Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ Big problems in a small package ❯ 4 ( Chapter 4 )

Everyone was awake now and Vegeta was still in a meditated state. Everyone else who was sleep before was told about what happened. Trunks was not surprised about Vegeta’s technical knowledge because once he walked in seeing him fixing one of his mother’s inventions that she couldn’t get working. Vegeta convinced Trunks not to tell her without threats surprisingly. After all it would have crushed her if the one thing she could do better than most was second to him again with all the abilities he could already do. Bulma wasn’t sure what she was mad. Vegeta was trying to help and part of her knew that. Looking at Trunks she pulled her angry away from her mind.

“Trunks?” He looked at her waiting for to continue. “What invention did your father fix up last? To your knowledge. What was it?” Trunks tried to think back. His father was training more than anything

in the last few months. He hadn’t seen him in the lab at all

“Um . . . I think it was your natonights healers.” Once that was said, she fell off the couch in shock. Yet, she was on her feet in moments, and eyes still wide in shock screaming like a new born baby.

“Natonights healers! But, I-I couldn’t get those to work from years!” Trunks shook his head trying to stop the ringing.

“Well, I think he fixed them and they do work now.” Bulma ran upstairs to the lab. The others just watched her go. Trunks crossed his arms just like his father did waiting for the signal that his mother found them. He didn’t have to wait long.

“I DON’T BELIEVE THIS! HOW COULD HE POSSIBLY KNOW HOW TO DO THIS? THIS ISN’T RIGHT!” Trunks almost laughed.

“I guess dad was right. She did go completely ballistic.” Everyone looked at him for a moment and, sighed.

X)(X

Vegeta was high off the ground nearly touching the ceiling, breathing hard as he was in mental pain. There was too much to sort through in his mind and it was taking its toll. Vegeta tried push them all back but, he couldn’t do it. It was all too much and, he had no either choice but to retreat and pulled out of his sub-conscious before the memories would overtake him completely. Was the sudden jerk out of his mind, Vegeta landed on the floor hard not realizing he was in the air moments before. Laying on his back with eyes wide open, Vegeta panted as sweat was rolling down his face almost in streams. But, the fall didn’t matter at all to him.

There was something in the very back of his mind. Hidden, locked away. He couldn’t reach it. The further he went to it the more memories and thoughts pushed against him and those were the ones he didn’t want to remember or analogize at all. One other one was wrong too. What should have been there wasn’t there. IT wasn’t there. The nameless one was gone. He couldn’t understand it. They were mingled together was one and now it was only him. Strangely enough he felt alone and incomplete. The demon was a curse that Vegeta learned how to use to his advantage. He was like a . . . strainer for his emotions. He would then feed on the negative feelings and at gave Vegeta more strength. But, now Vegeta had to deal with his emotions, his pain, and deal with a of it alone. He didn’t really like the thought of that at all.

Valcausa started pecking his hand hard, which Vegeta found to be like a tickle on his soft but, high durable skin. Vegeta sat up mentally tried but, he made a promise and he was going to honor it.

“All right. I am done. Let us go.” Vegeta picked her up and went slightly to the window again. Opening it and jumping out landing on both legs and one hand. Vegeta pushing himself into a standing position started walking back to the forest in no real hurry as the thoughts bombarded him again. Pushing them all away Vegeta walked faster to the forest hoping eating something would take his mind off everything at the moment. Seeing the forest ahead Vegeta felt better as if nature was calling him.

Vegeta moved as if his feet were made of lead, nearly dragging them on the ground. Vegeta stopped knowing what was happening to him. It was the fourth symptom of the flu. First was terribly high fevers, second fluid settling in the lungs, third sudden loss of conscious at any giving time, and fourth was temporary yet, partly or full paralyzation of the body followed by full body pains that would steady get better and worst. He reached that stage a month ago. It wasn’t going to be too much longer before the last symptom would claim him.

Death.

It was happening faster than Vegeta thought. He body was too weak to fight much longer. Everything now that was happen in his favor now was too little too late. He knew his death would be soon as the symptoms flared up more and more. There was no more denial now. Unless he found a miracle cure he was good as dead. Vegeta sat down on the ground as his legs grew weaker and even colder like ice. If the numbness wasn’t enough, the freezing string of the strange cold was mind numbingly painful. After all the different flavors of pain I have had. Death could not be that bad. H.e.i.l. could not be that bad. Yet, dying from a stupid virus flu is humiliating.

Vegeta crossed his arms happy he could still do so, as he looked up at the sky. I have died once at the hands of Frieza. Brought back by forbidden means. I should have stayed dead that dreadful day. Father probably only wanted me back to do the paperwork so he would not have to. Vegeta stopped his thoughts right there. He got like this went his body did this. He wasn’t ready to die. He wasn’t afraid of dying but, it wasn’t his time. He felt it deep inside that I couldn’t end this way. The impossible was what he did best and it was impossible to recovery from this virus. That meant he could somehow, someway stand a chance of beating this thing maybe. A one and a billion shot.

The coldness was going away slowly now. Only a few minutes pasted but, sometimes that was all the time it took and the other times he was like that for hours. Once he was like that for three days. Lucky he was on a mission and Nappa and Raddiza was there too for once. Somehow the mission was still done on time without the prince’s help.

Vegeta could move his toes now and ankles had feeling. Vegeta turned looking for Valcausa now aware she wasn’t near him. Vegeta turned on his stomach seeing Valcausa peck at the ground and pulling a long pinkish thing from the ground and eating it. Vegeta watched in amazement as Valcausa pulled another pink thing from the ground. His eyes detected movement from the pink thing. I see. A worm. A small creeping animal that lives the in ground. So you are not a vegetarian after all. Using his arms he sat up on his knees waiting for the coldness and numbness to leave.

Vegeta watched with interest as Valcausa pecked the ground, sometimes getting a worm and sometimes it got away somehow. As the coldness moved above the knees, Vegeta forced himself up holding his knees to keep him steady. Finally Vegeta stood the rest of the way up without support but, didn’t move yet. He looked steady on the outside but, his thighs were shaking terribly, and his knees were made of Jell-O as they threatening to buckle under even his small weight. He couldn’t concentrate enough to even float an inch above the ground to help him now. He was in so much pain and so weak. He was glad he was alone.

“Vegeta!” Vegeta’s head popped up instantly and he sighed hard. And now he wasn’t alone at all. Vegeta steeled himself up the better he could and put on an emotionless face to mask the weakness and pain. The whole group was after him this time.

Vegeta fell back unable to stand anymore. Vegeta cursed the timing. Now wanting to show weakness for many reasons he used his arms to move back against the tree that was bit behind him.

Luck for once was on his side, since the grass was shorter and thick here they don’t show the drag marks of his legs and feet. Before the people got there Vegeta closed his eyes with his hands behind his head pretending to ignore them completely. “Vegeta! Where are you?” The unmistakable voice of the blue haired healer, doctor woman. Who’s name escaped him yet, if he did remember it something had to be wrong with him and more than the obvious things.

“There you are.” Vegeta was confused. She sounded . . . worried? She was worried . . . about him. Vegeta shook it off. He had to hearing things. That was just no way that, a human or anybody or anything could be worried about a monster like him. Not with the blood on his hands and things he had done. By rights standing, he was no child. Much less an innocent person.

“You are intruding on my alone time, human female. Remove yourself from the vicinity. And do take your pets with you.” Bulma ignored the last two statements while the others did the best to let that comment roll off their shoulders.

“Must you call me that?” Vegeta opened his eyes for a moment before closing them again.

“Okay, fine. Blue-haired human female then. Is that better for you?” Bulma’s hand found there way to her hips.

“My name be better for me. How would you like me to call you Prince Saiyan boy?” Vegeta shrugged not even opening his eyes.

“As long is it is not cute or monkey I really do not care what you or anyone else here addresses me by. Feel free to called me that or the other names I known as. Killer of worlds, Saiyan monster, messenger of death, devil child, devil god, demon child, demon god, rogue slayer, and one of personal favorites. The killer prince. Pick one those or make your own. It makes no difference what you called me. As I do call you whatever I wish to call you.” Bulma was stunned. She barely heard Vegeta talk so much in his life at one time. Her Vegeta sometimes didn’t talk nearly the whole day unless he was angry. He talked in battle sure but, mostly he never did say much even when talked to.

Valcausa had her fill and trotted back to her caretaker ignored the people around and went to Vegeta’s side. Vegeta dropped his hand and her stepped onto it. Vegeta didn’t care if the others saw the injured bird are not. If there were smart in anyway, they wouldn’t touch the subject. Holding his hand on top of his stomach in plain view of the others, Vegeta watched, waiting for the other’s move. If they attacked, Vegeta chances were slim as the cold and numbness wasn’t leaving. It was spreading upwards making breathing painful but, Vegeta grimmed and beared it without the slight look on pain on his face.

The others were hanging back out of striking distance but, close enough to attack within a moments notice. This didn’t bother Vegeta. The blue-haired female was the one bothering him. She bought strange feelings out of him and he didn’t like it. Like before with the scared face loser. A debt of honor wouldn’t have stopped him a lot of the time and the offense was great. On his planet, those who dared to touch another’s tail without permission were either put to death or their tail was removed. It was their choice and many chose death over tail removal. He knew that he would unless he had something to take care of before he died or his life was taken. Like revenge.

Bulma bended down and smiled, not realizing that only served to make Vegeta mad. His body was of a child and, the years of life was in the single digits but, that hardly made him a child. He was stronger and faster than most adult fighters. And he was smarter than more adults who lived for thousands of years of nothing but study and tests. Despite this to be treated as a child only on looks alone was an insult.

Vegeta closed his closed his eyes ignoring her presence and he started to stoke Valcausa’s feathers with one finger.

Bulma looked at his face and realized her mistake and cursed herself for it. Vegeta hated to be cuddled and comforted like this especially in front of others. If it was a Saiyan thing or what her didn’t know but, she did know she would have to show she meant no disrespect by her actions if Vegeta was going to even halfway listen to her. First Bulma wiped the smile from her face and sat on the ground at his level hoping she caught her own mistake quick enough. Vegeta still paid no attention to her in anyway. She sighed seeing she wasn’t fast enough. He wasn’t even looking at her now. Vegeta was too annoyed with her to even keep eye contact. That was a dead give away that he was highly perturbed with her.

Trying a different approach. Looking down at the bird that Vegeta was holding, she saw it’s wrapped wing. Bulma reached out as if to touch the wing.

“I would retract that arm if I was you.” Vegeta snapped his eyes open even scaring Bulma, who had seen him angry before many, many times before. But, this look was unguarded and showed many dark emotions at once making Bulma want to run away screaming if her legs would move. “That is if you like the appendage. If not I will be more than happy to remove it for you, permanently.” Bulma moved it back to her side. Vegeta meant business. He was mad and she was only making it worst the more she tried to make it better. Vegeta seemed to want to be left alone for a special reason. But, what she couldn’t pinpoint.

One thing with for sure. Vegeta needed to vent off that anger before he would talk about anything important. It was best to leave him alone for now. He wasn’t hurting anyone or anything and that was plus.

“Okay, we are going to go now.”

“Oh, really. And here I was so enjoying your company ever so much.” Vegeta moved his head to the side looking at Goku. “That is again sarcasm, Kakorot.”

“I know!”

“Really now? For some reason I doubt that . . . again.” Vegeta gave a smile that even got Goku angry and he flew off back the C.C. without the others. Vegeta watched him go and turned back to the others. “Well, that was just rude. He did not even say goodbye. I am so disappointed.” Sarcasm was dripping from every word as he laughing but, it stopped as soon as it began. He looked at everyone. “You are dismissed. And in case you do not know what that means. It means for you to get lost . . . now. I quite done with you.” He said taking his remained hand out him behind is head and waved them away. Everyone else was mad and a bit confused but, decided to go before Vegeta got too annoyed and that would be ugly. Bulma got up and Vegeta closed his eyes ignoring them completely. She grabbed onto Piccolo and he flew off after the others.

Vegeta watched them go happy they finally went as he dropped his arm to the ground hard as the numbness take over his complete upper body. The pain was getting too hard to cover up. His whole chest hurt so much he wanted to scream. Vegeta fell scraping hard against the tree, to the side unable to move than that but, was able somehow through sheer will to move his hand so Valcausa wouldn’t get hurt by the fall. Vegeta laid there partly on his side, breathed hard even if the pain heightened because of it.

Vegeta tried to escape reality to get away from the pain but, he couldn’t do that and his body wouldn’t pass out either. He was struck with the pain until it pasted and that could be hours and even days before it stopped. Vegeta hoped it wasn’t the latter of the two. His vision seemed to be turning into a red blur from the pain that Vegeta was choking back the cries of pain. Knowing in the back his mind that the Namekic could seem hear him even if he was back at Capsule Corporation since his voice could get very loud and even high pitched.

After long minutes the pain somewhat ebbed off allowing Vegeta to move a bit. He feel as if he needed to get out of the open. Vegeta rolled over and forced himself on his feet. Moving slowly with dragging steps, Vegeta moved to a brushy area with Valcausa right behind him. Sitting down in the middle of the tall grass, Vegeta laid down hoping to fall asleep before the pain would come back again in full force. Valcausa moved to his side knowing she be safe as the other animals seemed to respect or fear him. Vegeta closed his eyes letting his exhaustion take over. Even through the sun was up, on the forest floor the light with dim enough for his body not to care. It also helped his body was just a tired as his mind was.

X)(X

An hour passed since that incident with Vegeta and still no sign of him. Bulma was pacing around as she felt there was something wrong with him. Vegeta was hiding something. There was something behind his eyes and she left him alone.

“You are going to need a new carpet if you keep doing that.”

“I can afford it and, it wouldn’t be the first time Eighteen.” Bulma paced the room once more before screaming at the top of her lungs. “I can’t stand this. He doesn’t know any of us and he’s nothing like his older self.” Chi-chi watched Bulma seemingly was slowly losing her mind over this.

“Bulma people change all the time. Vegeta had to change a lot to survive. Probably had to pretend he knew nothing except fighting when that was clearly not the case.” Bulma finally sat down with her face in her hands. “I just want my Vegeta back. I want my mean-spirited, spiteful, unsocial, over training, husband back! That’s all. Is it too much to ask to not have your husband turn back into a child who’s memories, are erased? Well, is it?”

Bulma felt she was close to crying. Bulma won’t though. She could hear Vegeta mocking her for it. For crying over something she couldn’t do anything about.

“Hey, Bulma. You still are the dragon radar, right?” She nodded still with her face in her hands. “All right then. Let’s get the dragonballs and wish Vegeta back to normal and the people he killed back to life. That takes care of both problems. Bulma shook her head.

“I don’t know why but, I feel that not going to work. It’s too simple. Too easy. It won’t work.” Goku patted her back a few times.

“Ah. Bulma. Don’t say things like that. You watch. It will work. And Vegeta will be as good as new. Mind and body. You’ll see.” Goku looked at everyone else. “Okay, now who’s going dragonball hunting?” Everyone looked at everyone else communication with their eyes.

They nodded in agreement. Eighteen decided she would be the speaker of the group and turned to address them.

“Bulma, Goku. You two will stay here and the rest of us will go for the dragonballs.” Goku blinked twice in total confusion.

“Huh? Why? I mean I don’t mind but, I could get the dragonballs quicker with instant tranmition.”

“We know. But, the both of you have the best chance to stop Vegeta if he . . . you know. Goes on a rampage again. Goku you are the strongest and you have the best chance of stopping him or slowing him down.” Eighteen turned to Bulma. “And you. He’s less likely to get angry when you’re around. He trashed me and he hasn’t noticed Chi-Chi . . . yet. And everyone but, Vidal and the two boys, has got beat down. But, anyone here has noticed one thing. He’s not over hostile with you. Plus you are not afraid and I think on some level Vegeta respects that. It might be the fact you have no power or fight training. I don’t know. But, trust us. You will help everyone to stay here.” Bulma unlike herself, was in no mood to argue with her or anyone. Goku stood there and nodded his head agreeing with the reasons.

“Okay. Me and Bulma will stay here.”

X)(X

Vegeta awoke with the equivalent to a hangover that could kill. Fortunately, Vegeta was used to it almost everyday. Pain was apart of his life. As sad as it sounded. Without the pain Vegeta would probably be lost.

Vegeta forced his sore and stiff body up and on his feet. Every breath was hitched in his throat by the pain as the more he woke up the worst the pain. Using an old technique, Vegeta did a mind over matter and was able to block out over half the pain. This technique had a price but, Vegeta didn’t care. If his couldn’t use ki until the block was down and gone, so be it. Normally he would deal with the pain because his power was the only reason why he wasn’t dead and his lifeless body wasn’t drifting in space somewhere or his head was on Frezia’s bedroom wall. If Vegeta had a choice between the two, he rather have his dead body be thrown into space.

Forcing those thoughts away, Vegeta pushed on in no hurry to get anywhere. His body was too tried and weak to waste energy on those kinds of thoughts. Moving back to the building area not even sure why he was going back there. Something was driving him back there. He played it off as his instincts. So he they told him to go there then he was going there. He trusted his instincts more than his other senses sometimes. They could be fooled but, his instincts were never manipulated. He heard Valcausa’s light steps at his side. He was walking so slowly she could easily keep up.

At the end of the forest he needed to rest at his body was drained of all energy. Sliding down the trunk of a tree Vegeta landed hard on the ground not caring how the rough bark cut and dig into his back. He was already in pain. What was a little more? He rested his head against his chest. He was too tired to even sleep. He knew he should get up but, he body wasn’t having that. He doubted even of Frieza himself for before him ready to kill him to oblivion, he wouldn’t be able to look to rise on one knee.

“This is pathetic.” Even his voice was weak. Vegeta wanted to crawl in a deep hole somewhere and just die. I could just blast a hole in the ground here later and come back in two months or less and fall in it in my last moments of life.

Vegeta turned his head toward the sky without lifting it off his chest. See a yellow plane leaving from the building and in a hurry too. Vegeta had the urge to tail them but, not it this condition. Valcausa pecked his hand again making Vegeta drop his gaze to her. She was turning her head to both sides kinda like she was looking him over. Her started pecking his hand again harder this time. Vegeta got the message. She wanted him to get back up. Vegeta hated taking orders but, he knew he needed to get back up too. He head was screaming it his body forcing energy he didn’t have to show itself. Shaking on his two legs he started walking slowly, panting hard was every step. He was going through the normal entrance.

X)(X

Goku was having breakfast in the kitchen while Bulma was still on the couch not very happy. Seeing something he looked out the window seeing Vegeta coming back but, something was way wrong with him. Swallowing the last bite, Goku ran out of the kitchen stopping at Bulma.

“He’s coming back but, he walking ready slow. Like his hurt or something.” Bulma rose up from the couch grabbing his arm before he went to Vegeta.

“Goku. I know you want to help him but, you can’t. I want to so badly but, if either of us do. Vegeta will . . . he’ll . . . ” Bulma tried to think of a way to say this but, nothing came. “Just trust me on this. There reason why Vegeta doesn’t ask or want help.” They both heard the doors open and saw Vegeta barely lifting his feet to even walk. His eyes were almost closed and his ki was just above the nonexistent line. Bulma’s ki was higher than his. Vegeta balance was something to be desired. He was weaving in and out of the line. Any more in either direction and he would fall over. He seemed like the walking dead. Even his tail was dragged behind him, still around his waist like normal.

Vegeta moved past them and the living room but, turned before he got to the stairs. Bulma turned to Goku and both began to follow him at a distance unsure of Vegeta’s reaction right now. He moved to into the other hallway no clue to where is was going nor did he even cared. Vegeta saw two doors in the entire hallway of them of interest. One was mechanical and silver. Looked like when it opened it when into the ceiling. And one farther down had a door nob unlike the rest in the hallway. With no strength left in staggered to the silver door watching it go up into the ceiling just like he thought.

The room was pretty big and white to the point of blinding with a large machine connected to the ceiling. The scent in there was a sweat and blood from mostly one person. The scent was familiar yet, different. He knew that did he know the person the scent belonged to or at least the right direction to the person. At the moment he couldn’t care less. Vegeta let himself drop to his knees a step away from the door, next to the wall. Strangely, he felt kinda comfortable here, even with the slight smell of blood. Fall the rest of the way his body slow started shutting down. This what they must mean to have a touch of death so you can recognize it when it would come for you. The first time was too quick I guess. He felt the fog around his mind but, saw the white of the room. He rather be looking at the sky. At least it was his favorite color.

Outside in the hallway. Bulma and Goku missed which door if any Vegeta went into. Bulma was annoyed more than sad.

“We should had have followed more closely. Can’t you sense him out?”

“No, he ki is way too low. It be easier to feel for yours.” Goku sighed and turned to Bulma with a smile. “Well we can do it the old fashion way.” Both started opening doors and searching the rooms they picked in case he was in plain sight. He was small. He could fit anywhere and especially if he didn’t want to be found.

A good fifteen minutes went by went both Bulma and Goku ran back out in the hallway. Bulma didn’t like this at all.

“He not in any of those rooms.”

“He wasn’t in those rooms either.”

“You’re a Saiyan, Goku. Can’t you sniff him out of something? Aren’t Saiyans good at that?” Goku grinned put his hand behind his head.

“I haven’t done that I a long while. Chi-Chi would yell on me and I stopped doing it.”

“Well, she’s not here so. Sniff to it!” Goku started sniffing the air immediately. His mind started filtered out the unknown smells. Goku moved to the beginning of the hallway and moved down. Two scents caught his attention. Both were Saiyan and both were Vegeta.

One was older and the other was minutes ago. That was it. The two scents were close both different but, scent change gradually with time like a Ki signature did but, still recognizable. Goku slowly walked down to the third door of the right and stopped. Backing up and stopped be at the first. Going to the left he stopped again losing it, then again went back to the right. Walking and sniffing with every step, he went past the second door and stop half way to the third. Stepping back to the second door, he nodded to himself.

“In here.” Bulma looked at the door.

“The gravity room. I should have known. That’s Vegeta for you. No memory and this is still his favorite place to go. I thinking about getting it voice locked.”

“Then he just would blow a new entrance.”

“Or bypass the voice lock. If he could turn a computer into a view screen for who knows for far away he could easier do that. How could I miss all this? I could I not know about his abilities. The signs were so apparent. All in plain sight.” Without another word both entered the room. At first they saw no one but, black in the solid white room caught both their eyes.

“Vegeta!”

X)(X

The third dragonball was recovered. The people weren’t not recovered yet from everything that happened in the last day and today. Everyone was filling in the blanks for everyone else and it still was confusing. Everyone was riding in Bulma’s plane. The same one as the went in to go the tournament. Strangely enough, no one sat in the co-pilot seat. No one wanted to or even through about it.

“Krillen where is the next one at?” Gohan asked not wanting to try to read the radar and driving the plane.

“Um . . . the next is . . .” Krillen’s eyes widen. “One hundred meters behind us!” Gohan slammed on the brakes and put it in reverse. “Keep going . . . keep going . . . keep going . . . stop!” The plane stopped and Gohan set it down gently. It was like any open field. No orange anywhere and the radar would only tell the general area. They could not blast because the dragonball would be destroyed possibly.“Okay, let’s start the digging.” He meant with their hands since they didn’t bring shoves or anything else. The two boys smiled because they could get dirty.

“Goten. I don’t what you digging. How knows what been in this ground.” The shine went out of Goten’s eyes as he sat down on the ground looking at Trunks who shrugged and started digging. He gets all the fun.

X)(X

Vegeta saw both the blue haired one and the one named Kakorot. As much as he wanted them to leave, Vegeta couldn’t even use his voice. He had become completely paralyzed. But, the pain that what with it was new. It was one or the other normally. Not this time.

“Goku? Is he . .?” He heard the blue say as if his was under water. He couldn’t understand but, nothing was wrong with his sight. He reading lips. A skill he under in undercover work and assassin jobs.

“He’s alive. He body is in a shock or something. I’m not sure if he is awake or sleeping with his eyes open. Does he do that?”

“Once or twice I seen him do to.” What? How could she know that? She has no mental powers weak or strong of any kind. How could she know me at all? I do not like this one bit.

“What will we do? Put him to bed?”

“I like to run a few test first. I wonder if this is a symptom of the flu his got or something from the obvious abuse that Frieza did.”

“Um? Right? Okay? What?” Goku was confused about the injuries weren’t recent but, he was only a child recently.

“I explain later, Goku.” Bulma snaked her arms under his body. If Vegeta would be able to scream he wouldn’t try to stop it. He was seeing stars.

Goku noticed something in Vegeta’s eyes. He was awake but, he just could not move for the life of him. For moment it didn’t make sense they to fell into place almost suddenly.

“Bulma! Put him down. Your hurting him!”

“What? How?” Bulma put him back down in shock from what just Goku said.

“He is awake. I could see pain in his eyes.” Goku looked deep as Vegeta eyes were still unguarded.

“He still in pain. When you picked he up, he was . . . there was . . . so much pain. How could he be in that kind of pain?” Goku brows knitted in thought what Vegeta was going through.

“Goku stay with me here. Try not to think about it.” She took a breath. “Okay, I trust your judgement. You say that caused him pain. Then it did cause him pain. But, why would it? Unless . . .” If he was in pain already. Then I would have heightened it. Hm? Bulma looked at his face seeing his eyes. It was the look again. Vegeta was even now trying to hide it but, it was too late. She saw it. It was the look behind his eyes before. Pain. He was in pain the entire time. In the forest. He was intentionally saying those things to make them leave. And she felt for it. He only got worst as time went by. “Oh Vegeta. Why do you do this to yourself? Why can’t you just ask for help?” She was nearly tearing up but, she was trying to be strong. Vegeta easily saw what her lips were saying. Why? Simple. People can not be trusted. People only hurt. Why would people help me? You do you want to help me? I do not understand! I can not make sense of this! Nothing makes sense. I am helpless here on this floor at your mercy. So why are you not trying to kill me or cut me open or do experiments on me like normal people would? Not that I am complaining but, I do not get this. You know who I am. I-I-I do not care. I just want this to stop. Odin. Saiyan guardian. If you are listening please stop this. End it for me. I never asked for anything before and, I hate to ask now but. Take away this pain. Just make it stop. I do not care how. Just make it all stop! Kill me if you wish it. I can not take too much more of this. Vegeta was able to close to his eyes finally yet, that was the only movement he could make. Blinking felt great but, he preferred to keep his eyes open. If they made any move he wanted to see it. Not that he be able to do anything about it.

Bulma watched as he didn’t move except his eyes. It was painful to watch him in pain but, he couldn’t even tell them to either ‘go away’ or ‘leave me alone’ nothing.

“Goku. I going to the lab. Stay here and...” She was going to say watch him but, they could leave the room and he be there riddled in pain. “Just stay here.” Goku watched her go and looked back at Vegeta. He seen him die before but, he could talk before. But, Goku promised himself he wouldn’t let him die. Goku didn’t know what to do with himself though. Maybe I should sit down and talk to him. As if everything’s normal. But, about what? Well, maybe I shouldn’t. It could be that whole Sarcasm thing all over again. Man, that was embarrassing. If Vegeta remembers was happens after his back to normal I will never hear the end of it. Goku turned his back to Vegeta trying to think.

Vegeta clenched his fist softly at first and then hard. The pain was still there but it hit the low point of the of it continuing cycle. Able to move his legs Vegeta decided to get out of here while the getting was good. Beckoning Valcausa back over to him, he scooped her up soundlessly and stood up the same. Using the assassin steps once again Vegeta went to the door knowing he needed to be fast once that door opened. He hated running away but, you got to do what you got to do.

Standing at the door an inch before the sensor gathering his strength ignoring the flares of raw pain shooting up his spine. Stepping into the sensor the door flew up and Vegeta was long gone out of there.

“Back already, Bulma? Bulma?” Goku turned seeing she wasn’t in the room. “Well, that was weird. The door malfunctioned, I guess.” Goku turned back around. Taking a breath Goku relaxed. But, Goku noticed something. There was no sound of Vegeta’s almost impossible to hear breathing in the dead silent room. Fearing the worst Goku spun around. Vegeta wasn’t there.

On his feet Goku, run around the whole entire room incased he moved without him knowing. Stopping in front of the door Goku was confused for a moment more until he remembered the door opening but, no body there. Goku ran out the door and ran into Bulma knocking her down and the needle fell and broke on the floor.

“Ah! Needle!” Goku ran back inside the gravity room. Bulma looked at the door in anger.

“Goku! Get up here right now!”

“Is the needle out there?”

“Do yo want me to bring it in there!” The door opened with him standing in the doorway. He had a guilty look on his face. It was too much for running into her and a broken needle. “What happened, Goku? The truth!” Goku smiled nicely to be innocent which wasn’t working on her.

“Vegeta’s um . . .”

“He’s what!”

“He’s kinda . . . gone.”

“What do you mean his gone? He couldn’t move. I couldn’t pick him up without his being in pain! How could he be gone?” Before Goku could say anything Bulma grabbed him to the gi and pulled him back to the beginning of the hallway. “Find him, Goku. Or that needle will look like your best friend.” Bulma wasn’t yelling. That would be an improvement. She was too mad to yell as weird as that sounded.

X)(X

On the roof Vegeta sat in the slowly disappearing shade. For thirty minutes he was trying to put himself into trance to ride out the rest of the pain. This was normal. Tiring, annoying but, normal. In a few hours he could release the block, he ki would be useable again, and he be his normal self again with symptoms that show up now and again that would eventually take his life.

“Praying to Odin. It never did me any good when the planet was still there. I must have been out of my mind with pain or something.” Vegeta set Valcausa down looking at her fragile form. Hopefully, her wound would healed before he left. He couldn’t take her with him. Frieza would kill her of sight for number of reasons. The most was because he liked to cause others pain. Physical or mental, he didn’t care.

Pushing his thoughts away, Vegeta entered the beginning of his mind and stayed there. The trance was deep enough he didn’t hear the plane making a landing on the ground. The others walked out with the dragonballs in hand. Bulma and Goku put finding Vegeta on hold.

“Did you guys have trouble?” Piccolo blushed and turned away. Gohan spoke up for the everyone.

“Nothing too bad. It was quicker than the last like oh I don’t know. The last three thousandth times we done this. The fourth one was the hardest because we had to dig up a near entire field.” Bulma wanted to ask why Piccolo was reacting the way she was but, demised it.

“Well, shall we start then?”

Setting the dragonballs down it number order all in a circle, not that mattered. Once in place everyone stood back and looked at Bulma.

“Bulma look like to do the honors?” She nodded stepping closer until her was almost on top of them. Taking a deep breath and hold her hands out and over the dragonballs.

“Eternal Dragon! Serlong! I summon you by name! I call you forth. Arise!” The sky turned black and the wind was so strong. Black lightening crashed down around. The boys and Vidal eyes were wide with wonder as that never saw this before. It was in a word: cool. The lightening the hitting the roof of Capsule corporation. The hair stood on the back of Vegeta neck and released the hold on his mind, grabbed Valcausa and jumped out of the way of the bolt.

“Black lightening?” Vegeta whispered to himself feeling the wind on his body. It was strong enough to blow him over if he was physical any weaker.

The adrenal rush wore off and pain came back again. Trying to ignore it with not much success he looked at the sky. “Night? I couldn’t have been out for more than fifteen minutes at the most! This is not possible! All this strange and impossibilities are annoying.” Looking around he saw the dragon forming. It was easy to say this was number four on his weirdest-things-he-had-every-saw-list. “And I thought Frizea was a huge lizard.” Vegeta walked stumbled over most of the way to the edge of the roof. Kneeling down he looked over the ledge seeing all the people. His hearing was not back to normal yet and it was to dark to read lips even his far away. So he decided to watch.

The dragon opened it red eyes and looking down at the morals that called him. Even with Vegeta’s hearing problem at the moment his could hear him perfectly.

“YOU HAVE SUMMONED ME. TELL ME YOUR FIRST WISH NOW! Wish? He the human version of the nameless one? But, it a dragon but, a demon. Dragon demon maybe? Weird. I wonder what that want and have to give up.

“I wish that all the people Vegeta had killed be brought back to life!” Bulma yelled in order for the dragon to hear her. Vegeta watch the dragon’s eyes go red. Then normal again.

“YOUR WISH HAS BEEN GRANTED. MAKE YOUR SECOND WISH!” Second wish? They made they wish? I must be have missed it. I hate it went I can not hear anything.

“I wish for Vegeta to be returned back to normal!” Again Vegeta watched it eyes go red. A red hue covered Vegeta’s body. It wasn’t painful but, it wasn’t a pleasant feeling. His skin felt like it was stretching and then stopped. The red disappeared completely. What . . . was . . . that?!

“YOUR WISH CAN NOT BE GRANTED. IT IS OUTSIDE MY POWER TO CHANGE IT.” Everyone looked at each other. Bulma looked back up at the dragon.

“Can you tell me why?”

“IT IS A MIX BETWEEN SCIENCE AND SORCERY. I CAN NOT FIX IT. MAKE A NEW WISH.” Bulma thought fast.

“Can you take away Vegeta’s illness that infects him?”

“I WILL TRY!” The red went again and the reddish hue came back over Vegeta. Vegeta tensed ready for the heightened pain but, it didn’t come. Shivers ran down Vegeta’s spine. Strangely, they weren’t painful like the others one. Vegeta body laid down of the roof without his consent. Vegeta didn’t know what to do. Something was happening and he could think were to began to stop it. Suddenly, it stopped. It all just stopped. He didn’t feel anymore pain and his hearing was cleared up. It could hear normally again. Sitting up Vegeta removed the block allowing his ki to be useable again. There was nothing but, the feeling of his body. Breathing in deep there was no pain at all.

“YOUR WISH HAS BEEN GRANTED. THE ILLNESS AND SYMPTOMS FROM IT HAVE BEEN REMOVED. NOW I BID YOU FAREWELL.” The dragon turned into pure light and the dragonballs flew off in all different directions across the globe.

Vegeta watched them go. The day just started and already he had too much. Physical pain was gone but, the mental pain was still there. Yet, it was mild. Mostly his was just tired, sleepy even. He wanted to just sleep for a month. And when he woke up then he would figure it all out later. Vegeta after all the pain and torment of his body went through. Now he passed out completely.

X)(X

Three days have passed since the dragon was called and Vegeta still did not wake up. Piccolo heard Valcausa right after the dragon disappeared, chirping in alarm. Reasons unknown to him, he went up there. He found him instantly. He was deep asleep, and rather close to the edge. Piccolo carefully picked him up and floated him down to the shocked on lookers. Rushing him inside, Bulma checked his vitals and found everything was fine. He was really tried and out of energy.

Since that day then, everyone came by everyday still and decided to do so until they felt Vegeta was calm enough to let Bulma and Trunks handle him themselves. Vegeta was in bed in his old room again. His stirred once and awhile but that was all besides the occasional mumble of his Sayianjin tongue or was they believed was Saiyanjin.

It was past noon and Goku and Chi-Chi and Goten were the last over. After a lot a bugging, Goku got to eat the forbidden, death-by-frying-pan food in the fridge. About half was gone and the dishes were in the sink. The robot hadn’t got around to putting them in the dish washer yet.

“So. Any change?”

“No. Not yet.”

“Shouldn’t he go to a hospital? I mean it’s been three days.”

“No. Vegeta’s has done this before. Like the day after the gravity room blew up.” Chi-Chi blinked twice.

“It blew up?”

“Yes. With him inside. Before the fight with the androids and Cell. No offence Eighteen.”

“None taken.”

“Anyways, to make a long story short. After that night of harder training. He slept for three and half days. So I just know that he’ll be okay. He just needs this right now. If those dark rings under his eyes are any indication Vegeta hadn’t slept for days and probably hadn’t had much the other days either.”

“Back then?”

“Right.”

“And it affecting him now?”

“Right.”

“This doesn’t make any sense.”

“Right. Then again turning into a child doesn’t make any sense either.

“True.” Eighteen’s head was going back a forth as they took their quick turns talk. In was like watching a ping-pog game. Vidal just had her eyes closed letting the information sink in.

X)(X

Vegeta pulled the covers back and stood up lifeless arms at his sides. Vegeta walked to the door and the non-mechanical door opened without him lifting a finger. Walking down the hall to the stairs, Vegeta walked down the middle without as much as a creak on them. Walking past the living area where the all the males of the fighting group and friends where watching t.v. Without anyone in the living room noticing he went to the kitchen area.

Bulma gasped making the others turn around seeing him walking towards them. With a wave of his hand the door to the fridge opened and a bottle water flew into his hand. His other hand moved and the door slammed shut. Vegeta went to the window opened the bottle and emptying the contents of the bottle within seconds. His one hand flew up and the trash can lid flew up and open. Vegeta tossed the empty bottle in and put his hand down making the lid fall back in place. He simply turned around. The shocked threesome watched as Vegeta’s eyes weren’t even open. His was . . . sleepwalking.

Goku stepped in seeing what the noise was about when Vegeta bumped into him. Goku was stunned as Vegeta didn’t even look up and, instead walked around going on his way. Bulma and the others included Goku followed him back upstairs watching as the normal door opened without turning the knob and he went inside. Catching up quick Goku opened to door letting they see Vegeta was back on the bed. They all walked in seeing Vegeta was asleep and deeply.

Normally opening the door would result a ki blast in the face. But, Vegeta didn’t even stir. Goku curious, walked over seeing if Vegeta was playing possum. He seemed to be really asleep. Tempting pain Goku reached towards him.

“Goku! Stop! Remember Goten. He doesn’t have to be awake for him to react.” Goku pulled back remembering that. But, Goku wanted to check something and grabbed his arm fast.

The ladies tensed but, nothing happened. Goku had Vegeta arm high up in the air making him partly sit-up on the bed. Vegeta wasn’t even breathing harder as his head was on his chest as lifeless as a week old corpse. There was no way Vegeta would stand for that leaving only one conclusion. He very, very deep asleep. Even close to even coma like.

“Okay. Now I am confused. How did he do that if his like this?”

“He was sleepwalking and his body wanted to something to drink. Sleepwalker’s middle brain functions are active. They don’t have to be awake to some things. Apparently Vegeta doesn’t need to be awake to use telekinesis. I don’t even know Vegeta had telekinesis. Or Telepathy. I figured that out four days ago.” Chi-Chi listened intrigue but, looked back at Goku.

“Um . . . Goku, I think you can put him down now. That can’t be overly comfortable.” Goku looked back at him hand. He forget his was still holding Vegeta’s small arm. Goku blushing a bit, slowly put his arm back down. Bulma come over without fear and repositioned him. So he wasn’t folded over himself. Chi-Chi come over next untwisting the covers and threw them back over him. Bulma ran her hand over him bangs trying to get them out of his eyes but, they kept falling back into the exact same place each time.

“Okay now let me run this by really quick to see if I understand all this.” Vidal said still by the door next to Eighteen. As her had everyone eyes on her she took a deep breath. “This boy here is the man that destroyed the punching machine without hardly trying, right?” Goku and Eighteen nodded. “Then he’s the one who using a technique to get rid of some monster that was suppose to kill him, yes?” Everyone nodding this time. “But, instead he’s now a child who has no memory of you and was suffering from injuries and things he had when he was a child?” More nodding followed by everyone again. Vidal sighed hard. “How?”

“We don’t know for sure. I only have a theory that could be true.”

“Which is?” Bulma sighed.

“I think Vegeta’s mind and body was going through shock. So to protect his mind he erased the memory pasted the year he was going reverting back to. And to make it complete he had to have the same everything he did this time that many years ago. So his body broken the once was broken bones over time and burned off all body fat and recreated the virus in his body. I sure it wasn’t ready there but, he body was going through the it. The pain was really and the threat in caused was real but, there was no really virus inside. But, this is all theory but, it’s the best I can do. But, how he turned into a child is what I don’t understand. The dragon said it was from science and sorcery. Sorcery I could understand. Vegeta was under some kind of spell, right?”

Bulma turned to Goku who smiled that smile that told you that the person was trying to hide something from you.

“Well kinda.”

“Kinda?”

“Um . . . well you see.” Goku looked at her narrowing eyes. He know if she didn’t get the truth from him that second she would make Chi-Chi fan-pan of death look like a love tap. “The spell he did on him. It unleashed the evil buried in his heart from over the years. And he got a power boost from it. Bobidid was trying to take over Vegeta’s mind like his to helpers at the tournament that attacked Gohan. But, Vegeta was able to resist him and no matter what Babidid did Vegeta wouldn’t do it. He would talk aloud since the wizard could hear him. He said he wouldn’t fight the others. Only me. Finally Bobidid realized he couldn’t get Vegeta to do what he wanted.

“What did he want?”

“To kill the Supreme Ki or known as Shin at the tournament for one thing. But, he wouldn’t do it.”

“So Vegeta fought against it and won?”

“Yes, but he wasn’t the same exactly. He was similar to when he first came down but, slowly as we were fighting his true self came through. Part of him was in denial of it but, at he end Vegeta stopped Buu and the wizard wasn’t seen since. I think he was killed in the ki explosion.” Goku thought it best to leave out the conversion since Vegeta seemed to come around. And what he was trying to make himself believe, wasn’t true.

“So maybe that wizard didn’t have anything to do with it.”

“But, why would anyone want to turn him into a child again?”

That was the ten million dollar question. Meaning Bulma gladly pay ten million dollars to have that answer.

“Come on lets let him rest.” The agreed and started towards the day. Bulma started to move off the bed when something stopped her. Looking down she saw his tail rapped around her knee without even feeling it happen.

“Come on Bulma.”

“I have to unwrap his tail first.”

“What?”

“His tail rapped around my leg here. Just a sec.” Bulma tried gently to pry his tail off her leg but, the more her tried the more tight it became.

“Problems?”

“Quiet.” Bulma reached over and scratched above his ear in that special spot. His tail relaxed but, before Bulma could move, Vegeta got his arms got around her waist. Bulma was now stuck as Vegeta arms were stronger than his tail and his tail was strong enough.

“Um. A little help here be nice.” The others found this scene both comical and highly adorable. Goku smile brightly.

“Well, why don’t you just stay here for right now, Bulma. It seems like he doesn’t really want you to go right now.” Chi-Chi mimicked her husband.

“Sure you stay here and we’ll handle everything.” Chi-Chi said after her husband and walked out of the room. Eighteen just smiled slightly.

“Have fun.” With that her grabbed Vidal by the arm and closed the door.

“Hey guys! Come on!” Bulma sighed and looked down at Vegeta. “I hope your having fun.” No answer, just silent breathing on his part.

All annoyance melted from her when she looked back down at him. He was so adorable. He tail was still rapped around his leg but, lazily so. She could easily put it off but, sense she was already trapped, she allowed it to stay there. Scratching that spot again Vegeta turned his head more allowing better access to it. A little moan escaped his lips but, that was all the noise he made.

“Why is this happening to you? Who did this?” Bulma was tears again. “I still love you Vegeta. No matter what form you take I will always love you. Even if you stuck this way I will love you like a son if I have to.” She hugged him tightly hoping as if Vegeta would magical just change back.

X)(X

Trunks and Goten walked in from outside with work in there hands for Vegeta’s bird. They found a old wire cage in the attic.

“Goten! You better wash your hands!”

“Yes mom.”

“With soap!”

“Yes mom.”

“And dry them with paper towels. Not your clothes.”

“Yes mom.” Trunks tried his best to have a straight face. Both put from in a small container of dirt and put most in there. All but, three. “So do we hold it up or do we put them in there?”

“Have would I know. Do I have a bird? Let’s try feed him.”

“Isn’t a her?”

“No way it’s a boy.”

“I think it’s a girl.”

“And that’s why it a boy. Because you are always wrong.”

“Are not, Trunks!”

“Are too, Goten!”

“Are not!”

“Are too!”

“Not!”

“Too!”

&ldq uo;Not!”

“Too!”

“Not!”

& ldquo;Are too! Times infinity.”

“Are not! Times infinity plus one.”

“There’s no such thing!”

“Is too!”

“Is not!”

“Is too!”

“Is not!”

“Is too!”

“Is not!”

“Is too!”

“Is not!”

“Is too!”

“Is not!”

“Too!”

“Not!”

&ldq uo;Too!”

“Not!”

“Are you two fighting again?” Chi-Chi’s voice shrieked from the other room.

“No mom.” “No Mrs. Goten’s mom.” Both Trunks and Goten said at the same time while glaring at other each.

“It a boy!”

“It’s a girl!”

“Don’t start!” Piccolo said irritated that his meditation was disrupted by these two. The two looked at the ground not saying a word.

X)(X

Vegeta was on his back, in her lap still very much asleep. Bulma was rubbing his head. His tail long fell off her leg and he wasn’t holding her around her waist but, she didn’t want to leave now. Bulma felt that he was going to wake up soon as he was stretching and squirming around a bit. Vegeta never hardly moved when he slept. Once he was asleep he didn’t move unless a really bad nightmare began to plague him.

Vegeta suddenly sat up fast shocking Bulma. Vegeta gave out a yawn and turned around looking at Bulma. He blinked once then twice with recognition in his tired but, fully opened eyes. Bulma looked in surprise. He remember her?

“What did you do to your hair and eyes, Toma? Kinda like it. Yet, that could be the exhaustion talking and, I do not think most other will though. Especially the eyes. Do not let my fa . . . I mean the king see you like that. He will see it as some treason thing or something. He gets he tail in a knot about anything these days. If he is not careful I will put his tail in a knot then rip it off.” Vegeta stopped for a moment as a thought seemed to hit him. “Why are you even in here? Is it breakfast time already?” Vegeta just yawn again loud and, rubbing his eyes with the back of his still gloved hand. “I think I will sleep through breakfast hour and have a double lunch instead. And you do not you start with ‘you should not train ten hours on a empty stomach’ speech. It is more dangerous to train half asleep. Where is the Nappa? Oh well. Give that message to Nappa and he will talk to who ever, okay? I need more sleep. Oh and one more thing. Tell Nappa to replace the boards of my bed. It is too soft. I rather sleep on the floor if wasn’t too tried to care.” Vegeta eyes rolled back and he was again completely out.

“Okay.” Bulma said confused a bit but, figured it Vegeta was still sleeping. But, his body thought it was awake. It was kinda like a waking dream and body is along for the ride. She slowly rolled him back on is back and, pulled him back in her lap. She kissed him on the top of the head. “Your adorable at any age. You really are.” This is the part where you yell at me for saying that.

X)(XX)(XX)(X

It was coming close to evening and Both trunks and Goten had their hand wrapped up. Valcausa bit each of their fingers when they came close to her. Trunks glared at the cage.

“Stupid bird.”

X)(X

Bulma woke up as a bright light flashed in the room. Opening right after her saw Vegeta in a traditional one piece blue outfit except it had a cape and the was a gold band around the back of his head. Vegeta reached up pulling the band off his head, dropping it on the ground next to the black leather pants he got days before. Bulma looked down at golden band. It was the prince’s crown her saw in that flash back the demon caused. A loud rip made Bulma look up seeing Vegeta rip of the cape part of his outfit. Small ruby red strips of material was still attached to the shoulders but, other than that the cape was on the floor next to the prince’s crown. Vegeta striped off the white gloves and put on the black gloves, dropping the white gloves next to the other articles. Before Bulma could get up Vegeta was out the door.

Vegeta got the stairwell area and jump over the handrail landing silently. No one heard him it seemed but, he knew the Namekic was there and more than likely heard him. Vegeta slowly rose up and decided the direct approach. He’ll would just deal with the actions the others accordingly. Head held high Vegeta saw Valcausa in a cage. He was angry at her captivation. He made him shake with almost rage. Locking it away for a short time Vegeta put on his scowl and walked with a purpose. The two boys noticed him first.

“Hey! Your awake! Cool!”

“That’s got to be a record. To sleep for three days.” Three days. Hm. Interesting. Vegeta paid them no mind as he ripped the wire top of the cage. Scooped up Valcausa as her started chirping happily that her favorite person was back.

“You could have opened the cage door.” Goten said.

“You didn’t have to rip off the top!” Trunks said after him. But, again Vegeta ignored them both. Vegeta looked down at cage seeing the worms that were now dead by being pecked at too much. He was so hungry like no one would believe and she looks like she hadn’t eat in the days. Which could be possible. Vegeta turned on his heel walking towards the front exit. Ignoring the people’s stares as he went.

“Where you off to Vegeta?” Goku said cheerfully which made Vegeta partly sick but, ignored it and him. “Hey! Vegeta! Did you hear me? Hey!” Goku appeared before him trying to get his attention. Vegeta just sidestepped him going on his way. “Vegeta come on. Don’t be that way. We are only trying to help.” Goku gently placed his hand on Vegeta’s shoulder.

Both Goten and Trunks scrambled out of the way as Goku’s body flew back by an invisible force. Vegeta didn’t even move as his back was still to them.

“People like you never learn. What I said that night still stands. I am not going to even bother to repeat myself. Consider this your lucky day with a second warning. I have other things to attend to more important than you being a idiot.” Vegeta walked on outside where he ki rose and flew out back to the forest a bit behind them.

“You hurt, dad?”

“Just my pride. And my back and my leg and my arm. Other than that I’m okay.”

“What you do to make him mad?”

“I forget that Vegeta right now and even a bit before doesn’t care to be touched that much. And right now. He doesn’t like it at all.” Gohan helped his dad up off the floor. “Thanks. Ow.” Bulma was at the bottom of the stair now. She shall the whole thing.

“Hey, Bulma.”

“Goku, maybe you should let him alone right now. He seems calm until we seem to do something that he doesn’t like to or for him. He just needs some space right now.” Gohan looked around the living room. I wonder where Piccolo went too? I didn’t see him leave.

X)(X

Vegeta landed on the branch of the only apple tree in the entire forest. Vegeta grabbed an apple out the branch and spilt it in half. Valcausa started pecking the seeds out of the core. Vegeta grabbed the nearest branch to him and pulled it all the way towards him. Then he let go. A howl of pain filled the air.

“That’s what you get for spying, Namekic.”

“You could have said ‘get lost’ or something!”

“I know but, this was so much more fun.” Piccolo showed himself with a huge lump on his head. Vegeta had to restrain himself from laughing so hard he would fall out of the tree. Vegeta let himself smirk but, that was all for the moment. “Did you want something Namekic? If you do say it quickly because I hungrier than a third class on a twelve thousand calorie per meal diet.”

“That’s quite a bit.”

“Not to a Sayian. Then again I talk to a someone how only needs water. You can eat but, don’t have to. Interesting to say the least.”

He looked down seeing Valcausa pecked the apple core clean. He ate the two halves and dropped the core pieces the ground below.

“You know your friend here didn’t like the boys. It bit them both.”

“Valcausa is not an it!” Piccolo didn’t need mental powers to see he touched a nerve with that remark somehow. He needed to calm Vegeta down if only a little bit.

“Sorry. I can’t tell if . . . what you called it is a boy or girl.”

“Valcausa is female. Now go or I might like to sample some Namekic green meat.” Piccolo moved back fear filling his features. “I told you I was hungry. And your beginning to look appetizing. I know you grow your limbs back but, I do not think you want me to be ripping them off. You might want to go. Like right now” Piccolo flew away almost disturbed by the conversion.

X)(X

Vegeta collected all the ripe apples off the tree and ate all of them down to the cores. Moving them and Valcausa to the base of the tree. Vegeta put a special ki shield around her and her food.

“Consume your fill. I know I will. I will be back for you later.” Vegeta jumped back into the trees looking for some prey. When he was younger, he often considered the fact of not eating any kind of animal. The animal world understood him better that anyone or thing he ever met.

Yet, the Saiyan in him craved meat and the blood of it. No need to cook it even. Rip into the body of the beast and devour everything. It took him a while but, finally accepted the circle of life. After all, if he died, the animals would eat his remains. But, still there were some animals he wouldn’t even consider eating or even hunting.

X)(X

Piccolo come back a good fifteen minutes ago with a bump over half his face. He didn’t talk about it but, instead started his meditating again. No doubt he had a run in with Vegeta and was a little freaked out for some reason or another. The others only imaged with could have happened to unnerve the most level head one in the group.

Goku for a strange reason, felt hot and angry. But, the thing was he was mad at anyone. Not even Vegeta even after what he had done earlier. He was just mad in general. Like some outside force, was controlling his emotions. It was primal. Or at least to felt that way.

“Goku you alright?”

“I don’t know. I’m . . . angry.”

“Well, Vegeta was out of line but, you seemed to understand . . . ”

“I’m not angry at him! I’m just angry!”

“There is no need to shout.” Goku hit the table next to the couch making it literally shatter into pieces as if it was cheap glass.

“I’ll shout if I want to!” Chi-Chi moved back. She only seen him like this a few times. Once after Cell killed the army that came to try to kill him. They were outmatched and Cell just destroyed them. She remembered he was yelling at the radio not to do it. But, this was beyond that. It was well . . . Vegeta like in a way. Except when Vegeta yelled he yelled partly in annoyance. Yet, here Goku was yelling all in anger.

Goku’s face softened. He didn’t mean to snap like that. He really didn’t feel like himself right now. He felt like he did when in battle when the enemy started killing innocent people. His heart rate was up, his breath was quickened, his body tense like he was ready to fight some enemy. Scared, Goku quickly got up off the couch looking at the table he destroyed.

He forced himself to look the others in the eyes. There eyes were filled with confusion the same kind he felt about himself.

“Sorry.” With that he ran out the door to the outside. Goku stood out there trying to calm down. The anger was getting worse. With was that? Does Vegeta feel like this all the time? If it is, I can understand why he yells all the time. I would to. It was like just having them breathing got on my nerves. He breathed in deep but, he breathing hitched as he smelled blood. A large mass of blood. It wasn’t Saiyan or human though.

He wasn’t disgusted with it though. Instead he went towards it. He went around the building towards the back. Faster and faster he went leading to the forest that Vegeta had taking refuge in lately. It was the only forest area around. In nature at least. His feet carried him closer and closer and the smell of blood was thicker with each step.

Finally he saw why and where the blood smell was from. The bodies of deer-like animals littered the ground and there was Vegeta on the ground feasting on one of the bodies. Next to him was a pile of bones with fresh blood and slight meat and fur still on them. Slowly Goku walked towards him and Vegeta turned.

Goku saw Vegeta’s eyes. The were feral and no show of the civil Vegeta at all. His animal side was in control and was hungry. Blood was all over his hands, chest, and face. He was nearly covered in it like he painted himself. Vegeta opened his mouth and let out a hiss before turning back to his meal. That was a warning of some sort but, he seemed too interested more in his kills rather than fighting him in any way.

Goku kept sniffing the air not realizing it. He was slowly losing his human like senses and gaining his Saiyan side bloodlust. Goku grabbed one carcass and dragged it over to Vegeta. He dropped it before Vegeta and kneeled down ripping into it with his bare hands. Vegeta looked up from the rib bone he split apart and went back down biting into the bone cracking it until it broke. His tongue slid into the bone to reach the dark mallow mush inside.

Goku’s body reacted without his consent and he reached over taking a piece of Vegeta’s piece off the carcass. Vegeta looked up with a growl as he watched Goku eat the piece. Vegeta hissed grabbing a piece off of Goku’s meal. Goku growled in the same matter not knowing why but, did anyway.

Suddenly, without a word being exchanged, both got up and changed places with each other, eyes never leaving the other. Both went back down staring for a final moment before they both started eating again like animals. The blood was going everywhere as they tore into their meals. The whole forest around them was dead silent except the sounds of them gnawing on their meat not bothered by the other’s company.

X)(X

The others stood there in shock of Goku’s actions. Goku never acted this way and for no reason either was highly strange. He said he was angry and not at anybody. Not even Vegeta. He was just mad. That wasn’t the Goku they knew.

“What’s got into him? Had Vegeta’s angry somehow got transferred to him or something? I mean Vegeta was annoyed but, I didn’t sense any angry from him at all. I didn’t sense much of anything from him. Man, this is all too weird.” Krillen rubbed his neck feeling his headache traveling down. He had a feeling that this was going to be a normal occurrence for a while.

“He went to the forest.” Eighteen said suddenly. She turned to face the others. “His ki signature is practically on top of Vegeta’s. There low but, something doesn’t feel right.”

Chi-Chi looked back at the others. Her concern was shared by everyone else in the room. She turned back to Bulma.

“Bulma, what do you think?” Chi-Chi asked her with her eyes full of hope.

“I’m not the leading expert on Saiyans. I don’t even know how to deal with the one I’ve got.” Everyone looked at her like she was their leader. Probably because, she dealt with the true Saiyan of the group. Vegeta refused to be mistaken for a normal human. Which was good since one look at him and, people just knew he wasn’t normal. “Okay, let’s give Goku a bit of time to calm down. Besides, not even Vegeta can be mad forever. Although he holds the record for it. Whatever is going on it doesn’t seem to be violent. So let’s chill here for a while and if he doesn’t come back then we go after him, Okay?” No argued with her.

X)(X

The moon was barely a sliver but, Vegeta kept him eyes glued to it. He hated missing the full moon but, he loved it the same. The phases of the moon were much faster here. He thought that maybe I could stay until the full moon came back around at least. The virus is gone from me. The dragon wish granter . . . thing somehow took in away from me but, on the blue-haired one request. I do not understand her. Again I woke up in her arms with her asleep without fear of me killing her. But, why did I not kill her. What is stopping me from doing so? Without the virus these people do not stand a chance strong or not. I would have killed them if I did not have a relapse at the time. I nearly did with the relapse.

Vegeta sighed closed his eyes ignoring Kakorot’s loud snoring. After the big meal he fell asleep by the last mostly eaten carcass. The rest were eaten mostly by Vegeta. Even a third classed appetite didn’t compare with his right now. Standing Vegeta walked closer to the lake. The barely shining moon let enough light to see his reflection.

He was nothing more than a living skeleton with muscle mass. Even Nappa would have known at he needed to put at least ten pounds on his body to healthy enough to survive Frieza’s treatment once he got back. Most than likely he would stick him into Frieza’s favorite new toy. The heating box. Vegeta shook the memories of that accursed thing not wanting to get of that track of at thought. He had enough trouble sleeping.

Vegeta sat down by the water’s edge watching the reflection of the moon as the water rippled the image. Well I can not waste my time on what if now, can I? Maybe I should forget about Nappa and Radditz? . . . No. I can not forget them. They are the last of my people. Even if I hate them. But, I hate everything . . . I think. Maybe. I am not sure now. I am able to feel. And here I thought I outgrew that. Strange though. Now that I have experienced some emotions. I want . . . I want to feel more. Not just stoic, anger, rage, and amusement. I want to feel happiness, contentment, joy, sadness and everything else in between. I want to feel it all. I do not care if this is a childish dream or not. I will set out to feel all of the available emotions. I own myself some enjoyment and such after everything that happened to me.

He decided that he would study emotions for the time being. Saiyans strived themselves to be detached of most emotion. Some did better than others. Cubs and the younger set often showed emotion as the slowly tried to shut them down. His people highly regarded him not only for his rank and power but, for his ability to turn off all emotion other than anger and rage which was allowed. But, no one knew the real him. Just what he showed. He wanted to feel something. Not just be a walking, talking, killing robot. But believed his could feel something. The trances during battles a necessary kill joy.

Before his people were destroyed, he used it all the time. His people were over joyed that there prince was a ruthless, powerful, detached, warrior. The chosen one for sure to become super Saiyan. If only they knew. If only. They knew his well-kept secrets. Not even Nappa knew who was almost by his side ever waking and even sleeping moments.

He sensed the humans and friends were coming his way. Taking his eyes off his reflection, he looked back at the moon. How annoying they were. Such puzzles they were though. The danger was great but, they still came. Oh well. Let them come and see the carnage Saiyans were known for. Let us see if they can stomach that scene. Vegeta started laughing lowly never taking his eyes off the moon.

X)(X

The others minus the two boys who were told to stay home, walked onto the feeding grounds. The bones and blood were nearly invisible to them in the dark.

“We should have brought a flashlight.” Bulma fished in her pocket finding a capsule. Clicking the top she tossed it a little in front of her. It was a survival kit. Picking up the lantern, she twisted the knob to turn on the light.

Looking around, she wished she hadn’t. The other felt the same. The littered bones, fur and rotting entrails were everywhere. The blood stained the forest floor as it soaked in. After the shock wore off, they heard the familiar sound of Goku’s snoring. Bulma ignored the gore on the ground, scanning the area for her best friend. He was covered in blood and a bloody carcass was right next to him. Everyone stepped closer as Chi-Chi kneeled by him. She rubbed his cheek finding the blood wasn’t has. Relieved, she smacked him.

Vegeta heard Kakorot cry of surprise and maybe so pain. It nearly made him laugh. The sudden noise awoken Valcausa. Vegeta heard her feathers a bit over the noise of conversion back at the base of the tree.

“You don’t have to hit me!” Vegeta heard Kakorot said. That was enough to break the stoic face. As he busted up laughing like that was the funniest thing in the world. Sadly, it practicality was the funniest he had ever heard. Vegeta tried to stop but, it wasn’t happening. Burying his face in his hands trying to stifle the laughter enough to make himself stop. He it only got louder and harder. He wasn’t worried about the hearing him. He just wanted to stop laughing like this. It was enough to make him lose his mind.

Vegeta laughter was easily heard but, it wasn’t the same. This one sounded weird. Almost insane even.

“Vegeta? Are you okay?” Goku asked not liking the way the laughter sounded. It just wasn’t natural. There was no answer from him just more laughing. Goku got up from the ground going to the lake seeing Vegeta at the lake’s edge. The others hanged back as Goku step towards the laughing Saiyan child.

Vegeta just sat there not even sure why he was laughing anymore. What he said was not that funny. Vegeta doubted that was why he was still laughing. Maybe he was going insane or perhaps let out of built up emotion he had over the years. Still knowing the possible cause did not help the problem here.

He lungs began to burn and his ribs started to feel light pain. Tears were coming out of his eyes as he was gasping for air like he was going to die soon. Not that would be ironic. To die laughing after the virus was cured. He noticed that Kakorot sat down not far from him. At the moment he didn’t care.

“Say Vegeta. What’s so funny?” What is so funny? I wish I knew! Vegeta didn’t answer nor respond to him in anyway. “Vegeta?” Still laughing, Vegeta stood up and then suddenly jumped in the lake leaving a stunned group.

As he expected, his body stopped the laughing. Why he couldn’t stop on his own confused him but, decided to store in his memory for now. No point to be dwelling on it at the moment. Positive he wouldn’t start it again. Vegeta started swimming slowly towards shore a little away from them.

Silently Vegeta got out of the lake. Not bothering to dry himself was a burst of ki he walked into the forest taking the long way around. Not wanting to deal with the annoying group, Vegeta again used the assassin steps, hoping the Namekic wouldn’t hear him and give him away.

He didn’t want to deal with people right now. Stepping to the tree Vegeta bent down. Valcause turned her bill and walked to him without a word. Once in his hand Vegeta stood and went back through the forest bent of having a good nights rest. He was still so tried. It was understandable but, annoying.

“He’s been down there was a while. Maybe you should go after him.” Bulma said looking to her left at a certain somebody.

“Why are you all looking at me?”

“Goku! Now!” Chi-Chi barked at him.

“Yes, ma’am!” With the wife on his nonexistent tail Goku jumped into the lake. He came back up within a second. “It’s freezing in here!” He looked at his wife. His eyes filled with fright. “I’m going!” He went under again.

X)(X

Vegeta striped out of his suit leaving it over the bathroom sink. The leather pants he had before was folded on the desk between the washer and dryer. Picking them up since rather liking the article. He kinda liked the shirt and vest. But there were gone. Probably destroyed in the fight. No big lost there. Things were replaceable for the most part. He didn’t mine.

Going to the shower he threw the pants on the floor near the shower leaving Valcausa the sink counter knowing she stay there. Turning on the water to the shower he felt the hot splash hit him. Hot water was rarity on Frieza’s ship. Vegeta would often hold into the shower head with one hand to heat the metal to flash boil the water. Showers were quick due to the water was rationed and Saiyans were hated almost as much as they were feared. So there rations were small on most things and the first to be taken away.

Once a newcomer thought Vegeta was just a child and tried pushing him around. It last all of two seconds. Vegeta beat him so bad the man never talked again. The jaw was permanently wired shut. He was on a liquid diet through the straw. He was also walking with a cane and nero. transmitters on his knees and hips.

Fighting was allowed on the ship as long as his ‘special few’ weren’t hurt. This fight happened in front of Freiza in the cafeteria. The man somehow pushed Vegeta off the chair saying it was his seat and he should be at the kiddy table. Vegeta was fuming. The laughter stopped as Vegeta pulled the chair from under him. The man was stupid and tried to attack him. A costly mistake as Vegeta jumped high landing a roundhouse kick to the side of his head.

As Vegeta pounded the guy into the floor, Frieza was laughing, really enjoying himself completely. It was a good ten minutes when Vegeta stopped. His anger gone and pride healed. He was about to walk back to his seat when Frieza said he wanted to see more. The man was unconscious and total beaten down. There was no point in it. Frieza had no honor and wanted Vegeta to have the same. Knowing he would be punished if he didn’t do what Freiza requested. He continued to whale on the man unconscious man for what seemed like hours.

The man’s face was unrecognizable by the time Freiza was bored with the blood bath. Every bone in his body was cracked, broken, and or scattered. At first glance you couldn’t tell if he was dead or alive. Finally the med team came and got him and Vegeta walked back to his table were everyone that was sitting there got up and moved from him. He didn’t care. It wasn’t important. The beaten loser made a mistake thinking he could best him. It was his fault for not heeding the others’ warnings about him. Vegeta had no remorse.

Vegeta snarled at the memory of Freiza telling him that he liked his work and that he was so cute when he was angry. No one dared laughed at the comment. With them seeing with their own eyes, what the child Saiyan just did to a man four times his size and ten times his weight. And with the ki dampers were on too. Only Freiza could use his ki in the room due to a special ring that stopped the effects. But, Vegeta’s natural strength was feared and had techniques that could cripple an enemy with one move kept most at bay. No one dared to laugh at the Saiyan prince since that day. Everyone loved life a little too much to do so.

The hot water felt good. Even flash boiling the water didn’t work this well. He felt like he could stay in here the whole night it felt so nice.

X)(X

The others left feeling Vegeta was no longer down there. Goku came back up. His lip tinted a shade of blue. He dragged himself out of the water with eyes staring down at him intently. Goku rolled into his back trying to stop shivering and catch his breath.

“He’s not down there. I checked every nook and cave down there. He’s not there. He must have gotten out earlier.”

“Can’t you feel out his ki?”

“Not if he’s hiding it. And he’s good at that. Sometimes he wants to be alone. . . . Can we go home now?” Chi-Chi sighed. He acted like a big baby sometimes.

“Alright. I want to take a hot bath when we get there.” Goku nodded making the cold joints to work as he stood. Chi-Chi and Gohan held on as he put two fingers to his head and disappeared.

Goku put his family down and transmission to C.C. picking up Goten. He waved Goodbye to Trunks and again disappeared.

X)(X

The fog was so you could cut it with a knife. The hot water was nearly all used up. He set the water on the hottest setting and it was coming out lukewarm. He sighed turning off the water. Vegeta stepped out drying himself was a small burst of ki not caring if everyone and their grandma came barged in. Scooping up Valcausa he walked in the bedroom and made his way to the living room downstairs. Trunks was waiting for everyone accept the Sons to come back as he heard Vegeta jump from the second floor.

“You could have used the stairs.”

“And your parents could had used a condom. But, that did not happen, did it?” His eyes lite up in shock. He wasn’t expecting that kind of comment.

“Hey that was uncalled for!” Vegeta ignored him setting Valcause the partly destroyed cage for her to rest. “Did you hear me!”

“Unfortunately I could not tune your voice out.”

“You’re mean.”

“You had not begun to see my ‘mean’ side yet. I am just being uncivil. There is a difference.” Vegeta walked over sitting on other side of the couch than Trunks. He watched as Trunks was pushing down an bottoms on thing long black thing his was holding in his hand.

Vegeta focused and the remote twisted itself out of Trunks’ grip into Vegeta’s waiting palm. Vegeta smiled at Trunks’ shocked face.

“How you do that?”

“Superior mind power.”

“Are you saying I’m a moron?”

“No. Of course not.” Trunks huffed and looked at the t.v.

“I am saying you are an idiot. Again a difference.”

“You want to repeat that?” Trunks said standing on the couch, glaring.

“What! You deaf and dumb?” Vegeta said also standing and taking a step forward in the middle of the couch. Trunks gritting his teeth stepped closer. They stared so intently neither noticed the one other that got home.

Bulma watched as her son and her now child husband staring each other down. She stepped forward getting a better look.

“What are you to doing?”

“We are having a staring contest.” His sarcasm was highly apparent. “What does it look like, Human?”

“Don’t yell at my mother!”

“Fine then! I just will let out of my frustration out on you.” Bulma watched them both noticing the intent on both of them faces. Bulma thought fast. Two Saiyan’s and they wanted to fight. There was no way to stop them. Fighting is what they loved to do. Even Trunks had a the instinct even if he did show restraint.

“You two want to fight?”

“Yes.”

“Affirmative. Not that it would be much of a fight. More like a blood bath.”

“Yeah! Yours!”

“Sorry. I am not a cub like you that takes baths. Only showers. And the only blood is the one of the enemy!” Bulma cleared her throat.

“Okay then! Tomorrow afternoon. At Dende’s. You both can fight this out. But, no killing.” Bulma looked at Vegeta with that last comment.

“You are taking away all the fun. But, fine.” Vegeta stepped closer to Trunks was an unnerving smile. “I just make you wish I killed you, then. Until the hours past dawn’s earlier light. I bid you goodnight. . . cub.” Vegeta turned slowly stepping off the couch. Vegeta walked out towards the exit intent on sleeping on the roof under the stars and Valcausa stayed in the cage.

Trunks watched his father go. Have your father nearly the same age as you. It wasn’t cool anymore.

“Father is so mean!”

“I know Trunks. His past is a dark one. He a victim of child abuse and mental manipulation. He was made to hate most things in life. Vegeta did what he had to do to survive. From childhood on he was raised by the man who destroyed his people. I’m not excusing his behavior, Trunks. But, I can understand his this way. It’s going to take time to help heal the damage done to him.” Trunks looked down for a moment then back at his mother.

“I think I understand. But, the things he said. They were not right.”

“What did he say?”

“He jumped over the rail of the stairs and when I told him that he could use the stairs. He said ‘and your parents could have used a condom but, that did not happen either.’ That was just wrong.” Bulma pulled him closer to her.

“Trunks. He didn’t mean that. Besides he’s not your father. He what your father was before you were born. Your father changed a lot over the years. It was a lot of work. And it wasn’t fully done either. What I am trying to say is. Don’t take what he says to heart. He lashes out before you can. It’s a mental defense.” Trunks nodded.

“I can still kick his butt tomorrow, right?” Bulma smiled ruffling his hair.

“Get to bed.” Trunks flew off out stairs.

X)(X

The dawn came, waking young Vegeta from the position on the wall. Vegeta vaulted to his feet remembering the promised fight later. Up to six hours of waiting. He decided to use the time to meditate before grabbing something to eat. That little half-breed so got on his nerves. The blue haired woman is his mother. He had her eyes and the old man’s hair at was in the lab. He has to be a grandparent of his. Did Kakorot take two mates? He seemed to be with the black-haired one with the voice that could wake the dead. A one time thing maybe? Although that child looks like someone else more than Kakorot though. But, I can not place who exactly. He is obviously a half Saiyan child. No doubt about it. Why do I even care! Enough! Vegeta banished all unneeded thoughts and focused inward. The so-called fight was going to be easy but, he wanted to be in full control and not let his anger take over. He wanted to feel every punch and kick he landed. No battle trances this time. He wanted to enjoy this. All of it. Make it where that boy wouldn’t look him in the eyes anymore.

X)(X

It was nine o’clock when Trunks woke up. His night was fitful. He was foolish last night, now he had to appointment to fight his father. Who wouldn’t stop for anything. Gohan told him how the fight went at the park grounds and Yamcha told everyone in the living room a few days ago. He nearly killed Goku and the others with a fever that could kill and a body that was falling apart. Now he was cured and in much better health. Turning super Saiyan might not be enough.

Goku and his family came by and Bulma told them all about the little incident in the living room last night. They were taking it best than she expected.

“What! Are you nuts? You are going to let Vegeta fight Trunks? He’ll kill him! Trunks doesn’t stand a chance. The only reason anyone is still is because he was sick as a dog. What were you thinking!” She was taking this much better than Bulma expected.

“Look. I calmed them both down. It was either they fight in the living room or at Dende’s were there injuries could be healed and damage could to controlled a bit. And I was able to make Vegeta promise not to kill.”

“Right. That will work.” Chi-Chi said with a roll of her eyes.

“Yes it will. Vegeta is an evil, murdering prince. But lying is not something he does. He sees it as beneath him.” Goku remembered a scene back on Namekic. Where captain Guiyu and red skinned one where there to fight. He asked for Vegeta’s help. He said ‘I’m right behind you.’ Then he flew out leaving Goku to fed for himself.

“Goku?”

Goku shook his head at the sound of his name being called. He was in his own little world during to the memory flash back.

“Yeah?”

“You okay? You spaced out there for a second.”

“I was remembering a time when Vegeta did lie to me.” Bulma moved back slightly.

“Ready? When?”

“Back on Namekic. I asked Vegeta to help with a fight. He said I’m right behind you. Then two seconds later he took off.”

“Hm? Well that’s . . . wait. What direction did he take off in?”

“Huh? Why?”

“Humor me.” Goku blinked trying to think for a moment.

“He took off behind me. Why?”

“He didn’t lie then.”

“Why! But-but he said . . . that he . . . ”

“He said he would be right behind you. But he never said how far behind you he be. So in a sense he was right behind you.” Goku sat there mouth open. “Like I said. Vegeta doesn’t lie. He plays word games a bit though. He be a great politician if he didn’t have such a temper.”

X)(X

The sun was nearly in the middle of the sky. Vegeta flew off into the air going toward the very first place he saw on this planet. That purple haired child better be up here soon. Or there will be payment of blood made to me. Vegeta sped up faster and finally saw the outlook ahead. Vegeta slowed down landing on top of the highest tower of the outlook. Vegeta didn’t bother lowering his ki and he waited. He started examining his nails while humming an old Saiyan song trying not to get too bored. It wasn’t working to well. He was ready to beat the living daylights out of his victim of the day. If only he would get here already.

X)(X

Trunks took a breath, psyching himself up. I can win this fight, I can. I was trained by him. I can win. I can win. I can win! Yes I can! He threw some mock punches at the mirror. He looked at himself hard. I’m a dead man or wish I was one. He decided he better go. His father wasn’t a patient person. Age probably had nothing to do with it. Walking out of his room and processed downstairs where the others are waiting.

“Hi.”

“You seem down.”

“I going to fight my father. Who promised to make sure I that I going to wish I was dead. How should I feel? Happy?” Bulma sighed. This was bugging him and so many levels.

“Goku.” He nodded. And everyone grabbed on not waiting to miss this. They may have to stop Vegeta if he got out of control. Or so they took themselves. Goku put two fingers to his forehead and they all disappeared.

Vegeta saw that they weren’t there one moment and there the next. The Bardock like-a-like technique again. These people seem to always traveled in a group. Whatever. If they stay out of the way I do not care if they are here or not. Vegeta stood up from his spot and jumped off. Vegeta didn’t use his ki to slow his fall. Instead he angle himself to fall faster. Everyone turned seeing Vegeta’s fall. Vegeta at the last second turned in the air landing on his feet and hands in a perfect crouch without a problem.

Standing everyone saw there wasn’t a crack on the floor where he landed. He calmly walked a few step forward.

“Well. You showed up. For a moment I though I have to hunt you down.”

“I wanted this fight too!” Trunks said as anger filled him. Vegeta looked at him calmly. No real emotion was within him.

“Did you? Or did you wish not to look weak?”

“Does it matter!”

“Not really. Either way. We can settle this.” Goku injected into the conversion.

“Settle what?” Vegeta took his eyes off trunks placing them on Goku.

“This discussion need not concern you. It is between the half-breed and me. Stay out of the affairs of others.” Vegeta turned his eyes back to Trunks still talking to Goku. “You will live longer that way.” Goku noticed something in the air. Trunks was scared but, he looked like he needed this.

Goku watched Vegeta as he sniffed the air. “Such a nice aroma. Fear.” Vegeta eyes were closed as he breathing in the scent. He snapped them open sending a painful chill down Trunks back. “Scared but, still willing to fight, are we?” Vegeta brushed the bangs out of his eyes. “There might be hope for you yet, . . . child.” Trunks clenched his fist at both sides.

“My name is Trunks.”

“Tell it to someone who gives damn, child. For I do not.”

After long minutes everyone got a distance away from the two child fighters and Dende was informed into the situation. Goten was on a short leash with his mother and brother making sure he didn’t jump in. Tien and choaisue stayed in the air as a precaution. Piccolo stay on the opposite side if the rest intent of watching the fight. Vegeta now fully healed should have a different fighting style. He wanted to know what the Saiyan was fully capable of. Although he wasn’t going to use his full power as he give his word not to kill Trunks. Vegeta didn’t give his word very much but, he kept it when he did.

“Okay cub. Since I know you are part Human I set up a three rules to make it more fair for you. The fighting will stop if you are either beaten unconscious or beg me to stop. ” Trunks growled as his chibi father was mocking him with every word. That rule was worded only for him. Like he didn’t have a chance. “And two. No tails allowed. If I use mine powers in anyway I am disqualified. Anything else you what to add?” He said in a cooing way that made Trunks’ face go red with anger. He shook his head wanting his father to eat his words.

Vegeta stood no more than ten feet away. His head was held high and one hand behind his back. Similar to a gentleman’s stance. As Trunks got into fighting stance, Vegeta brought both hands forward in front of him. Vegeta set one straight, palm up with a clenched fist on top of it. Then bowed slightly on the waist. Trunks was taken back for a moment but, did nothing. Vegeta frowned but, said nothing getting into his stance.

Trunks rushed towards him but stopped as he was gone from the spot. And was behind him. He swing numerous times and Vegeta moved each time making it look so easy. Angry, Trunks started blasting as close range but, they to were missing there targets. Vegeta caught one of Trunks ki blasts in his hand. That made Trunks stop in shock as Vegeta crushed it in his hand like it was a paper cup. Vegeta was either showing off or trying to make Trunks mad. Probably both, Vegeta did like to push people’s buttons.

“Nice light show.” Vegeta said smirking evilly. “What to see mine?” Vegeta fazed in close.

Trunks went flying in the air, landing hard but still slid across the platform all the way into the steps. His head hit lightly. It was only one blast but, unlike any of his. Vegeta’s connected with his chest. Trunks didn’t have time to block any of it.

“Come now. It can not be over already. We have not even started yet.” Trunks stood one on one knee wanting so badly to get up the rest of the way. With one final push he got up off the ground. Trunks gathered energy and pushed it through his system. Blonde hair and blueish green eyes appeared. Vegeta was unfazed.

“Now it’s my turn!” Trunks again rushed at Vegeta. As he threw the punch Vegeta easily caught it before it hit his face. Trunks’ eyes widened the same as everyone else. Vegeta couldn’t be that strong. His threw his other fist which was caught too. Vegeta smiled and started to crush Trunks wrists. Trunks was sinking to his knees as Vegeta proved the stronger even with the help of Super Saiyan. Trunks’ Super Saiyan form left him as he couldn’t concentrate.

“It is your turn? Turn to get hurt!” Vegeta sent his knee his chin knocking Trunks’ head back hard. If he was human Vegeta would have killed him. “I believe your right.” Vegeta flipped over Trunks still with his wrists in hand. Before Trunks could move recover his senses, Vegeta locked his arm behind him painfully awakening him out of his fog with new pain. Vegeta had his arm only one half inch from the breaking point. Trunks’ shoulders felt like it was on fire. Trunks tried twisting a bit to relieve some pressure and Vegeta would compensated for it. Vegeta would match any move he made. He was in so much pain he had to no breath left to scream. Vegeta leaned to his ear. “You are pathetic. You know that right?”

Vegeta smiled pull back from his ear and let go of Trunks’ arms sending him into the others with a well-placed kick. Trunks brought his arm in front of him resisted the urge to hold himself from the pain that still was present. He looked back at Vegeta confused a bit.

“You . . . let me go?”

“I wanted to give you the feeling you were doing well. Opposite of reality of coarse.” Vegeta gently moved his bangs out of his eyes with the side of his hand. I will let this go on for a few more minutes before I get serious. Then I will make him beg for me to stop or better yet keep him from begging and make sure I keep him conicious. I love a good blood bath. Vegeta stop waiting for Trunks.

Trunks mad with rage wanted revenge and rushed him again. Vegeta resisted the urge to roll his eyes and moving out of the way. Vegeta let Trunks and twisted it. A painful move or so he thought.

“How did you like it?” Vegeta only looked at his arm and back at Trunks was a confused face.

“Like what? Your bad imitation of the twist technique? One: Your not twisting it not far enough. Two: your body weight does the work not your strength. Three: You need to balance yourself. If I knock your feet, I could easily snap your neck.” Everyone was surprised. He was giving tips on how to do the move correctly. Vegeta could have easily gotten out of it. “If you are going to do something. You should do it right. Not that it matters anyways.”

Trunks applied the tips to the technique. Vegeta let the slight pain heightened a bit. But, it was ignorable. “There you go. Much better. But futile none the less.” Vegeta used his twisted arm to fling Trunks to the floor, in the process he dislocated his own arm. Trunks was on the ground in shock. The sicken pop left everyone that way.

Vegeta’s arm hung lifelessly and Vegeta showed no signs of pain or discomfort. Vegeta smiled while grabbing his one arm and slinging it over behind his neck. Keeping his eyes on Trunks, he took hold of his arm and lifted it straight up by the elbow. He pulled straight up and fast.

Everyone cringed at the sound of the pop and watched at Vegeta flexed his now useable arm. Vegeta again seemed to be in no pain.

“Like I said. Futile. Now I believe I done playing with you.” Vegeta grabbed Trunks’ legs slammed him down into the floor hard. A perfect mold of his body made from the attack. Vegeta pulled him out throwing him across the platform and fazed above him buried his feet into his stomach as they both hit the ground. Trunks’ scream was music to Vegeta’s ears though it wasn’t as satisfying at he hoped it would be. Vegeta causally stepped off and lifted Trunks up again smiling cruelty as he kneed him in the gut hard enough to cough blood. Grabbing his hair Vegeta leaned his head back raise his hand in a chop attack, only to turn it at the last second into a backhand to the throat. He let go as Trunks grabbed his throat. It hurt to breath. “Ready to beg yet?” Trunks couldn’t respond if he wanted to. “No? Fine then.” He felt himself being picked up by the back of the neck.

Goten watched on his best friend was getting beaten to inch of his life. Vegeta wasn’t playing around like before. He couldn’t stand here watching this anymore. Knowing his get in big trouble later, he kicked Gohan in the shin hard. Gohan yelped at the sudden pain and Goten was able to wiggle away from his mother.

“Goten! Get back here!” Vegeta saw him coming and dropped Trunks on the ground, flipping out of the way. Goten stopped in front of Trunks facing Vegeta was arms spread.

“Enough! Pick on someone your own size!” Vegeta only blinked a couple of times confused like.

“He is my size.” Goten wasn’t expecting that. It seemed like a good thing to say. But, Vegeta was correct even if that wasn’t what he meant by that. Vegeta seemed to understand his statement and smiled cruelly. “You are tab smaller than me. But, if you are offering.” Goten eyes widen a bit. Goten knew he was in hot water but, it was the only way. Vegeta brought his one hand straight out and a fist on top of it. He slightly bowed again just like did with Trunks at the beginning. Goten put his hand together and bowed like he did that the tournament. Vegeta smirked slightly and got into fighting stance. This one would be quick. Trunks somehow get to his feet looking at Goten.

“Goten?” His voice was dry and weak.

“Hey.” Vegeta watched those two a bit. Obviously they were friends. It made good sense since they were both half-Saiyans.

“Good. We can take . . . him together!”

“Probably not.”

“I thought you were the optimistic one, Goten!” Vegeta was getting annoyed as he listened on, his foot tapping impatiently on the floor.

“Are you two almost done? I have plans for next year!” Goten looked over.

“Sorry. We will be done in few minutes.”

“You have thirty seconds before I start blasting if you are ready or not. I am being more than patient with the both of you.” Trunks tried to get back to only seeing one of everyone instead of three. “Times up.” Both Trunks and Goten nodded to each other.

Both jumped to the sides of Vegeta. The prince wasn’t concerned about it. Group fighting was his speciality. Both rushed in punching and kicking like mad. Vegeta blocked all their moves with one arm on each side and adding insult to injury Vegeta did it with his eyes closed.

Suddenly Vegeta leaned all the way back as both Trunks and Goten send all their strength into one punch aim at Vegeta face. Instead they hit each other right in the nose. Both reared back in pain as Vegeta laughed. Vegeta decided enough was enough. It was time to finish what he started. Vegeta come up and closelined them both hard. Grabbed them both by the neck he launched them both into the air. He turned back to the others of a moment.

“I will be right back. Try not to miss me.”

Vegeta fazed to the highest point on the building looking up as if to time his flight and took off like a rocket catching both the boys in his hand. With one boy in each hand he flew up higher to in the sky until he couldn’t see the platform anymore. Turning as he stopped his flight headed down, letting gravity do the work.

The others watch in horror as they were unsure on what he was planning. As Vegeta saw the platform coming fast, he thrust his hands forward. The landing made the whole tower platform shake and the debris made it impossible to see what happened

As everything cleared, they saw Vegeta on one knee with one hand buried in the floor. Trunks was buried to the past his hips in the tile floor and Goten was on the tile floor flat on his back. He was out cold and Trunks wasn’t moving.

Vegeta raised his head with a look that could freeze over the levels under H.e.i.l . He stood pulling his hand out of the ground. To say the fight was over was an understatement. Vegeta looked down at Goten and caught the material of his shirt with his boot and vaulted him up catching him in his hand. Looking him over for a brief second he threw him by Dende’s feet before anyone could say a word.

“He is all yours, Namekic. Do the voodoo you do so well.” Vegeta walked on the edge passing Piccolo as he did.

“What about Trunks?” Piccolo said quietly. Vegeta stopped, addressing him.

“What about him?” Vegeta eyes held boredom. There was no anger, or sadness or anything. Just boredom. Vegeta resumed and walked to the edge. Vegeta decided to head back to the Building he was staying in for now. Going to the edge Vegeta turning around with only the toes of his feet were on the platform.

“Well, it has been fun. For the first three minutes. The next person who wants to fight me. Make sure you can fight better than that. See ya.” With that Vegeta leaned back falling off the platform.

Vegeta let himself fall further down. Watching the sky as the farther down he went. The tower was high and Vegeta was falling fast. Vegeta looked down over his shoulder seeing the ground coming faster and faster with each falling second closer. Down and down Vegeta kept falling he pushed his power back down as it kept trying to rise to make him stop his descent. Vegeta rolled in the air turning around so he was now looked at the fast approaching ground. Vegeta let go of all restrains letting his body do what it wanted as Vegeta closed his eyes.

A blade of grass touched his nose as his body was hovering an inch above the ground. Vegeta eyes his eyes watching the ground without interest. Vegeta flew off slowly in no hurry. The rush of possible death didn’t do anything for him. But, his body could have probably stopped the descent if he was knocked out. He was in no real danger. The lack of a better word fight was over. It had been pathetic. Not worth his attention really. The other child though had his attention. He was weaker than the purple haired one but, there was something about him he liked. Perhaps there was hope for these half breeds. Or at least one of them.

X)(X

Everyone watched as Vegeta leaned back on the tower’s edge as he let himself fall over. His ki was too low to fly at all. He couldn’t even hover off the ground at that level. Strangely, Vegeta wasn’t using very much ki during the fight. It would raise and lower accordingly. Vegeta never did hide his power or hold back normally. But, he did. He played with him at first.

He let Trunks get him into the arm twist. It was obvious that was deliberate on Vegeta’s part. He wanted Trunks and probably everyone else to know that pain wasn’t an issue with him. That he would do whatever he had to, to survive. To come out on top. To win. Dislocating his own arm was only the beginning of what he would do.

But, Goten though. It was different with him. Vegeta was . . . nicer with him. He buried Trunks to his hips in the floor with his finishing move but, Goten was just indented into the floor on his back. He was still hurt but, the extra insult was spared for him. Vegeta was never known to do that. And even went so far as to pick him up, throwing him that the Namekic’s feet telling Dende to heal him up. It was true that people change but to change that much. Maybe. Vegeta was not normal by any standard. He probably never would be.

Piccolo noticed Vegeta ki still hadn’t risen enough to even float much less fly. Even a Saiyan couldn’t survive a fall like this ki less. Whatever Vegeta was doing, he needed to do it fast before he hit the ground. No one else seemed to notice as they were tending to Goten or trying to pull Trunks out of the floor carefully. Piccolo followed Vegeta’s progress as he fell. It wouldn’t take terribly long to hit the bottom.

Vegeta’s ki rose suddenly and Piccolo felt him fly off, slowly though. That was strange. He didn’t even get hit during the very short fight. He was in no pain that he could sense. So why he was flying so slowly was a mystery. Perhaps he felt like it or was in no hurry. It was hard to tell with Vegeta. He was always closed mouthed. This one talked more but, never seemed to talk too much on a certain subject. Any information was in passing or it slipped when he was mad. Other than that, you couldn’t beat anything out of him. Pain seemed to take a back seat to him.

Piccolo knew how the arm twist felt. He couldn’t remember which fight or with whom but, he did remember the pain. Done right you could easily break the ball and joint of the shoulder. Piccolo remembered back a few minutes ago when Vegeta dislocated his arm to break the hold. Vegeta had that planned since before he let Trunks do that to him. It was like he was saying, ‘You can not hurt me. I feel nothing. You have no chance against me.’

Finally Goku and Gohan were able to free Trunks from the floor careful not to hurt him more than he was already. He was similar to Goten. He was out cold but, with more bruises and swollen cheeks. He was far from dead but, Vegeta made a point. With Super Saiyan, Trunks had the ki advantage but, with Vegeta, a stronger ki didn’t matter much. It was like Vegeta could neutralized Trunks’ power. No one could say how or if that was the case. Maybe Vegeta was a whole lot stronger than he appeared. But, if Vegeta never held back, that wouldn’t make sense. Yet, if he felt it would have been an advantage to him then he might. Trying to analyze Vegeta or his actions was an impossible task to do.

Dende was finished with Goten and moved to Trunks. Holding his hands over him, his hands began to glow. The injuries disappeared and Trunks started to wake up a bit. A groan or two was heard before trunks came around fully. Trunks sat up looking around. Vegeta was no were in sight.

“So. Did we win?” Goku smiled with slight humor.

“What did you think?” Trunks looked at the floor seeing the kid sized hole.

“I think we both got our butts kicked.”

“You be right.” Trunks sighed hoping he would do better than that. Even with Goten it was still one sided. Vegeta was just too good. Trunks could still hear the pop sound of Vegeta dislocating his own arm. That was intense and creepy. Especially when Vegeta showed no pain and even had a slight smirk on his face.

Trunks stood finally smiling at Goten. Goten nodded back knowing Trunks appreciated the tempted rescue on his part. Trunks smile faded as Chi-Chi walked closer to Goten. Trunks inched away knowing this was going to be either ugly or sickening sweet.

“Goten, honey. You okay now?” Goten wasn’t sure if he should answer that. He wanted to fight Vegeta again that deal with his mother.

“Um . . . yes.”

“Good.” Chi-Chi said with a nod. Goten let out his breath relieved. “What were you thinking! He could have killed you without trying! This wasn’t a game!”

Goten’s relief was too early. But, he felt a strange calmness about him, inside him. He looked up at her.

“I know mother. But Trunks was getting beaten down quite hard. I could not stand that and watch that continue on further. If you saw miss Bulma or miss Eighteen get hurt could not jump in to help either one of them?” Chi-Chi was taken back by that. She never would have expected that kind of response. Her anger was gone.

Piccolo noticed something different about Goten. He eyes were not his own. They were harder with a streak of innocents. His words were not his own either. It was too formal. As Chi-Chi patted Goten’s head his eyes returned to his normal clearness. What was that about? Was I imaging that?

X)(X

Vegeta took his fingers away from his head. Faze one was one half complete. Looking down at Valcausa, Vegeta unwrapped her wing seeing the injury was nearly healed all the way. She was recovering very fast. He watched as she flexed his wings a bit. Vegeta looked at the feathers a bit remembering home.

Vegeta had many pets of all kinds. They were his friends. He wasn’t allowed to have any Saiyan ones. Not that many would be friends with him for many reasons. Not that he overly cared. The animals were more than enough for him. He had two bird like creatures. They had scales except on there head and wings. There wings were brightly colored on the inside as the outside on dull. The birds mouth was a bill with sharp fangs inside. There were deadly beauties. There were huge like most of the animals there. There wings were about four feet in length as there were half a foot shorter than him. There were great hunters despite their colorful wings.

He also had three Jerodies. They were similar to wolves but, the size of large horses. Fangs that retracted into their skulls at will. Fully extended there reached over a foot. They would bite though the hardest metals made. There were illegal to have, unless you were the prince of coarse. They were his name ceremony present for being the youngest prince to earn the Vegeta name in all Saiyan history.

He had more playful ones like the Mertses. They were like a cross between bats, flying squires, and monkeys of earth. They had hands similar to his own. They would glide of tree to tree on there leathery skin that could stretch like a blanket from arm to leg. They would run around run around getting into everything.

Outside the castle he had many dinosaurs like pets. Like a flying dragon that breath lightening. He was huge even among the other creatures of the planet. Vegeta himself wasn’t even the size of his pupil but, that dragon loved him anyway. Vegeta would slip away of his meetings or training teachers and go flying on his head. Vegeta would hold on to it’s ears as to flew fast among the clouds. Vegeta would fly himself but, there was something about flying on him that so invigorating.

Yet, among all of them his two favorites. Totlen and Vamlen. They were two snakes. They were only slightly different from earth snakes. There scales were silken and had spikes at the ends of there tails. They would spiral up around his legs and waist, going to his arms to set there heads inside his palms any time they saw him, moving or not. They both were from the same nest.

Vegeta smiled remembering when he found them. They were in a nest with about twenty or so inside. As babies all of them are blind and afraid of everything. They could sense Vegeta’s hand and would sliver away. All but, those two. There came towards his hand and bit it. Vegeta hardly felt the bites but, was impressed with that and scooped them up taking them home. Vegeta raised them up and they love to be around him. They often snuck into Vegeta’s room at night until Vegeta moved them into his room. He would wake up with them rapped around his legs. Only they could get near him without him waking up.

Vegeta pushed his thoughts back into the present. All his friends were gone now. The two Saiyan ones that no one really knew about and all the animal ones. There was no point in making himself remember how much he missed home. He couldn’t go back. Not even in his dreams, because he stopped having them. They were never pleasant and always ended one of two ways. Seeing his planet blow up before his eyes or seeing his older self becoming loyal to Frieza. One already happened. There was no way he just let the second one happen.

Vegeta snapped his head to the side seeing everyone just appeared again. Everyone stared at him for a moment as he stared back. A second passed without words as Vegeta turned his head back to Valcausa. He still felt there eyes on him.

“Look I know I am cute but, you do not have to stare.” The others nearly growled. Vegeta waited for a moment seeing out of the corner of his eye, the one he waited to see. “Goten, was it not?”

Goten stopped as did the others. Vegeta sensed he had the half-breed’s attention, ignored the others and jump over the back of the couch. Vegeta kept his distance for the moment as the others tensed. He noticed the purple haired one was the most tense of all. That alone made him smile slightly but, wiped it off his face knowing he needed to be completely serious.

“I just have to say . . . that I was very impressed with your actions not long ago.” The others were floored when he said that. Since this, was Vegeta. And Vegeta never ever complemented anyone on anything no matter what.

Vegeta swiped his troublesome bangs out of his eyes again. “Not many would have dared to jump into one of my fights.” Vegeta shifted his eyes over to Trunks just enough to get Trunks’ attention. “No matter how pathetic the fight really was.” Trunks growled and Vegeta kept talking like he didn’t hear him. “You showed a great heart and respect. Such things should be rewarded.” Goten was stunned. He didn’t know what to say or do.

Vegeta starting walking towards him and then around him. Goten turned his head following his every move. “I see great potential in you that is going to waste and such. I find that such a pity. So I been thinking, young halfb . . . Goten.” Vegeta stopped right in front of Goten slightly looking down at him. “How about I train you in the way of the Saiyan?” Goten gasped looking at him intently as everyone was stunned into silence.

Vegeta remained calm showing no emotion as he talked to him. “Now this is a one time offer and if you refuse will never get it again. But, do not feel you need to accept or anything.” Vegeta turned leaving a stunned group behind him. Scooping Valcausa up he turned back. “No pressure. It is purely your choice. Give me your answer tomorrow. Sleep on it if you wish. Although I do hope, you accept.” Vegeta left it at that and holding Valcausa protectively against his chest as he fazed to the top of the stairs.

Everyone stood like statues watching as Vegeta appeared on the second floor. Vegeta looked down keeping his eyes on Goten only, ignoring everyone else. “See you tomorrow. You better have an answer for me. I don’t care which.” Vegeta walked out of the line of sight. Going to the room, he had found himself in a few times.

Everyone else looked at Goten who was just a confused as them. Trunks showing the same tempter as he father, got right up to Goten’s face.

“What is up with that? What did you do?” Goten stepped back upset and confused on why Trunks was so mad at him.

“I don’t know, Trunks. Maybe because I jumped in the fight. I don’t know!” Tears started forming in his eyes. He didn’t like getting yelling at especial by his best friend.

“Trunks! Stop that! It’s not Goten’s fault if Vegeta for some reason wants to train Goten. Just because you’re jealous . . . ”

“I am not!” Trunks yelled running to the exit and suddenly taking off. Bulma watching although she could no longer see him.

“Goku.” He turned to her. “In two hours. If he’s not back yet. Bring him back.”

“Um . . . okay.”

X)(X

It was an hour and a half after the whole Trunks yelling incident. Goten hardly said anything to anyone as he was in an uncharacteristically deep thought. Vegeta had given him a bit to think about. It was a one time offer but, Trunks was so mad at something him couldn’t control. He was no closer to an answer and he had to give Vegeta an answer tomorrow. Vegeta wasn’t patient by any means.

But, why him was running though his mind, nothing made sense. He got beat down just like Trunks. Trunks would have jumped in if it was reversed, right? So, it because I jumped in. He didn’t know Trunks would have to! That must be it! Goten jumped up to locate Trunks ki and tell him. He didn’t like his best friend to be mad at him. Before he found it, a soft laughing was heard in his head. It wasn’t his. Not even close.

(You are very naive. Young Goten.)

“Vegeta? Is that you?” Goten was looking around seeing nothing. Vegeta was in the courtyard here. He ki was located inside on the second floor. But, he heard him as clear as day.

(It is. You do not have to talk out loud. Think it. I will hear you.)

(Will this?)

(Yes.)

(What do you mean naive?)

(Naive. Meaning marked by or showing unaffected simplicity and lack of guile or worldly experience. Naif. Credulous. Lacking experience of life. Callow. Inexperienced. Unsophisticated. Adolescent. Jejune. Juvenile. Puerile. Immature. Also known as artless. Guileless yet honest. But highly genuine in your own right.) Goten eyes were gazed over a bit. Goten heard Vegeta sigh inside his head. (Never mind. I just wanted to say do not let your . . . friend dictate what you should do. Let it be your thoughts that make up your mind. That is all. We will talk more tomorrow no matter the answer. Until then.) Hey wait! Nothing Vegeta was gone. The link Vegeta made was broke. Goten was again alone with his thoughts.

Inside Bulma and Chi-Chi was making tea as Goku as eating a snack that looked like it was Thanksgiving come early. Vegeta suddenly came into the kitchen with Valcausa in hand grabbed a napkin off the table, Vegeta jumped on the counter and turned on the water. Everyone watched as Vegeta took the strip he made days ago and ran it under the water. Turning off the water Vegeta took the napkin and started cleaning the wing again. Valcausa didn’t struggle this time as Vegeta wiped down the tender area.

Discarding the wet like cloth, Vegeta picked up the wet strip and dried it with a ki burst. Vegeta carefully extended the wing and again wrapped the injured area with extreme gentleness. The others were in the doorway as they felt the ki raise. Vegeta was still a dangerous killer. No matter how cute he was. But, the killer of worlds was wrapping an injured bird’s wing. He barely let that bird out of his sight. Now here he was, not long after beating Trunks and Goten into the floor literally, was tending to an injured animal. Not a side Vegeta seemed to have before. Vegeta was just full of surprises.

Vegeta tied the loose endings and Valcausa stretched her wing as if testing the wrapping. It held fine and Valcausa set her wing down at her side.

“Hungry again I bet.” Valcausa started to chirped loudly as Vegeta smile standing on the counter not paying any attention to anyone else in the room. Vegeta walked off the counter saying in the air walking down like he was on invisible steps. With both feet on the ground Vegeta walked on his way out of the kitchen. The others stepped out of his way as Vegeta wasn’t even looking up.

Vegeta stopped looking at the doorway. A little spider was crawling down the doorway. Vegeta took hold of the invisible webbing up top of it. With the spider still moving under Vegeta brought it over to Valcausa who had mouth open and waiting. The spider tried to head back up but, too late. Valcausa stood and chomped it down. Vegeta just smiled heading on his way back to the forest. The worms the boys gotten before would not do.

The others watched him go. Vegeta didn’t yell or anything the whole time. Never once was a word said to address them. Strangely, they felt ignored.

X)(X

Time was passing quickly it seemed. Trunks was brought back hours ago and Vegeta came back an hour after him. Vegeta set Valcausa in the damaged cage no minding it since her could get out if she wanted to. She could fly. Just not for long distances but, enough to get out. Vegeta set off the explore the building a little more. He headed off to a hallway his mind didn’t recall being in before. The halls were empty and no one was around it seemed.

There ki’s were littered down stairs in different areas. They seemed only to pop up if his ki raised any. No matter the amount or for how long. It didn’t mean anything. If he felt like it, they would all be smears on the wall. Vegeta opened a few doors seeing unused rooms and storage areas. Next went down to the next room and find it wouldn’t open. Locked out. I do not think so. Vegeta got annoyed and twisted the knob right off and swung the door wide open. Stepping inside Vegeta found musical instruments some broken some in perfect condition.

Vegeta walked over to a violin that was laying on a sheet on top of a huge structure. Vegeta picked it up examining it. The bow was next to it. Vegeta wasn’t sure what it was. A weapon of some kind or something he wasn’t sure.

“How did you get in here, honey?” A bubbly voice asked from behind. That was the second time he didn’t feel anyone behind him. Turning Vegeta saw an older blonde he didn’t recall seeing before.

“Who are you?”

“Oh that’s right. You were unconscious before. I’m bunny. Bunny Briefs.” Vegeta just stared.

“You are the maid . . . or something?” Mrs. Briefs started to laugh.

“Oh, you! You’re so funny. But, what you doing in here?” Vegeta turned back to the room.

“Looking around.” Annoying life form. It can not be human. They were are not this annoying.

“Oh.”

Mrs. Briefs moved closer to him seemingly not hearing Vegeta growls of disapproval at her actions. “My husband used to play most of these instruments. By science take over his life. We tried to get Trunks to play but, he had no ear for music. Some people don’t.   “Music? This is an instrument of some kind.” Bunny looked at his hand seeing he was holding the thing like a club. She started laughing making Vegeta very upset at her.

“Here.” Vegeta watched her take the thing from him and pick up a long stick. “You play it like this.” She put the base part on her neck and brought the bow up and brought it across the strings.

Vegeta covered his ears as an unpleasant sound filled the room. Bunny stopped after two seconds of playing. Two seconds was two seconds too long.

“You call that music?” He said with grit teeth.

“Alas no. I never had an ear with music either, unless I was listening and not playing.”

“I noticed.” I hope Frieza never finds out about this. A new torture would be born. He has too many anyways. Vegeta said shaking his head as he ears were ringing like no tomorrow. Vegeta grabbed the sheet and pulled it off. A piano was under it. It looked undamaged and dust free, unlike some of the other stuff in there. Picking up a play book on the top of it, he looked through it.

The photographic memory adsorbed the what keys were what symbol. He went all the way to the advance. Flipping ahead to the music sheet parts, Vegeta opened it to the last page. Bunny watched as Vegeta ran his fingers across the white tiles, hearing the sounds they made. Doing the same to the smaller black ones. They sounded like he heard them before. Like in a dream or something. Vegeta shook it off.

Vegeta stared at the sheet for a moment. His mind could read the notes like he had been playing for years. Now he was a fast learning but, not this fast. Again Vegeta shook it off. Or so he tried.

“Can you read it, darling?” Vegeta shook his head yes. “Then play it.” Vegeta was going to tell her to shut up but, his mind wasn’t wanting to work. The sheet music was calling to him. He could hear the music in his head. But, that didn’t make sense. But, many things didn’t sense right now.

“Screw it.” Vegeta whispered as he sat on the bench, cracking his fingers. He would add this to the long list of unusual incidents and figure it out later. Looking at the music sheet still Vegeta brought his hands up not yet touching the keys.

Eyes closed, Vegeta brought his hands down and started to play. A few notes started as he stopped for a moment then continued to only stop again almost uncertain. He started again and kept playing as the music started to take him away.

X)(X

The music swept through the open room, going through the hallways. Piccolo with his sharp hearing heard it first. It was a haunting melody. It was so sad yet, not sad at all. Looking around he saw no one else seemed to notice. It was very far away but, it was hard to hear for a human. Piccolo wasn’t aware he was swaying on his feet. He was sensitive to sound but, this was unexpected.

All conversion in the room stopped when they saw Piccolo in his own little world, moving to a beat.

“Um? You okay there?” Piccolo seemed not to hear him. Tien moved over and, cuffed his head a bit.

“Hey!”

“Sorry. But, you didn’t hear us. What’s wrong?” Piccolo let the anger die as he kept hearing the music.

“I don’t know. The music is . . . entrancing.”

“Music? I think you been meditating too long. There’s no music playing here.” Piccolo tuned him out as he listened more the music. It was in the house. A bit away. He wasn’t imaging it. Tien did all but, cuff him over the head again. Piccolo was ignoring him.

“Alright. Does anyone but, him hear music or what?” Everyone shook their head. Gohan studied his formal teacher. Tilted his head trying to understand him when he heard it too. Faint but, there. His hearing as below a full-blooded Saiyan but, higher than a human. Piccolo was hearing things. Well, he was hearing things but, things that were really there.

“Wait. He right, there is. It’s very soft but, to Piccolo. It must be a lot louder to him.” Chi-Chi and Bulma came in with trays of tea seeing the dead silent room.

“Okay, what’s wrong now?”

X)(X

Vegeta was nearly in a trance as he played. Everything fade as he played. His father noticed he had music abilities but, forbid him to play anything musical. But, Vegeta never listened to anyone before and he didn’t start then or now. It was all just because his father said no. So Vegeta played more. It was like you saying don’t touch. You have to touch. It was the simple.

At first to was to tick his father off. Then it became an escape of the hardship of being in charge of a whole planet and training over half the day with paperwork the rest of the day. Vegeta would learn to play anything he could get his hands on. His father couldn’t stop him. He learned fighting him made his resolve stronger.

Vegeta wasn’t even bothering with the sheet music anymore. He was creating by ear, just knowing what notes to play, in what rhythm. It was just magic to him. He was even thinking about it. He was just playing. All warrior senses were taking a break and all anger was gone. He played like there was no tomorrow. He couldn’t find the end of it but, it didn’t matter either for a while. He was having to good a time. Unknown to him the others were now watching in awe as he played like a master. Vegeta’s tempo got faster as the end of his creation was nearing.

He hands held down the last keys letting the last sounds last a moment more before they stopped. He recreated a song with a different instrument but, what was the song. It was Saiyan, yes. But, he didn’t remember where he heard it. He was humming that same song earlier today. Songs where a rarely the same as instrument. He got them from other planets just to rub it in his father’s face. All senses returning he felt the others right outside the room. His face felt hot and wanted to hide somewhere for a reason he didn’t understand. It was another emotion. There were two emotions he could cross off his list. Contentment and embarrassment. Good or bad he wanted to feel them. He couldn’t complain. Well, he could. But, there was no point in it.

Calming himself down, he felt his face return to it normal temperature. Putting on that stoic face, Vegeta swung his leg over to the other side of the bench and heading to the crowded door. Again they moved wordlessly letting Vegeta pass. Bulma watched back as he walk away from them.

“Vegeta

“Leave me alone.” No harshness, no anger, no annoyance either. It was empty but, he meant he wanted to be alone right now.

X)(X

Vegeta sat on the roof watching the sun rise over the land. The feeling of embarrassment was still there from yesterday. The killer of worlds, playing pretty music. The only way to save any pride was knowing the fact that none them could play half as good as him. But, that wasn’t much of a comfort though.

Everywhere he turned, there they were like an annoyed stabbing pains that wouldn’t go away. He couldn’t understand why they were always there. His ki didn’t rise and no one screamed bloody murder any of those times. But, there they always were. It was enough to make him pull his hair out or go primal on their asses.

Shaking his head, Vegeta lifted his arm looking at the skinny appendage. The longer he stayed here the worst the punishment but, he wouldn’t survive if he went back now. A week at the least, then he would find a way off this planet. He would make some kind of excuse. It did not matter if it was good or bad. Frieza would punish him for no reason other than to punish him. He was an overly sick, sadistic lizard. A white and purple devil to say the least. He didn’t even want to think what he is at the worst.

The streets were silent in the earlier morning. Around noon things got a bit noisy and at night things were silent for the most part. Vegeta hadn’t slept yet. He was still on Saiyan time. A forty-two-hour day. Back home he had a schedule was one hour breakfast, ten hours training, one hour lunch, five hours paperwork and planet relations, ten more hours of training, a two-hour dinner, three hours on meditation, fours hours of book learning, two hours of free time, then finally he could sleep for four hours. Then it started all over again.

Yet, he was tried. The months of catching only naps of fifteen up to twenty-five minutes at a time then not sleeping at all due to the pain of the now eradicated virus. But, he was fine. He could stay for a week if he wanted too. Not that he wanted too.

He was watched for the most part because he had a habit of slimming off an hour here and there to play with his animal friends inside and outside the castle. Vegeta sometime just did it for the thrill of the chase when the whole Saiyan army had to go out to find him. That’s what he called a major case of hide and seek.

Smirking a bit Vegeta stood up on the ledge overlooking the area. An earlier morning flight was in order. Vegeta jumped off the ledge falling within a foot to the ground. Vegeta pushed off into the sky feeling the cool breeze on his face. Vegeta looked down at the ground seeing the bird’s eyes view. So many buildings and such just crowded together. The further he flew out of the city the fewer buildings were around.

Vegeta stopped seeing the forest he used to make deathtraps before and in the southern part where he killed the two hunters that awoken him from his nap. His mind was making a mental map. The city he visited wasn’t to far southeast from here. At the time he didn’t know why he was going that way. He was just following a flock of birds while on the ground.

Vegeta flew up higher seeing the city he was in earlier. He stopped below the cloud line, straining his eyes to see the edge of the desert area. As he was taking in the sights, he noticed a ki following him. It was enough to fly almost unnoticed but, Vegeta felt it coming. He didn’t know who because of the low ki but, he felt a presence of someone a small distance behind him.

Vegeta went higher into the clouds just daring the person to follow. Vegeta floated in the cloud bank not moving barely breathing just waiting. He would make the person pay for tailing him like that. The wind blew towards him and Vegeta inhaled the scents. Through the cloud the scent was weaker but, still recognizable. Young Goten. Vegeta almost laughed.

Goten looked around but, saw nothing. He knew he saw Vegeta come up here. He was thinking about going back to Capsule Corp. when he found himself in the strangler hold. Goten struggled but, unlike Trunks, Vegeta pressed down on the side of his neck making Goten’s strength leave him completely.

“Now. Now young Goten. Why were you trying to sneak up on me? And do not say you were not because if that was true, your ki would not be masked as it was.” Vegeta released Goten. And, Goten rubbed his neck looking back at him.

“I was coming over before the others. I was confused about your offer. I saw you fly off. I didn’t want Trunks or the others to follow me.”

Vegeta studied his face. He seemed to be telling the truth and we intrigued on what he was confused about though.

“Confused? About what prey tell?”

“Why me?” Vegeta knew exactly what he was talking about but, why he was confused started too also confused him. He thought he covered it earlier. Turning his head to one side, Vegeta crossed his arms almost annoyed.

“I thought I made myself perfectly clear.”

“Trunks would have jumped in to if the roles were different. He would jump in to save me.”

“Yes. I know. You two are friends. It makes sense to be. Being the same kind and close to the same strength. It is only natural you two would do that for the other.” Now Goten was really confused.

“B-but if you know that! Then why didn’t you give Trunks that offer too?” Vegeta frowned at the name.

He was tried of this conversion really but, he would endure it for the moment. Taking a deep breath, he suppressed all hostility.

“Your friend Trunks is a bit . . . disrespectful. If he showed an ounce of respect, I maybe . . . ‘maybe’ would have offered him the same. Yet, he did not. So I taught him a little respect when I implanted him to the floor.” Goten looked down trying to understand.

“What did I do different?” Vegeta smirked slightly.

“Think. At the beginning, what did I do that was the same when you jumped in?” Goten tried to think again.

He played the whole scene back in his mind. Only one thing stood out. When Vegeta bowed to Trunks he didn’t respond, but, when Vegeta bowed to him he responded with a bow of his own.

“Because of this?” Goten mimicked the same bow he did that day. Vegeta smirked a tad.

“Now you got it. Those who show no respect get none in return. I showed Trunks some respect and he threw in my face. I do not take kindly to that.”

Vegeta watched Goten face. It still seemed to be confused although he seemed to understand why now. Something was off but, he demised it.

“Does that answer your question?” Goten just nodded. “So. Do I have my answer or not?” Goten looked back at Capsule corp. knowing that Trunks was still upset.

“Yes. On one condition.”

“Condition?” He never had someone give him conditions before. This one had guts. He knew he liked this half-breed for some reason. “All right. But, if you say Trunks gets to train with us or anything like that. You can forget it.” Goten shook his head.

“No, I . . . it true you can kill with one move, right?”

“Yes. So?” Goten looked away for a moment before he could look Vegeta is the eyes.

“I don’t want to kill. I don’t want to learn how to kill.” Vegeta narrowed his eyes for a moment looking at him like he could see through him.

“I see.” He went back to his normal stoic look. “Well then. I suppose that is your right. But, do not come whining to me when the enemy does not show you the same restraint and starts gutting you right then and there.” Goten nodded once. “All right then. Just know if you change mind. The offer is open on those techniques.” Vegeta said pushing his bangs up out of his face, only to have them fell perfectly back into place. He hated that but, cutting them wasn’t a option. Ignoring it he turned full attention back to him. Goten felt all kinds of emotions at the start of his new training. Vegeta saw all the emotions across his face. He was almost jealous but, he squished that part of himself. “Okay then. Let us go through the basics first. I wonder how much I will have to teach you. Hopefully you are not a completely blank slate.” Goten only smiled slightly, knowing Vegeta didn’t mean it like that. Not fully.

X)(X

It was almost noon and everyone but the two and Vidal where over at Capsule Corp. Chi-Chi was at wit’s end at Goten’s disappearance. Goku didn’t have a chance to tell her that he was thirty miles away. Every time he tried she cut him off. Finally he stopped trying and let her vent off. Bulma was a little on edge. She hadn’t seen Vegeta since the piano incident yesterday. Valcausa was still in the cage sleeping too. Vegeta took that bird everywhere he went. Strange how he was nowhere around and she was still here. It was puzzling to say the least.

Bulma look over at Trunks who was very cross. He looked like Vegeta with arms cross and a scowl on his face. Bulma wasn’t sure what to do about him. This was something he would have to work out himself or have to cool off before she could try to smooth it over. Although Vegeta favoring Goten wasn’t helping matters any. If anything Vegeta seemed to be playing it up just to annoy him. Maybe he was or it was a after product. She couldn’t be sure

Everyone with high kis noticed two signatures coming back at a mild speed. One was Goten and the other Vegeta. They were only about a minute away. Eighteen looked over at Gohan who seemed a little down.

“What’s wrong? Your girlfriend sick today?” Gohan leaped up off the couch with a deep blush. Almost nlike he had a deep sunburn.

“She’s not my girlfriend! We just go to school together.”

Chi-Chi snapped out of her mood on hearing the word ‘school’.

“Oh. That reminds me.” Chi-Chi went behind the couch and heaved over a pile of papers and books as tall as Piccolo and dropped in front of Gohan. Gohan’s eyes were the size of dinner plates. “I got your assignments for the days you were gone and for the next week. Just in case. I don’t want you to fall behind. I also got you some extra credit too, to make up for any participation points you missed out on.” Everyone looked at Gohan with pity in their eyes.

Laughter was heard and Gohan was glad to have the attention off him for now. Vegeta was talking in a different tongue than he did talk before. It was fluently and fast. Like one would speak their first language. As Vegeta stopped Goten started speaking in the same only more slowly and almost shuddering over some of the words. Everyone just watched as they were walking towards them still talking. They stopped just steps into the living room.

“So. How did I do?”

“Boorish and you spoke it through your nose. Not bad for a beginner but, if it was any other Saiyan your were talking, I am afraid they would just rip into you. Literally. It is a insult to speak the language anything but, perfectly.”

“Anything to start a fight?” Vegeta started laughing a not battle or bone-chilling one. It sounded like a true laugh. It was kinda cute in a way.

“Yes. Quite true. Not that we need a reason to fight though. Basically you could go down a street and yell across the road and say. ‘You want to fight?’ to a perfect stranger. And they would. Just like that. Simple really.”

“Taley!”

“Caolel.” Both started laughing hard. Vegeta looked over Goten’s shoulder and stopped his laughing looking back to Goten that made him stop himself. “Hoiul. Ie hes poilset ut jikle.” Goten looking over his shoulder seeing his mother walking towards him again just like yesterday. He turned back to Vegeta who turned to walked a tad away. “Iset jeit hendi.”

“Goten!” Goten cringed a bit before turning back to her. His eyes full of uncertainty and slight fear. “You snuck out of the house and had me worried sick. What do you have to say for yourself, young man!” Goten was stuck speechless and highly scared. Lucky for him, someone else had the words for him.

“Miss Chi-Chi, was it now? I am afraid that was my doing in a way.”

Everyone looked back at Vegeta who put his arm on Goten’s shoulder. His eyes were unusually wide as he look right at her.

“You see, I said I wanted an answer to my question I asked yesterday. I am not a very patient person. Actually I am not patient at all. Goten knowing that come earlier so not the bother anyone. I am surprised you see fault with this. You stuck me as one who appreciated such consideration. Yet, appearances can be deceiving I suppose.”

Vegeta gave Chi-Chi one of those looks at even unnerved her. She started to step back, away from the child Saiyan prince.

“I see. You could have left a note though.”

“Sorry mom.” Goten apologized unaware of his mother’s discomfort. Vegeta eyes never left Chi-Chi as she went back to her seat. The kid version of Vegeta completely psyched her out.

“Well. Now that is settled and your lesson is over for today. Tomorrow I believe we should work more on the language skills and some more ki control techniques. Perhaps I tell you a bit about Saiyan myths and legends. I see about that tomorrow morning.” Vegeta turned back to Chi-Chi. “With your consent of coarse. I hate for you to worry about him again like today.” Vegeta very slight cooling tone while he gave the same look. Chi-Chi was afraid to look up.

That look he gave her seemed to go through her. Like he could see into her soul and find out what her deepest fears were.

“Yeah, sure. Fine.” Vegeta nodded at her although she didn’t see it.

“It is settled then. Same time. Same place as the sun rises. Do not be late. I will not tolerate it.” He turned to Goten for the final time. “Leuaji! Detise!” Gohan put both feet together and bend his arm straight over his chest, not touching it. It was some strange salute or something. Vegeta sighed and reached out turning his hand so his palm was completely flat and facing down. Goten nervous laughed a bit.

“Sorry.”

“It is not a big deal. This time.” With that Goten lowered his arm and Vegeta nodded once before turning walking away from, going to the other side of the room.

Goten plopped on the couch seeing the look of despair on his brother’s face and all the books. He knew his mom wanted to have Gohan be a scholar. Lucky, she didn’t have the same dream for him. Goten looked over at Vegeta, who as at the bird cage. He wasn’t moving and his hands seemed to be in front. Suddenly, without a word, Vegeta headed towards the stairs and actually walking up them for a change instead of flying. Bulma noticed that. It was too much of a change. Vegeta was often a creature of habit.

He was walking slowly and something else was off. Vegeta would have normally gone outside to get something to eat and get something for the bird to eat as well.

“Well, I think I will go home and get dinner started.” Goku looked at the time.

“But, Chi-Chi. It’s lunch time.”

“Goku. Home. Now.” Goku shrugged and hold on to Chi-Chi and Goten come over clutching his leg. “Bulma?” The blue haired woman looked over at her. “Do you mind if Gohan stays here for a while?”

“No. Of coarse not.” With that they were gone.

X)(X

Vegeta sat on the bed looked down at Valcausa. She wasn’t very active to say the least. Vegeta stretched out her injured wing.

“The injury is almost healed, Valcausa. No need too conserved so much energy now.” Vegeta’s voice sounded slightly hoarse. A very light knock at the door made Vegeta turn towards the door. It was the blue-haired woman. There was no point in yelling. She wouldn’t hear him through the so-called soundproof room. He could hear her but, she wouldn’t be able to hear him.

Vegeta turned away facing the wall. He didn’t want to talk to anything or one. He had enough talking with Goten’s lesson. He was starting to regret the offer he made. He was a fast learner but, most were not. Goten was an average learner. At least Goten could make him laugh. That was one of the two reason I he going to continue with his lesson beside the fact that he said he would. It was so hard to be honorable sometimes.

The door opened and Bulma stepped in looking at his back. As she expected, he didn’t answer the door but she didn’t want him to get offensive or offended by just walking in unannounced. Vegeta had a habit of blowing up or shutting completely down when he was overly annoyed or angry. She didn’t expect the younger version to be too much different than the original for the most part.

“Aren’t you hungry?”

“No.”

“Isn’t your little friend there.”

“ . . . No.”

“You sure?” Vegeta ran out of civilness as he normal attitude resurfaced.

“Yes! Now Go away! Blue-haired human female!”

“No! Not happening! Prince Saiyan boy!” Vegeta didn’t even respond to her. No doubt he was trying to ignore the eyes on his back. Bulma decided he wasn’t going to ignore her this time.

Yell, or throw ki blasts, she didn’t care but, he wasn’t going to hide or suppress his feelings this time. Bulma steeling herself walked over the bed, right by him. She reached out grabbed both of his shoulders.

Bulma half-expected to be implanted in a wall or find her-self with her hands being crushed but, neither happened. Vegeta didn’t react at all. After all the ‘do not touch me’ stuff with Goku and such. Even sending Goku across the room for it, he did nothing. Vegeta didn’t even move. Similar to before Vegeta wasn’t responding to anything. Bulma moved her hand to the spot behind his ear but, Vegeta shifted his head before her hand reached it. Bulma tried again.

Vegeta seized her hand, hard. Bulma grunted at the pain. Vegeta threw her hand back at her hard swing her a bit. No words, no looks, no nothing after that. The body was reacting it seemed.

“Okay. Vegeta. You were fine a moment ago. What would have happened in the ten seconds after that whole thing with Goten and Chi-Chi?” Bulma got no answer, not that she was expecting one really. She was more or less talking to herself.

She crossed her arms annoyed as a thought hit her hard. Images went through her head. The bird cage. All day no sounds in flapping wings, or chirps. Vegeta going upstairs and not outside. Even in here, when she asked if his little friend was hungry. Hesitation then he answered no. His voice was off. It was outlined with emotions instead on his calm stoic like self. Oh, no. Bulma again came towards him. He hated being treated like a child because, those who did, did it out of disrespect. Like Frieza and those on the mad man lizard’s ship. Bulma was determinated to show him there she only wanted to help. If he believe people did help others or not. Which in his case he believed not.

She leaned over trying to see the bird but, Vegeta would lean forward as she did. Vegeta was being very uncooperative, like usual. Bulma turned and walked to the desk, by the door, taking the chair and walking back to him. Dropping it right by him she sat down. Hands in her lap, leaning in close. Well inside striking distance.

“Tell me. Was she already dead when you took her out of the cage just minutes ago?”

Vegeta stopped breathing for almost a full minute before he turn to the other wall determinated not to let her see his face.

“Why can you not just leave me alone? Everywhere I go there is one of you hovering over my shoulder. I already said to Kakorot I would kill anyone while I here. This planet is not on my list. It would be a waste of time and energy. I do not lie. So stop hovering like you are trying to be my aura. Whatever you are trying to do. Forget it! It will not work! So just drop the act, all right!” Bulma was concerned. Vegeta was close to blowing a circuit. And not in the usual way.

“What makes you think I going to try something when you are stronger than me by at least . . . I don’t know! . . . A million times!”

“Right. That’s why your bodyguards show up every time my tail twitches!” Vegeta’s tail was unwrapped from his waist. The tail was in a sense twitching.

The door opens. Tien and his little buddy were at the door. Both stared in kinda worried fashion.

“Hey is everything okay in here?”

“Yeah. You kinda run upstairs after he went up.” Vegeta turned enough to give her a one eye ‘I told you’ kind of look.

“See what I mean.” He said just loud enough for her to hear. Vegeta tail wrapped around his waist again. Vegeta turned his head back all the way to the wall. “No. Why do you not bludgeon yourself with a very hard object? Maybe that will help. It will sure lighting my mood, no doubt.” Tien clenched his teeth in anger at the comment. Bulma pushed out her breath hard looking at the door.

“Alright.” She stood now mad. “You!” She point to Vegeta to arched a eyebrow. “Stay here. And you two.” She said yelling at the door.

While yelling she could still hear Vegeta make some kinda of sarcastic comment around the lines her power level and someone help him. She tried to ignore him the best see could. “Downstairs now!” Both scurried downstairs and Vegeta watched in amazement as they did as they were told. Vegeta just sighed and shook his head in pity. Bulma looked at him now wanting to leave him alone but, this needed to be done. She went straight out the door.

Vegeta looked at it for a moment, then going to the window. He lifted it and climbed half out before turning back looking at the door.

“I have been on weird planets. On a scale of one to ten. This one gets a seven and a half. Strangely though. . . I kinda like it. That shows what kind of taste I have.” Vegeta with the limp Valcausa in hand, jumped out the window.

X)(X

Downstairs Bulma the others looking at her with confusion. Bulma brushed a few hairs back into place before her started to talk.

“Guys. . . .go home. You are making it worst. Vegeta is highly on edge. Vegeta is private person. Has always had been. I know. He’s dangerous. He was before. I can handle this. You guys got to go. Sorry please. It’s for the best.” Tien and his friend went without a word in a blink of an eye. Eighteen, Krillen, Piccolo, and Gohan looked at each other. Eighteen shrugged and walked out of the room and Krillen bid his goodbye. Piccolo stood there not moving. “That’s means you too, Piccolo.”

“Are you sure?” Bulma nodded.

“He’s more likely to get angry with others hover over him all the time. I couldn’t blame him.”

“You know the others will not be gone for long.”

“He needs a little time. Especially right now. Vegeta little friend was dead in her cage.”

Piccolo looked up as if he could see Vegeta in the room upstairs. He remembered when he called her ‘it’. Vegeta threatened to treat him like Goku would a chicken dinner. He kept remember back when they first met. When he told Nappa that he would make his special sauce after said he was a Namekic. He suppressed a shudder.

“How’s he taking it?”

“If I know Vegeta. I say . . . not that well. Vegeta trying too hard to be stoic. I don’t know how he will react when that wall comes down. Trust me that wall will come down sooner or later. That’s too much to deal with not to.” Piccolo nodded not liking the though of leaving a power yet, unstable Saiyan child here with minimal security.

But, if Bulma could handle the full grown verison, maybe she could handle the Vegeta 2.0 version as well.

“You’re the bravest human I know.” And the older Vegeta was the bravest male of any species alive or dead, to deal with her everyday. Maybe they cancel each other out. Piccolo decided to get out of the there while the getting was good.

Gohan stood out from off the couch, stretching a bit. He dropped the pencil on the table slowly turning from it.

“Well, I be going too. See ya later.” Gohan didn’t make it two steps as Bulma pulled him back.

“Nice try. But, you know you mother. I said you could stay here. So, your staying and hitting the books. I didn’t want your mother on me now.” Gohan groaned. He hated school work more now than ever.

X)(X

Vegeta come back through the window and laid down on the bed. Valcausa’s death was bothering him. But, not because she died. No. That was not it. All things die. His animal friends back home died when the planet was destroyed and a few before that. People die. He would eventually die. In battle or if Frieza’s new torture was too much for his body to handle. It will happen

That stupid heating box nearly did him in. And that snake coil whip often made him wish it did do him in. Two days ago I said I wanted to feel emotion. This was a mistake. My curiosity is going to get me killed one day. If not sooner. Maybe I should just find a ship and try to find Freiza’s. That would be best. I could pick up his ship ion trail with a simple scanner. I should find him and maybe I could escape punishment by bringing him a gift. Something pretty and shiny so he can so his ugly reflection in it. That always makes him happy.

Vegeta eyes went wide as he sat up grabbing a fist full of hair.Oh Shiva . . . I actually know what makes my sworn enemy happy. How pathetic have I gotten? How low am I going to sink? How low have I sunk? Vegeta realized he was starting to cause himself pain. The promise he made to himself, even if the Namekic was there, still stood. He let go of her hair letting his hand fall back down the bed. He let himself fall back looking at the ceiling.

Does it even matter now? Maybe I am being punished for the life I led so far. Or maybe the sins of the father being passed to the son kind of thing. That is possible. That coward. I hate him with all my black wilted heart. Vegeta heard his father talking to Freiza. The proposal Frieza make. ‘Not a heir. But, a son.’ Then the answer a Saiyan week later. ‘You can have him.’ Just like that. Vegeta was so mad that his father, for selling him to the lizard. Like you would a pig to a butcher. He wasn’t that much better off.

The door opened slowly as Vegeta quickly turned to his side. Bulma stepped in again with a bowl in her hands. One of Vegeta special favorites. Strawberries and cream with a bit of chocolate. A hardly known fact. But, Vegeta was an extreme chocolate lover. He had great control but, once a year at least Vegeta would sneak off somewhere and eat ten pounds of straight chocolate. Not including the caramel and creams he would eat of at least one pound of each too. Where he got them she could not say. Probably her mother. He got a taste for strawberries staying with her. Just like Goku he could eat anything but, he had favorites.

She set the bowl on the widow sill and sat down the in the chair again. His back was to her and he wasn’t moving besides his lungs. With his bones sticking out she could see every bone move in his body. It was slightly sickening but, she was slightly use to it though.

“Only Gohan . . . Goten older brother is here now. And my son but, he still upset. He hasn’t come out of his room all day.”

“I care why?” His voice was muffled. Like he was talking into his arm or his face was pushed into the mattress. She couldn’t see which.

“I didn’t say you cared. I just letting you now.”

“Whatever. You can go now.”

“Nope. I not going anywhere.”

“Suit yourself.” The tenseness in his back relaxed as he muscles went lack.

Bulma got up and moved on the bed. Bulma moved slowly see Vegeta eyes closed. He was still suffering from the lack of sleep. Even sleeping for three days wasn’t going to fix that problem. It would take weeks before he wouldn’t be tried all the time. Vegeta hid it well. Years of practice or the same as years of practice crammed into a few months. Bulma carefully turned him over seeing he didn’t have his bird anymore. He probably left and discarded it and come back to rest.

Bulma sat down, lifting him into his lap again. He didn’t react in the slightest bit. The others though, if they come close, Vegeta was up crushing limbs or throwing punches. A measure of trust or maybe his body reacted to others who posse a threat? Barely a ki she had. It was possible, that was it. Although, once already he showed that rule to be broken. He body was too deep into sleep to notice or care.

Vegeta rolled his body over a bit. He head settled high on her chest and his one hand curved around on her upper arm. As long as he didn’t start crushing it, he would kept it there. She didn’t mind too much. His legs were curved under him so he was kinda sitting up. His hair was starting to tickle her face. She gathered it and smoothed it over by her shoulder but, in sprang back into place. Annoyed she tilted his head back.

Bulma was pushed down in the mattress by an small but, overly strong hand. Narrowed eyes and a slight frown met her eyes.

“Looking for a good place to stick a knife, were you?”

“Actually your hair was in my face. You hair doesn’t like to move.” Vegeta thought back for a moment. He did recalled falling asleep, barely. His body was taking what it needed at the moment. It didn’t care when or where. Not that he could blame it. It was at it’s limit. Overworked, overtired, underfed, emotional drained and abused. Physically he was a mess. Mentally he was about the same if not worse. His pride was the only thing undamaged for the most part. He planned on keeping it that way.

Tempted as he was to kill something, he let go of her fragile neck and moved away from her, to the end of the bed. She just sighed and crossed her arms staring at him. Vegeta did the same. The great battle of wills had began.

X)(X

In the woods, Chi-chi was going through the kitchen cabinets. She was still feeling the effects of Vegeta’s stare. He was more freighting now then when he was older. Goten liked him well enough. She wasn’t sure if training with him was the best thing. But, she gave her word that he could train with child Vegeta.

She couldn’t get those eyes out of her head. Goose bumps formed painfully of her arms thinking about it.

“Hey, Chi? Are you okay?”

“No. I can’t get him out of my mind.”

“Him?”

“Vegeta. That look he gave me.” She shuttered again.

“Oh! You got the evil eyes!” Goku said backing away slightly, like he could catch it.

“What?”

“The evil eyes. It’s what me and Krillen call them. Vegeta always had a way to make you feel two inches tall with a look. It was like he could look into your soul and see your deepest fears. He looked at me once like that and for two hours I swore he was watching me and giving me that same look. I see he got the ability way before now. That’s why when he got angry I don’t look him in to the eyes sometimes. I’ll look over his shoulder, change the subject or something. Whatever I can do not to see that look again.” Goku looked through the window. He wanted to change the subject feeling those old feeling again. He swore Vegeta was around although his ki was still at Capsule Corp unmoving and low. Possible asleep. It was impossible to tell. “I know. I catch some fish. You like fish, right?” Two fingers to his head and he was gone.

“The way we eat it. I’m sick of fish.”

X)(X

Bulma dipped a strawberry into the creme getting some chocolate on it. She lowered her hand down to her lap. Where Vegeta was laying across her legs, awake, but highly content. Vegeta took it from her hand and devoured it quickly.

“Highly sweet. It is no kiybas. But, then again what is?” Bulma stated racking her fingers through his hair. The mixer of rubbing and scratching made him too comfortable to move away.

He didn’t mind this lady’s touch. Slowly he was starting to kneed her leg like a cat until he noticed was he was doing. He made himself stop. Animal instincts again. But, he decided if he started purring, he was getting out of there.

“You know Vegeta. If you want to talk about . . . oh I don’t know. Anything. I’ll listen.”

“Well I do not. And I do not want to listen to you either.”

“Okay. That’s fine.” Bulma had to be careful here. If she pushed too hard, Vegeta close up completely. She had her big toe in the door. She wasn’t going to lose that. Who knows when she get it back, if ever. If he wasn’t so tried, he still be at the foot of the bed, glaring at her.

Vegeta was incredibly smart but, even his mind could be tricked after a while. And it helped that his body and mind was so tried. After about five minutes of stare down Bulma started yawning hard. It wasn’t long before Vegeta head started drooping. He would try to shake it off and it would work for a few minutes at a time but, he was slowly wearing down. After that the rest where small but, effective steps.

Bulma had to get on the same page as Vegeta so he would actually talk to her. The problem was this younger version barely knew or trusted her. Common ground was scarce to say the least.

“So. How goes training Goten? Is he paying attention to you or do you need to knock him around a bit first?” Vegeta looked at her with one eye.

“He doing fine for a half breed, I guess. Average I suppose. Why is this any interest to you? That is not your offspring.”

“No. But, his my son’s best friend and Chi-Chi is my friend. Which makes me interested in his process.”

“It was the first day. Process in minimal.”

“Process is based on the teacher a lot of times.”

“As a old saying goes. Uijefa jeofnw saweuys lat hnri he hedkdebg Translated: A glorious empire is not constructed in one sun and moon rotation.”

“Really. We have a similar one. Rome wasn’t built in a day.”

“Fascinating.” Bulma just snorted at the sarcasm.

Bulma felt him shake a little and hear him laugh. He was trying to be quiet about it but, that wasn’t going as he planned.

“What’s so funny.”

“Not that it’s any or your business but, it just was a conversion I had with Kakorot a few days ago. Before I cut through the branch and he fell to the forest floor. I will never forget that bit afterward.”

“What happened?” Vegeta sat up looking at her with narrowed eyes.

“It would not make sense to you.”

“Why?

“Because you were not there.”

“I’m not going anywhere for a while. Why don’t you tell me about it? Did he said something stupid?” Vegeta just stared at her for a moment or two, before smirking again.

“It started like this.”

X)(X

Gohan picking up another book from the top of the pile, floated back down to the ground. He looked at the book with dread.

“Math. . . . Why did it have to be math. I hate math. Hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it, hate it! Hate it!” Gohan blue faced, panting hard from saying all that somehow in one breath. Looking at the book Gohan sneak of peck at the pile of work. He swore it got bigger with each passing second. He laid down on the couch throwing book on the ground.

X)(X

“Then I yelled down, ‘I was being sarcastic.’ He did not have much to say after that.” Vegeta finished the story. Bulma had a stoic face for a moment.

“Well, now what you said that day makes sense. I was wondering what made him so upset when you said that to him. I have never seen him so flustered in my life.” She had trouble getting the last part out because she was laughing so hard. Vegeta was too tried to care right now.

Bulma opened her eyes still laughing until she still Vegeta’s eyes were closed. Vegeta was just so cute like that. He eyes opened slowly. He was fighting sleep. Why though was the question. Bulma brought him closer. He didn’t try to stop her. He was too tried to form a ki blast that could light a candle. “Vegeta? Your fighting sleep? Why?”

“I can not . . . .not sleep when the sun is up. And sometimes with the sun down. Unless I pass out. That is the only exception.” Vegeta was talking almost like he was asleep.

Vegeta was too tried to avoid the question or to tell her off. He was out of it. It was like someone give him a full bottle of sleeping pills but, trying to stay awake. The mind was shutting down but, the body was already there.

“Why? You fell asleep not long ago?

“And I thought you had the knife.”

“You had a dream something was trying to cut you?”

“No. I was living a memory where Tiuomaal a Roilamteun tried to slice my throat during the night. I do not have dreams really. Except two. I made myself to stop having them. So I live memories instead.” Bulma heart ached in pain. Her husband had to live with this for space twenty years. How did he survive any of it? Child or grown up, this was too cruel.

Leaning Vegeta back against her chest again she slowly stoked his hair. With tears forming in her eyes she pushed a painful lump down out of her throat.

“Tell me. What all did Frieza do to you?” Bulma felt bad using Vegeta’s weaken mental state from lack of sleep but, she could use whatever information she got to help him. In any way possible. Or so she hoped.

“He . . . cut our rations of water on the ship, he give us long lists of planets to clean up with no provisions. The planets had toxic water and poisonous inhabitants. We couldn’t eat or drink anything over half the time. We were forbidden to eat in the ship cafeteria went he felt . . . like doing so. Which was nearly all the time.”

Vegeta stopped for a moment. Vegeta leaned up a bit. He seemed to slow be coming out of his sleepful state. Bulma reached out to his sweet stop right behind his left ear. Vegeta tensed for less than a second then relaxed completely. She brought him back against her.

“Go ahead. Continue.” She knew scratching that spot took away his rational mind but, it was the only way to get anything out of him. She probably pay for it later but, she deal with that later.

“ . . . He would beat me when he was in a bad mood. He also chain me up against a wall or the middle of the room and, use a snake coil on my back when in a good mood.” Bulma stopped him there was moment.

“What is a snake coil?” Groaned like part of him was trying to wake up or he was trying to forget.

“It-it is a whip made entirely of planks of metal overlapping each other. It was made to catch your skin, wherever it struck and when he pull back to would rip off a few layers of skin at a time.”

Bulma had to cover his mouth when her mind started making pictures of how that would work in her mind.

“Why did they called it a snake coil?” Her voice shook but, she somehow got that out.

“Because rolled up in looks like a snake all coiled up.” Bulma nodded mostly to herself lightly scratching Vegeta sweet spot to keep him halfway sleep.

“And you couldn’t get away.” Bulma said out loud not really meaning to.

“I could.” Vegeta said mistaking her statement as a question.

Bulma looked down at him confused and a bit bewildered.

“Why didn’t you!”

“If I escaped he would kill Nappa and Radditz. He said he destroy my planet too but, I already knew that was gone. I felt them all die. But, I could not allow Frieza to kill them. I am reasonable for them. I can not leave them there. I just can not do that.” Bulma felt like crying. He could have escaped all this in the past but, he cared so much for the other Saiyans on some level in went through the tortures to stay there.

Vegeta kill Nappa though. Vegeta changed and grew dark-hearted. He wanted revenge and would be anything to get it.

“Anything else?” I make it sound like all that wasn’t enough. Man, am I that insensitive? Bulma tried to calm down.

“He put me in the heating box.”

“Which is what exactly?”

“A metal box that is made for your body. It bigger than you by two inches all around . . . including the top. Like a earth . . . what do you called it? . . . Coffin. The metal sides and top are heated up to between six . . . to eight hundred degrees. The metal is special though. It stay hot but, the inside only get to a hundred and ten degrees with specialized vents. You are in there for days at a time. . . .It is dark. You can not see anything. But, you can feel the heat. . . .You kept sweating, making you itch badly. But, if you move, you will touch the sides or the top and get burned, much worst. To the bone even. You can not sleep. You have to fight the urge . . . to pass out because they have monitors . . . on you while . . . your inside. If you pass out . . . or your mind shows signs of your consciousness suspended . . . in anyway. This machine starts shaking the box. The pain from touching the sides or top . . . will wake you up . . . but, if you did not . . . the med team would come in to relive you. Then . . . you have to start your time all over again . . . until you go through the entire disciplinary time . . . that was set for you.”

Bulma mind was making images to go along with that story too. She couldn’t imagine be in something only two inches bigger than your entire self for one minute. Much less days.

“Vegeta. I’m so sorry.”

“It does not matter. I am being punished. I must deserve all this.” Bulma was just shaking her head. She could understand, with a background of psychology. After everything Vegeta been through could believe that. victims of violent crimes often feel similar to this. Like they deserve it for something. They caused it to happen.

Before she could try to talk him away from the subject Vegeta started talking again. The pitch of his voice were very uneven as he words spilled out of his mouth. “I can only . . . give death. Even if . . . if I . . .I try to . . . help. . . .Everything . . .every . . . living . . . thing . . . I get close to . . . always dies. Frieza or no Frieza. I am . . . a . . . walking death . . . sentence. Even if . . . if . . . I care for it. . . .No! Especially . . . if I care . . . for it. It is . . . like a . . . deadly disease . . . I . . .carry. If anything . . . . gets . . . too close . . .they all . . .die. Die horribly . . . Screams! . . . Make them stop! . . .Do not want to hear it! . . . Just stop!” Vegeta stopped. He breath was ragged. He was pressing his one side of his face in her chest with his shoulder pressing against the other one. Like he was trying to block out the sound of something no one else could hear but, didn’t have the strength to lift his arms.

It wasn’t long before Vegeta seemed to calm himself down. He slowly pulled his ear away for her and laid against her normally. He was taking slower breaths not. He seemed he needed to get all that out of his system. “. . . They. . . they all die . . . before their . . . time . . .just . . . just die.” And apparently he wasn’t done. “Always die . . . Die. Dead. Gone. Always gone, gone, gone. Dead gone. Should . . . have . . . stayed . . . dead. Stupid . . . Frieza . . .meddling . . . demon . . . cowardly . . . father. . . .I . . . hate you all. You all . . . I hate . . . with all . . . that . . . I . . . am. All . . .of them . . . will . . . be punished . . . for . . . there . . .miss deeds.” Vegeta was starting to ramble weakly now he voice got weaker after he yelled out before the moment or two break in between.

But, all this wasn’t meaningless ramble though. This was how he felt. Unguarded by his pride and emotionless walls. All barriers were down. This was better than truth serum. All the feelings were out in the open. All the pain was there for all to see. It was enough to make you want to rip you own heart out to stop the pain of pity. When Vegeta awoken completely she had to be strong. If her showed pity in anyway Vegeta would never show her any kind of respect. And unless she was mistaken she had a slight sliver of it. Information and respect were the two of the hardest thing to get out of him out of everything on his list.

Things started to make sense. That’s why he pushed people away. He rather be alone than lose them. The pain was too much to bare. Years ago when she tried to get close he push her away. Hurt her feeling by saying the nastiest things alive. Leaving her in tears. She would be in her room crying seeing his face over and over again. His eyes held the most attention to her.

Vegeta couldn’t hide the emotions that were glittering behind his eyes. There was always a hurt and self-loathing emotion when he talked to her that way. Soon she turned a deaf ear to it. No matter what he said she never paid attention. When words didn’t work he tried distance. But, she was always there. No matter where he went. She always tracked him down until finally, one day he broke and give up. She refused to let Vegeta have his way.

Bulma leaned over looking at Vegeta’s face. His eyes were open but, barely. He was zombiefied in a way. In the land between asleep and awake. The lights were on but, everybody was on vacation. Major case of the guilts started plaguing her again. It was her fault he got that way. Not that he don’t need the sleep. But, like he said, if he slept when the sun up, Vegeta had nightmares. These nightmares though were his really bad memories. The ones he locked in the deepest reaches of his mind. She knew had bad they could be years later. These open wounds didn’t heal with time. These kinds rarely do.

Bulma scratched harder on the sweet spot. The spot behind his ear were probably special nerve endings that flooded his body with a natural endorphin. Like when you pick up a cat by the nape of the neck. If it was a Saiyan thing, Bulma couldn’t be sure. She would have to ask Chi-Chi about Goku later or have her find out.

She felt Vegeta go completely limp as he crossed the line into sleep land. She was going to stay there for a while. If those nightmarish memories came back, she could make them go away like her did in the past.

X)(X

Goku dragged a huge fish from the lake. He would have to cut it into pieces to bring it in the house. He felt bad that Chi-Chi got the evil eyes. Worst, Vegeta did it in front of everyone including him and he don’t noticed. What an evil child Vegeta was. But, in a way he was still innocent and it wasn’t his age. He seen a speck here and there once in awhile.

Especially with Goten. Vegeta before would never do anything that didn’t help him in the short or long run. But, here he was training Goten in Saiyan ways and such. Vegeta wouldn’t get anything vital or slightly important out of that. It seemed he was enjoying Goten company even. But, Vegeta was never easy to read or predict.

Goku saw the small house not far away. He stepped lightly carrying the special cargo ahead in head trying not to drag the tail on the ground. Chi-Chi always did something special to the tail. Making it the most tastiest part of the fish. Not the most filling but, it was good.

“Goku!” He stopped knowing that not high but, not low pitched voice.

“Baba?” Goku turned seeing her float down on her ball seemingly in a hurry. “Hey, Baba. What’s up? You seem like there’s something wrong.”

“I’ll say. It’s been five days and Vegeta still hadn’t shown up. He’s not on snake way. He’s not in line. We checked everywhere including H.e.i.l and below that.”

“Whoa. You mean there’s a level below H.e.i.l?

“Yes. But, it’s reserved for the most vile and evil beings.” Goku was silent for a moment looking at her.

“Why would he be down there?” Baba and her ball fell hard on the ground.

“Oh! I don’t know. Maybe because he kill over trillion of people all over the galaxies!”

“No. I mean why would he be down there at all. He’s not dead.” Baba opened her mouth then shut it. She blinked a few times and leaned back a little on her ball.

“He’s alive? He self-destructed though! You don’t live through that!” Goku put his hand behind his head, laughing a little.

“Funny story. You see . . . Vegeta didn’t die. Instead he turned into a kid with no memory on earth or us. He didn’t even know the language. And he was intent on destroying earth of all life. So we . . .” Baba had enough.

“Funny story yes indeed. Now I need to find him. Is he is spirt form and somehow got up here? I swear you people.” Goku sighed and set the fish down. He grabbed a hold of Baba’s arm and two fingers flew to his forehand.

Gohan sat up seeing his dad with back with Baba. Why was she here through. Panic ran through him. She was back her him. She didn’t know.

“No! You can take him. His not dead!” Baba snarled.

“Look! His dead. He is my responsibility to bring back. I am taking him if you like it or not!” Gohan feeling angry pushed to Super Saiyan. A show of force to get her to back off.

“Gohan! Calm down! It’s okay.”

“No it’s not!” The books on the table were flying as Gohan’s power grew.

X)(X

Bulma went to the door intent on letting Vegeta sleep. When she opened the door she was met with noise loud enough to wake the dead. She turned back seeing Vegeta’s eyes flying open. He sat up eyes half lidded. Bulma was now mad. She just got Vegeta to sleep without having those dreams. All that work ruined in two second because of downstairs. Luckily, Vegeta still was in la la land but, if that noise downstairs was going to go no any longer, he wouldn’t be for long. With his hearing he could hear it was the door closed.

Bulma run out shutting the door hoping to block out some of the noise. Running down she saw Gohan being restrained by his father. And Baba was here trying to stay out of it.

“Hey!” Bulma said trying to get their attention. Nothing. Now annoyed her walked closer. “You Idiots!” That got the attention and then some. “What is going on here.”

“She’s trying to take dad away!” Baba shook her head.

“No, no, no. I here to collect Vegeta. You father is now alive. The paperwork was done days ago.” Gohan blinked then face turned red.

“Oh. My bad. Sorry. . . . Jumped the gun there.” Gohan nervously laughed. It sounded a lot like his father’s little laugh. Goku let go on his son and Gohan powered down.

Bulma sighed. She couldn’t be mad at Gohan. After seven years then have him back to possibly be taken away again was a terrifying thought for him. The room was a mess though. And if he though she was cleaning it. He had another thing coming. Turning to Baba, she smiled a little.

“I afraid you can’t take Vegeta though. He is alive.” Baba heard enough of this.

“Show me then.”

“Alright. I bring him down.” Goku was going to ask but, decided not too.

Bulma went to the room and opened the door. Vegeta was still sitting up with eyes closed. His eyes were moving under his eyes. Bulma moving closer and lightly touched his shoulder. No response. Bulma curiosity pushed back on his shoulders. He fell back. He was out cold. Bulma couldn’t help but, smile. She picked him up cradling him in her arms and took him out of the room.

Baba looked at the stairs seeing Bulma coming down. Goku was a tad concerned but, stayed silent for the moment. Gohan followed his lead.

“Well, where is he.”

“Right here.” Bulma shifted Vegeta a little so he face was facing her.

“Is this so kind of a joke? I am not laughing!” Baba said loudly. Bulma closed her eyes as she got mad at the old hag.

“Baba. Keep your voice down.” Bulma said lowly.

Baba felt a sharp pain of fear. She never seen Bulma like this. She was a loud-mouthed brat. But, her voice was low and angry. Baba decided to take her advice. Baba cleared her throat and floated higher. Level with the boy’s face.

“I don’t see . . .” Baba stopped seeing something under the boy’s bangs. She reached out to move them.

Bulma smiled as Baba screamed bloody murder as Vegeta body responded by crushing her wrist.

“Oh. Sorry. I should have warned you.” Goku tried to pry Vegeta small but, powerful hand.

“Get him off! Get him off! Get him off!” Bulma winced at Baba shrilling voice and waved Goku away. Goku did back off a bot confused. Bulma again went for the sweet spot behind his ear. Within second Vegeta grip lost it strength and fell right off. Vegeta partly roll and partly curled back towards Bulma.

Baba nursed her sore wrist looking back at the up swept haired child in Bulma’s arms. She pressed her dry lips together hard.

“Okay. Maybe that kid is Vegeta. No human child would have that kind of brute strength. Oh, my poor wrist.” Baba moved it around finding to was sore but, broken or crushed. Goku looked down at her crystal ball for a second.

A brain storm hit him like a two ton wrecking ball.

“Hey, Baba. Can you looking into the future a bit, right?” Baba looked at him and turned her head a bit while it was held high.

“Well, I hate to brag but, I can find lost things and people.”

“Can you look into someone past?” Baba turned back to him a little surprised.

“The past? I don’t know. I never tried. Not much profit in the past.”

“Could you try?”

“Sure. For a price.” Bulma took a step forward.

“How about I show you how cranky Vegeta gets when he gets wakes up by an outside force. Then I unleash him on you if you don’t try!” Baba looked at her wrist and back at Bulma.

“Okay.” Baba hopped off her ball. She started summoning her power into the ball. It went gray for a moment before it started to work.

Images started flashing across the crystal ball. It was Goten and Vegeta. They were on a mountain top in sitting in meditation style. Vegeta was hovering a inch or two off the ground while Goten was flat on the ground.

“Yeah. That was this morning. But, we need to go further.” Baba tried again. A static took over a couple seconds before more images started again. Vegeta was in that black vest and white under shirt. He was on top of the car and a male and female couple were near the car. They watched Vegeta flip off the car. They watched intently as Vegeta stood in front of the couple. “Oh! This was at the carnival a few days ago.”

“Further still?”

“Yeah.” Baba sighed and try again. The ball flickered and static took over again.

Long minutes pasted as everyone there waited. Bulma sat down in the chair still holding Vegeta to her. She didn’t mind caring for Vegeta like this too much. Sure she wanted her husband back to normal but, he was just too adorable for words, at least when he was asleep.

“Okay. I got something!” The static cleared showing a face that take up the entire screen. It looked like the older Vegeta except brown hair and a goatee. Bulma looked close.

“Oh. That’s Vegeta’s father. I remember Vegeta saying once people call him father’s little clone. Vegeta hated that.”

“Too far?”

“Yeah. But, stay with it. Let’s see what’s going on here.” Baba just shrugged a bit and continue watching. The image pulled back showing the entire room that was bigger than most houses.

“Fie jd jehrtlenh je ii jedkl!” King Vegeta said in his Saiyan language. Bulma frowned. No good if they didn’t understand.

“Is they a way to translated that?”

“This isn’t a computer now. It does work that way.” Baba said rudely but, she dropped his glaze to the form in her arms. “Well maybe. If we use him.” Bulma looked down.

“What do you mean?”

“He knows the language. My ball can borrow his language skills temporarily.”

“Will it hurt him?”

“It is painless. All I need is his hand. With that contacted it will translated it. Simple.” Bulma nodded and stood up with him in her arm. She went by the ball and took a hold of his hand and placed it on the ball.

“Is it finished yet or not!” King Vegeta’s voice bellowed hard through the room making the others in the room jump at it. A saiyan in a long coat stepped towards him. The translation was working.

“Sir. There has been problems with the process.”

“Such as?”

“Saiyan DNA is hard to clone in the first place. And harder to get it right.” King Vegeta set up holding out his hand. The other Saiyan stood there straight willing to face death by his king.

“My king. May I speak?” The king looked over at a non-Saiyan female who hair was red as their sky and eyes as blue as the sky on earth.

“What are you?”

“A Itaniern sir. The treaty signed a year ago.”

“What do you want?”

“I believe I have a solution to you problem.”

“Do you?”

“Yes. In a hour it will be complete. Please one hour and you can see for yourself.” King Vegeta looked at her.

“Fine one hour! But, if you fail. I make you wish I blasted you.”

“I swear. You won’t be disappointed.”

“Out of my sight. Be back in one hour. Do not be late!” The balls images faded out to static.

Everyone was confused on what that was about to say the least. But, before to much thought pasted a ball flickered again. It showed the monster named Frieza and a purple skinned doctor.

“Yes. Indeed. Everything to my instructions?”

“Yes sir. Memories will be suppress and power will be lowered bu three-fourths if not a little more. He will have no memory of that. If he does have it in the first place.”

“Excellent.” Frieza handed the small metal circle back to the doctor. It was the small of a small plum. “Set it to happen right away.” Frieza stepped by the table looking down at the patient. “Happy ninth birthday. Prince Vegeta.” The ball settled on Vegeta face. He was out cold. And if the bruise over his eye and cheek were any indication. He was out of blunt force trauma. The ball started to smoke and Baba waved her hand making it stop.

“Well, that’s enough for today. I need to get back to Yami and tell him to throw that file away. See you later.” Baba got on her ball and flew out the entrance without another word. Everyone was left speechless.

X)(X

It was only a few hours after Baba left for the next dimension. Vegeta was still practicality passed out in his temporarily, dwelling room. Bulma removed the bird cage and threw it outside in the trash can. No matter what Vegeta said, she saw how Vegeta tended to that bird. He did everything but, read her a bedtime story before she slept for the night.

Bulma had seen what was beyond the mask. All the pain he hid from everyone in the whole cosmos. That little bird meant something more. He cared for it and, she died. That sent a message to Vegeta. It was a painful but, not really a true one. But, It seemed to be real to him though. And, what he saw in it, is what really mattered. So unless she was miss reading him. He figured all he was good for was killing, meaning to or not.

Bulma went ahead and told Goku and Gohan what Vegeta said before. Shock and pity filled their features before they started looking at the floor, like they found the pattern interesting. That was the side that was hidden inside him. The one side he tried to kill off but, it stayed with him. Even when he was older.

All of this brought out interesting questions though too. Like, if or when Vegeta would return to normal, would he be as they knew him or different? Would he remember being a child at all? Would his memories return to him at all? Would his body return to normal but, his mind still be of an impossible brilliant, yet still an eight year old child? Would his mind return to normal but, his body be the same? So many questions including how did this happen, plagued all their minds. This was just insane.

They were hoping to get some answers from Baba’s ball but, unlike the here and now, the past was harder to show and seemed blinded. It showed scene days and decades in the past in no real order. It would take days or more to see what they wanted to see. And that was if Baba’s ball did not short out from trying.

Goku left with his instant transmittion to tell the other what they saw on Baba’s ball but, Bulma made him promise to keep what Vegeta said between them. Goku agreed and so did Gohan. Vegeta always hated pity of any kind. All they needed was a highly ticked off Vegeta, child or no child. Vegeta already proven that he could kick their tailless cans of over the place. And had at least one technique that could floor them to matter how well they blocked. The twin serpent strike. No doubt he had others he could use now that he was heathy again.

He was twitching for an excuse to kill someone. They all could feel it. He was showing restrain and honor by keeping the promise but, nothing was stopping him from throwing his honor to the wind and just doing it. Nothing but, himself. And right now that was enough to stop him. But, it didn’t help the craving inside Vegeta one bit.

X)(X

Bolting up from the bed, Vegeta woke with a start. Another bad memory dream again. But, unlike the other, this one was a dodsey. Sweat was running down his face a bit. Vegeta tried to calm himself down. His heart was pounding hard against his chest. With his skinny body you could see it across the room. It wasn’t about Frieza this time. It wasn’t about anything on that monster’s ship either. It was a memory but, when he was only a day old. His memories could go back to the second he was, in a since, born.

He remembered a female with deep red hair and blue eyes that were similar to blue haired, healer female in the household. He remembered looking up at her as she bundled him up in a blanket and took him out the bright room with the machines and chemicals. Going up the stairs to the employee elevator he remembered the sound of the small space moving upward.

The whole time he was looking at her, not making a sound. Finally she looked down at him and smiled.

“Kajio. Ije jrre jsoelsoe.” At the time he didn’t understand her. She wasn’t speaking Saiyan. But, to remember everything exactly. She said, ‘adorable. You are perfect.’

Going through the hallways, the line of sight changed to the hallway. He saw Saiyans littering the hallway. They were sneering at her a bit. They didn’t like her or something. Four of them blocked her way.

“Ciek jeoeysin jeirnssk? Fenji kejfci jemjfsaois.” All Saiyans were born with the ability to understand

their language at birth. They said. ‘Where do you think your going? No alien weaklings beyond this point.’ One reached for the blanket. Young Vegeta wiggled out of it and bit down on the offending Saiyan’s hand. His tail came out of the blanket, twitching in irritation. The other Saiyans saw it. “Hreiuui hrud Saiyan joikis?”

Translation ‘what are you doing what a Saiyan child?’ She held her head up high. She tapped her golden Translation earring.

“Heki jeidj keje hjendods Oujo Vegeta.” After saying she had an appointment with King Vegeta they slowly got out of her way. The king wasn’t in a good mood as of lately and when things didn’t go smoothly he took it out of everyone. She walked on looking down at her arms seeing the him look back at her. “Hiehu kiso heo jhijji.” Vegeta flashed a bloody grin at her. At the time he didn’t understand that she said thank you little one in her native tongue.

Finally to the big fancy doors the two guards opened the door for her knowing she had an appointment. Stepping thought the doorway she saw the king and the science leaders looking at her intently. Steeling her nerve, she walked closer. The king rose from his chair. Not missing a beat she kept walking. Finally after the long walk into the room she made it to the platform only feet from King Vegeta himself.

King Vegeta reached out grabbing hold of the blanket with the child inside it still. Nearly ripping the blanket off him, King Vegeta looked at the child’s face.

“Hekndi heoej iehe ujej j kie peh.” Young Vegeta listened closely to the man in front of him. He said, he does look a lot like me but, he is not a clone. The female responded behind young Vegeta’s back.

“Hfkide jej judekj peh od jeoe jeki oenfr jeh eh dkdh jwieb Tiolmaish jh hfwekjwoieh.” She said that he wasn’t a clone but, mixed with the DNA of the Tiolmaish and yourself.

Young Vegeta watched the face of the old man as his face held such emotion at the name. He did not understand.

“Tiolmaish! Hyejde jfjde lehep jkrtrl kjrfplr kieporj kejr ioreh.” He yelled out that she wasn’t allowed or no one was allowed to ever use that. He looked down at the child and back at the female, mad as a hornet. Young Vegeta saw the red come into the man’s face. “Heoi jrewri!” He yelled at the guards to grab her. She was screaming in protest as they all flew into the air. Through the window to the outside. King Vegeta had Young Vegeta by the tail. There was no pain but, he still didn’t care for it. He could see the look on the female’s face. She was scared.

After only minutes King Vegeta and the guards landing of the mountain top. Young Vegeta stayed still in King Vegeta grip. As King Vegeta lifted him up towards his face, Young Vegeta attacked. His short nails scratched across King Vegeta face, leaving small bloody streaks. King Vegeta retaliated by crushing Young Vegeta tail. It had no effect. No screaming pain, nothing.

Amazed for only a second, King Vegeta turned back to the woman. “Uhdsf hiwer ihoewk jirjski yeo bebgwe owsen nbel. Eoenro nheoe jebeo bn eo nheoe b oen orn rnfwnh leb oefr oen iuw wefiwer weeij rwrepoiofqlwme.” Vegeta listened as the man was going into speech mode saying how the abomination was condemned to death to be followed by it’s creator.

King Vegeta held Young Vegeta over the edge and dropped him. Young Vegeta could hear the scream of the female.

Clouds and animals were flying past him. His mind registered that he was falling from great height and wouldn’t survive the fall. Young Vegeta felt a power from the center of his body and it was channeling outward.

His fall stopped and his unwrapped tail was touching the ground. Anger filled his frame and he understood how to use the new power. Flying up Vegeta made himself go faster, ignoring the air hurting his eyes. He want to hurt that man, badly. Curling his fist, just knowing that would hurt worst he flew up seeing the man’s shocked face and pushing his small fist into the man’s nose.

No one there could believe it. A Sayian new born could fly and even understand the concept of fighting. King Vegeta tapped his scouter. Young Vegeta power was at five thousand. That more than doubled his own power.

The king stood and then smiled, turning back to the woman. The guards let her go and Young Vegeta floated down to her. His first flight, like it did all children, completely drained him. His eyes were still open but, he could barely move. He watched the man stepping foward and smirked at her.

“Jdihehi ipojr jiowref ijwe wereasa asfcgr tewef. Fhoi, Tiolmaish jsfojinf ihoew.” Vegeta was conscious enough to understand. He was impressed but, she would have to be punished her using Tiolmaish DNA. Young Vegeta was swiftly taken from her and King Vegeta grabbed her around the waist flying off towards the forest that surrounded the castle.

Vegeta relived that memory again in his mind as he thought about it. To some that might not have seemed all that much but, to him I wished he relived the first time in the heating box. Vegeta never did like being in close in spaces and that was about as closed in as you could get. In addition, he preferred cold over any kind of heat.

His thoughts went to the red head. Her name was Fay-lo-inles. She was the first person he saw when he was taken out of the tank, to be official born. He had a weak bond with her as all Saiyan did to the first person to take them out of the birhting tanks. It was suppost to be the parent or both of the them to do that job. He was planned exactly.

He was the first fulled engineered Saiyan in history. He was to be as perfect. More than living beings get. High I.Q., fast healing, and the most at people were impressed with. That he would never grow old. He would get to a certain age and then he would just stop ageing all together. He would never get what people called old age.

He never saw that woman again. She was probably killed that day or was made part of his dad’s harem. Vegeta shook all that away. His father’s habits and life as it was, was no concern to him. He was honor less in Vegeta’s eyes. He was ashamed to have the same name sometimes.

He also sometimes wondered how long his body was rotting for, before his father got tried of doing the paperwork, after Frieza blasted him in the face. Vegeta was in complete darkness when the blast hit. He knew his body was dead. But, there was a light and then a fighting arena with many fighters flying fighting the others. All were Saiyans of olden time. Vegeta felt strangely at peace. Vegeta walked through the area and was recognized instantly.

Vegeta was happy there but, it didn’t last. The demon spirit came and grabbed him. Vegeta tried to fight not wanting to go back but, the demon was quick and before he knew it. He was back on the physical plane. Back in his dreadful existence with the demon plaguing his mind every second of the day and night.

Vegeta cast away all those thoughts and locked them down deep into his mind. Getting out of bed and went to the door not caring where he went as long as it wasn’t this room. Going down the hall, Vegeta put his hand over the rail and vaulted over. He landed on the floor catching both Gohan’s and Bulma’s attention. Gohan turned back so Vegeta wouldn’t see his eyes. Vegeta could easily read emotion such as fear and pity.

Bulma gave him a good look over. The dark circles under Vegeta’s eyes were still there but, lighter by a degree. He still was way too skinny though. She would love to give Vegeta a full test physical but, knowing Vegeta. He would only agree if both of his arms were twisted behind his back to the point of breaking off. Even then it would take a while.

Vegeta walked past Gohan when his math work caught his attention. Looking over he saw the answer Gohan put down. He started laughing a bit making Gohan look at him.

“What’s so funny?”

“You. Thinking those answers are right.” Gohan picked up the paper and looked back at him.

“What’s wrong this them?” Vegeta just rolled his eyes, grabbing pencil out of his hand, along with the paper.

“First this here. The asymptotes. Are all wrong.” Vegeta said looking at the paper more closely. “This one here is a slant Asymptote not a horizontal. If it was the answer here would be equaled the same. Such as Y equals Y. But, that did not happen here. So it a slant. Such as F outside Y over X to the power of ten equals A equals X plus five.”

Gohan’s eyes just bugged out. Vegeta was unaffected as he erased the answer Gohan put down earlier putting down the correct one. “Also your inflection points are wrong. Which throws off your whole answer. Therefore your answer should be Y over X equals six to the third power.” Gohan looked at his dark script. Vegeta was a hundred percent right. “Just double check the points. On this one.” Vegeta circled number two. “This one.” Vegeta circled number three on the page. “This one.” Vegeta circled number four. “And this one. Then you may get the right answers.” Vegeta circled number seven. That would be so bad if Gohan wasn’t only on number nine. And he skipped number five.

Gohan just kept watching him dumbfounded. Vegeta could fight, invent, fix, understand the animal world, play musical instruments, and now do math that most never even seeing in their life. And he wasn’t even nine years old yet.

“Is there anything you can’t do?” Vegeta just smirked.

“Yeah two things actually. Get people to leave me alone and get a good night or morning sleep. That is about it.” With that Vegeta walked away going over to the balcony and went outside on it. He sat by the wall on the rail having one leg hanging over the side.

Bulma watched him for a moment longer. That was a bit strange. Vegeta was much calmer then she expected to be. He never did like a whole lot of people around him. But, his recovery both physical and mental was far from over.

Bulma looked up seeing Trunks coming downstairs slightly glum still. He seemed to take Vegeta teaching relationship with Goten hard. He was jealous but, at wasn’t all of it. Trunks looked around both turning to his mother.

“Where is everyone?”

“Home.” Bulma decided to change the subject. “You hungry?”

“No. Not really. Where’s da . . . Vegeta at?” Bulma eyes went wide. She wasn’t sure why but, having Trunks use Vegeta’s name was just wrong. But, then again Vegeta was slightly older than Trunks. So him calling Vegeta dad would be weird. Bulma shook it off.

“On the balcony there.” Trunks turned towards it. “Trunks please. Don’t make him mad at you. He’s finally calm.”

“No promises.” Trunks said opening the bay doors.

Trunks see Vegeta looking at the sky with his hand behind his head. Trunks knew Vegeta knew he was there. Staying a distance of Vegeta, Trunks stood their wishing he rehearsed what he was going to say.

“What?” Vegeta’s voice was annoyed. Somewhat close to normal

“Can I ask you a question?”

“Was that the question?” Trunks narrowed his eyes as Vegeta lowly chuckled a few times. “I can not stop you from asking. . . .Oh . . . wait. Yes I could.” Trunks took that was a yes.

“What do you like Goten better than me?” Vegeta smirked slightly.

“Right, to the point. I like that.” Trunks waited. And waited more. Vegeta said nothing.

“Hello!”

“What?” Vegeta said looking over at him with his stoic look.

“Aren’t you going to answer me?”

“No.”

“But, you said I could ask!”

“Yes. And you did ask. Never did I say that I would answer you in any shape, way, or form.” Vegeta took pleasure at Trunks’ flustered face. “Well, as . . . stimulating as this is. I believe I will take in a flight and plan out tomorrow’s schedule.”

“For Goten?” Vegeta stood turning his back on Trunks, hiding the fact he was smiling cruelly.

“Who else? It is hard sometimes to be the teacher. But, strangely enough. I rather like this than the other way around.”

“Have you thought about taking in another student?”

Vegeta smiled harder knowing what Trunks was hinting at. But, he decided to play dumb a little.

“You know. That’s a thought. But, who?” Vegeta turned stepping off the rail leaning against it. “It would have to be someone close to my other student. Maybe a little higher in power and techniques.” Trunks stood up proud and tall. “Someone who shared Goten half-Saiyan genealogy. I believe that would be best.”

“I think so too.”

“It would be best to work with a partner for some things. Even practice on the spare time if they wish.”

“Yes ‘they’ could.”

“Well then. I guess I better offer then.” Vegeta looked into Trunks pleading eyes and looked to the bay doors. “Oh! Gohan!” Trunks fell over shocked and a bit crushed. Vegeta laughed hard and evil like.

Vegeta calmed himself down as Trunks got up. Vegeta looked annoyingly to Trunks eyes, intent on making this a clear as possible.

“Did you think I could not recognize your little hints? You jealousy is annoying. Life is not fair. And neither am I! There is a reason why I implanted you in the floor and not Goten. Because, Goten showed me respect as I did him. You did not. There for I have no respect for you, what so ever. So you can forget it.”

Vegeta stopped for a second and give Trunks a look like he was looking through him. “Goten has been sworn to silence about what I been teaching him. I believe his word but, if he breaks it. I can take away all information I have taught him within seconds with a simple mind blow. He knows this. So do not think about asking Goten to teach you anything. Because no matter how ‘tight’ you two are. He will not break that oath. I feel that about his. He has honor. You do not.” He watched as all of Trunks’ hopes were dashed in front his eyes. Trunks opened his mouth to say something but, Vegeta’s hand flew up his face like that old talk to the hand. “I am bored with you now.” Vegeta decided against the flight for the moment and went inside see if this place had something decent to eat leaving a stunned Trunks outside.

Inside Gohan and Bulma was unaware of the conversion that went on outside the doors. Vegeta walked past the couch going to the kitchen but, took a quick look at Gohan’s paper.

“Number seven is still wrong.” Vegeta stated going to the kitchen. A groan was heard as Bulma followed Vegeta’s movement as he opened the fridge and peered inside.

“Hungry?” Vegeta rolled his eyes. Of all the feebleminded questions! That has to be the worst!

“No, I heard the view was to die for in here and I had to check it out for myself.” Sarcasm dipped from him again. Vegeta decided to ignore her and pay more attention to his stomach. There were still containers filled with already prepared meals Chi-Chi made days before and, such. Nothing really looked overly good to eat. Normally he wasn’t so picky. Yet, he closed to the fridge door and swiped an apple off the table.

Walking back, passing a ghostly quiet Trunks on his way, he made it over to the couch. Vegeta set his razor like teeth to the apple. He didn’t bite down. He pulled it back looking at it. It was red, and roundish like the one’s he split open for Valcausa before. Vegeta felt like something was squeezing his heart. No! The virus! It is back! It . . . no wait. It is not the virus. It is something else. Emotion. I am feeling . . . guilty? . . . no. depression? Maybe . . . sadness. Yes. Sadness with a bit of depression. I do not like the feeling. Now I have loss of will to eat anything. I am no longer . . . hungry. Hm? That has never happened to me before. Vegeta placed the apple down on the table and went back outside. He would take the flight now and catch something to eat not so memory filled.

X)(X

Three books were in the out pile while ten times that was instill in the in pile. Gohan felt like he was going to lose his mind. This was at least four straight days of work and that was without sleep. He had the crazy idea of having Vegeta double check his work or better yet. Do his work for him. Not like that would ever happen.