Ch. 25
A ripple of numbness traveled through his spine and he felt his jaw clench as he groaned through it. His muscles felt as if they were cast from concrete, immovable and heavy. He turned his head, which also felt as if it weighed a few tons, and let his eyelids flutter open to the soft light coming in through a window. For a moment he was disoriented- the light that filled the room was exactly as it had been in his chambers on Vejiitasei when he was a boy, and it almost felt as if he was there once again. How are you doing? a gentle voice asked, and he opened his eyes wider, sitting up a little in the bed he found himself in.
The woman was seated on a chair a few feet away from the bed, her legs crossed at the ankle and her arms folded across her chest, her blue eyes examining him closely. I'm fine, he said gruffly. How else should I be?
Her fine eyebrows tilted inward. Considering you were half dead when we brought you here I would assume you'd be worse. Those tanks work wonders, though. You're a lucky man.
Vegeta snorted. Luck has nothing to do with it, woman, he said stiffly.
Yeah, right. That's why Goku was able to beat you up so badly, right? she countered, raising an index finger.
Shut up, he snarled, turning to her and flexing his hands. For a moment she was afraid he would rise from the bed and do something, cold fear racing up and down her limbs, then calmed herself. For someone so egotistical he certainly was insecure.
She sighed, tapping the index finger against her cheek. Listen, Vegeta, she said, I actually came here to discuss something with you. Like why your own death echoes in those black eyes of yours. Like what you're afraid of and why you are like you seem to be.
I do not normally strike bargains, he said back coldly. It is as I say or not at all.
And he was spoiled to boot. It's not really a bargain, she replied, ignoring the edge in his voice. Why did she seem to bother him so much, or did everybody bother him? It's more like a trade. You expressed interest in some of our technology earlier.
Vegeta finally seemed to give her his full attention, the intensity of it making her shiver. His eyes seemed to walk up and down her very bones, and she didn't know what to make of it. How come he was able to do things like that to her? he prompted when she paused.
Item number one: I want tanks in return for scouters. Leave me these two rejuvenation tanks and I'll see that you get a thousand scouters.
That's piracy, Vegeta growled, his scowl deepening. The tanks are worth more than that! If you think you can pull something like that over on me...
She held up a hand to halt him, suppressing fear as it reared up inside of her. That may be, but if you want more scouters you'll have to pay for them. Besides, I know how they work. I reprogrammed Radditz's and I can make more. You, however, don't have a clue about their manufacture, she snapped.
There was the sound of a throat clearing, and Vegeta's head swiveled toward the source, noticing for the first time that Radditz was present, leaning up against the far wall with his chin against his chest and his eyes closed. Go on, Vegeta said angrily, casting Radditz a dirty look.
You'll deal only with me on that issue, she said. Now, Dad wants to have a few pieces of your armor, at least twenty or so. In return he's willing to give you whatever capsules you want or encapsulate things you already have so that the value works out about the same. You'll have to talk to him about that.
Vegeta narrowed his eyes and wishing that Radditz wasn't in the room to see him making deals at all. That's all? Only two trades? You're not very ambitious for someone who has just come into direct contact with extraterrestrial technology. Besides, I saw the way you were eying my ship, he sneered.
Bulma reddened. We don't need your ship to improve our space travel, she said with a snort.
His mouth curled into a smirk. Then why do you want to examine it so badly? he replied.
She reddened further. I don't have to sit here and listen to you, she snarled.
He raised an eyebrow, the smirk spreading. Then why are you here? You're annoying me.
Her teeth appeared, flashing between her lips as she glared at him. Because you're hurt and I was making sure you were well taken care of! she spat.
He shrugged, turning his nose up in the air in that gesture she hated. I don't need your pitiful human attempts to keep me in good condition. I don't see why you'd even care, he replied coldly, looking at her out of the corner of his eye.
You are the leader of a large empire that presents many lucrative opportunities for my company. If you aren't taken care of, regardless of you being a stuck-up, spoiled bastard, my business ends may not have the means necessary. So what else am I to do but try and keep you alive until I get what I want?
There was a snort from Radditz, Vegeta's gaze whipping over to him and sending him the nastiest of glares. Then I assure you that I am fine. What I want is privacy, he said pointedly, still glaring at Radditz.
She shrugged her shoulders and stood. More than fine with me. I don't want to be around you anyway, she said, putting her hands on her hips and sauntering out of the room.
Vegeta watched her go, his scowl deepening. What an impossible, low-class woman, he muttered. Radditz opened his mouth just the tiniest bit before shutting it again abruptly and letting his own scowl settle on his features, crossing his arms more tightly against his chest.
Vegeta was noting Radditz's scowl with interest when there was a commotion. Murmurs came from the hallway, the woman's voice sharp as it faded away, a masculine chuckling coming nearer. Two sets of identical wide, black eyes appeared in the doorway and Vegeta watched a crooked, tight-lipped smile spread across Radditz's face. Hiya, Vegeta! Goku chirped.
Vegeta blushed furiously and bounded out of the bed, planting his hands on his hips and glaring at the other warrior. What do you want? he snapped.
Radditz stood as well with a great sigh. Brother, you should address the Prince with the proper respect, he said with an inclination of his head.
Oh, right, sorry, Goku said with a grin, reaching down and ushering a little boy into the room. Gohan, say hello, he urged.
The boy bowed politely. Hello, Prince Vegeta, Uncle Radditz, he said. How do you do?
Vegeta snorted and raised his nose in the air. After a moment he began to cast around for his clothing. Radditz, fetch me my clothes, he said. Radditz bowed and began to leave the room, stopping for just a moment to touch Gohan lightly on the head, his fingers barely brushing the boy's thick hair. Gohan giggled and levitated into the air, latching on to Radditz's arm. Radditz smiled faintly and walked down the hall, the boy trailing off of his limb as he moved. Vegeta watched them go with a scowl and turned his attention on Goku. I asked you a question, soldier, he snapped with a glare.
Goku scratched the back of his head. he said, his eyes rolling up to one corner as he thought. I guess I thought I'd just stop by and see how you were doing. Those tanks are something else.
I'm fine, Vegeta growled, tugging absently at the boxer shorts the Earthlings had clad him in. You're lucky I let you live.
Goku's expression faltered for a minute, some unidentifiable emotion crossing his features. Uh, yeah. You really got me with that giant monkey trick.
Vegeta made a spitting gesture. You could do it too if you weren't such a tail-less disgrace, he muttered, still not looking Goku directly in the face. He didn't like how the third-class warrior managed to be so strong without a tail.
I suppose, Goku said absently. I guess I'll just have to train harder to compensate, eh?
Vegeta curled his lip and tilted his chin. You'll never beat me, he said, smiling cruelly as Radditz and Gohan came back into the room. Gohan drifted back over to his father and stared back at Vegeta with wide eyes.
Are you really a prince? Gohan asked gently, fists wrapped in the pants of his father's gi.
Vegeta's eyes widened a fraction and his lips parted in surprise. he answered gruffly.
Gohan's brow furrowed. Of what? he asked innocently. Uncle Radditz told me almost all the Saiyans were dead?
Vegeta's eyes flashed with anger. Of an empire of my own making, boy, he said heatedly. Now leave me, all of you!
Goku opened his mouth to protest, but Radditz stepped in between him and Vegeta, grabbing his little brother's shoulders and turning him around, placing a hand in the middle of his back and pushing. Get a move on, little brother, Radditz said, gently herding Gohan out as well.
Vegeta watched them go and tore off the shorts, sliding into his bodysuit with ease. He sat down on the edge of the bed and sighed, impotent rage boiling up inside of him. This was all Freeza's fault. He would make the alien pay, even if it meant his life. He would find a way to end it. In the meantime he had to get stronger, for there was no way he was about to let Kakarott show him up. He stood and was about to leave the room when Zarbon popped through the doorway, laden with packages and bags. Good day, sweet prince! he proclaimed, dropping the packages with a grunt. How are we today?
Vegeta scowled and stared at Zarbon, who was dressed in beige pants and some sort of knit top. What on earth are you wearing? he said.
Zarbon smiled and turned, modeling his outfit. They're called cargo pants and a sweater, with a t-shirt underneath, he said, flipping his braid over his shoulder. You will not believe the things they have on this planet!
Vegeta grimaced and peered suspiciously into the bags. These are all clothes? he said. You're emptying my royal treasury on clothes?
Zarbon sighed, shaking his head. I didn't spend a dime. Mrs. Briefs bought them all. She said she thought we should dress in a manner more suitable to this planet. She mentioned something about the media catching wind of the whole alien issue and said we'd stand out less if we wore the same kind of garb.
Vegeta stared at Zarbon. You're over six feet tall and have green skin, Zarbon, he said in disbelief. You're going to stand out anyway, being the freak that you are.
Zarbon scowled. Like having a tail blends in either, he snapped. Listen, these Earthlings have several global industries based solely on the entertainment of the natives. We might as well take advantage of them while we're here.
I don't see the need to do such a thing. I'm a warrior, Vegeta said disdainfully, crossing his arms over his chest and looking away.
Zarbon's features darkened further. I know that, Vegeta, he said testily. But haven't you ever wondered what it would be like to live a life without having to fight all the time?
You're a coward, aren't you? Vegeta sneered.
Angry blood began to rush to Zarbon's cheeks. No, Vegeta, I'm not. I love fighting and the invigoration it brings. I never feel as alive as I do when I'm destroying things. But still, sometimes I wonder what it might be like to just live a life, with a mate to go to every night, to have offspring running around, to not have to worry about anything more grand than what I'm going to buy my children to make them have fun or look pretty. Don't you ever want things like that?
I'm a warrior Zarbon, that is all, Vegeta snapped. I don't intend to waste my time like you seem to like to do. He snorted and began to shove past Zarbon into the hallway.
Zarbon grabbed his arm and forced him to turn around. Oh no you don't. I got these damn outfits for you and you're going to at least try them on.
Vegeta's eyes narrowed as he looked up at Zarbon hatefully. Get your hands off of me, freak, he snarled, teeth bared.
Zarbon felt rage break free inside of him. You're going to treat me with respect for once, Vegeta, he retaliated, tightening his grip on Vegeta's arm and yanking.
Vegeta tore his arm from Zarbon's grasp and raised his hand, slapping Zarbon across the face as hard as he could. Zarbon's head snapped to the side, an angry splotch appearing on his flawless cheek. I said get your hands off me, Vegeta hissed.
Zarbon drew himself up to full height and glared at Vegeta, golden eyes sparking with anger. And I told you that you're going to treat me with respect. I've let you deal me garbage for far too long. Well, the period of indulgence is over and I swear to the stars if you touch me again in such a way I'll do my damnedest to kill you.
Vegeta snorted and laughed. As if you could even lay a hand on me. I'm stronger now than your present state!
The muscles in Zarbon's face tightened with the strain of controlling himself, his veins feeling as if they were filled with molten bronze instead of blood. It doesn't matter. I'm a far more refined warrior than you. I could have dispatched that Kakarott fellow in a quarter of the time it took you in your oozaru form.
Vegeta's face cracked in a mask of animal rage. You dare! he hissed like a cornered beast, rushing at Zarbon.
Zarbon felt anger rise in him, then cooled it into a sharp edge inside his chest. He smiled and extended an arm, coolly belting Vegeta with a hand. The Saiyan flew to the floor in a heap, standing angrily and holding his shoulder. Shall we take this outside? he murmured, his eyes gleaming with ice.
Daddy, Vegeta's not very happy, is he? Gohan said, levitating and latching on to his father's broad back.
Goku turned his head and glanced back at his son, the gaze taking in his brother as well. I don't know, Gohan, he replied. He doesn't act like it, does he?
Gohan sighed and shook his head. He sure doesn't. He's really crabby. How come he's so angry all the time?
Goku shot a look at Radditz. I don't know that either. All the Saiyans besides us seem to be pretty unhappy.
The child's face rumpled with a scowl as the boy directed his attention to his uncle. Aren't you happy, Uncle? he asked.
Radditz's eyes widened, a little taken aback. After a momentary pause he answered Of course I am. There's no reason not to be.
But you had to stop and think about it, Gohan protested. If you're really happy you don't have to think about it.
Goku chuckled, turning his attention to the ground as he navigated around some of the furniture in the hallway, gently lifting Gohan's leg so that it didn't knock over a vase. He's right, Radditz. Vegeta doesn't even treat you well, and he's known you his whole life, right?
Radditz snorted. Yes. He's not much older than you. I've never known anyone to be treated well by Vegeta. It's no surprise, really, considering.
Gohan twisted on his father's back to stare at his uncle. What does that mean?
Goku stopped in his tracks and turned so abruptly that Radditz, who had been letting his gaze wander over the objects in the hall, nearly ran them over. Yeah, I'd like to know too. What is the
Radditz cleared his throat and looked at the floor, his frown deepening. I'm not really sure myself. Vegeta wasn't ever a nice boy, he was too spoiled for that, but shortly after Vejiitasei was destroyed Nappa and I were sent on a mission that took five years. Vegeta was left all alone with Freeza. Even after we returned I was hardly ever allowed to see him. I'm a third-class soldier, just like our father, and since Nappa was the Commander, he was the one that oversaw the boy's training. There were always periods of time, though, that Vegeta was taken for months on end. Whenever he came back he still wouldn't see anyone for several days, not even the Commander. We never knew what happened, but we knew that it was probably Freeza's fault, and as such most certainly bad.
He didn't have anybody to protect him? Gohan asked, tears coming to the boy's bright eyes.
Radditz smiled bitterly as he looked at the moisture form in the child's eyes. What luxuries they had here on Earth, that the boy's hands could still be soft and tender from years of peace, that the father could stay with the son. Saiyans have always protected themselves, he began. Except for you, Father, you and your squadron protected each other, and look where that got you. But Nappa and I would have protected the Prince if we could have. You see, the Prince had an abnormally high power level from birth, and so by the time we came back from that first mission Vegeta was already almost as strong as I was. Besides, it would have been suicide to try to defend him from Freeza. Freeza would have just killed all of us. He probably wouldn't have even done it himself, but had Dodoria or Zarbon do it. Hell, Zarbon could still kill any one of us at the bat of an eyelash.
Gohan had begun to cry in earnest. Mister Zarbon is that strong? he choked, trying to wipe his eyes.
Radditz nodded, watching Goku switch Gohan from his back into his arms, where he held the little boy and gently wiped his cheeks with a finger. Zarbon's very strong. He could still turn Nappa and I into dust, and he probably wouldn't hesitate to do it. Vegeta's probably stronger now than Zarbon's lowest form, but Zarbon's got so much experience that he'd be difficult to beat even if he didn't transform.
Don't worry, Gohan, Goku said gently. Zarbon wouldn't do anything to you.
Gohan nodded, still sniffling. Not unless Vegeta said to, he croaked.
Vegeta wouldn't hurt you without good reason, Radditz said. You're a Saiyan, after all, and he wouldn't want to endanger the technology agreement either.
Goku smiled and rolled his eyes. Oh boy. If he's dealing with Bulma that could take forever.
Radditz smiled back, stepping forward and extending his hand to Gohan. The little boy took it and Radditz gathered him into his arms, unconsciously rocking him slowly. Yes, she's a stubborn woman, he murmured as he looked down at Gohan, who was still wiping his eyes.
She certainly is, Goku agreed. And Vegeta's no softie either. Oh well, I don't mind if he's here for a good long time.
Radditz raised his eyes to look at his brother.
Goku smiled and raised his arm, reaching up to place his hand on his brother's bicep. If he's here then you're here, and I'd like to get to know you better. I grew up without knowing where I was from or having any blood relations, and now you're here.
Radditz looked back down at Gohan, the skin across his cheekbones and the bridge of his nose coloring faintly. Yes, where Vegeta goes, I go, he murmured, brushing the bangs out of Gohan's eyes.
Goku's smile broadened. You know, this is the way things are supposed to be, he said, gesturing at Gohan with his head. Kids happy and loved by family, being held and played with.
Radditz's blush deepened and he coughed, embarrassed. Yes, well, we never had the opportunity. None of us. At least Nappa and I got to grow up with our own people and not that damn Freeza, he said.
Goku's smile faded.
Radditz sighed and repositioned Gohan as he moved down the hall. Are you happy, Kakarott?
Goku nodded as they rounded the corner and began to descend the stairs. Yes. I've got a wonderful wife and son, a nice house, and good friends. There's not a whole lot left to want.
Radditz scowled as they made their way to the kitchen and through the back door. You're still a Saiyan. Don't you ever crave the stars?
Goku shrugged. I guess. But enough of this stuff. Let's go spar, okay?
Radditz cocked his head, glancing at Gohan. But you just got out of the tank, and Gohan...
Goku laughed and glanced up. Gohan will be taken care of, he replied.
Radditz looked up and saw a figure floating several hundred feet above Capsule Corporation. A white cape flapped in the wind and green arms were crossed over a massive chest. The Namekian, Radditz breathed.
Hey Piccolo! Goku shouted, cupping his hands around his mouth. How are you?
Piccolo raised his nose in the air and lowered a hand. Gohan squealed with excitement and flew up into the air, settling down in the green arms in just a few moments. My feelings for your son don't automatically transfer to you, the Namekian shouted back and flew off into the sky.
That takes care of the babysitting, Goku said, smiling.
Radditz looked at him in disbelief. He doesn't like you and yet you let him take your child? he breathed.
Goku nodded. Sure. I can trust him. He loves Gohan. So, shall we spar?
Radditz shrugged, his gaze going to the place where the Namekian had been just seconds before. I suppose. Why not?