Chapter One – A Helping Hand
A large crimson cliff face towered over the sea like a God, straying up towards a heavenly sky. Small shoals of silverfish swarmed happily in shallow, rigged, reef rocks. Knowing they'd be safe. But, the duration of the day would soon be forgotten giving way for what seemed, a peaceful night. Not even harsh wind broke tranquil silence. Although faint, unhappy, sobs eased through undisturbed surroundings.
A lonely, soul sat upon a crumbling overhang; staring blankly across the darkened sunset. An aura of depression enclosed his all but pale body, as his head hung weakly low. Distraught, muffled, whimpers escaped within. His bright blue eyes filled with crystallised tears, which trickled down rosy pink cheeks. Only to be replaced by new larger droplets. He curled up in a fettle ball cradling his legs; swaying smoothly from side to side. Yet the soothing motion proved ineffective, as the young adolescent burst into ever more tears. It seemed pointless. He stared out into an all but faded glimmering sun, then the stars that beamed, brightly above. Cold, bruised and in pain he let out a well needed sigh, closing his tiered eyes.
"..Hey ..." Spoke a deep soothing voice, "what are you doing?" It appeared comforting though there was also a hint of concern. To scare to answer, young Goku sat firm, hoping they would go about their business. But they didn't. The unknown, presence of another still hung dimly within the atmosphere; footsteps gently, patted through thick green vegetation edging ever so closer. Then stop in front of him. Red flashing alarm bell began to ring in Goku's head, advising him to dart away that very second. Yet, a familiar secant caught his attention. It was a spicy but sweet aroma. Only one person he knew had that certain concoction, though Goku was still anxious to verify his suspicion. Keeping his eye firmly shut. He just sat within darkness shaking uncontrollably. His frightened, little heart pounded heavily in the encase bone prison, that was his chest. Just then a warm caring hand sympathetically grazed Goku's right shoulder, to show it meant no harm. A sigh of relief left him. As he no longer felt in danger or imperil muscles began to loosen up. However his eyes remained tightly shut. Sounding abruptly, annoyed the strange apparition curiously, ran its hand over a particular bruise. It was still tender; make the other jolt back in an attempt to escape the pain. But, it didn't work. Feeling shear panic tears began to flood down Goku's stinging face again and, then a sincerer voice broke through thickening silence once again.
"Kakarot," Goku froze stiff at the name, "are you all right?" Ever more tears rolled down his flushed pink cheeks, as he warily opened his sapphire blue eyes. But, his fear seemed to disappear.
"Vegeta ...?" No it couldn't be.
"What's wrong?" Vegeta asked sternly, "you look like you've seen a ghost." He gave a nervous laugh. Moonlight then highlight his more handsome facial features, giving the other conformation of who it was kneeling before him. His unmistakable dark brown spiked hair, lightly tanned skin and his soft, auburn coloured eyes. It was him, Vegeta. Goku was almost in disbelief.
"Is it really ...you?" The young saiyan slowly raised his shaken hand, placing it gently on Vegeta right cheek. They both smiled in unison. Suddenly Goku burst into a river tears, breathing heavily in order to feed his oxygen starved lungs. He didn't want Vegeta to see him so vulnerable and weak. Yet he seemed to offer a comforting aura. The tears soon expelled them self's from his eyes allowing him to gather some compo shier. But the situation still seamed dire. It had been many years since their last meeting and things hadn't gone particularly well.
"Kaka's," Vegeta said calmly though he carefully chooses his words. "Do you want to come with me?" Goku looked up, confusion riddled all over his face. Vegeta then blushed. He had begun to feel uncomfortable and edgy. Although he still showed a small bit of empathy for the indifferent saiyan, sobbing beside him. "It's getting cold ..." the older saiyan placed a hand on Goku's left shoulder, "and you're shaking." He forced a convincing smile. Goku looked away for a moment before he turned back. He sighed. It was as if he were having a mental debate in side his head. After a minute or two he finally nodded, though it was only a slight movement. At this Vegeta instantly took to the darkened night sky until he realised the other was not following. He gave an unsettling look. "What's wrong?" There was a long silence. Then Goku looked up at his friend hovering from above, tears rolled down his disheartened face.
"I don't ...um," tears continued filled Goku's eyes, "I don't think I ...can fly," he whispered sadly. "I can hardly move and ...I'm too cold." Vegeta darted back to his side. It was clear that Goku's energy had depleted rapidly, he barley had enough strength to sit up, let alone fly.
"Here." Vegeta tucked his arms around the now panicked warrior, "let me help." He tucked Goku into his muscular body, in order to make him more secure. But, Goku seemed unwilling to let the older saiyan handle him. Yet Vegeta seemed to think of it as funny. "Ha, ha," Goku turned crying. "I'm not going to drop you, if that's what you think." Goku's face turned red.
"It's not that," he gently muttered.
"Really, then what is it?" Vegeta looked in an unenthusiastic way. Goku buried his embarrassed face into the others chest.
"I DON'T... like being touched" Goku spoke quietly but firmly. Vegeta looked at him in surprise.
"Look I promise I'll be careful," he smiled.
"But, I've never been ...picked up before." Goku replied hesitantly. The Prince gave a comforting squeeze, making him feel a little cosier. A soft gentle purr faintly vibrated in Goku's chest, following the rhythm of Vegeta's strong beating heart. Finally his eyes closed. Vegeta watching his chest rise and fall, then smiled. He took to the sky ensuring he didn't wake the intently sleeping boy he held dearly in his arms; before gliding though the fine night air. His purple ki followed behind.
The cool air flowed freely through Vegeta's silky hair, as he and his content passenger enter the boundary of Yaziba heights. A solitary uninhabited land where no one could disturb you; perfect for Vegeta. Yet the cold could be unbearable at times. Goku whimpered as the breezy environment consumed his sensitive skin, waking him from his sweet slumber. A moan of discomfort settled in. The young saiyan looked up to the Prince with tired eyes; yawning loudly as he snuggled in to the others heated core. A small, warming smile crept across his cherry lips. Vegeta began to slow his speed before finally coming to a light stop. The land was desolate and vast. Huge snowy ferns spread their way across the landscape like an arctic ocean. It was far below freezing.
"This is it!" Vegeta bellowed in a bubbly way. Goku gazed up, only to be met with a cheery smile. The slow decent into the vast wilderness was short; soon they were back on solid ground. Trees above swayed gently before enclosing both saiyans in a leafy embrace. A dark trenchers storm had begun to brew. Then fear took a hold of Goku.
"Vegeta I'm scared ...I ...I," tears began to well up in Goku's eyes as panic began to set in.
"Don't be silly Kakarot." Vegeta looked down at him.
"I don't ..." His chest began to feel compressed; his breath became raged though rapidly shaken. Vegeta watched in disbelief as he couldn't comprehend what was happening. Then he could sense his young friends' increasing distress. Without thinking Vegeta warped the young saiyan's legs around his waist, pulling Goku's body closer to his own. Goku however seemed unwilling. He continually thrashed about in Vegeta's arms in an attempt to break free. But, he was still too weak to get away. The little remaining energy he had left was now gone. The tears subsided. Yet Vegeta could still feel some resistance from Goku pushing lightly against his chest. He'd never know the young saiyan to panic over little things. Yet it made it clear what he had gone though was still taking its toll on him mentally.
"Shhh, its ok Kaka's. It's ok," Vegeta began rubbing his back in a clockwise motion, soothing his nervous. "Whatever has happened, I'm here," his voice was soothing and honest. Goku reluctantly relaxed as Vegeta continued to calmly speak to him, "everything's alright Kaka's." Goku relaxed more as each second went by. He buried his heavy head within the crook of Vegeta's neck, as he clung firmly to Vegeta's sides. A radiating pink blush tinted across his flushed face. Soft vibrations pulsated in both saiyan's chests. Yet it was obvious Vegeta's was still a tad edge, "are you all right?" There was no answer. "Kaka's, are you all right?" Vegeta repeated sternly. He was met with teary eyes and a saddened expression.
"I'm ok," was the rasped reply. Vegeta wasn't satisfied. He kept Goku close to his body as whips of cold air brushed past them, juddering up their spines. They finally reached a large clearing with a small wooden cabin directly in the centre. The fresh grass covered in a pure white blanket. Snow began to drift down; landing on Goku's all ready cold body, then causing him to violently sneeze.
"Good we made..." Vegeta looked down at his exhausted comrade. His face was buried in an attempt to hold back ever more tears as he shook uncontrollable in Vegeta's arms. The prince supported Goku's weight with his left arm and tail while nudging his shoulder slightly. Goku looked up at him but soon whipped his head the other direction. It was obvious that he was nervous around the older warrior. "Kakarot, it's ok, I'm not going to hurt you." Vegeta rested Goku's head into his warm chest as they continued the short walk to the small cabin. Goku remain silently still the rest of the way. It was awkward, something Vegeta didn't like. He unlocked the door which made a great big clunk as the lock mechanism turned.
'Crrreeak,' Vegeta carefully shoved the stiff wooden door open.
"Well it's not much but, it something." Vegeta headed to the red leather couch in the middle of the room, placing his young friend onto it as gently as possible. Goku looked around the small cosy cabin. There was an old wood burner as the centrepiece to the living room, red and black decor with a medium size television tucked away in a dark corner of the room. A large decorative arch way opened out into a sparkling white kitchen area and further onto the small bathroom. The other door appeared to lead onto the bedrooms. Then finally Goku realised he was alone. He scanned the living quarters before feeling ever more uneasy.
"Vegeta ..." Goku said warily. But, there was no answer. Then he found himself being wrapped up in a long, thick, black blanket, enclosing his body in a warm encirclement. Goku flinched as a warm gentle hand brushed his chilled cheek, causing him to jump up like a cat whose tail had been stepped on. Vegeta giggled, leaning against the couch as Goku had shockingly jumped up. The young warrior was still rather weak from his impending ordeal and almost crashed to the floor. But the warmth of the wooden cabin had helped to regain some of his natural strength. He looked at Vegeta; tears welled up in his sore eyes.
"Are you ok?" was all he could conger up from his amusement. However Goku found that his amusement was miss-placed. Anger with a hint of sadness bubbled to the surface, Goku felt truly hurt by Vegeta's laughter.
"THAT WASN'T FUNNY!" Shouted the young saiyan as gem like tears dribbled down his now flushed cheeks. Vegeta immediately stopped laughing. It was clear that Goku hadn't noticed that Vegeta was laughing because he thought of the sudden jump as kinda cute. This surprised the older warrior. Goku turned facing away from the Prince who felt hurt by the gestured body language. "YOU ALWAYS MAKE FUN OF ME!" Goku continued to shout, "IT'S NOT FAIR!" he paused, thinking of what to say next. Vegeta tried to get a word in but with little successes. "I NEVER MAKE ..." Goku began to chock up on his own words as if he had food logged in his throat. But he calmed down as his tear continued to fall. "I don't laugh at you, when you're upset." Suddenly Goku felt two strong arms around his slim waist squeezing ever so slightly. This was an unexpended act from the Prince himself.
"I didn't mean to upset you," they looked into each other's honest eyes, "I'm sorry." Vegeta sighed, "I wasn't laughing to make fun of you, I swear." Goku looked down feeling embarrassed again. He thought long and hard to himself. What was wrong with him, why was he being so panicky all the time? It was a discomforting feeling. The more around Vegeta he was the more he seemed to break down into tears. He knew Vegeta was telling the truth. Then a guilty emotion washed over poor Goku.
"I'm ... I'm ..." Goku sighed quietly to himself, "I'm sorry too." Vegeta was surprised by the saddened response he got.
"Why are you sorry?" he asked in a concerned expressive way. Goku turned his body to face him properly though he still hung his head low, afraid of the reaction or answer.
"Because ..." he hesitated before continuing, "I'm being such a pain." Vegeta pulled the young saiyan closer to himself, sensing his sky rocketing aura. "I keep crying, being stupid and I'm taking it out on you when it's not your fault, because ... it's my fault. Everything's my fault." Tears gushed from the young saiyans eyes. All the pain he felt over the years had finally taken its toll; and now he was at the mercy of the Prince. Vegeta however felt somewhat confused.
"Kaka's I don't understand ..." He gently creased Goku's cheek in a soothing clockwise motion. Then he slipped his hand under the others cheek, causing eye contact. Goku desperately wanted to avert his water eyes but froze in motion. "I know you don't want to talk but ..." Vegeta took a deep exasperated sigh, "something has obviously happened and I want to help you. However I can only do that if you tell me." There was an awkward silence that settled over the room. Then Goku managed to look away yet, he still felt leering eye watching him intently. Suddenly Vegeta felt himself being pulled into a loving hug, a bright red blush appeared on his face but he didn't mind. It was clear the young warrior was feeling cautious, nervous, scared and fully terrified plus every other emotion know too man. Then the peace was broken by a slightly muffled voice.
"If I tell you ...promise you won't be mad, or laugh or ...tell anyone." Goku's words became jittery and shaken as he looked up at his lifelong friend. Vegeta pondered over the unusual requests feeling a little apprehensive about it, yet curiosity got the best of him.
"Ok I promise." He nodded assertively. Both saiyans walked steadily back over to the small cosy couch; Vegeta sat first to find a comfortable position before gesturing too little Goku. He then wrapped both of them in the warm woollen blanket. It felt ordinarily strange to them but it felt perfectly normal at the same time. There was only silence at first, except from the light shuffles made from beneath the blanket from Goku's constant movement. Yet Vegeta decided to wait patiently for him to begin as he was all ready feeling rather anxious. Not to mention the Prince was also feeling rather uneasy.
Since encountering the young saiyan on the crimson cliff Vegeta had shown him an uncharacteristic kindness he'd never shown to anyone. He was being calm, sincere and understanding. Plus he'd actually smiled. It was strange how the other warrior hadn't even noticed his strange and unusual behaviour. However, Vegeta's train of thought was soon brought back to the present, as he felt a small slender arm lightly pressing against his chest. He sighed comfortably, to reassure his comrade, tilting his head slightly to lean on Goku.
"Ok." The young saiyan took a long deep breath, as if he had been holding it under water for a large duration. He was finding it hard to breathe let alone find his words but, spoke anyway. "Well I errr... guess ...I'll start at the beginning." Droplets of tears already began to accumulate in Goku's sadden eyes, as though the very truth he withheld was burning inside his whole body, causing him to cry. "It all started ...when I was little," he sighed before continuing, "after Bulma found me and I killed Evil King Piccilow I ...I was ..." his speech became emotional as warm salty tears trickled down his Rosa cheeks onto the dark blanket. Vegeta listened intently, hanging from every word that spilled into the open. "I ... I don't think I can do this." Finally Vegeta felt compelled to reassure the sobbing saiyan.
"I know it's painful but, keeping it to yourself won't make it go away either." He gave Goku a warming squeeze before he relaxed again. Both warriors felt the tension in the air as Goku regained composure and self-control. Vegeta had never seen his friend in such a distress state before, it was unnerving to watch.
"(Sniff) fine." He took a deep breath. "When I was little these ...Scientists found me," he emphasised the word scientists which caused Vegeta to get a very sickly feeling in his stomach. It was as if his heart knew what the young saiyan was about to say, "they drugged me so I couldn't fight back ...and injected me with things. I ...I was so scared. They experimented on me; put me through vigorous tests and other stuff to." the young warrior could feel his Prince's heart beating faster as he listened to each excruciating words. Goku explained each and every experiment in detail, as if the ordeal had only just happened. Vegeta's heart felt as though it was being pulled out of his encased bone prison from taking in Goku's horrific past. "That's not even the worst of it." He added. There was a silence.
"What do you mean, that's not the worst of it?" Confused and bewilder Vegeta waited quietly for some sort of response. Goku feeling the Prince's gaze burn into him like lava burning into a tranquil landscape, covering his flushed heated face under the blanket. His lips trembled from shear fear.
"W ...When they though ...I was dead ...they throw me out into the cold. But, I was still alive, I tried to fend for myself but the injuries I sustained in the lab were too severe. I could barely even walk," Vegeta's chest became soaking wet as the endless rivers of hot tears flowed freely and all he could do was softly stroke Goku's hair to reassure him. 'Bastards' he thought to himself. 'How could someone have done this to Kakarot of all people', he could feel his anger brewing up inside as if he were a volcano about to erupt. But, he managed to keep it in control as Goku continued his heart ranching story, "if it wasn't for this nice old lady I'd properly be dead right now. I ... I HATE THOUGHS SCIENTISTS, I WISH THEY WERE ALL DEAD!" Goku yelled loud enough to scare any animals that were near the cabin far away. Vegeta listened in almost disbelief, Goku actually wanted someone dead. He couldn't blame him though after the ordeal they put him through. The Prince personally wanted to gut and stuff every single one of them. But, he turned his attention back to young Goku who was sobbing uncontrollably on his lap.
"Kaka's ..." he spoke gently yet, there was a hint of anger and grit in his voice. Goku didn't move. Vegeta took this as a sign to press on. "It's going to be ok Kakarot ..."
"Th ...That's ...not the only reason ...I'm so upset." Goku struggled to speak as he took in deep raspy breaths while blubbering on Vegeta's warm lap.
"Then what is it?" He raised an eye brow.
"But ..." Goku crept out from underneath the blanket that had him engulfed rubbing his teary eyes. Vegeta was disheartened by how much he had been holding back all these years.
"It's ok" was the only reassurance Goku got before Vegeta pulled him into a warm loving well needed hug. Goku felt his muscles contract from the sudden contact. He stiffened before allowing himself to relax. It was surprising to see what a little affection could do. But, the young saiyan was still weeping on Vegeta's shoulder.
"Ve ...Geta ..." He snivelled out between sobs.
"You can tell me anything Kaka's, you know that." He reassured the young saiyan. Goku looked down.
"This morning ...I did everything she asked me to do but ...she still hurt me anyway. No matter what I do she beats me and calls me things, I can't take it anymore. I can't even call myself a real saiyan; you must be so ashamed of me" this struck a chord for Vegeta as he forced Goku to look into his dark ebony eyes.
"Kakarot, who are you talking about? Who's been hurting you? And how dare you say you're not a real saiyan." His anger finally got the better of him. Goku cowered beneath the prince terrified of him. Utter panic in his light blue eyes. Only now did Vegeta see the true existent of the pain and damage the young saiyan had endured over the years. He was now holding the sides of his temples with his eyes shut tight repeating the words, 'don't hit me, please, please don't hit me.' Vegeta curst himself for making his comrade frightened; wrapped his muscular strong arms around the slender, terrified young male. "I'm sorry; I didn't mean to startle you." Goku relaxed again though still a little shaken at the outburst. He reluctantly answered the older male.
"Chichi's been hurting me for years now ..." Goku sighed, he had already cried so much he didn't think he'd have anymore tears left. His eyes were so sore and red all the while Vegeta just listened carefully. "...and how can I possibly call myself a saiyan when I keep letting weak people walk all over me. You told me that it was shameful for saiyans to do such a thing, so how can I be a saiyan?" Goku embraced Vegeta's hug letting tears further soak his damp chest. "I'm sorry Vegeta, I'm so weak," he sobbed softly against his friend, "I'm sorry." A silence broke out and for what seemed an eternity pasted by.
"You have nothing to be sorry for Kakarot ..." the crying finally stopped, as Goku looked up to Vegeta he felt his heart discontinue to beat. Vegeta's eyes were hidden from Goku's gaze. "None of what happened to you is your fault; they took advantage of your good nature. Something that is unforgiveable." Vegeta felt a twinning pain inside his rapidly beating chest, Goku had held this burden for so long and the Prince, his Prince did nothing to save him. He remembered all the times they fort together, how he'd notice Goku wasn't feeling himself. Sometimes he'd fake a simple smile, get easily tiered during training or complain of aching. All were tell tale signs of physical, mental trauma.
"Vegeta ..." Goku was lost for words.
"Just ...why didn't you come to me sooner?" There was a hint of sadness in his mellow voice. Goku stared at him for an eternity before forestalling his eyes. Vegeta waited in suspense.
"I was scared." His bottom lip trembled slightly as a sign he was going to cry again. But Vegeta managed to keep them at bay by hugging his friend softly, all the pain Goku felt seem to melt away and he wanted to stay in that very moment forever. As they finally pulled out of the hug each of them smiled at the other feeling appeased. Then the Prince gently rubbed the dried tears from Goku's flushed cheek. But, he soon had a stern look on his face.
"I should have done something ...I'm sorry." He couldn't help feeling responsible for Goku's pain.
"But ..." Goku intervening bring Vegeta into another hug close to himself, "you have done something," he squeezed tighter, "you came to the cliff and you're listing to how I feel." He smiled, further embracing the warm hug as he closed his tired eyes.
"Kakarot ..." Vegeta smiled.
"You were right; keeping it bottled up didn't make the pain go away. But, talking to you feels better. I've never done this before but... I think you're the very first person I've ever trusted." Vegeta blushed at the comment.
"I'm glad talking helped." He hugged Goku closer and whispered in the warrior's ear, "...I won't let anyone else hurt you Kaka's you can live with me from now on and I'll ..." He stopped mid sentence. Vegeta could feel the soft vibrations coming from the young saiyan that huddled beneath him and it soon became apparent. He'd fallen soundly asleep. The Prince smiled. He rubbed his weary eyes before looking at the crimson wood stained clock on the old wood burner. 04:36 Am. It was almost morning.
Goku remained content wrapped around Vegeta's muscled well kept body. However Vegeta was sat up in an awkward position to drift off into his own sweet slumber. He carefully edged his way back to rest against his comfy couch, ensuring he didn't disturb his sleeping companion. The Prince laid Goku on top before neatly placing the pitch black blanket they had spent the duration of the night huddled in over them both. A purr erupted from Goku's chest as Vegeta wrapped his strong arms around the young saiyan. He smiled again letting a purr pulsate from his own chest as he entered his own dream land. Both saiyan found themselves deep within their own little dreams.
Outside the dark, icy, snow storm had passed awaiting the mornings shine. The ground and surrounding area had been covered in a fresh covering of finely grated snow, covering everything like a blank canvass. The atmosphere was tranquil and somewhat peaceful as all who slept under its dusky shaded sky was silent. The snowy, wooden cabin blended within the neighbouring area save a few dull lights coming though misty windows. All before mornings break.