Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ Borrowed Redemption ❯ XI ( Chapter 11 )

Borrowed Redemption ::

Chapter 11

 

 

“All right, all right boys,” Enma frowned, glancing down at the two. “Time for you to hold up your end of the bargain. I think you've gotten plenty of training up here. Now do me a favor, and get down to Hell to help clean up a few of my problems.” He paused. “Don't worry; you'll be able to escape. Just try not to get killed while you're down there!” But Enma's stern warning seemed only to excite the boys.

 

“Okay!” they grinned, turning to each other, and without another thought, they were off to the next mission.

 

“Maybe we'll get to fight some of the bad guys our dads fought!”

 

“Yeah!”

 

 

 

***

 

 

Vegeta massaged his temples, unsure of what to do. He had no records in the ship of New Namek's coordinates, and this far out it would be impossible to try to communicate with Bulma. He couldn't sense the ki of any Namekian, so he didn't have the slightest idea of where to start. Indeed, he had only been to the planet itself for a short amount of time; not nearly long enough to get his bearings.

 

There seemed to be just one option. He focused his mind, hoping it would work. “Hey! Kaio!”

 

“Er…Vegeta?” came the voice. Vegeta assumed it was the correct one.

 

“I need to know the coordinates of New Namek. Is it not in your quadrant?”

 

“A little respect!” Kaio huffed. “I can tell you where it is, but why should I?”

 

Vegeta frowned. Naturally, the fellow would be dubious of how he might use the dragon balls. The Namekians probably would be too. “I need to…wish back some people I killed.”

 

After a few moments of fussing on Kaio's part, he managed to stammer out, “J-just now?”

 

“In the recent past, yes.”

 

“Well, I suppose if that's why you need to know,” and Kaio proceeded to dig the coordinates from his memory, relaying them to Vegeta with some intermittent commentary on being treated more and more as a means to an end these days. “Anyway,” he concluded, “tell your son hello for me when you get back to Earth! I can certainly see where he got his manners...” and the Kai's voice faded away.

 

“What?” Vegeta raised an eyebrow. But, of course, there was no reply. I will have to speak to him about this when I return. Glad to have at least gotten the information he needed, Vegeta entered the coordinates and immediately the ship changed course. Only a few days…that's not so bad. He did not intend to stop along the way; instead, he would rest, and spend some time considering the best way to achieve this new level of Super Saiyajin. New Namek, as it turned out, was closer to Earth than he had been before; as he neared the planet, he could make better guesses as to what was going on at home. Although anything he could sense was still hazy at best, when Goku powered up his ki was quite apparent. Vegeta was confident in his guess that the man was, indeed, in the process of mastering this new level. It seemed to come and go quickly; perhaps it was difficult to hold onto. Still, when Goku seemed to be reaching for that level, Vegeta could sense that his own power did near that of Goku's, just prior to the transformation. If only
he couldn't transform…with all this training I've had, we'd be neck and neck again. I need to learn how…

 

But for now, getting to New Namek was of utmost interest to Vegeta. He could not let this fall through; for once, he would be the one to make right his previous heinous acts. If he could not return to Earth with all of the power that Goku was on his way to attaining, at least he could return with a cleaner conscience, with knowing that while he did many terrible things during his trip, he had done one, even better thing: made a choice that would not only atone for his recent decisions, but also benefit many more who would never have to meet his wrath…

 

 

***

 

 

As his ship touched down on New Namek, Vegeta knew that many of the Namekians would shake as soon as they saw him. Certainly, they were justified in being so concerned. Some had seen him before, yes; but only for a short while. He knew he would have to brace himself to be straightforward and honest, genuine. Vegeta breathed slowly, deeply, preparing himself. He stepped carefully from the ship, and nodded a greeting at a cluster of Namekians as they cultivated some cabbages.

 

“Where may I find your elder?” Vegeta questioned, keeping his voice still and gentle. “I need to speak with him. About the dragon balls.”

 

These Namekians did not seem to recognize Vegeta; perhaps they were too young. But as the prince made his way to one of the villages, toward which the group had directed him, he heard muttering and saw darting, suspicious eyes. Several of the Namekians adopted fighting stances, preparing themselves. “I'm not going to harm you,” Vegeta attempted to assure them. “But I need to speak with your elder about using the dragon balls.”

 

“I know you have fought alongside Goku,” one of them spat, “but what are you doing here? Why should we trust you?”

 

“Just…allow me to speak to the elder. You know I can't make any wishes without one of you to translate for me, anyway. Don't worry.”

 

Exchanging glances, the warrior Namekians nodded hesitantly. “We will come with you.”

 

As they entered the largest building of the village, Vegeta noted immediately that their elder was surely larger than the last time he had seen him. Noting the immediate alarm in the Namekian's eyes, Vegeta mustered a small bow, brow twitching slightly. If this is what it takes…

 

“Elder Muuri, surely you recognize this man as Vegeta,” one of the other Namekians spoke. “He said he wants to speak to you about using the dragon balls!” The warrior's tone of voice illustrated his thoughts on the matter. Muuri continued to stare at Vegeta, waiting for an explanation.

 

“First,” Vegeta started, feeling as if foreign words were about to spew from his mouth. He was not used to such pleasantries. “I want to apologize for the villagers I killed, who were not brought back.”

 

Muuri's expression shifted somewhat, to pleasant surprise. “Surely you did not come here simply to tell us this?”

 

“No. Recently, I…made some poor choices.” Vegeta frowned. How to say it? “I…killed many creatures, from many planets. And I have decided that I want to bring them back…I regret my decision.” To display this, he hung his head slightly. “I have been on a journey of self-reflection since then,” he continued, as none of the Namekians responded. “Attempting to learn…how to increase my skill, and my power…without such viciousness. I feel more peaceful. Yet it is still difficult for me to learn how to increase my power, without feeling rage…” Vegeta paused, realizing he had diverted from the topic at hand. “In any case, I came to ask your permission to use the dragon balls to revive those I destroyed, and their planets.”

 

Muuri smiled, feeling how genuinely Vegeta had spoken. “Yes. I think that will be fine. We have been increasing Porunga's powers; he should be able to grant both of those wishes—given that you have not killed too many—and one more, besides.”

 

“I have no need for another wish,” Vegeta replied, and Muuri seemed further impressed by the prince's change; was this not the man who he had originally known to be obsessed with achieving immortality? “Do you think we could…do that right now?”

 

 

***

 

 

Within the day, each of the six neighboring villages had brought in its dragon ball; Porunga was summoned and, without much fuss, the planets and their people were restored. Vegeta gazed on, neutrally, peacefully, proud of the way he had handled himself. As soon as the orbs disappeared into the distance, Vegeta nodded and began to turn toward his ship. “Thank you. I ought to leave; I intend to get back to Earth soon…even if I never found the power I was looking for.” He thought of Bulma and Trunks, the former likely assuming he wouldn't be back for at least a year; the latter, perhaps, waiting hopefully for him to show up each day. He hadn't sensed his son on Earth, but then, it was unlikely Trunks was powering up like Goku had been; surely the boy had been distracted with other matters and was probably slacking off on his training.

 

“Wait!” Muuri called out. “I think…I may be able to help you. You seem good now, and peaceful. You have truly changed, Vegeta.”

 

“I have.” It was true.

 

“I'm not sure if you recall…but Elder Guru was able to increase the power of several of the Earthlings while they were on Namek. My powers are not as great as his, yet…but I should be able to draw out your latent strength, as well.”

 

Vegeta nodded. “That would be…kind of you.”

 

“Come on. Follow me back to the main chambers.”

 

 

***

 

 

“I can't believe that was so boring,” Trunks huffed. “They hardly even put up a fight.”

 

“Yeah, it was really boring,” Goten agreed. The two strolled through Hell, searching for any other, more formidable opponents. They had encountered previous foes of their fathers, and concluded that the “bad guys” must have grown soft during their time in Hell, for surely their fathers would not have found such a challenge in them otherwise. “Maybe it would have been more fun to come down here before we got all that training!”

 

Trunks nodded. “Definitely. Well, at least we have some practice. We'll have to show our dads when we get home!”

 

“Maybe they'll fight with us, Trunks! Wouldn't that be exciting?”

 

“Yeah! Maybe we'll have to teach them some of the stuff we learned so they can try it too. Especially…” he trailed off, grinning toward Goten, who grinned back in agreement. The two continued to glance around, finding mostly spirits drifting around. Hell was much quieter now than it had been even hours ago. But the boys knew that as soon as they gave up on searching for something to fix, they would have to go home.

 

“I wonder if we could find our grandparents here, or something,” Trunks mused. “You know…my grandpa was a king! Dad said the Saiyajin killed people all the time and stuff…they have to be down here, right?”

 

“Yeah! Let's look for `em!” Happy to have a new mission, the two skipped off, hoping they would know what they were looking for when they found it.

 

 

***

 

 

As the wind whipped around Vegeta, he felt his power rising, even though he was not ascending to Super Saiyajin. The spike in strength shocked Muuri, who nearly jumped back before closing his eyes once more to focus. “I am confident that you will use this power for good, Vegeta,” he muttered as Vegeta's ki rose higher, higher. “You have much potential…” he paused, moving his hand for a moment. “I am sorry to say that I might not be able to bring it all out.”

 

“It's fine,” Vegeta answered quietly. He was astounded at the Namekian's ability to draw out such power, despite being so weak. Still, the prince had been hoping for something more.

 

“One moment. Let me focus once again.” Muuri did not immediately place his hand over Vegeta's head, rather meditating for several minutes first. Vegeta stood patiently, willing the best for the Namekian. After all, if any more of his Saiyajin potential could be brought forth, well, he could wait a moment more. Finally, Muuri spoke. “All right. Let me try…a little more. Perhaps…yes, close your eyes, just so.” He placed his hand over Vegeta's head, hesitated, and dug his hand further into the man's locks, fingers searching for the prince's scalp. Muuri closed his own eyes, and once more a vicious wind beat against their skin, dirt and rocks dancing about their ankles.

 

Vegeta's eyes snapped open. As Muuri stepped away, the Saiyajin brought his hands to his head in disbelief, running his fingers through his hair. “Th…thank you!” Vegeta began to turn.

 

“Vegeta?” Muuri called, blinking rapidly as if to clear fog from his eyes. He saw the man bouncing on his toes with eagerness to leave. “Say hello to Goku for us.”

 

The prince gave a small smirk, returning to his original appearance as he allowed his power to fall back down a bit. He had no reason to mask his ki, however, and reveled in the refreshing newness of his strength. “I will.”

 

“Did…did you…?” the elder questioned as Vegeta changed back.

 

“Yes. Now…I must go. Thank you again for allowing me to use your dragon balls.”

 

“A-anything for someone fighting on Goku's side,” Muuri answered. “For the side of good.”

 

“I've learned my lesson,” and this time Vegeta's smirk grew. “Don't worry. Now, I have a home waiting for me.” Proudly, the prince marched back to his ship, bathing in the glory of his newly found power, and the knowledge that he, now, could hold his own against his rival. I know you've managed to reach the third tier of Super Saiyajin, Kakarrot. But don't worry…

 

…So have I.

 

 

***

 

 

“You feel that, Goten?”

 

“Um…kind of. Is that your dad going back to Earth?”

 

“Yeah, could you feel how strong he was just a while ago?”

 

“Almost as strong as my dad!” the child jested, winking at Trunks, who frowned and stuck his tongue out, crossing his arms. “We should go home so you can say hi when he gets back! I'll bet he misses you, Trunks!”

 

“Maybe,” the boy considered the idea. He grinned. “I'll bet he thinks I've been slacking off this whole time…”

 

“He'll be surprised, then!”

 

“Well, let's get going.” Goten nodded, following Trunks on the way back to Enma. The two waved to the group behind them.

 

“See you later, Grandpa Vegeta!”

 

“Bye, Grandpa Bardock!”

 

 

Goku awoke with a start, leaping up and grinning to the sky. Vegeta! But his excitement quickly gave way to nervousness. What do I say? I hope he doesn't hate me…I need to tell him…I need to apologize…damn… Running a hand through his hair, Goku decided hesitation would be to his detriment, and rocketed off toward Capsule Corp.

 

 

***

 

 

Bulma was roused by the loud sound of a ship landing not far from her quarters. Rubbing the sleep from her eyes and pulling on the handiest shirt and pair of jeans, the woman dashed out the door, unable to contain her excitement. She ran into Goku as she sprinted through the yard and the two exchanged animated greetings before coming to silence in front of the ship. The door lowered slowly, dramatically, to darkness inside, and a silhouetted Vegeta. The prince took deliberate, confident steps as he exited the ship, walking down the ramp that the door had created. He cracked his knuckles and crossed his arms, nodding to Bulma and carefully maintaining his cool demeanor as he acknowledged Goku with another nod. “Bulma. Kakarrot.”

 

“Vegeta!” Bulma gushed. “I thought for sure you were going to be gone for longer…”

 

“So did I,” he admitted, patting her shoulder and making sure to keep his gaze away from Goku. “Bulma. I'm glad to see you're well. I need to talk to you…but first…” Vegeta turned to Goku, smirking. “Kakarrot. I need to fight you.”

 

“Wh…what?” Goku and Bulma responded in unison.

 

“I learned a thing or two while I was gone. And I think,” he tilted his head, eyeing the man, “you have too.”

 

“W-well…”

 

“Vegeta,” Bulma started. “Must you…I mean…”

 

“Don't worry, Bulma,” Vegeta hushed the woman by placing a hand on her shoulder once more. “I'm not going anywhere. I'm home.”

 

Goku smiled at hearing this, his heart overflowing with hope. “All right, Vegeta. Let's fight.”

 

 

***

 

 

“I'm surprised,” Vegeta admitted as the two flew over the Earth, searching for the perfect battleground. “I thought…you would be…”

 

“Angry?”

 

“Yes…”

 

“I really need to…talk to you about some things, Vegeta.”

 

“Of course.” The prince paused, glancing downward. “Here. For now, let us fight.”

 

“Vegeta—” Goku, normally so eager for battle, struggled to catch Vegeta's attention before they began fighting. “I want to talk to you first.”

 

“I think,” Vegeta smirked, pulling into a battle stance, “we will learn much of what we want to say each other by doing this first. Kakarrot. I won't hurt you.”

 

Goku felt a panicked pounding in his chest. It seems so soon…the last time we fought was when… It was not a matter of trusting Vegeta—no, something seemed very different about the man; his cool features, confident smirk, excited for what it seemed he expected to be the fight of his life. And Goku recognized those features. Melting into comfort, he imitated them. He could trust Vegeta; he simply needed to make sure he could trust himself. “You've changed, Vegeta.”

 

“I think you've got a surprise of your own up your sleeve,” the prince guessed. Taking that as his cue, Goku powered up: within seconds, new spikes of hair shot down his back and his facial features grew sharper, more intimidating.

 

“Vegeta, let me introduce you to…Super Saiyajin Three.”

 

The prince nearly grinned. “Oh,” he began powering up himself, feeling the potential recently drawn from him rushing through his veins, and soon his appearance mirrored Goku's. “We are already acquainted.”

 

“Vegeta,” Goku's canines peeked from is sly grin. “You bastard, how in the world did you manage that? I thought you were farther behind me.” He laughed.

 

“Less talking,” Vegeta growled, corners of his mouth lifting as if to challenge Goku's grin. “More fighting.”

 

They sprung into action simultaneously, and each knew this battle was right. Goku fended Vegeta off, in awe of how much the prince differed from his most recent memories of the man. His technique was refined, yet nearly foreign, just as in their first battle; but now, the man seemed to direct significantly less malice into the fight. And the prince seemed to have experienced some inexplicable jump in power. Goku knew that there was no way Vegeta could have ascended further from where he had been at his time of leaving. Could his training in space have been that fruitful? But Goku was not allowed much time to think in this battle, where Vegeta was his rival in every sense of the word.

 

This, Vegeta thought, this is much more like the kind of battle with Kakarrot I want. Pausing at the thought, his ears reddened slightly. For now… But in this split-second of distraction, Vegeta was driven to the ground, Goku's laced fingers smashing into the top of the man's skull. He shook his head, the rubble clearing off as he shot toward Goku, charging a ki blast in each hand. Vegeta flew past Goku, and then turned and shot his blasts just as Goku was whipping around to find out why Vegeta had flown past him.

 

 

***

 

 

However, as the battle wore on for several more minutes, Vegeta felt his power slipping, as if a rug from beneath him. He was tugged from Super Saiyajin altogether and, in his surprise, did not catch himself in time to prevent himself from smashing against a cliff.

 

“I see you can't hold it very long, either,” Goku sighed, falling out of the form himself. “We both need more work on that.”

 

“Yes,” Vegeta panted. “It seems much more limited than either of the levels that precede it.” He drifted down to land on the ground.

 

“Maybe we should try fighting again later, when we can stay at that level for longer.”

 

“Are you kidding?” Vegeta chortled. “We'll destroy half the Earth!”

 

“Guess so. Maybe someplace else,” Goku agreed, landing beside Vegeta. Hesitantly, he sat close. “So are we calling it quits for now?”

 

“I need to rest up before we have a proper battle,” Vegeta concluded, whether it was true or not. “All that travel has disrupted my sleep cycles. And my eating schedule.”

 

“What did you do out there? You've changed so much.”

 

And so Vegeta launched into an explanation of his initial recklessness and rage, surprised to find he was barely even tempted to relive the moment. He spoke to Goku of his visit to the location of what had been the planet Vegeta, surprised and pleased to see the other Saiyajin's reaction—perhaps not quite understanding, but nonetheless the man clearly felt a tug of emotion much like Vegeta's. He told the man, briefly, of his realizations, of his journey to Namek, of the wishes and of Muuri's offer to draw out his latent power, of his first transformation.

 

“Vegeta, you've done so much,” Goku responded in awe. “I've just…I don't know. I worked on my training. But…I…well, I missed you.”

 

The prince's heart swelled with relief. “Then you…you still want…to maintain some semblance of a friendly relationship?”

 

Goku nodded, placing his hands behind his head and lowering his torso to the ground. “Yeah. I did…a lot of thinking. I'm sorry, Vegeta.”

 

Vegeta moved with Goku to a position of lying on the ground, although he propped himself up on his elbows.

 

“And I'm proud of you, for…deciding to wish people back.” Goku's voice was bitter for a moment, as he realized just what Vegeta had done. “I don't know what I would have thought if I had known that's what you were doing out there.”

 

Vegeta bowed his head. “I thought of that as well.”

 

“Um…Vegeta,” Goku started. “I wanted to…talk a bit about what I was thinking about. And ask you a few questions.” Based on Goku's uneasiness, Vegeta knew that they were going to be delving straight into the heart of the matter. “I know I apologized already, but I really am sorry, especially for how I must have confused you during, you know, the fight…” He blushed, and Vegeta turned away, flustered as he thought about it. “I realized that deep down somewhere…I made those decisions. Part of me wanted those things.” He sighed. “I wish I had made them on less…violent…terms.”

 

Vegeta's chest heaved as he processed the gravity of Goku's words. “I…see.”

 

“Vegeta, I have to know—did I—in our fight—hurt you…emotionally?”

 

“Yes,” the prince answered. “Simply because…” he blushed a bit, trying to pick out the best words. “I didn't think you, in your, altered state…would appreciate all those sexual acts. I didn't want to, but you insisted…”

 

“I know. I remember. I'm sorry.”

 

“Don't apologize. I got what I wanted,” Vegeta features reddened further. “Sort of. Though I would have preferred you to be more…yourself.”

 

“There's still time for that,” Goku reassured Vegeta, his own heart racing at his brash decision to utter those words. He placed his had on the prince's hesitantly. Vegeta did not move his hand, simply staring at Goku, and then at their hands, and then back at Goku.

 

“One thing I never really understood,” Vegeta spoke softly, “was that business about Saiyajin men bearing children that you blabbered on about, years ago.”

 

“Oh,” Goku laughed. “When Trunks came, from the future…I thought…well, he didn't tell me exactly who his parents were, so I thought it was us! And I didn't think it was possible…I had to know.”

 

“I see. So you weren't…actually considering…” Vegeta trailed off, apparently relieved. “But were you attracted to me, even then?”

 

“Hm,” Goku considered the idea. “I guess, maybe a little…but I didn't really think about it until I thought we were somehow going to have a kid! And then, the more I thought about it, well…what about you?”

 

Vegeta smirked guiltily, leaning over to plant a kiss on Goku's lips. Goku returned the favor, rolling over to better sink his mouth into Vegeta's. He curled his fingers through the prince's hair, pressing his body against the man. Shocked, then elated, Vegeta let his hands roam up under Goku's shirt. He pulled it off, breaking their kiss only shortly, and Goku ripped the remains of Vegeta's shirt from his body. Their legs twined together, the two bathed in one another's company, each as surprised as the other at their happiness at this moment. “Kakarrotto…I've been waiting for this…for a long time.”

 

“Me too, Vegeta…me too.”

 

 

***

 

 

“Wait!” Trunks exclaimed as the two were finally reaching Enma's desk. “Goten! I know! We don't need your dad to come get us!”

 

“Oh yeah! We can go to him.”

 

“Glad you're back, boys, I hear that Hell—” but Enma's words were cut short as the two disappeared. Enma sighed and resumed his stamping. “Heaven…Hell…Hell…Hell…”

 

 

***

 

 

As Goku and Vegeta stirred from their sleep, Vegeta breathed softly against Goku. “Kakarrot...” He pulled himself closer, sure that he was dreaming and that as soon as he stood, he would wake up to another day in space.

 

“For the record, Vegeta,” Goku muttered, “I think I would pick you.”

 

“Still could,” he offered, nearly silently.

 

“I think I have.”

 

Vegeta's eyes smoldered at the words. “For the record, Kakarrot…I always thought that question about Saiyajin men having babies was stupid.”

 

Goku laughed, nuzzling against Vegeta. “I know. Still, part of me wants to know what kind of kid you and I could have!” he grinned, and then paused thoughtfully. “Vegeta, Chi-Chi has already kicked me out. Have you told Bulma, yet? About our fight? Does she know how you feel? Won't she be upset?”

 

“She knows a bit,” Vegeta admitted. “And I'm sure what I will tell her will upset her a little. But she has always been strong without me standing by her side, and I'm sure we will maintain a friendly relationship…I hope,” he finished.

 

“I hope so too.”

 

“I do intend to continue, at the very least, rearing my son. Speaking of which, Kakarrot…where are our sons? When I spoke to Kaio…”

 

“Right here!” came two familiar voices, and the boys immediately fell into laughter at the unclothed state of their fathers. Vegeta blushed, scrambling for his clothing.

 

“They were training in Heaven!” Goku explained, searching for his own clothes in a much more leisurely fashion.

 

“We learned tons of stuff!” Goten bounced with excitement. “It was fun! And I met Grandpa Bardock!”

 

“Wh…what?”

 

“And I met King Vegeta!” Trunks boasted. His father raised his eyebrows in disbelief. “When we visited Hell!”

 

“I'm kind of jealous,” Goku laughed. “I don't even know my father but my own son has met him!”

 

“But we spent most of the time training,” Trunks clarified, and received a smirk of approval from his father. “We learned from all the best warriors in the afterlife!”

 

“Wow!” Goku ruffled his son's hair as Trunks spoke. “What kind of stuff did you guys learn?”

 

“Well,” Goten started, “We went to Kaio-sama, and did his training, and he taught me the Genki-Dama! And we met these guys with funny clothes, from, um, Yer…Yore…”

 

“Yardrat?” Goku guessed, incredulous. “That's how you got here! They taught you how to do instantaneous movement! Wow…you're so young to know all these things…you two must have trained hard.” He laughed. “Between you and Vegeta, I feel like I've been left in the dust!”

 

“For once,” Vegeta teased.

 

“That's not the best one, though!” Trunks insisted.

 

“Yeah! We learned something even better,” Goten agreed, and turned to Trunks. “Should we show `em?”

 

“Let's see it!” Goku cheered. Vegeta looked on with interest as the two stepped farther apart from one another, still facing their fathers. Their power levels seemed to match each other, and they stood perfectly symmetrically.

 

“Ready, Goten?”

 

“Ready!”

 

And this time they spoke in unison, moving, still, with perfect symmetry. “Fu…sion…HA!”

 

Goku and Vegeta looked on in awe, turning to each other as the glow faded and revealed a new figure with attributes of each of their offspring. “You can call me Gotenks—the most powerful being in the universe!” He let loose a boisterous laugh, pointing to the two Saiyajin. “You think you can take me on?”

 

Goku and Vegeta exchanged smirks. They stood and readied themselves to battle the most powerful being in the universe—their son.

 

 

 

 

 

End