Chapter 8

"So, that's how I defeated Cell," finished Gohan happily.

"Wow," breathed Kakarott, "that's pretty impressive."

"I don't know," Goku said, "ripping your own head open strikes me as pretty brave."

Kakarott beamed. Within the three weeks he had spent with Goku and Gohan, he already looked at them like father and brother. Even if one was an older version of himself.

Kakarott, under Goku's training had been steadily improving. He was now attacking another wall, one that Goku was still trying to tear down. The younger and older version were having a race to see who would hit it first.

They settled down on Planet Vegeta and as they stepped out, they were greeted by a marked silence. Kakarott help up his hands, and all those around the dock watched carefully.

"My fellow Saiyans," Kakarott roared, "I have defeated King Cold! May we live forever!"

A great roar went up, and Kakarott felt very modest, of course.

Most of the crowd returned to their homes, but Kakarott was greeted by King Vegeta. Prince Vegeta followed behind. He had been in a form of exile since his return, and he stared at the younger Kakarott with hate-filled eyes.

"Your majesty," Kakarott said, bowing to the ground. Goku and Gohan looked on in amazement.

King Vegeta stared at Goku and Gohan, "I can see you are Saiyans, so why do you not pay your King the proper respect?"

Goku looked at Kakarott, and then dropped in the same position, and said, "Your Majesty." Gohan followed suit.

"Elite-warrior Kakarott, who are these Saiyans?" King Vegeta growled.

Kakarott had already worked out this story with Goku and Gohan, "Mighty King, permission to speak?"

"Granted."

"Goku is a Saiyan who was sent out on the space-ships when he was but a baby. However, as he landed on the small planet. His ship crashed, and he received a serious head wound, forgetting his birthplace and heritage. He was raised among the population, and thought he was one of them. He became the mate of an individual who lived on the planet, and this boy, Gohan is their son. However, when I went to Earth, I met both Goku and Gohan, and I have learned much from them. They too know the suppression technique. Neither one knew of our people before I landed on the planet, but they are immensely powerful. Goku may in fact be more powerful than I."

King Vegeta raised an eye at the Saiyan. He looked an awful lot alike young Kakarott. Then he glanced at the half-breed son. He extended his hand, and as he shook Goku's hand, King Vegeta gasped in shock and stepped back.

"What happened to your tail?" King Vegeta cried in shock.

Goku grinned, and said, "Your majesty, my foster parents had it removed. I never knew the difference until I met young Kakarott. I deeply regret the absence of it now, but know that nothing I do can change that fact."

Gohan stood quietly, taking in the sights. His quick young mind saw the sights and the sounds and absorbed the culture. He was surprised by how diplomatic his father was being, and by the politeness and respect in his answers. Then Gohan saw the Prince Vegeta. He looked similar to how Vegeta had looked when he'd first come to Earth. He was young, lithe, and a darkness seemed to hang over his head as he stared at the young boy.

"You know," said King Vegeta, "a Saiyan's tail is never fully gone. It is plausible that we could extract it for you and your son."

Kakarott saw the light that lit in Goku's eyes at the King's words. He noticed however that Gohan did not seem so excited. He was a little confused by the younger boy. He didn't seem to have the Saiyan fighting spirit. Kakarott grinned though, as Gohan caught his eye and smiled at him. For all of that, he was a great guy.

"Well, Goku, I welcome you home. We don't normally like half-breeds, but I suppose we could possibly make an exception in your son's case. First however, I'd like you see you and Kakarott fight."

Goku smiled, and King Vegeta noticed the excitement that filled the Saiyan's features. He nodded to himself. The man was definitely a Saiyan.

A crowd gathered and word spread that a Saiyan had come that was on par with Kakarott. The entire Saiyan population hovered around the fighting ring. Goku stood calmly, and then Kakarott said, "No warmups?"

"No warmups," Goku agreed.

Instantly both switched to Super Saiyan 2 and charged. The slam of their fists were heard all over the stadium. The crowd watched in awed silence and they went fullout. Kakarott and Goku matched each other blow for blow, and though Goku's adult body was a little stronger, Kakarott was just as smart. The intricate moves, the calculated feints, the punches, stunned the watching audience, and no one realized this was a case of a man fighting himself. In sync, the two Saiyans battered each other and evenly began to beat each other to two similar masses of bruises and blood. Suddenly, on cue, there was a lull in the battle. Both dropped to the stadium, and wearily smiled at each other.

"Halt!" called King Vegeta. Both, surprised looked up at him.

"Enter the younger boy, Gohan," said the King, "three way battle."

Gohan, stunned, did as he was told. Goku looked at his son. "Don't pull any punches," he said, and Kakarott started. Gohan had to be told that? Most Saiyans knew that the instant they were born. However, he grinned in relief as Gohan nodded and shot up to Super Saiyan 2 as well.

The battle intensified. Where it had been a dance before now it became a masterpiece. The three Saiyans wove in and out, not pulling any punches, and working individually to bring down the other two. Soon Gohan was just as slick with his blood, and just as tired, but not a one of them would quit. Gohan gave out first. Goku and Kakarott slammed him from both sides, and he, instantly unconscious, faded to normal and fell to the ground.

The audience rose to their feet and roared. After that battle, even though Gohan was a half-Saiyan, they all instantly accepted him as one of them. However, they soon turned their attention back to the remaining fighters. They had not let up in intensity, and in fact, seemed to increase it. More and more blows were breaking through and blood flowed freely. Finally, Goku's more mature frame won out, and a well placed blow made Kakarott's eyes roll back into his head and fall to the ground. Goku turned and smiled at King Vegeta, saluted, and then, energy gone, he fell to the ground. The crowd roared and rushed toward the contestants. They carried them to the healing chamber and eagerly began to talk.

King Vegeta stood stunned in his seat. They were incredible. He turned to look at the effect the battle had had on his son. Prince Vegeta stood, his face a terrible mask of surprise, rage, envy, and bafflement. King Vegeta, uncharacteristically felt a surge of pity for his son. He knew the ache he had to be the best, and now, here were three individuals who had surpassed everything he had ever known. Vegeta, sank down in the seat next to his father, and in a voice choked with emotion asked, "Why?"

King Vegeta looked at his son. "Son, sometimes blood is not enough. Sometimes it takes a burning inside to be the best and a heavy dose of determination. Kakarott seems to have a natural talent unlike anything I've ever seen, and he doesn't know he can't do everything. Maybe, it's time you turned you thoughts to finding a mate and producing an heir to the throne. I don't think you or I will ever be able to catch up to those two."

Vegeta looked at his father, and shook his head angrily. "I can do it! I have determination! I have strength! Most importantly, I am Prince Vegeta, the son of a King. I can do anything."

King Vegeta looked at his son and said, his voice softening slightly, "Go speak to the Elder and find out what you must do."

Vegeta looked at his Father and nodded.