King Vegeta searched every book he knew, but he still could find nothing about that particular Saiya-jin. The priests were of little help, most of them still angry with Lema for making them vanish. Only two remained, their power small compared to their leader. A few had demanded her execution, but they weren't around long enough for their decision and hatred to spread. Lema didn't seem to understand the affect the disappearance of the ancients meant. Many Saiya-jins worshiped the Ancients and for them to vanish could mean an uprising that he needed to avoid; at least until all their plans had been set into motion.

He swore, throwing down another book. Vegeta glanced down at his sleeping mate. He had found her like this, nearly a week ago. The doctor's told him she was just hibernating. It was her way of not using too much energy until the babies were born. He ran his fingers through her long hair, still not believing that she carried his child. Not only would she have one, but two. He would not demand the execution of the second as traidition demanded; Lema would never forgive him. He sniffed. The second child did not smell like him, yet he could find no other scent that would have indicated she had cheated on him. The second child was not his, of this he was certain. He doubted Lema would understand any better if he asked. Vegeta told no one; Bardock probably knew, but his guard would have known if Lema had been unfaithful to her life mate. Bardock had denied any such activity and King Vegeta had no reason to doubt the integrity of his royal guard.

The first child would be named Vegeta. It was the only tradition he would keep, since the first ancestor that had taken the throne many millinium ago. The second child he would name Kakarot. Kakarot was an old myth, a story of a Saiya-jin that could destroy entire star systems with little effort. That was the only mention of an extremely powerful Saiya-jin, and he vanished along with seven other ancients. If what the ancient told Lema was true, then that Saiya-jin was Lema's second child.

Bardock was found in the lab, writing and studying things through his microscope. He looked exhausted, but he rarely stopped until he found what he was looking for. "What are you looking for?"

"Answers."

Bardock knew better than to laugh at Vegeta's expression. If it's one thing Vegeta hated, it was to ask a lot of questions, but the King had changed in the past year. He was still volatile, but he was more patient and he generally waited before he decided to kill someone that didn't do exactly what he wanted the way he wanted. "I'm almost certain your father had the books we search for destroyed. There was an old prophecy by a woman many years ago that the ancients would soon be reborn. All of them would be decendents from your line and ancestry, but the strongest was not to be you nor was he ever of your ancestry."

"I don't understand. Weren't rivals killed if more than one were born?"

"Is that your decision if Lema were to have the second as the ancient predicted?" Bardock carefully masked his anger, waiting for Vegeta to speak before judging. Vegeta was not his father and he had to remember this if they were to defeat Frieza. Trust went both ways.

"Lema would kill anyone and herself before that happened." That was all Bardock needed to know. Vegeta would never harm Lema, and that included taking a son she would die protecting.

"The answer to your question is, no. Most of the time that was the case, but there were a few like you that thought it best to let them strike out alone when they were old enough. As long as they stayed away, they were permitted to live. Nothing was thought about if they chose mates or had children of their own. How far down the line Turles and I are connected, that's uncertain. Those records were destroyed about twenty years ago, orders of your father. Apparently he didn't like the seer's prediction and had her and everything else connected to it destroyed. Because of that prediction, it was how he found out that Turles was one of the decendents from the royal children that weren't executed at birth. He was furious, and any child that Zucca had other than you was quickly delt with."

Vegeta paled, "How many were there?"

Bardock put down his pencil, not certain if he wanted to tell Vegeta. The boy had been through enough pain and all by his father's hand. Bardock had been Vegeta's only ally, even if he was never permitted to voice it while the boy's father was alive. "If you're not counting the child she was pregnant with before your father stole her, five others."

"Why didn't she tell me?"

"To save your life. We both made a promise to shield you from your father as much as possible. His obsession to kill anything connected to the ancients consumed him until even you were in danger of being destroyed."

"Is that what started the mess with my mother, Turles, and yourself?"

"It did. Your father did a lot of research and discovered that Turles and I could rightfully claim the throne if we wanted and the ancients would accept us. It was uncertain if we were two of the ones that had vanished at our birth, but he didn't want to take the chance. With the birth of you, another vanished, soon followed another after the the twins Leanna carried. He ensured that Zucca and Turles were seperated by taking and claiming her for himself. Next, he had Ringo's mother killed to prevent the healing of Leana."

Vegeta wanted to personally make a trip to hell and tear his father limb-from-limb. It disgusted him to know that he came from such a man. "How do you know this if the books were destroyed?"

"I had full access before your father learned of the prophecy. He was afraid... Why I'll never know? As for Lema, the fact that she carries the two strongest ancients tells us how close we are to annihilation. Kakarot will be the most powerful and Frieza mustn't get his hands on either of those children."

"Can we save the planet?" Vegeta sighed.

"No, but as I said before, we can minimize the damage."

"How?"

"Tell them. Those that choose to listen, we will send to unnamed planets until we can re-unite them at a later time."

"How will we know if they survive or not?"

"We don't. Our only chance is Lema's search for stronger Saiya-jins."

"Dillon, was one. The ancients wanted Cowli and Arico together. They also want Zucca's guard, Fasha to go to Dillon. It's as if they know who to save and who to leave behind when the time comes."

"Lema was willing to spare his life; I'm going to trust her until he gives me a reason to think other wise. The few elite soldiers stupid enough to mess with him deserved their fate, the rest simply give him his space."

"Does he have the potential?"

"He's stronger than Raditz and Cyan, but Cowli strangely can keep up with him. Cowli has a lot of promise and he makes for a good spar."

"Can he defeat you; him or Dillon?"

Bardock roared with laughter; "They're good, but not even they're strong enough to defeat ancients that were thousands of years old before they were re-born. We were born with their power and it's only a matter of time before we tap into it completely."

"What were there names?"

"I don't remember. The only one spoken of with other war buddies is Kakarot. He was the first to become a Golden Oozuru and he was the last of the ancients to vanish. He was after our death, his rage set off after the death of his mother. It was a terrible blow, but he was never forgotten and it was shortly discovered that their spirits were still alive, protecting the line of your ancestors."

"How long until Lema has her sons?"

"Soon. She needs to stay in bed, Vegeta."

'Frieza's on his way!' Bardock was speechless.

"How..."

'I don't have time to explain! Just know that he's quickly approaching the planet! They stopped chasing me and changed course about two days ago. I intercepted a message and discovered they'll be there in less than twenty-four hours.'

Bardock activated the alarm, placing the entire palace and space doc on high alert. Every soldier, including the ones in training would be demanded to suit up, preparing for the worst. He dashed down the hallways, Vegeta easily keeping up. Turles had purposely made sure that Vegeta was in on the conversation.

Cowli went after Lema, taking Arico with him. He was taking no chances, realizing how close to birth Lema was. She had been asleep for a very long time; he didn't know if this was normal, only that she was unable to defend herself.

'I just hope she doesn't wake up,' Cowli prayed.

Lema woke from a deep slumber, Cowli and Arico at her side. He rarely entered her chambers anymore, and to see him and Arico slightly frightened her. Her son would be born at any time and she was so very tired... Was this what her mother felt like before giving birth? It was no wonder she was vulnerable to attack.

'What's happening, Cowli?' He looked apprehensive, his ears straining to listen.

'Frieza and Cooler have landed on the planet over an hour ago.'

'Bardock and Vegeta...'

'They'll be alright, Lema. Bardock thinks the Ice-jins found out about our race through a traitor.'

'Who would...' Lema didn't have to be a genius to figure it out. The only one angry enough to destroy an entire race, just to get even, was Paragus. She wanted to protect her mate, but she would only endanger him more by placing herself in the Ice-jins' path. 'What's the status?' she demanded of her father. He was always connected to his twin, and knew he was monitoring the situation carefully.

'King Vegeta is with Bardock. The Ice-jins still believe you father is the ruler of this planet, but they think he's lying. He's fully capable of defending Vegeta, little one. Momentarily they are simply curious about your race. Vegeta hates them, but is wisely keeping it too himself. King Vegeta has ordered Zucca to be moved to the ships.'

'How long have I been asleep?' She felt her son move, protesting the close confinement of her stomach. 'Soon, little one. Are we safe here?'

'For the moment.'

'What do they want?'

'Frieza has asked Bardock to join his ranks, to give him access to the Saiya-jin army.'

'Tell me he didn't accept!'

'He told Frieza to give him time to consider.' Lema snarled, but knew it was Bardock's way of procrastinating without starting a confrontation. Frieza has given Bardock a week to decide.'

'Is that enough time?'

'Perhaps. Frieza and Cooler have been ruling most of the universe for a long time, Lema. Many planets are in slavery, while several more have been completely destroyed. Bardock and Vegeta are smart enough to know not to engage with Frieza at this time, but he cannot avoid it forever.'

'Are we still not strong enough to stop Frieza and Cooler?'

'Do you wish to take that chance? You carry the hope of this planet not through just this child, but the second as well. Bardock has seen the end of Vegeta-sai, whether or not Vegeta decides to take the Ice-jin's offer. They fear the Saiya-jins and the reputation they have created.'

'Dammit!' Lema hated sitting in her room, wanting to do something. It didn't help that her sons were violently protesting to come out, but she didn't dare risk revealing herself. Something told her not to let Frieza find out about her sons, that Prince Vegeta would suffer a fate crueler than death. She whimpered, holding her stomach in hopes to dull the pain. Cowli and Arico tried to soothe her, but the pain intensified through the lonely hours. She wanted her mate.

Suddenly the pain stopped, as if the second child knew they were hurting their mother. He calmed Prince Vegeta, telling him to wait a little longer until the danger has passed for them to be born. She was amazed. Even now, as an infant, he would stop at nothing to keep her alive. "Cowli, don't let them take him... Paragus is going to try and take one of the children... Vegeta will be the first target because he will be first born. He doesn't know that Prince Vegeta is not the future ruler of the Saiya-jin race, but the second child."

"Shh... Lema, we promised to help.... Trust in us..." He couldn't stop the birth of her children, but hopefully he could buy her the time needed until Frieza and Cooler would leave. Like Lema, he knew that the Ice-jins couldn't find out about either of them.

He felt the child demanding to be born, despite the second's interference. Lema was fighting it, but she was already too weak from the past several months. 'Bardock,' Lema called.

'Tell Cowli to take you to the lab. The Ice-jins have left for now. Zucca has sent Fasha to meet Arico at the ship. Do not linger! We have little time to execute all of our plans!'

Cowli carefully lifted the laboring female, not wanting to speed up her sons' entry. He glanced at his pregnant mate; "Go to the ship. Say nothing to no one!" Arico, terrified, nodded and did as she was ordered. Cowli would never allow anything to happen to her if he could manage other wise. She trusted him with her life. Cowli crept through the shadows, avoiding other Saiya-jins. "Everything will be ok, Lema.

As promised, Bardock and Vegeta were at the entrance of the medical labs, scouting for any sign of Paragus or Nappa. The fur on his tail was ruffled and there was an edge to Bardock that normally wasn't present. Bardock was usually very calm, but Cowli noted the hint of fear in Lema's Uncle. "Can you help her?" Cowli demanded. "I don't dare alert the medical staff, not if we want to keep everyone unaware of her condition."

Bardock nodded, entering the lab and hearing it lock behind him. Cowli placed Lema on a clean table, applying a warm cloth to her forehead. "Concentrate, little one," Bardock encouraged.

"Must you forever call me that?" Lema growled half-heartedly. Bardock smiled. Despite her pain, she tried to keep her spirits. "This sucks! Why does everything have to happen when I need my family the most!"

Bardock sighed; this was not what he had expected, to deliver a Saiya-jin child during the brink of disaster. The minutes slowly ticked away, and the intensity of her contractions increased, coming closer and closer together. Through it all, she remained silent, fearing Paragus or Nappa if she screamed. Her entire body trembled, threating to tear apart if she shook any harder.

Suddenly it intensified, slamming into her with full force. Lema whimpered, biting her lip as she clutched at Cowli's arm. Vegeta was outside, keeping guard from intruders. He was taking no chance. Her eyes widened at the next wave, too startled to scream. "I hate this," she choked, unable to stop the tears that fell.

She didn't complain about her fate, only that her life mate felt helpless and unable to go to her. Vegeta was raging to tear Frieza's throat out; all that stopped him was fearing what would happen if he should fail to keep an eye out for the traitors? Cowli had been unable to find and capture either Saiya-jin. He had less than a week to prepare for Frieza, but he would be gone before the Ice-jin returned. Until then, he needed Lema's select few to step up their plans.

"I can do this," she chanted, not quite so certain to believe what she was saying. Just as the first ray of morning began to shine through the lab, the first baby finally slipped out, screaming his way into the world. The pain no longer seemed to matter, staring into his brown eyes and feeling the soft black tail circle around her arm. The second child followed several seconds later, causing her little to no pain. He was quiet, his power level hard to detect. The second child possessed the red tail, waving back and forth in contentment as it searched for his mother.

Bardock carefully cleaned both children, allowing Lema to hold her first born for a while longer before taking and handing him over to Cowli. For a brief moment his dark eyes flashed in outrage, as if to protest taking Prince Vegeta from his mother. He could see the pain in her expression, but she didn't protest or try to stop him. "Go," she gently encouraged. "Frieza will take him if you don't leave now."

"Not if we..."

"Frieza will know, Cowli. Please, for the sake of our race, you must get Prince Vegeta out of here."

"What about Kakarot? Shouldn't I take him as well."

"I want to say yes, but they cannot be found together. Cowli, I'm asking you to do this for me; as my friend and not as my protector. Do as I ask, and we will see each other again."

Cowli had the strangest feeling to doubt her. There was a guarded look in her eyes, a secret she was keeping from all of them. Bardock hesitated, as did Vegeta as he entered the room. He smiled down at his son, a rare site from a man that had once hated everything. "Protect him," he commanded. "You're obligations to Lema is through this child."

Without another word, he left, not seeing the single tear that slid down Lema's cheek. She would not see him grow up, nor the small little life from Arico. The girl's name would be Jasmine. A strong resolve began to form, a grim determination to end it all. One way or the other, the threat to their race would be eliminated.

Kakarot laid calmly in her arms, strangely giving her comfort. His dark eyes opened, sparkling green before they returned to their normal, black calm. It was hard to believe that this child would be so important in the future. She waited, watching Bardock and King Vegeta fall asleep before she made her move. Tiredly she climbed off the table, painfully putting on her uniform, and snuck out of the medical lab.

She had so little time to act. Already her instincts screamed that she was in a great deal of danger. "Paragus!" she snarled. He lunged for her, but she dodged just in time. She had several days before she would be at full strength, but Lema was strong enough to get Kakarot to the space docs and throw him in a pod. Her fingers flew across the controls, using her twin to guide and set the cooridantes.

Just as she slammed the launch button, a body slammed into her, followed by a second that had her pinned to the floor. "Damn!" Nappa roared, trying to call the pod back. It was already several light years away, racing through space to an unknown destination. Lema screamed, managing to throw Paragus off and destroy the control switch. They would never find out where she had sent Kakarot.

"Bitch!" Paragus snarled. Lema smirked; she could care less what happened to her at this point. Kakarot was safe and he would have his revenge. 'Take care of him Cyan.'

'What the hell are you doing?'

Lema allowed Paragus and Nappa to take her. They thought she was a weak and submissive female. For now she would play along, allowing them to take her on board a ship and throw her in dark cell. Nappa wanted to torture and play with her, but Paragus quickly put a stop to any such nonsense. He didn't trust Lema; not that she could blame him. The journey was long and cold, but gave her the time to fully recover. Paragus rarely gave her food, but she didn't need much to keep up her strength.

'Lema...' She felt Bardock brush her mind. Lema had no concept of time and it came as a shock to realize she had been on the ship for over a month. 'Where are you?'

'Paragus hasn't said. I don't think he would tell me even if I did ask. Is everyone safe?'

'Those that we could save... A lot of the Saiya-jins didn't believe King Vegeta when he announced the intentions of the Ice-jins.'

'How many survived?' She gasped.

'Less than twenty.'

Lema closed her eyes, trying not to let the despair overwhelm her. Instead, she reached for the rage, letting it consume her until it was all that fed her the strength she wanted. Lema waited, allowing them to think she was afraid, vulnerable, and helpless. She wasn't the only one on the verge of pure hate and rage. Her father was tearing through the galaxy, racing in her direction, but she said nothing. Whever Paragus and Nappa were taking her, she knew she had to act fast if she were going to gain the upper hand.

Three months after being captured, she felt the ship slow to a halt, coming to a jerky landing. Lema smirked, leaping to the pipes above her head and blended into the shadows. She had been in the dark so long that she could see without the aide of a light, her sense of smell and hearing magnifed a hundred fold. They thought her afraid, unaware that she could read their energy levels.

"You have the female..." she heard a raspy voice demand.

"She's in the cell," Paragus growled. "I doubt she'll be trouble. You destroyed her planet. No female can survive long without their soul mate." Lema smirked. They were unaware that King Vegeta still lived, livid and determined to tear Paragus and Nappa a part. She should probably let him. Lema only hoped that she could see the expressions on their face when they discovered that a handful of Saiya-jins had survived the massacre of her planet.

Lema had to make a decision. According to Bardock and Vegeta, the Ice-jins were slave pirates. She could go with them for now, get the layout of their home, and then strike. Lema needed to appear weak, to give them little reason to put any type of energy restraints on her. The idea of the lizards touching her was revolting, but she couldn't fight them blind. With a sigh, she jumped down to the floor, curling herself into a tight ball somewhere in a corner. She pretended that she was insane, letting them believe she was grief stricken at the loss of her mate.

It didn't take long for them to enter her cell, Paragus snatching her up by the neck. Lema resisted the urge to fight back, instead whimpering in despair and anguish. Her acting convinced Paragus that she was no longer a threat. He sniffed in disgust, tossing her to Cooler. A tail cracked around her waist, catching her in mid-air. At that precise moment, Lema knew true fear, but she kept her same expression of confused sorrow.

"Damn..." Cooler growled. "I would have preferred to break her first. She would be good for breeding experiments."

Lema couldn't afford to make any mistakes. This Ice-jin was more than capable of catching her if she tried to escape now. She gave no resistance as he carried her through a cavern of ice, everything looking the same. Lema hated this place. It resembled the icy tomb of the water caverns from so long ago. 'Lema!' Turles snarled in black fury. 'This is by far the stupidest...'

'Do you have a better idea! As long as they think I'm the only survivor, we have a chance! We can't fight this war alone. The Ice-jins are far too powerful and feared throughout the galaxy.'

'Don't you dare let them...'

'I won't.' It was a promise, and Turles believed her.

"Enjoy your new home, monkey!" Cooler hissed in disgust. He tossed her in another cell, watching her skid across the floor into something large and furry. Lema controlled her temper, watching the door slam shut, placing her back into darkness. Her eyes widened in shock. The creature in her cell was radiating power, but it was being smothered by something.

A vicious snarl echoed in the room, chains brushing against the floor. Something tried to lift it's head, but was made impossible as the creature was forced to remain lying on the ground. "Who are you?" she wondered.

'No!' Vegeta and Turles yelled at the same time. She ignored their terror filled voices, curiosity getting the better of her. 'Don't!' Lema reached out, finding soft fur beneath her fingers. The creature snarled, but could do nothing. She found the collar around his neck, her energy quickly draining.

"What is this thing?" she growled. Fighting the affect on her power, she started to pull, determined to free the creature. It stopped snarling, curious about her. She felt a warm nose sniff her neck, and then a gentle shove. Lema collapsed without much effort, breathing heavily.

"You cannot break this collar, little one. I have tried."

She narrowed her eyes, determined to prove this animal wrong. Again he bumped her away; "Save your strength. If you wish to break the collar, you must get the keys."

"Who are you?" she asked again.

"Ryos, the last wolf of my kind."

Lema's gaze softened. She didn't know what he was, but she didn't care. Lema had to find away to free him. Curling close to him, she fell asleep, biding her time. The creature tensed at first, but gradually relaxed until his large tail wrapped around her, keeping the chill away. Occassionally she would whimper in her sleep.

Days... weeks... months... Lema didn't know anymore. She ate what they tossed them, giving most of her meal to the animal. He was weak from the lack of exercise, but he hated. Ryos was a wolf, but Lema didn't know about the wars between the wolves and the Saiya-jins. Ryos had come from a distant planet, the leader of his world and thousands of years old. It had been in the last hundred years that their planets had gone to war. She hadn't been aware, but alone, together in the dark, they talked about everything. Lema found another reason to hate her life mate's father.

Ryos licked at her face, trying to give her comfort. Lema was starting to think she would die in the cell when she heard someone approach. Snarling, she lept into the air, using the bars above the door to hold her up. She would only have a few seconds and prayed it wasn't Cooler that was on the other side of the door. To her pleasure and satisfaction, it was Nappa.

He looked around, but didn't see Lema until he was face first into the wall. Nappa hissed, glaring at the smaller female. He had expected her to be near death, instead she was as feral as the day they had met in the cafeteria. "You're going to be fun," he promised. "Frieza and Cooler said I can have you."

"I'll have to decline," she spat, disgust evident on her face. "I'd rather mate with the wolf." Lema said it to anger Nappa, her attempt successful. He lunged for her, but she deftly dodged, snatching the keys from his waist and ramming a knee in his chest at the same time. "I would stay and play, but..." Lema already heard shouts quickly approaching. She wasted no time, freeing Ryos from the collar and rushing out of the room. He limped behind, but he kept up as they raced through the ice castle.

He was much bigger than she had imagined, but so thin from malnutrition. "I'm sorry," she whispered.

"I will not die, little one."

'No,' she thought. His hate ran too deep for him to die now. He wanted the Ice-jins dead as much as she did. Strange how enemies became friends, joined together to defeat a common purpose.

Cyan stared down at the child, amazed at how small he was. Kakarot glared at the older Saiya-jin, reaching to bite his Uncle's arm. Cyan smirked. This child was spirited. He worried about his twin. If she had waited any longer; Cyan shuddered to think about what would have happened if Paragus had managed to get the child. At least Lema was unharmed. He didn't like the idea of her being with the Wolf though.

How long could she survive on the Ice-jin world? The Wolf was badly injured and every Ice-jin was on the hunt for her. He knew she was powerful, but can even she defeat an Ice-jin? Most elite's died at their hands, entire planets were enslaved or destroyed, and yet she was stubbornly making her way across the planet with a wolf practically carried on her shoulders. She would never give up until every Ice-jin was dead; or she died first. Cyan curled his tail around the little terror, amused that the child snarled and snapped, trying to get free. "Do you even understand that she's in terrible danger?" The boy froze, black eyes flickering green for a moment. Cyan blinked. Did the child understand him? It was impossible!

The boy's lips pulled back in a vicious snarl, but he made no further attempt to get free. The trip to Earth had taken nearly one year, the boy learning a lot of what he needed from the space pod. Kakarot wanted his mother, instinctively knowing she needed his help. This boy was definitely not normal!

Vegeta smashed his fist against the metal wall. One year! She was on the run and he had no idea where she was at. Lema was often cold and for the first six months with the wolf, she had to provide food for them both. The Ice-jin world had little to offer them and it was only a matter of time before she would be forced to steal a ship or turn herself in. Lema had no chance against the Ice-jins, not alone. Her only chance was to leave the Ice-jin world and find her battle ground.

Bardock made for a good sparring partner, but it didn't take away the lonely nights or the fear that he would never see her again. She was stubbornly fighting the impossible, refusing to accept any of their help. Lema had vowed to protect them all, thus surrending to Paragus and Nappa, knowing it would be a diversion to allow Vegeta, Bardock, and Zucca time to leave the planet.

Cowli was still on the run, unable to meet up with Dillon or Raditz. He was between Earth and Namek, hiding out until he could sneak through Frieza's and Cooler's war ships. Arico had given birth to a baby girl, Jasmine. Eventually the couple settled on Namek, finding a safe heaven with the green aliens. Fasha went in search of Dillon and Raditz, knowing they had to find a way to get off the planet without getting captured. Cowli couldn't risk Prince Vegeta or the other babies. Too much depended on their survival, leaving Fasha to strike out on her own.

It was the uncertainity that angered King Vegeta the most. Despite all their planning, Bardock still didn't know if they could survive? 'Lema...'

'I'll survive,' she promised, a fierce determination giving her the strength to fight. Lema was so much stronger than in the past; she had little choice.

Lema shivered in the small cave, using Ryos to keep her warm. He didn't seem to mind, the wolf often silent as he stared into the violent snow storms. While they were forced to seek shelter, the Ice-jins could continue to hunt, at home on the baren world. They stole food from the villages, and avoided contact with the guards. Lema didn't know if she could defeat an Ice-jin or not, but couldn't afford to risk being captured. They would kill Ryos and they would make sure she couldn't escape a second time.

Tomorrow she would make an attempt. She had spotted a small ship, stationed outside the castle. Cooler had returned, demanding constant updates on the search for the escaped prisoners. Several guards had died for their escape and Nappa was severely beaten. She would have felt sorry for him, but deep down she couldn't forgive the bastard for betraying their entire race. It was Paragus she feared more than anyone else. She had not seen him since Cooler had taken her into the castle. Was he still on the planet? What had pushed the Saiya-jin to the snapping point? Why did he hate King Vegeta and her family so much?

"How do you feel?" she asked. Ryos didn't look any better than the day she had rescued him. Their meager diet was not sufficient; he needed raw meet and time to heal, but they were never allowed that time.

"Strong enough..." he answered. Ryos lifted his proud head and gently licked the blood and dirt from her face. Lema smiled, feeling comfort and safe. He was always so gentle with her. She often wondered why, but didn't ask.

"You risked your freedom to spare my life, little one."

"You can read my mind?" she gasped. His teeth pulled back in a wicked grin, playfully nipping at her shoulder before he tucked her beneath his paws. Lema would have protested six months ago, but she had learned the wolf was a lot stronger and would patiently wait until she was too tired to fight him anymore. Ryos knew she couldn't survive the freezing nights without his fur coat.

"You give me little choice, little one."

"Why does everyone call me that?" she sighed. Could she help it if she was so much shorter than everyone?

"Are you not small for your kind?"

She scowled, refusing to respond. "I can still fight!"

"I do not doubt your abilities, little one, only your judgement. Get some sleep. If we are to do this; you will need your strength."

"Ryos..." She was afraid. They had become good friends and it pained her to know something might happen to the large Wolf. Why did she always have to get attached to everyone?

"I will not die!" he promised. "Find your battle ground and I will stand beside you, little one."

Dillon slammed the female against the ground, his powerful muscles tensed. She briefly struggled, but quickly took the hint not to anger the Saiya-jin further. "Why are you alone?" he snarled.

"I came to get help! Cowli can't get off of Namek without the Ice-jins finding him or the babies!"

"He let a female travel unprotected!" Raditz snarled. Dillon allowed the girl up, but didn't release his hold. She tried not to think about the fingers possessively stroking her neck.

"I can take care of myself!"

"And what of Nappa or Paragus!" Fasha paled, trying not to show her fear. She had been afraid, knowing they would brutally kill her, but not without having their fun first.

"Cowli is the only one strong enough to protect those babies. I don't have a mate; it made better since if I died than him."

Dillon snarled, "We cannot afford the loss of even one female. You will not do this again."

"I don't take orders from anyone!"

Dillon barely felt the blow to his chest, amused that she would even bother. She was strong for a female, but it had been a long time since anyone had defeated him in battle. He liked this one. She wasn't afraid to stand her ground, even if she was foolish about it. "Does Frieza or Cooler know about Namek?"

"Momentarily, no."

"Then we leave them there."

Fasha paled, struggling to get lose. Dillon didn't miss a beat, turning her until her back was pressed against his front, two powerful arms wrapping around the female until she was trapped. "We cannot afford to draw attention to that planet. You were lucky to get by the war ships. Cowli is a royal guard; give him the respect due that title."

"He can't..."

"Cowli has no choice," Raditz growled, reluctantly agreeing with Dillon. It was suicide to go after them, not with every Ice-jin on the alert and looking for a reason to attack and destroy. The Saiya-jins were thought as dead; they could not afford to reveal their cards just yet.

'Lema!' He called out, hoping she wasn't in the middle of a fight. She would know what to do.

'He is safe on Namek, Raditz. The Nameks are a peaceful race, very few of them warriors. It will be many years before Frieza takes an interest in that planet. Do not attempt contact; the Ice-jins have technology that will intercept all communications.'

She sounded tired. 'I am,' she admitted reluctantly, her mind thick with sleep. 'Do not try to rescue me! As far as Cooler and Frieza are concerned, I am the only surviving Saiya-jin, other than Nappa and Paragus. Judging from Cooler's reaction to my escape, Nappa won't live long if he comes back here.'

'Good!' Raditz hissed.

'He deserves a traitor's death, Raditz. I will not appreciate the Ice-jins carrying out my responsiblity and my right!'

'Where will you go, Lema?'

'To find an Army.'

'Your insane! No one's crazy enough to fight the Ice-jins.'

'You'd be surprised at what survivors are capable of, Raditz. Are we not willing to fight for our existence when the time comes. If the answer is no, we have no right to survive. We were eight when we escaped the Tuffles; later there were more. We can re-build our race, but only if we don't give up!'

This was the Lema they all knew, fierce and determined. She no longer allowed the visions of the past, present, or future to affect her. If she were to die, then she would do so with pride and honor. 'Be safe, little cousin.'

'Shut up!' He smiled. "Lema said to leave Namek alone. Cowli will be in no harm for several years."

"We can't take that chance," Fasha hissed. "What of the prince? Surely you can't..."

Dillon easily lifted the outraged female off the ground, tossing her over his shoulder, and headed for their temporary home. They had stopped on a world called Jupiter, inhabited by strange humnoids that were fierce and hostile. A few had made the mistake of engaging their new visitors; all of them had died at Dillon's or Raditz's hand.

Raditz was almost greatful his mate didn't give him this much trouble. She rarely put up a fight and went out of her way to ease his fears and anger. Ringo worried about Lema as much as her mate, but tried not to complain. Still, he wondered if occassionaly she couldn't be a little fiesty! At least she could track! They would have all starved to death if it hadn't been for her skills.

He chuckled. Dillon was in for an interesting time with Fasha. She would be a good mother though; extremely protective and would not hesitate to stand at her mate's side in battle. Raditz had a feeling Dillon wasn't going to like her decision, but like Turles, he had to learn that females couldn't be kept in a cage or a plastic bubble.

Raditz missed his homeland, and wondered, not for the first time, if he would once again be united with his fellow Saiya-jins? Were they truly fighting a hopless war?

They crouched behind hidden crates, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. There would not be a second chance. As the two guards turned their backs, Lema and Ryos attacked. The first went down without a sound, sharp teeth deep in his throat. Lema wasn't quite so lucky with the second, but she did manage to rip out his stomach before rushing to the ship. Alarms started to blare. Lema put on a burst of speed, not looking back to know Ryos was at her side. He had said he could keep up, and she had to trust him.

She knew nothing of space ships or controls, but the moment she reached for help, everyone flooded her with years of knowledge. Lema had no idea what she was doing as her hands flew across the control panels, only that she was responding and executing to the commands of her father. He could see everything through her eyes and in a matter of seconds, they were blasting into outer space. Temporarily they were free. Lema had a plan and thankfully Ryos agreed. One-by-one, she was going to free every planet in the control of the Ice-jins. Her army would start small, but hopefully she would have the numbers she needed to fight her galactic war.