do or how. That had been a long time ago, a time before he had been consumed with a blinding hate. Dillon hated them all and as far as he was concerned, the entire elite status could fall off the planet and he wouldn't lose a night of sleep over it.

Lema nodded, her gaze lifting to meet his. She was so close to be liking him, wanting to attack and kill without remorse. The elites had given her good cause, yet she couldn't bring herself to kill just because of a few bad elite. Was this what drove her father to space? She knew he hated anything to do with the elite, the royal guard, or the king. There had to be a solution. All this hate; it was like a poison and it would kill them all. Lema jerked, a scream of fear stuck in her throat. She clutched at her head, thousands of images hitting her at once.

When it was over, she couldn't recall having hit the floor. Dillon had her pinned, keeping her from hitting her head against the wall and the fire from burning her skin. She was ice cold, drenched in sweat. Lema scanned the cave, afraid it would suddenly disappear again. It had been a long time since she had felt this vulnerable or frightened, not since the tunnels. "What happened?" Dillon demanded

"Bardock..." She no longer cared if she appeared weak. Lema knew she needed to get to Bardock. He would know what was happening. Again she could feel another wave, wrenching a scream from her small body.

Dillon should have washed his hands of her, but as he watched her, helpless and withering in seizures, he was reminded of his sister. He growled in frustration. She was a part of the royal guard; they would know how to help her. Lifting her, he blasted from the cave. He tried not to think about why he was saving her, only that she was the first in a long time to look at him as if she understood. Instinct told him she needed to live.

Vegeta's eyes snapped open, glowing and staring back towards the real world. He was always aware of her, deep in her mind. She wasn't even aware of his presence, not knowing of the bond she had accidentally created. He had not returned it. King Vegeta walked through the shadows, all of them very real and intent on draining his energy. He had mastered the trials of the ancients, discovering who and what he was. Vegeta also knew only two would ever be a match for Bardock, and it wasn't Lema or himself.

Her blood was on fire, relentless in its assault on her body and mind. Bardock had said she possessed a great many of his abilities, but... Is this what his guard went through? Vegeta started to undertand the type of Saiya-jin Bardock truly was, a true hero to his race. He could have anything he wanted, but Bardock preferred to protect King Vegeta. Why?

The floors began to tremble, cracking in half as he exploded from the temple doors. He ignored the horrified shrieks from the priests, intent on reaching her. Bardock was on the move; how he knew this he would never be able to explain. There were others as well, all closing in on Lema, forgetting the barriers that separted them.

Dillon had made it half way to the castle when he found himself surrounded, staring at several very angry Saiya-jins. He couldn't believe all of them would appear for one female. Who the hell was she and why was King Vegeta involved? Dillon's grip on Lema tightened, not trusting any of them. He knew strength, intelligence, and the elite when he saw it. "We're not elite!" Snapped the one in the center. Lema shrieked, nearly ripping out of Dillon's arms. The strength of the seizures was incredible. "Dammit, we don't have time for this!"

He snarled, stepping back as King Vegeta reached for her. Dillon knew it was a death wish to challenge the King, but he couldn't relinquish her to people he had no reason to trust. "ENOUGH!" All heads turned to the center male, a golden aura blazing to life around him. Dillon could only stare in awe. "This is not the time or the place! She will die if we don't work together!"

"Dillon..." Her eyes were glazed with fever, begging him to set aside his justified hate. She knew! Somehow she knew his most guarded secret. "Please, help them."

"Why should I?" Dillon snapped.

"They are not the enemy..." He wanted to believe her, but before he could ask her, she was seized with another vision. The center male was pale, lines at the corners of his mouth. Again they tried to close in, watching Dillon. He allowed them to reach out, feeding her all their power and strength. The golden one was the last to sink to his knees, but at his weakest moment, he was feeding her all of his power. He looked at Dillon, "Let it go."

"Never! I..."

"Your hatred is fueling this! Let it go!"

"She was only fifteen!" Dillon roared, releasing all the pent up anger and grief.

"Lema didn't fight you; she had the power to do so."

"We've all made mistakes," came another voice, an exact copy of the man asking him to forgive the impossible. "We all have our demons! The result of our hatred and neglect has changed what should not have been changed. She was innocent and happy, lacking any reason to fight or to kill. She remembers far more than the rest of us, and for that we all regret. It needs to stop! Something about you is important or the visions wouldn't have been triggered, nor would they be ripping her apart."

"She can see the future?"

The golden warrior nodded. Dillon gradually released her, allowing him to take her. Lema collapsed, too weak to stay conscious. "Bardock, is she..."

"I can help her, but I need time."

"How long?" Vegeta growled. Cyan stood beside his father, glaring at Dillon. Unlike Bardock, he was fully aware of Dillon's attack. Turles quickly inserted himself between the two, not daring to allow anything to happen to Dillon. "Why didn't you kill her? The desire was there?"

Dillon watched Vegeta and Bardock leave, taking the female with them. "I haven't figured that out yet."

Vegeta hovered in the background, watching his guard with Lema. Half way to the med labs, he staggered, his great strength depleated. Out of the shadows, he was there, Turles catching his twin. Bardock tried to stand on his own, but it was impossible, his head hanging low. For the first time in several decades, all his barriers dropped, Turles realing from the impact. "Why didn't you..."

"Would you have listened?" Bardock whispered, drifting between consciousness and oblivion. "You haven't been able to see straight since Leana. Everyone suffered with that bastard and a lot of the systems in place are a result of his reign. King Vegeta is just as much of victim, Zucca, Lema, Dillon... There's a lot more behind the death of his younger sister. Torn is a field master put in place through you, not the former King. The northern mountain is the only sector no longer completely controlled by the crown. We can't be divided anymore. Lema knows this, I've known it, and now..." Bardock was unable to finish, the strain taking its toll. Turles never imagined the hell his twin walked, the world he was struggling to keep alive. In a few short years it would all be gone and there was nothing that would change that. How many died depended on a minor few... Lema perhaps would never be the most powerful, but everyoone was drawn to her, building to something far more important than petty hate.

He had little choice in the matter. His twin had risked everything, including a bond that had been his life line until Turles had severed it. It had nearly killed Bardock. Turles glanced at King Vegeta, his hatred vanishing with the past. He could see differences in this man, a strength his father could never possess. "Take her..." It was the only apology he would give.

"No." Turles froze. Were they all mistaken? No, King Vegeta wouldn't have spared her life if they were. "Not until the arena." Vegeta showed, at that moment, why he was not his father. "Only then can I truly claim her."

Lema drifted, no longer sure what was real and what was a dream. She wanted it to stop, crying each time she saw a bright, red flash. It was all gone... In the blink of an eye, everything was gone. A few would survive, but in the end, there was nothing left. Bardock had seen this, and yet he said nothing, always hoping something would cause it to change. She had stumbled across that key, but everything was so unstable. One wrong move and it would all come crashing out of control. She saw creatures that were like lizards, but they were cruel and savage, growing over the years and something her father had been fighting since the death of her mother. If Leana had never died, would her father be the man he was today? Would the Ice-jins even be focused on the Saiya-jins? What had Vegeta's father done? Where had everything gone so wrong and why was she seeing everything as if it were happening at that very moment? What was happening to her?

Suddenly none of it mattered anymore; the violence and hate needed to stop, but would it be enough to prevent the horrifying future she saw. There had to be a solution. And then she saw it. There was a way, but it meant she would have to litterally walk the border lines of unbearable grief. It would be far into the future, her one and only hope. "Kakarot..." The name was whispered on her lips, a name that Cowli or Cyan would not forget.

Cyan walked out of the room, wanting to take this pain from her. He had a mission, and without giving word to his father, Cyan took a ship and left, taking off for a planet that had never been charted. It was revealed to Lema, a thought he had caught before she had faded back into darkness. "We all made a promise, Lema. You will not bear this alone."

Turles found him in the royal gardens. This was insane, but it was the only thing he could think of. Bardock and Lema wouldn't think beyond the visions. Cyan had already left, and he wouldn't be back. Turles would be forced to do the same, hoping to find a way to destroy Frieza. "Take Raditz and leave. In time Cowli will join you with two other adults and two infants. One of those children will be Lema's son."

Dillon stared at Turles, remembering the male before he had vanished. He was familiar with Leana's death, his sister having died shortly afterwards. "Why?"

"If Frieza is not aware of his existence, he will live. He must not be allowed to meet Lema's first or second born son."

"Who is Frieza?"

"A slave pirate."

"Can the future be stopped?"

Turles wanted to say yes, but everything he had seen through Lema and Bardock said other wise. However, he knew they could minimize the damage. He refused to believe that all the Saiya-jins would vanish. "Will you do it?"

"I have nothing to stay here for. Is there anyone else?"

"A Saiya-jin female. She has no fighting skills, but Lema risked everything to save her life and Raditz seems different around her."

Dillon found himself respecting the small female. "When?"

"Tonight."

Turles had wanted to make things right between them. The only thing he could do was give full custody to Bardock. "Take care of her brother..." Hitting a few buttons, Turles watched the planet fall away, determined to find a power stronger than Frieza. He had given instructions to Cowli, and despite the younger Saiya-jin's objections, he had finally agreed, fully understanding what would happen if he failed. Lema would understand.

Bardock growled, protesting his brother's plan. A few hours from the trials, she was still unconscious. He pushed himself to a sitting position, still very weak. Her eyes slowly opened, meeting the one person that had always been there for her. "How did you do it?"

"There was always that small chance. Will you be strong enough?"

"Is there a choice?"

"No."

"I saw a boy, he looked a lot like you."

"He is the only chance we will have, Lema. You have to keep him alive, to hide him from Frieza until he is ready."

"I can't... Dammit, I can't do all of this a second time."

"Then the vision won't change. It's easy to give up; I've thought about it for years. I fight because I know that everything will be according to the way the ancients have forseen. They predicted you, saying that you were far important than all of us; Kakarot and yourself. I only recall pieces of who and what we were in the past; all I know is that you were vital in keeping alive then as you are now."

Lema forced herself to stand, holding herself up with the support of the wall. She ignored the pain and made her way to the arena. Lema knew what had to be done and she would not fail; she could not fail! Each step became easier, her shoulders set in pride and determination. She threw away all doubt and fear, leaving the past behind. The violence would end with her, she would become the light at the end of a dark tunnel. In the end, everything would work out.

He hovered in the shadows, his tail waving in excitement. It had been several years since he had an interest in the trials. Like Bardock, there was little point. There were several warriors, all wishing to prove themselves. Some were nervous and most were simply waiting for everything to begin. These trials were far more important than the ones used to determine entry into the academy. This was the final determination for a Saiya-jin's status.

Vegeta touched his hair, not sure if he liked the change. It was short, cropped at the ends, brown and he had temporarily dyed his red tail a muddy brown. He didn't want to be known during these trials. It was his way of finding out her true abilities. She appeared at the last minute, followed closely by Bardock and Cowli. Shocked whispers raced throughout the crowd and participants, all eyes on the female.

It was very rare for a female to enter the arena, and to have the full backing of a guardian. Bardock remained close, snarling at the males that ventured too close. They backed away, more afraid of Vegeta's royal guard than their monarch. He searched the crowd for Vegeta, startled to find him in a corner. Bardock smirked, looking down at the small female at his side. She didn't speak, refusing to become distracted. If there were any doubts, they had all vanished with the awakening of her visions.

"Your father approved of this." He felt she needed to know. Bardock thought he saw a single tear at the edge of her eyes, but she blinked it away and she was heading to the center of the arena. Vegeta had yet to move, his expression bored. He knew the way the King would operate; had Bardock not trained the boy since he could walk?

Lema glanced over her shoulder, her gaze filled with pride and determination. She had litterally been forced to grow up over night, a heavy burden placed on her slender shoulders. "Not one Saiya-jin will die at my hands..." Bardock stared at her in awe... It was always kill or be killed. Saiya-jins simply didn't have the leisure for compasion, but it was more than compasion that would keep her from killing them today. He snatched Cowli's arm, "You will pass each trial with her!" Cowli nodded, wishing a quick death if he happened to fail.

The facilitator came forward, reading off the rules to the trials. "Everyone is to begin a battle that will last no longer than an hour. Those remaining at the end of that hour will move on to further testing that will determine their status among the Saiya-jin ranks. There are no rules other than to make it to the next phase of the trials."

Lema clenched her jaw together, wanting to call these trials savage nonsense. It was part of the reason they were in danger of being annihilated. Like Bardock, she said nothing, knowing her visions would result in no change to the audience. They would only consider her insane. How had their proud race fallen so much and so fast? Very few would be saved, but at least Cyan, Raditz, Dillon, and her father were gone. She had been surprised to hear that Dillon had been chosen by her father to go with Raditz, along with Ringo. Why had her father done that?

'To preserve our race. Despite her lack of abilities as a fighter, she is an excellent tracker and healer. Raditz also seems quite taken with her; he'll never openly admit it though. Bardock sensed her unique talent several weeks ago.'

'Will you return?'

'Perhaps.' Her father rarely made promises, not knowing if he would be able to keep them. Turles didn't want to let her down and suddenly she understood how much he did love her; he just didn't know how to tell or show her. He had survived the death of Leana, a feat deemed almost impossible. Turles had fully bonded with her, revealing his true strength of will. He had a purpose, and until it was complete, he was not free to join Leana in the after life.

Lema quickly scanned the large group, trying to figure out the easiest way to fight five hundred warriors. She was still exhausted from the visions and needed to conserve her strength until it was needed. It was then she saw the solitary male. He was familiar to her, but it wouldn't come to her. His hair was cut oddly for a Saiya-jin male, short and defined his strong features. She glanced at his tail, an odd disappointment making her shoulders sag. Why was she expecting it to be red? She hadn't thought of King Vegeta in several weeks. That wasn't quite true. She worried about him. He needed to be loved, someone that wasn't afraid of him.

Again her gaze drifted to the solitary male. She couldn't help but be reminded of King Vegeta. He was so alone, and at that precise moment, he chose to glance in her direction. She had to remind herself that his tail was brown and not red, that this couldn't be him. Lema wasn't given time to think about it, the call for the battle to begin. It was exactly that, every Saiya-jin savagely trying to be the best. She saw several die, blood ran like a river, and the crowd cheered. Did none of them care? Was a single sport so important that they can cold bloodily watch good warriors decapitated and dismembered? Cowli was pressed to her back, refusing to engage without her. He turned his head, startled to see the rise and fall of her hair. "You will not fight this battle," she snarled. He knew better than to argue with her. Cowli pulled a slight distance from the fight, feeling a shadow fall over him. It was the stranger, but he was simply regarding the fight with indifference. He seemed only interested in Lema.

Bardock felt the rise of her emotions, his smirk changing to a broad grin. She was close, so very close. He knew Lema could never match his power and strength, but it wouldn't matter. Other than Vegeta and the other Ancients, no one would come close to defeating her. King Vegeta had yet to move from the wall, allowing the chaos to run its course.

Exhausted and battered, Lema screamed, the arena bathed in a red and white glow. Everything came to a stand still, all eyes centered on the smaller female. "This stops now!" In a flash, she was in the middle of the fight, striking with her fists and feet. Each blow found a target, and each one fell to the ground uncosncious. Not a single warrior was killed, the female dodging and flipping with a skill that had the spectators gasping in awe and respect.

Vegeta continued to watch her, mezmerized by her movements. "Do not interfere with this?" he commanded softly to Cowli. "I will not spare your life." He walked in her direction, shoving the other fighters out of his way. She had come a long way; the time had come for him to fight, to have her meet him on his level. All attempts to stop her failed, the 500 soldiers reduced to less than fifty in a matter of minutes. His hand caught her fist in mid air, his knee coming up to block a blow from her foot. He skidded back, bracing himself and halting her assault. Their eyes locked and he felt the tremor of excitment race through her blood. He was regarding her as an equal, as a warrior worthy of his time.

Again she couldn't help the feeling that she knew him. "Why do you not kill them?"

"Every warrior is needed, regardless of their status. This disregard of life is irresponsible and can no longer be accepted if our race is to survive."

King Vegeta thought on her words, his grip still holding her hands captive. She tried to pull them free, but he was quick and agile, moving and turning her so that she was forced to keep her balance. "Who are you?" Lema asked, curious about this fighter. Unlike the others, he wasn't so willing to engage in a direct battle.

"Now is not the time..." he taunted, whirling her around. He bent his head, "Let's finish this then." Suddenly he was no longer holding her, smashing his elbow into a warrior's chest plate at the exact moment the remaining fifty decided to join together. He doubled over, clutching his broken ribs. Vegeta forced himself not to laugh; this was child's paly.

There was a mass of confusion and fear, the remaining fifty dropping like flies. Lema should have regarded the stranger as a threat, but he was stopping short of death on those he defeated. Vegeta saw the strain in her expression, the exhaustion the last several days had taken on her. She fought through it, promising herself a nap when it was over. Vegeta smirked.

Taking out the last of the soldiers, Vegeta and Lema were the last two standing, staring at each other. He crossed his arms, clearly ending the battle. They had ten remaining minutes, but he did nothing. "I don't understand."

"The final round, we will fight."

"The final round is with Bardock. This has always been the way."

"In normal circumstances this is case, but there is another if the King so wishes."

"Why would Vegeta..." He turned, walking to the edge of the arena. On the way, he paused to speak with Cowli, her friend paling. The facilitator was forced to declare an end to the hour early, seeing that neither fighter was willing to continue.

"What happened?" she asked.

"Nothing..." he quickly said. Lema didn't believe him, but she decided not to press the issue.

Lema felt drained. The trials had continued throughout the day, each phase bringing her that much closer to the match with Bardock. She excelled in everything, but he was always a step ahead... Cowli had surpassed all her expectations and more, but he looked ready to drop where he stood. That still didn't explain the other warrior. Lema snarled in frustration. This Saiya-jin shouldn't have been any where close to their level. He didn't flaunt his abilities; he simply accepted it. "Who the hell is he?"

Cowli refused to laugh and she didn't see Bardock laugh, enjoying her frustration and growing interest of the male. Vegeta couldn't have picked a better way to win her favor, clearly displaying himself as the stronger of the two without having to fight her directly. He could easily force her submission, but she would never fully trust him. Vegeta wanted Lema as more than just a mother to his future heir, but as a friend.

His methods reminded her of the days in the medical lab, when Vegeta had refused to attack or harm her. Perhaps they were related, but that made less sense than if the man were Vegeta himself. It was very rare for a second heir to live, regarded as a threat to the older child. She felt strange, a warm sensation that was unfamiliar to Lema.

During their twenty mile run, he easily kept pace. "Would you stop?" Lema snapped. "Why do you hold back?"

"Why shouldn't I?" Lema skidded to a halt, knowing they were a lone. Cowli was five miles back, and they were ten miles ahead of the facilitators. He had enough arrogance for fifty males, and the power to back it up. Vegeta quirked a brow, angering the little female further.

She was tempted to fight him, but he surprised her when his tail wrapped around her arms, pinning them to her sides and yanking her forward. "I promised the final match. Is this not satisfactory?" Lema hated her reaction to this male, feeling herself trapped in his dark gaze. A finger traced her jaw, tilting it back.

"We should continue..." Lema gasped, fighting the hypnotic affect he had. Holding her still, he lowered his head, unable to resist the temptation she had presented. She trembled, feeling his teeth nibble at her lower lip. "Open your mouth," he growled. Lema did as he demanded, whimpering as his tongue entered her mouth. His instincts surged to the surface, driving him to throw her to the ground and take what he had waited six months, no, twenty-five years to have!

"I will not hold back a second time," he vowed, allowing her to stumble back. She was always so sure, and to see the doubt was almost his downfall. "Run!" he snapped. Lema bolted, and it was the only trial that she finished several minutes ahead of the stranger. He met his time, but for the remainder of the match, he was on edge, tense and ready for the match with Lema and Bardock to be completed.

Cowli felt for his friend. The stranger had told Cowli his identity, making it very clear that he was not to defend Lema's honor when he issued the challenge. She had no clue, and it was better this way. She looked confused, her emotions plain on her face. Lema liked the stranger, but it made her feel disloyal to King Vegeta.

She wanted to seek out King Vegeta, to drive the unsettling emotions from her thoughts. He smiled, having won half the battle. Lema wanted to hate the stranger, their attraction stronger than Vegeta had first thought. King Vegeta walked to the facilitator, dropping his voice so only that he heard his command. At first he started to protest, but Vegeta had conviently thrown back his cloak to reveal the royal mark. "As you wish..."

"Do not reveal who I am? She is not to know until after her fight with Bardock. Cowli has the option to decline at this point."

"She still has survival..."

"That girl could last a life time and still breeze through these trials. They are not a true reflection of her power or capabilities."

"Do as he says?" Bardock snarled, coming up beside King Vegeta. "These trials are a disgrace."

Lema glared at the stranger with suspicion, flipping his tail in pure arrogance. She had wanted to stay calm, but it was a direct challenge and all she could see was a red haze. Cowli snatched her arm and lifted her off the ground. "Stop it Lema!"

Bardock came out on to the arena, startling everyone as he stopped any further progress of the trials. "Come here, Cowli." Lema's bodyguard paled, but did as he was told. "Will you quit, or continue?"

Cowli was tempted, but Bardock had told him that there were times when he couldn't win, but that a true Saiya-jin would never back down from a fight. "To decline will disgrace myself as her future protector."

Bardock stepped into a fighting stance, waiting for Cowli to make the fist move. The crowd was on their feet, watching the match. None expected the kid to win, but for him to accept was a rare courage in itself. Bardock had no reason to drag out the fight, rolling to the ground, scissoring Cowli's legs and pressing an elbow against the kid's neck. "You have two options, submit or wake up in the labs."

"I cannot..." Cowli gasped for air, feeling his vision blur. With a surge of desparation, he flipped his feet up, hitting Bardock in the back of the head, followed by an energy blast that hit the older fighter's tail. Lema paled, forgetting about the stranger. Before she could jump in, the strange male had her around the waist.

"You will not..."

Bardock trembled, biting back the roar of pain. It had been an accidental move, and Cowli was taking full advantage. The energy attack had severely drained his power level and Cowli could have won, but he would not allow himself to be defeated through his tail. Lema was in a state of panic, fear, and rage. Cowli was moving in to hit Bardock with a round house when the older fighter phased out of site, re-appearing directly behind the kid. With two chops, Cowli collapsed, Bardock having hit a sensitive nerve in the sides of his neck.

Lema was snapping and clawing at Vegeta's arms, re-living the moments the field masters had cornered and crushed her own tail. She couldn't see Cowli as a friend at the moment, seeing only her enemies and the need to kill them. "Lema..." Bardock called, reaching past the chaos of her mind. "Calm yourself..."

She had never really talked about what happened, and perhaps he should have forced the issue. "Lema..." Recognition flashed in her eyes, her gaze floating between Bardock and Cowli. "He's alive."

Lema wanted to be alone, to regain control of her wild emotions. She couldn't afford to break down in front of everyone, but it was like that day in the fields all over again, the mind shattering pain. "I know we have to fight," she finally spoke. "Dammit, Bardock, this is so wrong. ...All of it."

"You kept your promise, Lema. Not a single Saiya-jin died at your hands today."

"It's more than that. Let's get this over with," Lema growled.

"No." Bardock and Lema jerked their heads up at Vegeta, his arms still tightly wrapped around her waist. She hadn't noticed until then, a red hue appearing on her neck. Vegeta did not release her, his gaze posessive. He threw back his cloak, revealing to everyone his true identity.

"I've seen enough. As of this moment, you are assigned as a royal guard. However, I also declare you as the future queen of Vegeta-Sai." Lema started to speak, angry, confused, frightened. "Do you accept or do we settle this the old fashioned way?"

"That's not much of an option," Lema snapped. Vegeta lifted his head, glaring at the crowd. "Those who wish to challenge my choice, do so now!" Lema tried to break lose, but his grip only tightened. She didn't want to fight other females. "This I cannot change," he whispered.

"No..." Lema said. "I won't kill them."

He shrugged, accepting of her choice. Vegeta would not change his decision and they both knew it. They waited, several shouting matches rippling throughout the stadium. A few of the females started to stand, but were shoved back down by several of the male guardians. In the end, Lema's fears were groundless. She would not have to fight for her position at his side, having proved herself in the trials. Not only had she spared everyone, but it was obvious Vegeta would kill any other if they did manage to over power Lema. He would never accept another as a mate or a mother to his future heir.

"I don't understand..."

"Bardock is a legend and I wish it to remain that way. Now everyone will wonder who the stronger of the two trully is, giving everyone here little choice but to consider you as much of, if not more, a threat than your Uncle. As for you," he growled, "What is your answer? I do not wish for us to fight. Will you accept what I offer, or do I envoke the laws set by the Ancients should you refuse?"

She looked to her Uncle. Bardock, for the first time, bowed, truly accepting of Vegeta as his King. It shocked them both. "Lema, know that King Vegeta grants you a rare gift. He has every right to force your submission, and this has never happened. His father never asked his mother, nor the Kings before that, not since the beginning of our race."

Lema sighed. She could think of worse fates. Her eyes widened. Since awaking, the visions had receded, something Bardock had not failed to notice either. The fate of the planet was still the same, but their race still had a chance. This was the answer from the remaining Ancients. Anything else, the visions would return. She nodded, watching something of the tension leave his expression. His gaze softened and he finally released her. Kneeling, she crossed her fist over her heart, copying her Uncle and announcing her loyalty to King Vegeta. The crowd roared in approval.

Everything else was a blur; the only ones not in agreement with their match were the priests. All that needed to be done was to face the four remaining ancients, Lema entering the temple. A cold blast of air washed over her, but it quickly retreated, four shapes materializing before her. "It has been a long time, little one." They felt achingly familiar, as if she had known these four in another life, especially the one holding himself to the rear of the group. "You are correct. Wait and listen, and everything shall be told."

Lema felt herself drawn to another time and place, a young Vegeta-sai before Saiya-jins had driven the Tuffles away. This was before the planet was a land of red sand, before everything had withered and died. "What happened?" she gasped, surprised at how beautiful everything was.

"Greed. It is time for a new breed of Saiya-jin; the old way will be the destruction of your race. Your task is not an easy one, but you were the only female among our group. Vegeta was your mate in the past and he will be again."

She remembered small pieces of that past, a part of her still unable to cope with the trauma. "There's nothing we can do; is there?"

"Vegeta-sai is doomed child, but rest in knowing that the actions of Bardock and yourself will see to the survival and re-population of our world. You know two futures, one will end in nothing, while the other has possibilities. We have forseen this, sealing all our power into this temple until we were to be reborn."

She knew each of them, the pain intensifying in her heart. "Everything will be as it once was, little one."

Lema couldn't find it in herself to be angry at the title, a fondness of the four ancients. Had Bardock known about this? Did Vegeta? "We have not awaken that part of them; we only do a small part of yourself because you must survive. Through you, everything will be corrected."

The one that spoke, she knew he was the strongest of the Ancients. She took a step in his direction, and before they left, he brushed her face with his magical energy. For the next several hours, she recalled the past with him in it, unable to stop the flow of tears. They had all been the first Saiya-jins, creating a world that was very different from the one she knew now. This was when Saiya-jins fought with honor and pride, they weren't consumed with a need for power and greed...

Vegeta knew she was different, but didn't ask questions. The Ancients, if they wanted him to know what they had told her, would reveal it in time. If the priests had any further protests before she had entered, they were silenced after she re-appeared, and they could say nothing. If the Ancients had not approved of the match, they would have destroyed her immediately. Lema stared at Vegeta as if she were truly seeing him, not certain how she had lived without him before. With a low whimper, she went to him, no longer hesitant of the match.

Lema walked around his chambers, a bit nervous. He watched her pace, giving her a few moments before he started to track her movements. She smiled, keeping objects between them until he grew impatient and tossed them out of his way. Lema giggled, dodging and dancing around him. Her change in demeanour was not an unwelcome change, Vegeta wanting to hear her laugh more. He lunged, tackling her to the floor.

His mother had approved of Lema. Zucca was happier now that Bardock had claimed her as his. Vegeta had voiced no objections. Lema's breath came heavy and fast, but before he could get settled she had flipped him. Vegeta bared his teeth, but was silenced as she initiated the first move and kissed him. His hands buried themselves in her dark hair, holding her still as he returned her bold move, quickly taking back the control.

Breaking for air, he brushed her face, displaying a rare affection and fondness for Lema. He could never do this in public, but Vegeta wanted her to know that she was loved, wanted, and needed. Vegeta never wanted her to give up hope and to always fight. She had a long road a head of her and he hoped he would always be around to support her in this battle. Should he fall, Lema would have no choice but to continue alone.

He nibbled at her throat, hearing a soft whimper escape. His teeth were razor sharp, a trickle of blood rolling down her soft skin. His tongue snaked out, chasing after the little drop. Lema lifted her head and smiled. His eyes lowered to her black tail. Gently he reached for it, feeling her tense before she relaxed. It was the first time she had willingly allowed him to stroke the silky fur, feeling up and down, finding the breaks.

"Does it hurt?"

"Sometimes."

"And now?" Vegeta began a rhythm, watching the emotions dance across her face. She shifted uncomfortably. Lema took his hand, lacing her fingers through his.

"Is this your only uniform?" Lema asked, a mischievous glint in her eyes. Before he could answer, she took the shirt and jerked her wrist, satisfied to see it rip in half. Vegeta could only stare in open mouth astonishment. If Vegeta thought Lema would be shy or timid, she quickly proved him wrong.

Curious to see where this was headed, he allowed her to take control, his other hand clamped onto her hip. "I like the change," Lema commented, stroking the short bangs. He resembled more the man of her former past than the man that had been his father.

She started to work on his pants, sliding them down until he was completely exposed. Lema hesitated briefly, surprised at what was beneath his clothes. She knew males were different, having never seen the thing that stood straight up. "Can I..."

Vegeta snarled, torn between reversing their positions and to allow her the opportunity to explore. He gritted his teeth and nodded, watching as trembling fingers brushed against the aroused tip. Vegeta jumped, snatching her wrist as she pulled back. "...continue."

Her fingers wrapped around his arousal, letting him teach her what he liked and wanted. Vegeta was quickly losing control and hoped he could give her the time she needed. Lema watched his expressions, quickly learning from the change his breathing and the loud purring and growling. She began to lick at his muscles chest, nipping and twirling her tongue around his nipples.

Reaching his belly button, Vegeta was on the verge of snapping, his eyes a deep red. His tail swished back and forth on the floor, occassionaly wrapping around her waist. She followed her instincts, taking her time to explore every inch of him. Her tongue lightly stroked the engorged head, wrenching a howl from Vegeta.

Encouraged by his loss of control, she took more of him in, swirling her tongue around the tip and scraping her teeth against sensitive skin. He could not stop the thrusting of his hips, his fists clenching in her hair. Vegeta needed to take control, but dammit nothing had ever felt this good and all he could do was thrash and hang on for the ride.

He felt it wash over him in a flood, filling her mouth with a thick liquid that she didn't hesitate to swallow. If she didn't like it, Lema didn't let it show. Vegeta didn't miss a beat, snarling as he turned her onto her back. In seconds he had her stripped, her clothes in any direction that he could throw. His eyes followed the familiar scars, amazed that she had survived the severe beating and still remain as forgiving as she was.

Vegeta didn't give her a chance to hide herself, latching onto a breast as he massaged the other. His tail snaked between her legs, throwing her mind into fragmented pleasure. Vegeta didn't want to hurt her, but it was nearly impossible to slow down. Slowly his tail pushed through her virginal walls, his hands keeping her distracted as he broke the barrier to her innocence.

Lema yelped, but the pain quickly turned to pleasure as a hand dove between her legs and began to stroke her most sensitive spot. Merged as he was with her, not having yet completed the bond between them, he knew she was close. At the last moment he stopped, chuckling as she whailed in protest. "Vegeta!"

Wrapping her legs behind his back, Vegeta pulled out his tail and quickly replaced it with a powerful thrust. Lema's hips rose off the ground, her mind unable to keep up with the over load of sensation. Pinning her to the floor, he began a fast and furious pace, snarling and snapping at the air.

In minutes she was screaming, her first orgasm slamming into her. Vegeta didn't stop, picking up the pace as he shifted her legs over his shoulders. It gave him deeper penetration and left her completely in his control. "MINE!" He chanted this again and again, clamping down on her shoulder as he filled her.

Exhausted, he lifted his head and stared at his content mate. "Get some rest," he ordered, a promise in his voice.

She was asleep before he had lifted and placed her into his bed. He couldn't believe he could be any happier than that moment, finding a peace that had been absent most of his life. Vegeta would never regret saving her that day, stroking her sides before he pulled her close and fell asleep beside his mate.