Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ This Time Imperfect ❯ Crash Landing ( Chapter 6 )

“This Time Imperfect”

Chapter 6

 

..

 

……

 

I thought the crash landing had been a dream and that I was still drifting through space in Ginyu's space pod. But at some point while unconscious, the pod malfunctioned and thankfully had done so within the gravitational field of the planet Yardrat. Even if the chances of surviving the crash were nil, I would've chosen it over a cold death in the vacuum of space.

 

When I finally came to, there were 6 purplish-pink aliens with big eyes looking down at me much in the same way they had the day I first arrived. (My memory is still a little foggy so I can't recall much else).

 

I rubbed the sleep from my eyes. “Wh-?”

 

The Yardrats chattered excitedly amongst themselves, which didn't sound like much other than tongue clicking and whistles. I lay in confusion, my mind straining to comprehend what they were saying.

 

“Guh.. Where am I? What happened? Who are you people?” I could feel myself starting to panic because the last thing I remembered was being super saiyan and narrowly escaping Namek's destruction. And… and…then what?

 

`How did I get here? What happened to the pod? How long has it been? Who are these weird people? Do they work for Freiza?' My body tensed, ready to spring into action at a moment's notice.

 

The chattering immediately silenced as I was suddenly overcome with an inexplicable sense of calm. The oddly clothed aliens stepped away to make a path for someone and and elderly woman's voice began speaking clearly in my mind, `You're among friends, Son Goku.'

 

A being dressed in simple white robes approached my bedside. She looked much like the others, bald head, purple-pink skin, large eyes and a small slit for a mouth. There was something different about her though. Maybe it was her ki, which was remarkably stronger than theirs.

 

She smiled and gave a respectful bow, `My ki is indeed different. I possess a power of a seer or what your people would call, a shaman or witch doctor.' She adjusted the white shawl around her shoulders and sat in a chair that one of her people provided her.

 

“Oh,” was all managed to say.

 

She chuckled wryly and took my hand. I was surprised at the strength of her three-fingered grip despite how old she looked. `It's beenapproximately three weekssince you crashed but we've taken good care of you.'

 

“I've been unconscious that long?”

 

She nodded.`We induced you into a coma so that you could heal faster. We're glad to see you awake and in better health.'

 

“…and how come you're talking to me in my head and not with your mouth?”

 

`I'm afraid our vocal cords are far too underdeveloped to form your human/saiyajin dialect. My people are telepathic. We can read minds and gather our information in such a way. We've learned your language by scanning your mind as you slept so that we can better communicate with you.'

 

“Saiyajin… How do you?”

 

`We know everything there is to know about your people. Very little information ever escapes us. We're very aware of the races that thrive in this universe especially of the icejin you call Freiza…'

 

The tension returned and I fisted the sheets. “Then you know about what happened to Planet Namek?”

 

She nodded, wrinkling her brow. `We know. Such a tragedy… The lives that Freizahas claimed over the decades...' She sighed heavily and lowered her gaze. `We're lucky we never suffered his wrath but we mourn the loss ofPlanetNamekand many of its belovednatives.'

 

She dabbed the corners of her eyes with the edge of her shawl. `I knew severalof the village eldersand I was a personal friend of the grand elder Guru, may his soulrest in peace…' She gripped my wrist,`But you, Son Goku! You were there. I sensed the presence of your followers that eventually brought forth the great Porunga and Earth's Shenron. You were able to save those who still lived… You are as courageousas you are wise, young saiyan. I can only hope that your progeny will inherityour strengthand good nature. This universe needs more peoplelike you.'

 

I smiled, “I appreciate the complement.”

 

`Dear me,' she cried. `Here I am discussing such serious matters and I haven't even introduced myself!'

 

“I don't mind,” I chuckled and gave her hand a tender squeeze.

 

The smile returned to her face, `Well,allow me to begin again. Welcome to the peaceful planet Yardrat. I am Zeniba, the elder of my village. You will come to familiarize yourself with the others during your stay here… You still have a ways to go before it is safe to return to Earth. But fear not, the ship you came in is being repaired. It's a tedious task but it should be completed in three to four month's time. Till then, you should rest and save your strength for the little one…after all, you nearly lost him in the crash.'

 

“That's alright. A few months doesn't bother me. I'm just thankful y-…..” I froze, unsure as to whether I'd heard her right or not. “Wait, little one? What do you mean little one? I was alone wasn't I?” I scanned the room suspiciously.

 

The chattering began again and Zeniba raised her hand to silence them. `You don't know?'

 

“Know what?”

 

She lowered her hand to rest it upon my middle, patting it affectionately. `Look and you'll see for yourself.'

 

I looked down and could hardly believe that what I saw belonged to me but there it was, like a small hill, rising and falling with every breath I took. Okaaay, I'd seen this before somewhere or rather, on someone… `Chichi…her stomach had gotten huge when she was… p-pregnant with…'

 

The hairs at the nape of my neck prickled as the thing I was seeing began to sink in. The pressure I'd felt at my waist wasn't my imagination. I didn't think much of it when I woke up because I thought that meant I needed to pee soon. I was too busy talking to Zeniba ….

 

“I'm…I'm…WHAT IS THAT?!” I shouted in disbelief.

 

She giggled, making light of my situation, `I wasn't aware that you didn't know. When I scanned your memories I was under the assumption that you knew that you couldcarry. Yes, Goku… What you see is not your imagination. You have my sincerest apologies, this must be quite a shock…'

 

I kicked off the covers, “THE HELL IT IS!”

 

The room erupted in flurry of shrieks and clicks, the gathering of Yardrats startled by my outburst. One of them (I'm assuming female) covered her eyes. Another hid his/her child behind her.

 

Zeniba sat stoically in her chair but the others retreated several steps just to be safe.

 

I stared at myself in all my naked glory to discover that I had a belly half the size of a basketball and now that it had my attention I could feel it inside me. There was life. I wonderingly ran my hand over my stomach and recoiled as if shocked, not expecting to feel the tiny ki respond with an eager pulse.

 

“B-But…how can you be so calm? How did this happen to me?!”

 

`I think you know,' she tittered.`There's only one person who you've been intimate withrecentlyand it takes two willing partners to create life.'

 

Heat rushed to my face. `Vegeta….' I looked away in embarrassment, unable to stop the memory of what we did on Freiza's ship from replaying itself.

 

“But I'm a guy,” I whined pathetically, my lip stuck out in a full out pout.

 

The female who'd hidden her eyes cackled and the others nervously followed suit and I knew my face was getting redder by the minute.

 

“It's not funny!”

 

Zeniba covered her mouth to stifle her own giggles. `We'reonly laughing at your reaction… You're pregnant and you act as if it's the end of the world!'

 

She waved her hand again to hush them and the group went obediently still.

 

“But I'm a guy,” I said with all the seriousness I could muster.

 

`Certainmales of your species can produce children just as easily as females can. You can't help what god made you. I'm just sorry that you weren't aware of your lineage until now.'

 

I coiled my tail loosely around my waist though it was harder to do since I was no longer `trim' in that area. Regardless of the fact, I was glad for its presence since it was the only thing that felt normal about me. I drew the covers up to conceal my privates and shakily rubbed my belly.

 

The baby pulsed again, stronger than before.

 

`What'm I gonna do?' I thought with mounting dread.

 

My only reply was a fierce growl from my empty bowels. I grinned guiltily, rubbing the back of my head. “Heh…wow, I've been asleep so long! I'm starving!”

 

Zeniba nodded, `Then I think we should all break for lunch and I'll have something brought to you to wear.'

 

The Yardrats resumed chattering and filed out of the room to go about their daily tasks save for a small one (the one who was being hidden behind her mother earlier) that remained.

 

`Zeniba?' a young girl's thoughts broadcasted.

 

`Yes child?'

 

`Can I stay and keep you and the visitor company?'

 

I smiled, thinking that by the sound of her she could not have been much older than Gohan. “'course you can stay!” I said before Zeniba had a chance to reply. “I like meeting new people.”

 

The corners of Zeniba's eyes crinkled as her smile widened. `It seems that your question has already been answered.' She got up from her seat and smoothed the wrinkles from her robe. `You may stay for as long as Goku would like to have you but don't forget that you have chores to attend to.'

 

The child nodded energetically and looked back at me. `So your name's Goku? Mine's Neesha.'

 

Zeniba grasped the child's shoulder, `I'll see to finding Goku some clothes. You have the responsibility of caring for our guest until I return.' She winked.

 

Neesha nodded, `Yes ma'am!'

 

`We'll talk more when I've returned. I think you'll be surprised by how much better you feel after you've been clothed and fed.'

 

“Thank you Zeniba.”

 

`You're very welcome,Goku.'

 

I fell back against the pillows and watched her go, the baby's ki throbbing like a heartbeat against my palms. `S'funny now that I'm awake and paying attention to `im that he's so active….' I groaned, thinking of a million reasons why having a baby wasn't a great idea. `What'm I gonna do about you kid? I know Vegeta and I did it to make you, how else could you've gotten in there? God, this is so weird. I'm even MORE of a freak now than I was when I first discovered I wasn't even human. Now I've got a person growing inside me and it belongs to Vegeta of all people. The guys are gonna KILL me.'

 

I felt a touch on my arm. `Mister Goku?'

 

“eh?” I shook my head to clear the depressing thoughts and forced a smile.

 

The young Yardrat blinked innocently up at me. `Why are you sad about the baby? Don't you want it?'

 

“I…I just found out today about it so I'm just really surprised and not sure what I feel… I-I don't know what to do… I've never had a baby myself before. I have a son but Chichi was the one who had `im…”

 

`Who's Chichi?'

 

“….my wife…”

 

`Oh….'

 

“We haven't really been getting along well together. It isn't like I don't want it but it was never meant to happen like this. Vegeta and I weren't supposed to-” I blushed. “Nevermind.”

 

`She's mean to you,' Neesha said matter-of-factly. `But you stayed with her because of the promise you made to her but mostly because of Gohan.'

 

I winced, feeling as if I'd been slapped, “Please stop reading my mind…”

 

The child gasped, covering her mouth. `I'm sorry mister Goku! I get into people's heads too much! Please don't be mad at me. I don't mean it!Auntie Z gets upset when I pry too much without asking. You won't tell her will you?' Her shoulders trembled.

 

I patted the top of her smooth head, “Its okay.” My insides clenched. “You're only telling me a truth that I've been trying to run away from and I'm a pretty easy person to read.”

 

Her round eyes brightened, `Your wife isn't your mate. That's why you don't like each other very much.'

 

My brows furrowed, “What?”

 

`Zeniba says that everybody has a soul mate and that it takes a long time to find that person. Maybe Vegeta is and that's why you got his baby inside you.'

 

“It's still bad to do things with another person when you're married to someone else. Even if I didn't understand what it meant, I made a vow to never betray her and to take care of her and our child.”

 

Neesha was silent and that uncomfortable feeling in my gut persisted. I closed my eyes, and prayed that somehow I could get myself through it. I pretty much knew that my marriage with Chichi had ended that day and I had only a few months to figure out how I'd tell her before I left for Earth. `She's gonna kill me for sure and if not me she'll definitely try and kill Vegeta.'

 

`Mister Goku?'

 

“Mm?”

 

`You shouldn't worry so much.'

 

“Easy for you to say, you're just a kid.”

 

`Yeah but my mama always says that you gotta look on the brighter side… This is the first time you've had a baby right?'

 

I nodded.

 

`Then you should be happy cuz then when it's born you won't feel so lonely anymore and babies are SOcute. He'll make the sadness go away.'

 

I turned to lie on my side, “That may be true but I don't even know how I'm gonna give birth to it. I'm not a girl and I don't have all that extra stuff that girls have.” I hesitated, “…at least I don't think I have what they have…”

 

Neesha shrugged. `Auntie Z knows more about that than I do. `sides, we lay eggs, not carry `em in our tummies like you can.'

 

“Then you've got it easy,” I chuckled.

 

`Not as easy as you may think,' Zeniba's said as she stepped into the room with a bundle of cloth under one arm. `Neesha, could you see if they need help in the kitchen? I've got to say a few things to Goku in private.'

 

`Awwww,' Neesha whined. `But we JUST started talking. You were too fast!'

 

Zeniba gave her a look and the child pouted but did as she was told and headed for the door. `See ya later Mister Goku.'

 

“Nice talkin' to ya Neesha.”

 

The child blushed and hurried out the door, giggling.

 

Zeniba shook her head, `Children, so innocent… They don't realize the consequences of their actions. I'm dreadfully sorry that she had to go and-'

 

“-I'm not offended or anything,” I cut in, “She just said some things that I've been trying to avoid thinking about. …I understand that I have to face reality; especially now that I'm gonna have a …” I gulped, “Baby.”

 

`Don't fret; you're going to make a fine mother.' She presented me the bundle she carried and unrolled it to reveal its contents. `These are much like the tattered clothes we found you in, though those were in such a state of disrepair they had to be thrown away. We copied the designand had it altered to fit since you are with child. I assumed that it would be a welcome familiarity in such unfamiliar surroundings. There are many other styles I'm having tailored but I felt that you should start off with this.'

 

I immediately felt my mood lift as I was handed my new gi and almost leapt out of the bed to hug her but she hugged me first before I had to a chance to react. `After you've dressed yourself I'll lead you to the dining hall where we have quite a feast being prepared. You're in luck; my people can put a saiyan appetite to shame so there's plenty to be had. After all, you're eating for two now.'

 

My nose caught the scent of a delicious aroma wafting in from the hall. My mouth watered. “Oh good because I think I'm about to pass out I'm so hungry…”

 

She turned her back to me to allow a little privacy, `It's when you've eaten your fill that we'll talk more.'

 

It didn't take me long to get dressed and I was definitely glad to see my old colors again but most of all I was just eager to get some food into my stomach. Being unconscious for so long had depleted all my energy reserves. I knew that once I'd eaten that I wanted to get back to my training as soon as possible. I could feel my muscles trembling from misuse after lying in a bed for so long and I didn't want my body to get soft. Pregnant or not, it's always a good idea to stay in shape!

 

I thought back on what Zeniba said. I wasn't sure what she wanted to be so private about. To be honest, I didn't think much of it. My mind was still reeling from discovering I was with child. The responsibility that it entailed weighed heavily on my conscience.

 

`As weird as it sounds, this means I'm gonna be a Mama.'

 

The little life flickered and I resisted the urge to place my hand there.

 

How was I going to raise Vegeta's baby when everyone including Gohan hated his guts? They couldn't see what I saw in him; they wouldn't understand.

 

….

………………………&# 8230;`What if they hate the baby too?'

 

I tried to be optimistic, keeping negative thoughts on the backburner. I didn't want to give a bad impression to my hosts. They took me in and cared for me when I was hurt; the least I could do stay in good spirits.

 

I think I had everyone fooled except for little Neesha and Zeniba (both who won my heart in less than a day). The looks they gave me during the meal seemed to reflect how they felt but I stuffed my face to keep from talking too much.

….

………

…

`Did it ever occur to you that I was capable of worrying this much about anyone?

 

I made the woman's old man build me a ship and I departedthat pathetic mud ball of a planet in search for you. You never returned after Namek's destruction. Everyone was in such a hurry to assume that you died but I knew better.I can sense you; I feel the pulsationof your energy from whatever distant galaxy you've gone.

 

They couldn't possibly understand how I knew this or what we've shared.They don't know us. They never willknow us. We're saiyans, the last of the full bloods!!But you Kakarott, you stand as a legend on your own. You've accomplished something that I have yet to achieve.I swear I will surpass you one day and when that time comes I will challenge you then rightfully claim you.

….

……..

I told you, with great conviction, the story of our people and how we'reborn to fight. When our planet still existed, we were the finest soldiers in the universe. Wewere a force to be reckoned with. But, the empire,in what was supposed to be a golden age,was destroyedin the blink of an eye.

 

Freiza, born into a family of great power and wealth, wasa beast so wicked he'dlaugh in the face of the devil, and the lord of the underworld would have pissed himself.

I still trembleat the merethought of him and I curse this weakness he's instilled in me. Even in death, Freiza lives on in my nightmares...

 

Noone ever thought that a single man was capable of opposing him. But you, Kakarott, you exceeded everyone's expectations. You alone, stood against him.

 

That day you learned first hand that true evil doesexist. He was cold, much like his namesake, ruthless, and uninhibited by the frailties of emotions, which even I fallvictim too...

 

I swore to youthat once all of this was over, I'd claim you and take you away from all of them. You don't belong in a human world… You belong at my side!

 

How long do I have to keep searching? When will you finally show yourself and stop playing this stupid game of cat and mouse? Why haven't you come back? What are you afraid of?!

 

GOD DAMN IT KAKAROTT!! I knowyou're alive!A super saiyan would never go down so easily! Come out already… I'm sick of all this waiting…!!!

 

 

….

……

..

 

`Goku? ……..'

 

“……..”

 

Something nudged my shoulder. `Goku….'

 

“Nnh.”

 

That something shook my shoulder. `Goku, I'm dreadfully sorry to wake you, but I must speak with you.'

 

“-snort- NghkK. Ahn?” I woke with a start, fists ready to take on Freiza for a second round.

 

Zeniba leapt back in surprise, my knuckles barely missing her chin.

 

I stared at her in shock, realizing what I'd almost done when it hit me. A wave of nausea so strong I seriously thought I was going to lose whatever remained of lunch right then and there. I moaned and hugged my middle, looking positively green. “Bathroom,” I managed to say without spewing.

 

She grabbed my arm and pressed two fingers to her forehead and in the blink of an eye we were there. I barely made it to the Yardrat version of a toilet in time when my stomach spasmed and I heaved with such force that tears sprang to my eyes. It'd been a long time since I last got sick like that and it was just as horrible as I remembered.

 

I barely registered that Zeniba was there, rubbing my back and trilling in her native language to several others who were concerned. They brought water and a warm cloth to wipe my face when I finally stopped gagging and heaving. I gladly took the water, swished, gargled, and spat several times till I felt I'd ridden my mouth of the awful taste of bile. I sat on the floor, shivering and Zeniba draped her shawl over my shoulders.

 

`The baby is making you ill.'

 

“Is this normal?!” I moaned, wondering if this was why Chichi was so sick when she carried Gohan.

 

`For the majority ofpeople in your condition, I'm afraid so.'

 

I pulled the thin shawl tightly around me to stave the persistent chill. “Ugh, I can still taste it…”

 

Zeniba handed me a mug of something hot, `Drink this. It'll settle your stomachand offer important nutrients to the child.'

 

Cupping the mug with both hands I sniffed the steaming brew cautiously, pleased to discover that it smelled sweet. I eyed her before taking a tiny sip, half expecting my stomach to start doing flips again but thankfully it didn't.

 

`This won't last your entire term. It's just a side effect.'

 

“That's what I was wondering. How long am I gonna be pregnant?”

 

`If I'm correct, a saiyan's gestation period is anything from three and a half to four and half months, only half as long as a human's.'

 

I nearly choked on my sweet-tea-coffee-whatever, “FOUR AND A HALF MONTHS?! That's like, NOTHING!”

 

Zeniba giggled and gave my shoulder a pat, `You're funny Son Goku.'

 

I smiled crookedly and continue to sip my drink slowly. “Four and half months,” I whispered. “Should I go home before or after I've had the baby?”

 

`That's entirely up to you dear,' she said.

 

My tail thumped the floor and I watched it twitch and curl as if it had a mind of its own. `I really want `geta to see his baby being born.'

 

`Then that's what you should do.'

 

“Huh?”

 

`Sorry. I was listening...'

 

“Oh, ah-heh. I'm really not used to being around telepaths so much even though I'm one myself.”

 

`It's an interesting form of conversation but it's better than trying to teach you to speak Yardrat.'

 

“I don't think I'm capable of making noises like that.”

 

`My point exactly,' she affirmed.

 

“I'm scared that I won't know what to do.” I stretched my legs out and put the mug down to rub my protruding stomach. “How will it come out?”

 

`You'll deliver like most mammals dothrough a birth canal.'

 

“But I don't have a …birth canal…” I stared at my crotch, “Eh, do I?”

 

Zeniba chuckled, `You do but it won't form till you're ready to deliver. I can show you where it will be if you'd like…'

 

Eh, ah, NO. Th-that's okay! Maybe you can just tell me where it is and I'll just…you know …figure it out.” The baby fluttered its ki and I instinctively rubbed the area I'd felt him. `It's okay little guy, know you didn't mean to make me sick.' Funny, was the baby actually talking to me or was I assuming too much?

 

An enthusiastic pulse was the baby's reply.

 

Zeniba crouched beside me and folded her arms over her knees. `He's searching for you.'

 

My thoughts were immediately drawn to the prince, `Vegeta…'

 

`I had a vision while you slept. I saw him traveling in a ship that your friend Izo built.'

 

I looked at her incredulously, “Bulma's family did something for him?” My stomach churned and I swallowed dryly, hoping that didn't mean I was going to be sick again. I took a few more sips of the drink and felt the nausea recede. Man, whatever that stuff was it sure did the job well.

 

`Bulma insisted in orderto berid of him because all he wanted to talk about was finding you.'

 

My face grew hot and I stared into my cup as if its contents were the most interesting thing I've ever seen. `How does she know so much?'

 

`What is a Sun without its moon?' Zaniba sighed.

 

“What?”

 

`Thesun and the moon are only complete when they are together.Neitherof themcan do without the other.'

 

“Is he really looking for me?”

 

`Yes, but unfortunately he's not going to find you… God works in mysterious waysSon and it is not yet rightfor the two of youto be reunited. You both have much to learn till that moment comes. That's why you're here.'

 

“I was meant to be here?”

 

`We are all destined for something… Don't worry. You aren't going to be ill again. But as soon as you feel up to it, I'll have something brought to you that will be easier on your stomach. Then, if you wish, I can arrange to have a bath drawn to help ease your tension.'

 

“Guh, I feel so tired,” I complained. “I need to get back to training.”

 

`Don't rush yourself.'

 

“But…”

 

`Give it another day and then you may do as you please.'

 

I sighed dramatically, “Allll-right.” I finished my drink and used the edge of the counter to help myself up. “Girls are so bossy…”

 

Zeniba's lips quirked, but she said nothing in her defense, which I took as a `yes' because she knew it to be true.

 

[To Be Continued…]