Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ In the Control Seat ❯ Consulting Vegeta ( Chapter 9 )

Disclaimer: I don’t own Dragon ball Z or GT. Akira Toriyama does. This is fan fiction.

After Gohan and Videl untangled themselves they made their way into the shower. Gohan sat on the nearby back ledge, watching as his wife lathered soap down her back. He suppressed the urge to take her again, rather choosing to reach up and scrub her back with a natural sponge. Both spoke quietly about what Gohan had experienced.

"Gohan, could you communicate with Pan again since you did it once?" asked Videl, looking over one shoulder.

"I suppose I could try. But there's no guarantee she's in shape for another attempt," Gohan started, and then bit off his words. Videl sighed and Gohan wrapped his arms around her from behind. He pressed his pelvis to her butt, hoping to reassure her with his presence.

"Well why not try with your own dad?" Videl asked.

"Dear, you've got a definite point. But if he's occupied with helping them I don’t' want to distract him," Gohan shook his head.

"Well then why not ask Vegeta about those creatures?" Vide said, spinning around in his arms. She took the soap and rubbed his handsome chest. Gohan smiled fondly at his wife and mate. It seemed like a logical thing.

"Well I suppose it can't hurt. Information is always valuable. But I have to approach Vegeta in the right way," said Gohan quietly.

"Why not go spar with him? Give him the chance to kick your ass," Videl grinned. "I mean it always worked with us."

"Good point. And you could come with me?"

"Yes under the guise of visiting Bulma," said Videl. "And try and calm her down if she gets too worried. Too bad the communication's out."

"Yeah," Gohan murmured. "Thank you Honey. You really came through on this one."

Both of them shared a kiss, and then Videl stepped back. Gohan again pouted, then saw Videl's knowing wink. "Sweetheart I'm only pulling back because if you get going again we'll never get out of this shower!"

"How true," Gohan nodded, letting his wife finish washing off. Hastily he soaped himself down, as she slid the shower door open and exited. He couldn’t keep his eyes off her perfect ass and back, watching the droplets of water rolling down. Shaking his head he tried to focus on the matter at hand. Rutting was stress relief but the worry over their daughter quickly quashed any notions. Now was the time for action, what little they could do.

Even if nothing came of this, at least he'd know what Vegeta did. That is if Vegeta remembered out of the thousands of worlds he had purged over the time he served Freeza. Although Gohan loathed asking Vegeta, he knew Videl was right. Besides his own curiosity needed satiation. Quickly he finished rinsing off and turned off the shower. Gohan snatched a towel and wrapped it around his body. He took two steps over to where Videl was picking up the hairdryer and brush to tackle her long locks.

"Allow me," Gohan urged, stepping up. Videl had already wrapped a towel around herself, hitching it at the armpits. She turned when her husband gently placed hands on her shoulders and smiled.

"Gohan, what are you up to?"

"This," Gohan said with a mischievous grin. Ki surged over them both like a warm wave. Videl yelped in surprise as the water evaporated from her like steam and her hair started to dry.

"Gohan, easy does it! You don't want my hair to frizz!" she warned him.

"Just enough to leave it damp," Gohan nodded, narrowing the focus of his ki to only dry her skin and his, yet leave her hair still mostly wet. Videl turned and gave him a quick kiss after she set down the hairdryer. Then he followed his wife out of their en suite bathroom towards their closet. She had slid open the door, and started to rifle through racks of clothes while Gohan darted around her to search through the neatly folded piles.

"You probably should just go in your gi, sweetheart," Videl said, letting her towel drop. She slid a bra on, reaching around to snap the hooks.

"It won't take long to change," Gohan said, already working his way into a button up shirt.

"Gohan trust me. Vegeta wont' warm up to you if he thinks you’re the Professor. He wants you just as you are. As the guy who really beat Cell," Videl called over his shoulder. Gohan stopped and sighed.

"But Videl..."

"Think about it. He doesn't like the fact you've slacked off your training, remember," Videl reminded him. "And this is proof of it. And I've let you slack off too... and I'm sorry about that."

"Videl, I like my life as it is," Gohan grumbled, his brow furrowing cutely. Videl slipped on another blouse, reaching for a skirt to coordinate with it. After stepping into it she zipped it up and walked over to stand by her husband.

"Please honey, you can't hide from me. You know I'm right. Since when did I ever discourage you from doing what you wanted?" Videl asked him.

"Never," Gohan said softly, as Videl handed him an orange and blue bundle. He sighed, taking the garments in his hands hesitantly.

"And don't use your mom as an excuse, buster. If she gives you crap I'll kick her butt for you," Videl winked, leaning up to kiss his cheek.

"All right you win," Gohan sighed, letting his gi drop to the end of their bed. He reached for a weighted blue training shirt, hiking it over his head.

"That's my love," Videl smiled with pride. She cursed herself for not insisting he continue his training because she had become used to their life. It was all well and good for her to play superhero and let her husband be a quiet scholar. Yet she felt responsible for not pushing him to question his motives as complacently carrying out his mother's wishes.
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A short time later, Gohan and Videl landed in the front yard of the huge dome of Capsule. Bulma had expanded the complex in the many years she had taken over as CEO and Trunks as president. Naturally in his absence she had taken over, but he wasn’t surprised to see the door of a limo open and a green suited figure stepping out.

"Hello Bra!" Videl waved.

"Hi! What brings you two here? I haven't seen you in ages," Bra waved, striding up as her secretary carried a briefcase and coat. She snapped off her cell phone and regarded Gohan with a question in her eyes.

"I've come to spar with your dad," Gohan answered quickly.

"Hey, not my call," Bra waved her hands. "Videl, I see you like the new clothing line still."

"I wear it in good health," Videl smiled back, going over to hug the young heiress. She was smart in that two piece power suit, Gohan nodded. He gave her an embrace as well, kissing her cheek. The three of them walked towards Capsule, Videl and bra mostly chatting while Gohan led the way.

Once inside the main house bra excused herself and they were alone in the main sitting room. Only a few minutes later Bulma wandered in wearing her coveralls and hair in a disheveled mess. Seeing Gohan and Videl she rushed over.

"Oh what a surprise! It's been ages! You two holding up okay?"

"Hi Bulma," Gohan smiled fondly, hugging her. She was like an aunt to him, and Videl kissed her friend's cheek in greeting after a pleasant hug.

"Bulma we just thought we'd drop by. Gohan here thought..."

"I wanted to have a spar with Vegeta," Gohan said. Bulma blinked at him with a look of surprise.

"I'm sure you'll know where to find him..."

"Well well, this is a surprise," Vegeta's aristocratic voice interrupted. Gohan turned to see the prince himself wearing black spandex shorts and a towel draped around his neck. His body glistened with a sheen of sweat, and Gohan felt even though he towered head and shoulders over the other Saiyan he was still short.

"Vegeta," Gohan nodded to him.

"Coming to your senses, boy? It's been far too long. I won't hold back on you though," Vegeta grunted as he glanced at Gohan's training gi.

"Why don't we have some tea and catch up!" Bulma said as she grabbed Videl's arm and the two wandered off. Vegeta grunted, turning his back to Gohan and striking the other way. Gohan fell into step behind him without a second thought. He only stopped to glance at Videl giving him the thumbs up on the way out.

Following Vegeta he entered the vast gleaming metal space that was Vegeta’s enhanced GR. Bulma had constructed it before the Majin Buu affair and Vegeta had spent many a year training to his maximum level and beyond. Now he and Vegeta stood at some distance apart. He watched as Vegeta pulled on his blue spandex, then donned his armored breastplate. Then the Prince stood with one hand held before his head and the other behind him, body crouched and head facing slightly up.

“Now, fight me, Gohan. Earn the privilege to speak to me,” Vegeta taunted.

“how do you know why I’m here?”

“It’s written all over your face. Now…” Vegeta laughed. Suddenly he launched himself towards Gohan and the Mystic had to ward off the sudden rain of blows falling on him.

*-*-*-*-*--*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*

A half hour later they were still assaulting one another at full force.

"Soaring dragon STRIKE!" Gohan shouted. Gold ki blazed around his form, and he streaked like a comet towards the levitating Vegeta.

"Gallet GUN!" Vegeta shouted, lightening wreathing around his form. Gohan dodged around the indigo beam, easily spiraling in a course to avoid it.

"HAAAAH!" Gohan growled, swinging around. His hand cocked back, tossing a small sphere of ki towards the prince. Vegeta then phased out, and appeared above the levitating Gohan. His fists rose up, as he dove and slammed a hammer blow towards Gohan.

Gohan dodged around, blocking the blow with crossed arms. He then swung up his knee to kick. They volleyed punches, neither getting close to the other. Gohan shot back, as Vegeta curled around himself and generated a sphere of ki radiating outwards.

Blue energies flared. Gohan squeezed his eyes shut, relying on his own ki sense instead to sense where Vegeta was. He then dropped to the ground, pressing his hand to his head. Vegeta's blasts peppered around him and Gohan blocked them with his other hand. Then he aimed his finger towards Vegeta, lightening crackling around his forehead.

"Special beam CANNON!" Gohan shouted. Vegeta blinked, not expecting such an attack but smirked at the attempt at novelty.

"Not good enough, Gohan," Vegeta snickered. His right fist shot out, followed by his left in a rapid succession, hurling small ki spheres like a machine gun volley. As Gohan's beam sizzled past them Vegeta then phased various places, hurling ki blasts left and right around the Mystical super Saiyan.

Gohan then phased out, and the two slammed blows into one another. Vegeta's glove only touched the demi's elbow and then the Prince was resorting to more energy attacks. Gohan marshaled his power, rather using physical blows instead. A flattened palm slammed toward Gohan's head and he ducked to the side. Caching Vegeta's knee he then whirled around and snapped the prince up. Then a blast sizzled up, which Vegeta narrowly knocked aside.

Still both knew the other was playing. "So Gohan, are you ready to stop this messing around and give me a real workout?"

"Depends Vegeta, on if you answer my questions or not?"

"This isn't a debate Gohan. Unless you think you can talk and fight at the same time. A challenge I find mildly amusing for a boring day," Vegeta answered.

"All right Vegeta, what do you know about the Quetzalcoatl..." Gohan asked, phasing out.

Vegeta's eyes widened and he exclaimed, "What?"

Gohan's elbow slammed into his back, knocking the prince towards the GR floor. Vegeta landed heavily on his feet, glaring up at Gohan as he spanned his arms out. Energy crackled around each gloved fist and Vegeta was wreathed in intense gold energy as he ascended.

"You do remember them don't you?" Gohan asked.

"Final..." Vegeta growled. Then bringing his palms together he hurled a blistering white hot ball towards him.

"I guess that's an answer of a kind," Gohan muttered, crossing his arms in front of his head. "MASENKOOO..."

"FLASH!" the Prince roared, his energy blasting in a tightly focused cone. Gohan's own beam thrust against it and caught the brunt of its force.

"Vegeta! Please you have to tell me what you know!" Gohan shouted.

"That's NONE of your business Gohan. How in hell do you even KNOW about that?" Vegeta growled angrily. His energy attack ceased and he glared angrily at Gohan.

"Because Pan told me, Vegeta. And she and Trunks are in danger because of it!" Gohan answered.

"That's ridiculous! No way had any of them survived!" Vegeta snapped, phasing close to Gohan. He backhanded the Saiyan, only to have Gohan grab his wrist tightly.

"Vegeta... Trunks is in danger! Listen to me!" Gohan shouted, twisting the Prince’s wrist around. Vegeta angrily snapped his arm and then followed through with a sharp kick to Gohan's gut.

Gohan slammed into the floor, rolling over. He brought up his hands to stop Vegeta's next blow and the two Saiyans glared menacingly at one another. Vegeta's hand crackled with energy as his other was caught by Gohan's hand pressed to his face. Then he dropped his Super Saiyan aura and released Gohan. He stepped back and glared at Gohan from a distance. . His gloved hand shot out, grabbing the front of Gohan's gi, before yanking the demi to his feet.

"All right you have my attention Gohan. Just how in the seven Hells did you hear about them, and what the fuck does it have to do with my son?" Vegeta demanded.

“Your past is coming back to haunt you, Vegeta. And Trunks is paying the price for it,” Gohan answered firmly. He showed no fear of Vegeta, rather a sadness and regret in his deep dark eyes. Ironically they were the same color as the Princes, but with a far different aspect.
*-*-*-*-*--*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*

While the men dueled, Bulma and Videl had first visited Bulma’s lab to see her new inventions. Even though she was the CEO of capsule she still enjoyed tinkering in her spare time. Then they had returned to the kitchen. A partition divided the kitchen area from the breakfast table, where two mugs of hot coffee sat steaming away. Both of them sat opposite one another, Videl facing the kitchen division while Bulma sat with her back to it.

“I’m surprised to see you convinced Gohan to show up in gi at all. What did you do to twist his arm?” Bulma teased, sipping at her coffee. Both mugs and the ceramic carafe were decorated with small capsule corps logos. They matched the china plates set neatly before them. A bot floated in with trays laden with multiple éclairs and other tasty treats.

Videl swirled her mug, emblazoned with the ‘genius at work’ logo. “Would you believe a hot shower and some steamy sofa sex?”

“You two are so adorable even after 20 years,” Bulma giggled, reaching out to grab a creampuff from the bot’s tray.

“Well we try,” Videl answered. She glanced meaningfully up at Bulma, her blue eyes questioning and waiting for Bulma to ask.

“What was the real reason behind you guys dropping by?” Bulma asked.

“Well, Gohan said he heard Pan… and well…”

“Wait, HEARD PAN?” Bulma gurgled, pressing her hand before her mouth. Coffee dribbled down her chin and she grabbed a napkin Videl handed her.

“That was my reaction, Bulma. I know that Gohan worked on telepathy with her as a child, but I didn’t think it would work from so far away,” Videl said, dabbing her cheek.

“Maybe with mates… but not with father and daughter. And if so, why would Goku have heard it?” Bulma coughed, pounding her chest.

“Gohan explained it was because of his Kai training. That’s why he wanted to come ask Vegeta what he knew about a race of beings called…” Videl began to explain. Bulma leaned across the table, frantic.

They both continued to sip at fresh cups of coffee while Videl continued her account of Gohan’s experience. Bulma listened intently, only pausing to ask questions about Trunks involvement. Two empty sandwich plates soon sat in front of either woman, refilled twice by the house bots.

“So,” Bulma said, pouring darker brew from her carafe into her mug. “Trunks really got into it this time.”

“Gohan’s sure that they’re not in too much danger, with Goku. But still… its worse to know what’s going on then hearing nothing, you know,” Videl commented, holding her own mug out for Bulma to top off. She added 2 spoons of sugar to lighten her own brew. The spoon clinked lightly against the crockery as she stirred it.

“I’m just as worried as you are, Videl,” Bulma reached over to grasp her hand. “But don’t worry. Trunks will take good care of her.”

“Gohan said that. But I’m more worried about those poor aliens who were stupid enough to capture them,” Videl giggled.
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Still holding his hand over his head Vegeta gripped a fistful of Gohan’s shirt to dangle the young Saiyan above. Even though this put him at a higher level than Vegeta, the impact was the same as if Vegeta were glaring at him from a great height. There was a disparity in their positions now regardless showing Vegeta’s royal status.

Vegeta then lowered Gohan to the floor, and released his shirt. Gohan dropped to his knees before the Prince and made no effort to stand. Rather he continued to kneel there, and inclined his head so his eyes did not meet Vegeta’s. The sign of deference caused Vegeta’s ki to steady in its intensity, and he lost the golden sheen of his Super Saiyan form.

“Look me in the eye, Gohan. And tell me everything you know,” Vegeta answered, his voice cold and devoid of emotion.

“Here or elsewhere?” Gohan asked.

“It doesn’t matter. Tell me now,” Vegeta commanded.

“I have certain abilities the Kais trained me in, that I didn’t develop over the past few years,” Gohan began, rubbing at the back of his head. A red mark had formed on the back of Gohan’s neck because of the cloth biting into his skin a second ago. Now he eased the shirt down and tucked it back into place.

“Make it simple, Gohan. And direct. I’m not a patient Prince right now,” Vegeta chided him.

“I got a telepathic message from Pan earlier today. And she was screaming for help,” Gohan said, coming to the point.

“Unexpected, but impressive,” Vegeta murmured. “I figured the girl had the requisite power. Yet to cross a universe and send her thoughts that distance…”

“I was really surprised too. I asked her if…”

“Show me,” Vegeta answered. He tugged off his white glove, and then revealed his hand underneath. Soft skin touched Gohan’s forehead as Vegeta pressed his palm there. Instinctively Gohan knew what he had to do, and focused his thoughts. As Goku had read Krillin’s mind long ago on Namek Vegeta absorbed the thoughts that Gohan now organized for his perusal.

For only five minutes it seemed that Vegeta stood there with his hand on Gohan’s head, his eyes shut. Gohan breathed deeply, his mind clear and calm with its mental viewing, knowing the Prince would only look where he was permitted. He felt Vegeta’s mental probes reaching out with detached efficiency, only sifting what Gohan showed him.

“Enough,” Vegeta grunted. Gohan opened his eyes and raised his head to look into Vegeta’s dark eyes. They were filled with disdain and disgust, but Gohan knew he wasn’t the target, rather the beings who had kid napped Trunks and Pan.

“You know them don’t you?” Gohan asked.

“Indeed I do. They call themselves Quetzalcoatl. At least that is the closest equivalent in earth language. They fought back, but my scouter had seen a few escape. But since they were such cowards to run than meet their fate as proudly as the others, I thought them beneath my notice.”

“And Freeza just let you let them get away? Why? That doesn't sound his style at all,” Gohan asked.

“Humph, Freeza had a more important assignment for Nappa and I. He was going to send lower class soldiers to ferret the survivors out in time figuring they had sought another world that could be colonized later,” Vegeta explained. “My duty was not chasing vermin.”

“And what of Trunks and Pan?” asked Gohan.

“My son and your daughter can handle this matter, though Kakkarot as usual will steal all the credit for himself. I worry more for the pathetic fools foolish enough to capture a Saiyan Prince,” Vegeta laughed harshly.

“So what do you propose we do?”

“Nothing. But wait and see if they make contact again,” Vegeta answered, glancing down at Gohan. “And as for you, I’d return to training as you have seen fit to do. And spar with me more often.”

“That’s it then?” Gohan nodded.

“Do you think your daughter incapable of such a cowardly foe? How little faith you have in her warrior abilities. I thought you would know better Gohan. I expect that your mother would place little priority on the martial arts, but not you. But I shouldn’t be so surprised since you’ve all but turned your back on training,” Vegeta snorted.

“I do care Vegeta,” Gohan protested.

“Then do her the honor of trusting in Trunks and her as you said you would. And leave this matter to them,” Vegeta answered.

***