This chapter has some minor formatting not supported by fanfiction dot net.
To view this part go to this location:
www . gotyaoi . com / felix / lit / nowhere49 . html
(Delete spaces and then you have the correct address.)
Thanks, Chuey.

nowhere-- nine of the forty

When he opened his eyes, the landscape was bleak in all directions. The cold air caressed his skin, causing him to shiver. He felt himself walking as he slowly came to himself. He heard the slight padding sound from his shoes against the freezing earth. He noticed that the ground was dry. With this he knew that everything had changed. Raising his head, his eyes peered across the scenery, just making out a dark, indistinguishable shape in the far distance. He was going back.

The landscape was bleak in all directions when he opened his eyes. The cold air caressed his skin, but he ignored it. He felt himself walking as he slowly came to himself. He heard the slight crunch from his boots as he stepped across the hard ground scattered with loose rocks. Dry, he thought. Oddly enough, it seemed too dry. Where was he going? Stopping and squinting, he examined the horizon. A smudge of darkness stood out in contrast to the clouds. He knew then that that was his destination.

Vegeta awoke.
Goku awoke.

Time passed...
...slowly.

Bleary eyes opened to a dark green ceiling that had matching dark green walls. Inhaling deeply, the young man sat up with some effort which caused enough noise to attract attention to himself. In the chair next to his bed sat Shelly, but she shook off her sleep upon hearing him. Smiling, she got up and asked, "How are you feeling?" The blond felt his forehead with the back of her hand. The skin was warm, but not overly so.

With a mouth that felt like sandpaper, he managed to reply, "..V..Vegeta.?"

"Vegeta's fine," Shelly assured, gently pressing him back into the mattress.

"W-Where?" Goku choked out, trying to will his strength not to leave him. He barely resisted Shelly's actions, but he had to be sure. His memory was not clear about what had happened.

"He has a room next door," answered the doctor, "and you need rest." Goku wished he couldn't agree. His eyes felt sore and heavy.

Fade to black...

...and he woke up to the sun warming his face. Blinking sleepily, he directed his gaze away from the bright light. Taking a deep breath, he brought his hands to wipe away the sandmen. For a moment he sat up on his elbows then decided to stand. Wobbling slightly, he took a moment to gain his bearings before crossing the room to the dresser. There were some plain white clothes inside - pajamas by the look of them. He switched into them, feeling refreshed from the simple attire change. Stretching, he yawned and decided to take the robe presented as well. He tied the belt as he headed for the door.

After opening the door, he turned left. He went down to the next room and knocked. An orderly answered. It was a short woman with long, dark hair, a creamy sort of brown colored skin, and a bindi dot on her forehead. "May I help you?" she asked politely.

"Is this.." Goku had to pause because his mouth tasted like something had died in it, "Is this Vegeta's room?"

"No, sir," the woman replied, "Is there anything I can help you with?"

"No, I'm okay. Thanks," Goku replied before turning around and going the other direction. He passed his door and went to the next one. He knocked and waited. There was no response. He knocked again, but he still heard no movement inside, and still the door did not open. He gave the handle a try, and it turned.

The drapes where pulled back to let the sunlight in, and everything looked.. clean. Sky blue walls with navy furniture adorned the room, but it didn't seem to feature decorations. The bed was unmade. He approached it and, sparing a glance over his shoulder, picked up the top sheet. Hesitantly, he brought the fabric to his face and he inhaled. His suspicions where confirmed.

Yes, this was Vegeta's room.

So, where was Vegeta?

It was as if his mind had been read, because a voice startled him by saying, "He's outside right now." Goku dropped the sheet and spun around. Piccolo stood at the doorway, leaning against the frame.

"You surprised me.." Goku half-heartedly scolded as he moved to make the bed. The Namek stayed put, merely watching the younger Saiyan as he fixed more than he had disrupted.

Piccolo asked the question Goku knew was coming, "How are you feeling?"

"Alright," Goku responded in a normal, even voice. Truth was, he didn't know, but since it wasn't bad, it had to be good, right? He tucked the sheets into the mattress and replied, "How are you feeling?"

Being polite, Piccolo answered, "Fine. I am concerned about you and Vegeta though." For some reason, Goku gave out a short bark of laughter. Piccolo did not question it, "Why don't you go see him? I know that's what you want to do." The Saiyan nodded. It had to be that obvious, didn't it? Goku wasn't one for subtlety - not usually. He was worrying he realized, and it was rather unjustified because if something was wrong he knew Piccolo would have told him.

Turning away from the now immaculate mattress, the black-haired man inquired, "Where exactly is he?"

"The West Garden."

"Thanks," Goku said, then paused. He put his hand on the Namek's shoulder and said it again, "Thank you."

Piccolo smiled and gave a combination of a nod and a shrug, "It's the least I could do." The shorter man departed, followed by his friend who had no desire to stay in an empty room. They parted at the fork at Station Access West, both waving goodbye.

The sunlight was refreshing and warm on his skin. The wind was that perfect comfortable cool that revitalizes you, but never gives you a chill. There was a lingering smell of humidity in the air - sweet and light. His gaze turned upward and he scanned the white puffs of clouds that leisurely crossed the sky.

It was a beautiful day.

He shed his robe and slung it over the back of an empty chair at the patio. He scanned the nearby tables and benches, but there was no sign of that distinctive flame of hair he sought. He stopped an orderly who was passing through.

"Excuse me, but have you seen a man about this high with tall, spiky hair? You can't miss him," Goku gestured the height.

The worker pointed, "Sure did. He went that way - into the hedge."

Goku thanked him and entered the maze. It was wonderfully crafted with certain walls made out of certain flowers or certain plants - some rare and exotic, while others reminded him of Earth. An aerial view, which one could see from a balconey of the institute, revealed that it was also a very complex piece of art. Unlike a traditional maze, however, one was unable to become lost. Stationed at intersections were signs that revealed the way out, the center, or the nearest rest area. The hedge maze was a place where you could go for a private outing. Goku wandered rather aimlessly, but drifted slowly towards the center. He rather viewed the situation as a game of hide and seek; it was fun. Besides, it was a nice day outside, after all.

He changed direction and followed the arrows that pointed towards "Kilkov's." Judging by the fact that several locations were names of people, he came to the conclusion that specific areas were dedicated to various philanthropists who supported Shelly's vision. He was aware of the same idea on Earth's various hospitals.

Goku went straight, took a right, followed it forward through three intersections and then decided on the next left. He was near Kilkov's when he picked something up just on the edge of his hearing. He tipped his head to the side and took a moment to listen. Shrugging to himself, he continued on. It gradually became louder the closer he got to his destination and he slowed his pace when he could finally make it out. Someone was singing:

"Why do you build me up - build me up - buttercup, baby, just to let me down - let me down - and mess me around?..."

Goku couldn't help it, he smirked. He recognized that voice and it took all that he had to not burst out laughing. He cautiously stepped closer, trying to be as quiet as possible.

"And worst of all - worst of all - you never call, baby when you say you will - say you will - but I love you still..."

Vegeta was sitting under an enormous tree looking utterly content. He was oblivious to his peeping Kakarot, and continued singing quite happily, "I need you - I need you - more than anyone, darlin'.. you know that I have from the start. So build me up - build me up - buttercup, don't break my heart..."

The younger man exposed himself. Vegeta turned a shade of red.

"And what are you doing eavesdropping, pray tell?" the prince asked in an accusing voice.

"Enjoying hearing you sing your own backup," Goku replied smartly.

"Ah," said Vegeta. He smiled. Goku smiled.

Home is where the heart is.