Chapter 26: Return to Planet Vegeta

Unlocking the entrance to the cave, Xavier heaved two massive spherical spacecrafts out and pressed a button. With a "puff", the hatch of the spacecraft opened. Despite the passage of years, the quality of the Saiyan spacecraft was impressive; the interior still looked as good as new. After resetting the navigational path to Planet Vegeta, the spaceship’s alarm began to emit a series of beeps, initiating an automatic checkup.

“Celine, adjust your power level to 850 for now. Once we arrive at Planet Vegeta, you can increase it to just over 900,” Xavier instructed.

“Okay, got it!” Celine nodded seriously. For her, controlling her power level was now an effortless task, and she quickly adjusted her energy to around 850.

Xavier watched her and nodded approvingly before adjusting his own power level. At their current age of eight, and soon to be nine upon reaching Planet Vegeta, a power level of 900, though impressive, would not draw undue attention for a mid-level warrior.

“All set, let’s head back.”

“See you on Planet Vegeta!”

The two climbed into their respective spacecrafts. Since these were standard Saiyan models, they were spacious enough even for adults. Pressing the launch button, the spacecraft doors slowly sealed shut. Moments later, the craft trembled slightly, and a tremendous force pressed downward as the spacecrafts swiftly exited Selma's atmosphere.

As the azure planet grew distant, Xavier slowly closed his eyes to enter hibernation, not to awaken until they reached Planet Vegeta.

...

Seven months later.

The vast expanse of space was shrouded in darkness, punctuated by stars casting a captivating pale white glow. They sparkled crisply, like tiny diamonds scattered across a dark canvas, presenting a flawless and tranquil beauty.

In a massive star system, a huge dark red planet slowly orbited. This dark red planet, formerly known as Planet Tuffle, had been seized by the Saiyans from the Tuffles and renamed Planet Vegeta. It now famously served as the Saiyan's headquarters.

The spaceport on Planet Vegeta was bustling with activity as numerous spherical spacecraft continuously took off and landed.

Suddenly, two spacecraft pierced through the dark crimson atmosphere, rapidly descending into the spaceport. Under the control of the navigators, the crafts accurately landed on the designated spots. The hatch doors opened, and two figures emerged.

After many years, Xavier and Celine had returned to Planet Vegeta!

At this moment, the spaceport was bustling with activity. The platform was crowded with Saiyans, some returning from missions while others were about to embark on new ones, interspersed with many aliens of peculiar appearance—large eyes and long noses.

Most of these aliens were slaves, captured like the people from Planet Yardrat, and others were subordinates sent by Frieza from the headquarters to assist the Saiyans in daily management.

Given that the Saiyans were not technologically advanced beyond warfare, they were like barbarians facing a more advanced civilization, needing these skilled aliens to operate many of the high-tech devices.

Of course, it was unclear how many of these aliens Frieza had sent to spy on the Saiyans.

"Xavier, I've just used the communicator to contact our parents; they are waiting for us at home," Celine said, pressing the button on her scouter, her cheeks flushed with excitement. The device served not only as a life-form energy scanner but also as a communicator.

"Let's head back now!" Xavier replied with a chuckle, understanding Celine's excitement about seeing her parents soon—he was just as thrilled.

It had been over five years since they had left Planet Vegeta, with about eighteen months spent in interstellar travel. They had not seen Aunt Rebecca and Uncle Adriel for more than five years.

Thus, the two made their way through the platform and headed outside the spaceport.

Celine's home was located in a bustling, affluent area of Planet Vegeta, not far from the royal city. However, traveling from the spaceport to Celine’s home took some time.

Since they needed to conceal their power levels, Xavier and Celine couldn’t fly at full speed or use instant transmission to travel faster.

Crossing much of the city at a normal flying speed, they finally landed in a bustling residential area.

Navigating through the residential area's green paths, tangled with ivy and lush trees, the familiar scent in the air brought back childhood memories. Soon, Xavier and Celine stood before a standalone two-story house—Celine's family home, noticeably larger than the neighboring dwellings.

"Thump, thump, thump!" Xavier knocked on the door.

"Click!" The electronic keypad chirped cheerfully as the door swung open, and a figure dashed out, embracing Xavier before he could react.

"Oh, my! Celine, Xavier, you're finally back! Let mom take a good look at you! Ah, you've grown so much; I've missed you terribly!"

Rebecca's words might have been few, but her arms strongly conveyed her emotions. As a member of the warrior race, the strength of a female Saiyan was no less formidable than that of a male. Rebecca, once a member of Adriel's squad and a high-ranking warrior herself, might not have ventured on missions in recent years, but her robust strength was still not to be underestimated.

Enveloped in Rebecca's embrace was like being caught in countless tough ropes. Xavier and Celine stiffened, unable to move. Of course, with their current strength, breaking free would be easy, but they didn't intend to do so.

"Cough, cough, Aunt Rebecca, you might want to let us go now; we're about to suffocate here!" Xavier rolled his eyes, half-jokingly.

"Yeah, mom, please let us go!" Celine added.

"Oh, right, right! Look at me, getting all carried away. Come on in, let's talk inside." Rebecca, realizing her over-enthusiasm, sheepishly released them and hurried them inside.

Once inside, Rebecca began warmly inquiring about the children's lives over the past few years, with Celine highlighting the key points. Whenever she reached a crucial part of the story, Celine animatedly acted out the scenes, which Xavier found somewhat awkward yet amusing. Despite Celine's simplistic and less vivid descriptions, Rebecca listened intently, occasionally letting out exclamations of surprise.

The warmth of the family reunion filled the house as they reconnected, bridging the years with stories and laughter.