Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ FATHER'S DAY ❯ Fathers Day ( Chapter 1 )

Father's Day

By: AMCM74

Disclaimer: I make no claim to own or having created DB/Z/GT, or any of the characters used in the series.

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~SUMMARY~

Shockingly, Vegeta is in a bad mood, and Goku wants to help. But as always, a little talking to is never enough, and Goku takes matters into his own hands. Vegeta's world will never be the same again.

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"I told you already!" Vegeta growled, as he looked at the beautifully wrapped present in his hands. The dark eyes rose, with slow menace as he threw the gift at the woman before him. "BAKA ONNA! If you wanted to do anything for me at all, then stop trying to make me a part of your stupid ceremonies!"

Bulma gasped and raised her hands over her face to block the flying projectile. After a few seconds, she realized that the impact did not come. Sheepishly, she dropped her hands, and let her eyes drift open. Goku stood in front of her, holding the gift out to her, an odd expression fixed on his face. She stared at the brightly wrapped present. Then up at the soothing eyes of her long time friend. "Goku." She sighed simply. She should have known, she reached out to take the package. Looking down at it, she clutched it to her chest dejectedly.

"It's alright Bulma." Goku looked over at Vegeta, who was scowling out of the window. "Vegeta is just not adjusted to life on earth yet. Give him some more time."

Vegeta's head shot up at those words. "Fuck you, Kakkarot!" He watched as all the eyes in the room focused in on him. Lifting a clenched fist before his face, Vegeta snarled. "I am only here long enough to destroy you!" he latched the glare on Goku. "After that I am gone." Then tilting his head in Bulma's direction. "Father's Day." He spat. Distain was etched in every curve of his features. "Woman, your ignorance surprises even me some times." He looked as if he was going to say more. Then froze just where he was. With a quick shake of his head, he spun and stalked out of the room. There was not another word spared for anyone.

Bulma stomped her feet angrily. She tossed the gift to the couch in a huff. "That man! He proves it daily. He makes a point to let me know that he wants NOTHING to do with Trunks! Sweet Kami, what is wrong with him!" She dropped on to the seat next to the gift and let her head fall into her hands. "That's fine! I don't need him." The voice was muffled. "I can raise Trunks just fine on my own."

ChiChi walked over, hands on her hips and nodded her agreement. "You are completely right about that, Bulma. You don't need such a terrible influence around your son." She glared in the direction that Vegeta had gone. "I don't understand why he is still here any way. It's not like anyone here actually likes him."

Bulma's head snapped up at the words. There was fire in her eyes as she opened her mouth to retaliate against ChiChi's verbal assault.

Goku shook his head and cut her off. "Let me talk to him for you, Bulma. I don't think this has anything to do with you, or Trunks for that matter."

"What do you mean it has nothing to do with her or Trunks?" ChiChi's voice was shrill. She was making a point of showing off, trying to prove her point to her husband. "He threw his Father's Day present back in her face. Such complete disrespect for his family is beyond rudeness." She crossed her arms and huffed a large sigh. She moved her attention back to Bulma. "If I were you I would bash some sense into him… I have a new set of pans my father got me for Mother's Day."

Goku paled, and Bulma arched an eyebrow at the other woman. "No… No ... Really, ChiChi, I think Goku has the right idea." She looked thoughtful. "Maybe Goku would be kind enough to talk to Vegeta for me?" Bulma turned large blue, hopeful-looking eyes on Goku.

"If anyone can talk to Vegeta, and find out what's wrong, it's Goku." Yamcha spoke up from the corner of the room, where he and Gohan where playing video games, trying to remain unnoticed until that moment.

ChiChi glowered at her son. "GOHAN! Did you finish your homework yet?"

"Of course, mom." He bit his lip as he tried to gain an advantage on the game. Hardly any attention was spared for his mother. Next to him, in a bouncer seat Trunks cooed at the fight scenes. The little arms, waving in the air, proved his complete delight.

Goku snuck down the hall listening to ChiChi, as she said "Do you really think all the violence is good for Trunks… at his age?" in her `I am mother, and I know best' tone.'

Goku picked up his pace as Bulma's voice filtered to his ears "Excuse... me... but as his mother..."

He really did not want to hear the rest of THAT conversation.

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The door slid open, and Vegeta kicked the bag in front of him harder. He knew just whom it was standing there. "Get out." Was all he said. The words came out in a hushed voice that no human could have ever heard judging the distance between the two Saiyans.

"Come on Geta!" Goku walked toward the Saiyan Prince. This was not going to be easy. "You have to know, you really upset Bulma out there. I know you did it on purpose too." He watched Vegeta's every move, as the man throttled the punching bag. "Do you have to be so mean all the time?"

"Get out." Vegeta wanted to turn and let his fist connect to the flesh of the man behind him, not the bag that was taking blow after massive blow. Vegeta was suffering from tunnel vision, as he plowed ahead with his fists. It was the only way to drive the demons that chased him from his mind.

"I promised Bulma, I would find out what was troubling you. She thinks its Trunks." Goku saw the stiffening of Vegeta's shoulders. "It's not that is it, Vegeta? You are not so heartless that you hate your own son?"

"This has nothing to do with my son." He growled. "There. Are you happy?" Vegeta turned to cast a cold gaze at his enemy. "Now, I am telling you again. Get the hell out."

Goku smiled and rubbed the back of his neck. "That's a really good thing! Cause to be honest I was kind of worried about that myself. I know Trunks was a surprise and all, for you and Bulma. Kids do tend to take some adjusting too." Vegeta snarled as Goku continued. "So what is it Vegeta? I mean it's not that hard to take a gift. There has to be some reason why you got yourself so worked up over this."

"You will never understand it, Kakkarot." Vegeta pointed to the door. Maybe the baka just did not understand the spoken word. Hand signals worked more efficiently on creatures with his mental capacities.

"Why would I not understand?" Goku pondered aloud as he was pushed toward the door. Two hands connected directly to the middle of his back, providing the propelling force. The anger was so intense; one could practically see the steam coming off Vegeta's head in waves.

"You are a third class warrior, who never knew his father a day in your life! I am a Prince! The day of my birth was a global holiday. My father was the most powerful, respected king that ever ruled our planet." Goku was flung into the hall, and landed upside down against the adjacent wall. He watched as Vegeta's face filled with painful memories of his past.

"Despite all of that, my father handed me over to Frieza like some unwanted piece of garbage. Pardon me, if I refuse to celebrate a day honoring the man that did nothing but spawn me." The door slammed shut, and this time there was an ominous click as the portal was locked firmly.

Goku righted himself. Sitting there, hands on his knees, he pondered. Vegeta had issues with his father that he did not like to remember. It was a sad thing when a child hated its own father. Goku tilted his head a bit more. The other part was true as well. Goku had never met his own biological father. The only thing that he had ever known about the man was what Vegeta and Frieza had told him in the midst of combat. In fact, Goku didn't even know the name of the man that had given him life. Now there was a sad irony.

"Ok, Goku." He muttered to himself. "Problem found." His happy eyes narrowed, as he contemplated the situation he found himself in. "What are you going to do about it?"

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Korin watched as Goku landed on the platform. "Goku! How are you doing?"

"I am pretty well!" Goku smiled at the little white cat. "But I need your help with something." He walked forward, gesturing with his hands as he spoke. "Remember when I first came here and I saw the past, present, and future vats of water?"

"Of course. You went on the vision quest. " Korin leaned on his stick for support. "As I recall, you were more concerned with the future vision that day."

"That's true." Goku nodded. "I was wondering if I could borrow some of the Water of the Past."

"Whatever for Goku? What business do you have in the past?" The eyes became deadly serious.

"It's not just for me. It's Vegeta also. You see I realized today that both of us have unresolved issue with our fathers. Since today is Father's Day, I was hoping that a trip to the past would fix that right up for us."

"Messing with the past is a dangerous thing, Goku." Korin stood before him. It was clear the little white cat was debating his answer carefully before he spoke. "But if you feel it is needed, I trust your judgment in these matters." Nodding at Goku, he relented. "You can have some of the Waters of the Past."

"ALRIGHT!" Goku jumped in excitement.

"Just answer this for me." Korin aimed his little wooden walking stick at Goku. "Why use the water? I know that Bulma Briefs has a time machine you could have used."

"That's easy!" Goku waved his finger. "First off I would never get Vegeta into the time machine without a fight. That man is so stubborn about some things. Second we are going to Planet Vegeta. It will be easier by drinking the water returning to this planet's past and Instant Transmission there. It wouldn't make any sense to travel back in the time machine and leaving it unguarded here or we would have to take it to Vegeta-sei. Lastly it's too dangerous to leave the time machine alone with a group of battle crazed Saiyans running around. Who knows what they'd do with it, we'd never get back."

"Goku…" Korin's stick hit the ground with a hard thump. "You... You've been thinking!"

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Goku snatched up Vegeta's water bottle and looked around for a place to dump the remaining contents. There seemed to be no place to dispose of it. Goku stared at the clear liquid, and a frown crossed his features as he thought.

"KAKKAROT!" Busted. Goku hunched over, and the bottle in his hands tipped over. The water was running down over his pants.

"DAMN!" Goku jumped to face Vegeta with a guilty look plastered on his face. Both men stared down at the huge wet spot, and the resulting puddle forming at the base of Goku's leg.

Vegeta scowled. "I wont even begin to flatter myself by thinking I scared you that badly."

Goku lifted the water bottle and smiled apologetically. Thinking of nothing better to say, he squeaked. "It spilled." Vegeta snatched the canteen off Goku's waist in retaliation. "Hey wait!"

Vegeta unscrewed the cap "Why?" He stared into the container suspiciously. "It's water? Isn't it?"

"Well yes." Goku began, and then watched as Vegeta began to gulp down the water of the past. Well, that was way easier than Goku had originally thought. Then with sudden clarity, he comprehended that Vegeta was about to drink the entire thing. "NOOOO!!!" his hand flew up, waving them at Vegeta. "Give it over, Vegeta!" Grabbing the canteen the two Saiyans wrestled like small children over the bottle.

"You dumped mine." Vegeta hissed, as he pulled.

"You don't understand Geta!! I need some of that too!" Goku squeezed his eyes shut as he struggled to get Vegeta to relinquish his death grip on the canteen.

"There is plenty in the tap!" Vegeta shouted back, as he tugged and shook Goku from side to side. Trying to toss the larger Saiyan free of his prize. When it became obvious that Goku was not going to drop it. Vegeta suddenly let go. He watched, with severe satisfaction, as Goku flew back on his rear and tumbled backwards. "And my name is Vegeta. NOT GETA!"

Goku ignored Vegeta, as he gulped the remaining mouthful and drank it. "For a moment there I thought you would be going on your own Vegeta!" Goku shook the canteen at the Saiyan Prince.

"Going? I am not going anywhere." Vegeta turned and watched as the gravity room began to disappear from his sight. "What sorcery is this!?" Turning to glare at Goku, he raged "WHAT HAVE YOU DONE NOW KAKKAROT!"

Goku grabbed Vegeta's arm to try and calm the older man. "Now Vegeta." Goku soothed, "I can explain." The next words were cut off by Vegeta's other arm, as its fist connected to Goku's jaw.

Goku, once again, found himself hitting the ground on his backside. That was going to leave a mark. "Owww…" he muttered as he wiped the blood from his lip.

"OW?" Vegeta grabbed Goku, and pulled him up by the scruff of his blue shirt. With a nasty shake, he bellowed. "What kind of mischief are you up to now Kakkarot. I am not in the mood for your meddling. I mean it! You had better return me to the Gravity room this instant!"

"I can't do that." Goku pried the fingers that clamped on to the dark material.

"Can't?" Vegeta dropped him. Stepping back and crossing his arms, Vegeta looked at Goku. "Or won't?"

Goku sighed and sat on the green grass, looking up at Vegeta. Maybe this was not the greatest idea after all. But, what was done was done. There was no going back now. "I can't. Flat out can't. To be honest, I am not sure when we will be transported back to the future." Vegeta let out a choking sound as his hands dropped to his sides. "Yup, that's right Vegeta!" Goku smiled, merriment dancing in his dark eyes. "You guessed it! I transported us back in time a few days before Vegeta-sei was destroyed."

"You did what?" Vegeta stammered. The stunned expression on his face was almost priceless. "What would ever possess you to do this?" Vegeta glanced around and narrowed his eyes. "This is not even Vegeta-sei."

"We are still on Earth." Goku stood up dusting himself off. "I am going to Instant Transmission us to Vegeta-sei in a bit. I just wanted to get a few things straight with you first."

"Such as?" Vegeta replied curtly. The disbelief on his features was thick.

"First off" Goku put his finger in Vegeta's face. "Tampering with the past is a very dangerous thing! I swear if you upset the slightest turn of events, when we get back, I will KILL YOU! Then wish you back to life with the Dragon Balls. We'll repeat the journey and fix the error, to my satisfaction." Vegeta rolled his eyes at the idle threat. He knew the killing part was way out there. Kakkarot wouldn't harm a fly if he didn't have to. "Next, this trip is so you can settle things with your father."

"You shouldn't have bothered. The only thing I might do is kill him before Frieza gets the chance." Vegeta snorted.

Would that hurt anything? Goku wondered to himself. Hum, probably not, either way the results were the same King Vegeta would die. "One more thing before we go." Goku snatched Vegeta's arm. With a wink he added "Happy Father's Day!" Vegeta's grimace was blurred by the instant transmission technique.

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Vegeta turned in the busy street. GAK! He was knee-deep in Kakkarot look-a-likes!! Closing his eyes he sighed. So maybe he was exaggerating a bit. There were a few close enough in appearance though to make him wonder.

"Wow." Goku said in awe. He spun around in the street. "So this is planet Vegeta." Goku pointed to the sky "Look Vegeta, it's red!"

Vegeta slapped his hand over his face in irritation. "Of course it is." Yes it was red. Vegeta felt his heart falling and rejoicing at the same moment. He was home. The awkward sensation was short lived though. Someone pushed into him from behind. Vegeta turned swiftly, shoving the clumsy Saiyan across the street. The dust flew as the stranger hit the building across from them.

"Why you!" The man got up gnashing his teeth and glaring. Waving his fist threateningly at Goku and Vegeta, as he started "I am going ... to…" He paused as he studied Vegeta. A look of raw awe inspired panic ravaged the features. "Your highness… I am sorry."

Vegeta snorted and turned his attention back to Goku, who was frowning at him.

"What?" He spat out in confusion.

"We have to keep a low profile Vegeta!" Goku waved his arms drawing stares from the passing warriors near them. "Or have you already forgotten that!?"

"You should have thought of this before you departed in your bright orange Gi." Vegeta pointed out. He walked past Goku with an air of superiority, fists planted on his hips. "Come on Kakkarot. We need to go this way."

Goku opened his mouth and stopped. Looking down, he tentatively lifted the orange fabric between his thumb and forefinger eyeing it for a moment. He let loose a ragged sigh. Looking up he scanned the streets to see Vegeta fading into the crowd. "Vegeta!" he shouted racing after him. "Come back!"

Vegeta stopped at the end of the street and pointed. "The Palace. Your aim was better than normal Kakkarot. You practically set us on the front steps."

Goku blinked "It's extraordinary." It was no lie. The Saiyan royal home was large and sprawling. Goku was wondering if they had enough time to find Vegeta's father in the massive structure.

"Don't look worried." Vegeta glanced over his shoulder. "I spent the first five years of my life in that place. I know it better than you know the scent of food."

Goku's stomach growled and Vegeta glared back at him. The larger Saiyan grabbed around his middle with an embarrassed expression. "Sorry. I never got to eat today. I was too busy getting the water for the trip." He explained with a dejected expression.

Vegeta blinked "You skipped a meal for this little escapade? Now I am impressed."

"Yea well, you can stop being impressed, and tell me how we are going to get in there?" Goku observed the guards standing around the main entrance.

Vegeta shook his head. "They are merely for show. You and I can just walk right in." Vegeta strode toward the entrance.

Goku waved his arms, his eyes were large and round on his face, as he shouted after Vegeta. "Are you sure? That just doesn't sound right."

Vegeta walked up to the gate and right through the palace doors. Not one move was made to stop him.

Goku rushed after him. As he neared the guards, he noticed them turning to stare at Vegeta. Goku shook his head suppressing a desire to curse.

"WOW!! Did you see that guy!?" One man was leaning on his brightly decorated spear as his eyes trailed after the Saiyan Prince from the future.

"I sure did, he looks just like King Vegeta! Now that's just freaky." The other replied as Goku sped past them.

Goku squeezed his eyes shut. Darn, Vegeta and all his damn arrogance. Finally catching up with Vegeta, Goku grabbed his arm. He pulled the Saiyan Prince into the first darkened shadow of a doorway he encountered.

"What do you think you are doing?" Vegeta started in on Goku, with his typical regal tone.

Goku reply was to clamp his hand down over Vegeta's mouth, blotting out any further sound. "SHHHH! Those Guards, they were asking questions about you already! You look too much like your father to be traipsing around this place just looking like that!"

Vegeta pulled the large hand from his mouth "Traipsing!?!" The eyes narrowed to a thoughtful look. "You might be right. Your clothing does not help things either. But I admit that not many Saiyans have the royal family's distinctive look. We do need a better camouflage." Pulling out from the darkness, he looked around the empty hall. "Follow me. I know where we can find suitable disguises for the both of us."

Goku followed once again. This time complaining silently as he went. Vegeta lead him down a maze of hallways that twisted and turned, seemingly to go on forever. Goku was just about to ask Vegeta if he was lost, when the Prince suddenly stopped. He pushed open twin doors to reveal a room full of armor and uniforms.

"These are the uniforms of the palace guards, and other servants that had jobs here in the palace. We should find anything we need to disguise ourselves suitably in here." Vegeta pulled up some Saiyan armor, and tossed it at Goku. "You can wear that."

Goku looked over the Saiyan armor intently. "It's pretty similar to the style Krillin wore one Namek isn't it?"

"Frieza supplied the Saiyan army with the materials to make this type of armor since before I was born." Vegeta glanced around. It was clear he was searching for something specific. "We were the ones who used to export this sort of stuff."

"I thought all the Saiyan race did was pillage and purge planets?" Goku pulled off his shirt and stared in surprise at Vegeta. "I had no idea we had other talents aside from fighting."

"We are a Warrior race, but not totally helpless. Of course we hand other forms of revenue. It was just not as well publicized among the universe." Vegeta pulled aside some uniforms nodding. "No one dared to mess with us because of our reputation. Although we did earn the reputation we had."

"Oh" Goku pulled on uniform and folded his Gi neatly. "Will we be coming back? Or should I just carry this with me?"

Vegeta grabbed a guard's uniform and pulled the helmet down over his family's trademark hair. "No we wont be returning, but just leave it."

"Why? That's such a waste." Goku complained, as he stuffed the Gi under a pile of other uniforms to hide it from any passers by.

"Because," Vegeta pulled the heavy red cloak over his shoulders. "I like the thought that something of yours got blown to bits, right along with my planet."

Goku winced from the image. "You're just sadistic."

"That was cruel, Kakkarot." Vegeta smirked as he mused. "Telling everyone who I am, defeating Frieza, and having you imprisoned here for the rest of your life would be sadistic." Turning he took in the stricken look on Goku's face. "Don't worry, Kakkarot. I have a son in our time. As much as I would have liked to rule Vegeta-sei, I have him to think about now."

Goku silently thanked Kami for Trunk's existence. Although, it never crossed his mind that without the lavender haired child, he would not have to be here to begin with. As Goku stood in the hall, waiting for Vegeta, a solider walked up to him.

"You there!" The gruff looking older warrior moved with a cat like grace toward Goku. "Why aren't you down at the cafeteria? They are having a banquet in honor of his highness, Prince Vegeta." Eyes locking with Goku's the man added, "He is being sent on his first mission later today." The man smiled broadly.

Goku blinked "Food." A hefty hand clamped down on his shoulder, drawling him away from the dark room, where Vegeta was still changing

"Yea! And lots of it." The man continued to prattle on good-naturedly. "Not the cheap rations we normally get either. This is quite a spread. It will take you hours just to try everything." The voices filtered and faded as the duo walked out of sight. Goku's mind full of all the delightful goodies that his home planet must have been capable of preparing, after all no one could eat like a Saiyan.

Vegeta stepped out of the room and looked around for any trace of Goku. "Kakkarot?"

He spun in a stunned circle. What the? "Kakkarot?" Groan. It was just like that baka to take off at a time like this. He was going to get himself lost. Vegeta rubbed his temples.

Without Goku, he would never get back to Earth either. If the time travel waters wore off before he was found, Vegeta would find himself stuck in nothing but the massive space, which was left after Planet Vegeta's destruction. Sarcasm ran rampant as Vegeta thought; This was just perfect.

There was really nothing better to do than find his father, King Vegeta. After all that was what Goku had brought him here to do. Vegeta turned toward the throne room, more than likely that was where the man was. "Vegeta scoffed mirthlessly to himself, that was where he always was." Vegeta walked past others who stood outside separate rooms. This time he realized that Kakkarot had been right. They had stared at him before. People did not seem to take notice of him as much. The hushed tones of voices did not trail after him down each corridor. He came to a halt, just out side the throne room doors. There were several people standing inside, but none of them was King Vegeta. Vegeta wanted to roar in rage and punch the wall. This was just not his day. He was not really sure where King Vegeta would be. If not in the throne room, the man could be just about anywhere. Vegeta started to wander, but did not get far before a feminine voice cut into his mental cursing.

"Please tell me that you don't mean it." The voice was loud. Obviously she did not care who heard her. That in its self drew the Saiyan Prince from another time's attention.

Vegeta walked over to the room to see for himself, who was bold enough to raise such a disturbance in his father's well-managed court. "You are not sending my son to reside with that monster, Lord Frieza, are you?"

If that statement had piqued Vegeta's interest, he was riveted to the spot by the open door as the next voice emerged.

King Vegeta's tone was low, but there was a definite uneasiness in that deep, male voice Vegeta had never remembered hearing before. "Cauli, I don't want to send him. I merely have no choice in this matter." There was a ragged sigh and then. "The Prince's presence has been requested by Lord Frieza. I find that the planet is in no position to turn him down. If I were to refuse him, it can be taken as direct sign of disobedience to Lord Frieza. Such action is not tolerated, or taken lightly."

Vegeta could hardly believe his ears. That was his mother? He was pretty sure his mother had died on the day of his birth. Vegeta had never been told that directly, but the unsubtle hints had been dropped on more than one occasion. The fact that he was five years old at this time, and his father was standing in the other room talking to her was world shattering. Vegeta was shaking. His onyx eyes pinned to the floor as he tried to stop himself, and found he could not. Risking discovery he moved to look through the open door. Taken in by the sight he had never seen before, his parents, standing together.

Cauli stood with her back to the door. Her hands were on his hips. The long black hair trailed down her back, was not cut short, as he had seen in most of the female palace staff. That lead him to believe she was not in the palace much of the time. Vegeta narrowed his eyes a bit as he realized she was wearing some fighting armor on her arms. That left little doubt to what her main purpose currently was. She was a warrior. It was not even marked with the royal crest, meaning she was not even ranked with the elites. He strained his eyes for a glimmer of the golden tint that would at least put her in with the first class. It was impossible! How could his own mother be a meaningless solider?

"I don't care what Frieza takes it as!" Cauli raised her fist to King Vegeta's face in the maelstrom of her anger. "You are the KING of Vegeta-sei! You don't have to send our son away from here, no matter what that lizard thing says. FUCK LORD FREIZA!" The slender finger shot up to King Vegeta to hover just in front of his face, and Vegeta himself drew back. Never had he seen anyone confront his father in any manner. To do so, should have been a swift and sudden death, after being devoid of their tail in the most painful manner that was imaginable. Still Cauli's thrashed freely about behind her, wildly; signaling to all her discontent with the situation.

"Cauli…" King Vegeta said in a soothing tone. He reached out to embrace the woman and for his efforts she shoved him back and turned away.

Vegeta let out a shocked gasp. He spun quickly and let his back come up behind the door. Vegeta shook his head harshly. Trying to dispel the image that burned into his mind.

There was no way he had just seen what he had saw. It was simply not possible. That woman, his mother, was pregnant! Vegeta peered back around and watched her pace before King Vegeta. The greatly feared King Vegeta stood staring at her like a wounded puppy in the wake of her anger. She was not only pregnant. She was undoubtedly VERY pregnant. She looked about due at any moment. Vegeta's eyes widened as the realization flooded over him. He would have been, SHOULD HAVE BEEN, an older brother. He suddenly felt robbed once again, in the dark loneliness that had been his life. Maybe not knowing his mother and his sibling had been a blessing. It was hard enough mourning his planet, its people, and his family's legacy. Perhaps Fate had not been as cruel to the small child as it could have been.

Cauli hissed low, and Vegeta had to strain to hear his mother's next words. What ever she was saying, he wanted to hear. It was almost lost in her scathing tone as she poured out her hurt on the man before her. "You refuse to let me see him." There was no way for Vegeta to see the amount of hurt in her eyes. The face of a mother denied her only child.

"You have refused to make me your mate." The bitterness in those words was unmistakable to Vegeta. How many times had he heard that same tone from Bulma after a bout with that silly Brides magazine? "Now you refuse to protect him."

"I can't protect him." The large shoulders dropped at her words. Vegeta watched his father being beaten down with each word and accusation. There were only two things that could deflate a man as physically powerful as King Vegeta was. The first was fear of an enemy so much more immensely powerful than he was, or there was the more likely.

Vegeta smiled a bit as he realized that his parents were, in fact, deeply in love. King Vegeta looked away and spoke "I have explained countless times to you Cauli. I could not protect you. If I were to bond it would leave Vegeta-sei open to all sorts of attacks from our enemies. The effects of a Mental and Physical bond, such as the Saiyan race has, is very difficult to control." Turning to look down at the irritated woman before him. King Vegeta raised her chin with one finger and looked into her eyes. "All Lord Frieza would have to do is take you, and I would be at his mercy." The words were said with such pain. The hushed tone was full of ache. A man refusing the one thing he needed and wanted most. "That is why Frieza and Vegeta must never have any idea you exist. CAULI!" King Vegeta grabbed the woman and held her close. The large red royal cloak engulfed both of their forms. "I could not bear it if you were taken from me."

They stood like that for a long moment, before Cauli composed herself enough to step back from him. "Yes. You have said before that you love me." She turned slowly with her head down cast. Vegeta watched a sparkling tear fall before she raised her hand to wipe it away. "But Vegeta, I have moved on." She spun to face him. Her back was erect and her shoulders straight. The stance enhancing her present condition to its fullest. "I have found some one new, and you are fully aware of this." She gestured to her stomach and King Vegeta scowled. "Don't give me that look. I couldn't wait forever."

"I would have waited for you." King Vegeta's voice was low and full of hurt and anger. "I have overlooked this as a misguided attempt to gain my attention, Cauli. That is the only reason why you and your lover are still alive."

"Jealous to the end I see." She looked up at King Vegeta, and sighed deeply. "Is that why you sent Bardock away, knowing I am due any time now?"

Vegeta felt his world rock. Bardock! As in Kakkarot's father, Bardock? Vegeta was breathing heavy. This was unreal! Kakkarot was his brother? If this was true then it gave new meaning to the term sibling rivalry that was to be sure. Vegeta didn't get much time to debate.

A messenger rushed around the corner to him. "You there! Is King Vegeta in that room?"

Vegeta nodded silently, and watched at the man ran past. "Your Highness! Lord Frieza and his men have just arrived to take Prince Vegeta."

"Blast him!" King Vegeta grimaced. "He's unusually early." Stepping back from Cauli, King Vegeta nodded to the messenger. "Tell him, I am on my way and won't be a moment."

The messenger rushed back out of the room and ran down the hall at an almost unfathomable speed.

King Vegeta started to walk from the room. Cauli snarled, "I will kill him before he takes my son off this planet!" She rushed for the door, but was caught up in Vegeta's strong arms.

King Vegeta nodded. "Good job, solider. Detain her for the next few hours. Until I send word that Lord Frieza has left the planet." He looked over at Cauli. "I am sorry, my love. It is between our son and our entire race. As much as I want to protect him, I have my duty to my planet and my people." With those words King Vegeta disappeared.

Cauli struggled in Vegeta's arms screaming at the top of her lungs. "Don't let them do this! Don't let that monster take my son!" she pounded on Vegeta. Blow after blow rained down. She fought with all she had to escape the hold of the guard. Vegeta held his mother to his chest. It was not hard for him at all, to restrain her, as he watched his father's form fade to nothingness. He was not sure what he had expected when he arrived here. As Cauli screamed yet again, tears flowing freely from her eyes "DON'T LET THEM TAKE MY SON!" Vegeta looked at the ceiling. This was certainly not it.

**************************************************************** ********

Goku just continued shoving the food into his mouth. The room was loud, and full of revelry. Saiyans sure knew how to throw an awesome party. There were tests of Strength, Endurance, and Combat going on all around him. He sat at a large table with several laughing men partaking in the rich foods and beverages provided for all. Goku lifted his head again, and stared at the boy that stood at the head of the room. Vegeta, he was so young there. The large man next to him, Goku recognized as Nappa. The way he hovered and was completely attentive to the child was hard for Goku to witness, knowing what he knew about their fate. Goku shrugged and lifted a huge slab of meat to his mouth. There was nothing he could really do about it without altering the time line. He had warned Vegeta about that exact same scenario before they had left Earth for Vegeta-sei. There was no way he was going to do the one thing he had told Vegeta not to. Taking a large bite, Goku was about to chew, when something caught his attention, out of the corner of his eye. Goku's eyes widened and he found himself choking. The reaction was not uncommon through out the room. The happy atmosphere filtered away with the entrance of Lord Frieza, The universal tyrant, and his men.

Goku recovered and came to his feet in one swift movement. What the hell was Frieza doing here? Goku watched as the chibi Prince Vegeta turned and bowed at the waist to the bastard. Suddenly things were becoming clearer to Goku. The color drained from his face. Prince Vegeta was not going on a mission! This was when Frieza took the young boy from his father and planet. Goku took a step forward, but a warrior near him stilled him with a hand on his shoulder.

"Stand down, solider." The man whispered. "Lord Frieza will meet his match at Saiyan hands one of these days, but for now, King Vegeta wishes us to be respectful."

Goku glanced back at the man. If only he had any idea who he was really talking to.

Goku could not control the low growl as he turned back. Frieza was already departing from the room; A disgruntled looking chibi Prince Vegeta trailing not far behind him.

Goku clenched his fists and controlled his rage. "Stay strong Vegeta, it's not forever."

**************************************************************** ********

Cauli was proving more resilient than Vegeta had thought. She had not stopped her fighting. She was constantly attacking him. It was obvious her sole objective was to get to her son. Vegeta scowled. He hated to admit this, but he was starting to worry about Kakkarot. Not the big baka that had abandoned him in the hallway, but the infant that was being put through a great amount of stress at that very moment.

"WOMAN!" Vegeta roared as he took yet another elbow to the side of his head. "Think about the child you are carrying for a moment."

Cauli went still for several moments. Vegeta thought he had gotten through to her.

"Are you a moron? What is a third level warrior's fate next to that of your PRINCE! Now do as I say and release me. I have to protect my son."

As her struggling began in earnest again, Vegeta felt her ki faltering. "You can't even break free of my hold. How do you intend out taking out a powerful enemy such as Frieza?"

"I would rather die at his hand, than do nothing as my son, YOUR PRINCE, is taken from here." She slumped a bit in Vegeta's arms, but came up again, to head butt against Vegeta's chin, hard.

Vegeta scowled. Who would have thought his own mother would ever be so stubborn. Vegeta felt her go limp. As she hung motionless, aside from her panting, in his arms Vegeta tensed for the next wave of assaults. As he did so, something warm and wet trickled down the inside of his right leg starting at just above his knee. "SWEET KAMI!" He flung her across the room, unmindful of her condition. He stood looking down at his leg. "You Bitch! You pissed on me!"

Cauli hit the wall and bounced off it to the floor. She struggled unsuccessfully to gain her feet. She barely whispered, "I would have, if I had thought of it, but no…"

Vegeta stalked over to her staring down "Then what."

She gripped around her stomach. A loud moan sprang forth, unbidden. "My waters have broken."

Vegeta stood over his mother for a moment, repeating those words in his head, before the impact of what was happening hit him. Damn, Kakkarot! His timing was never perfect. Vegeta scooped up Cauli in his arms. "Let's get you down to the infirmary." Dark eyes softened, scanning over her. "Looks like you are going to have a baby."

"Ve...Vegeta." Cauli whispered. "Forgive me." With that she let go her struggling and passed out.

**************************************************************** ********

Several hours later:

It was getting ridiculous. Goku sighed as he tuned yet another corner. There was no sign of Vegeta anywhere, and the hour was growing late. What Goku wanted at that moment was a nice big pillow and a comfortable bed. All that food he had eaten was making him sleepy. If only he had some idea where the Prince of Saiyans was hiding out, this could be made a lot easier. Just when Goku was about to give up he caught a flicker of Vegeta's distinctive ki pattern. Finally. Thank Kami. Goku looked around to make sure the hall was completely devoid of any trace of life before pushing open the door. It seemed to be a nursery, of sorts. Goku saw Vegeta standing at the far wall. There were quite a few babies in the room. It was sad to see them all left unattended. This kind of treatment was not allowed on Earth. Human children were to be coddled and adored. It seemed Saiyan babies were not as lucky. In fact, they were on their own directly after their birth. But then what was he really expecting from the race of people that had shot him off to purge a planet at three days old?

Goku walked up to Vegeta. "Where have you been?" Goku slid to a stop. "I have been looking everywhere!"

Vegeta never moved from his position. Goku sounded as if he had been nervous. Good, serves him right. He stood arms crossed looking down at the sleeping infant. The soft dark hair was already fully grown in, as it would stay through out the child's entire life. Vegeta smirked, knowing all he had to do was turn his head, and see the same exact style adorning the man next to him.

"Vegeta?" Goku blinked, moving closer to the shorter man "Did you hear me?" Then he stopped. Goku glanced over to see what had Vegeta so riveted to this spot. What he saw left him standing just as still, and even more baffled. Vegeta glanced over and watched Goku's face fall. All color drained from his features, and his eyes were the largest Vegeta had ever seen them. The next words were a hushed whisper. "Is that me?"

Vegeta nodded. "Happy Birthday Kakkarot." He looked back down at the baby who sucked on his thumb. "I found your mother in the hall on her way to the infirmary. You will be happy to know you gave her a long hard labor, and then came into this world kicking and screaming. The like I have never seen before." Vegeta suppressed the urge to chuckle. "Seems you were always a pain in the ass. You have lungs that could wake the dead. To tell the truth, you have just recently quieted your squalling and fallen asleep."

Goku looked over at Vegeta sheepishly. It was an odd feeling looking at your self in real life. Goku subconsciously compared himself to Gohan. There was no denying that boy. Goku smiled at the memory. Gohan, his only son, had never failed to make him proud. "You talk like you were in the room."

"That is because I was." Vegeta turned and started to walk away. "Come on Kakkarot. We have things to do."

Goku started to follow numbly. The knowledge that Vegeta, of all people, had been there at the very time of his birth was a bit unsettling. Now there was a bit of knowledge Goku could have done without. Focusing on the task at hand he froze. "You will never guess who is here at the palace!" Goku wondered, belatedly, if telling Vegeta was a good thing or not.

Vegeta stopped and moved his head to the side. "If you are about to say Frieza, I already know this. I can smell him a solar system off."

"Then you know why he is here." Goku waited for Vegeta's reaction. Goku had gone through hundreds of speeches in his head preparing to calm Vegeta down. He was certain that Vegeta would try to rip the universal tyrant's head from his shoulders.

The Saiyan Prince merely nodded. "Let it go, Kakkarot. There is nothing we can do with out altering the time line." Opening the door to the outer hall, he continued. "Trust me when I tell you everything will work out just fine in the end."

Goku shook his head. "But Vegeta! You are just a child now, and Frieza is a monster!" Goku growled and then forced himself to relax. "How can I live, knowing I stood by and did nothing?" Goku shook his head. Raising his stare to bore into Vegeta's back, he murmured. "We could stop him Vegeta. We could stop him here and now. We have the power."

"And then what Kakkarot?" Vegeta turned. There was a new look in those eyes. "Answer me that? I become the King of this planet like I was born to be? You become a killing machine, like you were born to be? There will be no family and friends from Earth." Vegeta shook his head. "More than likely you would go there and kill them all. If you do fail, bump your head, as we both know you will. Then my army and I will just take it from there. You stopped Nappa and I, but could you stop a planet of warriors just like us?" A deep sigh was heard as Vegeta lifted his head and squared off his shoulders. "The bad days are over for me, Kakkarot. I have my woman and my son. They are worth what I endured."

Goku nodded "If that is the way you feel." Goku smiled. Looking around he added, "I guess we are done here. I should Instant Transmission us back to the Earth then."

"No." Vegeta turned and looked for the first time fully on his younger brother.

Goku blinked "No." Vegeta's eyes were locked on to him. Goku looked over his shoulder then back at Vegeta. He looked down at himself and then slowly back up. Why was he looking at me like that? He frowned. "Ok Vegeta, what ever you say."

**************************************************************** ********

Vegeta stood on the balcony of the room, watching the pods coming and going from the main hanger, not too far from the palace. It had been a long day. Behind him, further in the darkened room, Goku was fast asleep curled around a pillow. The infant form was more than likely screaming his head of in the nursery. Vegeta looked up to the sky and saw the shining star that was Frieza's ship. He remembered that first night away from his planet. In all his arrogance, he'd had no idea it was the first night of many. The child Vegeta thought he would be returning shortly. That all he had to do was bide his time and serve Frieza well on a few missions, the delusions of youth. King Vegeta was in his quarters although not asleep. Vegeta could feel his father's anxious ki signature. The man was having one hell of a night. Sad to say, it was not the best way to spend one of the last nights of his life. Vegeta moved his gaze out to the sprawling city before him. The lights were dancing and moving, indicating that the Saiyan race never stopped. They lived fast and died hard. It only made sense they would not want to sleep what time they had away. Cauli was still in the regeneration tank following Kakkarot's birth. Vegeta had overheard the doctors saying she would be in there until the next day. After that, a brief physical examination, and she would be ready to return to full duty. Vegeta knew what that meant for her, another mission.

He had decided that he was not going to mention his recent findings to Goku. It was still a bit too new and hard to believe for him. He would no doubt fail miserably at convincing the larger man that they were brothers. He remembered how Goku had denied and fought Radditz. Vegeta let out an amused snort. Radditz, who had spent his life in service to him, had been related through Goku. Vegeta looked into the dark room where his brother slept. No he would wait, and tell Goku when the time was right, if that time ever came at all.

Vegeta wanted more than anything to get off Vegeta-sei and back home to Bulma and Trunks. How odd that he would desire that after wanting this for so long. It seemed his heart was no longer here on Vegeta-sei. It now resided on that little blue marble of a planet, Earth. There were things he had to make sure were taken care of before he left.

First off, Vegeta was going to go down to the mission command and make sure that Goku was sent on that fateful mission to Earth, even if he had to punch in the order himself. Thankfully he still remembered his family's access code. Once that was dealt with there were two other things that needed attention. Vegeta wanted to know what had happened to his mother. Was she was going to be killed with the planet's explosion, or was she off on a mission at the time? Most of the Saiyan forces had been amassed on the planet. Frieza must have known his intent far longer than he had let on. Still there had been a handful of others left alive. That was how Vegeta had come to acquire Radditz. The boy had been on a rough mission and, shockingly survived. It was possible, considering the way the medical staff had spoken, that Cauli would be sent out, and soon. That left huge doubts as to what her real fate might have been. She might actually be alive in his time.

Lastly there was one more person to consider. Vegeta yawned and headed for the bed next to Goku's. He would find out where Bardock was tomorrow, Right now he needed some sleep.

**************************************************************** ********

"I don't get why I can't go with you." Goku stared over a huge plate of food that was being handed to him. He was really starting to like the Saiyan system, as long as you were here, and Saiyan everything was handed to you. All you had to do was ask. "Vegeta, I understand that I don't know the palace as well as you do, but what if something happens."

Vegeta grabbed a piece of fruit from the center of the table, and bit into it. "Precisely. It will be less likely for mistakes to occur with you out here. Secondly if something does happen, you can just get me out."

"I could get you out faster if I am right there with you." Goku swallowed. "You can't be forgetting about Instant Transmission, are you?"

"Just do what I am telling you to do Kakkarot." Vegeta stood up tossing what was left of the fruit to his plate. He did not spare Goku another word as he walked past him.

Goku spun in his chair and watched Vegeta walk from the room. "Sure Vegeta, what ever you say." Goku muttered to himself. He was really starting to get the feeling he was missing something. "After all, you are the Prince." A table not far from him suddenly gained his attention.

Toma pulled out a chair and sat down heavily looking to Celipa, Panboukin, and Totepo. It's not looking too good. Bardock is still not a hundred percent yet." Leaning back he furthered, "The Doctors want to keep him there for some more tests."

Totepo set his glass on the table and shook his head. "Damn rotten Alien scum. So what do we do now?"

"We go on our next mission with out Bardock, of course." Panboukin tore into the meal before him without looking up.

Toma looked over at Celipa. She was kicked back staring at the others. She seemed unusually quiet during this conversation. It made him wonder what the woman had on her mind. "What do you say, Celipa? Have you anything you want to add to this before I make the decision?"

She yawned and stretched out. "I was hoping for a longer break before we were sent out again, but I say we do this one without Bardock. The planet is small and not far. I am sure if we set our minds to it we can have the job done and be back before the sunsets here on Vegeta-sei. Then we can have some real free time." She glanced over at Goku, who ducked quickly back down to his plate. "I don't know about the rest of you, but I am in the mood to do some home planet hunting myself." She gave a wicked smirk.

Toma sat up straight and looked over his shoulder at Goku. A great roll of laughter broke free. "Celipa you little slut." He smiled over at her with good humor as she shrugged. "He looks a heck of a lot like Bardock. Is there something you have not been telling us?"

Totepo lifted his head and grinned, "You have a thing for a our fearless leader Celipa."

Celipa rolled her eyes, and slipped over on to Toma's lap. She leant closer to rest her head on the broad chest and run one hand through the spiky locks. "If I mixed pleasure and business, Bardock would not be my choice." She purred ever so seductively.

Toma shook his head. "We can hold off the mission for a few hours if you want." He gave her a tight squeeze.

"Oh please, not on my account!" She jumped down, and walked over to Goku. Pulling out the chair Vegeta had been using. She tossed her leg over. "Hello solider."

Goku blinked. "Umm Hello?" ChiChi would not like this. The female Saiyan was staring at him with a look had never seen before. Goku looked down at the table to see if she was eyeing up some huge fat steak he had missed. Tilting his head he realized there was none. That predatory look was just for him.

Celipa smiled at him. "You're the shy type, huh?" She leaned over the table. "I am leaving in a few hours on my next mission. So I don't have time for games."

Goku sighed in relief. "Ok."

Celipa stood up taking Goku's by his hand "Good, you agree." Dragging him from his chair, she headed for the door. "My quarters are probably closer. Stop dragging your feet."

"BUT!" Goku had not much choice as he was hauled along behind her. She was the strongest female he had ever encountered. The image of her swinging a pan at him filled him with dread. Goku was starting to wonder just how he was going to get out of this one. "I'm married." He choked.

"I'm Celipa." Was all she said as they exited the building.

Panboukin studied Toma's fallen expression. "You set yourself up for that one. I am going to get a few hours of sleep myself before we leave."

Toma leaned back looking over at Totepo. "What are you going to be doing?"

"I figured you would head over to check up on Bardock. I was going to go along. It's not like we bust up the team for many missions." He finished his drink and wiped his mouth. "I want to make sure I rub it in that he is going to miss all the fun."

"Well, come on then." Toma stood up. "Before I give in to the urge to chase the runt down and fight him for Celipa."

Totepo groaned. "Saiyans and love is a terrible combination. We always do things the hard way."

"What do you mean the hard way?" Toma glared at his subordinate.

"Take you and Celipa for example. We all know you two have had a thing for each other for years." Totepo pointed out. "And look, she is off with some stranger and you are here with me." Totepo made a kissy face. "Or maybe I should be flattered."

"I think I am revolted." Toma stalked out the door, Totepo chasing behind him.

**************************************************************** ********

Vegeta leaned over the control panel looking up at the light of the flickering monitors.

"How could they have missed Earth? It's small, but hardly insignificant." Vegeta snarled and slammed his hand down on the board. According to what he was seeing, they had not even discovered Earth's existence. Vegeta shook his head. That could only mean that he and Kakkarot were destined to take this journey. Vegeta had programmed the coordinates to Earth so many times now, from so many destinations, that it would not be hard to get a lock on it from here. The Saiyans advanced universal scouter systems should have no trouble detecting the planet when aimed in the general vicinity. All they needed was someone with a basic knowledge of how to use them. Vegeta closed his eyes. Looks like he was nominated.

Vegeta locked in the records and data. He could not believe he was the one sending Kakkarot to Earth. Well at least he knew who was to blame for the entire mess.

Next he looked over the charts some more. Cauli was nowhere to be found on them. That meant he had to hack into the computer system to find any records on her. Just as he suspected, the screen was denying him access to the file. He could easily get around that.

Vegeta stretched his leg out behind him and hooked his foot on a chair and pulled it to him. There was more to being a Saiyan Prince than fighting. Cracking his knuckles, he began hacking the system. After a few moments he realized he was using a few of the methods he had seen Bulma employ. He really wished it were her here doing this and not him. She would have been done already. Closing his eyes, he thought of what they could be doing with the spare time. Snapping back to reality he gave himself a mental shake. When he got back to Earth that was the first thing he was going to do. Then, if he had enough energy to speak he would admit he admired her. Anything more would just go to her pretty head.

**************************************************************** ********

Where was Vegeta when you really needed him? Goku was thrown up against a wall as soon as the door to Celipa's room was shut. The plan to explain that he was already taken and that he could not do this was definitely out. The mouth-ravishing kiss was full of swift determination. Completely like nothing he had ever experienced before. ChiChi certainly never kissed like this.

Goku whimpered as her fingers entwined roughly in his hair. "Please... miss... you have to let me go."

In answer to his plea came a sensuous chuckle. "Oh! You want to play!" She said against his lips. Goku's wrists were suddenly imprisoned in a crushing grip. "I can play!" Celipa leaned against him. "From now on you are my captive. You will do as I say. Whatever I tell you, with out hesitation or you will be punished."

"Now wait a second!" Goku cried out just before she backhanded him to the floor.

"Do not question me. I am in control here." Celipa turned away from him rubbing her hands together in wicked glee. "I suddenly wish I had more time." She walked across the room as if she was looking for something.

Goku sat up rubbing his chin. OUCH, he stretched out his jaw trying to work out the aching pain. DAMN that was exactly like getting hit with the pan! Who knew Saiyan women hit so hard! That was enough thought. He needed to straighten this out, and quick.

"Listen, Celipa?" Goku pushed himself to his feet. "I think there has been a huge misunderstanding … WHAT IS THAT!"

Celipa set a large box down in front of him "These are my toys, of course." She pulled up an innocent looking ball. "Now kneel before me."

"You have to be kidding?" Goku took one step back. Celipa tossed the ball on the floor and it sprang open. Bands of a glowing type of metal snaked up, wrapping around Goku's arms and legs. He tried to power up and escape but his eyes grew wide as he found out he couldn't raise his ki at all. Weakened he fell to the floor

Celipa rolled him over and straddled his chest. She trailed one finger over his mouth. "Married… would you mind if I called you Bardock instead?" She bit her lip, deep in thought. "That name seems to suit you better."

"Call me whatever you want." Goku struggled helplessly. "Just get this thing off me."

She purred and Goku ceased his struggling. There was something highly exciting about that sound. Goku did his best to drown it out.

Celipa shook her head. "Fine, tell me what you want me to call you?" She reached up to her shoulder and slowly unhooked her armor clasp. A wicked light danced teasingly in her black eyes.

"My name is Goku." The struggling continued. It was either resume it, or watch the toned body being revealed inch by slow graceful inch. That sound, her deep intoxicating purring was messing with his nervous system. It was like some one had flipped some sort of switch and Goku was coming alive and alight. Control, Goku, He whispered in his head. You must have control.

Celipa set the armor down next to her side letting it hit the floor with a gentle clank. "Goku." She mused "Goku. That is not a Saiyan name." She looked down at him "Although your tail is missing you obviously are Saiyan. Poor baby. What ever happened to you?"

Goku growled. "I can't talk about that with you." This was not what he had intended on happening. There seemed like little choice. If he did not give in to the tempest of desires eating at him, it was more than likely the woman would start asking more questions.

As if to prove to his point she frowned a bit. "Oh! You have secrets." She lay down on him, pulling at the one the clasps of his Saiyan armor. "Maybe I can convince you to fess up to me."

"Could you…" Goku was more trembling under Celipa than struggling for freedom. "… stop purring?"

She gave him a dazzling smile. "Is it getting to you?" Her hands were moving over his chest in slow deliberate strokes, as the volume level of her purring increased.

Goku let out a long deep primal growl in response. The dark eyes flashed as he realized that he had made that sound. Something about how she was touching, the way she smelled, just everything she did was totally stimulating to him in away he had never felt before. In his mind he wanted nothing more than to gain his freedom and flee the room, but in his body he wanted nothing more than to free himself and claim his captor. Well at least there was one thing agreed upon. He was getting free; he would debate the rest after he had her pinned under him. Pinned under him? Wouldn't he be half way out the door by then?

Some dark side of his subconscious just let out an evil mocking laugh. Really, what would it hurt? He lay there as she trailed kisses from his neck and over his chest. It was not as if ChiChi was alive at this time. So it was not actually cheating. What was he thinking! BAD GOKU! BAD! Trying to justify his actions. The lips opened and a hot tongue lapped at the straining muscles of his abs. Goku gasped and bucked his hips against her. This was getting harder and harder to control. A fine sheen of perspiration broke out on his body. The only thought repeating over and over was, just a little lower, OH, please. Just a little lower!

Celipa's hands latched themselves to his hips. They framed the expanse as she arched up gaining a better position before letting her fingers curl into the folds of his pants. With one fierce tug, she dragged them down and exposed the object of her desire. She paused for a moment her eyes widening as she studied the stiff erection before her. Looking up at him she smiled "If you think I am letting you out of here with weapon like that you are insane." She rested her head on his thigh and dragged one fingertip over the length as her eyes remained fixated. "Although I don't see what harm it can do once I get it unloaded."

Goku groaned as the warmth of her mouth took him in. the hot wet lips stroking over him. She seemed to take her time with this savoring each inch she took, leaving Goku in the midst of a haze. Goku had never felt so torn in his entire life. He knew what was right, the path he had always followed, and yet suddenly that road was disappearing before him and all he could see, not see, feel was the gentle tugging of this Saiyan woman's lips on his body. That had to be it. She was Saiyan. She was what he was meant to have. Goku's hand fluttered a bit, part of him not wanting him to move and remain detached. The other part took control though and even though the movement was hesitant, it flowed. The large hand rested on top of the bobbing head, and the lean fingers curled into the raven black hair. Moving his hand in encouraging rhythm.

A deep growling purr of male Saiyan satisfaction graced Celipa's ears. She lifted her eyes and was shocked to her core to see him staring down at her. Never in her life had she seen such a look. It was as if he had completely changed from the man she had dragged out of the bar. "You have changed your mind?"

Goku nodded. "You made one hell of an argument."

"So you want me now?" she rose over him. The large unbound breasts brushing over his chest. Goku did not answer at first, He merely lifted his hands to cup each breast and massage them gently in his hands. A look of raw desire on his face that lifted to her features with a slow nod. Every move her captive made bespoke that of an extremely powerful being. The thought was stimulating. Celipa was near giddy with the knowledge. What a fuck this was going to be. Somewhere deep in her, she shuddered wondering if she was ready for the creature she had unleashed. "Prove it to me." She licked her lips awaiting his answer.

Goku dropped her breasts and raised his arms to her. "Release me, and I will."

"Now that's not fair." Celipa frowned, suddenly taken off guard.

"These have drained my strength." Goku purred, leaning up and nibbled at the soft column of her neck. "How much more pleasurable is it for a Saiyan female to be with a powerful lover, than with a restrained one."

Celipa moaned tilting her head giving him better access. Oh, that silky voice, and coaxing lips were making her think less and less. Still, he had a point. It was worth the risk. Reaching down she freed him with a flick of a finger over the clasp.

Goku grinned and shoved Celipa from his body. Standing up he shook the restraints from his arms and unclasped his legs.

Celipa watched with a deep scowl set on her face. DAMN, here she was naked and aching for him and he was freeing himself completely when he should be pinning her to the floor and ravishing her, like the other Saiyan males of her experience.

Goku ran a hand through his hair and stood up to his full height, his dark shadow falling over the naked woman at his feet. She sat with her legs tucked back behind her. The lean arms that held her up were propped out behind her. The face upturned with the short hair falling unruly and rumpled from their previous encounters. What struck him most through was the disappointed anger in the large luminous eyes. Goku's eyebrow arched at her as he massaged his wrist, standing before her in all his naked aroused glory. "You don't think I am trying to escape do you?"

Celipa felt her jaw drop at his words. She had been certain that he was bound for the door. Before she could react to his words he dropped to his knees and grabbed her one visible ankle and pulled her roughly toward him. Goku moved over the small form dropping his face into the curve of her neck and breathing deep the tempting scent. Celipa gave a tiny cry as the hot breath fanned her ear just before the lips gently began moving over the delicate skin just below it. Wrapping her arms around Goku, Celipa let loose a seductive roll of laughter. This was going to be a very memorable experience. The ceiling was dark as she stared up holding her lover to her chest. Goku's arms reached around to trail over the velvety softness of her tail, and Celipa screamed and trembled in delight. The nails on her hands bit in leaving crescent shaped moon on his biceps.

Goku was purring loudly as he nuzzled the soft valley of her breasts. There was no need to rush things. After all Vegeta might take hours, and Goku had time to kill. Gently leaning her back to the floor Goku continued to move down over her body taking the same path that she had tormented him with earlier.

Celipa was so caught up in the sensations the she failed to notice his intent until Goku shifted his form and slipped his arms around her knees. With a gasp of realization she cried out. `W... W… What are you doing?"

The words were spoken with hot steamy breaths against the most tender parts of her anatomy sending waves of unyielding please scorching though her. "Only what you wanted me to." With that his tongue moved slowly over her.

Celipa fell back and shivered. He was good. Taking his time with her, dragging out her torment. Moaning, she clenched her eyes tightly and wondered if it was possible to keep this quiet warrior. Such men were rare, and this one would be a delightful new plaything.

**************************************************************** ********

Cauli placed her hand on the glass of the regeneration tank and peered in.

I thought it was supposed to be a simple mission for Bardock's crew?"

"That was what we had been told." The system operator shrugged adjusting more controls. "Bardock was attacked from behind." Looking at the panel the man added, "he did not sustain great physical injury, but his brain waves are still not stable yet. Once they are, I will pull him out of that tank and see how he is feeling."

"He will be fine." Cauli sighed. "I am sure of it."

"He would be a lot better of if you would just stay away from him." Toma stalked into the room and advanced on Cauli. She merely crossed her arms and stared at the intimidating warrior. "I doubt it will be very safe for him now that King Vegeta has figured out who sired that child you just gave birth to." Toma, who tried to slow his pace grabbed from behind Totepo, snarled.

"My life is my own." Cauli stepped away from the regeneration tank. The confident air radiated from her as she observed the two warriors. "I have no bond mark, therefore I am free to seek my satisfaction where ever I may choose."

"Well choose some one other than Bardock." Totepo sighed.

"Protective lot you all are." Cauli looked to the floor and then sighed. " I have decided to call my affair with Bardock off already. I have more pressing matters to attend to."

"So we heard." Toma nodded. "Why would King Vegeta send the Prince to Frieza? Did you do something to piss him off?"

"Please. If I could get a rise out of King Vegeta on my own, the affair with Bardock would have done it. No, Frieza suspects Saiyan mutiny. Taking Prince Vegeta was just a bit of insurance on his part." Cauli opened and closed her fist and snarled. "It will be a move I will see to it that he regrets."

"That is odd, since Frieza himself has just sent an order to Bardock and the rest of us to do special job for him. The details are sketchy but it seem unusually easy, in comparison to the other assignments we have had lately." Toma informed her, with a cool resolve.

Cauli's head shot up "Easy?" The look of distrust was shot to Toma.

"Calm down, this order came from Lord Frieza's ship or I would have been suspicious myself." Toma dropped a hand on her shoulder. "King Vegeta has not decided to do away with Bardock yet. Although your reaction makes me question where your loyalties lie."

Cauli scowled trying to suppress the urge to glance back at Bardock, here eyes straying a bit as she spoke. "I am dedicated to King Vegeta. I always will be."

Toma pulled back stunned. "You really do care for Bardock don't you?"

"I care for the third class not at all!" Cauli's slapped the hand from her shoulder and stormed to the door. "I love King Vegeta."

Toma laughed as she retreated from the room and walked over to the regeneration tank. "Damn Bardock!" Toma tapped the glass. "You sure know how to entrap the ladies." He looked over at Totepo who was messing with the settings on the tank. "Let those alone! You're going to screw something up!"

Totepo dropped his hands "I can't help it I am getting bored here."

"Come on, let's get the others." Toma glanced at Bardock "Take care my friend, we'll be back in no time." Leaning close to the glass he whispered "and you can pass along some words of advice about a certain woman for me."

**************************************************************** ********

Vegeta stared in shock as he read the current incoming mission log for Cauli, his mother. King Vegeta had planned this out very well. Mere hours from now Cauli was to be sent on a standard mission. Vegeta knew better than that, and had looked deeper. There were only about four people aside himself that knew of the real intentions.

Cauli was going to be taken off Vegeta-sei and placed in exile on a distant planet. King Vegeta was no doubt planning on going to war with Frieza and his men, and did not want his woman caught up in the battle. Placing her in hiding, a safe distance from the battle in a remote section of space. Vegeta could not suppress the shock and delight. It was possible! Very possible that Cauli could still be alive in his time. Once word reached the planet that Vegeta-sei had been destroyed she would never have been able to escape it to attack Frieza.

That settled it! Once he and Kakkarot returned to Earth he was going after her. Vegeta was determined to find out what had happened to his mother. There was suddenly a new purpose in his life. If she were alive he would return her to Earth with him so that she could meet her grandson. Vegeta smirked at the thought of Bulma's reaction. That would be entertaining. Well, if he had to put up with her scatter-brained parents she could handle one headstrong Saiyan woman.

Vegeta was pondering more on what Bulma would have to say, and what the reaction to his and Goku's new relationship as brothers would be. At least in this he would not be the one caught unaware. A sudden ki surge washed over him. The computers before him flickered and the monitors went to snow or flipped trying to maintain their pictures.

Vegeta tried to remain on his feet as he glanced around trying to understand what was happening. Only two beings where able to generate this sort of power, He knew with out any doubt this was not Frieza's dark ki signature. No it was Goku's! Why would Goku raise his ki like that? Vegeta gasped. There was only one reason that came to mind; Goku was under attack! Wasting no time Vegeta blasted through the roof. He had to get to him and fast!

**************************************************************** ********

Celipa was on her knees, bent over in front of her powerful new lover as he thrust into her with strong pounding strokes. She trembled and cried out as she was thrown forward by his renewed efforts to reach his peak. She sighed as he let out a loud roar and released in hot, molten spurts in side her. Celipa stared in a daze as the room filled with a blinding yellow light.

Goku's labored breathing was shaking his massive shoulders. He felt so exhausted and yet so totally alive. Celipa was lying before him; she rolled over to her back and smiled up at him. "You have so got to be here when I return from my next mission." Her eyes widening as she realized that it was a golden warrior before her. Speechless, she could do little more than stare.

Goku rubbed the back of his neck and mused, "I am not sure I can be." Then with a childish smiled he added "But I will try!"

The door burst open and Vegeta rushed into the room. Goku and Celipa stared in stunned silence. Vegeta took in the sight and his mouth dropped open. The he recovered himself. "BLAST YOU KAKKAROT! I told you to wait in the bar, and here I find you with a WOMAN!"

"You mean I was not allowed?" Goku stood up tilting his head.

Vegeta snorted looking away "I didn't say you weren't allowed. I just never suspected you would." Standing there he added "and for the love of Kami get dressed."

Goku pulled up his pants and hopped around trying to slide one leg into the tight fitting spandex. Celipa stared from the glowing warrior to the man that looked eerily like King Vegeta. She was not sure what was happening here. The look must have played over her face cause Goku turned to Vegeta and sputtered "Vegeta! You forgot your helmet!"

Vegeta snapped back around "My helmet! I am not the one who went Super Saiyan and started setting off scouters all over this planet! Now return to normal, before I beat you that way!"

Goku pulled his shirt over his head returning to normal "As if you could. " He gave Vegeta a big mocking grin.

Vegeta stalked out the door crossing his arms. "Don't make me try."

Goku picked Celipa up off the floor and set her on the bed. Pulling a blanket over her shoulders he knelt before her. "Listen I had a really great time and if I can get back to visit you some time I will." Looking over his shoulder he added hastily "But Vegeta gets agitated when I make him wait to long. So I gotta go now." Standing up he rushed out the door.

Celipa put one hand to her head and murmured "What did I drink at that bar any way?"

**************************************************************** ********

Cauli skidded to a halt. She was being followed. Ducking aside she watched as the two men came into sight. The guard from earlier was being followed by a third class Saiyan warrior.

"I can't believe you, Kakkarot! How could you just and do something like that." Vegeta stopped and looked at Goku coming up slowly behind him "Are you really that stupid! ACK BAKA!"

Goku gave Vegeta large apologetic eyes "Aw, come on Geta! You know how sorry I am. I was not thinking! Honest! It won't ever happen again."

Cauli watched as the two disappeared, frowning. "They really should have better security in this place." She stared at the two wandering off. Cauli failed to notice the man before her until she ran directly into him. Caught up by large hands on her arms she looked up.

"King Vegeta!" she frowned "What are you doing here."

King Vegeta's face was deadly serious. "I hear you went to see Bardock."

Cauli nodded. "I did."

"And you have yet to seen your new son." King Vegeta added. He looked down at her his dark eyes were deep. "I have seen him. Perfectly formed, but his power level is puny. I suspected so much more from you after you gave me Vegeta."

"There is no comparison in the child I bore for you and the one I made with Bardock." She smiled. She was pleased that he had been concerned enough to make the attempt to check on her new son. "I was not the reason Vegeta turned out so powerful" She drew her hand over royal armor that covered King Vegeta's chest. "You deserve all the credit for such a fine son."

" A son I handed over to Frieza without a thought about his safety. Or what he means and symbolizes to his people." King Vegeta sighed. "I spoke with my advisors. We are going to do a full out assault on Lord Frieza's ship in hopes of reclaiming him and defeating Frieza."

Cauli's eyes lit up. "I will fight at your side!" She spun around starting off down the hallway. "When do we leave?"

"We don't." King Vegeta grabbed Cauli's shoulder hauling her back. His other hand grabbed her tail and pulled it from her being. Cauli was as much in complete shock as she was in pain. She toppled over with a bloodcurdling scream into his arms.

When she recovered enough to lift her tear filled eyes she moaned "Why?" the look of fear and distrust etched on every facet of her features.

King Vegeta removed a bracelet from his arm and clasped it on her wrist. "This can not be removed by anyone other than myself. It has been imprinted with my genetic code. It bears the Saiyan royal crest and restrains your ki." Cauli was lifted into his arms and stared at the foreign object burning into her wrist and tearing away at her power. "I have made arrangements for you to be taken off Vegeta-sei and placed in hiding. If the Saiyan army wins, I will come for you. If we fall to Frieza, then you will be safely hidden away for the remainder of your days, to live in peace."

"I don't want to live in peace!" She cried out, hitting him with all she could muster. It amounted to little more than a tap. "I want to fight and die with you!" she kicked and raged in his arms "AND MY TAIL!! It will never grow again. Even if you were to win, I would never have the Saiyan Pride back without my tail! Why did you take it from me?"

"I loathed doing that to you, my love." King Vegeta started walking done the corridor his precious burden close against his heart. "Without it you can not transform under the full moon and therefore Frieza will never suspect that a Saiyan is on the planet I am sending you to. They are a peaceful, passive race. You will be very safe and very sheltered there. It will take a lot for you to adjust. But I know you can do it." King Vegeta entered a room where a few warriors stood, dressed and ready for departure by their pods. These warriors were also tail less and sober in their duty.

Cauli struggled as hard as she could against King Vegeta, until one of the men ran up to sedate her with a very small needle, small, but potent. She remained conscious but hung limp. She glared up at him with angry eyes as she mouthed quietly "I wont forgive this."

King Vegeta nodded "I never suspected you would." He set her personally in her pod and buckled her in. "Once I have the Queen secure you will leave immediately."

"Yes SIR!" the men all began departing to their pods.

Cauli blinked "Queen? I am not your Queen. You refused the bond."

King Vegeta was silent, as he made sure she was carefully latched into her space pod. After he finished he looked up at her. "I am King Vegeta, my word is law here and I say you are my Queen, bond or no bond." He sighed, "Before you go I want you to know, your son, the new one." He waited for her to nod in response. "I have noted that he was given a mission off planet this morning by one of the dispatchers. He will not be on Vegeta-sei for the battle either." King Vegeta leaned in to kiss her lips. "Prince Vegeta and your little Kakkarot will be safe from harm." He pulled back and closed the pod door.

Cauli's eyes widened. The gas for her suspended animation was drifting into the small space as a scene from moments before flashed through her head. There was a guard with a face like her king's. "I can't believe you, Kakkarot!" she choked on the gas and the image of the third class warriors voice drifted across her drugged mind "Come on Geta!"

Geta, Geta, had he meant Vegeta? It was not possible. Cauli's head fell to the side as she gave in to sleep. No it was not possible.

**************************************************************** ********

Vegeta stopped and turned. He watched Goku as he followed his Prince in the room. "Really, Vegeta, I tried to stay at that bar, they had really good food!" Goku started his speech yet again.

"I heard you the first thousand times, Kakkarot." Vegeta snarled. "I am not buying the fact that woman dragged you off for an afternoon of unbridled, rapturous sex! Not with a planet full of worthy Saiyan males for her to choose from."

Goku blinked. "Ya think?"

Vegeta choked and shook his head. Looking around he pointed to the regeneration tank before them. "Get in."

"But, Vegeta." Goku whined. "I'm not hurt! That doesn't make any sense."

Vegeta plowed his fist into Goku's stomach as hard as he could. Watching the larger Saiyan dropping to his knees, spitting up blood. "Does that solve your dilemma, Kakkarot?"

Goku's arms were wrapped tightly around his middle as he ground out "Ouch."

Vegeta hauled him up and pushed Goku into the tank. "This is the only place I can think to put you that I know you will stay!" Vegeta stated simply. "I have things to do yet before we can return to Earth. I don't need you distracting me." Closing the hatch he watched as Goku grabbed the mask and pulled it over his face to keep from drowning. "You'll be fine in there for the next few hours, Kakkarot"

Vegeta left the room, looking around to make sure no one saw him going, with a purpose in his step. Entering the launch bay he turned to a technician. "Which pod will the infant Kakkarot be using?"

The man pointed without looking up. "That one over here."

Vegeta walked over and knelt down, inspecting it with deadly precision. A low growl escaped him as he stood up. "You have got to be kidding me! This one has battle scars all over it! Its not fit for space travel."

"It's the only one we have available and beside he's nothing more the a low class Saiyan warrior, and an infant with no battle experience. It really doesn't matter if he makes it to the planet or not. We can send another planet purger out in a month if he fails to reach the destination point."

Vegeta's arms dropped to his sides. Was it possible that Saiyans really were that unfeeling? That he had once been like that? Damn, Bulma really had changed him. Next unlucky shmuck that called him unfeeling when he got back, was going to be in pain. With out a word to the other men around him he pulled the toolbox to the ship. What was he being reduced to? Fixing a Saiyan space pod for that low level baka. Disgusted he pulled out the necessary tools and began to work. Add another of Vegeta's many unknown skills to computer hacking. Once again he found himself wishing Bulma were there. He was really starting to miss that woman. How did he ever dare to call her worthless?

Shortly after he had begun to work he heard the sound of an away team coming into the launch bay.

"I am serious Toma!" Celipa scowled. "He was glowing and he called the other man Vegeta!" she shook her head and sighed "damned if he didn't look a lot like King Vegeta too!"

Toma reached out to feel her head "Are you sure you don't need the regeneration tank next to Bardock? You know you can sit this mission out."

Celipa glared at him as Panboukin snorted, "I would check my quarters if I were you, to see what they took after you were drugged."

"That's not funny!" Celipa opened her pod. "You just wait until we get back here! I am going to track that one back down. He was something special."

Toma glared and Totepo chuckled "Did this some one special have a name?"

"Yes." Celipa looked dreamy. "He called himself Goku." She climbed in her pod and shut the door.

Totepo nodded to Toma. "Now you know who to kill when we get back."

Toma nodded. "Thanks. I think I will."

Vegeta watched as the four pods took to the sky. He was not sure how long their mission would be, but there was one thing for certain. Kakkarot was not going to be here when they returned. Narrowing his eyes he got back to work.

**************************************************************** ********

The door came open and Goku leaned on the doorframe. Vegeta had shoved him in clothing and all. Stepping out he dripped all over the floor. At least his ribs felt better. There were sirens going off around him and he looked over to see someone pulling a man out of another tank. Goku blinked as he heard the name being shouted.

"Bardock? Bardock are you ok?" Goku stared as the other man nodded.

"Yea. What happened?" Bardock stepped out of the tank, his naked body gleaming under the artificial

Goku stared transfixed at the other man. This was his father. Then again, it was not hard to determine. The likeness was incredible.

Bardock pulled on his clothing and armor, and suddenly his head shot up. "Where is my crew any way? They are normally here when I get out of the tank."

The doctor clicked the dome switch shutting the two tanks. "They were dispatched on a mission without you. Toma dropped by to check on you right before he left, and so did Cauli. She was pretty worried about you."

Bardock smirked evilly "She would be. What did she have to say about the brat?"

Goku realized with sudden clarity that they were discussing him. Walking over he stood near them.

"She hadn't seen him. She was waiting on you."

Bardock nodded. "Well, my crew is on a mission. I am going to see if I can catch up with them." He grabbed his head and staggered a bit. Goku rushed over and supported Bardock as his knees buckled.

The doctor looked up. "You can hardly stand up yet, I really don't recommend you going at all." Then waving Bardock off he added. "But if you are set on going I know I cant stop you, so take some reinforcements.

Bardock forced himself to straighten despite the foggy haze in his mind. "That would be a nice idea, but who is going to give up their free leave to go on a mission around here?"

"I have nothing better to do." Goku said quietly, letting go of Bardock as he regained his balance.

Bardock turned questioning eyes on the man at his side. "And just who the hell are you."

Goku smiled. "I'm Goku!"

Bardock stared. Like that was supposed to solve all his problems. "Like I have any other choice." Bardock turned swiftly on his heel, bolting out of the room. "Come on, Goku."

Goku was excited by the idea that he and his father were going to fight side by side. This was really a great idea. He made a mental note to thank Korin and Vegeta. With out the two of them this would never have happened. Goku followed his father through the maze of twist and turns until they arrived at the pod bay. Things there were relatively quiet, considering the current circumstances.

Bardock rushed over to the flight chart and looked it over., talking for a short time to the flight crew technician. After a few moments he rushed over and jumped into his pod. Bardock pointed to the one next to him. "Take that one Goku. It's not currently in use and they won't need it back until tomorrow. So as long as you don't plan on dying, and have it returned by then, we're good."

Goku followed Bardock's lead and raced for the empty pod.

Vegeta pushed his way out from under the little pod at the end of the hanger, rubbing the grime from his face. He blinked as he noticed who exactly was running for the pods. "Kakkarot What do you think you are doing!"

Goku slid to a stop and stared at Vegeta. He knew what Vegeta was getting at and yet, he really didn't want to hear it. This entire trip was like some sort of wild dream. There was no way it could be ruined now. "Just a little mission with Bardock! I will be right back."

With that he dove in to the pod. Reaching over his head he hit the button that closed the hatch. As the door shut the last few inches Goku leaned to the side with a little grin and waved to the Saiyan Prince.

Vegeta tossed the tools he held in hands and let them go flying, as he climbed to his feet. Chasing down the pods as they roared to life and flew off. "I AM GOING TO KILL YOU KAKKAROT!!!! Vegeta powered up and blasted a nameless ki blast after Goku's ship. He knew it was already out of range. Huffing in frustration Vegeta damned the deity who made that man his blood, if not for that he would tear him apart, Super Saiyan or not.

**************************************************************** ********

Bardock stepped out of the crater that his pod had created checking his scouter. "Yup! They're still here." He looked as the other Saiyan walked over to him "Probably still celebrating."

Goku stared in horror. "This place is a mess."

Bardock clamped a hand down on the man's shoulder. "It's not that bad I have seen a lot worse. Don't worry they'll get the planet to bounce back after the new buyers get here." Taking to the air he headed off. "Follow me, they're this way."

Goku scanned the horizon. He had a very bad feeling about this.

Bardock stared at the fallen bodies of his crew "I don't understand" he rushed over to Toma and gently cradled the other man's head on his lap. "Toma! Who did this?"

Goku landed, a solemn look fixed on his features. There were several high level kis around them. Ducking his head he growled low in his throat. It seemed since he had arrived at this time, and spent time on his home world that his primal side had been slowly awakening. It was odd even now he felt the excitement in his body, just knowing that soon, very soon there would be a battle. The bad part was he did understand that he had to stay out of it. This was not something he should be interfering in.

Toma looked up weakly at his leader "It was Frieza, Bardock."

"Frieza?" Bardock choked out. "`But, why? After all we have done for him? We took on the missions that even his Elites were afraid to handle." He shook his head trying to come to terms with the fact that his best friend was dying in his arms. "I don't understand why he would do this to us"

"Because he is afraid!" Toma coughed. Reaching up he grabbed Bardock. "He is afraid that a Saiyan will rise up and become stronger than he is. We were already too strong, Bardock." Toma's grip loosened as he lay back. "Good luck, old friend. I am sorry that I can't…"

Bardock leaned over Toma holding the man's body to his chest. He was holding more than the man, he was holding in the pain and tears as his heart was breaking. "He was my best friend."

Goku clenched his fist as in his mind he saw Krillin being flung to the air and his loud cry of "HELP ME!" the irony that Frieza had caused his father the same pain washed over him like tidal wave. This was just so incredibly unfair.

A voice caught the two Saiyan's attentions "We got a really good fight from your crew Bardock!" They looked over to see a small band of Frieza's elites looking over at them. "You should have been there."

Goku watched as Bardock set his friend down. "You're right." His hand was saturating the scrap of white cloth he held with his blood. He raised the band and tied it slowly around his head. " I should have been"

Goku whispered low and in awe "Father." Even though no one but himself heard the word.

Bardock's attack was so sudden and vicious; Goku caught himself as he started forward wanting to take his place at his father's side. It was his place, and yet it wasn't. Closing his eyes, he used all the self-control he possessed to hold himself back. Was this where his father would meet his fate? DAMN, If Goku had known this he would never have come. He had just met the man and now, the thought of watching his demise tore at his very soul.

Bardock dropped warrior by warrior. Until he found himself staring at the bloody mess that rained from the sky. He looked at his out stretched palm that sill burned with the fierceness of his attack. "That was from my crew to you." Landing he breathed deeply and then his scouter went off. Turning slowly he saw Dodoria step out from his hiding place, that coward.

"It's such a pity isn't it Bardock?" He asked as he watched Bardock drop into a fighting stance.

"I will make you pay for what you did to my men." Bardock glared back.

"I don't think so. You see even as we speak Lord Frieza is on his way to Vegeta-sei to take care of his little monkey problem. All you know will soon be gone."

Goku gasped at the realization of what the pink blob was saying hit home. Vegeta-sei was going to be destroyed TODAY? This soon? But Vegeta was still there! He had to get back… Goku cringed as he realized what would happen if Vegeta was caught up in that explosion. BULMA WOULD KILL HIM!

Opening his mouth Dodoria let loose a fearsome attack.

Goku knew he shouldn't have moved, but he was unable to stop himself, rushing at Bardock he grabbed the older man and pulled him out of the way. They landed in the rubble and rolled a safe distance from their enemy.

**************************************************************** ********

The pod was fixed, and Vegeta was clean again. The time had come, and Vegeta pulled the child out of his crib. He walked down the hall with infant Kakkarot tucked safely under his arm. "You won't remember this will you." Vegeta growled. "No of course not when we meet again you will defy me and sic your friends and family on me. It's not like I really wanted to do anything that wrong either." he chuckled suddenly "Seriously." He pulled the baby up to look him deep in the eyes. "What's wrong with wanting to be immortal, blow up the earth, and rule the universe? Can you tell me that?"

The baby scowled at Vegeta and started crying. To which Vegeta impatiently clamped his hand over the brat's mouth. "It doesn't work for Trunks, is sure wont work for you."

Vegeta walked past the two technicians that were on duty. Leaning in he set Kakkarot in his pod. "This one is a go."

"All right, Let's move him out."

Vegeta turned and walked away. He had done everything else. These guys could launch the brat to space. Right now he was going to get some food and wait for Goku to return from the mission. Then it was back home to the future. What came after that, he saw a vision of his mother floating before his eyes, he was not entirely sure.

**************************************************************** ********

Bardock climbed out of his pod. He had to do something. There was no way he was going to stand back and wait for Frieza to destroy the planet. He did not even wait for Goku to climb out of the pod behind him as he took off running.

Goku tried to pull free of his seat belt type fastenings. Why did they always make these things so complicated! He looked out the tiny window to see Bardock rushing off. "Damn it Dad, you're in no condition. Your going to get your self killed." Goku froze for a moment in his struggles and thought of Gohan. Was this how his son felt most of the time? Naw, Goku never put Gohan through such torment. Not wasting anymore time Goku blasted free of the ship. The techs around him looking on with shocked amazement as he rushed into the palace following Bardock's lead.

"DAMN YOU BARDOCK!" Goku raced after him right past the cafeteria doors where Vegeta was merrily munching on the most appetizing meal he had tasted since his arrival here. It was amazing what starvation would do for your taste buds. He looked up to see Goku rushing past shouting "COME BACK HERE!!!"

Vegeta stood up so fast his food went flying about the room. Jumping on the table he ran in pursuit of the third level baka. "YEA!! What you said!" Vegeta dashed out of the room and looked around. Kakkarot had disappeared again. This was not the time for games. Vegeta reached out sensing for his ki. Finding it he took off after him. Vegeta was determined; he was only one large, stupid Saiyan away from home. There was no way he going to lose him now.

The force of so many strong kis around him was almost like a roar in his head. Vegeta skidded to a stop as he realized that one was his father. King Vegeta was in close combat at that very moment. "No." Vegeta shook his head. He could sense Frieza not far from his father and knew what was about to take place. Raising his fist to the sky he shouted "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" raising his ki he did his best to block out that final attack. Huffing he crawled from the floor. "Blast you Kakkarot. Let's get the hell out of here, we don't have much time."

Bardock stood at the highest tower of the Palace and looked out at the Space ship heading toward his mother planet. How many other races had felt that way while watching his pod approaching. He was filled with self-loathing. There was only one way to make this right. He knelt down before springing upward in his all or nothing charge.

Goku came to the doorway in time to see his father launching into the sky. He ran to the edge of the balcony and held on to the railing. What was Bardock doing? He looked up and immediately recognized the space ship as Frieza's. There was no way! No way that Bardock stood even the ghost of a chance. Goku powered up and shot forward following his father. As he cleared the ground his leg was grabbed in a firm commanding grip. Goku looked down to see Vegeta staring at him. "What are you doing? Let go of me."

"Kakkarot." Vegeta said simply.

"He is charging Frieza, Vegeta." Goku looked back up at his father being engulfed in an army of Frieza's men. "He doesn't stand a chance."

"I know that." Vegeta shook his head. "Only a few moments ago I felt my own fathers ki go dead at his hand. I know exactly what you are feeling." Goku floated down to stand next to Vegeta defeated. "There is nothing we can do, Kakkarot."

Goku sighed and nodded, looking up to see Frieza emerging from his ship. "He didn't lie to us." Vegeta scowled as he watched the scene unfolding to Goku's words. "He destroyed the planet just as he said." The universal tyrant was powering up and Goku reached over and set his hand on Vegeta's shoulder. "Have you seen enough, Vegeta?'

"More than enough Kakkarot." Vegeta looked over at his brother. "Let's go."

The two men Instant Transmissioned as the planet Vegeta met its fate, just as it was destined to do at the hands of Frieza. There was one thing both men knew as they left and that was just who would get the last laugh.

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Vegeta stood with his hands in his pockets. Father's Day had come and gone. Gohan and Trunks were playing in the yard as he looked on. Behind him Bulma and ChiChi were yelling loudly at each other as the meal was being prepared. The woman had been delighted with his attentiveness since the return. She had been so happy with "What ever Goku has done…" that she had set up this little get together. To her shock and everlasting surprise Vegeta had not objected in the least.

Goku rushed over and swung Trunks up in his arms and held him out of Gohan's reach setting the lavender haired boy on his large shoulders. Vegeta debated at the moment, just telling Goku what he knew. It was odd the way he played with the children as if he was one of them.

"It's time to eat!" Bulma shouted over to them.

Gohan turned and ran for the house. Goku walked over and handed Trunks to his father. "You have been very silent since we returned Vegeta. Is there something bothering you?"

Vegeta scowled "If I say Yes, Promise me you wont try to fix it."

Goku laughed and nodded. "Ok. I promise. Out with it."

"While we were on Vegeta I discovered something about my mother." Vegeta looked down at his son making sure his eyes did not meet Goku's. "She's possibly still alive."

"YOUR MOM!" Goku shouted, "Are you sure?"

"Not entirely. I am planning to go to space to find her, Kakkarot." Vegeta looked up. "I have already told the woman about it."

"That's incredible, Vegeta" Goku smiled "If you need any help let me know. Man. I love space travel."

"Good, you can come along."

The End