Before I get into this next chapter I need to thank some people. Firstly, Torasuki. If it weren't for you, I'd have forgotten my passion for writing. Arigato from the bottom of my heart, Tora-chan. Secondly, I'd like to thank a certain war-lovin' guy. You're the best fan I ever had! And yes, you're ….I won't say it. Lastly, thanks to all who have read and reviewed the story. Just to know some people are enjoying this is giving me great pride and pleasure….Goku's Girl
Chapter Six
The Beat goes
Gohan had eliminated the small first four opponents by
knocking them into a pit he'd blasted out of the rock then hitting them with a
borrowed attack, his father's Kiao ken. Yamcha needed help and the boy came to
his side, defeating the ugly little man with an ease that made Yamcha feel
ashamed.
Vegeta waited for the arrival of the true enemy; Jikan lay dead and forgotten.
It became quiet. Nothing happened.
It became dark. Nothing happened.
"I'm hungry" Gohan muttered.
"Go home if you like child. I don't need your help anyway. You'll just be in the way!"
"Gohan's right.
Piccolo added, "We could camp at their old campsite. There's probably food. That way we can keep an eye on the area."
"For once you make sense Green Man." Vegeta hissed. "Fine. We'll go back. But we take shifts watching the area. You," he pointed at Yamcha, "you take the first watch."
"But-" Yamcha started. Then he remembered that this self-appointed captain could rip his lungs out with one hand and not break a sweat.
"I can eat first, right?" he finished.
Vegeta nodded once. "I'll keep watch for all you little girls while you fill your bellies. Now go. I tire of your faces."
Vegeta turned away from them and crossed his arms. Vegeta didn't want food; he wanted revenge.
Goku had been up early. He took a bath and made breakfast. Chantisu was sleeping still. She'd become much stronger in the past few months. So Goku had stepped up the training. It was making a greater demand on her stamina but where she lacked physical strength she made up for in will. Goku looked in on her and decided not to wake her. She deserved to sleep in. He started to tip toe out of the room.
"Where do you think you're going?" came the muffled voice from within the mounded pile of blankets and pillows.
Instead of answering her, he just vaulted for the bed, crashing down onto the lump that was her body and tangled bed clothing.
"Oof! You!"
The blankets rose up and attacked.
"Yah! A blob!" Goku screamed out in mock terror as he jumped up on his knees.
Chantisu grabbed his wrists, threw her body against his and rode him down to the futon.
Got me.
Mhm…now what will I do with you?
A smile blossomed across his face, his eyes crinkling at the
corners.
In their few months together their training wasn't the only thing that had become more intense. The lovemaking had reached a state where urgency wasn't needed but they were so clear with each other, so passionate that it felt explosive and yet comforting. Chantisu was gentle with him but strong, communicating her needs without demands. Goku was devoted, careful and oh, so single-minded. His simplicity was beautiful in action.
Their eyes locked onto each other's.
I'm glad we came here.
Me, too.
I would have never known what it was like to love you…what are we going to do?
Goku could feel her despair. He reached around her neck, his fingers twining in her rich chocolate brown hair. He pulled her gently to his lips.
Just love each other while we can.
She felt sad.
"I know" He guided her to his chest and stroked her head. "I know."
Goku was a man of his word. He'd spent many of his quiet mornings thinking about what he'd done here. He didn't feel guilty. He knew that was a waste of time. But he felt…responsible. He knew leaving would break Chanti's heart. Down in his heart, he knew he was her hatsukio*. This was the only time she'd known love. And truthfully, this was the only time he'd know love in this way: unfettered by judgment, guilt and fault. Of course he would return to Chi Chi. But would his heart? That he couldn't answer and he couldn't think about it when Chanti was awake.
Now. We need to be here now.
He felt her head bob a bit in agreement. One hot tear soaked into his shirt.
"Oh no. Please don't."
It's ok. I'm ok.
She lifted her head and smiled at him. She looked so sweet, her hair messy and tank top askew. And he knew she would be fine.
"Alright. Let's have some breakfast. I made pancakes!"
"You did?!" Her eyes lit up.
He nodded enthusiastically.
She leapt up from him and bounded off the futon. He laughed at her eagerness. Yep, a Saiyan appetite was a Saiyan appetite, male or female.
Piccolo built a fire. The cave was large enough for all of
them to fit comfortably. There was some food and cooking utensils.
"Vegeta's missing out" Yamcha said without thinking. After all, he was the reason Vegeta was missing the meal in the first place.
"Maybe I'll take him some."
"Your funeral" Yamcha muttered. His dislike for the Saiyan Prince had never waned since he'd stolen Bulma away from him. In fact, now that Vegeta had become a powerful Super Saiyan, Yamcha was frightened and intimidated by him. He was clearly becoming bitter.
Gohan chose not to answer. After wolfing down his own portion, he refilled his plate and set out to find him. He was easy to spot, silhouetted against the night sky. The stars were twinkling madly and lit the sky, making it glitter. He stood proud and erect. His body had become like steel, hardened by countless hours of abuse at 300 times gravity. But his spirit had changed too. He was still a fierce warrior, ruthless in battle and typically acrid to all in hearing range. But having a son and a place to call home seem to give him a sense of being centered. He'd come to a state of acceptance. The fact that his planet was no more and his son lived here had forced Earth to be his home. And somewhere very deep in his flawed soul, it seemed to be okay with him.
Gohan couldn't help but admire him. Even though there was a lot Vegeta had done that Gohan would never understand the why of it, he'd still come to the aid of the Z fighters many, many times. And he'd never once asked for anything in return.
Vegeta sensed him and turned.
"Well?"
Gohan held out the plate.
"I thought you might like some."
One side of his mouth lifted for a split second. It almost could have been a smile.
He took the offered plate and nodded.
"Vegeta?"
"What?"
Gohan gathered his courage. This was a question that had been on his mind for a long time.
"Well Boy?"
"Why do you hate my Dad so much?" he blurted out in a rush. He was poised for anything. He had no idea how Vegeta would react. Surprisingly nothing happened.
Then he heard a tiny sigh.
"You wouldn't understand."
Gohan laid a hand on Vegeta's forearm, duplicating the strength and confidence of his father.
"I'd like to."
There was a pause.
"The food was sufficient. Take the plate back and send out that idiot, Yamcha. He's rested his lazy carcass long enough."
Gohan took the plate and turned to go. Then he turned back and faced the proud, dark figure who claimed to be his father's enemy.
"Thanks for talking to me anyway."
"Hmph" was the only reply he got. As he was walking back to the cave, he didn't see the small, private smile on Vegeta's lips.
*means first love
More to come in Chapter 7.