Vegeta was flying blindly through the air, desperately trying to rid himself of the pain throbbing from his head to the rest of his body. It had started like the other headaches but this time it was different he could feel his body burning from its very core. Thoughts of heading to Capsule Corp flooded his mind, but as quickly as they'd come he'd thwart them away. This was his battle and he'd be damned if he went sniveling to the woman for help. He curled into himself, temporarily losing his balance and nearly spiraling to the ground.
Dusk had settled and his armor was caked in blood. This time he knew, he'd seen the look in the man's eyes just before he ripped his heart out and worst still he'd enjoyed it. Like a man who'd been left in the dessert for too long and finally able to quench his thirst, he'd welcomed the killing. Was rejuvenated by it and for a mad moment he'd honestly consider ripping apart every single being in his path, but at the very last moment reason had beckon, curbing in his growing bloodlust.
Spotting a raised mountain Vegeta decided to land on it, though with difficulty. He sank to his knees; the pain was in his eyes and somewhere down his back just above his coccyx he could feel a searing pain build. He clutched his head, his fingers curling into his hair as if yanking it will subdue the pain. Shaking and withering in pain Vegeta felt him, standing over him. Slowly he lifted his head forcing his scorching eyes to look at him.
The Saiyin that bested him at every turn, the one who'd stolen his destiny the same Saiyin who'd defeated his oppressor. The Saiyin in the orange gi.
And finally he let it take over the part of himself he'd buried so long ago, a part he'd all but forgotten he had. Bones cracked and he could feel the power surging through his veins, electricity seemed to dance in currents over his skin. He dug his nails into the ground, as the pain from his back climaxed and in a tearing of flesh he felt his tail sprout out, bashing furiously behind him.
His eyes were watering but a quick wipe at them revealed bloodied tears. Slowly the pain began to fade back, but he could still feel the skin around his tail throbbing. Panting he looked up at the sky, a full moon. With shaky movements, he stood up and let the scream that had been building up deep inside of him out. Needing to hear the earth shake in his awakening.
-/-
Piccolo raced up to Kami's lookout, fear driving him to fly faster. If what he saw was true then they were in bigger trouble then he'd first thought. When he landed on the lookout, Kami was already waiting for him, leaning on his staff.
"I have been waiting for you Piccolo," Kami said in a tired voice.
"Well is it true?" Piccolo demanded without stalling anytime.
Kami hung his head. "I'm afraid Vegeta's inner demon has awakened," Kami said, sadness etched on his face.
"What does this mean for earth?" Piccolo asked though he already knew the dreaded answer.
"Total destruction," the aged Namek replied.
"Is there any way to stop him?" Piccolo asked.
"Only Vegeta can stop himself now," was the wary reply.
Piccolo nodded staring far off. "What if Gohan fights him?" he asked.
Kami was quiet for a moment. "I'm afraid this is bigger than even him, bigger than anyone of us can imagine," Kami replied his voice filed with remorse.
"We have no choice but to fight him then?" Piccolo asked.
"I'm afraid he'd hunt you done regardless of your decision, this is not the Vegeta, Goku once fought. He'll be an impossible opponent to beat," Kami said his eyes lifting to the full moon above them.
-/-
"Hey Mom what's going on?" Trunks asked entering his mother's lab, a scowl etched on his face.
In that very moment, Bulma couldn't help think how much of Vegeta was resembled on his face. She hastily wiped at the tears on her face, standing up. "Oh nothing honey it's just those days," she lied forcing a smile on her face.
Trunks rolled his eyes. "Well okay I'll just go up to my room then," he said turning, but was halted by Bulma's sudden hold on his arm. "You're staying at Goten's tonight," she said.
Trunks groaned. "What? I was there this whole week," Trunks exclaimed.
"Please baby, I need you too," though Bulma tried her best not to reveal anything she couldn't keep out the tremor in her voice.
Trunks frowned. "Mom is everything okay?" he asked stepping forward.
Bulma nodded her head. "Yes, you just need to stay there tonight," she said her tone almost pleading.
Trunks' eyes slowly trailed down to the trembling hand on his arm, he raised his other arm placing it on Bulma's chest. "Your hearts racing Mom, why are you so afraid?" he asked softly.
Bulma could feel the tears building in her eyes and was glad the lab was cast in shadows so Trunks couldn't see. "Please baby, for me," she said working to control her quivering voice.
Trunks glanced around them then back to Bulma. "Okay I'll go, but Mom you have nothing to fear, Dad won't let anyone hurt us," he said smiling.
Bulma tried to smile with him but came up short."Go," she urged, pushing him towards the door. Though reluctant, Trunks began to step back.
"I love you honey," she called after him.
"Love you too Mom," came Trunks carefree reply, before he ran out the door, closing it behind him.
Bulma took a deep breath, squaring her shoulders she stood more erect and turned to the open windows. "I've been waiting for you, Vegeta," she said to the dark.
Slowly he walked into the light provided by the moon. Bulma couldn't help the gasp that escaped her lips. Vegeta's hair was gold but that didn't shake her, what did was the thick tail wrapped around his midriff and more so, the red eyes that stared coldly back at her.
She forced herself to push down the fear, staring him straight in the eye. "Is it really worth it Vegeta?" she asked her voice never wavering. Is it really worth Trunks and I - your family?
Vegeta regarded her for a moment. "Everything is worthless in the line of absolute power," was his cold reply.
Bulma nodded the trembling beginning to set in. "If that is so then I don't want to be alive to see who you have chosen to become," she said and stretched out her hands, offering a clear shot.
For a moment, Bulma could have sworn she saw something keen to regret flash through his face, but it was so quick she couldn't be sure. Vegeta smirked, his finger pointed at her chest. Bulma clutched her eyes, but at the very last moment opened them just in time to see a bright flashing light heading towards her.
