Nina tucked the loops of the grocery bag under her arm as she walked out of the store. Before she set out on her way to Gohan’s, she looked up into the sky as a falcon flew by. Nina felt the wind brush against her cheek and her long banes fluttered in her view. She began to second thought on going to Gohan’s and thought it would be better just to call him on the phone and ask for directions.

Nina bgean to dig through her pockets for spare change while walking to a pay phone, along with a notepad and pen. She slipped the change into the phone and began to dial the numbers to his house. Nina waited for awhile as the phone rang, and then someone finally picked up.

Nina cleared her throat. "Uh, hi. Can I speak with Gohan please?" there was a pause and Nina began to relax a bit. "Hi Pan. Good to hear from you too. Is your dad home?" Nina tapped her foot on the ground as Pan talked. "Really? Oh gosh, I hope he’s not too busy to talk to me...he is? Man!...What? Oh nothin’s wrong, I just needed directions to Goku’s house is all...You know the way?...Could you tell me like, which way to go and all?...You could?! Great!...Uh-huh...yeah...okay...Thanks a mil Pan! Okay, tell your dad and mom I said hi for me and that I send my love. Bye."

She hung up the phone and looked at the directions Pan gave her. Nina smiled and flew in the air.

* * * * * *

Trunks and Goten landed in front of the Capule Corp. building and walked inside. They found Vegeta scrounging through the fridge, mumbling to himself. Trunks and Goten tried to tip-toe out of his sight but Vegeta had already shut the refridgerator door and turned around, his face as hard as stone. Trunks gave a look of uneasiness while Goten just turned his back to Vegeta, avoiding his glare.

"Uh, hi Father. Been training again?" Trunks asked, trying his best to hide his discomfortness. Vegeta only responded with a grunt. Trunks gulped and felt the sweat form on his brow. "I, uh, guess that’s a yes."

Vegeta still didn’t answer. He walked toward the cabinet and got out a glass, went back to the freezer and put in some ice. Trunks and Goten thought this would be a good time to get away and to see if Nina was alright. They quietly sneaked out of the kitchen. They were halfway up the stairs when...

"Hey Kid!" a gruff voice called to him from down the stairs.

Trunks turned and looked at him, Goten flying up the stairs as fast as he could. Trunks narrowed his eyes and grumbled. Some friend he is! Trunks thought angrily. He felt betrayed.

"Yes Father?"

Vegeta walked out of the kitchen and looked up the stairs at his son. "That girl isn’t in there. She left to go do some errands for Bulma."

Trunks groaned in disappointment. "Awe man!" he muttered.

Vegeta’s eyes narrowed and he crossed his arms. "I don’t know what you’re complaining about! When she comes back, you both will be too busy to do...whatever it is you young people do!"

Trunks’ eyes widened. "What do you mean?" Trunks demanded, but tried to sound curious, even though he was feeling quite aggitated. He knew how his Father commanded authority and respect, he really didn't feel like gettin' on his bad side.

Vegeta grinned at the annoyance clearly written on his son's face, even though he knew Trunks was trying his best to cover it up. "What I mean is, you two will be training with me when she gets back. As soon as we’re done training, you’ll both spend an hour in the Gravitron room."

Trunks' stern expression disappeared. It was replaced by a look clearly saying 'You've gotta be kidding!' "But, Father...I have homework to do!"

The grin disappeared from Vegeta’s face. "Well, you had better hurry up and do it now! I won’t tolerate any excuses if you’re not there on time! I hope that’s clear!" he snapped.

Trunks sighed and gave a nod, knowing his father's mind was made up and there was no changing it. "Yes sir." he mumbled sadly. Then he went up to his room rather slowly, and seemed more tired than ever.

* * * * * *

Nina landed in front of Goku’s house, clutching the herb bag close to her chest. She hoped that none of the herbs were ruined. Nina slowly walked up towards the door, took in a huge deep breath, let it go, and then knocked on the door. The door knob began to turn and it opened slowly.

Standing in the doorway, was a woman with straight black hair tied in a bun in the back. Some locks were hanging on each side of her head and her banes were just barely above her eyebrows. She wore an oriental outfit, an orange scarf tied on her shoulders and she had one red bracelet on each wrist. She also had on maroon and gold trimmed boots. She looked at Nina curiously. "Yes? Can I help you?" the woman asked.

Nina put on a small smile and held out the package. "Yes ma’am. My name is Nina and I’m here to give you this package with the things you asked for. Bulma had to go to work so I volunteered to do the errand for her. You are Mrs. Chi-Chi Son right?"

The curiosity vanished from her face and soon there was a bright smile in its place. "Yes I am. Please come in Nina! I appreciate you goin’ out of your way to get these things for me."

Chi-Chi stepped aside to let Nina come in. Chi-Chi showed her to the table and she gladly sat down. Goku lived so far away from the city, the flight kinda wore her out. After all, she did sleep practically all day and that made her a bit lazy.

"Can I get you something to drink?" Chi-Chi asked.

Nina shook her head. "No thank you. I’m okay. Um, Miss Chi-Chi?"

Chi-Chi looked up from the bag. "Hmm? Yes?" she asked.

Nina scratched the back of her neck. "Can I ask you what that stuff was for?"

Chi-Chi laughed at the young girl's hesitant face. "Why sure! It’s only a little ointment I made to heal minor and major burns, scars, cuts and bruises. I ran out of the ingrediants because I was experimenting with different quantities. My husband is a very affective test subject!"

Nina could only smile. She never really got adult humor. But she figured she ought to make her feel like she understood. Just then, Goku walked in. "Hiya Chi-Chi. Who’s you’re friend?" Goku asked quite perkily.

Nina got up instantly and held out her hand. "I’m Nina sir." she introduced

He took her hand and he smiled, one full of warmth. "Well, I’m glad I finally got a chance to meet with this new fighter. At least, a formal greeting. I don’t think that time in the recovery room counted as a meeting, wouldn’t you agree?" Goku replied, a bit of humor in his voice.

Nina grinned and squeezed his hand tighter. "No sir, it wasn’t. I’m honored to meet you Goku."

Goku simply shook his head, trying to ignore the honor gig. He didn't get why people were so honored to himself. I mean sure, he's saved the Earth countless times, but he just felt that was his own debt to the Earth for taking care of him for so long. "Well, I’m honored to be able to meet someone with your power and ability. I can sense there is an even greater power sleeping inside of you."

They released hands. "It will awaken when it’s time. So Nina, why don’t we sit down and tell me your story of being a Saiyan. I’m sure that’s one of the reasons why you came, and wanting to train with me as well?" Goku said matter-of-factly.

Nina’s eyes widened and she nodded. Goku went to the table and sat down. "Come sit down, and tell me all about it okay?" he requested cheerfully, but seriously.

Nina sat down at the table, cupped her chin in her hands and sighed. How many times had she told this story? "Well, it all started when I was 11 years old--"

~Meanwhile, somewere on planet Zircon~

The planet Zircon was a place of harsh conditions, bondage, and devistations. This was the place where Taliyah and Jutus were held as prisoners. But not completely captive for you see, they worked for the Zirconian emperor who demanded that they conquer planets in his name. If they refused, he’d destroy the Earth. But Emperor Zell didn’t know Taliyah and Jutus had children, otherwise, he would’ve captured them as torture subjects.

It had been a long day for both of them and they just wanted to rest. Taliyah stood near the window, staring out into the desert lands. She could not enjoy the solitude of the darkness because her dorm was guarded like a fortress. The outside was fenced up in barbed wire and search lights shined everywhere. Taliyah sighed and pulled down the drapes.

I still can’t believe Zell tracked us down all these years! This is all some stupid grudge he’s held! What a monster! she thought furiously.

Taliyah pulled off her scouter and set it down on a chair, next to her battle torn

gloves. She then removed her armor, which was matted with dirt. Taliyah pulled off her boots and kicked her futon covers over. Her body suit was torn in many places on her arms and legs, even revealing some cuts and bruises as well.

She was just about to climb in for bed when her husband ran through the door. Taliyah jerked her head to face him and noticed he was breathing heavily. Jutus’ silver hair clung to his face from his sweat and his body was dirt covered also. Taliyah looked down at his hands and saw he held a huge bucket of steaming water and some towels. She smiled at him and he returned the gesture.

"Jutus, that’s just one of the many reasons why I’m glad I met you." Taliyah said, her voice trying to be cheerful.

Jutus set down the bucket and walked toward his wife while removing his gloves. Taliyah flopped down onto her futon, pulled one knee up and placed her arm on it while her tail swished from side to side.

Jutus went up to her and held out a lutious red apple from his tail. She looked up and saw that he was eating one as well. Taliyah snatched the apple from him and them pointed at him. "Jutus, you’re gonna get yourself killed tryin’ to feed us!" she scolded.

Jutus shrugged. "Well, we have to eat and bathe somehow."

Taliyah rubbed the apple in her hands and noticed that her vision blurred. She knew tears were going to show. Jutus realized this and instantly knelt down to hug her. She buried her face in his chest while he stroked through her spiky brown hair. "I want my children Jutus! I want them back!" Taliyah sobbed, her tears contiuning to flow.

This brightened up Jutus’ spirits for he just remembered something. He pulled Taliyah from his chest and saw her tear ladden face, her dirt smudged face mixed in with he tears. Jutus couldn’t help but smile at how much she looked like when he first met her. "Taliyah, I know it’s hard for you. It’s hard for me too. But I have good news."

Taliyah looked up at her husband. They both had spent the last 18 years drowning in their sorrow. Her husband’s silver hair stuck to her face and she touched the strands. She looked up and felt herself calm down as she drank up his beautiful brown eyes.

"I heard from one of our children today." he said proudly.

Taliyah gasped and clutched onto Jutus’ shoulders. "What?! Which one?! Was it Jarvus, or Kino? Was it..." Taliyah swallowed. "Nina?"

Jutus smiled. "Kino contacted me on the scouter in my space pod. She’s a beautiful young woman. She’s 21 I do believe and she looks just like you."

Taliyah sighed in relief. "What about Nina, or Jarvus?" she asked, hoping for more good news about her other 2 children.

Jutus shook his head. "Kino didn’t say anything about them, and neither contacted me any today."

Taliyah gave a sigh of exhaustion and fell into her husband’s arms. She rested her head on his shoulder as he wrapped his arms around her. "Oh my dear children. I will come and find you soon. Just hold on a little longer. Just a little longer." Taliyah mumbled, then she drifted into a deep sleep. One she hadn't had in 18 years.