A/N: Well, somehow, writing this chapter was a hard struggle, but I hope it is to your satisfaction, as I've made the best out of the ideas in my head.
Now about your reviews… (Thanks for them, by the way!) Well, I'm still going to try to write, whenever I have time. I do hope that the professors at university to realize that students still have something called a life, and that this life doesn't just consist of studying. Besides, I'm going to study English and Danish, so maybe I can somehow link my work for the university with my hobby. We'll see how it's going to work out, but this story will be finished within the next few weeks, I promise. If there's going to be a happy ending for this story? You honestly don't want me to answer this, do you? This might spoil any surprises I've still planned for this story, so you just have to wait until the last chapter is posted.
And now, have fun!
Chapter 44: Rolling Home
"Here you go," Goku said with a small smile, as he handed his father the filled mug and sat down across from him in the deserted common room of the Ouji with his own mug in front of him. It was already late at night and they had just returned from Frieza's burning, but none of them felt like turning in yet. Even though watching Frieza's remains burn to ash had been rather satisfying and freeing, Kyna's sudden death had put a damper on the festive mood.
Ducina had been incredibly sad, but she had smiled, when she had said that Kyna had had a fulfilling life and that they had just waited for this to happen for weeks. Meeting her old friend and being present when the Beast burned was probably the best thing that could have happened before her death and she had let go of life on her own during her happiest moment. She had truly been content, when she had taken her last breath, with her friend at her side and the tyrant that had destroyed so much dead in front of her.
Afterwards they had brought the deceased woman back to her room above the bar, Bardock gently laying her down on her bed. Ducina had said that she would inform the priest in the following morning about her death. Bardock had expressed his wish to stay for the funeral, but had said at the same time that they still had a long journey ahead of them. The young woman had understood and she and Goku had left the room to give the older Saiyajin the chance to say goodbye to his old friend.
"To Kyna," Bardock said, raising his mug.
"To Kyna," Goku only repeated and they both took a large mouthful of the brown liquid.
When he put his mug back down on the table, Bardock said, clearly impressed, "This stuff is good. Where did you get this?"
"I found a whole crate down in the hold, along with the gold chest," the younger Saiyajin replied shrugging. "Usually I wouldn't touch this stuff while on board, but I thought that tonight is different."
"You believed that I needed it," his father said grinning, not missing his son's true reasons. "Well, I'd never say no to a bottle of rum that is as good as this. It's been too long. I almost forgot how it tastes."
Goku returned the grin and took another sip. His father was right – this rum was one of the best he had ever drunken. Trust those pirates to only have the best alcoholic beverage that existed on board. Looking up from his mug, Goku noticed the slightly absent look in his father's eyes, as the older Saiyajin was obviously lost in some memory and allowed himself to reminisce as well.
When he had started this journey two months ago, he would have never believed that he would be the captain of a pirate ship and sharing a bottle of rum with his presumed dead father. If someone had told him before he had left about all the things that would happen on the mission, Goku would have called him insane.
Allowing ChiChi to accompany them, finding Gohan on board, gaining two Nameks and one Jinzoningen to his crew, starting to doubt everything he had learned about good and evil, becoming a prisoner in Frieza's dungeons, meeting his father, becoming a legendary warrior, fighting and defeating the Beast and then, after having lost Bulma, resurrecting her with those seven magical spheres were only some of them…
It really was a lot to take in.
Saiyajins weren't as they had always been claimed to be. They had simply been another race, corrupted by a being far more powerful than them. It didn't matter, where you were coming from, but what you made out of your life. This was the most important lesson that he had learned over the course of the last few weeks and it was this lesson that had helped him to accept what he was. Even though Saiyajin blood ran in his veins, he was still Son Goku, son of Bardock, grandson of Son Gohan, father of a kid with the same name and hopefully betrothed of ChiChi.
ChiChi… he thought fondly, but a small frown creased his face as he recalled all the trouble and all the pain that she had to go through because of him and they still hadn't talked. Everything had simply been too hectic at the beginning and then, when they had started to settle down on the ship, they had just skirted around the subject of their future. Of course, he had kissed her and told her that he loved her directly after the battle and presented her as is wife, but he had never told her about his newly won confidence of his identity. This needed to change.
But there were still so many other things that had happened. His son possessed the same legendary power as he did. Krillin had developed feelings for one of the feared Jinzoningen. Bulma had fallen in love with the very same pirate who had kidnapped her and he himself was starting to respect the man. And even Vegeta wasn't the same man he had been two months ago.
They had all undergone so many changes – it was a wonder they still recognized themselves.
Then there was his father. He had just known the man for a few days and yet it already felt, as if he had known him his whole life – there was already a strong bond between them, a bond that could only exist between a father and his son. It was similar to the one he shared with Gohan.
Goku was glad that his son didn't hold a grudge against him after what he had done – instead the young boy was completely taken with him, all anger seemingly forgotten and they were spending much time together. Sometimes Bardock joined them and immediately Gohan prodded him for stories of his life before his imprisonment. The boy already adored his grandfather and even the most reserved members of his crew had accepted the old Saiyajin.
Bardock truly was a good man. Frieza had offered him to work for him and he had declined, staying true to his king, not once wavering. The man had risked his own life to save his youngest son and killed his oldest son, when he had betrayed everything his father stood for. The Saiyajin had suffered twenty-five years in the dungeons and hadn't been broken. He still held onto his beliefs after all those years, finding the strength to fight when he needed to. Goku admired him for this.
"You never told me, how you knew her," the younger Saiyajin said at length, nursing his drink.
Bardock laughed, shaking his head slightly, and refilling his mug, as he replied, "You wouldn't believe it."
"Try me," Goku challenged, after he had emptied his own mug and took the bottle out of his father's hands to refill it. He was already feeling slightly dizzy, just another sign of how good this rum really was.
"Alright," Bardock said, put his mug back on the table and said, completely serious, "She was my nursemaid."
The younger man snorted with laughter, almost spitting the rum across the table in his father's face. Of all the answers he had expected, this definitely wasn't it.
"I told you, you wouldn't believe it," he muttered with mock hurt in his voice. "In the village, where I grew up, she was our neighbor and always looked after me, when my parents were gone. This was at the beginning of Frieza's reign and there were not only Saiyajins living on our island at this time. I have always been quite fond of her and, as I got older, we formed a strong friendship. I trusted her with my life, especially after my parents were killed, most likely by Frieza or his men, and then, later, with the lives of my children – first Radditz, then you.
"When I organized the flight of my mate and me, I asked Kyna to join us, as her husband had passed away only merely weeks earlier, and her own son was already living on Ginger Island along with his wife and daughter. She had agreed, but as you know, she and you were the only passengers on the boat that night. Her husband had been an acquaintance of Kaiou, an ambitious captain with much influence, so we had decided to go to him for help against Frieza. Again, you know how this turned out. Kyna brought you to him and my wish has come true – you grew up in peace to a strong young man. I couldn't be prouder and happier."
A small and unwanted blush crept on Goku's face, as his father compliment him with a genuine and happy smile on his face, but he couldn't help it. Hearing his own father say something like this to him, a father he had only known for a few days, stirred something within him. Maybe it was just the alcohol, but Goku suddenly felt the overwhelming urge to embrace this man. However, he resisted and just raised his mug instead.
"To family."
The two mugs clanked as they touched in midair. Their eyes met and a message that said much more than words could ever express, passed between them, as Bardock echoed, "To family."
ChiChi smiled as she stepped on deck of the Ouji a couple of days later. It was still early in the morning, but the soft orange glow of the rising sun already hit her face. She closed her eyes, relishing in the warmth, as she stretched her arms in the air. A light salty breeze blew through her black hair, which was running down her back to her waist. The small happy sigh that escaped her lips was almost inaudible, as she opened her eyes again, but her heart dropped a bit, when she saw the man standing at the bow of the ship.
She had hoped that she would be alone on deck at this early hour, as she had come out here to think without being disturbed. There were so many things going on in her head, so many things that were still troubling her.
Her relationship with Goku was her biggest worry. ChiChi still didn't know where they were going with this relationship, if they were even going anywhere. She was slowly beginning to get tired of waiting for Goku to make his decision. He had asked her for a few more days to sort everything out, only merely days before he had almost died the first time.
She had thought that believing to have lost Goku and living without him was hard, but somehow, now that they were on this ship, so close and yet so far away from each other, she knew that she had been wrong. This was harder, a lot harder, seeing him every day, but not knowing if there was going to be a future for them, not knowing what he was thinking.
Watching him was something ChiChi had done quite often during the last few days, observing how he acted around the others and especially Gohan. What she had seen surprised her – Goku was acting as a father would act around his son. This made her happy and sad at the same time. Goku loved his son, that much was evident, but did he love her as much? If not, if he couldn't be with her because of what he was, if their love wasn't strong enough to overcome this obstacle, what would she do? Or more importantly, what could she do?
She had wished for some solitude this morning to think about this, but obviously her wish wasn't going to be fulfilled, as Son Goku turned around and smiled at her. Forcing herself to return this smile and not letting the worry shine through, she walked up to him.
"Good morning," he said, as she stopped next to him and his smile grew brighter, when he noticed how her face was glowing in the early morning sun. He had to resist the urge to put his arm around her, because he knew that they hadn't had the talk yet, but it seemed as if they couldn't avoid it any longer.
"Good morning," she replied softly. Averting his gaze, she turned back to the sunrise. "You're up early."
"So are you…"
Silence fell between them. Goku fidgeted a bit nervously and glanced at the woman at his side. The smile on her face had disappeared, replaced by a thoughtful frown. He knew that he had hurt her, more than once since his insecurities had surfaced, but now he hoped that he would be able to repair what he had broken with his actions.
After having taken a deep breath to gather his courage, he asked with a raspy voice, "Do you remember what I said, first when we left Namek and then again, after we left Ginger Island the first time?"
The young woman looked at him startled, not having expected him to talk about this now. "O-of course." An unpleasant feeling settled in her stomach and she could almost swear that her heart would stop beating any second now. Suddenly ChiChi wasn't so sure if she really wanted to hear what he wanted to say.
"I made a decision," Goku admitted and hesitated for a few seconds, before he continued, nervously fumbling with his fingers, "I'm a Saiyajin…" he trailed off.
"I understand," ChiChi said, sounding defeated. There were tears brimming in her eyes, but she didn't want to let him see them. She should have known. She should have known…
Smiling, Goku shook his head and cupped her cheek in his hand, forcing her to look at him. "No, you don't, Chi. I'm a Saiyajin and especially after the fight against Frieza, I can't deny this anymore… But at the same time, I'm a Human. The Saiyajinblood in my veins might give me more strength or the ability of the Legendary, but I was raised to hold onto Human beliefs. I was raised to be a good man and nothing, not even my blood, would be able to change this. I am who I choose to be, not my heritage. I admit, the thirst for battle is still there, maybe after my transformation even stronger than before, but I can deal with this. It's part of who I am and I have to accept this. Being a Saiyajin doesn't equal to being evil, as long as I choose to be good. In the end, my father helped me see this. It doesn't matter, what I am. What does matter is who I am."
"And who are you?" she asked, her voice trembling, both with fear and excitement.
"Son Goku, Kakarotto, the Legendary… Pick one, because they're all the same. They're all me." He noticed the tears in her eyes that threatened to fall and gently stroked with his thumb across her cheek. "They all love you and they all wish to start a family with you and Gohan."
"Goku…"
"Of course just, if you still want to."
ChiChi looked at him, unsure of what to say. Her first answer would have been yes, but when she thought about this further, she wasn't so sure anymore. How could she be so sure that Goku wouldn't change his mind one day? This would be devastating, for both her and Gohan. Wouldn't it be better, if they just parted ways, when they arrived at the Western Capitol?
"ChiChi?" he asked after having waited in silence for incredibly long seconds. Letting go of her, he took a step back.
Her dark eyes met his and she winced, when she saw the look in them. His eyes were filled with pain, despair, rejection and the small flicker of hope that slowly began to dim the longer she waited. But still, the most prominent of them was the unwavering love and it was this emotion that let all doubts disappear at once. This man loved her and she returned his feelings. Shouldn't this be enough?
Son Goku sighed, lowering his head, when he noticed her hesitation, concluding that ChiChi obviously didn't want to be with him anymore. "I understand," he mumbled and turned to go, when he suddenly felt her hand on his arm.
"Don't," she said, her voice strong and filled with determination. "Don't leave. I love you, Goku, and I don't want to lose you again. No matter what happens, I'd be happy to become your wife."
Goku looked at her, eyes wide, as his mind tried to process what she had just told him. "You want to marry me?" he asked stupidly, not trusting what he had heard. First, when ChiChi nodded to confirm his question, a huge grin spread over his face. He immediately gathered her up in his arms and whirled her around, enjoying the sound of her laughter in his ears.
All the nervousness in his body was gone, as was the unbearable tension between the two of them of the last days, and he knew that he was doing the right thing. He would be insane if he ever let that woman go. It had been love at first sight, well, actually at second sight, but he had fallen in love with her, when he had first seen her as woman. Before, as children, they had only played now and then together, since her father and Muten Roshi were good friends.
As Goku was starting to feel a bit lightheaded, he let ChiChi down and kissed her. This kiss was sweeter than any kisses they had shared before, because now it felt simply right, it was just perfect. "I love you, Chi," he whispered softly. "And I'm so sorry that you had to wait so long. I'm sorry that I hurt you with my actions, but now I finally know where I belong and this is at your side."
"Oh Goku…" ChiChi sighed smiling and snuggled against Goku's chest, as he wrapped his arms tightly around her waist and pulled her close, not wanting to ever let go.
Krillin smiled from his spot at the helm, as he watched the couple at the bow and realized that everything between them was going to be alright. He hadn't meant to witness the conversation and he had felt like an intruder, but what should he have done? The ship wasn't going to get to Namek all by itself. Instead he had tried to concentrate on steering the ship alone, though no matter how hard he tried, at least out of the corner of his eyes he had seen what had been going on. Actually, Krillin was pretty sure that Goku and ChiChi had been too caught up in their own world that they hadn't wasted a single thought to his presence.
He was truly happy for them. They both deserved this after everything they had to go through. Krillin had seen how devastated ChiChi had been after the storm, when they had all believed that Son Goku was dead, even though she had put on a brave face. It had been common knowledge on the Kintoun that, when they had left Namek, things had been bad between the couple and that their problems hadn't been solved by the time the storm had come.
Now, if only all of them could have their happily ever after. Ever since they had left Ginger Island, Bulma had barely left the cabin, most of the time staying abed and just coming out at night, when she knew that the only person on deck was him. Krillin had tried to talk to her, to make her understand that the others were worried about her, but she just wouldn't listen. Whenever he broached this subject, she quickly changed the topic of their conversation.
Krillin didn't know what had happened in the hold during the few hours that Bulma had spent with their prisoner, he could, however, guess that it hadn't been what Bulma had expected or how she had wished it to be. Unfortunately, Krillin couldn't really comfort her or give her advice, as he didn't know the pirate that well. The only things he knew about Vegeta was that he was incredibly proud and stubborn. Those were two traits, which Bulma possessed as well. He didn't know, if this was good for their relationship or bad. Though one thing was quite sure, Krillin noticed with a grin. If they ever got the chance to live together as a couple or husband and wife, their life would certainly be interesting.
At least this was more than what he knew about the not existing relationship between him and Juuhachigou. The Jinzoningen was truly something different. For one, it was incredibly hard to read her, and she certainly didn't act like other women. The first thing she had done, when the others had returned on board with the new clothes, she had asked if they had also got some pants and a shirt in her size. The woman had been lucky and from that moment on she was running around like a man. Krillin still had to blush almost every time he saw her in those tight pants.
Ah, seems like they finally noticed me, Krillin thought amused, as he noticed Goku's eyes resting on him. He was looking over ChiChi's shoulder and had a large contented smile on his face. Krillin only winked at his childhood friend and gave him a thumb's up.
"I believe Gohan should also know of this, don't you think, Chi?" Goku finally broke the comfortable silence between them, as he noticed that the sun was already standing higher at the sky and Tenshinhan appeared on deck to relieve an exhausted Krillin at the helm. He hadn't realized, just how much time had already passed, but it didn't bother him. He felt obliged to make up for all the time he and ChiChi had missed because of his insecurities. And then there were also still the five, no, make that six years that he had been on sea.
ChiChi smiled up at him, a bit reluctant to let go of him already, but still she gently pushed away. The smile got even wider, when Goku grasped her hand in a firm grip instead. "You're right. We ought to tell him." But still, despite what she had seen of the interaction between father and son, a bit doubt gnawed at her. "Do you think, he'll approve of us?"
Much to her surprise, Goku laughed. He wasn't mocking her, but he appeared to be clearly amused by her question. "Approve of us? Have you already forgotten his first reaction? I'm sure he'll be overjoyed to see his parents together. But if you wish to find out yourself, we should go and see him now. It's time for breakfast, after all," he added, as his stomach grumbled loudly.
The dark haired woman only giggled, and Goku gently led her inside, past a smirking Tenshinhan at the helm and a grinning Krillin, who also wanted to go under deck. However, while ChiChi and Goku were heading to the cabin of the boys, Krillin went directly into the common room to get his breakfast, before he wanted to go to bed.
"Boys! It's time to get up!" Goku called out, knocking at the door of the children, before he opened it. Grinning, he noticed the disheveled appearance of the boys, Dende still looking half asleep, as he sat up on his bed, while Gohan's hair was sticking up wildly in addition. "Your breakfast is waiting!"
"Do we have to get up already?" Gohan grumbled, wiping his eyes with his knuckles. While the boy still had trouble to stay awake, his friend was already up and washing his face with the cold water in the bowl in their room. "I'm still tired."
Goku grinned at him, encouragingly and sat down on his son's bed, slapping him briskly on the back. Gohan almost fell over, as he still felt too groggy and he couldn't understand at all, how his father could already be in such a good mood this early in the morning. Maybe he just shouldn't have talked to Dende all night long.
"Come on, son. Get up! Besides, your mother and I have to tell you something!"
This finally got his attention and he was suddenly wide awake, as he stared at his parents with big eyes. "Tell me something? What?" Gohan asked eagerly.
Goku motioned for ChiChi to come over and he got up again, putting his arm around her. She smiled and nodded at him to break the news. "When we get home, your mother and I are getting married."
Gohan spluttered, not having expected this at all. "Y-you're serious?"
"We are," ChiChi told him smiling.
"That's fantastic!" The young boy jumped from the bed, directly in the arms of his unsuspecting father. Then, with a sly grin he added, "Took you long enough."
"Krillin, I need to talk to him again," Bulma suddenly said to him two weeks later during one of their nightly meetings.
Krillin looked at her, surprised. This was the first time that she had directed their conversation to the pirate since Ginger Island. And he didn't know if he should be happy about it or not. After Goku's and ChiChi's announcement to the crew that they were getting married, she had gotten worse. Of course, in front of her friends, she put on a brave face, but he had learned to see past that and he also guessed that Goku suspected something. To be honest, Krillin would have been disappointed in him, if he hadn't seen it. Bulma was always pale and sickly and at mealtimes barely touching her food, if she appeared at all. "Are you sure about this?"
"I have to," she insisted. "You haven't seen him, Krillin. He didn't want to talk to me. He's given up. I can't just wait any longer. We'll reach Namek in a few days and then it'll only be a matter of time until we're home and…"
The sailor knew what she couldn't say. It was only a matter of time until Vegeta would be put on trial and if he had already given up now, his life was most likely forfeited. But he knew that it would be harder this time to sneak Bulma into the hold. Goku would surely ask her again to come with him and this time, she couldn't deny his request. "I don't know, Bulma," Krillin whispered. "I'm not sure if it is possible to get you in there again without anyone noticing it."
She fell silent then, looking away. Krillin could see that she was disappointed, but there was not much he could do to help her this time. Except perhaps…
The next morning Krillin was sitting across from Goku in the common room. They were the only ones there, as everyone else had already finished breakfast and had gone on deck. When Goku had appeared for breakfast, Krillin had immediately taken him aside and told him that he needed to talk to him in private. The Saiyajin had been a bit confused at first, but had then sat down with him and waited until they were alone, before he asked again, what was on Krillin's mind.
"It's about Bulma," Krillin admitted at length. "She isn't well, as you've probably noticed as well."
Goku only nodded grimly, as he replied, "I noticed and I already tried to talk to her about it, but she claims that she's alright. She doesn't even confide in ChiChi." Sighing, he mumbled eventually, "I didn't expect that this thing with Vegeta would hit her that hard."
"There's a way you might help her," the bald sailor whispered and lowered his gaze.
Son Goku sighed again, running a hand through his hair. "Krillin, you know what the others said—"
"Please let her talk to him, just for a few minutes," he tried to convince his friend, simply ignoring what Goku wanted to say. "Bulma misses him and she's worried. She fears that Vegeta might have given up and according to what you told me about his behavior during the last weeks, she might be right. She loves him… What would you do, if it were ChiChi down there and you weren't allowed to see her?"
"I… this… you can't compare this. Vegeta is a pirate—"
"And yet you respect him." Krillin noticed Goku wince slightly, as he spoke the truth. "Bulma is convinced that he can be a good man. It would destroy her to lose him without having the chance to talk to him. Please, Goku, give her this chance. You and I know both that this will make her happy."
The time until they reached Namek was drawing nearer. Bulma had heard Goku telling Dende that it would take only about two more days until he was home. It was again in the middle of the night and she knew that Krillin would be waiting for her, if she didn't get up soon. But somehow, no matter how much she enjoyed their meetings, she had felt so incredibly exhausted during the last few days that she seriously considered to just stay in bed.
This was all Vegeta's fault. If their last and only talk on this ship had gone a bit differently, she might just be able to feel better. But as it was, she was hardly hungry and felt nauseated, when she saw or smelled food. And then she was tired, always so tired. But then again, most of the times, she'd like to either yell at someone or cry her eyes out. The worry for him and their future was the reason for this, all of this. How could someone expect her to be not sick, when her lover was most likely about to die?
She turned her head and saw the moon through the window. It was time for her to go outside. Krillin was probably already worried – or maybe relieved, hoping that she had for once fallen asleep early – about her.
With a silent sigh, she swung her legs over the edge of the bed and got up, grabbing her cloak and throwing it over her shoulder while doing so. She glanced back one more time at ChiChi and Juuhachigou, who were both fast asleep, before quietly slipping out of the room.
It was again completely dark in the corridor, so she was surprised, when she suddenly saw a light flickering at the end. Curiously she stepped forward and cursed under her breath, when she recognized Son Goku in the soft light of the candle that he was holding in his hands.
"You're late," he said, much to her surprise.
She eyed him suspiciously, not really knowing what to think of this. Had he already expected her? Obviously… But why? Was he going to send her back to bed and scold her for being up so late? Was he maybe going to lecture her about her health and annoy her again with his questions?
"Krillin told me that you would come," Goku explained and Bulma's eyes narrowed. She was going to have a talk with Krillin about this. "Come on. Let's go on deck."
Her suspicions that something was definitely going on only strengthened, as she followed him out of the door and on deck. When he stopped, Bulma couldn't help but notice, just exactly where he was now standing. Her gaze wandered from him to the hatch and back to him. "What's the meaning of this, Son Goku?" she hissed.
Flashing her a grin, Goku bent down and opened the hatch. It was completely dark inside, so Goku handed her the candle. "I just want you to be happy. Go down and talk to him, but when you come back up, I want to see a smile on your face. Understood?"
Bulma looked at him with wide eyes, as her mind slowly registered what Goku wanted her to do. He was actually giving her the chance to talk to Vegeta, after he had said time and time again that he couldn't do it because of the others. She turned her head around to the helm and saw Krillin winking at her with a smirk on his face. A small grateful smile tugged at her lips, as she turned back to the hatch and descended into the darkness.
The candle in her hand only gave her enough light to see everything a few feet around her, so she first really saw him, when she was standing in front of the cell. Vegeta appeared to be asleep, lying on the small cot with his back turned to her. Or maybe, he was just pretending to sleep, which was more likely.
"Vegeta?" she whispered, after she had sat down on a crate that was standing in front of the cell and put the candle on a barrel next to it. Bulma had halfway expected him to ignore her, just as he had already done the last time, so she was surprised, when he spoke.
"What do you want?" he asked gruffly, but he didn't turn around to face her.
Bulma wasn't bothered by his harsh reply. She had had enough time to get used to it. "I need to talk to you."
"Go to bed. It wouldn't do you any good, if Kakarotto found out that you're here."
If he had turned around, he would have seen the smirk on her face, but as he was still facing the wall, he could only hear it in her voice. "It was Goku who told me to go down here."
Vegeta, surprised by this sudden turn of events, sat up and looked at her. What he saw caused a strange feeling to surface. The woman was pale with dark bags underneath her eyes and she appeared to have lost weight. Not even during her time on his ship had she ever looked like this. "What did you say?"
"Goku told me to go down here," Bulma repeated, a bit happier now that he was at least looking at her. "I guess Krillin's been talking to him. He's been a bit worried about me—"
Vegeta snorted. He could clearly see why. It wasn't just that she looked as if she hadn't gotten anything to eat in days and barely seen the sun. He could actually feel her exhaustion. Had she slept at all, since she had last been down here? At least the spark was still there, he noticed slightly relieved, when he looked into her eyes. They were directed at him and blazing with a fire that he had missed the most during the last few weeks, while he had been down here no matter what he had tried to tell himself. Vegeta had to resist the urge to just grab her through the bars and pull her into a fiery and passionate kiss.
"Do you want to know the reason for this?" she snarled, but she didn't even wait for him to answer, as she just continued to rant. "You are the reason! I can't sleep at night, because of you! I can't eat anything, because I'm worried about you! I can't go out and meet my supposed friends, because I'm angry at them for what they did to you!"
"Nonsense!" Vegeta snapped. "This is nonsense!"
"And just why exactly is this nonsense?" Bulma stood up and stepped closer to the cell with her hands on her hips. Her face was flushed slightly, as her blood slowly began to boil with anger. She didn't believe him! How could he think that this was nonsense? "I'm sorry, Vegeta, but I can't help the way I feel. If you'd just give me something, some hope to hold onto, I might be able to sleep easier at night and not worry about you all the time."
"What exactly do you want from me?" His voice was harsh, but his eyes told another story. They were confused and he didn't know how to deal with this.
She sighed and removed her hands from her hips, resting them against the iron bars. Her forehead touched the cool metal and she closed her eyes for a split second, before she replied, "Tell me that you didn't quit. Tell me that you didn't give up everything you've fought for all your life. Tell me that you don't want to die."
"I…" Vegeta hesitated and Bulma looked at him, hope shining in her blue eyes. What should he tell her?
He had quit. He had already done this when he had fought against Frieza, maybe even earlier.
He'll kill you!
Don't you think I know that?
He had given up everything he had fought for all his life.
The legend says that only—
The Legendary can defeat the Beast. But seeing as Son Goku is in fact this legendary warrior, it's by all means possible.
But did he really want to die?
This would be the easy way, the coward's way out, and he certainly wasn't a coward. Just sometimes, you couldn't prevent death. Just like his couldn't be prevented. Only a fool would not hang him after the trial. However, at least, there was something that he could say to the woman to make it easier on her.
"No, woman, I don't want to die."
A relieved smile crossed her face and a sob escaped her throat. Bulma quickly wiped with her sleeve over her eyes to dry the tears that had threatened to fall. It wasn't much, but it was something, a small ray of hope in the darkness that had been ready to consume her. "Then we'll find a way," she said, convinced of every word that passed her lips. "We'll find a way to get you out of here. You won't need to die, Vegeta, if you don't want to."
Reaching out, she managed to get a hold of his shirt through the bars and pulled him up and closer to her. "Woman," Vegeta grumbled in weak protest, as he stepped up to her. There were only merely inches separating them now and he could feel her body heat, despite the chill air in the hold. The tension between them was unbearable, the urge to touch her almost irresistible, and it took all of his self-control to keep his hands to himself. But this self-control was slipping with each moment that he spent this close to her and yet he couldn't find the will to step back.
Those last weeks without her had simply been too long.
"Vegeta…"
Just as it had done once before, her whisper broke all of his resolve and he grabbed her, yanking her against his body as well as possible with the bars still between them and pressed his lips firmly on hers. A groan escaped her lips and she buried her hands in his wild black locks. His hands were already everywhere on her, touching, groping, rediscovering her body through the thin fabric of her nightgown. Whenever his fingers touched her bare skin, be it at her neck, face or when he had pushed the nightgown up her leg, they caused a fire surging through her whole body.
It was just like that one time on the ship during the storm. The kiss left them breathless, but in the need for more. If it weren't for the bars, Bulma was pretty sure that she would have already been wearing a few clothes less, as would he. As it was, she had barely managed to tear his shirt open, while his lips were still on hers. She had needed to feel him again so near, to be able to feel him. And she felt the need to give him the same pleasure, the same ecstasy that he was giving her and if his moans against her mouth were any indication, she could tell that she was successful.
Bulma didn't want to let go of him ever again, because if she did, she knew that a part of her would be missing. If she did, she would have to wait a long time until she could touch him or simply be with him again.
Vegeta knew of his presence, before he heard him, so the clearing of a throat didn't come as much as a surprise to him as it did to the woman. She jumped away from him, quickly straightening her clothes, but it was already too late. Kakarotto had seen them and she was aware of that. Her face was crimson, while she was smiling embarrassedly and Vegeta had a smug smirk on his face, as he simply turned towards the other Saiyajin, who tried to look anywhere but at them with a slight sheepish grin on his face.
"Uhm…" Goku hesitated, clearly not knowing what to say. To be honest, this had taken him by surprise. He had expected them to talk and not to do what they had been doing. Well, at least Bulma was smiling again. "I didn't want to interrupt, but I believe it's time for you to return to your cabin, Bulma."
"Alright," Bulma, who was still blushing furiously nodded. She took a few steps away from the cell, but then remembered something and went back to him to whisper, "I promise, Vegeta, I'll find a way. I love you." After having flashed him a bright smile, she crossed the hold and climbed the stairs, followed by Goku.
Vegeta only stared after her this time, as his mind slowly registered just what exactly she had told him. "Damn!" he muttered, but couldn't keep the smirk from his face.
There's Namek, Bulma thought as she was looking over the rail not even two days later. The Ouji had made good time and they had been faster than expected. It was in the morning and in about half an hour they would anchor in the harbor of the Eldest's village. She had never seen it from the sea before, but she had heard that Radditz and Nappa – a small shudder still went through her, when she thought of him – had burnt almost the whole village to the ground, so she was surprised to see that many buildings and houses had already been rebuilt.
"You're coming with us today?" Goku asked Bulma, as he joined her.
None of them had ever mentioned the incidence in the hold again and Bulma was glad for it. Goku hadn't really needed to see that, but Bulma was happy that it had happened at all. She was truly grateful that her friend had given her the chance to talk to Vegeta again, because now she had again a bit hope. Vegeta didn't want to die. This had to count for something. She was happier than she had been during the last few weeks and not that tired anymore, as she had not spent the last two nights on deck with Krillin, but fast asleep in her bed. Well, food was still a slightly touchy subject, but Bulma guessed that she just had to get used to eating again, after having barely touched anything for more than two weeks. She only felt sorry for Krillin, as he had now lost his only entertainment during the long hours at the helm.
"Yes, I'm coming with you, Goku", she replied grinning. "I can't wait to see the village while not being dragged around by a grumpy pirate who's forced to buy clothes for me."
Goku raised an eyebrow at that. Bulma hadn't told them much about her first stay on the Ouji, but from time to time she let something slip and most of the times, it was something humorous, like now. He was glad that she could look back on her captivity and see the good sides and not, like most people who had gone through something similar, got lost in the despair and darkness it had caused in them.
"I'm glad to hear that," Goku said, returning her grin.
Less than one hour later, the crew left the Ouji at the main harbor of Namek. However, this time it was truly only Goku, Bardock, ChiChi, Gohan, Bulma, Piccolo and Dende who went into town. The rest of them decided to either stay aboard or buy the necessary goods directly at the harbor.
As it was still morning, the buzz of activity was stronger than in the afternoon, when they had been there the last time. Goku was even more surprised by this due to the fact that the last time they had left this town, it had been nearly completely destroyed by the fire. But Goku was surprised and at the same time happy to see that the Nameks had recovered from this attack quickly.
The walk to the old house of the Eldest was a short one, but instead of finding a new house there, one was under construction and no soul was to be seen, as the workers were apparently taking a break. Goku looked at his friends, feeling a bit lost, as he didn't know where the Eldest was living now. He threw Piccolo a helpless glance, but it was Dende, who helped him, as the boy suddenly began to wave and cried out, "Guru!"
Goku turned around and saw an older Namek coming up to them, after having heard the call of the boy. "Dende, is that you?" the other Namek, Guru, asked surprised. A huge smile spread over his face, when he recognized the young Namek. "It really is you! You're back!"
"Yes, I am! We all are. Son Goku," Dende said, motioning to the younger Saiyajin in his company. Guru nodded his greeting to the legendary sailor and his friends, while Dende was continuing, "defeated Frieza and we got all seven Dragonballs, though they are now nothing more than stone, as we needed the wish. Guru is another member of our large family, the Dragonclan, and he knows of the Dragonballs," Dende explained quickly to the others.
"That's fantastic news," Guru said, before he turned fully to Goku. "We are all in your debt, Son Goku. Frieza was a terrible monster and the Dragonballs would have caused tremendous chaos and destruction in his hands. However, you should immediately go to the Eldest and tell him of your feat. He has waited for you to return for days already, saying that he had felt a change in the wind."
Piccolo stepped forward, surprising the other Namek, as he hadn't noticed him yet. "Do you know where the Eldest is living now?"
"P-Piccolo," Guru stuttered. "The Eldest and Nail told me that you were also part of this mission, but I hadn't wanted to believe them. They said that you reformed and were now working at the palace of Lord Briefs." Instead of the distrustful look that Piccolo had expected, Guru offered him a small smile. "I'm glad that I've been wrong. It's good to have you back, Piccolo. I'm sure Nail will also be happy to see you. But to answer your question – until his home his rebuilt, he's living at my house, which had been spared by the fire."
"Could you bring us there?" Goku wanted to know. Guru only nodded with a friendly smile on his face and motioned for them to follow him.
It was a short walk of barely ten minutes, until they stopped in front of a smaller house. Guru went inside and Goku and the others went after him. The front door immediately led into a small and cozy living room and they could hear the crackle of a fire despite the warmth outside. In front of the fireplace a huge armchair was standing and they could see the outlines of a large green head over the back of the armchair.
"Saichourou, I've brought guests for you," Guru announced, after Bardock had closed the door behind them. "Dende has returned and with him are Son Goku and a part of his crew."
They could hear some movements in the chair. "Dende," a deep and tired voice mumbled. "And Son Goku. I'm glad that you are back. I hope you bring good tidings."
"We do," Goku said, as he stepped forward. "Frieza is dead, we've rescued my friend and we brought you all seven spheres and two of the maps back. The third one was unfortunately destroyed during the battle."
"Those are indeed good tidings. Guru, please help me turn around. I wish to talk to them face to face." Guru immediately went up to him, but with him Piccolo and Goku came and helped to turn around the armchair. A contented smile was to be seen on the Eldest's face, as he regarded his visitors. "Dende, you've grown, as have you, Gohan. You've all changed, but this was to be expected. And I see that you've gotten some additions to your crew."
Goku nodded and beckoned his father and Bulma over to them. "This is Bardock, my presumed dead father. He's survived in Frieza's dungeons for the last twenty-five years. And my friend, Bulma Briefs, who's been captured by the pirates."
"I'm pleased to meet you, Bardock, Lady Bulma," Saichourou acknowledged the old Saiyajin and the blue haired woman with a small nod.
Bardock and Bulma both bowed theirs heads slightly. "Eldest."
"But now, please sit down and tell me of your travel," the Eldest urged them. "I'm sure you've experienced and learned much, both about your allies and of your enemies." When he said the last part, he gave Goku a quick glance and the Saiyajin was reminded of something Saichourou had told him when they had parted so many weeks ago.
Don't be so harsh with the Prince. He is not like you think he is. Somewhere deep inside of him something has awoken. He has started to care, even though he doesn't want to admit it to himself. Remember that every person deserves a second chance.
Had the Eldest truly seen then what most of his friends still didn't want to see? He had been right. Vegeta deserved a second chance, and Goku would do everything in his power to give him this chance.
It was the morning two days later, when everyone, even Saichourou, was gathered at the harbor to say goodbye to Son Goku and his crew. They had stayed on this island for two days. The first day they had spent at Guru's house and had recounted everything that had happened to them after they had left Namek the last time. Son Goku had given the Eldest the bag with the spheres, having explained about the wish they had used, and the two remaining maps. When he held them again in his hands, Saichourou had promised him to do the same as his ancestors and send warriors out to spread the Dragonballs all over the world.
The second day, after Saichourou had insisted that they stayed longer than the last time, Nail had agreed to show them around the town and the region around it with its wildlife. This time, also the rest of the crew, except for Tenshinhan and Chao-Zu, who had willingly taken the watch of the ship and their prisoner, had wanted to accompany them. The unlikely group of several Humans, Saiyajins and one Jinzoningen was happy to get this chance.
That evening, after his men had returned to the ship, Goku and his family, as well as Bulma and Piccolo, were invited to dine with Saichourou, Guru and Nail. Stories had been retold that night and plans for the future explained. It had been well after midnight when they had returned to the Ouji.
Dende and Gohan had used those two days to their fullest to spend the last precious hours together, before they had to part, as the young Namek was going to stay on the island. During their long journey, the two boys had become very good friends and saying goodbye would be hard for both of them, maybe for Gohan even a bit harder, as Dende had friends his own age on this island as well and Gohan's only friend at the palace had been Piccolo.
"Are you sure you don't want to stay, Piccolo?" Dende asked the older Namek, when it was time for the crew to board the ship.
Piccolo nodded, throwing a quick glance at Saichourou and his brother Nail, who had also come. "This isn't my home anymore. Besides, I'm much more needed in the Western Capitol. Most of the warriors there are truly pathetic."
There was a small smirk on his face, as he said this and Goku had to chuckle. "As hard as it is to admit, but Piccolo is right. Humans simply aren't as strong as warrior trained Nameks or Saiyajins."
"Well then, brother," Nail said and stepped forward, extending his hand. "I wish you well."
"Thank you," Piccolo replied and took the offered hand. "I promise, I will visit someday, if I'm welcome."
Saichourou smiled kindly, as he shook his head in slight disbelief. "Why shouldn't you be welcome, Piccolo? You're one of us. No matter, what you say, this island will always be a home for you."
Meanwhile, Gohan and Dende were hugging each other tightly, not caring what any of the adults might think of their show of affection for each other. After all, this would be the last time for what appeared to be a long time until the two boys would meet again.
"You promise to write, don't you?" Dende asked the other boy, having already tears in his eyes.
Gohan nodded vigorously, blinking away his own tears. "Of course, I will. And you promise to visit us sometime! There are so many things and places that I have to show you!"
"I promise," Dende said and the friends hugged one more time, before Dende stepped back to Saichourou and Gohan to his parents.
"Son Goku," Saichourou said in his deep voice. "I've got something for you. Nail, would you please?" The Namek warrior walked up to Goku and handed him a stone sphere and one of the two maps. When the Saiyajin looked at the Eldest confused, he explained further, "This is the Dragonball with the four stars. I believe this one has got some sentimental value for you."
Goku gazed at the sphere in his hands with a bright smile on his face. "Thank you, Saichourou."
"You're welcome." The Eldest returned the smile. "I also entrust you with one of the remaining two maps. If there's someone I deem worthy to make sure that the Dragonballs don't get into the wrong hands, it would be you. You are truly a good man, Son Goku. Please do never forget this."
While firmly grabbing the sphere and the map in his hands, almost as if to show the Eldest that nothing would happen to them, he replied with a loving smile to ChiChi, "Don't worry, I won't forget."
Slowly the last goodbyes were exchanged and Son Goku and his friends boarded the ship. His crew knew what to do, as they immediately set to work, hoisting the anchor and setting the sails. Much to their surprise, Krillin suddenly began to sing, if a bit off-key, while they were working. They quickly recognized the lyrics as the old and well-known homebound shanty Rolling Home.
Call all hands to man the capstan
See the cable run down clear
Heave away and with a will boys
For old homeland we will steer
And we'll sing in joyful chorus
In the watches of the night
And we'll sight the shores of our home
When the grey dawn brings the light
The other sailors gave each other knowing grins, as they joined in at the refrain. It was true, they realized. They were finally going home now.
Rolling home, rolling home, rolling home across the sea
Rolling home to dear old homeland
Rolling home, dear land to thee
With the solemn music in the background, Goku, his family, Bulma and Piccolo turned their attention to the Nameks gathered at the quay, who were watching them leave with sad looks on their faces.
Up aloft amid the rigging
Blows the loud exulting gale
Like a bird's wide out-streached pinions
Spreads on high each swelling sail
And the wild waves cleft behind us
Seem to murmur as they flow
There are loving hearts that wait you
In the land to which you go
Rolling home, rolling home, rolling home across the sea
Rolling home to dear old homeland
Rolling home, dear land to thee
Gohan was almost standing on the rail, waving at his friend and calling to him, reminding him of his promise. His parents were simply waving and Piccolo just nodded his farewell.
Many thousand miles behind us
Many thousand miles before
Ancient ocean have to waft us
To the well-remembered shore
Cheer up mate, bright smiles await you
From the fairest of the fair
And her loving eyes will greet you
With kind welcomes everywhere
Rolling home, rolling home, rolling home across the sea
Rolling home to dear old homeland
Rolling home, dear land to thee
First when the harbor was truly out of sight did Gohan come back down. He was smiling, but his eyes were shining slightly with unshed tears. He was sure that he would see his friend again someday.
Son Goku grinned, as he managed to avoid the kick directed at him. His opponent stumbled slightly, but quickly regained his composure and launched yet another attack. Tenshinhan cursed under his breath, as he missed again and whirled around to face Goku, who was still grinning at him.
"Come on, Tenshinhan! Is that all you've got?" Goku taunted him.
"You haven't even seen anything yet," Tenshinhan replied, and rushed at his friend. Almost easily Goku dodged or blocked his attacks, the grin not once leaving his face. This was fun and at the same time there a huge difference to the sparring match they had had so many weeks ago. Until now Goku still had had a hard time to believe it, but he had really gotten a lot stronger.
Yamcha sighed, as he sat down next to Chao-Zu and Krillin. Gohan and Bulma were off at the sidelines, rooting for Goku, while the rest was either just lazily sitting around on or under deck, just like ChiChi, only that she wasn't resting but working in the kitchen on their lunch. "It seems that Tenshinhan really does stand no chance against him. Goku's gotten too strong, almost unbeatable I daresay."
"You might be right," Chao-Zu said, a bit disappointed that his best friend was going to lose, again.
Tenshinhan was slowly growing frustrated. Nothing of what he did worked. When he had had just the slightest chance of victory before, he was now losing spectacularly. He stumbled backwards, as a hard kick of Goku connected with his stomach, but recovered quickly and immediately swung his fist at Goku's jaw, hitting him.
The Saiyajin looked at bit surprised for a split second. Tenshinhan just wanted to use this chance to land another hit, as he was suddenly thrown backwards against the rail. Dazed, he sat up and stared at the man in front of him. He had only heard of this, but seeing it with his own eyes finally made it true. The same golden aura that had already surrounded him on Frieza's Island was again enveloping him and slowly began to fade, leaving a golden haired and green eyed Saiyajin behind.
"This is… fantastic," he breathed, as he could almost feel the power of his friend.
Son Goku had a concentrated look on his face, as he tried to hold onto the power, pointedly ignoring the startled looks the others were giving him. He truly hadn't expected it to work, as he had just wanted to try it after having thought about the transformation for the last few weeks. Call it a hunch, but he had known that he would be able to do it now. It was just a matter of concentrating the anger in his body and somehow he needed less anger than when he had transformed the first time.
With a deep breath, he let go of the anger and felt as the power left him. Raising his head, he grinned at his friends and scratched the back of his head. "Sorry about this. I hope I didn't scare you too much."
"Dad?" Gohan asked curiously. "Was this the Legendary?"
"That was the Legendary," Krillin answered instead of Goku. There was an awed smile on his face. "That's great, Goku! Do you think you can do it again?"
"I believe so…" Goku mumbled and concentrated again.
Bulma couldn't believe her eyes, as the transformation took place a second time within a few minutes. This was what had defeated Frieza? This was the Legendary? It was incredible! Never before had she seen something like this.
Suddenly, she froze, as a thought shot through her head. Could- could this be?
"Lunch is ready!" ChiChi hollered, still holding a wooden spoon in her hand, as she stepped on deck, but stopped dead in her tracks, when she saw Son Goku. The spoon fell clattering to the ground. "G-Goku? Is that you?"
Goku turned his head, and when he saw the shocked look on her face, let again go of the power, returning to normal. Flashing her a sheepish smile, he said, "That was the Legendary. I think I've figured out, how to control it."
"Why do you need to control it?" ChiChi asked, crossing her arms over her chest. "Frieza's dead, so you don't need this power anymore. And don't even think about teaching Gohan this! As soon as we're home, he'll pick up his studies again, so that he can become a scholar. And now, come down. Your lunch is getting cold."
"Well, I believe we have to hurry a bit with our lunch," Krillin suddenly announced, grinning widely, as he handed the spyglass, through which he had just taken a quick glance, when he had believed to have glimpsed something at the horizon, to Goku. "I can see land."
Goku looked through it, and this time, when he recognized the coast, he smiled as well. "It's home."
A/N2: In case you're wondering, how I know the shanty "Rolling Home". I sing in the "Husumer Shanty Chor" - and this for seven years already! So, if you're curious, why don't you take a look at our website husumer-shany-chor.de ? There you'll also find a sample of the Low German version of "Rolling Home".
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