Disclaimer: I do not own DBZ, but Akira Toriyama does! All the personas, though, in this story belong to me.

Chapter 6

Goku shuffled his feet childishly behind the dainty form before him. The usually cheery earth saiyajin had dealt with anger and confusion before, but betrayal? Watching the soft, wild spikes of hair that flowed from Veheshin's head made Goku's stomach twist. How could the "kind-hearted" persona be so sneaky and mistrusting? The thought that actual good within Vegeta existed was slowly becoming a lie to him.

'But why?' A voice within Goku questioned. 'You forgive everything and everyone. You saw the shocked expression on Veheshin's face. He didn't mean for it happen either. You can't automatically think he's cruel or evil just because of a misunderstanding. You're Goku.'

Confusion filled him even more. It was true. Goku did let anyone and everyone have a second chance, and he usually did without a doubt. Why was he so dead set about being so angry with Veheshin? It was just an innocent kiss, right?

But even as he tried to reason with himself, his stomach sank more. Goku kept going over the situation in his head, seeing both of their actions and movements. He'd allowed it to happen, too. Perhaps that was why he felt so angry. Veheshin didn't act alone, Goku added to the problem. But why did it have to happen? How could Goku, the strong savior of the universe, victor over Frieza, Buu, and so many others have fallen victim to such a sinful action? His mind went to Chi-Chi, his beautiful and loving wife.

Suppressing a groan, Goku rubbed his forehead as a panicky ache ran through him. He couldn't trust Veheshin. Was his plan this whole time just to get to him? Veheshin said it himself that he wanted out. God, but even if Veheshin "betrayed" him, he wasn't evil. It wasn't life threatening. It was just….Veheshin. Just one little side of Vegeta.

Goku's eyes widened and he almost stopped following the draped prince. Veheshin is a side of Vegeta! And the powerful warrior prince certainly had an extreme amount of grace. How much influence did Veheshin have over Vegeta? Was it possible that Vegeta actually knew and felt these feelings toward Goku?

The gnawing anxiety toward the violet dressed being in front of him suddenly became an excited and intrigued flutter. Goku shook his head. 'Stop this,' his mind scolded. 'Find Vegeta and get out of this place. It's messing with your head.'

Goku agreed. He forced his usual forgiving mind to take its role again and abandon his strange thoughts of mistrust and betrayal. That just wasn't him and they certainly had more important plans than to be angry at each other. Well, he wasn't sure how Veheshin was feeling. He had reacted somewhat coldly toward the graceful prince. Goku forced a warm smile on his face and sped up to walk next to the short guide.

Veheshin's large, dark eyes slowly turned to the powerful warrior at his side. The burning red of the sky caused the glistening brown irises to glow with a honeyed maple tint and Goku felt a blush rise up his neck. Pushing back the odd feelings the two saiyajins walked forward, nearing the top of the dark hill.

"So, where are we going?" Goku asked, trying to sound as good-natured as possible.

Veheshin's eyes lowered and a saddened pout hung over his features. He knew that Goku was still displeased with him. It was all over the friendly saiyajin's face. With a small sigh, Veheshin brushed his long, mahogany bangs away from his eyes and trudged forward.

"Do you remember me speaking of the personas of Vegeta's intelligence?"

Goku looked up, trying to remember. Yes, Veheshin had mentioned one right before they...well…

"Yeah."

"We're going to one of them," the candied voice explained softly. "Vegeta's mind is a huge place. If anyone has a clue to where present-time is, one of them will know."

Goku blinked. "How many are there?"

Veheshin smiled, but quickly became self-conscious and glanced at the rocky terrain under their boots.

"Three. One for educational intelligence, one for tactical planning, mainly used for his fighting skills, and one for spiritual thinking…the one who thinks outside the box."

Goku held back a laugh. Again he was so astounded by Vegeta's mind. He briefly wondered if he had more than one persona of intelligence himself. He would be surprised. Goku understood that when it came to common sense and logical thinking he was none too bright.

"Which one are we going to see?"

"Not TI," Veheshin replied with a barked laugh. Quickly clearing his throat he continued. "Not tactical intelligence. They all have egos, but damn, his is so annoying. It's like talking to…"

"Real Vegeta," Goku said with a laugh. Both saiyajins laughed and quickly looked at each other.

With smiles still on their faces the two continued forward. It seemed that the awkwardness between them had subsided, for now. Feeling somewhat better and relieved, Veheshin regained more of his graceful swagger and led the way.

"We're going to ST, Spiritual Thinking. He'll be more likely to help."

Veheshin slowed and stood at the top of the red hill, breathing in the air that strangely didn't actually exist within Vegeta's mind. Goku gazed over the land and blinked in surprise. Unlike the side they were just on, which held more features of Planet Vegeta, this new area looked much more like earth. Mixed in with all the greens, blues, and whites, there stood out only small patches of reds and oranges. Skittering around were squirrels and rabbits and other earthly creatures along with the occasional strange saiyajin planet creature.

Veheshin's Egyptian shaped eyes scanned the land and he nodded slowly. Moving suddenly downhill Goku hopped foot and followed behind. Walking along a small blue pond Goku watched as some goldfish happily glided through the water, no sooner being eaten up by some hideous water creature with ugly brown skin and giant black eyes. He let out the typical Goku 'blah' of disgust and hurried to Veheshin's baggy-clothed side.

"Don't you think it's sorta weird that animals and creatures and strange monsters live inside Vegeta's mind?"

"Not at all," Veheshin replied. "Everyone experiences new and strange occurrences all the time. Some can see a new animal or thing and it's stored somewhere in his or her memory banks forever. All the animals and trees and objects you see are just memories or knowledge kept inside the mind."

Goku nodded. He remembered back to the giant, hairy beast he saw in one of the closets in the castle. It was probably some monster or bizarre creature Vegeta had run into during his life.

The two saiyajins found themselves standing before a small wooden door that was attached to a happy little hill. Goku peered around it and a small, lopsided grin appeared on his face. 'What are we in the 'Lord of the Rings' or something?' He thought as he looked at the hobbit-hill. Veheshin lifted a lacey hand and prettily rapped on the door with his feminine knuckles. A few minutes passed and Goku rolled back and forth on his boots.

"No one home?"

Veheshin scratched his head and turned to Goku with a slight blush on his face. "I hope I got the right dwelling. I rarely leave the castle so I don't know my way around the outside too well."

Goku was about to open his mouth to respond, but the door suddenly creaked open. An extremely young, chibi face peeked through the crack. With a relieved "ah" Veheshin clasped his hands together in excitement. Goku's eyebrow rose at the small face of the youngster that peered out from under long dark bangs. The chubby little visage held the typical Vegeta scowl and squinted into the harsh, earthly sunlight.

"What do you want?" The high-pitched voice barked.

Veheshin laughed nervously and bowed low. "Oh please help us Spiritual Thinking. We are seeking your help for you are by far more powerful and smarter than—"

"Dolt, I'm not ST. I'm second stage annoyance; now get your asses in here. He's been expecting you."

Veheshin stood, his back toward Goku as his face burned with embarrassment. His sensitive saiyajin hearing could hear the orange clad warrior stifle a laugh and with a pouting "humph!" Veheshin marched into the dark cave. Goku followed behind and began to cough as the cloudy thickness of incense, candles, and other mystical scents warmed the air in the tiny, little room. It was dark, but the few lit candles cast light on a small form sitting on a pile of velvety red pillows.

"See those two cushions before him?" Annoyance asked. "Sit."

Veheshin's eyes narrowed at the curt little prince, but made his way respectfully toward the being in the shadows. Goku followed, his childish curiosity taking hold as he saw objects and decorations hanging off the walls and ceiling, making the room appear quite mystic and relaxing. Golden swirls and sandy basins of all sorts covered the room and the scented candles and incense were already making him sleepy.

"Goku, come here and sit," hissed Veheshin, patting the soft red cushion next to him.

The wild-haired saiyajin hurried over and slid onto his butt next to the saiyajin who seemed to fit into the environment quite well with his ruby robes of violets and rose.

"Goku," a young, nasally voice spoke softly. "I am glad that you have come. With a heart so pure and the strength to conquer any situation, I knew you would respond to my call."

Goku's dark eyes snapped up at the small form huddled in the darkness. Sitting on top several puffy, red cushions, a Vegeta no older than seven or eight smoked on the end of a very long cigarette holder. In between his dainty fingers rested the shiny, gold clasp, and fastened to the end a colorful cigarette of some sort. Every time the small being puffed, a lovely, graceful stream of turquoise and violet smoke rose from the small turned up nose and danced in wave-like movements out the corners of his upturned mouth. Clad in clothes very similar to Veheshin, the tiny child wore many more layers of darker reds and violets, enveloping him completely.

"Respond to your call?" Goku asked.

From under the large velvety hood, the small being nodded.

"Indeed. It has been rough I must say. It is not my place to stop the happenings within Vegeta's mind, but I can foresee. I can see the unfortunate happenings if the wrong Vegeta takes control. The Vegetas of intelligence are to not interfere. We merely respond when needed, and we are quite efficient in our jobs. But I have decided. I have taken it upon myself to become involved this time. I foresee a bad and horrid future for us all if you fail Goku. I see Vegeta and his loved ones falling if Present Time does not return. Against the others' wishes, I have summoned you."

Taking another drag of the long pipe, the small child with the greater intelligence let the colorful swirls of smoke swirl from his mouth. Goku went over what he said and placed his hands in his lap.

"If you and the other two intelligent Vegetas can help solve situations, why don't you interfere and help things go right before it goes wrong? You're a part of him, why not help him make his life easier?"

Shadowed eyes peered at Goku from under the hood. The pouting lips remained sealed together as the being that appeared so young yet was so much older than anyone else remained silent. Goku glanced at Veheshin, but the graceful being watched his respected one intently.

"For we are not Real Vegeta. I know our limits and our boundaries," the high-pitched voice replied. "As one whole being, all sides of a person must be balanced. At this moment, Vegeta is unbalanced. The sides of evil verse the sides of the desperate. This should not have happened, for I did not foresee it. Because of my error I must fix it, and in doing so I spoke to you when you first attempted to contact Vegeta and asked for your help. If the balanced personas of Vegeta wish to make him act as he has his whole life, so be it. I and the other two will not interfere."

Goku felt himself becoming angry. "So you only help when it's convenient for you, huh? You make a mistake and that's when you act."

Veheshin's large eyes shot toward him. "Goku! Not so disrespectful."

Spiritual held up his hand and calmed his fellow persona. A clever smile played on his lips. "The same happens inside us all, Goku," the child spoke. "How can I instruct Vegeta with all my knowledge and not take over? How would I be any different than those taking over? As much as it may sound confusing, Vegeta IS in control and always has been. It is all up to him to follow the right voice. Even though it seems that some of the images and personas here want control over him, it is Present Time Vegeta, the ruler of this body and mind, who picks who to listen to. When he needs to think logically, he will call upon educational intelligence or myself, if he needs the energy to fight he will call upon strength, or if he just wants to have Bulma hold him, embrace him, comfort him, he will call upon kindness or hope. I do not control anything. I do not interfere. Vegeta is my god and I obey him. He has asked for help and though, not specifically from me, I have insisted that I break the rules and contact an outside force. You."

Goku listened, shocked at how easy it sounded when the round, little being before him explained it. Putting the cigarette holder to his thin, curved lips, Vegeta sucked in. Goku looked at Veheshin and the gold-rimmed eyelid winked.

"Now my dear Veheshin," Spiritual purred. "You have come to seek the Present Time Vegeta."

Nodding excitedly the mahogany haired saiyajin bowed low. The little genius atop the cushions chuckled; sending bursts of turquoise smoke out his tiny nostrils.

"Your presence delights me, Grace." The child hesitated and exhaled the remainder of his smoke. "But I must ask, is this really what you want? Do you feel that you can successfully lead Goku to the destination of the true Vegeta?"

Both Goku and Veheshin looked up at the being sitting before them in confusion.

"I'm afraid I don't understand, sir."

Spiritual Thinking sighed and clasped his small hands together. Pulling the hood away from his head, the raven-haired, flame shaped locks blended into the darkness behind him. Dark calculating eyes studied Veheshin for a long time.

"You have chosen a difficult path," he said simply. "Can you trust, in you own heart, that you can lead Goku successfully and stand by his side and fight?"

Veheshin's eyes shot to the saiyajin at his side and then back up to the speaker with indignation. "Of course. I want Vegeta to be free and control as much as Goku."

"Do you?"

The heavily make-upped face stared into that of the aged, yet childish face peering down at him. "What is it that you see, my lord?"

Goku shifted uncomfortably. The thickening air of flavored incense was making him light headed and uneasy. It was too warm in the small room and the strange uneasiness wasn't making him feel too great. The chibi on the cushions sighed and leaned back a bit.

"You are already in a loss yourself. You do not know which direction to take. Your feelings differ from those of Present Time. I know you have a pure heart. I know your intentions are good and you want nothing more than to help Goku. But in these passions and feelings, you may go down the wrong path. I see it has happened once already. Can you stop it from happening again? Can you really allow Goku to find present-time Vegeta and leave with him and never see you again? Can you?" The round, squinted face turned to Goku now. "And can you trust him? I warn you both now, work together, but not too close. Help each other completely but be aware. No one person is perfect and no living being is fully without error. You will be making some difficult decisions, Veheshin. You may lose everything, just to gain everything in the end."

And with that, the small tirade ended. The room buzzed with a haunting silence and the intellectual little being took another smoke of his cigarette, allowing the two before him to dwell on what was just said. Annoyance cleared his throat in the corner and grumbled a bit, but remained silent as well.

Goku felt himself grow angry at such confusing, unhelpful words. Of course they were going to face a difficult situation, but the last thing he needed was any amount of doubt. The arrogant little being before him sat calmly and puffed away after blatantly scolding Veheshin for something he hadn't yet done…well…for the most part. No. He wouldn't allow the little persona satisfaction at making them uneasy or worried. There was only one thing on his mind, and that was finding Vegeta…the real one. Bringing his saiyajin determination forward, Goku shoved away the feeling of anger and annoyance and gazed up at the relaxed little prince.

"Can you tell us where Vegeta is now?"

The taller saiyajin expected Veheshin to yell at him for the curt demand, but the androgynous persona merely stared at his gloved hands that rested in his lap. Goku was glad to see surprise on the "oh-so-intelligent" saiyajin as the question was thrown at him. There was a scoff in the back corner where Annoyance stood and a clearing of the throat.

"Where he always is," Spiritual replied with a condescending little laugh. He tapped the end of his cigarette to rid some ash. "At home. At Capsule Corp."

Both beings sitting before him eyed the genius Vegeta in bewilderment. The wise child smirked and leaned back.

"At Capsule Corp.?" Goku whispered.

"Indeed," the cloaked figure replied. "With all the images of his home planet and earth and other places he has visited, you wouldn't think that the place he calls home wouldn't be here, hm?"

Goku and Veheshin turned slowly at looked at each other. Nodding his head back toward the clever little saiyajin before them, Veheshin raised up a rosy hand.

"Now wait a second! I've been all over Vegeta's mind and I've never once seen anything resembling Capsule Corporation."

Goku was surprised by Veheshin's sudden change in attitude. It looked as if he was getting back into his usual antsy and playful character again. Spiritual Intelligence leaned forward, the golden cigarette holder drooping from his mouth as clever eyes peered at them.

"Have you ever looked past the doors that are locked?"

Silence filled the scented room and Veheshin's chocolate eyes blinked. "You can't get past them…they're locked."

"Honestly," the child Vegeta scoffed. "This is why I'M the smart one here. Tell me, have you ever tried knocking?"

Again the room became silent as Annoyance began to chuckle in the darkness. Veheshin felt his face grow hot and Goku's shoulders drooped. Of course not. The simplest answer was the one not tried.

"I guess I could try that," Veheshin muttered.

"Yes you should," Spiritual snapped. He shifted on the mountain of cushions and grew comfortable again. "This means you will have to return to the castle. I sense that the real Vegeta is behind the door at the top of the eastern royal staircase. I suggest that you hurry, and speak to no one that I helped you. It will be best to keep the confrontations within Vegeta's mind to the bare minimum, meaning I want nothing to do with the problems." His usually calm face became deadly serious. "There will be problems, confusion, and hopelessness as you two journey out. Make sure that this is the plan you wish to follow and that you trust each other. I feel the trust already waning, but I hope that nothing will come from it. I wish you luck and bid you farewell."

With a wave of his small hand, the ruby robed prince blew the door open and blinding sunlight lit the majestic room. Goku squinted away from the light and turned to the small genius. His face had the cold, calculating look that he usually wore during a fight.

"I thank you for your help," the warrior said. "But we will prove that we are a team. Veheshin may be a different persona of Vegeta, but he is still my prince and friend…don't doubt us again."

And with that, Goku put a hand on the smaller Veheshin's back and the two exited the house, leaving a surprised genius behind. The door swung shut behind them and the saiyajins found themselves standing in the earthly environment again. Goku stood behind the prince who was ran his graceful fingers through his draped garments. The powerful saiyajin saw that his back was shaking slightly.

"Veheshin, what—"

"Goku, I'm sorry."

The kind-hearted fighter's eyes widened. It was strange hearing the word sorry come out a being that looked almost just like Vegeta for no reason. The gold-skinned prince turned slowly, a look of grief and sadness on his young features.

"What is it, Veheshin? Are you worried about-"

The shorter being shook his head violently sending his mahogany locks flying. The jagged, wild spikes shook slightly along with his whole body.

"It's my fault that ST said that. Because of my stupidity and selfish actions, he saw and thinks we cannot work together. I kissed you and tricked you when you have done nothing but be kind to me my whole life. Even when Vegeta is arrogant, cruel, and mean you are kind. This is how I repay you? I'm sorry…I am so sorry."

Goku watched in awe as tears welled up in the little being's sparkled eyes. It didn't seem normal that Vegeta would have a person with so many emotions within him. Then again, the arrogant prince always surprised him. Goku thought over all the many situations and adventures he's gone on with Vegeta and realized that he was probably one of the most emotional fighters in their little group of warriors. He just hid everything so well.

The orange clad fighter could only watch as Veheshin shook with grief before him. Goku wanted to put his arms around the child-like Vegeta and hold him until he stopped crying. He wanted to support him…but….what if the same thing happened as last time? What they found themselves going past a helpful hug? Goku felt his emotions twist within him. A gnawing guilt swept through him and he felt like dirt as he ignored the obviously distressed Grace. Besides, it was Veheshin's fault anyway, wasn't it? Goku loved Chi-Chi and the graceful prince before him knew that but took him anyway. Maybe he should feel guilty, because Goku now felt uncomfortable at the idea of traveling with the dainty saiyajin. Confused with his own emotions and becoming embarrassed as he recalled the kiss with Veheshin, Goku felt a strange gnawing of anger. Feeling furious with both himself and the pretty prince, Goku felt his world spinning out of control.

"It's ok, Veheshin," Goku said. "Everyone makes mistakes."

Moving forward quickly, Goku brushed past a stricken Veheshin and made his way back over the hill. The violet and maroon clothing blew in a sudden chilling wind as Goku merely told him that it was entirely his fault, not taking any blame for himself and stiffly walked past him. Veheshin had at least expected a "we are both to blame" or a hug or pat on the back or possibly even a kiss of forgiveness. But no, Goku just said, "It's ok" and went on his way.

Tears streamed down his face and he shook his head. Now even more confused and distraught, Veheshin didn't know if he should go with Goku. Already things were going wrong, just as ST explained. Turning slowly, Veheshin watched Goku trudging up the hill. It just wasn't like Goku to be so…cold. Wiping the tears from his lower eyelids Veheshin pulled a tiny mirror from his many pockets and gasped as he looked at his stained face. Clicking the mirror closed his bottom lip trembled and he threw himself around and followed after Goku, sobbing like a high school girl who just broke up with her football boyfriend.

'Nothing is going my way,' he thought bitterly. 'First Goku is mad at me…and now…now my make-up is running all over the place!'

The last thought caused his eyes to become even blearier with tears as he trudged up the hill behind the powerful warrior of third class.

…………

"So, how long has it been?" Eighteen asked, her voice sounding extremely bored.

Bulma rested her head on her hand as she sat next to the two saiyajins. Sighing she checked her watch for what seemed the millionth time.

"About an hour and a half," she replied sharply.

Eighteen, Marron, Krillen, Yamcha, Gohan, Videl, Goten, Chi-Chi, and Master Roshi had come to the lookout to see what was happening with the two last saiyajins in the universe. Bulma hadn't really wanted such a large crowd around, but about twenty minutes after she had arrived, Yamcha called her cell phone. So naturally, after telling him of what happened he of course called everyone else who had a phone. Eventually the others showed up to see the new problem on earth. She had to explain to everyone over and over again about Vegeta's problem and what happened during Goku and his sparring session.

During the whole course of time, there hadn't been much excitement or action. There was a few mumbles here and there coming out of Goku and from what the other Z fighters explained, a small amount of energy raising and dropping. Sometimes they would catch a small amount of escaped emotion coming from both of the "unconscious" saiyajins, but nothing that worried them too much. Bulma wasn't as too panicky worried as before, especially since all the dweebs showed up and were being a nuisance. She sat in a chair next to Vegeta's bed where he slept soundly, his head thoroughly bandaged. She only hoped that Goku would hurry so her prince wouldn't have permanent brain damage or severe loss of blood.

Krillen scratched his black hair and sighed, clearly bored as hell. Bulma crossed her arms and stared at him angrily.

"What!" She snapped at the short fighter.

Krillen jumped in surprise and raised his hands defensively. "Uhhh….nothing Bulma, honestly."

Blue eyes narrowed and she sneered. "Well, if you're so bored, why don't you just leave? I know it's just Vegeta and any of his problems must not be much of a concern."

The group gave her confused stares and they glanced at one another.

"Well, it's Goku, too," Yamcha spoke up.

The crowd cringed, as there was a loud smack and cry of pain. Yamcha clutched his head as the other fighters held a flailing angry Bulma off of her ex-boyfriend.

"Chill Bulma," Gohan said softly, bringing up his hands cautiously. "We're all worried about Vegeta, too. This whole situation is downright freaky. Just try to relax."

The heiress of Capsule Corp. forced her body to relax and she was released. Turning around with a loud huff, she walked back to her chair but didn't sit. She stared at the peaceful, yet pained features of her sleeping prince.

"How do you fight the voices in your head?" She asked softly. Everyone remained silent as she spoke. "I know Goku is the most powerful being around, but how does power save someone's mind? Brute force isn't what's needed here."

Eyes looked at each other nervously. Bulma bit back tears of worry and sat down. She placed a hand on her love's tan face and adjusted the bandage around his head. It was hopeless, wasn't it? Bulma closed her blue eyes and took some calming breaths…it didn't work. She feared that this was one mission Goku would fail.

'Well, there's chapter 6. Thanks a ton to those who reviewed, especially Hitchiker1 and Death By Papercuts. I'm sorry it took a while; I had to move all my stuff out of my dorm and finish up college stuff. But, now that school is done for now, I can update quicker and get more chapters up for this story and "Creature of the Nightmare." Well, thanks again, and make sure you let me know what you think!'