. A Story with No Name .
When We Find Them
AN – Well…o.o;; how long has it been? A month? God, who knows. Well, sorry about it being so delayed. but hey, it was Christmas. XP But luckily, I finally sat down and 'drew up' a vague idea for the next few chapters. The next chap (which'll go back to Gohan and the girls) should be a little more interesting, but don't get your hopes up. Luckily, the next chapter is nearly done, so expect it to come out, on time, this weekend. –cackle– Here's the next chapter after more then 5 weeks of waiting.
Three days, eight hours, 12 minutes, and 23 seconds…
…24…25…
Krillin sighed as he pulled himself up into a sitting position on the floor of the ship. He yawned and stretched his arms in front of him. Trunks and Goten were sitting near the windows, watching as stars glided by, and Goku was passed out in one of the chairs they used for take-off. Krillin sighed, scratching the back of his head while looking at the watch on his other hand.
Three days, eight hours, 13 minutes, and 9 seconds…
…10…11…
He pushed his stiff body up to stand, stumbling a few steps before finally regaining balance. He walked towards the control room where Vegeta was currently located. The boys didn't even look away from the streaks of light to acknowledge him, too bored to care, and Goku showed no sign of noticing his departure.
Krillin stopped by the entrance that had been jammed half-closed due to the backlash of Saiyan boredom. Goku had found amusement in how the door opened and closed, inescapably breaking it, and Vegeta had to force it open, inevitably breaking it beyond repair. He leaned in to see what Vegeta was doing and was glad to see that Vegeta was still conscious enough to provide a bit of social interaction, however small. Krillin blinked curiously upon seeing that Vegeta was eating a bag of chips and watching something on the screen with his boots using the control panel as a footrest. He suppressed a chuckle and walked in with his usual confidence.
"Hey, Vegeta."
Vegeta turned his head and stared at Krillin in surprise. He removed his feet from the panel, thinking it too casual of a position to be seen enjoying, and set the chips down. He took off a pair of headphones, which had been nearly invisible against his black hair.
"What do you want?"
Krillin chuckled lightly, sat down in a chair next to Vegeta, and propped up his feet just as Vegeta had been earlier.
"Nothin'. I'm just bored. What are ya watchin'?"
Krillin didn't see the glare the Prince was giving him, but he could feel it burning the side of his face. Instead, he watched the strange figures on the fuzzy screen, almost fascinated that it was most probably a universal channel. Vegeta withdrew at the question and paused, taking a moment to analyze the situation. He sighed quietly, accepting defeat, and turned back to the screen.
"It's just some show that was on. It's a dramoi, or what you'd call a soap opera."
Krillin chuckled at the thought of the Prince of all Saiyans watching a soap opera, but he shrugged it aside, knowing that an idle mind found amusement in the strangest things. He pointed to the pair of headphones that now lay on the console.
"Can I hear?"
Vegeta glanced towards Krillin and smoothly grabbed the headset. He pulled until it was free of the connection, and the soft sound of voices filled the room. Although he couldn't understand the language, Krillin could tell that the female character was going to break up with the male. He smiled, remembering something that Bulma had once told him. 'Soap language is universal'.
So, Krillin and Vegeta sat watching a soap opera, munching on the chips Vegeta had been eating and enjoying the strange world of drama. They watched as Tenela, the lead female character, fell in and out of love, and chuckled sarcastic remarks when she found her newest lover in bed with another. When a commercial interrupted the show, Krillin turned his head to watch as Vegeta turned the volume down.
"Heh, I guess space ain't so different then."
Vegeta nodded curtly.
"It is, but not as much as you humans fantasize it to be."
Krillin tilted his head slightly, watching Vegeta closely.
"How so?"
Vegeta shrugged lightly, and answered in a bored tone.
"They have weird holidays, customs, and foods, just like Earth. But it's not so strange if you think about it. Every aspect of their lives comes from culture, which comes from ancestry and the type of resources those ancestors survived on. It's just like Earth."
Krillin chuckled and shook his head.
"Yeah, I guess you got a point."
He fell quiet and started watching as a colorful character appeared on the screen. He wore a huge smile that was to big to be anything but creepy, and he held a jar of something in his hands. He talked obnoxiously fast and continuously flashed what might have been a charming grin had his teeth been any smaller. Krillin watched, greatly humored by the strange man on the screen, and turned his head to look at Vegeta.
"Hey, can you understand what they're saying?"
Vegeta turned his head at Krillin's question, and after a moment of thought, he gave him a slight nod and returned his attention to the commercial.
"I used to know a few words. Enough to say what I needed to, but not enough to carry much of a conversation. You'd be amazed what you can say without words."
He spoke the last sentence with a soft chuckle, and Krillin knew exactly what he was insinuating. It was so strange to sit comfortably next to a man that had, at one time, been a terror to the entire universe. He could only guess that being a friend to someone like Goku had that sort of effect. The show soon came back on to reveal another couple in distress.
The woman looked more humanoid then any of the other characters, and had gorgeous, long, blonde hair with blue eyes that seemed to sparkle with an immensely powerful and long-hidden passion. Krillin watched as the camera zoomed in on her beautiful face as tears welled within her eyes, causing those sparkles to intensify, if such were even possible.
A shadow passed over Krillin's eyes. Her sensuous voice had the natural ability to capture one's soul with its strength, but now it was weak and exposed, as though from years of torturous mental anguish. A lump made itself known in the middle of Krillin's throat as he watched the woman on the screen close her eyes slowly, of which allowed a single tear freedom from the depths of her soul. Vegeta glanced towards Krillin, waiting for some sort of humorous remark on her overly dramatic actions. Instead, he was met with a rather disturbing sight. Krillin sat in his chair with every muscle tense and stiff, and his eyes held a dark, depressed aura of longing memory.
Of course, the only reason why Vegeta could see any of that was due to long years of living among those who constantly held the tight, strong mask that now rested weakly in the eyes of the small monk to his side. Any other observer would have seen a transfixed look, one that was possibly so entranced in the emotion of the moment that nothing could detach them. Krillin seemed to be enjoying the show, but Vegeta could easily see that such was not so. His eyes narrowed slightly, definitely not used to the darkness that dampened the light-hearted aura that Krillin always carried, and spoke with a firm, yet tender, tone.
"Are you that moved by her tears?"
Krillin jolted slightly and turned his eyes shakily towards Vegeta's stone-cold face. He blinked, attempting to regain his senses, but he soon recovered and attempted a smile.
"Nah, she's being overly dramatic. I just, spaced out, is all."
Vegeta's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. The bald man shied away and focused back onto the screen, trying to divert Vegeta's attention. However, Vegeta narrowed his eyes further and burned his powerful gaze into the side of Krillin's face.
"Oh?"
Vegeta removed his intimidating glare and pretended to watch the screen. His thoughts, however, did not ponder over the events taking place on the show. Krillin relaxed visibly when Vegeta diverted his gaze, and he tried to be rid of the thoughts that had darkened his mood earlier. It was beginning to work when suddenly Vegeta's voice filled the room once more with a soft elegance.
"You were thinking about her, weren't you?"
Krillin withdrew, his eyes instantly snapping towards Vegeta. The Saiyan, however, didn't even look away from the fuzzy screen, and simply awaited the response with a demanding, albeit patient, silence.
"…yeah…"
Vegeta diverted his gaze, landing his eyes directly upon Krillin's. The monk watched him carefully, realizing, suddenly, that he had never truly looked Vegeta straight in the eyes before. They seemed to go on forever, infinitely deep and mysterious to such an extent that he found himself lost in a dark abyss. Neither looked away, Vegeta being too persistent and Krillin too dumbfounded to do differently.
"You really miss her, don't you?"
Vegeta's query broke the strange spell that had befallen the small warrior's mind, and he turned his head, focusing upon the ground suddenly as though it were deathly important. Only then, did Vegeta's tense gaze lift its stare and look back to the screen. Krillin fiddled with his fingers nervously, a little more confused then anything else.
"I guess…but I'm more worried then anything. I mean, we don't know where she is or what she's going through. You never know what could have happened these past few weeks."
A soft smiled found its way onto Vegeta's face, and he watched Krillin silently, waiting for him to continue.
"I donno. I've never really felt so lonely before. It's weird, nothing like I expected. I can't describe it…"
"I'm sure there's a way."
Krillin looked up at Vegeta curiously.
"…I guess I feel like a part of me is gone. Like…say you have a car. It's only complete with wheels, an engine, and a driver. Before I met her, I was like a car without a driver. I could go wherever I wanted to if I tried hard enough, but I didn't have the mutual accomplishment of getting there. Then she came along, and I had found my driver. I was a happy little car, and I could go anywhere without the slightest effort. Then, when she left, it was like she took my wheels with her. So now, I'm just a grumbly old engine, sitting here with nothing left to live for. And I feel like I can't just go back to the way I was before I met her. I know it's not like she left me or anything, but it sure feels like it…"
Krillin paused.
"Sounds dumb, don't it?"
He looked up again to see a smile resting on Vegeta's strangely empathetic face. Krillin watched Vegeta for a moment feeling confused once again as to what was happening. Since when did Vegeta learn how to smile, and why was he suddenly so willing to hear the lonely words of some weak, useless human? A sparkle flickered across Vegeta's eyes, but what it was exactly, Krillin couldn't tell. Its life had been too short, for Vegeta quickly closed his eyes, almost like a knowing, old father would towards his troubled son.
"Not at all. It's in your nature to feel like that now that your mate is gone. I know that my words mean nothing to you, but you shouldn't be so worried. I know where she's going. Not the exact location, but I do know the basic hands in which she'll be given. She'll be all right until we can get to her."
"How do you know?"
A soft chuckle bubbled out of the depths of Vegeta's chest, and he shook his head as he turned it back to the screen.
"Only one person would want someone like 18 and have the power to actually get her. And…well, let's just say that she'll have plenty of allies until we can finally reach her."
"What do you mean?"
Krillin eyed Vegeta, almost suspiciously, and Vegeta finally grinned a more characteristic grin of sarcasm.
"A couple of my old cronies. The girls are in good hands for the time being."
Krillin blinked, paranoid with the thought that a few of Vegeta's old friends might be in the same breathing space as his wife.
"…what makes you think that…people you used to know would…uh…behave?"
Vegeta laughed, heartily almost, and shook his head.
"There are only two people I know that would even realize someone new was on the ship, and those two wouldn't hurt a fly. Trust me, Krillin. Your wife is in good hands, and will be until we can get her and go back home."
Krillin smiled and nodded.
"Thanks, Vegeta."
Vegeta closed his eyes just as a red light from the dashboard flicked on. Its red glow tinged their faces with the softest red and drew both eyes towards it. Vegeta glared coldly and watched as the light slowly blinked. He reached out mumbling to himself and tapped the light. Krillin watched him and the light for a few moments until Vegeta started typing. Or clicking, or…something. He really couldn't be sure as to what Vegeta was doing.
"Uh…what's wrong?"
Vegeta snarled to himself as his eyes danced over the various boxes of information that popped up at his command.
"Piece of shit's almost out of fuel."
He growled and spun his chair around to fiddle with a panel behind him.
"Damn Earth woman…only 3 G-k…damn thing…corsos…"
Vegeta continued muttering various words of nonsense as Krillin watched him curiously.
"Uh, so, we're low on fuel?"
Vegeta grumbled.
"Not with as much fuel as we could have carried. We should have been able to go for at least a month, but does she have the technology or brains to create a decent fuel for intergalactic travel? Oh no!"
Vegeta continued his mutterings and spun around to face the main display screen. He set to work again, bringing up strange pictures of planets and columns of numbers and statistics. He growled with agitation as Krillin sat blinking.
"What are you doing?"
Vegeta narrowed his eyes, still focusing on the screen, but answered his question, regardless of his annoyance.
"I'm trying to locate a suitable station for refuel."
Krillin blinked.
"You mean, like a gas station?"
He shot a calm glare towards Krillin, yet quickly flicked his gaze back to the screen.
"I suppose you could call it that, but it's…Oh, thank God! There's a station only about an hour away."
Vegeta instantly danced his fingers across the controls, resetting the course for the said station. Krillin blinked slowly, but allowed an amused grin to slide upon his face.
"So, are we gonna see some aliens or something?"
Vegeta paused and slowly turned his head towards the bald headed man, almost as though he were completely blown away by what he just said. He blinked and timidly nodded his head.
"…of…course we will."
Krillin chuckled and rubbed the back of his head.
"Heh, sorry. I'm still trippin' about the whole alien thing."
Vegeta regained his usual composure and smirked.
"Of course, I can only imagine what it's like to be so ignorant."
Krillin chuckled again and stood. He lifted a hand and put the other at his waist.
"Well, it was cool talkin' to ya. I'll go tell everyone 'bout the whole detour thing."
He turned and left, leaving Vegeta to work on the ship alone.
……
The hour soon passed, and Vegeta appeared before the group.
"Sit down, shut up."
With that eloquently spoken, everyone sat down and turned their attention to Vegeta. The boys twitched constantly, their excitement being too great to contain, and Goku and Krillin giggled for…some reason. Piccolo was still in the same spot, however when Vegeta snapped out the harsh demand, he had calmly diverted his attention, eager to hear what he had to say. Vegeta folded his arms before him in that unique fashion of arrogance he naturally held, and finally spoke as though he dreaded every word.
"All right. I can see that the midget has already informed all of you as to our situation. Now, I'll let you come along under a few conditions."
He held up his hand, facing the palm towards himself and holding up his thumb.
"First, listen to every word I say, and obey it as though you were nothing but dogs and I your master. Second."
He held up his first finger.
"Don't touch me, other people, plants, animals, inanimate objects, liquids, spare items, circuitry, any form of technology, and anything else that may be within your grasp."
He sent a glare towards Goku, as though it was his fault that the rule had been created. Vegeta held up another finger, still counting off the rules.
"Call me Prince Vegeta or Sir. Never address me as you would a commoner. Don't make eye contact with anyone and act as though they don't even exist. Don't make any sort of wild hand gesture or action. It may offend someone and knowing our luck, they'll start a big to-do over it. And, just in case none of you have realized, we do –not– want a lot of attention. Of course, it's inevitable, but we should at least try to keep a low-profile."
At each new point he lifted another finger, and after finishing, he turned his attention to Goku.
"You."
His voice was low and deadly as he spoke his demands.
"As much as you might disagree, these people are complete idiots, much like yourself. Now, for us to continue on our little journey, you'll have to back off and let me do what I do best."
Goku's eyes narrowed suspiciously as he watched Vegeta speak.
"You…aren't going to kill people, are you?"
Vegeta narrowed his eyes.
"If I must."
Goku yelped and jumped to his feet.
"No! I'm not gonna let you kill innocent people! I don't care where we are."
Vegeta deadpanned the bulky warrior before him and calmly rolled his eyes.
"Look, if it eases your conscience any, very few ignore my threats. If you simply let me deal with the vagabonds in the manner I choose, then we'll get in and out of there quickly and without the slightest bit of bloodshed."
Goku held a furious glare simply at the thought that Vegeta might kill someone. However, at Vegeta's reassuring words, he lowered his eyes to the ground and allowed his temporary anger to fade.
A soft jolt and the sound of a loud clank caused every head to turn towards the back of the ship. They stayed in silence, confused for a moment as to what had caused the sudden shift. However, Vegeta straightened up and headed calmly towards the door. He glanced over his shoulder at the bewildered faces and lifted a hand in gesture for them to follow.
The small group obediently stood and gathered behind the Saiyan when he suddenly turned to face Goku.
"Well? I need your word."
Goku's expression darkened slightly, still unsure whether he should trust Vegeta on his own turf, yet he nodded softly.
"As long as you don't kill anyone."
Vegeta narrowed his eyes the slightest measure, yet he quickly turned to show that he accepted Goku's promise. He placed a gloved hand upon the handle of the door and turned it until a soft click sounded, notifying him that he had unlocked it. He let go of the handle as the door's mechanics set in and moved it away. With his old grace, he stepped forward onto the platform that had suddenly appeared, and the small group cautiously followed. He walked a short distance inside the small, yet well-illuminated tunnel, and paused by a glass door for the slightest moment as it opened to allow him passage.
He stepped through and soon stood within a massive corridor of metal and glass, allowing the others to walk through the door before stopping. He turned his head and watched as Krillin finally caught up with the rest of them. Goku and his son gazed wide-eyed with their jaws hanging agape, and they turned their heads as they surveyed the surreal tunnel. Trunks and Krillin had a look of pure curiosity, yet they kept their lower jaws from falling open to maintain their 'image'. Piccolo simply glanced about the area, curious yet stoic in his scans, and Vegeta stood, gazing around boredly, yet with the slightest glimpse of what might have been fond memory (you never know with Vegeta).
"Excuse me, Sirs."
The entire group turned their attention towards the new voice. There stood a small boy, shorter then Krillin and seeming younger then Goten. He had pale skin with a touch of lavender and locks of rich black hair fell around his face. His eyes were the darkest color, near black with the slightest touch of blue if he turned a certain way in a certain light. He was wearing a white outfit that seemed to be some sort of uniform, and he stood with a clipboard in hand.
Vegeta's eyes instantly recognized the small, simple symbol on the uniform, and he turned to face the young boy. The child's eyes instantly snapped up to Vegeta and widened with innocent fascination. He stood, mouth agape, and stared at the face of the legendary man of blood and death. He had never seen him, but he had heard story after story of the devilish Saiyan race and their ruthless ruler, Prince Vegeta. He could easily remember the description of the Prince of the barbaric monkey race, and he remembered the harsh warnings the storyteller always emphasized.
The child stood, consumed in his fear, shock, and pure fascination as Vegeta folded his arms over his chest. He snorted with the slightest hint of disgust and sent a cold glare towards the ship.
"A child? Whatever. I want the ship refueled. No mechanical checks, nothing. I'm in a hurry, Kid, and you'd best go inform your superiors as to who demands service."
The boy slowly inhaled a deep breath, but cut it off quickly and nodded. He whipped around and bolted down the hallway, weaving around the few others that were present until he disappeared from sight.
Goku glared at the back of Vegeta's head.
"That was mean."
Vegeta shot a glare over his shoulder towards the orange-clad warrior behind him.
"What did I just finish saying?"
Goku's glare increased, but he didn't speak another word. Vegeta started walking down the massive hall and the group obediently followed. Soon they came to a large set of glass doors that slid open to allow them passage. A soft roar met them as the group walked into the massive area.
It resembled the place of which Gohan and the girls had been captured (the second time) with lights flashing constantly to attract travelers and their money. People of hundreds of descriptions swarmed about the organized stores, and items of every type and color were brightly advertised in hopes of catching a traveler's eye. The boys gasped in childish delight at the once-fictional reality that rested before their eyes. Krillin stared in pure awe at the sight and chuckled.
"Woudja look at that. Wow, the nerds of Earth would kill to be us right now."
He and Goku chuckled for a moment before they saw that their friends were moving on without them. They skipped forward and soon fell in behind the others.
Vegeta led them to a sort of fancified booth that seemed more formal and bland compared to the others. Vegeta leaned onto the counter and the others behind him took the chance to gaze around the mall-like area. Krillin put his hands on his hips.
"Man, the place reminds me of that old mall near my house. But…it's not. How cool."
He chuckled and glanced towards Goku, who seemed transfixed in something.
"Do…you smell that?"
Goku was leaning forward with his eyes closed.
"Gosh, it smells so good."
Krillin laughed and shook his head.
"Is that all that's ever on your mind? Food?"
Goku barely nodded, too lost within the luscious scent that wafted from a near by restaurant.
Vegeta suddenly grumbled and hit a small device that beeped in response to his harsh treatment. All eyes fell on him at the sudden noise, and a young woman (seemingly humanoid had her eyes not been a painfully bright yellow) suddenly hurried out a door and ran up to the counter.
"I'm very sorry, Sir. Please for…"
Her voice completely failed her as she opened his eyes to gaze upon the face of the notorious Saiyan Prince. Her eyes widened and it was more then obvious that she was about to scream. Vegeta suddenly lunged forward, lashing out his hand to grasp the woman's collar. She could only squeak the smallest sound before he pulled her directly in front of his face.
Her eyes widened even more as her nose set not even an inch away from his. She bit her lip as his eyes of onyx flickered with unpredictable hostility and anger. Goku tensed and clenched his fists, glaring daggers of warning at the back of Vegeta's head. Vegeta's face was calm, however, and only his eyes burned with warning. She stared silently into the empty gaze, waiting for something to happen.
"No sound, Wench."
She gulped and meekly nodded her head.
"Y…yessir."
He unleashed his hold, keeping everything else still, and she instantly pulled back once her freedom returned. She quickly fixed the ruffled collar and attempted to act exactly as she had been trained to in a situation such as this.
"How may I help you, Sir?"
Vegeta finally leaned back and calmly folded his arms over his powerful chest. He scanned the panels of letters and numbers that lay above her head and narrowed his eyes in thought.
"Hmm…well, I need a reconsolif panel, calibrated to 35th miso, and a box of your most sophisticated supplies."
She typed the 'order' into a keypad and smiled warmly.
"Is that all, Sir?"
His eyes narrowed in thought as he looked over the panels once more, and he sighed softly and nodded.
"Yes, that should be."
She nodded and flashed another smile.
"All right. It'll be about a 20 minute wait, but I assure you, Sir, that your requested items will be of utmost satisfaction."
Vegeta grunted and turned, barely mumbling a response. He paused and glanced around the group until his eyes fell upon Goku who had returned to smelling the air daintily.
"What the hell are you doing?"
Goku could barely pry his eyes open to gaze towards Vegeta.
"Do you smell that? Oh, can we please eat? I'm so hungry…and all we've got back on the ship is a bunch of old cans. It smells so good…"
Vegeta rolled his eyes and sighed in defeat.
"Alright, let's try to find some place to eat while we wait."
Goku cheered and instantly bolted towards the origin of the scent, causing Krillin and the two boys to erupt in laughter. Goten and Trunks instantly dashed after the childish warrior, weaving in and out of the many people that blocked their path. Krillin's chuckles softly faded as he and Piccolo followed after the boisterous trio, not wanting to loose sight of the easily excitable three.
The group finally stood before a small fast food stall that had luscious smells wafting from deep within. Goku's eyes were wide with fascination when he turned his head to look back at Vegeta.
"Aw, can we get something? Oh pleaseopleaseopleaseopleaseo–"
"Shut up! I already said we were getting something."
Vegeta snarled as he walked past everyone in line and waltzed straight up to the cashier. The young teenager at the register looked up to Vegeta boredly and waited for him to order whatever it was he wanted. Vegeta glanced over the panels of menus above and sighed discontentedly. He shook his head and waved his hand dismissively.
"Just get us…oh, I don't know. Six of everything."
The teen stared at him and rolled her eyes. She chewed and popped something while she slowly typed the order into the cash register. She paused for a moment and looked back.
"Hey, Bato, get your ass up here."
A gruff man sauntered out from the back and looked at her disapprovingly.
"Wha–? What is it?"
"How do you type in the Solonir deal 6 times?"
The guy paused and looked up to where the customer always stood, wondering what kind of person would order something 6 times. He instantly recognized Vegeta and gasped, nearly swallowing the old cigar that sat between his fat lips. He gave a startled yelp and ran to the register, quickly pushing aside the young teen.
"Heh…well, it's a pleasure Sir. I'm sorry about the gal-y, she's uh, still new, if you know what I mean."
Vegeta glared at him but said nothing.
"So, ah, what's your order?"
Vegeta's eyes narrowed the slightest measure.
"Six of everything, and make it quick."
The man nodded and quickly typed in the rest of the order.
"It'll be a while, sorry, but that's quite an order."
"Really?"
The guy laughed and slapped the counter with a heavy hand.
"Oh man, that was a good one! Wooh! Better remember that!"
Vegeta gave him a disgusted look and the man finally stopped laughing. He sniffed deeply and wiped his hand under his nose, then turned and walked into the back room. Vegeta rolled his eyes and mumbled something. He turned and pointed towards a small area of tables and chairs.
"Go on, sit already."
Goku looked towards Vegeta.
"Will that be enough for all of us? I mean…six of everything isn't much…and I'm really, really hungry…"
"Oh, quit whining. It should be plenty. And if not, we can get more."
Goku glared indignantly at Vegeta, but shrugged and headed for a table. The group followed and everyone sat down, eager to get another chance to gaze around the alien world. Goten and Trunks couldn't help but allow their eyes freedom to wander, scanning the entire area in fascination. It was so massive in size, so full of queer creations, and yet so normal to those who walked among its corridors of glass and steel. Lights flashed with brilliant need and voices spoke smooth languages that they would most likely never hear again.
Krillin couldn't help but notice the wide variety of culture that rested harmoniously within the station. Everyone was so different from one another, from language, to appearance, and even to the taste in clothing. That had to have been the most drastically varying item. Some wore clothes that were extremely conservative, while others bore not even the slightest strap of cloth (but whether they were 'naked' in human terms was most definitely debatable). Some were draped in jewels and excessive colors, while others were plain, yet wealthy in their own way.
Goku gazed about the area, and his eyes caught a strange sight in the distance. Far away, within the depths of the crowds, a small group had collected. From what Goku could see, they were standing and preaching to those walking by, but what had really caught his sharp eye was how each member bore an orange outfit that covered their chests and legs, yet left their arms exposed. He studied them curiously and saw that each bore a white circle upon their back with a black symbol of sorts, each different from the next. He couldn't help but note the similarity between their clothing and his most favored fighting attire.
He opened his mouth to ask Vegeta something, still watching the group carefully, when the gruff man from earlier shouted out to them and tore his attention away.
The restaurant's owner reappeared with an armful of Styrofoam plates stacked on top of one another. The young worker followed him, also carrying several large bags of white dishes packed with food. The gruff man smiled cordially, setting the plates down, and the young girl dropped the bags by the table.
"I hope you fine people enjoy your meal, and please forgive us for the wait."
The man dipped his head deeply and backed up before turning and leaving. Goku cheered and instantly dove for the food, disregarding the fact that he had no idea what he might be eating. Trunks and Goten wailed and dove in as well, fearing that the Goku would consume everything before they could eat. Krillin stared at the scene before him in shock and he glanced at Piccolo.
"Dang…I'll probably have to go get something for myself."
Piccolo just gave him a quiet glance and closed his eyes thoughtfully. The mad feast calmed and the four that had been eating were now calmly chewing on their food. Goku chewed on a hunk of meat thoughtfully, and swallowed. He poked the food carefully.
"Hey, Vegeta. What is this stuff?"
Vegeta looked up from his dish and leaned over to see what rested in Goku's plate. He swallowed a mouthful of food and pointed.
"Karesent with lromenal sauce. Good pick."
Goku blinked and poked his food again.
"What's it made out of?"
Vegeta had continued eating and simply shrugged his shoulders.
"Nothing too strange. You wouldn't know what I was talking about, even if I did tell you."
Goku's eyes narrowed sadly, yet soon lightened as he shrugged his shoulders.
"Well, whatever it is, it's delicious. You'll have to give Chi-chi the recipe."
Goku started shoveling food into his mouth again, and Vegeta rolled his eyes after a moment and continued eating. Goten dropped his plate and laughed happily.
"Wow, that was so good, and I'm so full I could pop!"
Trunks shoved one last piece of food into his mouth and gulped.
"So, if I poke you really hard…"
Trunks reached over and shoved a finger into Goten's side, causing a wail to fly from the boy's mouth.
"Ow! Trunks! Don't do that!"
Trunks just grinned coolly and shrugged his shoulders.
"I was just seeing if you'd pop."
Goten glared at his supposed friend when Goku suddenly spoke up.
"Aw, quit fighting you two. How could you fight after a meal like that anyway? And we still have leftovers…dang…"
Vegeta snorted and closed his eyes while chewing.
"Of course there's extra. The servings are much larger here. Plus, we got six of everything on the menu, did we not?"
Goku blinked and looked inside one of the bags.
"Huh…guess so."
Krillin blinked.
"You mean there's still food left after all that? You gotta be kidding me…"
He reached into one of the many bags and pulled out a plate. He opened it and started eating, seeing it safe enough to do so now that the Saiyans had finished. Vegeta wolfed down the last bit of food and threw the disposable dish at the table. Without another word, he stood and walked away, leaving the group to themselves. Krillin blinked and looked to Goku, who was watching Vegeta leave.
"Huh…so, uh…when do you think we'll find um?"
Goku blinked and looked back at Krillin curiously.
"What?"
"You know, the girls. I mean, and we don't have a clue where they are."
Goku's eyes darkened and he lowered his gaze to the table.
"Yeah, I know. But I still can't sense any of them…"
Krillin lowered his own gaze to the table in thought.
"I don't wanna be the first guy to say this, but do you think that maybe…I donno, that there might be some foul-play in all this?"
Goku looked up, surprised for a moment. He watched Krillin with a calculating eye and sighed softly, finding no way around what he had asked.
"I think he's changed too much for that."
Krillin rubbed the back of his head.
"Yeah, but that guy can lie about anything and we'd believe it. He's real sharp about that sorta stuff. And, you said yourself that he was hiding his ki when you found him."
Goku's eyes narrowed.
"Yeah, but that doesn't mean he did anything."
Krillin deadpanned Goku and coughed softly.
"Uh, Goku. This is Vegeta we're talking about. You never know what to expect from him. Just look at happened with Buu."
Goku looked up and blinked.
"Why are you bringing all this up now?"
Krillin coughed and diverted his gaze to a pillar in the distance.
"Well, see, he totally pulled a 'nice guy' move on me earlier today. I mean, I've never seen him act like that, and I think he was trying to…you know, win my trust. I'm just…I donno, a little suspicious, is all. He could just be playing us like pawns in some master plan…"
Goku suddenly flashed a smile and laughed lightly.
"Aw, Krillin. You've always been the paranoid one. Look, I'll take care of everything, and if it hits the fan, then I'll be right there fixing whatever went wrong."
Krillin smiled and looked up.
"Like always?"
Goku nodded with a large, gentle smile sitting upon his face.
"Like always."
Krillin couldn't help but strengthen his smile at Goku's reassuring words. Vegeta then walked up behind Goku and grunted softly to call attention to himself. When everyone turned around, he turned on his heels and walked away again. Trunks instantly jumped to his feet, which caused Goten to readily follow. The last three stood and followed after Vegeta as he led them back into the tunnel and straight to their ship. A…creature of sorts stood by the ramp that led into the small tunnel connecting their ship to the long port. It focused on Vegeta and nodded reverently.
"The ship has been refueled and will be good for another month of travel. I hope your travels are safe, and please come again."
With that, the creature backed away, never once turning its back to Vegeta, and watched as they all walked into the tunnel. A door shut behind them and a loud clank vibrated through the harsh metal walls. Vegeta walked up to the door of their ship and opened the door smoothly. He walked inside and the others followed. He paused until Piccolo finally walked inside and closed the door, locking it down securely. He turned to face the others.
"All right, we're off again. It may be another few days until I'll know for sure when we'll catch up with them. Don't kill yourselves and leave me alone."
With that, he turned and walked through the doorway into the control room, leaving the small group to their thoughts and inevitable doom at boredom's hands.
……
Hours passed in a soft blur, and the group found themselves in a familiar position. Piccolo loomed thoughtfully in a corner, meditating calmly. The two boys sat in front of the windows and watched the stars whiz by, and Goku and Krillin were lying on the ground, staring at the ceiling in silence. Krillin had been thinking about quite a few things, and he suddenly felt the urge to ask Goku a question that had been burning at his consciousness for some time.
"Hey, Goku."
"Hmm?"
"You miss Chi-Chi?"
Goku sighed lazily and unconsciously shrugged his shoulders.
"I donno."
Krillin blinked and pushed himself onto his elbows.
"What?"
Goku sighed and closed his eyes, realizing and regretting the mistake he had just made.
"Well, like, I miss her and all, but…I guess it's kinda nice not being around her all the time."
Krillin blinked, confused with what he was hearing.
"But that's how all marriages are. You're supposed to hate 'um. But, aren't you worried or anything? I mean, last time Vegeta told us anything, she's supposedly heading off to Frieza's."
Goku shrugged again.
"I donno. I just…never really felt like she cared about me."
Krillin sat up fully now and crossed his legs before him.
"What are you talking about?"
Goku sighed and sat up as well.
"It's just that she's always yelling at me, and she always cares more about Gohan and Goten then she does me. Which is fine, but she's always…ignoring what I want. I mean, look at Gohan. I practically had to kidnap him just to get him to learn anything about fighting. She never once considered what I wanted."
Krillin diverted his gaze to the floor as Goku continued.
"I know she doesn't mean to, but even when I say something, she just ignores me and goes on her way. I just don't know anymore…"
He looked up at Krillin, and the bald monk turned his attention to Goku and smiled.
"Well, that always happens in marriages. You just gotta sit her down sometime and tell her what just you told me. She probably sees how friendly and nice you are and took advantage. Women are like that Goku. You just gotta let her know that you're tired of feeling like a 5th wheel. She was the one that jumped into the marriage in the first place, so I'm sure she cares enough about you to listen."
Goku looked down to the ground thoughtfully and sighed.
"You think so?"
Krillin smiled and nodded confidently.
"Totally. I mean, I am a ladies man, am I not?"
Goku smiled gratefully and chuckled, and Krillin continued.
"But no, seriously Goku. Bulma's told me a lot about Chi-chi, and I can tell she's someone you need to have a firm stand with."
Goku blinked.
"Bulma tells you about Chi-chi?"
He shrugged.
"A little, usually whenever she just got off the phone with her."
Goku gasped playfully.
"We have a phone?"
Krillin and Goku chuckled softly for a moment before Krillin spoke up once more.
"But yeah, Bulma's told me some things, and I can tell she's one of those kinds of women. Don't let her push you around. I think she's taking you for granted."
Goku sighed and just lightly shrugged his shoulders.
"Yeah, I guess. If we find them, I'll tell her."
Krillin's eyes darkened the slightest measure, but he chuckled lightly and nodded, trying to mask the sadness in his eyes and resume the role of the cheery friend.
"Yeah…"
Goku smiled his infamous Son smile.
"I mean, when we find them."
Krillin looked up and flashed a false smile. It was a smile that he had mastered many years before, mainly because he was the kind of guy who could have his whole world fall down around him, yet still laugh and joke whenever he was around his friends to make sure they stayed in joyful spirits. That was something he hated more then anything. Seeing his friends distressed about something, especially if he was the cause. Krillin nodded softly, as though trying to convince himself of what he was saying.
"Yeah, when."