Vegeta intently studied his father, silently ushering him to start talking. He still didn't get over the shock of seeing his older man alive, but then again, after all the crazy revelations he'd been fed recently, nothing made sense to him anymore.
What hurt him most was the fact that his own wife didn't recognize him, and to add insult to injury, she let that scar-faced moron treat her as though they were lovers. Perhaps they were? Anything could be possible in this twisted bat-shittery. Everybody kept telling him he was crazy, yet he couldn't help but think that he was the one surrounded by a bunch of raving lunatics.
"You zoned out again" his father's words snapped him out of his trance.
The older man sat across from his son, and to Vegeta's great surprise, took out a cigarette from his pocket, quickly lighting it with a silver zippo lighter.
"As a child, you hated vegetables, remember?" the older man asked casually, then without waiting for his son's reply continued, "I almost had to force you to eat them".
He drew deeply on his cigarette and puffed out a cloud of smoke. "You used to call me The Vegetable King because of that" the man added, chuckling lightly.
"You came here to talk about my past culinary preferences?" Vegeta asked irritably. "What's your point?"
Another inhale of smoke, followed by a long puff.
"I came here because Dr. Briefs told me you're in trouble again. Every now and then, he calls me and asks me to retell the story of your life… our lives, then you remember for a while, but eventually you forget, so I come back and we start this dance we've had for 10 years all over again. And let me tell you, Ian, every time it pains me to relive all of it again and again and again, but I always come back because I consider it to be my punishment".
"Your punishment?" Vegeta asked incredulous.
"Yes, for I am responsible for your condition. You're here because of me, because of all the mistakes that I made, because I couldn't protect you, because I let you down…"
"Because you gave me away to Freeza?"
"There is no Freeza!" his father suddenly exclaimed. "Don't you get it yet? Do you even know why you're here, Ian?"
"I..I don't know…everything's so fucked-up" Vegeta admitted, hiding his face in his hands, feeling a strong headache approaching.
The older man took another draw of his cigarette to calm himself.
"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have exploded on you like that" Vegeta's father said sincerely.
"Just tell me… tell me everything".
Capsule Corps. Medical Ward
Bulma sat quietly next to her husband's hospital bed, stroking her unconscious spouse's long, thick hair. She was surrounded by her friends: Goku, Gohan, ChiChi, Krilin and even Yamcha. Trunks stood quietly in the corner of the room, his shoulders dropped, staring intently at the green floor tiles.
Goku approached Bulma and in a gesture of comfort put his hand on her shoulder. "Don't worry, he'll get through this" he said in an uncharacteristic serious tone, then turned to the comatose prince, "come back to us Vegeta, everybody's worried and besides…we gotta spar sometime again. I'm sure you've got some new technique hidden up your sleeve".
Goku gave Bulma a sad smile, and she silently thanked him by nodding her head.
"Do you think he can hear us?" Krilin asked, also sounding concerned, "I mean, is there any way we can help him?"
Bulma let out a sigh. "The doctors say they don't know when... or if he wakes up" she finally said, not noticing the way her son winced upon hearing these words. "They do know the coma is caused by some enzyme that got to his system when he was bitten during the attack…but they have no idea how to get rid of it".
The room became quiet again as everybody took in the information. Bulma could feel tears gathering at the corners of her eyes, but she tried to push them back. Now's not the time for waterworks she chided herself and reached down to kiss her husband on the cheek. "Time to wake up, hon." she whispered in his ear, "Please, wake up".
Trunks couldn't take it anymore. The sudden wave of guilt hit him harder than any blow he'd ever received by the most powerful enemies..or his father. He rushed to Vegeta's bed, and hid his face in his father's chest.
"Dad…it's all my fault…" the boy said, his lips quivering in a futile effort to stop the upcoming sobs, "I'll never forgive myself if….if you…"
"Trunks…" Bulma whispered, trying to embrace her son, but the lavender-haired boy gently pushed her away.
"Dad's here because of me..because of my mistakes, because I couldn't protect myself….because I let him down" he cried miserably, failing to control the tears any longer, as they started flowing freely down his cheeks.
FLASHBACK
Goku and Vegeta were in the middle of a long sparring session in the desert, both battered and bruised, but happy they could finally relish their competitive, Sayian nature. They were accompanied by their sons, the inseparable duo, Goten and Trunks, who were captivated by their fathers' impeccable fighting techniques and unmatched strength.
Both Goku and Vegeta were in their SSJ2 states, exchanging powerful blows and swift kicks, occasionally throwing ki blasts at each other.
"Wow, Vegeta, you've really gotten stronger since the last time we fought" Goku said with sincerity, blocking the prince's punch aimed at his face.
"Save your praises for someone who gives a damn, Kakkarot!" Vegeta snarled, although there was no real animosity in his voice.
"Dad, uncle Goku, can we fight you?" Trunks threw in, giving his best pleading look.
"Pretty please" Goten added, directing his hopeful gaze towards his father.
Vegeta wasn't happy with the interruption, and the prospect of having to downgrade his abilities to avoid seriously injuring the boys didn't sound appealing to him either. On the other hand, he did feel a tinge of pride for his son's eagerness to challenge much stronger opponents. The brat was partly Sayian after all.
"Alright boys, show us what you got" Goku said cheerfully, getting into a defensive stance.
"Fine, whatever" Vegeta muttered under his breath, secretly hoping Trunks would land a good punch or two on Kakkarot's irritating mug.
"Alright!" Goten and Trunks exclaimed simultaneously, excited to show off their skills to their fathers.
Trunks gave Goten a knowing look, and the two quickly powered up to transform into their SSJ states, then just as fast proceeded to do a fusion dance.
With a loud growl, followed by a blinding flash of golden light, the two boys merged into one small but powerful figure of Gotenks, in his SS3 form.
Vegeta smirked. "So, this will be a challenge after all".
Just as the Sayians were about to engage in a fierce battle, Goku's head shot upwards in surprise.
"I feel some unknown power level approaching Earth" he announced.
"Yes, I feel it too" Vegeta confirmed, "but it seems relatively weak, of no threat to us, that's for sure".
"Whoever that is, I can take him!" Gotenks volunteered excitedly.
"Now hold on, Gotenks" Goku said, scratching the back of his head, "we don't even know if that person..or thing..or something… has bad intentions".
"Fool, when's the last time someone came to Earth with good intentions?" Vegeta scoffed, crossing his arms over his chest. "Whenever someone sets foot on this mudball of a planet, their only intention is to turn it into space dust".
Goku let out a nervous laugh. "I guess you're right" he admitted, grinning.
As if on cue, a small spaceship landed with a thud before the three warriors. The door of the spacecraft opened, and a small, purple-skinned figure walked out. The alien's physical appearance did not impress the Sayians, as he wasn't much taller than Gotenks, his body slender and wrinkled. His hair was jet-black, matching the color of his empty, dark eyes. The alien didn't even wear any sort of an armor, as he was clad in a long, white, poncho-like garment. In fact, the only possibly intimidating aspect of the alien's appearance were his razor-sharp fangs sticking out of his thin, bluish mouth.
"I smell the filth of Sayians" the alien hissed, scowling at the warriors, "prepare to die!"
"So much for good intentions" Goku said, rolling his eyes. "Who are you and what do you want?" he asked in a more serious tone.
"I am Cobalt, the last living Mauritian. My beautiful planet, Mauria, had been destroyed along with its entire population many years ago by the ruthless Sayians, who sold it to the PTO" the alien replied, his tone dripping with hatred.
"PTO?" Goku asked in confusion.
"Planet Trade Organization" Vegeta explained lackadaisically, apparently unfazed by the alien's sorrowful story.
"I spent decades plotting my revenge, and now I will kill anyone with even a hint of Sayian blood coursing through their veins!" Cobalt exclaimed, clenching his fists in rage.
"Tell me what else is new" Vegeta said sarcastically.
"Listen, we don't want any trouble here" Goku spoke up, "I'm sorry your planet got destroyed, but we can't be held responsible for all the bad deed of our ancestors".
"Silence! Do not try to sweet-talk me, you fool. I will avenge my people by spilling Sayian blood!" Cobalt screamed, getting ready to attack at any moment.
"Can I take him out already?" Gotenks asked, sounding bored with the whole conversation, but anxious to get into a fight.
"Alright, but go easy on him. You're much stronger than him, so don't be a bully, ok?" Goku replied.
"Hmpf, always the altruist, eh Kakkarot?" Vegeta asked in a mocking tone, and gave him one of his lopsided smirks.
"Alta-what?" Goku asked and laughed, once again scratching his head.
"Do not underestimate me!" Cobalt yelled and rushed at Gotenks with full force, kicking and punching the younger warrior with all the strength he could muster.
Gotenks didn't even try to block the alien's ferocious attacks, tormenting the attacker by ostentatiously yawning and cleaning his nails.
"Eh, I thought this guy would be more of a challenge" Goku said, sounding disappointed.
"I wouldn't write him off just yet Kakkarot" Vegeta said, surprising the younger Sayian. "His power level may be weak, but I've heard these Mauritians are not to be underestimated".
Goku's face turned serious again. Vegeta didn't strike him as one to be particularly cautious when fighting weaker opponents, but the prince had more experience with extraterrestrials, and if he said this one wasn't to be treated lightly, then there must be something ominous the Mauritian had in stock for the fused boys.
Gotenks, unfortunately, didn't have that knowledge. He was toying with his opponent, occasionally responding to his attacks with a light punch to the nose, which always sent Cobalt flying high into the air.
After only a few minutes the enraged Mauritian looked battered and bruised, although Gotenks didn't inflict any serious injuries on him.
"This is pathetic" Gotenks complained, "why don't you give up and save yourself the embarrassment".
Instead of coming up with a snappy comeback to the insult, Cobalt smirked maliciously, and gathered his ki to form a powerful, dark energy ball. He threw it at the fused Sayian, but Gotenks swat it away as if it was an irritating fly rather than a deadly attack.
"This is boring" Gotenks complained, unhappy that his opponent's power was so unimpressive.
"Then give me your best shot, smart guy" Cobalt challenged.
"Looks like somebody's got a death wish" Gotenks responded arrogantly, as he started powering up his Kame-hame-ha attack.
"Something's not right" Goku whispered to Vegeta, concern evident in his voice. "Gotenks' power-level is decreasing!"
Vegeta nodded, but didn't comment. He had no idea what was going on but he was ready to step in if the boys get in trouble.
Just as Gotenks was about to fire his finishing attack, the fusion suddenly fell apart, leaving the two dumbfounded boys sprawled on the ground.
"What the heck?!" Trunks yelled surprised.
"The fusion was supposed to last longer" Goten whined.
Cobalt let out a bark of laughter. "Fools, my attack wasn't meant to injure you. Its purpose was to absorb your energy!"
As if to illustrate his words, Cobalt powered up, causing the ground beneath his feet to shake violently under the incredible power. The boys' eyes widened at the aliens unexpected display.
"Oh no, his power level is comparable to that of a Super Sayian 3!" Goku exclaimed, still shocked at the way Cobalt managed to turn the tables so quickly.
"We'd better take over from here, Kakkarot" Vegeta said, transforming into SS2.
Goku followed lead, powering up as well. "If he's able to somehow absorb our energy, we better finish this as soon as possible. No horsing around, right?"
Vegeta smirked. "Right" he confirmed, and rushed at the alien.
The two warriors immediately engaged in a powerful onslaught of punches and kicks aimed at the Mauritian, who only managed to block and dodge a few of them with great difficulty. To his credit, Cobalt managed to land a few blows himself, but he wasn't as skilled and experienced at hand-to-hand combat as the two Sayians, and he didn't even know how to utilize the great power he obtained from Gotenks.
"Go dad!" Trunks cheered his father, watching the battle from afar.
"You're the best daddy!" Goten yelled, jumping excitedly.
After taking a swift knee in the gut from Vegeta, and a devastating kick to the head served by Goku, Cobalt found himself crushing headfirst into the ground, creating a great crater in the place of the fall.
"Had enough?" Goku asked, landing in front of his now completely bloodied opponent.
Cobalt was panting hard, feeling his power drastically decrease.
"I'm no match for you" the Mauritian finally admitted, "finish this".
"Allow me to do the honors" Vegeta said, extending his right hand to form a deadly energy attack in his palm that would undoubtedly end the alien's life.
"Wait, Vegeta" Goku said in a calm voice. "Let him go. He suffered enough". Then turning to face Cobalt, Goku added, "You came here looking for revenge, but the people who caused you harm are long dead. You should let go of your pain and try to live your life, use your powers for the benefit of others, not for destruction".
Vegeta just rolled his eyes, but dissolved his attack as asked. Crossing his arms, the prince turned away from the two. He hated all the mushy stuff Kakkarot was so fond of anyway.
Cobalt kneeled before Goku, but the naïve Sayian didn't catch the evil glimmer in his eye.
"I owe you an apology" the alien said, with feigned sincerity. "It appears there are honorable, good-natured Sayians in the universe after all".
Vegeta grunted in annoyance but didn't move from his spot.
Cobalt slowly stood up and approached Goku, extending his hand in an act of reconciliation. Just as Goku was about to return the gesture, the Mauritian threw sand in the Sayian's eyes, and disappeared in a flash.
"Ouh, my eyes!" Goku exclaimed, making Vegeta turn around, frantically looking around the desert to locate the double-crossing alien.
The prince sensed Cobalt's ki approaching the unsuspecting Trunks and Goten, and at the last moment, from the corner of his eye, he saw the alien reappearing before the two boys, extending his fangs, ready to attack his son.
"Trunks, look out!" Vegeta yelled.
Trunks was so stunned, he let his guard down, leaving himself open to Cobalt's unexpected assault. Without giving it a second thought, Vegeta used his super speed to reappear in front of his son, and before he knew it, he felt a sharp pain in his neck, as Cobalt sunk his fangs in his carotid artery.
Vegeta screamed in agony, as his vision blurred, feeling a burning sensation in his neck. His ki dropped rapidly causing his SSJ transformation to fade away.
"Dad!" Trunks cried in shock at seeing his father's distress.
The weakened prince barely registered Cobalt being torn away from him by Goku and destroyed in a powerful Kame-hame-ha attack, before everything went black.
END OF FLASHBACK
Capsule Corps. Medical Ward
Trunks was still crying, completely overwhelmed by the feeling of guilt for his father's current state.
"What are we going to do?" Gohan asked miserably, "how can we help him?"
"I'm afraid you can't" a high-pitched, male voice suddenly boomed in everyone's heads.
"King Kai?" Goku asked surprised, intuitively looking up. "Tell us what you know".
"The Mauritians are not very skilled fighters, but apart from absorbing their opponents' energy, they are known for their deadly psychic attacks" the ruler of the North Galaxy explained.
"Psychics attacks?" Everyone present in the room, save from Vegeta, asked in unison.
"Cobalt infected Vegeta with some poisonous enzyme that not only caused him to fall into a coma, but literally trapped him in his own mind!" the Kai continued, "The only way for Vegeta to wake up is to overcome his inner demons… or whatever's in that head of his".
The room went silent as everyone let the information sink in.
"So, basically you're saying, Vegeta has to deal with this on his own?" Goku finally asked, breaking the silence.
"Yes" King Kai confirmed. "I don't know exactly how this attack works, but I'm afraid Vegeta time to recover is limited. His body's getting weaker; if he doesn't wake up soon, he'll die" the Kai solemnly added, which caused everyone to gasp in shock.
"My husband is head-strong" Bulma said with newfound determination, placing her hand on top of Vegeta's, and giving it a light squeeze. "He'll get through this, I know it. He has to…"
TBC…
Author's note: Ok, so everything's more or less clear now… or is it? Will Vegeta wake up from the coma or will he stay trapped in his own mind till death comes to claim him? More drama to ensue in the upcoming chapters. Pls, lemme know what you think by leaving a review :)
