Darkness, Lema felt at peace for the first time. Yet, she couldn't help but wonder if there was something she had to do. 'No, this is where I belong.'

'Is it?'

Lema couldn't see whom had spoken, not until the veil of darkness parted. She started to call out, but hesitated. He looked familiar, a face that was on the edge of her mind. His eyes were haunted, and his lips were set in an expression of bitter anger and sorrow. Life had taken its toll on this particular Saiya-jin, yet when he regarded her, he almost looked regretful. She was seeing behind the mask. Lema knew him. 'Daddy?'

His shadow deepened, and Lema felt the weight of his torment. 'Will you give up so easily like your mother, Lema?'

'It hurts.'

'You're stronger than them. Don't let them win by dying now. You proved to me that you were a fighter; was I right in the beginning not to allow you to train, Lema?'

'I'm not weak!' Lema snarled at the retreating shadow.

'Then fight back, Lema! I couldn't save your mother, but I'll be damned if you die too! Wake up! Now!'

'Where am I?'

Another figure appeared. She was beautiful, almost an exact copy of Lema. 'Your father needs you, little one. Will you deliver a message for me?'

'Who are you?' Lema wanted to run to the woman, but she always remained out of reach. 'Why can't I touch you?'

'To touch me would be your death. It is not yet your time. I am Leana, little one.'

'Mother?'

'Hai. I don't have much time. Tell your father that death has many disguises. Women are stronger than he thinks and it took more than child birth to kill me.'

'I don't understand.'

'Have Turles explain my death to Bardock and everything will become clear. An assassin runs free and he will stop at nothing to destroy the children of the royal guard.'

Her mother faded and Lema cried out. 'I'm proud of you, little one.'

Suddenly she was surrounded by a golden warmth. She knew this presence, he was always there when she needed him to be. 'Cyan.' They were connected since birth, sharing their strength and pain. In the past three years, she had shielded him; Lema could only imagine what power level he was at the moment.

'Come home, Lema.'

She drifted away, sinking deeper into darkness. Lema wanted to live, but she was so tired and alone. 'No, Lema. You're not alone.' A voice was calling to her, a presence enveloping her in a shell of protection. He refused to release her and was pulling her back from death. The tone of the Saiya-jin's voice tore at her heart and she wanted nothing more than to ease his sorrow. 'I need you, Lema.'

The walls broke, giving way to a Saiya-jin that she had come to call a friend and ally. They were so different, yet alike, that Lema was surprised that she hadn't noticed it before. Both had been taught to hate the other, but an accidental encounter had flung them together. Destiny or fate may object, but Lema no longer cared about what others thought or wanted.

Vegeta had always been there for her, either physically or in the shadows. The first time she had awaken in the healing tanks, disoriented and afraid, Vegeta had spared her life, making her feel wanted. 'Safe;' the Saiya-jin king had always given her a reason to relax around him. During the six months in the desert, she started to respect his character and strength.

He could have defeated her in the water tunnels, but had given her another chance. Vegeta, never asking for anything in return, had given Lema her dream. Lema imagined what it would be like without the king, no longer supported by his powerful presence. The mere thought broke a cry of despair from her. She had survived the attacks of the elite soldiers, field masters and watchers. None of it compared to the anguish that Vegeta would bring her.

Every bone in her body felt broken, but Lema didn't care as she suddenly took in a large gulp of air, screaming in rage and sorrow. A beautiful ray of golden light bathed her battered and bloodied form, easing some of the pain. Her green eyes stared at the furious red of the Oozuru. "Vegeta," she called to him.

He growled, but Lema noticed a change. Vegeta was less willing to destroy everything and lifted her closer to his face. Unable to maintain her power level in her critical condition, Lema's hair and eyes returned to normal. Weakly, she smiled before falling into a deep and healing sleep. The black Oozuru roared, turning away from the destruction that he had created. Moments before, Lema had had no heart beat.

Vegeta wasn't sure how or why she had come back; he only knew that he couldn't continue without her. Before Lema, he would go about his day in a trance, hating everything. Finding her in his gardens, frozen and feral, he knew then that he couldn't and wouldn't kill the girl. She was everything he had been searching for, prideful, honorable and courageous.

Finding an isolated clearing, surrounded by thousands of acres of crops, the Oozuru slowly lowered Lema to the ground and pulled her close to his body for warmth. He remained in his Oozuru form, the Vegeta-sai moon still having it's affect on him. She stirred, but a soft purr hynotized her back into a much needed rest.

It still looked the same, the red sands of Vegeta-sai that made his planet appear to be a savage desert or waste land. Cyan paced the corridors of the castle, knowing Vegeta would soon return with Lema. She had been badly injured and was feeding off Vegeta's and Cyan's strength to remain alive. He was exhausted, but he refused to rest until she was safe and whole again. Turles even knew that his daughter was hurt, but thanks to Cyan and Vegeta shielding the amount of damage done to Lema, Turles had reluctantly went to bed.

Through their mental bond, he had witnessed every beating in the last two days. He seethed with rage and after she had returned, nothing would stop him from destroying the field masters and their forms of slavery. His eyes glowed an emerald green and sparks of lightning blackened the walls as he walked past them. True, he had the ability to make it past the final even like Lema, but unlike his sister; Cyan never had a reason to. He was satisfied to be her personal guard.

Bardock had a rare privilege, once again serving the king as a personal guard. He didn't seem to mind and Cyan quickly made his way to the lab. Bardock looked up from his work and immediately powered up. "Is there away to heal her scars?"

"Yes, but..."

"Then do it!" Cyan snarled. "Lema's suffered enough. By the way, don't let Turles find out. He'll kill everything in his path."

"What happened?"

"Something I'm going to personally take care of."

Lema groaned, feeling the broken bones and cuts on her body. Turning her head, she saw Vegeta lying beside her, his clothes torn to shreds. 'He's never let me down.'

Hearing her whimper, Vegeta tiredly lifted his head and touched Lema's face. She winced, but didn't protest the display of affection or concern. "We'll be returning home soon."

"Dillon... Did he..?"

"He lives."

Lema smiled, "Jealous?"

"No!" he lied. She laughed, instantly regretting the action. Blood trickled down the side of her mouth, an indication that her ribs were broken. Gently, Vegeta wiped it away. "Stop talking and rest."

"If I refuse," she teased. Vegeta glared, but he had long since lost the ability to intimidate the fiesty fighter. Carefully, not wanting to cause her more pain, Vegeta moved closer to Lema and shielded her from the wind. In a few hours he could provide her with the warmth from his fur coat.

"Lema, I have a question to ask?" Her eyes were full of curiosity and trust, something he had not seen in them before. "Something's changed about you."

The sparkle in her eyes intensified and if she could have, she would have hugged him. "Do you still want me as your personal guard?"

"No." Lema gasped, but Vegeta quickly silenced any protest she may have had. His kiss was demanding, sensual and full of a hungry desire that banished any coherent thought from Lema's mind. "I want you..." he growled between kisses on her lips, face, and neck. "You're much more to me than *just* a personal guard. Lema, do you still think of me as a friend?"

"Raditz, Cowli and Arico are my friends." Vegeta looked hurt and almost started to pull away. "The feelings I have for you are different. I didn't know what they were at first, but as I struggled between life and death, I realized how hard it would be to live without you. Vegeta, please don't send me away! I hate being alone!"

Lema was on the verge of breaking down, choking on the well of tears that threatened to explode. She felt a warm trail snake down her cheeks and Vegeta wiping them away. "You'll never leave my side, little one."

Relieved and secure in the knowledge that Vegeta was beside her, Lema fell back asleep, her body's way of recovering from her injuries. "I love you." Vegeta barely heard her last words, and held her with all his might. He refused to think about how close he had come to killing her.

Zucca gasped, quickly opening the window to her chambers. Floating to the carpet was her son, Lema's unconscious form in his arms; "What happened to her?"

"Things are going to change, starting with the social boundaries that we've created! Never again will I see a Saiya-jin degraded to the status of a slave!"

"Son..."

"Will you not take my side, mother?" Vegeta growled, his tail lashing furiously behind him. "My father is dead, along with his ideals! He isn't here to beat me for making friends with a commoner, nor will he deny me the right to claim Lema as my own."

"I've never been against you, son." Zucca turned angrily away from Vegeta, swiping at the tears streaking down her face. "Your father never allowed for his authority to be questioned, not without severe consequences. Have you never wondered why his death didn't affect me the way it should have?"

Vegeta had wondered about it, but never had a lot of time to ask. Looking closer, he noticed that her neck was flawless, void of any scars. "He never marked you; why?"

"You were needed. Love wasn't an option and it destroyed more than one person's life."

"What are you talking about?"

"It doesn't matter anymore. You should get her to the regeneration tank; perhaps it can heal the damage on her back."

Lema felt herself floating, her arms and legs envelloped in a warm liquid. Opening her eyes, she discovered a mask on her face and several wires attached to her body. She could see a few doctors in the background and started to panic, relaxing when she noticed Vegeta asleep in a nearby chair. The liquid started to drain, and after she was free of her confinement, she moved towards Vegeta.

He didn't stir as she brushed back the tangled mess of his bangs, wondering if she should cut his hair again. Lema was rather fond of the short style, never really liking the traditional one. A smile spread across her face, a sight that would have captured Vegeta's breath had he been awake.

Grabbing a nearby lab coat, Lema lifted Vegeta in her arms and left the lab, not asking the doctors for permission. A few gave her startled expressions as she walked past, carrying the Saiya-jin King as if he weighed nothing. No one dared to stop her, more afraid of Vegeta's personal guard.

She came to Vegeta's room, wondering if she should enter or not? Shrugging her shoulders, she kicked the door in, slamming it shut as she moved towards his bed. Gently, she laid him down, pulling the covers to his chin. Strange, she never thought she would be so protective of anyone, but Lema realized that she didn't wish it any other way.

Lema was hungry and knew that Vegeta would be after waking up. Not having a decent meal in the past three years, she decided to give him a gift. Humming quietly to herself, washing dishes, cutting vegetables and fruits, flipping pasta... Lema prepared a feast that could have fed an army.

Vegeta woke to the best auroma he had smelt in a long time, his stomach violently protesting from the lack of food. Confused, he looked at his surroundings, wondering how he had ended up in his chambers. Throwing back the covers, he followed his nose, surprised to see Lema working steadily in his kitchen. Rare dishes, served during banquets by professional cooks, were sitting on the table.

Lema had yet to notice that she wasn't alone, adding spices into a soup that was ready to serve. She looked relaxed, content to be where she was at. Unable to resist, Vegeta moved up beside her, wrapping his arms around her slim waist.

Startled, she tried to whirl around, but found her body pressed into the kitchen counter. Turning her head, she met Vegeta's gaze and almost dropped the spices. His eyes were a dark ebony, filled with a carnal desire that left her shaking at the knees. "Ve..."

Tilting her head back and holding it against his shoulder, Vegeta lowered his mouth, quickly claiming Lema's lips. He heard her whimper, trembling as he ran his free hand down her sides. The smallest touch drew a moan or gasp, food forgotten.

His touch was like liquid fire, despite the robe that separated her from his questing hand. Slowly, never breaking the kiss, Vegeta turned Lema and lifted her on to the counter. Moving to the corners of her mouth, Vegeta began a trail along Lema's neck that left her purring and growling. She slightly wondered at her submissive state, but Vegeta would have it no other way each time that she attempted to take the advantage.

Vegeta didn't want to move fast, but the Oozuru side had waited patiently enough. Her neck easily gave to his razor sharp teeth, marking and biting to the curve of her shoulder. 'Am I ready for this?' Lema thought.

Feeling her hesitate, Vegeta lifted his head and gazed into her eyes for what seemed like an eternity. Gently he brushed her cheeks with the back of his hand, a contradiction to his savage nature. Only to her would he give the world and more; she need only ask. Vegeta also knew that she never would; it was Lema's nature not to want more than what she was given.

"Lema..." he half-purred, half-growled. Lema couldn't believe that she had affected the Saiya-jin king so, lowering her head to his shoulder. Fingers found their way around his newly changed clothes, and she took a deep breath of his masculin scent. The reaction was instant, but Vegeta couldn't see the red that now danced in her eyes. "I... if you don't... run..." he was finding it impossible to finish his phrases, distracted by the breath against his throat.

Unprepared, Vegeta found himself thrown back, his arms pinned to the floor. Lema's tail batted the air viciously, occassionaly slapping her sides as she straddled Vegeta. She was challenging him, but Lema had the advantage as she continued to dig her nails into his wrists, forcing him to remain still. "You play a dangerous game, Vegeta..." Lema growled. She kissed his chin, nose, eye-lids... oblivious to the tail that curled around her wrists and tied them together.

Lema snarled, flipped onto her back with ease as Vegeta retook the dominating position. Lowering himself until she couldn't move, he continued to hold Lema's wrists above her head with his tail, free to use his hands. Her robe had slightly parted, exposing the swell of a breast. He kissed the tanned flesh, making his little captive squirm.

Sliding the material off with his nose, Vegeta took a tight nipple between his teeth, bringing a startled cry from Lema's mouth. She bucked, but Vegeta was heavier as he applied more pressure and sucked on the sensitive skin. Revealing the other breast, Vegeta pinched the other nipple with his fingers, refusing to neglect either one.

'Mine!' Vegeta couldn't separate his thoughts from the Oozuru, both wishing to claim the female trapped beneath him. In the past he would have worried about the aggressive nature of his other side, but Lema responded by thrusting him off and head butting him against the kitchen counter. The mating ritual had begun, both sides seeking dominance.

He grabbed her ankle, but she quickly kicked him and took the advantage. Lema reached for his neck, to make her claim, but Vegeta twisited his body and soon had her face first, Vegeta lying on top of her back. Her arm was twisted uncomfortably behind her back, but not enough to cause her pain. She bucked, snarled, snapped her teeth, but she couldn't throw Vegeta off.

The Oozuru inside of him roared, demanding he take her then and there! Vegeta no longer had the will or strength to fight it. Lowering his head, he licked her neck, biting and marking her tanned skin. She whimpered, completely under his control. Lema stopped fighting, exposing her neck. She was submitting, recognizing Vegeta as the dominant partner.

Her clothes were in his way, his hands tearing them away from her. He kept her lying on the floor, but gave Lema enough room to flip her over. The tank had done wonders too her skin. Every scar had vanished, she had yet to realize it.

Vegeta touched her, feeling her tremble in pleasure. "Don't move," he growled. Grabbing her nipple, he began to suckle, nipping and licking the sensitive flesh. She cried out, trying to escape his onslaught, but Vegeta trapped her arms. He moved to the other, taking his time. The Oozuru protested violently. It didn't want to wait!

She responded to every touch, any thought of trying to regain the upper hand forgotten. Her scent was driving him insane, and he knew that she was ready for him. Releasing her wrists, Vegeta moved lower, stopping at her belly button as he cirlced it with his tongue. Lema thrashed, laughing in protest. Curious, his fingers moved beneath her rib cage, pressing slightly. She squealed, trying to get away from the manipulitave fingers. She lifted her head off the floor, wondering what Vegeta was going to do next. 'Why was he down there?' she asked herself.

"Close your eyes and don't move," he ordered. Lema tensed, but she had learned long ago, that Vegeta wouldn't hurt her intentionally. Taking a deep breath, she did as he asked, waiting for him to continue. He licked her skin below her belly button; she shly wanted to pull away. Vegeta grasped her hips and held her down, sensing her growing unease. "Relax little one," he growled.

Lema felt him spread her legs apart; she started to resist, but his grip was unbreakable. Would he hurt her? A sharp bite on her thigh kept her still, but shaking in apprehension. Her cheeks felt hot, her stomach flipping every time he would kiss a trail of fire from her thigh to her foot, back to her thigh again. He did both legs this way, finally moving to what he wanted.

Taking the folds of her nether lips, Vegeta pulled them apart with his forefinger and thumb, holding them as he touched a small nub with the tip of his fingers. Lema arched half-way off the floor, but Vegeta quickly pushed her back down, circling his arms around her legs until she was completely at his mercy, her legs unable to close unless he released her.

Picking up where he left off, he made slow cirlces around her clit with his tongue, feeling the heat in Lema's body rise. She had never experienced anything like this and a wave of pleasure suddenly slammed into her body, making Lema scream.

He couldn't believe how responsive she was, another wave quickly following the last. Fluid freely ran down her leg and he gladly licked her clean. His tail made it's way to the entrance of her most sacred place, pushing in slightly.

Lema moaned, intertwining her fingers into Vegeta's hair. "Ve...geta!" Tears of pleasure streaked down her cheeks, but he refused to relent, pushing her over the edge again and again. Vegeta felt her muscles tighten around his tail with each climax, sending a jolt of electricty to his spine.

'Now!' His Oozuru side roared, making it impossible for Vegeta to protest or fight back. Black eyes now red, Vegeta suddenly stopped and moved over Lema, hovering before he covered her mouth with his lips. She could taste herself and felt Vegeta grab her wrists with both his hands. Lema didn't remember him disgarding his clothes, but gasped as she felt his naked flesh against her own.

Something hard pressed against the entrance of her woman hood, but she didn't have time to wonder as he quickly entered in one quick thrust. Lema paled, but refused to cry out in pain. Vegeta hesitated, giving her a moment before he slowly withdrew, waited and slammed back into her. The second time was less painful and she was starting to enjoy it.

A war was being battled between Vegeta and the demon Oozuru, not wanting to take Lema until she had completely relaxed. She was incredibly tight and it was everything he could not to release inside of her then. Instinct refused to let him; he wanted her screaming his name several hours into the night and next day first.

The pain soon vanished and Lema shyly looked up at Vegeta. She couldn't believe this was the same Saiya-jin, his expression demonic, savage and possessive. His teeth had grown and his grip had tightened on her wrists. Vegeta's pace picked up, continuing the same thrusting and withdrawing motions. She moaned, wrapping her legs around his back.

Vegeta released his grip on the Oozuru side, his body and mind enveloped in a red of possessive desire. He roared aloud, driving himself deeper into Lema. Her cries of pleasure, Lema's arms pinned and her breasts shaking with each thrust increased his arousal. Moans, whimpers, growls and snarls filled the room, the floor making an impression with the force of their passionate love.

He wanted more and quickly withdrew, bringing a desparate protest from Lema. Vegeta smiled, flipping Lema over onto her stomach. Grasping her hips in an iron grip, he gave a powerful thrust, rocked his hips and did it again. His pace was slow and deliberate, never giving her the chance to fall over the edge.

Lema's fingers dug into the tiled floor, but she didn't care as she lost herself in the moment. She could feel him slide out, slam back into her with a force that would make her stiff for weeks to come. Lema didn't protest, matching his rythm with a fevored pitch of her own.

'Mine!' his mind screamed. Vegeta grunted, moving faster and faster as he neared the edge. Lema's muscles continued to contract around him, the waves coming until their was no separation. They were building to a climax, joining with his own release as they screamed, a wave of light blasting the room and shattering nearly everything in it.

Exhausted, they collapsed, Vegeta still inside of Lema. Sweat clung to their bodies, but neither cared as he gently lifted and carried her to his bed. Something about food was on the tip of his mind, but he didn't care as he crawled in beside Lema and fell into a contented sleep, his tail wrapped possessively around her thigh. For the moment, his Oozuru side was sedated, but he knew it was only for a short time before he would take her again. Vegeta didn't complain.