Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ A Scrap of Hope ❯ Not Much Time ( Chapter 5 )

ONE MONTH LATER

Goku went through yet another kata. All he had done in his free time was train train train. Why is this so important? I wish I knew… but Master won't tell me. I should not even think about it.

Vegeta watched from the shadows, observing the flow. The boy seems to have improved. His balance is better, and he certainly looks much better. Not that I hadn't noticed that…

Goku lost himself completely in the complicated movements, relishing how his body bent and flowed at his will, moving through the air like a whip of wind.

He is beautiful. If this works, I do not think I will mind it so much. It will be… my choice, insomuch as I can make one. He is certainly better than the alternative. And, he is mine. He wants to be mine. Irony is such a horrible thing, my Scrap, but you will learn that lesson soon enough. You move so well... Vegeta smiled, quietly purring, "Verrry nice."

Goku's sensitive ears picked up a sound out of place and instantly he ceased every movement, crouching like a cat and looking around for what had caused the disturbance. Sometimes, the teachers attacked him in midst of his katas to train his awareness.

Vegeta continued purring, quietly, waiting in the shadows, pushing his ki down. He wanted to see how well - if at all - the boy had learned his lessons.

Goku scented the air warily, his tail flicking nervously - one thing he still hadn't gotten full control over. He looked around, then closed his eyes, using a talent even his teachers hadn't discovered he had. He'd seen one of his alien masters do it a long time ago - his surprise had been great when he discovered, after the ki-collar had been removed, that he could do it too. He pushed out his senses, looking, searching... there! Quickly he moved towards the shadows that hid the intruder.

Vegeta frowned when the boy closed his eyes, purr ceasing when the boy moved unerringly toward him. Interesting. "You move well."

Goku had only noticed the ki, but not knowing who it belonged to, nearly dropped to his knees, crouching in fear as he recognized the voice. "M... Master…"

A flicker of disappointment swept over Vegeta's face as the boy dropped from a ready fighting stance to a more fear-filled half-crouch. "Come, a meal awaits." Vegeta turned on his heel, making his way easily back to his rooms.

Goku followed close behind, wondering what brought the master back to him now, a month later - and whether he'd done well or not. What does he plan for me? There must be something! Why can't I tell what it is? I've been a slave so long, I should be able to tell what he wants! Why can't I read him? He's unhappy with me… that's the only thing I can tell.

Vegeta was severely disappointed by the fear and uncertainty he could feel radiating off the younger man. He had hoped the boy would have grown something related to a backbone... it seemed his slave days were still entirely too fresh. And he, of course, was Master. He spent a moment pursuing that line of thought, his tail whipping back to wrap around Kakarot's wrist and tug him along a bit faster.

Goku, surprised when the tail reached out for him, looked down at the furry appendage. I don't know what to think, what to do. This one… he's different. He isn't like my other masters. He always feeds me well, he usually treats me well. But… he can be so cruel! I don't know whether he means well or not…. The complexity of his new master's ways confused him to no end, making him stay edgy and tense.

Vegeta had reached his rooms, and settled comfortably into a chair, his tail flickering from Kakarot's wrist to play quickly across his stomach before curling around his own waist. "Kakarot, sit down and eat. After you take off that blasted armor."

Goku thought quickly, his eyes flicking to Vegeta once in a while. He tested the air carefully, remembering all the hints... Hmm… maybe... I wonder if I'll mind doing… No, a faint look of surprise crossed his face, I won't mind. I guess… I'm just too used to being used like that. At least the Master is… pleasant to look at. I… I want to know. I want to know what it would be like, with him… with one of my own… The spark of curiosity kept him from merely discarding his armor. He wanted to please his master, wanted to make sure he wasn't unhappy with him. He slid his fingers over his body sensually, slowly opening the fasteners, revealing a spandex-clad chest that showed how well his work-outs had paid off. Finally the armor hit the floor and he sat at the table, still avoiding the prince's gaze, beginning his meal.

Vegeta smirked, watching the short performance. Someone's not been listening to the barrack talk, apparently. At least he finally paid attention to my orders to eat and train, that form-fitting suit isn't resting on a rack of bones anymore. He concentrated on his food then for a time before his eyes flickered over his pet again. More muscles, yes, and the tail is definitely in better condition. Still patchy, but the fur seems healthier. "You're improving."

Goku ate diligently, knowing his master noticed. "Yes, Master. As you ordered me."

"You will do some katas when you've finished your meal. Here. I wish to see how you've improved." I want to see something, anything that doesn't involve my father's court! Something that won't be such a horrid reminder of what my father plans. Something to remind me that I am making plans of my own! Oh, please, Scrap, please! You must continue to improve! Nothing of his thoughts showed on his impassive face.

Goku nodded obediently. "Yes, Master. Whatever pleases you." He quickly finished his meal, careful to have eaten enough to satisfy his master's observant gaze. He stood and stretched, warming up muscles that had been slowly cooling.

Vegeta watched the play of muscles appreciatively. Definitely improved. If only the boy had listened to me sooner, had done what I ordered the first time. Perhaps then… I would have a better chance of escape. My chances are still good… and he… I will not mind it so much. I hope. He is much more pleasant to look at, and I know he is nice to curl up with! He smiled slightly, then leaned back to enjoy the show.

Because Goku had spent so much time in these rooms that he knew them well, he decided to spice up the kata with one of his favorite songs. Something slow, with a backbeat like thunder and earth. The first beats of the music started rolling through the room and he felt the familiar calmness settle upon his mind. Felt the freedom approach as he moved, as he danced almost, through the figures of the kata.

Vegeta began purring, his tail twitching slightly. Beautiful, little Scrap. I can be proud of you. You're my pride, do you know that, little one? You are the emotions I dare not display, you are my heart and my soul. You are my fear, my pain, my sorrow, and my joy. But most of all, my little Scrap, most of all, you represent my hope. You're beautiful, so beautiful. He watched in appreciation as the boy flowed through the movements of the kata. Ah yes, in this, as your instructors have said, you excel. You truly are beautiful, breathtaking even, when you dance like that. Your ki control, though... A flash of anger crossed his face. "Your trainers say you still have trouble with control."

The harsh words broke Goku's concentration and he tripped, barely finding the grace to catch himself. "I... I'm working on it, Master. It's just so unfamiliar to me. I've never had access to my ki…"

"You must learn that. Kakarot. You must." His voice was intense, the look he gave the younger man searing. "This control is of the utmost importance, Kakarot, do you understand me?"

Goku frowned. "I... I'll try my best, Master, but I don't understand…"

Vegeta smacked him. "You do not need to understand why, baka! Understand this: You need to LEARN to control your ki. Soon." His eyes flickered to the ornate calendar on the wall. Oh, gods, sooner than I like. He's shown almost no improvement in ki-control at all, and if he is to win, he must do so! "Very soon. You must be ready."

Goku flinched. "Yes, Master. I will learn to control my ki." He still didn't understand, but he didn't dare to ask further. The music had stopped and he stood there, a little awkwardly.

Vegeta sighed. His tail whipped out, curling around the younger man's thigh. "You must learn, Kakarot…" His eyes were fixed on the calendar now, on the number circled in bright purple, only three weeks away. "There's not much time."

Goku, deeply enthralled by Vegeta's dark, penetrating eyes, was caught in that brief gaze like a fly in a spider's web, knowing in that moment that he'd never deny this man anything. He followed those dark eyes as they left him, focusing on the circled number as well. He still hadn't learned the significance of the date, but he knew now that it was more important than he'd thought. "I promise, I will learn... my prince."

"You have two weeks." A buzzing noise broke his concentration on the calendar, his tail sliding slowly from the younger man's thigh when Vegeta moved to where he'd tossed his scouter. "What?" A pause. "Fuck, can't that man do anything without my presence? No, I'm coming." He turned, examining every inch of the young Saiyan in front of him before grabbing him up for a succulent kiss, then disappeared from the room. His voice floated back. "Two weeks, Kakarot."

Goku was left confused, even more so than before, but a small determination was rising. He didn't know why he felt inclined to do it… but he'd do his Master's bidding. I can't do anything else. There's something… it's important. I must do this… for him.