AN: Whew…you'd think that I'd quit while I'm ahead…Huzzah! I broke the 100 reviews mark!

John Perry: Heh, I like the mix too! Here's another chapter

Spruceton Spook: Ghosts and goblins rock! Ah, I like the impractical Chibi Vegeta. he's so cute. And I'm glad to hear from you again! Yay for senzus! Where is Spruceton? And there's nothing like a reluctantly sentimental Veggie…

M-Python-Girl: Ah, cute is cool. Makes sense to me!

Chuquita: stands on chair and points in victory HAH! There's the proof, dammit! Veggie's mushy song is PROOF that he loves Kakarot! does happy dance That should shut all the homophobes up! But that cooking song is so utterly random…heh, Veggie has a grudge against vegetables…thank you soooo much for the lyrics! Hell, but Toriyama-sama was surely flying as high as a kite when he wrote those songs!

Brolly: Vegeta-san is so cute.

Zo: Don't say that too loud. He's a bit twitchy at the moment.

I'm glad Veggie got an ego boost in Hell! It was so sad when he thought Kakay had been absorbed! Poor utterly-in-love-but-in-denial Veggie! He's been really downtrodden lately under the Accusations of Ukeness! Personally, I think the Onna is right; he's an ule pressured into being a seme, and Turles' reasons were pretty damn accurate. Mind you, he is just trying to help…Kakarot should enlist him in the cause! And Veggie can get Kaks through anything, if Kakarot is willing. nudge wink nudge Heh, I be hentai child.

Clarobell: Well done! I'm so chuffed for you! I'm glad my stories arrived safely. I'll send you some of the longer ones once I send them through the editing wringer! Hmmm, the thing about pictures is that some person might get absolutely pissed if I distribute them. But, I'm sure that if appropriate credit is given, most artists shouldn't mind. Trawl through deviant art dot com, and ask around. I highly recommend Vege-chan and Ally Macbeal. Go through their galleries and favourites and you'll be amazed what you can find! Best of luck with the site and I'll hook you up with my stuff! Thank you for asking!

bows deeply

And I'm glad you liked the chapter! And congratulations on getting a job! Hope its exciting! I work in a bar and I serve tables…sweatdrops holding down two jobs keeps me busy…And I know you'll stay with me because you trust me! However, there's an entirely new clan of reviewers here…don't know how they'll react, but, heh, what matters is that I do have loyal reviewers like you!

sends virtual hug

Omnimalevolent: Granted, negative crits do help, although this story is already completed and that is why the updates are so regular. It's too much admin to go back and change things so I'll leave it in its current form and mayhaps on the next story I'll work on these things. shrugs But the thing about gushing reviews is that one feels like someone enjoys the work. I'm still a newbie but I think I've improved massively since my earlier fics. Gods those ones are so utterly embarrassing! I'm VERY tempted to take them down and put up my newer work. Sure, I'll lose well over seven hundred reviews over ten or so stories, but its so mortifying to have that crap online! But thank you for being brave enough to tell me where I suck…most people are just too polite to do so. PLEASE don't take that the wrong way! You've stuck with a fundamentally flawed story for so long, so I suppose its not utterly worthless….

coddles injured pride

Oh well. Can't get everything right. Meh, I rate Goku cares about everyone, but his close circle comes waaaayyy first. He's a little obsessive about being the 'light to protect the innocent' though. I hate those self-righteous speeches he makes, especially during the Frieza saga and Cell…not so much later on in the series. Maybe he finally grew out of it after being dead for a bit.

knuckles eyes I've only slept for three hours…so if I sound snippy, blame the insomnia. Hm, I'm not entirely happy with the POV's myself, because although Vegeta sounds like Vegeta, Kakarot doesn't quite sound like Kakarot. I'm trying to stay away from "Funimation Idiot Goku That Only Uses Little Words". In the Japanese version, Kakarot's favourite word is 'bastard!'

Brolly: Wow. Long reply.

Meh, it was warranted. But thank you for your honesty, however painful it is. It is utterly necessary. Stops authors like myself from getting big heads.

Yami Persephone: Ah, the Bra and Piccolo is coming along cutely! I probably won't post it, but I'm enjoying writing it. I will email it and the bunny back to you. looks at gnawed, bloody wrists Yah. The bunny won't let go.

looks at six other bunnies biting ankles and sweatdrops

The rabid bunnies all find me…no wonder I can't finish a story. Damn Bunniculas!

Star Trek has always been something of a mystery for me. Never really got into it, not like I have with Dbz! pats Cell Saga Vegeta figurine He looks nice with armour and extra long hair. Yeah, Vegeta has a sad history and you summed it up perfectly. I think he associates people stronger than him with memories of Frieza…so maybe there was a little fear there of Kakarot…until he finally realised that the orange-clad one won't hurt him.

My motto? As ye none harm, do as ye will. Good philosophy.

Nitara: I've heard that request many, many times…you'll just have to see.

Lenora: Don't worry about it! I know you're there and that's what matters! Heh, Kaks has noooo idea how much Vegeta cares about him. He cares enough to give up many years of life to train him. That's sweet.

And in closing from me

Good news! I got my PSP! cuddles black console And I have a Veggie/Kaka-chan background! They look so cute all wrapped up in each other. Now I might be going to Italy at the beginning of October but I think this story should be wrapped up by then. If it isn't, then I'll figure a way around it but I'm pretty sure it should be finished.

pouts at lack of links

Waaah! I want to find random Dbz stuff! Many, many thanks to Chuquita for sending me Veggie's cooking and mushy songs! Sometimes I wonder if he didn't take too many knocks to the head…

Brolly: whips out sunglasses and sunblock It's Spring here in South Africa! Mind you, winter wasn't cold at all…how does twenty degrees Celsius translate into Fahrenheit?

Zo: shrugs Its too much admin to look up, but it was warm for winter! And now we can go swim! Whoo hoo!

As always, have a fantastic week and may Shenron watch over you!

Zogeta and Brolly

In this week's chapter: Kakarot is going to graduate! But when he starts encountering difficulties, things don't look too good. Meanwhile, Vegeta does some musing of his own as he waits for Kakarot to complete his exam.

Chapter Eleven:

The Final Stage:

Kakarot's Exam

We trained for a further two weeks, and I built on the previous lessons. Kakarot is becoming highly proficient at blindfolded combat and his tail has become one of his greatest assets. He knocked me out with it just the other day! I know he felt bad about it though; he made a fuss of working extra hard that day with his temperature control. And his sleep deprivation test went well; I kept him awake for forty six hours. We slept through the next day and missed out on training…but it wasn't a major loss.

But I can't hold out much longer. The pain in my chest gets worse everyday and if I want to make it home to say goodbye, then I have to conclude this training. I know Kakarot is ready; he's surpassed any and all of my expectations, growing in strength and skill each day, applying all his knowledge to every task.

So, this explains why I've knocked him out with tranquilizers again and left him in the middle of nowhere. I used a small jet Bulma lent me to take him to a location exactly on the other side of the planet. He's about three day's slow journey from the ship but he has to get back in forty-two hours. He should be waking up any moment now…

KGKGKGK

Oh no, not again. What did Vegeta knock me out for this time? I sit up, covered in bits of dirt and twigs to find a note pinned to my combat shirt and a stopwatch attached to my wrist. I carefully pull off the note and read it. Wow. Vegeta has really neat handwriting.

Kakarot

Well, you've reached the final part of your training. Using all your skills, both inherent and learnt, you are expected to be back in the ship in forty-two hours, preferably with all your limbs intact. I have confidence in your abilities…now you can discover for yourself the new extents of your powers.

I expect to see you soon, Kakarot.

- Vegeta

Ah, so I've almost graduated? How time has flown. I'd better get going; the watch has just activated itself. I get to my feet and tuck the note into my boot. So, in just under two days, I've got to somehow get back to the ship. I have no compass, no food and not even a toothbrush to speak of.

I've been in worse situations.

Besides, Vegeta obviously thinks I can do this, so then I'm probably capable. And I wouldn't want to disappoint him, now would I?

Hmmm, I haven't been in this area before. But I should get to high ground so I can spot an area I do recognise and then move towards it. Once I've done that, I can use my running skills and power my way there. I also have to factor in time to hunt and sleep, as well as rest. I might be a Saiyan, but I can't run flat out for longer than half an hour.

Hang on, did I just think that! Since when did I think so…so strategically? I grin as I start walking, stepping around rocks and breaking into a light trot.

Hanging around Vegeta for a month has really changed my perspective on things. I can't believe I ever fought against this. We've talked so much, gotten to understand each other. He now understands that I have to act like an idiot around the others because then my strength doesn't intimidate them so much. I told him about my past and he admits that he didn't know how much time I'd spent surviving alone. And we've laughed about many things and had a couple of spats. I realise now that even though his past was hard and he had to endure things that I think would have broken me, he just wants to make sure nothing bad happens to me or his family. He said he wants me to fight off people like him.

I know you've fought off more than enough threats, but they get stronger every time…and there's no harm in increasing your power exponentially, now is there?

He doesn't see himself as entirely good or evil, and perhaps he understands the duality that lies in everyone better than most. He's wise and I've learnt more than techniques in this time I've spent with him. He's answered all my questions about Saiyans and all the private questions I've had about myself that I've never been able to figure out…or wanted to figure out. Like the scary cravings for bloodshed that I've had on occasion and wanted to relieve. Or my wanderlust and my reluctance to distribute retribution.

What intrigues me is how well he understands me and my motivations.

"Kakarot, you want to fight because you want to protect. You fight to explore yourself and push your limits. You cannot stay rooted because you are a born nomad, as I am. I just travelled so much when I was younger that it tires me now. And you are so forgiving because you fear that, one day, it will be you that seeks redemption for giving into the bloodlust you suffer sometimes. All these things affect you because you are Saiyan, because you are unique and powerful and you have been forced to grow old before your time, just as I have. Under different circumstances, of course, but you are older in mind than your thirty-eight years warrants. However, despite your fears and phobias, you are such an anomaly, such a fascinating hybrid of raw power and gentle heart that you will always find your feet after a fall."

"But, Vegeta…sometimes I want to tear someone's throat so that I can see their blood, can drink it and enjoy it. Doesn't that make me a bad person?"

He leaned across the table and cupped my jaw in his hand. "No, Kakarot, it doesn't. Because you have such a strong heart, such a powerful soul, you will not give into that dark desire. Your Saiyan nature creates this need, and your upbringing and morals keep you from fulfilling it. Perfect duality and balance, Kakarot."

He helped me find peace that evening. I had been too ashamed to ask King Kai about it, and when the need had made itself too much to ignore, I would go hunt or spar. But I didn't like it because it frightened me. Of course, once Vegeta had explained to me that I needn't worry about slipping, I suddenly felt some of the concrete lining my mind crumbling into dust.

Never be afraid, Kakarot.

I won't be.

Why do we fall, Kakarot? We fall so that we can learn to pick ourselves up.

And every time I have fallen, I have gotten up stronger.

"…You did well today…"

"That's it, Kakarot..."

His quiet approval pushes me so much harder than anything else. I just want to do my best…

"But you should also know that you do have my respect, no matter how grudgingly given. I only realised it when you were fighting Kid Buu three years ago, but it hasn't changed. You, Kakarot, have more natural power within you than I can ever hope to have and extraordinary talent. You've proved this countless times over the years and at least four times over the course of this trip."

He's something else, that Vegeta. Despite all our problems and differences in the past, all the rivalry and fighting, we're friends now. Comrades, the last of our kind and pushing each other to succeed. And now, its my chance to really prove to him that his faith is not misplaced and that I am worthy of graduating from 'Vegeta's School of Hard Knocks and Getting the Shit Beaten Out of Me'. At least, that's what I've called this whole thing. Fondly of course.

I really should cut back on the musing until I take a break to eat. Better get going: I can see a mountain over there; that should give me a great vantage point.

VVVVVVVV

Ah, it's quite peaceful now on the ship…

Albeit lonely.

I got used to Kakarot's raucous snoring and incessant chatter and bouncing around (because the man doesn't know how to simply walk) after a while. I got used to his silly jokes and weird facial expressions and random comments that always hit me between the eyes.

I fall back on my pillows and feel my heart sink a little lower in my chest.

I'm really going to miss him when I…leave. There are so many things I'll miss; my son, my wife, my two friends, Piccolo and Kakarot…and the small things, like my favourite fudge and breakfast with Bulma at ten thirty every day. It'll be so long before I see all of them again, and I'm not sure I can pass so many years just by sparring. I've asked Kakarot a few oblique questions about Otherworld, and it doesn't sound like much more than a constant sparring fest.

I suppose I can at least go on a jaunt down to Hell every now and then to catch up with Raditz and my father. And Nappa was good for a laugh…before I lost my head and killed him. He wouldn't have survived that injury anyway; Kakarot had snapped his spine in two and no regen tank can fuse two flapping strings of nerves together again.

I wonder how Kakarot's doing. It's been five hours so far, according to my watch. I'm sure he's doing fine. He's got a calm head and determination and a lucky streak the length of Snake Way. I just hope he doesn't see those cacti with the needles that look like they belong on a hypodermic; that might throw him off a bit.

Otherwise…he should be perfectly okay.

KGKGKGK

Oh, shit.

My sense of direction is atrocious. How did I find myself in the middle of a desert! I'm lost! And I'm so thirsty…the idea of drinking my own sweat doesn't sound so bad any more.

Dammit, get a hold of yourself, Kakarot! Uh, Goku…whatever. I think I can see another ridge of mountains way over there; if I can get to those, I can find shade and maybe some water. I remember Vegeta telling me to not eat the cacti flesh on this planet, no matter how thirsty I get. Something about hallucinogens. My tail drags behind me, the fur matted with sweat and I'm just too tired to wag it to get the sweat to evaporate. If I can just get some food into my system, I should be fine.

And a tall glass of water sounds like a really good idea too…

My bangs are stuck to my forehead and my vision is getting hazy, but I've got to try. I know Vegeta will probably come looking for me when I don't come back, but I don't want to fail him.

Left foot. Right foot. Repeat.

I keep repeating the mantra in my head. Left foot. Right foot. Repeat. At least the desert sand is fairly firm below my feet; walking on soft sand takes more effort. I knew I should have hunted that bloody guntaz I saw before I came into this desert! I would have been able to run across on that energy! Idiot!

Despair washes over me, my goal seeming too impossible to ever reach. Those mountains might as well be on Earth, they feel so far away. And my throat is so dry that breathing is like swallowing sandpaper. My legs are shaking with fatigue; according to the watch, I've been going for twenty-five hours now. A nap would be nice…so very nice…

Focus! I can't fall asleep out in the middle of nowhere! I don't want to be vulture food!

But…just a little shut-eye won't hurt, right?

And before my mind can argue with my body's intentions, I drop to my knees and fall sideways, asleep before I hit the ground.

VVVVVVV

Thirty hours down, Kakarot. I wonder where you are.

I'm bored.

I need the idiot…lug…clown…man around. I shouldn't miss him this much; we've only been friends for a little while. But as much as I'd like to vehemently deny it, the oaf has crawled under my skin and nestled there happily.

Gods, if I miss him this much now, how am I going to feel when I die?

Wait, Vegeta. Aren't you blowing this out of proportion? This is Kakarot, for the gods' sake!

I know. And that's the summation of the situation; because he is Kakarot. He's so hard to hate. I don't think I ever truly hated him. Resented him, despised him, but nothing quite as strong as hate. After all, I had several chances to kill him, and I never did. Didn't hate him enough to kill him.

So…where does this leave me? I…enjoy his company more than I like to admit. He isn't stupid; simply naïve. He isn't purposely annoying and has a wit almost as sharp as my own. He genuinely enjoys my company as well and has surprised me with his enthusiasm for what I have to teach him.

And just when things are going right, and we've made our long-overdue peace…I have to be the one to go. This time, I'll be waiting for him on the Otherside. I let my arm hang over the edge of the bed, tail swinging slowly and trailing the floor. Will Kakarot be angry with me for dying? Or will he understand? I wonder how he will react when Bulma tells him. I imagine he'll be somewhat upset, but he'll be fine. He always is, right?

Or not. He's told me things about himself I've never suspected, feelings and fears that never appear on the surface. His fear of his control slipping. His occasional need for blood. The times he's been alone, despite being surrounded by friends, when he's been scared or angry and had to swallow the emotions. Hard for a Saiyan to do; we feel more than humans do. I've tried to allay his fears as best I can and I hope I've helped. After all the trouble I've caused him, it's the least I can do.

Kakarot has been a catalyst in my life, the meddling little…tall…bastard. I met Bulma because of him. I stayed on Earth because of him. And now my hardcore, hardass reputation is shot to hell because of him. Spiky-haired prat.

Hurry up and get back, Kakarot. I could use a laugh or two.

KGKGKGK

Ugh. How did I get sand in my mouth?

I get to my feet, wiping sand off my combat suit and face. A glance at my watch sends me into a panic. Only ten hours remaining! Dammit! I'm never going to make it at this rate!

I start sprinting towards the mountains, heart thudding as I accelerate. If I'm lucky, I'm heading towards the edge of the area where Lake Tanganyika is. From there, its about five hours walk, two hours sprint back to the ship. I'll catch a fish while I'm there. Sushi to go!

A dust cloud churns up behind me as adrenaline replaces my flagging energy levels and helps me run like the road runner in Goten's cartoons. I want to get back in time so that I can make Vegeta proud, can prove to him that his faith isn't misplaced.

But my stomach is emptier than Bulma's mom's head and my throat feels as dry as Vegeta's wit. I just have to get to those mountains, and soon!