Jakuten
Disclaimer: Well, let's put it this way. I'm not rich, famous, or Japanese. *Shrugs* I'm 22, a woman, a CRABBY woman on top of it, and been way too addicted to things that don't involve writing lately… If I were making money off this, I THINK I'd be spending more TIME on it, don't you think? ^_~
By: Selenity Jade (Jadesama@aol.com)
Thanks: W-chan for Beta'ing!
Chapter Eighteen: Father & Son Moment
The Saiyajin was female.
Buruma sighed, ringing the water out her hair. She noticed that it seemed to be getting thicker, which was odd. She had always had very fine hair, but a lot of it. Lately though, her hair seemed to be growing even thicker, although its softness hadn't altered. She was thankful for that. It was probably a side effect of the wish that Goku had made.
At least it didn't make her look horrible. She actually rather liked it. She also couldn't help wondering if Vejiita had noticed. Probably not, she decided. He wasn't the most observant of people until it came to a fight. He'd notice every little movement his opponent would make, and could probably remember it exactly six years later, but when it came to normal stuff, he was as blind as every other man.
Especially when it came to her emotions.
She sighed again, wrapping the towel around her still damp hair. After tightening the towel around her body, careful of the new appendage on her backside there, she stepped out of the steamy bathroom.
When they had gone to meet the new Saiyajin, Buruma was expecting another male. She figured they all were expecting another male, as both Goku and Vejiita gaped at the new Saiyajin when they had first seen her.
Her name was Nanka, and neither Saiyajin knew her. When they brought her back to the island, not even the King could remember her. They couldn't figure out why she showed up. Before, the other Saiyajin were known by someone, each important to one of them. Whether because of a death, like Nappa, or because of relations, like Bardock and Vejiita's father.
Vejiita had opted to stay with the group for a while while she went back to shower and finish packing. She had packed first and had everything in a few dozen nicely organized capsules when she decided bathing was definitely in order. She hadn't smelled the freshest, she was sure.
Here was her chance to see if Vejiita wanted someone else. A proper Saiyajin woman. She was definitely that. She had glared and lashed out immediately when they had approached her. Vejiita had subdued her quickly with an elbow to her head, knocking her unconscious. He had told her that she simply didn't recognize where she was, and all Saiyajin follow one simple rule, if nothing else. Attack first, ask questions later.
Buruma couldn't help but wonder if Vejiita couldn't help feeling attracted to her. He had told her on more than one occasion her temper was part of her charm, and here was a Saiyajin woman who had just as much, if not more of a temper than Buruma herself possessed.
She was jealous.
She sighed, pulling on the short t-shirt she set out to sleep in. She hated it, but she couldn't help it. She wasn't even jealous of the way he acts towards her, because he hasn't even spoken with the woman! She was jealous at what that woman represented, and *could* represent to Vejiita.
It was completely stupid.
Yet, she was still jealous.
She wanted to tear her hair out; it was just so maddening! She was a Saiyajin now too, so it wasn't as if she were human still. But the fear was still there. And it was driving her crazy.
A soft chuckle interrupted her thoughts, causing her to snap around in surprise. The room was dark, but she could clearly make out the shadow of a short, stocky man, with hear swept up from his head.
"Vejiita, you ass! You scared the hell out of me!"
He smirked wickedly, moving towards her. "Yes, I know."
Rolling her eyes, she turned from him and walked softly towards the bed, intent on ignoring him for now. "Bastard."
"Bitch. Now hush. Stop your hysterics, Onna."
She growled. "Would you mind staying out of my mind?"
"Why would I do something like that?" His smirk widened slightly before his eyes softened. "Buruma, I can't help it. It's…there."
She growled, lying down and proceeded to ignore him. Or attempted to, anyway. She felt the bed depress slightly beside her hip, and a gentle hand moved to lightly rest on it.
::Buruma, you don't have to worry about this low-class Saiyajin. She is simply that. Nothing more.::
She didn't reply; simply lay there with her eyes closed and her back to him. She was a little miffed that he had invaded her thoughts again, and her private worries were not longer private. Even if it wasn't his fault. She did on occasion pick up stray thoughts from him, although his mind was a lot more controlled and guarded than hers was.
::Onna, stop acting like a child!::
She stiffened slightly, but still didn't answer, although she was sure he could practically taste her anger.
He growled something under his breath as he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her back firmly to his hard chest. "Buruma, stop this. You have *no* reason to be jealous," he stated firmly. "Why would I want her?"
"Because she's Saiyajin," Buruma muttered under her breath, her entire body stiff against his. She was not letting him soothe her by touch alone. Not this time. She wasn't even really angry with *him*, but more with herself. She shouldn't be so irrational, and it was very irrational. He hadn't even looked at her outside of his first moments of shock. He treated her as if she were beneath his notice.
Yet, she was still so damn jealous. Perhaps it was only that Buruma saw things in that woman that reminded her of Vejiita. Things that Buruma herself could never compete with. Her fighting skill, which had been obvious upon their first meeting, was perhaps the biggest of them all. Even Goku had married a fighter. Buruma was not a warrior, and frankly, learning it would probably bore her.
She suddenly realized exactly *why* she was being so illogical. She was scared. Scared! She was frightened that Vejiita would eventually get bored with her, bored with being so careful and gentle around her, especially when they made love…
Although, none of that would matter soon. She was dying, after all. Perhaps, what really frightened her was that the Saiyajin woman would end up replacing her somehow. Not that she didn't want Vejiita to get over her death should they fail in curing her, but a part of her hated the thought of the Saiyajin no Ouji in love with another woman.
She was being childish. It didn't stop the way she felt, though.
::Buruma.::
"Sorry, Jiita. I'm just… being stupid."
He grunted softly, his steel arms tightening around her. "Sleep, jakuten," he ordered quietly, his nose burying into the hair at the back of her neck. "Sleep."
And she did.
~~~
"Kakarotto."
Goku blinked, turning around to face the owner of the voice. Goku's dark eyes stared guardedly into an identical pair a few feet from him. "Bardock," he greeted softly.
The man with his face smirked lightly, the scar on his cheek moving slightly with that expression. It was their only difference. In appearance, anyway. In every other way, they were identical. It gave Goku the feeling that he was staring into the mirror at times. Except for the scar. Goku, for one, was thankful for that difference. Even their voices were the same. It was positively creepy.
"I see. Not 'father', huh?" the man said, crossing his arms over his broad chest as his eyes roamed over the younger man before him, although the age difference wasn't readily apparent.
Goku shrugged slightly. "Sorry, but I just met you."
"You saw me when you were a baby. For a moment, anyway."
Goku shrugged again. "I don't remember it."
"No, I suppose you don't." The scarred version of the younger man sighed and relaxed his position slightly as he allowed his arms to drop from his chest and his tail to unfurl from around his waist. "You have grown up from the squalling brat you once were."
Cocking his head, the softhearted Saiyajin blinked. "I would think so, Bardock. I am an adult now."
"That you are. With a mate and a brat of your own."
Goku nodded. "Yes, you've met Chichi and Gohan a couple of times."
"Yes, I have."
Silence fell on the pair. Goku wasn't certain what the man who had a part in giving him life wanted. They hadn't talked much the entire time Goku had been back, and he didn't understand why now would be any different.
Goku fidgeted once as his father turned to look out over the dark midnight ocean. When Goku had finally decided that Bardock wasn't going to speak again, he did.
"I wanted to tell you… I was wrong," the older man said almost quietly in the silence, his voice slightly thick with something Goku couldn't name.
"Wrong about what?" he asked, turning to Bardock.
"You. I didn't think you'd amount to anything when you were lying in that incubation unit. I simply saw your power level and thought… what scum!" The troubled man finally glanced at his son. "I was wrong. You became more than even I saw in my visions, Kakarotto. You became a Supersaiyajin. You became… a great warrior. And I am proud. Proud that you are *my* son. I am proud to be your father. I am even happy that you were born with such a tiny power level. It saved your life, Kakarotto. And I am glad. I was wrong in my first assumptions. I apologize."
Goku blinked, more than a little surprised at his father's confession and apology. He found himself at a sudden loss for words. What did one say to a father he had never met, didn't remember, who just apologized for thinking you were less than worthy?
"Um, that's okay," Goku began, scratching the back of his head. "I mean, it's not as if you could have known that I would grow stronger."
Bardock shook his head. "No. It is not okay. To us Saiyajin, strength is everything, Kakarotto. Not even family matters as much. To me, you were weak. A weak, squalling child with no hope in this world but to destroy the planet he was assigned to destroy. I have learned something in my time, Kakarotto. I have learned watching you with your son, with your mate, that perhaps our way is not the way after all. You coddle your son, as does your mate, and yet I am told he has amazing strength, that he is also a Supersaiyajin. It is proof that our way is not the only way to strength. And it makes me doubt."
Goku shrugged, turning to glance over the sea again. "Perhaps you are not completely wrong, Bardock. Strength is important; it will always be, to me anyway. Yet, my family is also important. Would I give all the strength I have to protect my family? Yes, I would. But I would fight first. If there were no other way, I would give it up, just to see Chi and Gohan safe, to keep them safe. I strive for more power, simply to calm the lust for battle and strength, and at the same time, I do it to protect. Does that make sense?"
Bardock fell silent for a long moment before answering. "It wouldn't have. Years ago." He sighed, looking down at the sand before him. "But now? It…confuses me, but I am beginning to understand. I do not remember the time I have been dead, but I think I may have learned something important from it. Something that is still with me, even if I cannot remember it now."
Goku nodded. "That usually happens, I'm told."
The scarred warrior's tail flicked absently before he spoke again. "I am proud of you. You are… worthy of being a Saiyajin. And although I do not fully understand this softness in you… I would not wish you to be any different, my son."
Bardock then turned abruptly and walked away.
"Thanks… Father."
~~~
Vejiita stared down at the pale woman in his arms. Her face was set in a peaceful smile as she snuggled into his broad chest. It was mornings like this that made him wonder how he survived all those years waking up alone.
He nuzzled her hair lightly before disentangling himself from her very carefully. He didn't want to wake her just yet. Let her keep her peaceful expression just a little bit longer before they got ready to leave.
He padded softly out of their room and made his way down to scrounge something up for breakfast. He was just about to take a bite out of a large ham that Buruma had had prepared the night before when a slightly impatient knock sounded at the door.
Vejiita frowned, standing up and moving towards it, gently feeling for a sense of the ki behind it. He stopped abruptly as he recognized it, and swung the door open to gape at the person before him.
"What the hell are you doing here?!" he demanded, still surprised.
"Hello to you, too, Dad."
~~~
AN: ^_^;;;;
Lovies!
Disclaimer: Well, let's put it this way. I'm not rich, famous, or Japanese. *Shrugs* I'm 22, a woman, a CRABBY woman on top of it, and been way too addicted to things that don't involve writing lately… If I were making money off this, I THINK I'd be spending more TIME on it, don't you think? ^_~
By: Selenity Jade (Jadesama@aol.com)
Thanks: W-chan for Beta'ing!
Chapter Eighteen: Father & Son Moment
The Saiyajin was female.
Buruma sighed, ringing the water out her hair. She noticed that it seemed to be getting thicker, which was odd. She had always had very fine hair, but a lot of it. Lately though, her hair seemed to be growing even thicker, although its softness hadn't altered. She was thankful for that. It was probably a side effect of the wish that Goku had made.
At least it didn't make her look horrible. She actually rather liked it. She also couldn't help wondering if Vejiita had noticed. Probably not, she decided. He wasn't the most observant of people until it came to a fight. He'd notice every little movement his opponent would make, and could probably remember it exactly six years later, but when it came to normal stuff, he was as blind as every other man.
Especially when it came to her emotions.
She sighed again, wrapping the towel around her still damp hair. After tightening the towel around her body, careful of the new appendage on her backside there, she stepped out of the steamy bathroom.
When they had gone to meet the new Saiyajin, Buruma was expecting another male. She figured they all were expecting another male, as both Goku and Vejiita gaped at the new Saiyajin when they had first seen her.
Her name was Nanka, and neither Saiyajin knew her. When they brought her back to the island, not even the King could remember her. They couldn't figure out why she showed up. Before, the other Saiyajin were known by someone, each important to one of them. Whether because of a death, like Nappa, or because of relations, like Bardock and Vejiita's father.
Vejiita had opted to stay with the group for a while while she went back to shower and finish packing. She had packed first and had everything in a few dozen nicely organized capsules when she decided bathing was definitely in order. She hadn't smelled the freshest, she was sure.
Here was her chance to see if Vejiita wanted someone else. A proper Saiyajin woman. She was definitely that. She had glared and lashed out immediately when they had approached her. Vejiita had subdued her quickly with an elbow to her head, knocking her unconscious. He had told her that she simply didn't recognize where she was, and all Saiyajin follow one simple rule, if nothing else. Attack first, ask questions later.
Buruma couldn't help but wonder if Vejiita couldn't help feeling attracted to her. He had told her on more than one occasion her temper was part of her charm, and here was a Saiyajin woman who had just as much, if not more of a temper than Buruma herself possessed.
She was jealous.
She sighed, pulling on the short t-shirt she set out to sleep in. She hated it, but she couldn't help it. She wasn't even jealous of the way he acts towards her, because he hasn't even spoken with the woman! She was jealous at what that woman represented, and *could* represent to Vejiita.
It was completely stupid.
Yet, she was still jealous.
She wanted to tear her hair out; it was just so maddening! She was a Saiyajin now too, so it wasn't as if she were human still. But the fear was still there. And it was driving her crazy.
A soft chuckle interrupted her thoughts, causing her to snap around in surprise. The room was dark, but she could clearly make out the shadow of a short, stocky man, with hear swept up from his head.
"Vejiita, you ass! You scared the hell out of me!"
He smirked wickedly, moving towards her. "Yes, I know."
Rolling her eyes, she turned from him and walked softly towards the bed, intent on ignoring him for now. "Bastard."
"Bitch. Now hush. Stop your hysterics, Onna."
She growled. "Would you mind staying out of my mind?"
"Why would I do something like that?" His smirk widened slightly before his eyes softened. "Buruma, I can't help it. It's…there."
She growled, lying down and proceeded to ignore him. Or attempted to, anyway. She felt the bed depress slightly beside her hip, and a gentle hand moved to lightly rest on it.
::Buruma, you don't have to worry about this low-class Saiyajin. She is simply that. Nothing more.::
She didn't reply; simply lay there with her eyes closed and her back to him. She was a little miffed that he had invaded her thoughts again, and her private worries were not longer private. Even if it wasn't his fault. She did on occasion pick up stray thoughts from him, although his mind was a lot more controlled and guarded than hers was.
::Onna, stop acting like a child!::
She stiffened slightly, but still didn't answer, although she was sure he could practically taste her anger.
He growled something under his breath as he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her back firmly to his hard chest. "Buruma, stop this. You have *no* reason to be jealous," he stated firmly. "Why would I want her?"
"Because she's Saiyajin," Buruma muttered under her breath, her entire body stiff against his. She was not letting him soothe her by touch alone. Not this time. She wasn't even really angry with *him*, but more with herself. She shouldn't be so irrational, and it was very irrational. He hadn't even looked at her outside of his first moments of shock. He treated her as if she were beneath his notice.
Yet, she was still so damn jealous. Perhaps it was only that Buruma saw things in that woman that reminded her of Vejiita. Things that Buruma herself could never compete with. Her fighting skill, which had been obvious upon their first meeting, was perhaps the biggest of them all. Even Goku had married a fighter. Buruma was not a warrior, and frankly, learning it would probably bore her.
She suddenly realized exactly *why* she was being so illogical. She was scared. Scared! She was frightened that Vejiita would eventually get bored with her, bored with being so careful and gentle around her, especially when they made love…
Although, none of that would matter soon. She was dying, after all. Perhaps, what really frightened her was that the Saiyajin woman would end up replacing her somehow. Not that she didn't want Vejiita to get over her death should they fail in curing her, but a part of her hated the thought of the Saiyajin no Ouji in love with another woman.
She was being childish. It didn't stop the way she felt, though.
::Buruma.::
"Sorry, Jiita. I'm just… being stupid."
He grunted softly, his steel arms tightening around her. "Sleep, jakuten," he ordered quietly, his nose burying into the hair at the back of her neck. "Sleep."
And she did.
~~~
"Kakarotto."
Goku blinked, turning around to face the owner of the voice. Goku's dark eyes stared guardedly into an identical pair a few feet from him. "Bardock," he greeted softly.
The man with his face smirked lightly, the scar on his cheek moving slightly with that expression. It was their only difference. In appearance, anyway. In every other way, they were identical. It gave Goku the feeling that he was staring into the mirror at times. Except for the scar. Goku, for one, was thankful for that difference. Even their voices were the same. It was positively creepy.
"I see. Not 'father', huh?" the man said, crossing his arms over his broad chest as his eyes roamed over the younger man before him, although the age difference wasn't readily apparent.
Goku shrugged slightly. "Sorry, but I just met you."
"You saw me when you were a baby. For a moment, anyway."
Goku shrugged again. "I don't remember it."
"No, I suppose you don't." The scarred version of the younger man sighed and relaxed his position slightly as he allowed his arms to drop from his chest and his tail to unfurl from around his waist. "You have grown up from the squalling brat you once were."
Cocking his head, the softhearted Saiyajin blinked. "I would think so, Bardock. I am an adult now."
"That you are. With a mate and a brat of your own."
Goku nodded. "Yes, you've met Chichi and Gohan a couple of times."
"Yes, I have."
Silence fell on the pair. Goku wasn't certain what the man who had a part in giving him life wanted. They hadn't talked much the entire time Goku had been back, and he didn't understand why now would be any different.
Goku fidgeted once as his father turned to look out over the dark midnight ocean. When Goku had finally decided that Bardock wasn't going to speak again, he did.
"I wanted to tell you… I was wrong," the older man said almost quietly in the silence, his voice slightly thick with something Goku couldn't name.
"Wrong about what?" he asked, turning to Bardock.
"You. I didn't think you'd amount to anything when you were lying in that incubation unit. I simply saw your power level and thought… what scum!" The troubled man finally glanced at his son. "I was wrong. You became more than even I saw in my visions, Kakarotto. You became a Supersaiyajin. You became… a great warrior. And I am proud. Proud that you are *my* son. I am proud to be your father. I am even happy that you were born with such a tiny power level. It saved your life, Kakarotto. And I am glad. I was wrong in my first assumptions. I apologize."
Goku blinked, more than a little surprised at his father's confession and apology. He found himself at a sudden loss for words. What did one say to a father he had never met, didn't remember, who just apologized for thinking you were less than worthy?
"Um, that's okay," Goku began, scratching the back of his head. "I mean, it's not as if you could have known that I would grow stronger."
Bardock shook his head. "No. It is not okay. To us Saiyajin, strength is everything, Kakarotto. Not even family matters as much. To me, you were weak. A weak, squalling child with no hope in this world but to destroy the planet he was assigned to destroy. I have learned something in my time, Kakarotto. I have learned watching you with your son, with your mate, that perhaps our way is not the way after all. You coddle your son, as does your mate, and yet I am told he has amazing strength, that he is also a Supersaiyajin. It is proof that our way is not the only way to strength. And it makes me doubt."
Goku shrugged, turning to glance over the sea again. "Perhaps you are not completely wrong, Bardock. Strength is important; it will always be, to me anyway. Yet, my family is also important. Would I give all the strength I have to protect my family? Yes, I would. But I would fight first. If there were no other way, I would give it up, just to see Chi and Gohan safe, to keep them safe. I strive for more power, simply to calm the lust for battle and strength, and at the same time, I do it to protect. Does that make sense?"
Bardock fell silent for a long moment before answering. "It wouldn't have. Years ago." He sighed, looking down at the sand before him. "But now? It…confuses me, but I am beginning to understand. I do not remember the time I have been dead, but I think I may have learned something important from it. Something that is still with me, even if I cannot remember it now."
Goku nodded. "That usually happens, I'm told."
The scarred warrior's tail flicked absently before he spoke again. "I am proud of you. You are… worthy of being a Saiyajin. And although I do not fully understand this softness in you… I would not wish you to be any different, my son."
Bardock then turned abruptly and walked away.
"Thanks… Father."
~~~
Vejiita stared down at the pale woman in his arms. Her face was set in a peaceful smile as she snuggled into his broad chest. It was mornings like this that made him wonder how he survived all those years waking up alone.
He nuzzled her hair lightly before disentangling himself from her very carefully. He didn't want to wake her just yet. Let her keep her peaceful expression just a little bit longer before they got ready to leave.
He padded softly out of their room and made his way down to scrounge something up for breakfast. He was just about to take a bite out of a large ham that Buruma had had prepared the night before when a slightly impatient knock sounded at the door.
Vejiita frowned, standing up and moving towards it, gently feeling for a sense of the ki behind it. He stopped abruptly as he recognized it, and swung the door open to gape at the person before him.
"What the hell are you doing here?!" he demanded, still surprised.
"Hello to you, too, Dad."
~~~
AN: ^_^;;;;
Lovies!
