Final Confrontation

Velvet opened her eyes slowly. Every muscle ached and her body felt heavy, like it wasn't hers. Velvet could see nothing but a pale, blue glow surrounding her. She was lying down on her back. She sat up slowly and rubbed her head.

"Where am I?" She grumbled to herself, wincing at the cut in the back of her head. She pulled her hand away and saw it was covered in blood. She touched the back of her head again tenderly. It wasn't bleeding too badly… Velvet looked around, her eyes more focused this time. She was in a room of some sort, a large one at that. She reached out and touched the almost transparent, blue casing that surrounded her. It felt like glass. Velvet remembered that Aphrodite was captured in one just like it. With that thought, Velvet looked around again. Sure enough, Aphrodite, the queen of Vegeta-sei, was beside her in another casing like hers. It looked like a large crystal. Velvet cursed to herself. Lexis had knocked her unconscious and captured her… Velvet stood up shakily and banged the crystal hard with her fist. She powered up to Super Saiya-jin and punched the casing as hard as she could. Velvet bit her lip and cradled her fist. "It's solid… no way will I break it. It's more like diamond than glass!" She said to herself. "Queen Aphrodite!" Velvet pounded on the glass, trying to get the queen's attention. She was on her knees, head bowed and arms wrapped around herself. Velvet pounded the casing a few more times and Aphrodite lifted her head slowly. Velvet gasped; the queen had been attacked. Her lip was burst and her eye was black and blue. Her right cheek was swollen and there was deep cut across her forehead too. "Oh god… Aphrodite…" Velvet leant against the glass before sliding down to her knees slowly. Aphrodite watched her with sad eyes.

"Velvet…" She said quietly. Velvet could hardly hear her because she was speaking so quietly; the casing didn't seem affect sound. "Where is my son… he was… supposed to take care of you…" Aphrodite trailed off as she began coughing. She coughed out some blood to the side and Velvet felt a tear run down her cheek as she powered down.

"Oh Aphrodite… what did that monster do to you?"

"That matters not… You have to… escape…" Aphrodite reached out with both hands and pressed them against the glass before rising up on her knees. Velvet could see her gown was torn and slashed. Her arms had been covering multiple cuts across her stomach. Velvet reached out and touched the glass as well.

"I have to get you out of here… I can't leave you here…"

"Do not worry about me…"

"I can't leave you! I'll kill that bastard for what he's done to you…" Velvet snarled, more tears running down her cheeks. Seeing such a beautiful woman with such a kind heart and nature looking so battered and upset was too much for Velvet to handle. Aphrodite smiled weakly.

"You are a kind young woman with a strong spirit and just as strong beliefs… I doubt my son could have picked a better mate…"

"It wasn't his choice…" Velvet smiled, trying to cheer herself up. Aphrodite shook her head.

"No… he chose you… That old custom faded away years ago… The prince has his own choice; he can pick any female he wants… Vegeta took one look at you and fell in love… This love became stronger when he saw you more and more… Even just a chance to catch a glimpse of you and he would…" Aphrodite laughed softly, losing herself in memories. Velvet jaw hung open in disbelief at what the queen was telling her.

"So… out of all the females on the planet… I was his choice?"

"Of course… He wanted to tell you but… he never could… He was too shy and too afraid…" Aphrodite stopped speaking as she began coughing again, more blood falling from her open mouth. Velvet was confused by everything the queen had told her. Vegeta picked her? And he was too shy to tell her?

"Aphrodite… spare your energy…" Velvet said quietly as Aphrodite stopped coughing. The two turned their head to the doorway as the door opened and Lexis walked in. He smirked.

"Awake at last, eh?"

Zephyr sighed as he sat down on the ground.

"I can't take this… knowing what might happen to her and being this far away… I want to help!"

"She told us to leave…" Navet said quietly. "But I'm worried too…"

"Do you think Velvet-san will be…" Sakai trailed off.

"That's it! I'm going to that castle!" Zephyr yelled as he stood up. "Are you two coming?"

"Definitely!" Navet grinned.

"Of course…" Sakai nodded as the three took off in the direction of the castle again where Lexis' ship was. The three teens put on as much speed as possible and hurried to the ship. As soon as they could see what was going on atop the surface of the ship, they were pulled into battle.

"Zephyr! Why the hell are you here?!" Ikra yelled as she caught a glimpse of the three teens. Zephyr hurried over as she bit into her opponent.

"We're not going anywhere! We want to find and help Velvet! And just what the hell are you doing?!" Zephyr asked with disgust as Ikra wiped her mouth. The Super Saiya-jin grinned.

"It's their weakness… Whenever our saliva is introduced to their blood stream, they suffer from a violent reaction…" She pointed to the corpse at their feet as Navet and Sakai walked over. Kakarotto also approached.

"Just bite them, okay?" Kakarotto said simply. The younger teens nodded slowly. All five saiya-jins yelped in surprise as a huge hole was blown in the surface of the ship from inside just a few feet away from where they were standing. All watched as Vegeta jumped out and fired a ki blast into the hole. A chorus of screams drifted out. Vegeta landed on his knees, panting heavily. The group could see he had been in quite a battle.

"Vegeta!" Ikra ran over to him as he collapsed onto his back.

"I-Ikra?" Vegeta's voice sounded husky. A nasty looking cut ran along his throat and his face was scratched and bruised. His clothes were torn, revealing more cuts that criss-crossed his skin. Ikra helped him to sit up as Kakarotto and the others came over. Kakarotto knelt down on the other side of the wounded prince.

"Are you okay, Vegeta?"

"The guards… they managed to surround me… I couldn't hold off fifteen of them…"

"You look exhausted… Maybe you should go find somewhere to heal for a while…"

"No, Ikra… I can't… Velvet is still in there… As is my mother…" Vegeta gritted his teeth and stood up with the help of Kakarotto and Ikra. He smiled weakly at the two. "Thanks…"

"We found their weakness…" Ikra told him. Vegeta's face lit up instantly.

"You did? Great! What is it?"

"Our saliva… they don't seem to agree with it…"

"What?" Vegeta gave the two saiya-jins that were holding him up a sceptical look. "So we have to bite them?"

"Yep…" Ikra nodded as she powered down from Super Saiya-jin. "Now, where did Velvet go?"

"I have a way to find her…" Kakarotto grinned.

"No! Leave her alone, you bastard!" Velvet screamed as she pounded the casing as hard as she could. Tears streamed down her face as Aphrodite's battered body hit the outside of her casing with a thud. The queen fell to the ground in a crumpled heap. Lexis walked over and picked her up by the hair and held her up to the glass. Velvet almost couldn't look. Lexis had beaten Aphrodite right in front of her eyes. The queen's gown was nothing more than a few strips of material that clung to open wounds. Her entire body was covered in deep cuts. Her left arm was broken in several places as were both her legs. Her face was barely recognisable through the blood that ran over it's surface. Her tail had been ripped off painfully and tied tightly round her right arm so as to cut of the blood flow. Velvet screamed her curses at him through her tears.

"Just wait… It will be your turn soon…" Lexis smirked as he flung Aphrodite hard across the room. She choked out a sob of pain as she crashed into the wall, breaking yet more of her bones. Aphrodite was not weak at all; she could stand up for herself. But Lexis had paralysed her and Velvet could do nothing but watch.

"Is this what was to happen to me in front of Vegeta's eyes?" Velvet sobbed quietly as Lexis walked over to the fallen queen and kicked her hard, the contact secured with a sickening crunch. Velvet screamed out as Aphrodite hit the casing of her prison once again. Her body dropped, leaving a blood smear all the way down the casing. Velvet fell to her knees crying. Lexis smirked, enjoying her suffering. Aphrodite was still alive. She drew in ragged breaths, her naked and bloody body shaking in pain. Velvet didn't have the strength to strike the casing anymore.

"Enjoying this?" Lexis laughed cruelly as he picked Aphrodite up by the hair again and smirked before smashing her face against the crystal. Velvet closed her eyes and looked away, screaming as Aphrodite's skull smashed repeatedly against the surface, blood spurting from every wound.

"You sick bastard! I'll fucking kill you! There won't be a single scrap of your hell-forsaken body left once I'm through with you! And that's only if Vegeta doesn't tear you apart into shreds first! Leave her alone, you fucking coward! Come get me instead!" Velvet screamed at him, her anger soaring through the roof. Lexis dropped Aphrodite and frowned.

"Temper, temper…" Her snarled before kicking the queen again in the ribs. She was beyond any help now, her last ounce of life was long gone.

"Aphrodite!" Velvet sobbed loudly as she slid to her knees, reaching out for the once beautiful face that was now smashed into pieces against the crystal. Blood flowed out of the lifeless, beaten body. Velvet stood up angrily.

"Do you have something to say to me?" Lexis smirked. Velvet gritted her teeth and clenched her fists before scowling at Lexis with such hatred, it would have put Lucifer himself to shame.

"I have so much to say, it would make you fucking sick! I swear, when I get out of this glass trap, you will wish so dearly that your waste of a soul had never even been born into this universe. I will avenge the queen who you ruined and killed so spitefully. There will be not a trace of your accursed being left to gloat over what you have done…" Velvet trailed off as there was a bright flash and in the middle of the room, stood three teen saiya-jins.

"Ah we have some guests! Ikra… Kakarotto… and course, Prince Vegeta… Well, I suppose you're the king now! I'm afraid to say you've already missed the show… but there is much more to come…" Lexis smirked at the three before disappearing. Vegeta scowled before noticed the crystal that Velvet was within. His eyes fell to the body before the crystal. Vegeta nearly collapsed as he walked over. The bloody mess of flesh and twisted bones that lay before Velvet was only recognisable by the silver tiara that had been turned and round and driven into the smashed skull. Vegeta fell to his knees, eyes wide and mouth open in pure horror. Velvet broke down crying. Ikra and Kakarotto watched in horror as Vegeta bowed his head before flinging it back with a cry of despair. They hurried over. Ikra almost threw up when she saw the remains of what was once the queen of Vegeta-sei. Kakarotto knelt down beside Vegeta. The Prince had his head bowed down and his body shook as he choked with sorrow. Ikra looked into the crystal at Velvet, who was completely hysterical with sadness.

"Just what did she have to endure?" Ikra spat harshly as she looked at her friend. Kakarotto shook his head, his own rage almost out of control.

"Vegeta…" Kakarotto turned back to the Prince, who stared at his mother's body as if waiting for it to disappear so he could wake up from this nightmare. Vegeta looked up at Velvet, who had her back to the three.

"Velvet… My mother… He won't get away with this!!!" Vegeta roared, his power shooting through the roof with rage. "Velvet! Velvet!" Vegeta called to her desperately but she didn't seem to her him. Vegeta stood up and moved round to the side Velvet was facing. She looked up at him and said something, her voice inaudible.

"She can't hear us!" Ikra snarled as she stood up. Kakarotto also got up. Vegeta pounded the glass. Velvet leant against the casing and seemed to be shouting his name. Tears ran down her cheeks.

"Velvet! Velvet!" Vegeta yelled as he punched the glass repeatedly. "I won't let him get away with this! I'll fucking KILL HIM!!!!" Vegeta roared at the top of his voice. Ikra and Kakarotto shielded their eyes as his aura exploded with power. When they looked back, the Prince stood before them as a Super Saiya-jin, but not like he had ever been before. His hair was spiky to an extent of incredibly wild. A furious length of golden tail lashed viscously behind him. Blue energy snaked around him like electricity. His power made it hard for Ikra and Kakarotto to even stand near him.

"A stage further than Super Saiya-jin!? Vegeta, how the hell…?!" Ikra gasped. Vegeta looked over at her, his eyes cold with rage. He turned back to the casing. Velvet was still crying and shouting. Vegeta scowled before drawing back his fist. Velvet stepped back as Vegeta's fast glowed. He yelled as he struck out, shattering the casing into tiny pieces. Velvet stood in the middle. She gasped before falling forward into Vegeta's arms. He caught her and held her close, hugging her as tightly as he could.

"Velvet…"

"And that's basically when you guys arrived… I'm so sorry Vegeta… I couldn't-"

"Don't apologise…" Vegeta said softly, hugging her as tight as he could. He has powered down from Super Saiya-jin by now and was trying to calm Velvet and himself down. Ikra and Kakarotto stayed back and allowed the two to comfort each other. Velvet cried into Vegeta's chest. She felt entirely responsible for Aphrodite's death for some reason… Even she didn't know why.

"I'm so… so sorry…" Velvet whispered. Vegeta only squeezed her tighter.

"No, I'm the one who should be sorry… I never should have let you go off alone… If I had stayed with you, you would never have gone through this and I'm so sorry… Velvet… The whole time, I was terrified of what might be happening to you…"

"But… Aphrodite…

"We will avenge her death… I have no time to mourn… She would be angry with me if I did…" Vegeta said sadly. Vegeta squeezed him as tightly as she could. She was so incredibly glad he was with her now… She couldn't have handled any more time alone in that crystal with Lexis beating the corpse.

"I know…"

"I'm just so glad you're okay… If he had got to you, I don't know what I would have done if you had… Oh god, I'm so glad you're okay!" Vegeta said quietly, his voice trembling as much as his body. Velvet smiled and pulled back to look at him. She stroked his cheek softly.

"I'm right here… I won't go anywhere…"

"I won't let you… I don't want to let you go ever again…" Vegeta managed to choke the words out, a tear running down his cheek. Velvet wiped it away before kissing him softly. She pulled away and hugged him tightly again. Ikra walked over.

"Velvet, did Lexis say anything about leaving suddenly?"

"No, nothing at all…" Velvet shook her head as she turned round in Vegeta's arms. He held her from behind.

"He's toying with us, the bastard…" Vegeta snarled. Velvet turned to look at him as he rested his head on her shoulder.

"Then we must be prepared for him…"

"No need in worrying!" Lexis' voice echoed throughout the room. "I'm elsewhere but I'm sure you'll wait for me. I have some business to attend to before I get to play with you lot. In exactly half an hour, I will return to finish you all off…." He laughed cruelly again before his voice faded away. Kakarotto groaned.

"Great, more waiting…"

"This sucks…" Ikra groaned as she leant back against the wall. Kakarotto smiled.

"At least we get some more time together…"

"Yeah… But I can't believe Lexis locked us in here!" She scowled. "I really want to get him back for everything he did to Velvet and Queen Aphrodite…"

"I know… I do too…" Kakarotto said softly as he wrapped his arm around her shoulders. Ikra leaned against him and closed her eyes. She opened them again and looked over at Vegeta and Velvet, who were sitting as far away from the corpse as possible.

"I feel so sorry for Vegeta… His father and then his mother…" Ikra bowed her head.

"It's a good job Velvet's okay… If she had gone too, I don't think Vegeta would have been able to handle it… Those two have become incredibly close since my father's premonition…"

"It will just make it harder for them both if the premonition comes true…" Ikra said sadly. Vegeta wasn't the only one who didn't want Velvet to die… Ikra didn't want to lose her best friend…

"It's quite funny how Vegeta was able to realise that he and Velvet would make a good couple…" Kakarotto smiled. Ikra glanced up at him.

"What do you mean?"

"Vegeta chose Velvet years ago… The fact that she was the strongest female was just a helping hand to make sure he would get the chance to battle her on the night of the gathering…"

"Really?" Ikra was quite surprised. She looked over at the two. "Wow… I never knew…"

"No one did… Only King Vegeta, Queen Aphrodite, Vegeta and myself knew…" Kakarotto smiled again.

"She was lucky… she got to battle her mate… I had to battle Sheikh… If I had lost, you would be with her right now…"

"No I wouldn't! I would never have become Sheikh's mate!" Kakarotto exclaimed. Ikra looked up at him again.

"What?"

"I wouldn't have allowed Sheikh to kill you because it was you I wanted as my mate… not her… She was too… arrogant for me…" Kakarotto said as he made a face. Ikra smiled slightly and blushed.

"So… the whole time… it was me you wanted?"

"Of course! I've had my eye on you for ages!" He smiled, tapping her nose lightly. Ikra laughed and wrapped her arms around his neck before hugging him tightly. Kakarotto wrapped his arms around her and hugged her back. "Didn't you notice that before?"

"No, never!" Ikra laughed again. "I can't believe that! I'd never seen you until we went to Getsar!"

"That doesn't mean I had never seen you… remember the tournament to prove who the strongest female was?"

"Yeah… I lost at fifth place…" Ikra grumbled. Kakarotto laughed.

"Only because you had to fight Sheikh right after fighting her sister, Violet…"

"They were sisters?!"

"Yep… Not too friendly with one another but…"

"That explains it…" Ikra grumbled.

"Well, it doesn't matter now… because you're mine and mine only…" Kakarotto grinned before trailing his finger down her neck and stroking the bite mark he himself had made. Ikra smiled before kissing him.

"I can't believe she told you…" Vegeta groaned, hiding his face in his folded arms as he lay on his stomach. Velvet giggled and stroked his hair.

"I'm really quite flattered, y'know…"

"You are?" Vegeta looked up at her. Velvet smiled, still running her fingers through his hair.

"Of course… There was such a huge choice of possible mates… and you picked me… I think that's real sweet…" Velvet smiled to herself as Vegeta's cheeks flushed with a light pink colour.

"Ah, quit it!" Vegeta murmured as he sat up. Velvet smiled but it quickly faded.

"How long do you think we have left until Lexis returns?"

"Enough time to relax a bit…" Vegeta said quietly. "I'm a bit winded from that new Super Saiya-jin stage…"

"You surpassed stage one… That's amazing…" Velvet's smile returned again. "Do you think you can do it again?"

"I won't know until Lexis gets here…" Vegeta smirked. Velvet smiled and lay down, her arms folded behind her head.

"I'm glad we have some time to spare. I'm still a little shaky…"

"I'm not surprised…" Vegeta frowned. Velvet moved so she could rest her head on Vegeta's lap. He stroked her forehead softly, pushing her bangs out of her face. "I'm really sorry that I wasn't there for you… not much of a mate, am I?"

"Don't say that…" Velvet took hold of both of Vegeta's hands. "It wasn't your fault you weren't there… I was the stubborn one who said we should split up… Besides, there wouldn't have been much you could have done if you were there…"

"I suppose…"

"Please don't worry about it…" Velvet said softly before pulling him down to kiss him. When she pulled away, both smiled.

"I'm not letting you out of my sight when Lexis gets here…"

"Fine with me…"

Outside the ship, three concerned saiya-jin's paced the surface of the ship.

"Why are they taking so long? They should have found Velvet and the queen by now…" Zephyr groaned. Sakai rubbed his shoulder to comfort him.

"I'm sure they're okay… Maybe… maybe they're waiting to fight Lexis?"

"I hope not… That guy is serious trouble…" Navet added as he sat down before flopping backwards onto his back.

"I just want them to come back so I know Velvet is okay…" Zephyr groaned as he sat beside Navet before pulling Sakai down onto his lap. "Do you guys think she can beat Bardock's premonition with the others' help?"

"Of course they can! They're the strongest on the planet! If Velvet-san is safe with anyone, it's those three…" Sakai smiled reassuringly before hugging him tightly. Navet smiled.

"I have to agree with Sakai here… They will all make it out alive…"

"Time's up…" Vegeta said firmly as he stood up. He pulled Velvet to her feet before pulling her close to him. "Can you have Kakarotto take you out of here?"

"No…" Velvet shook her head. Vegeta pulled her closer.

"Velvet please… I won't be able to fight him properly if you're distracting me or if I'm worried about you…" He pleaded. Velvet looked up at him.

"I want to help you avenge Queen Aphrodite's death… If I get injured badly, I'll leave… for your sake…" She said softly. Vegeta smiled before kissing her.

"Great… I already spoke to Kakarotto so when you need to leave, go speak to him… If you both go, that'll make sure you have a better chance of escaping… Now let's go over to Ikra and Kakarotto…" Vegeta suggested. Velvet nodded and the two hurried over to the other couple, who were also ready for battle.

"Is she going to leave?" Kakarotto asked as Vegeta and Velvet approached them. Vegeta shook his head.

"No, not unless she gets hurt…"

"What about Kakarotto?" Ikra hissed at Vegeta when the other two weren't looking. Vegeta shrugged.

"I dunno… We'll have to wait and see…"

"What?! Vegeta-"

"Well, well, well! Still want to fight me, do you?" Lexis smirked as he walked in through the now open doors. All four saiya-jins crouched into fighting stance, each with a scowl upon their faces. Lexis laughed. "Oh, you're all so eager!"

"Shut it, Lexis!" Vegeta snarled. "Just quit the talk… Let us see just how good a fighter you are…"

"Heh… Fine…" Lexis let his sceptre go and it dematerialised. He clenched both fists and grinned. The next thing anyone saw was Velvet being sent flying backwards into a wall by a punch from Lexis. He disappeared again and reappeared beside Kakarotto, who he began punching. Kakarotto couldn't keep up with Lexis as he was also thrown back, straight into Velvet, who was just getting up. The two lay in a heap on the floor. Vegeta and Ikra looked over at their mates before scowling at Lexis. Both burst into Super Saiya-jin before lunging at him. Lexis managed to avoid the rapid blows Ikra and Vegeta were delivering. He smirked before punching both out of his way as he leapt over to where Velvet and Kakarotto were just getting up. Kakarotto managed to punch Lexis across the face as he jumped out of his path, giving Velvet time to turn into a Super Saiya-jin. Lexis scowled and looked confused. Last time he checked, there were only two Super Saiya-jins on the entire planet, but he alone was facing three… He looked over at Ikra, who begun to advance with Vegeta. The four saiya-jins surrounded him. Vegeta smirked.

"Any last words?"

Lexis looked around with a scowl. Velvet at his back, Ikra and Kakarotto on either side and Vegeta right in front of him, arms folded. Vegeta threw his head back and laughed loudly.

"Oh my, this is rich! Now you will pay dearly for what you have done to my mother… and to Velvet…" He smirked. Lexis scowled once more before his lip turned up in a smirk much like Vegeta's.

"Bring it on…" Lexis smirked. He stretched his arm out behind him and a short blade materialised in his hand. All four saiya-jins lunged at once, each striking out at the yggdrasian emperor. Lexis managed to dodge all the blows as the four began punching and kicking wildly. Lexis was too fast for them, all except Velvet. She had the reputation of being the fastest saiya-jin on the planet and Lexis was finding it hard to avoid her rapid attacks. Vegeta, Ikra and Kakarotto jumped back as Velvet took Lexis on alone. The two blurred out of sight. Ikra smirked.

"She's still got the speed…" She laughed as Lexis and Velvet fought, dancing around the room as they tried to hit each other. Lexis swung his blade dangerously, cutting Velvet's flesh but she didn't care. She punched out and hit him in the jaw before kneeing him in the stomach. Lexis quickly recovered and kicked Velvet's leg out from under her. Ikra snarled and jumped it as Lexis raised his fist. He seemed to sense Ikra's approach and spun round, slashing the air with his blade. Ikra yelped in surprise as the blade narrowly missed her face. Lexis punched her in the stomach. This gave Velvet time to attack. She locked her hands together and brought them down hard on Lexis' back, being careful not to slice her hands open on the sharp armour he wore. Lexis growled as he strained under the hit, falling to one knee and dropping his blade. As Ikra and Velvet moved in to attack, Lexis roared loudly as his power blazed, knocking the two saiya-jin females aside. Lexis stood up, his aura burning with a dark red and black energy. Ikra and Velvet shook themselves before lunging at Lexis again. Lexis batted them both aside easily before he advanced on Ikra. Ikra looked up to see Lexis' fist rushing down at her. Her head snapped back with a sickening crack and blood poured from her nose and lip. She winced in pain before her feet were knocked out from under her. Velvet gasped as she saw Lexis straddle Ikra before punching her repeatedly in the face, his armour slashing her sides. Velvet jumped forward but Lexis quickly turned to her. He stretched his arm out and a black cloud shot out. Velvet screeched as she was suddenly pinned to the wall by a black, wire net that was channelled with black energy. She screamed as the wires cut deep into her skin, allowing the black energy to burn her flesh. Vegeta cursed and ran over before grabbing the wires. He ignored the searing pain as the wires cut into his hands as he tried desperately to pull the wire off.

"Shit!" Vegeta cursed loudly as Velvet slowly went limp. Kakarotto had ran to help Ikra, stopping to pick up Lexis' blade as he ran. He twisted round and tossed it.

"Vegeta! Use that!" He yelled before turning to lunge at Lexis, punching him hard in the back of the neck and knocking him off Ikra. Vegeta caught the blade and sliced at the net. The energy faded as the wires snapped, causing Velvet to fall to the ground. Vegeta picked her up and shook her.

"Velvet! Wake up, come on!" He yelled as he looked over his shoulder to see Lexis beating Kakarotto into a wall whilst Ikra tried to pull herself to her feet. He turned back to his mate. "Come on!"

"Vegeta… go help them…" Velvet said weakly as she opened her eyes. He body was covered in deep cuts, thick, sticky blood oozing from each one. Her training suit was slashed in numerous places too. Vegeta scowled before setting her down. He raced over to Ikra and Kakarotto.

"Kakarotto!" Ikra cursed under her breath as Kakarotto fell limply to the ground. She mustered all her strength and stood up before lunging at Lexis. He twisted round and backhanded her across the face before turning back to kick Kakarotto repeatedly. Vegeta jumped in and punched him hard in the back, shattering his armour and causing pieces of metal to dig into his fist. Vegeta cursed as Lexis turned on him. Kakarotto got up weakly as Ikra hurried over to help. All three began punching wildly at Lexis, who took some of the hits like they were nothing and dodged the rest.

"Kakarotto, we have to get Velvet out of here!" Vegeta hissed as he ducked a kick. Kakarotto nodded.

"Then I'll be right back to help… But I can't locate anyone to use the Shukdan Idou…"

"Fine! Just hurry!" Vegeta yelled. Kakarotto jumped out of battle and ran to Velvet. Lexis punched both Vegeta and Ikra out of the way before shifting in front of Kakarotto.

"Going some-" He was cut off as Vegeta jumped on him from behind and knocked him to the ground. Kakarotto grabbed Velvet and carried her out of the room. Lexis punched Vegeta off but was quickly attacked by Ikra. He roared loudly before channelling energy into his fist and punch Ikra. She coughed up blood as his fist embedded into her stomach before she was punched across the jaw. She went flying and crashed into Vegeta. Both got to their feet shakily.

"Vegeta, now would be a good time to go Super Saiya-jin Stage 2!"

"I need more time!"

"Then try now!" Ikra yelled as she lunged forward to occupy Lexis. Vegeta cursed and began powering up rapidly. He remembered the vision of his mothers corpse and his power exploded.

Ikra coughed up more blood as Lexis kneed her in the gut before bringing his fists down on her back and knocking her into the ground. He rose into the air before descending quickly and ramming his elbow into her back. Ikra screamed in back and she felt like her spine had snapped. She felt another high power approach quickly as Vegeta hurried over. He punched Lexis hard across the jaw, sending him flying across the room and into a wall. Vegeta knelt down and helped Ikra to sit up.

"My spine…"

"Just rest a moment… I'll take care of him until you feel ready again…" Vegeta told her softly. Ikra looked up at him. His eyes were icy and his expression hard and cold. She nodded, wincing in pain as Vegeta removed his hold on her. She lay back down on her stomach panting heavily. Vegeta stood up and scowled as Lexis pulled himself out of the wall.

"You bastard…" He scowled. Vegeta frowned before clenching his fists and powering up as much as he could. Lexis gasped in horror as Vegeta's power shot off the scale, blue energy encircling him and his might causing the entire ship to shake. "Oh shit…"

"You have to go back… and help them…" Velvet said weakly. Kakarotto shook his head.

"I promised I'd get you somewhere safe…. Whoa!" Kakarotto gasped as the entire ship trembled. A large pipe that ran along the ceiling dislodged itself and swung down towards them. Kakarotto managed to dodge, skidding along the ground, but he managed to twist so that he stopped Velvet from hitting the ground. She got up off him.

"Vegeta!" She called, suddenly lively again. Kakarotto also got up and rubbed his hip, which he'd landed on. "We have to go help"

"No! Velvet!" Kakarotto ran after her as Velvet took off down the hallway in the direction they had came from, ignoring her injuries. Even in the state she was, Velvet was faster than Kakarotto and she managed to make it to the site of the battle, quickly powering up to Super Saiya-jin. She was about to run into battle again as she saw Vegeta and Lexis fighting in the far corner, but she saw Ikra lying on the ground. She ran over.

"Ikra!"

"Velvet? What the hell are you doing here?" Ikra asked as she got to her feet shakily with Velvet's help. Kakarotto ran over as he entered the room.

"Ikra!"

"I'm fine… we have to help Vegeta…"

"No problem…" Velvet snarled as she powered up to her maximum. Both Ikra and Kakarotto were surprised to see her forget her injuries and rush over to help her mate.

"She must be real worried.." Ikra groaned.

Vegeta frowned as Velvet jumped into the fight, also punching at Lexis as wildly as Vegeta was.

"Velvet! What the hell are you- Look out!" He leapt at her and knocked her out of the way as a black ki ball shot past where she had been standing. Vegeta got up again quickly.

"Vegeta!" Velvet got to her feet as Vegeta engaged in battle with Lexis again. Velvet gasped as the wall furthest away was blown into smithereens by the ki ball she had been in the path of just a moment ago. Her jaw dropped. "A ball of pure dark energy… shit!" Velvet turned to where Vegeta was avoiding more energy-charged punches. "If he gets hit by that…" Velvet lunged at Lexis and grabbed him from behind. He flung her off but it gave Vegeta the time he needed. Vegeta managed to get Lexis in a death grip. One leg wrapped around the alien's waist whilst one arm snaked over his shoulder, the other coming up between his legs to clasp hands. Vegeta smirked and tightened the grip, crushing Lexis. The alien emperor screamed in pain as his rib cage nearly cracked from the pressure.

"You're history!" Vegeta yelled in his ear. Velvet moved round to the front of Lexis and allowed her ki to gather in her hands. She drew back her fists, causing Lexis to gasp as he realised what came next. Struggling to free himself, Lexis writhed in the saiya-jin prince's grip but Vegeta simply crushed him all the more. Velvet smirked.

"Neo Debacle!" She screamed as the energy that circled her hands turned black. Lexis screamed as Velvet punched forward as hard as she could, her fists driving deep into his stomach. Vegeta let go as the black energy flowed into Lexis' body. Velvet and Vegeta stepped back as Lexis screamed in pain, the black energy eating him from inside. He fell to the ground, his body shaking violently. Kakarotto and Ikra walked over. Lexis clutched his stomach and sniggered.

"This… isn't over…" He smirked. The saiya-jin's watched in horror as Lexis drove his own hand deep into his stomach where Velvet had planted the energy. Lexis spluttered thick, dark red blood, spewing it onto the floor as he reached within his own body. Velvet felt sick as the blood spread like an amoeba, causing the saiya-jins to step back to avoid it. Lexis made sickening gurgling noises as he pumped his own black energy within himself. He ripped his hand out, holding a ball of neo black energy. He smirked before spewing up more blood. The energy ball was pitch black, with blue energy running over the surface. Velvet gasped.

"That can't be! Neo energy cannot be contained!"

"I'm afraid it can…" Lexis said huskily. "And I can use it for myself… Yah!" Lexis flung the ball into the air. It floated there for a few moments. All the saiya-jin gawked at it in fear, knowing that running wouldn't help if it advanced on them. Lexis smirked as he placed a hand over the wound in his stomach. His hand glowed with energy and when he removed it, only a black scar remained. He wiped his mouth before raising a hand to the energy ball. It split into two. Velvet gasped. Since mastering the Neo Debacle, she learned all about Neo and black energy and knew of its capabilities…

"Oh shit…"

"Now… Who will I hit?" Lexis smirked. He looked round at the teen saiya-jins, each were finding it hard to contain their fear. Lexis sniggered before raising his other arm. The energy spilt into four. "Let's play a game… Now run, my little saiya-jins… the first one to get hit by this energy, loses… " He smirked.

"Shit, run for it!" Velvet shouted as she made a dash for the door. The others followed. Lexis laughed.

"You have ten seconds!"

"Shit, shit, shit, shit!!" Velvet cursed as she bolted down the corridor. Vegeta ran alongside her.

"What do we do now?"

"Split up!" Velvet yelled as they came to a fork in the hallway. Vegeta and Ikra instinctively ran one whilst Kakarotto and Velvet ran the other. Velvet cursed again as she heard a low sound, like something was chasing them. It sounded like something was crackling like electricity. Velvet and Kakarotto looked over their shoulders to see two balls of neo energy chasing them. They both cursed simultaneously and sped up as much as they could.

"We have to get rid of them!"

"There's no way!"

"There has to be!" Kakarotto exclaimed desperately. Velvet took off and flew backwards as she powered up a ki ball. Kakarotto watched as he ran. Velvet's ki ball glowed darkly. She yelled as she tossed it at one of the balls, blowing it up. Kakarotto laughed.

"Now the other one!"

"I… can't…" Velvet panted as she went back to running. "I… wouldn't be… able to… move…"

"What?! Ah shit!"

"We have to destroy them!" Vegeta yelled. Ikra stopped running and ducked down, allowing the neo energy to fly over her.

"Vegeta!"

"Ah shit!" The saiya-jin prince yelped as he yanked his tail out of the way of the energy before ducking under it. The neo energy turned and set after them again.

"How can we destroy them?!" Ikra yelled as they both bolted under the energy before running as fast as they could in the opposite direction.

"If we can get back to Lexis and out-trick the energy into hitting him…"

"Come on then!" Vegeta yelled. Both Super Saiya-jins rushed as fast as they could back to where Lexis was waiting.

"What the?!" Lexis cursed as Vegeta and Ikra ran at him jumping on him and knocking to the ground. They both rolled off in time for the energy ball to hit Lexis. Both neo energy balls faded as soon as they did so. Vegeta and Ikra got up only to have to engage into battle with Lexis again.

"We can't keep this up!"

"Kakarotto! Don't stop!" Velvet yelled. Kakarotto closed his eyes, a searing pain shooting up his back as an energy strip from the neo ball lashed out. Kakarotto tripped and skidded along the ground to a halt. Velvet gasped. "Kakarotto! NO!" Velvet yelled as the neo energy loomed down on her friend. She twisted round and leapt for Kakarotto, shoving him along the ground. Velvet screamed in pain as the neo energy engulfed her leg, tearing at the skin and threatening to rip her entire leg off. Kakarotto gasped.

"Velvet! How can we stop it!?" Kakarotto dragged himself to his hands and knees and crawled over. Velvet writhed about in pain as the neo energy crept up her leg. Kakarotto channelled ki into his fist and punched the black energy before making more energy flow into it. The energy exploded with a bright flash and a ear-splitting crack. The entire corridor was blown apart as was the rooms around. Unfortunately, the control room was nearby and the controls exploded, sending a wave of fire throughout the ship.

"What the hell was that?!" Lexis yelled as the entire ship shook and a loud crash like thunder echoed throughout all the rooms. The distraction meant that Ikra was able to jump on and pin Lexis to the ground. Vegeta also helped. Both saiya-jins raised their fists. Lexis snarled and slashed at Ikra's side with another blade he suddenly acquired. Ikra screamed in pain as her side split open, blood flowing out of the deep gash. Vegeta grabbed Lexis' hand and twisted the blade out of his grip.

"Ikra! You okay?!"

"Just kill the bastard quickly! This whole thing's gonna blow by the looks of things!" Ikra hissed, clutching her bleeding wound. Vegeta raised the blade and slashed Lexis' throat open. Sticky, dark blood spurted out, all over the saiya-jin prince, turning his golden hair to red. Vegeta continued to slash at the alien, hoping he'd die from blood loss. Lexis spat blood all over Vegeta, who wrinkled up his nose.

"You disgusting freak!" Vegeta yelled, punching Lexis in the throat and causing more blood to squirt out. Lexis punched Vegeta against the jaw and sent him flying. Vegeta got up quickly and scowled at the dying alien before smirking. "Ikra, stand back…"

"For goodness sake! I'm bleeding here! Ugh, fine…" Ikra managed to drag herself aside as Vegeta's aura began to glow.

"Here's a new attack I've learned…" He smirked before flying up and hovering above Lexis. He raised both hands above his head and scowled. "FINAL FLASH!!" He roared, throwing both hands forward and unleashing a massive ki blast. Lexis was instantly vaporised and Vegeta landed beside Ikra. "That was a little too easy…"

"Shut up and let's get out of here… Give me a hand…" Ikra pleaded as she powered down. Vegeta did the same.

"I don't want your blood all over me!"

"Don't be so stupid! Look at yourself!" Ikra roared. Vegeta looked at himself. He was covered from head to toe in a sticky dark liquid. He frowned before picking Ikra up and blasting a hole in the ship. The whole thing shook violently as they flew out.

Vegeta carried Ikra for a safe difference and they were quickly approached by Zephyr and the others.

"Where's Velvet?"

"WHAT?! She hasn't come out yet!" Vegeta yelled, suddenly panicked as he glanced back at the yggdrasian ship. It was covered in mini explosions as it fell slowly out of the sky.

"She's not with you?!"

"Fuck! VELVET!!!" Vegeta roared as he took off and flew to the ship as it crashed beside the peak on which the castle sat. He rushed there at record breaking speeds. The others followed quickly, Ikra being carried by Zephyr. Vegeta landed at the wreck, ignoring the flames and neglecting to cough amongst all the smoke and dust. "Velvet! Velvet!" Vegeta yelled loudly as he ran over the wreckage, trying to guess where she would have been before it blew. Zephyr landed beside him.

"Where's Kakarotto!? He was with her!!" Ikra yelled. Vegeta growled.

"I don't know! We have to find them!"

The teens searched as much as they could. Zephyr and Sakai left to get Ikra to the rejuvenation tank at Navet's house, despite her screams of protest. Vegeta and Navet refused to stop looking. All they found was a few black and singed bodies of the few yggdrasians that had still been in the ship. Vegeta sat down on a chunk of metal and buried his face in his hands, his body shaking with frustration and anger

"This just can't be happening… She can't have…"

"We can't stop now…" Navet scowled. "Bardock's premonition shouldn't have come true! This wasn't how he said she would die!"

"Maybe he got that part wrong…. Maybe she and Kakarotto…" Vegeta voice trembled as much as his body. Tears dripped from his chin and landed on the metal. Navet knelt down in front of him.

"Maybe they went back to my house… Let's go back and check, Vegeta… We need to heal and get some rest…" Navet placed a hand on Vegeta's shoulder. The prince stood up and whacked Navet angrily.

"Don't touch me! Don't fucking touch me!! Just get lost!" He roared. Navet rubbed his head before standing up. He bowed his head before taking off. Vegeta watched him go before breaking down completely.

"He's been gone for over three hours now…" Sakai said nervously. Navet sighed.

"Poor guy… He's was wreck when I left him…"

"It's dark out… That's it…" Zephyr stood up and turned to Navet. "Navet, stay here and let Ikra out of the tank in half an hour… I'm going to find Vegeta…"

"Be careful… please…" Sakai stood up and went over to him. Zephyr nodded before kissing her softly.

"I'll be back as soon as I can…" He assured her before leaving. Zephyr took off and hurried to the crash site. It was pitch black so Zephyr raised his ki to provide some light. His aura blazed and lit up the area. Zephyr flew into the air a bit and flew over the ship. Some parts were still burning. Zephyr frowned. "Vegeta! Vegeta! Huh?" Zephyr heard some slight noise and hurried towards it. Sure enough, it was Vegeta. He was lying on the ground like he was asleep but his eyes were open a little. His lips were blue and he was stone cold. Zephyr frowned before lifting him up. His lips moved a little but nothing came out. "Oh Vegeta, you idiot…" Zephyr said with a shake of his head. He stood up and carried the saiya-jin prince back to Navet's house.

"…-geta… Vegeta… Yo, are you okay?"

"Wha…" Vegeta opened his eyes slowly to see Ikra in front of him. He blinked a few times before sitting up. He was in a bed in one of the spare rooms at Navet's house. Vegeta realised his shirt was gone and his wounds had been bandaged. Vegeta realised with a bit of worry that he wasn’t wearing anything except bandages… Vegeta looked up at Ikra with a bit of worry and embarrassment. She raised and eyebrow before smiling.

"Don't worry, I wasn't the one to bandage you up…"

"Why wasn't I in the rejuvenation tank instead?"

"There's only one left… don't ask us what happened, we really don't know…"

"I take it you were hogging that one tank then…"

"Yep… I'm as good as new…" Ikra smiled.

"Has Velvet come back?" Vegeta asked as he sat up. Ikra's smile faded quickly and she bowed her head before shaking it slowly.

"Neither she or Kakarotto have shown up…"

"Shit… I have to go look for her…"

"No Vegeta… It's pointless…" Ikra said sadly, her voice trembling. "We… we just have to face the fact that they're gone…"

"No! They can't be! Kakarotto and Velvet aren't quitters! They won't go down as easily as that!"

"Vegeta, they're dead!" Ikra yelled loudly. There was an uncomfortable silence for a moment. It was broken as Ikra let out a quiet sob, tears running down her cheeks. Vegeta wiped at his own tears angrily.

"Why did this have to happen…?" Vegeta said angrily. Ikra sat on the edge of his bed.

"Maybe… maybe there's a small chance that they… survived…" Ikra suggested quietly. Vegeta frowned sadly.

"This must be a nightmare… I can't believe that this is real…" Vegeta said with a shake of his head. Ikra buried her face in her hands.

"Then why can't we just wake up?" She asked in a shaky voice as she looked over at Vegeta. He sighed before hugging Ikra. She hugged him back and began crying again.

"Hopefully we will soon… Hopefully…"

The next day was spent waiting for Velvet and Kakarotto to come home. Vegeta and Ikra spent the entire day on the couch staring out of the window. The days they waited turned to weeks. After two weeks, both gave up every last piece of hope. The group stayed at Navet's house to give everything time to settle down. the ceremony that would deem Vegeta as King was in two days and he would have to find a replacement mate. Zephyr suggested Ikra so that he wouldn't have to be with someone he didn't know. Both thought it was an okay idea to save either one having to find a mate since they could pretend to be with each other, but then there was the part where they were supposed to have kids… The idea was quickly dismissed. Zephyr and Sakai were now mates for real, and both had the marks to prove it. Unfortunately, that was the only good news… for a while, anyway…

"I have to go watch Karnal later…" Zephyr groaned. Vegeta and Ikra laughed.

"Hah! No such luck! I hope he eats you!" Vegeta joked. Zephyr rolled his eyes.

"My mom's bringing him over later…"

"Oh no! You're not bringing him here!" Vegeta said quickly. Zephyr stuck his tongue out.

"Hah! Now you'll get eaten!"

"Someone get the door!" Navet shouted from the kitchen.

"That wasn't the door!"

"Well, someone's coming to the door! Go get it, Zephyr!" Navet yelled. Zephyr rolled his eyes and got up. He wandered to the door and yanked it open. Zephyr looked out and nearly died right there and then…

"HOLY SHIT!!"

"What the hell?" Vegeta scowled as Zephyr's incoherent cry reached them.

"GET YOUR ASSESS OUT HERE NOW!!!" He yelled. Vegeta rolled his eyes and got up. He went to the door. Zephyr had went outside. Vegeta wandered out, eyes closed as he hummed to himself. He opened his eyes and literally fell over in surprise.

"OH MY GOD!" Vegeta scrambled back to his feet and rubbed his eyes. "Uh, Ikra!? You might wanna come out here!" Vegeta yelled back into the house. Ikra came to the door and looked over his shoulder, shrieking in surprise at what she saw. They both stared at the battered and bruised figures standing beside Zephyr.

"I don't believe it!!!"

"It's been a while, Vegeta…" The female smiled weakly as she let go of her over excited brother. She was still in the state he had seen her last, only worse. Her clothes were dirty and ripped. Her hair was messier than it ever had been. Her face and every other visible piece of skin was covered in scratches and bruises. Her eyes betrayed how tired yet happy she was. The tall, handsome male by her side smiled. He was also beaten up and bruised, his shirt not even present, showing his scraped and cut chest. Despite his weak condition, he was smiling uncontrollably.

"You too, Ikra… Missed us?"

"Oh my god! Kakarotto!!!" Ikra felt her eyes well up with tears of happiness as she pushed past Vegeta and ran into her mate's arms. "Oh Kakarotto! You're alive! It's really you! Oh, I could just kiss you all over!" Ikra laughed happily as she clung to Kakarotto tightly. He laughed and picked her up, swinging her round happily. The two were laughing harder than they had in a while. They slowed down and kissed each other, both crying. Vegeta walked slowly over to Velvet.

"V… Velvet?" He asked shakily. She smiled.

"Oh Vegeta… I've missed you…"

"Wait, this is another dream…" Vegeta said sadly, backing away as she reached out for him. "This is another dream, and you're going to kiss me and then I'll wake up…. Alone… why the hell does my mind torture me?" Vegeta said sadly. Velvet sighed before walking up to him slowly and shakily. She stumbled on her injured leg and Vegeta caught her. He seemed surprised, like he was expecting her to fall right through him. She smiled up at him through her tears before reaching up and stroking his cheek.

"Vegeta… I wonder the same thing… but it's real…" She smiled before kissing him ever so softly. Vegeta pulled away. She was still there. Vegeta couldn't take it anymore.

"Velvet… Velvet!" He laughed happily, scooping her into his arms and twirling her around. She also laughed, hugging him tightly. He slowed down and kissed her passionately. When they pulled away, Vegeta was crying with happiness, something he'd never done in his life. But then, no one ever meant this much to him before…

Velvet went straight into the rejuvenation tank after saying hi to Sakai and Navet. She was in incredible pain. Kakarotto told them all how he and Velvet had managed to escape in time after the explosion in the corridor. Exhausted, they had stopped to rest in the woods and were attacked by a few stray aliens. A few saiya-jins were nearby and were glad to help, since Velvet and Kakarotto were well known and there was no chance of them being 'under-cover aliens', as they thought…

"They never were too clever…" Kakarotto laughed.

"So how long until Velvet gets out of the tank?" Vegeta asked. Ikra rolled her eyes.

"Vegeta, that's like the fifth time you've asked that!" She smiled. Vegeta blushed a little and smiled.

"I can't help it…" He said sheepishly. "It's been three hours now!"

"Impatient, aren't we.." Velvet smiled as she entered the room, Sakai beside her. Vegeta smiled as he got up.

"At last… Do you know how cruel it is to keep me waiting?" He smiled as he took her into his arms. Velvet giggled.

"I'm sorry… so has Kakarotto told you how we got here yet?"

"Yep… And now it's my turn in the tank…" Kakarotto smiled as he got up. Ikra got up too.

"I'll set the time…" She said. They left the room as Vegeta and Velvet sat down. Velvet nuzzled into Vegeta's chest.

"I missed you so much…"

"I missed you too…"

"We all missed ya, sis!" Zephyr smiled. Velvet smiled back.

"I missed you all… Kakarotto and I hoped you'd all still be hanging out here…"

"You're lucky you came back when you did… Vegeta was going to have to find a new mate since the ceremony is in two days…"

"Really? Two days? Wow…. Wait, whadda ya mean new mate?!"

"I'm not allowed to be without a queen… they were gonna pick me another mate…" Vegeta grumbled, pulling Velvet a little closer. "I don't think I could have handled that…"

"Awww… what a shame…" Velvet teased with a smile. Vegeta laughed.

"It doesn't matter now… you're back… And I'm never EVER letting you out my sight… no matter what you say!"

"Fine with me…" Velvet sighed. "Fine with me…"

Two days passed fairly quickly. Vegeta and Velvet were surprised at how many saiya-jins survived the battles. Velvet wasn't allowed to see Vegeta at all that day, and she had to wear a gown like the one Aphrodite wore. During the ceremony, Vegeta and Velvet had to make speeches to the saiya-jin people as well as introduce their new left-hand guards; Kakarotto and Ikra. That way, the four could keep in contact since they would all live at the castle. Straight after he ceremony, the mourning for the King and Queen that had been killed began. It lasted for five days in which nothing was to be done; no fighting especially. Only eating, talking and sleeping was allowed to show respect for the past rulers. After the five days, Ikra and Kakarotto moved into the castle. Navet now lived with Zephyr and Sakai at Velvet's old house since his parents were both killed in the battle. Apart from a slightly smaller population and two new rulers, Vegeta-sei returned to normal…

5 years later…

"King Vegeta, the queen has called for you." Kakarotto said as he knelt down and bowed his head. Vegeta smiled.

"Thanks, Kakarotto… You can relax since no one else is around…"

"Thank god…" Kakarotto smiled and stood up.

"So did Velvet say what she wanted?"

"Nope, I haven't a clue… I think Ikra has though… they both keep grinning about something…"

"Uh-oh…" Vegeta frowned. The doors to the throne room swung open and Ikra walked in, a little black haired girl in tow.

"Hey Vegeta, Velvet says you've to get a move on…"

"Some much for getting respect…" Vegeta grumbled to Kakarotto, who sniggered. Ikra put her hands on her hips and scowled, causing both men to shut up instantly.

"Don't get me started…" Ikra warned.

"What does Velvet want? Can't she come see me?"

"Get off your lazy a...-butt, and go see her!" Ikra said with a roll of her eyes.

"Why didn't you just say…? Oh!" Vegeta trailed off as he noticed the tiny saiya-jin chibi that was hiding behind her. Vegeta got up and walked over, his cape flapping out behind him. He knelt down in front of Ikra and smiled at the little girl, who blushed and smiled sweetly.

"Hiya, Uncle Vegeta…."

"Hey there, Shadow. Whatcha been up to?"

"Nuthin'…" Shadow smiled sweetly. Vegeta laughed an ruffled her hair.

"I gotta go speak to Velvet now, okay?"

"Okay…" The little girl smiled as Vegeta stood up. He looked at Ikra, who smiled proudly. Kakarotto walked over and picked the little girl up.

"Better go, Vegeta… Velvet might have your head if you don't…"

"I know, I know…" Vegeta grumbled. He looked at Shadow.

"You do me a favour and make sure no one sneaks in here whilst I'm gone, okay?"

"Okay!"

"Thanks, Shadow… And make sure your daddy doesn't steal my seat…" Vegeta joked. The little girl laughed again. Vegeta smiled before leaving the three.

Vegeta gave the door to Velvet's chambers a knock before opening the door. She was sitting on the bed, staring out of her window. She turned and smiled as Vegeta entered.

"Hey there.." Vegeta smiled as he kissed her softly. Velvet smiled.

"Where've you been?"

"Speaking to little Shadow… She's just a chibi Ikra with black hair!" Vegeta laughed. Velvet smiled.

"Phoenix went off to play… he should be back soon…" Velvet told him. Vegeta sat down beside her.

"Then why are you stuck in here? Why don't you come to the throne room?"

"I still feel like I'm being watched in there… Besides, our son expects to find me here when he returns…"

"Ah, I see… So what did you want to talk to me about?"

"Guess…" Velvet smiled, tapping his nose with her finger. Vegeta rolled his eyes.

"Just tell me…"

"No, you have to guess…"

"Don't do this to me… Last time you did this, you were preg-… You're kidding…" Vegeta's jaw fell open as Velvet just smiled. She took Vegeta's hand and pressed it against her stomach. He could feel it's warmth through the thin gown she wore... then he felt something else… a little kick…

"Did you feel it?"

"Yeah… how far on are you?"

"I guess about four months…"

"WHAT?!"

"It's great, huh? Now Phoenix will have a brother or sister…"

"This IS unexpected…" Vegeta smiled before kissing his mate softly. "I just feel sorry for you having to go through child birth again…"

"Oh, don't remind me!" Velvet groaned. Vegeta laughed and hugged her.

"I have to go back to the throne room… Come through when Phoenix gets back, okay? I hate knowing that you're sitting alone it here…"

"I'm fine… You don't still worry about that, do you?" Velvet smiled. Vegeta sighed as she moved round behind him and rubbed her shoulders under the armour he wore.

"Of course I do… Just… put my mind at rest and come through, okay?"

"Okay…" Velvet smiled before kissing his neck. "I promise…"

"Good…" Vegeta turned round and kissed her before getting up. "Better go make sure that Shadow's not tearing the throne room apart…" Vegeta smiled. Velvet giggled.

"You're too kind to that little kid…"

"Maybe we'll have our own little girl soon…" Vegeta smiled. Velvet smiled back.

"Perhaps… Although it means no sparring for a while… fighting or… otherwise…" Velvet grinned, causing Vegeta to groan.

"Aw crap! That isn't fair… It's just wrong…" He grumbled. Velvet laughed.

"Don't worry, we'll make it up some other way…" She teased. Vegeta smirked and winked at her before leaving the room. Velvet laughed quietly to herself before lying down on her bed. Almost as soon as she did, the door opened again and a little boy walked it. Around four years old, he was a Vegeta double but with messy, blue hair. He laughed and crawled up beside Velvet.

"Hiya mommy!"

"Hey Phoenix… Where did you go?"

"I found Shadow and played hide an' seek for a while… and then I played with Uncle Raditz…"

"Did you now?" Velvet smiled as she ruffled her son's hair. "We're gonna go see daddy now, okay?"

"Okay… I saw him leavin' just a lil while ago…"

"Well, let's go catch up with him…"

"Okay! I'll beat ya there!" Phoenix giggled as he jumped off the bed. Velvet got up and followed her energetic son.

"Oh, and Phoenix… There's something mommy and daddy have to tell you…"

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