Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ Downward Spiral ❯ Chapter Five ( Chapter 5 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

Chapter Five

The room was so cold! Kami, did they have the air-conditioning on full blast and windows open? No - it was a hospital; they were usually kept warm, right? Still - it was really unnerving; at this moment his body was colder than ice, yet deep within himself Goku knew it was only his fear causing it. For once he barely registered the needles lying on the side, at any other time he wouldn't have even bothered to come in if he saw a needle within the room, but today all his fears and dread were consumed by the fact his eldest son nearly died. That was all that mattered.

He could barely bring himself to look around; the walls were so white and stark, and the noise of rushing doctors, of crying family, it was just so . . . so - so unsettling! His watering eyes fell on the to the centre of the room, where lying in the hospital bed was Son Gohan peaceful upon it, deep in a powerful sleep. His face was so pale and white and he seemed almost corpse like . . .

Goku nearly choked. The beeping of the machines was deafening, as his still son lay motionless by him. Why? Why, damn it! Gohan was the smart one, the responsible one, and the cheerful one! He looked after his brother, loved his parents and mentor, he had so many friends, Sharpener, Videl - what reason did he have to - to do something like this?

Goku jumped as a cold hand clasped his shoulder, the grip was cold and firm and it reassured him. He turned to see Vegeta. The solemn look on his face nearly made him want to cry, Vegeta looked though Gohan was dead and not recovering! Hell, Gohan was getting better! He might not have woken up yet, but he would soon! Goku's heart raced faster and faster in terror, his son would be okay, wouldn't he? Kami! He felt like he was going to burst or break down! His head had been screaming at him since he heard the news, and now it was drilling pain into him . . . He didn't know what he'd do if Gohan wasn't okay . . .

“How is he, Kakarott?”

Goku shivered. Surely he knew, didn't he?

He fell into a chair by Gohan's side and held his son's hand tightly, listening to the noises of the machines within the room. Vegeta's hand fell from his shoulder to his side and he watched his friend curiously.

“He - He should make a full recovery . . . at least that's what the doctors said.”

“That's good news then, isn't it?” Vegeta moved to Goku, kneeling by his side he held onto his arm gently, trying to comfort him.

“Not really, `Geta! I mean he tried to kill himself! He went to school like everything was normal, then he skived from lesson and -. Why, `Geta, why? He has to be really upset to do something like this, Kami knows what he was thinking or why he needed to do it; his body might recover but what about his mind? What about that? And his wrist! That's going to be scarred forever!”

“I thought he was self-harming . . . I never thought he was suicidal.”

“No one did. Otherwise we would have helped him, done whatever it took to make him feel better! Kami `Geta, why did he do it?”

“I don't know Kakarott, I really don't, but it isn't your fault, remember that above everything else.” He paused. “He's going to be okay.”

Upon the door came a ringing knock. Goku was deaf to the noise, he was lost within Gohan's expression, gazing pain-stricken on the lifeless face. Vegeta was the one who had to greet the person who entered the room.

He watched as Bulma came in, face red and stained with tears, shaking quite badly as if she were trying to hold in all of her emotion and pain. She brushed a hand though her messy blue hair and fell onto the edge of the bed, staring into Gohan as if any minute he might awaken.

“Vegeta? Can I speak to Goku alone for a minute?”

“Why?”

“Vegeta!” Her voice was so shaken, she sounded on the verge of tears. Vegeta nodded and walked towards the doors.

“I'll be back in a while Kakarott.”

As soon as he had left the room and the doors closed Bulma heaved a great sigh. She couldn't bring herself to look at Goku, his expression just held so much pain that it was unbearable, besides, if she looked at him too long she might not be able to stop the tears from flowing . . . Moving close to where he sat she placed her hand upon his and gave the best smile she could muster.

“Goku? I - I know you're upset, we all are. It was the first time I've ever seen Piccolo on the verge of tears; he's as broken as you. Just . . . I really need to speak to you, is that okay?”

“Sure.” He choked out. “What's up?”

“Well its just Chi-Chi told me everything that happened between you two . . . about her violence and your arguments . . . and we both know that Vegeta invited you to stay at Capsule Corps, you know what Chi's like, she couldn't help but listen in to you guys. I was thinking though . . . that maybe . . . you staying with us isn't such a good idea . . .”

“What!” His head shot upwards and he stared into her eyes. His heart pounded with shock. What had Chi-Chi told her? “Why?”

A tear fell from the corner of her eye as she cringed. “It's - well it's -. I know what Chi-Chi did to you and I'm so sorry! I'm still furious with her for what she did and I wish I knew sooner - I could have helped you! But she - she told me the reason she kicked you out . . .”

“She kicked me out because she hates me, right? That's why she kept hitting me.”

“No, Goku.” Bulma started to fidget wildly, how was she supposed to break this? Goku was her best friend! Was she was supposed to admit she knew his secrets, was she supposed to play the bad guy to do the right thing? Goku was broken-hearted enough with his sons suicide attempt, and she had to bring this up - now? Kami . . . “She hit you, yeah - but she says she always loved you. She - she told me she would have stayed with you forever, even if she couldn't control her anger but - but she had to make you leave. She made you go because she said you were in love with someone else . . .”

His face became bright crimson. “Uh - what? Um, how did she -? I mean -?”

“It's true?”

“Yeah, it's true . . . I do kind of - I -. Yeah, I love someone else, but how did -?”

“Chi find out? Well you confided everything in Krillon and like I said, you know Chi, she has a habit of eavesdropping. Apparently she said there were other clues though and she would have found out even if she hadn't eavesdropped, she said you spoke their name, in, err, certain situations . . .”

“Kami! Man, I'm so embarrassed! Sorry Bulma just - damn! I can't believe this! Does she know who it is, does she?”

“Yeah . . . She knows.”

“Well this explains why she went crazy at me last night . . . I guess she told you who too?”

“Yeah. You know Goku, it doesn't matter to me, it's kind of sweet in fact, I mean you two have been friends for so long and it's sort of romantic. I just thought though, you staying might make things awkward between the two of you and I didn't want you getting hurt, especially when Gohan's like this.” She gave a sincere smile. “Don't worry I won't tell anyone - even him.”

“Thanks. I have no idea how Vegeta would take it . . .”

“I don't think he'd freak out or anything if that's what you're worried about, on Planet Vegeta it's quite normal, at least that's what I've been told. You know I think Vegeta told me once that guys can even have kids on your home planet!”

“So - is that what triggered Chi last night? Is that why she went crazy, because I like Vegeta?”

“Goku. Chi's got some serious issues and what she did was sick, but you got to understand, finding out your husband doesn't love you is bad enough, but finding out he loves his best friend is bound to make anyone a little bit angry.”

“Bulma?” He wrapped his tail around is waist tightly, still embarrassed with the situation and bright red. He looked at her and scratched his neck nervously, it was a habit he hadn't escaped since he was a child, whenever he felt embarrassed or nervous he scratched his neck. She gave a smile and leant back slightly.

“Yeah?”

“I'd still like to stay at yours, if it's okay? You don't have to worry about me, I won't get upset or anything and I know I have no chance with him . . . I know he probably sees me as just a friend. Just I could really use the company right now until I get myself back on my feet, and you and Vegeta are the two people I can trust with my life.”

“Goku, you can stay as long as you want, I just wanted to make sure you'd be okay. If you need to talk at all you know where I am.” She gave a wink and a soft laugh. “I'll tell you what, you've been in here for a few hours, why don't you go and see everyone or get some rest, I'll watch Gohan for you.”

“Thanks Bulma, you're the greatest - make sure you tell me though as soon as he wakes up!”

“Of course I will! But don't get your hopes up, you know the doctor says he might be out for a day or two.” She gave him a hug as he made to leave; he seemed a lot more relaxed than when she first saw him, maybe it was just the relief that he wasn't alone in all this? “The waiting rooms right across the hall, and the café is on the ground floor. If you're looking for Piccolo and Vegeta they've probably gone walkabouts somewhere, you know how anti-social those two are.”

“Okay, thanks Bulma. I'll go find them.”

“See you soon!”

He gave a sigh as the doors closed behind him, wandering out through the doors his heart sank. He watched as a young boy was rushed past on a stretcher, surrounded by shouting doctors - was that all the panic and fear that Gohan experienced as he was brought in? Kami! Was anyone with him, were they allowed being with him? Was he as alone as that kid?

His heart had to go to Videl though. The poor girl - she was the one who found him, in a pool of his own blood, she must have been so shaken, shocked. He wanted so much to thank her for helping him, to reassure her that Gohan would be okay but he couldn't, his heart broke merely mentioning his name, let alone talking about what happened . . .

Gazing across the corridor he became grateful the blinds of the waiting room were down, he'd hate for them to see him in this state, especially Goten or Trunks. Were they even in there? It was still early afternoon; maybe they were at school? Man, how would they react when they found out?

“Goku!”

He cringed at the voice. He wished he could turn around and see the face of one of his friends, but he knew that angry sound anywhere . . . He turned to see Chi-Chi storming along the corridor, she was crying wildly, and looked nearly hysterical, she looked as if she'd been weeping for hours. He shivered. Kami - he hoped she'd just go away; he couldn't deal with this right now.

He began to walk away. Vegeta and Piccolo had to be around here somewhere . . .

“Don't you dare ignore me, Son Goku!”

He froze - why did he do that? He did what she said without hesitation! It was one thing trying to avoid confrontation; it was another to be stupid enough to walk into danger. He turned to her and gave the best smile he could muster.

“Hi Chi. Gohan's doing well apparently, the doctors say -.”

He stopped as her hand slapped him sharply across the face. The pain shot through him intently, a ringing burning sensation in his cheek. To think! Vegeta caused pain worse than that to himself to make him feel better. The pain only made Goku feel fearful and depressed. He held onto his cheek and rubbed gently, looking at Chi-Chi in complete shock. Would she really start this in a public place? She'd never done that before . . . Never.

“This is your fault Goku!” Her voice was high as she choked on tears nearly literally, the waterfalls began from her eyes as she delivered blow upon blow upon Goku, knocking him over onto the floor. “If you didn't leave Gohan wouldn't be upset! If you weren't getting beaten upon then he'd -!”

“Chi! You kicked me out! You're the one who -.”

“Shut up!”

She looked like she was about to collapse with sheer agony - but Kami! There was no way she could feel as much pain as he did! It felt like his muscles were on fire and skin was torn in two, and to think that she caused it . . . The woman he once loved and trusted more than anything. He yelped as a powerful kick struck his spine.

Her face was red as blood. Why was it always Goku's fault, why? He curled into a ball as she began to strike him harder, this time delivering blows and kicks strong enough to make cracking noises on impact. He closed his mind - everything went white, even though he could feel the pain his mind was dead and nothing was real . . . He had to block this out.

This wasn't fair! He'd left her! He'd left! Yet, she was still able to hurt him like this . . .

Suddenly she stopped. Why?

“What the fucks going on?” Goku knew that voice! It was Vegeta! He raised his head slightly, trying to see what lay ahead only to receive an agonising blow to his healing nose. He screamed slightly as he held onto it, blood pouring once more.

Everything was going so fast. All he could make out was Bulma trying to pull Chi-Chi away, and then suddenly no hits touched him. Bulma must have succeeded. Vegeta screaming and yelling abuse, it looked like Piccolo was holding him back, but with Goku's eyes so blurry he could hardly tell . . .

“Let me fucking go, you green bean bastard! I'll fucking kill that witch!”

Piccolo's grip on Vegeta's arms remained strong as he held the Prince close to his chest, it was almost impossible to keep a hold of the Saiyan as his relentless barrage of kicks, punches and trying to break free went on. The Prince was crimson with livid rage.

“Vegeta! Calm down. Beating her up won't help.”

“The hell it won't!”

The next thing Goku knew was Chi-Chi had walked, calmly and composed as she usually portrayed herself in company into the waiting room, where he could now hear plenty of noise and raised voices, perhaps they heard what was going on?

Bulma helped him to his feet. He cringed again realising he could barely stand; the pain in his legs was overwhelming. It hadn't been that bad in a while; why now? She must have been really upset! Kami, was she right? Was this his fault?

“Let me go, shit for brains!”

Goku gave a slight smile; even when something serious happened Vegeta was the same guy he always was, ready to kill the person that hurt his friends or family. After swearing again and trying once more to break free, Bulma gave a twitch; her patience was nearing breaking point. As Vegeta carried on finally Bulma snapped. “Vegeta shut up! Calm down, will you? Goku needs your help and like Piccolo said, beating Chi-Chi won't do that! And if you swear one more time I'll -”

“You'll what! Scold me some more!” He stopped. His heart was beating hard against his chest, his rage boiling within his veins. He stopped struggling. “Fine, like I care. Let me go Piccolo, I'll behave, you have my word.”

“Yeah? Then you won't mind me holding onto your arm, just in case.”

Before Vegeta could retort Goku had already began his questions. “What happened? Where did you guys come from?”

Bulma smiled and helped him walk over to Piccolo and Vegeta. “I was only in the room next door, and by the looks of it these two were returning just when it happened. Are you okay?”

“Not really.” His eyes gazed ahead to his two friends, Piccolo was avoiding his gaze for some reason, and he looked almost guilty, what was wrong? No! Did Goku do something to upset him? Was Chi right? Was this his entire fault? “What's up Piccolo?”

“Nothing Goku. Ask Vegeta.”

Bulma looked quizzically along with Goku to Vegeta - both suddenly found themselves weak, the front of Vegeta's shirt was red, blood red. The fabric of his shirt was wet, soaking even and the red colour filled the whole chest area of him. Bulma's lips quivered as she gazed at Vegeta with confusion and pain.

“Vegeta?”

He closed his eyes and shook Piccolo's hand from his arm. What did she want him to say? He opened his eyes and looked at Goku, he nearly fell to the ground weak, the taller Saiyan looked so hurt, so confused, so pain-stricken - it wasn't Chi-Chi that caused that. It was him. He nearly collapsed to his knees as guilt consumed him. After what Goku had been through the last thing he wanted was to hurt him!

He needed to do one more. . . Just one more. . . The guilt was too much!

A tear fell from Goku's face.

“Vegeta? Is that blood?”