Disclaimer: I do not own Dragonball Z.
Author's Notes: FanFiction.net is finally back up again. Great rejoicing among the peasantry. Anyway, get ready for the chapter you've all been waiting for. Big major action here. Hope you enjoy.
Chapter 27: The Next Level
Jita stared at the paper. Four years for this. Four of the best years of her life summed up on one sheet of overly-ostentatious paper. Her schooling was over, and she had learned one thing for certain: Life was a good thing.
She didn't learn that from school. School had taught her many things about earth life and society. It taught her patience and control. It gave her an appreciation for beauty and art.
Goten taught her about the goodness of life.
She was no longer alone. She had someone to share with. And she had told him everything.
Everything.
Goten had been shocked by some of her recollections, but he showed no pity. For which she was grateful. She didn't need pity. She couldn't really put a finger on what she did need, but whatever it was, Goten provided. He made her - feel. It had been so long since she'd felt anything. The years of torture had numbed her to not only pain, but love. And happiness. She could take a ki-blast that could destroy a planet. She could withstand pain that would have the other Saiyans throwing up and passing out, and she could fight through it. She could take the death of a comrade, even cause it, without a single thought. At least, that's what she told herself. That's how she was trained. That was her life.
Emphasis on the past tense. Goten had changed her so much. She could feel now. Whenever he was around, the dead, numb feeling inside of her was partially dispelled. She almost felt like she had a soul again. Well, of course she had a soul. No one could function as she did without a soul. But she didn't have as much of a grasp on it. Others didn't feel the grasp they had on their soul. It was innate. You didn't even know about it until you'd lost it - until another was grasping her soul. And squeezing it - just as someone would squeeze the throat of a helpless enemy - just to feel the life-force weakening and to see the panic in another's eyes, all in your power. How many times had Jita done that to someone else? Or had it done to her? But, no, there was no comparison to her current situation. She couldn't just pry the fingers away from her throat, or kick her adversary, or use her ki to burn his skin. This wasn't physical. It never had been. It wasn't mental, either. She had her own mind. This was . . . spiritual? It was whatever realm in which the soul lay. And she could never escape entirely.
But she could certainly escape temporarily. That's what this was all about. Carpe Diem. Eat drink and be merry, for tomorrow we may die. That may be a sin, but Jita really didn't think it would matter in the end. All that mattered to her was the moment. And in this moment, she could find happiness - with Goten.
Despite her dark thoughts, Jita started laughing. Goten wanted to marry her. She'd read about marriage, and found it a strange human tradition - a ceremony followed by cohabitation, fidelity, and procreation. Sure, at the beginning it had thrown her for a loop. She hadn't expected him to feel so strongly about her, and vice versa. It had scared her at first, but she'd had a year to think about it. Her plan to put off the decision had worked. Well, maybe it wasn't as callous as that. She truly didn't want to be with a man who didn't even visit his family. If, at some point, she wanted children, then she wanted that child to have something she could never have - a complete family. And she'd wanted to rid herself of her obligation to her formal education before she began something new. She may be a strong, versatile, adaptable, and smart warrior, but emotionally she could only do so much. Now that she had graduated from college, she could devote herself to other interests, such as, and it amazed her to even think about it, raising a family.
And then there was the subject of beating her in a fight. It had taken five tries to beat her, and the victory was a close one. It was probably just a Saiyan instinct, something she'd read about in the numerous Saiyan legends that were really just a warrior teaching method. Nothing taught better than verbal tradition. But that didn't matter. She just wanted him to earn her respect, just as the parents of the first Super Saiyan had done. She knew she could beat him - she'd done it four times - but she needed to know he could best her. Though she had almost gotten discouraged and done the unthinkable - thrown the fight. She was reasonably sure he wouldn't have realized it if she did. But then he would have lost all respect without even meaning to, and she - well - CARED too much for him to do that. So she fought to her fullest, continually edging him out with pure battle experience. That was another thing. He was getting stronger. In a contest of pure strength, he could probably beat her. And she felt he was about to break a barrier. She wasn't sure what that meant, but it could mean that her third request of him could be resolved soon.
"Jita?"
Jita looked up from the degree in her hands. The edges had become crumpled and damp from her clenching hands. She'd been staring at it for a long time without realizing it. "What is it, Vegeta?"
"That crazy woman of mine wants you to come down for the - hmph - celebration. Why they have to celebrate every event by socializing . . ."
Jita shook her head in assent. "I have no idea. But they seem to enjoy it."
Vegeta narrowed his eyes suspiciously. "What were you doing up here?"
Jita took one last look at her degree, and then set it on the bed, carefully smoothing out the wrinkles. "Nothing, brother. Just trying to avoid the party."
Vegeta smirked, deciding to take the answer at face value. "Not a chance. If I have to go, then you do as well."
As she followed her brother to the party, she took one last look at her degree. Two terms she had placed before Goten filled, and she had finally made up her mind. It was really the only way she could be happy. Goten was the only way she could be happy. She would marry him, and it would happen soon.
"Jita," Vegeta said softly. She smirked at him. He would rather die than say it aloud, but he was worried about her. 'Well, he needn't be.' She simply gave him a look and followed him down the stairs, hearing the almost comforting sounds of people talking outside. Would she ever consider them her friends? She still had a hard time considering Trunks and Chichi her friends, and they were by far the closest. Oh, well. That was something to be considered at a later time.
They came down to a friendly sight. Yamcha and Krillen were working the grill, while listening to Marron rattle on about something. Pan and Bra seemed to be hanging on to every word the high school graduate said in awe, looking at her like she held the patent on 'cool.' Videl and 18 were setting the table, while laughing about something or other. Trunks was looking at his degree, much in the same way Jita had just been doing. And Bulma . . . seemed to be waiting for them.
"Well, glad to see you two finally decided to join us," Bulma yelled. "Seeing as how this party is partly for you, Jita."
Jita crossed her arms, a wry smile twitching at her lips. "I don't seem to recall asking for all this fuss. It seems to be forced on me at every occasion." She sighed. "At least I don't have to participate in that 'birthday' thing you humans make such a big deal about. You don't know the day I was born.
Chichi passed her on her way out of the kitchen, directing Goku and Gohan as they were carrying food out to the tables, as well as keeping her husband from sneaking bites. "Actually, we do know. January 17th, isn't it?" she ended with an innocently wicked grin.
Jita twitched, quickly doing conversions from the Saiyan calendar to that of Earth. It was correct. "How -" she began, until she saw the look on her brother's face. Her face hardened into a glare. "You . . ." she said accusingly. Vegeta smirked as the others began laughing. "Do you really wish to be beaten to a bloody pulp?"
Bra walked up to the stand-off. "Actually, Mom told me to pester him until he told me. So it's really not Daddy's fault."
Vegeta's eyes widened. "So that's why . . . woman, you'll have to stop using the child to get to me."
Bulma laughed the warning tone off. "But it's so easy! Besides, she didn't find out everything I told her to."
Vegeta smirked. "And she never will. Don't think I don't know what you're planning, woman."
"Hey, are you people planning on standing around arguing all day?" yelled 18 from the food table. She really didn't know why she came to these gatherings. They usually ended up in a Saiyan family argument. Of course, seeing the other women was nice, and Krillen liked visiting with Goku, but ever since Goten left, Goku and Chichi hadn't been the same. It just threw the whole group off. And 18 appreciated the reason Jita stayed around, and even liked her a little, but Bulma was trying so hard to integrate her into the family that she couldn't just settle down and let it happen. After all, 18 had taken a while to truly warm up to Krillen's friends. 18 sighed. Everything would be alright eventually, and she would just have to learn patience. But right now, she was hungry, and she wanted her newly- graduated daughter to have fun at this party.
Bulma turned, taking the food she'd been carrying. "18's right. The food's going to get cold."
"Not that you Saiyans could tell," Chichi quipped.
Jita took a plate from Bra, who was about to drop it. "What were you supposed to find out, child?"
Bra looked up at her and shrugged. "Oh, nothing much. Just Daddy's birthday. I don't know what the big deal is, but it seems like he really doesn't want anyone finding out. I guess the same reason you didn't want anyone finding out. I don't really understand. I mean, you get a big party, and presents, except usually adults get smaller parties, and they never get toys. What's the point in having a birthday without toys? And another thing . . ."
But Jita had already stopped listening to Bra, and Bra was being dragged away by Pan. So that's what it was? Well, she'd just have to remedy that little problem. As the group was passing around food and saying their congratulations to the three graduates - Jita, Trunks, and Marron - she did some quick conversions in her head. After a few minutes, she leaned over to speak in Bulma's ear, but saying it loud enough for other's to hear. "June 21st."
As Bulma's eyes widened in delight, Vegeta's eyes widened in horror. Jita chuckled. They were right. Sometimes you could get revenge without bloodshed. The laughter all around was enough for immediate satisfaction.
The food was eaten with no more arguments. Pan and Bra finished first, and quickly ran to an open space in the yard and began sparring. Vegeta watched them proudly. Bra had finally found an interest in fighting, and she was getting quite good for a beginning nine-year-old. She didn't seem to have the drive that the other Saiyans had, but that might come when she achieved greater power. He smiled as Bra landed a sweet punch to Pan's stomach. She was already getting near Gohan's brat, and Pan had been training nearly all her life. Take that, Kakarrot's clan.
Speaking of which . . .
Vegeta looked over at his rival. Krillen and Yamcha were talking to him, but the man didn't seem to be paying attention. Not that Vegeta cared. If either of the humans were talking to him, he wouldn't pay attention either. But that look in his eyes, accompanied by Chichi and Gohan' s occasion worried glances in his direction - hadn't the man gotten over what had been bothering him for - what was it - four years? Goku had never been the kind to let something fester. Vegeta shook his head and turned his attention back toward his son. Oh well. Let the man do what he would.
As Vegeta turned his head, his sister caught his eye. Her face had twisted in concentration, and her eyes had gone wide. Before he could ask what was the matter with the child, he felt it too.
It was Goten.
*****
It was late afternoon in the wilderness, the sun far into the west, just in that place where it gets in your eyes. The air was still and hot, seeming to sizzle in the humidity of mid-May. Nature itself seemed to be tense in anticipation. The dinosaurs were, for once, in hiding, and even the large cat that stalked the area was hiding in the shadows. A lone figure stood in the clearing, facing away from the sun.
Goten was ready.
He closed his eyes, focusing his energy. Wind, the first breezes of that day, started to swirl around him. The cat took one look at this spectacle and, remembering the usual ensuing violence, fled. Goten took no note of this.
"One."
He slid into super naturally, a ritual he'd practiced for as long as he could remember. Blonde and teal and the surge of power and light. It was breath-taking, a kind of power high he couldn't imagine anyone getting from synthetic substances. And he was not finished.
*****
Trunks's head shot up suddenly. There was something different. Someone had just gone super Saiyan. Quickly he got his mind together. It was Goten, all right, but something was different. He still felt to ki rising - rising faster than Trunks himself could do. And it felt tense, like something was about to happen. One look to his father and Jita confirmed his suspicions. Something big was about to happen, and he just hoped Goten was ready for it.
*****
"Two."
The light was now golden as he pushed beyond Super Saiyan. He barely noticed the rocks and debris floating about him. This was truly amazing power. The power that people sold their souls for. The power that defeated Cell. And he had finally achieved it. It had taken him years of training and meditation, but now it was easy - just as natural as level one.
*****
'Yeah, I was right. That's Goten.'
Gohan felt his brother's power increase exponentially. Was this the first time he'd reached this level? Or had Gohan been so caught up in his own life that he just hadn't paid attention to his little brother. He didn't really keep up with anyone's ki signature in this time of peace. But now he could feel him as plain as day. Was this because almost all of the strong warriors were here, and Goten was away from them? Even after four years it still felt strange not to have the boy with them. No, not boy. Man. And that may be what it was. Goten had to prove that. If fact, he was doing it now.
"Goku, what's wrong?"
Chichi's voice broke into Gohan's thoughts, and he looked over at his father. Goku was standing now, his fist clenched, his eyes wide. He was concentrating on the same ki everyone else seemed to be feeling right now.
With a flash, resolve came into Goku's eyes. "Chichi," he answered softly, "I'll be right back." Without another word to anyone else, the Saiyan put his fingers to his forehead and vanished.
*****
Goten steeled himself. He thought of all the times he'd been inadequate. And the one time he'd had the chance to save everyone - he'd let it slip by. How many had suffered because of his cockiness? How worthless he was.
No longer. With a strangled voice, he uttered his goal.
"Three."
The scream echoed, seeming to shatter mountains. Perhaps it did. Nature itself seemed to be screaming along with him - from violence or release or pain or joy . . . Goten wasn't sure. Those feelings had long since been muddled in his mind, walking hand in hand with each other. The scream seemed to go on forever.
The entire world was quaking with energy and violence. He saw his cave collapse from the shaking of the ground. The remnants of so many fires from the past were washed away in huge waves of the usually peaceful lake. Lightning crackled in the sky, yet harmed no one. It seemed to dance around him as he changed. He couldn't see himself, but he could feel it - just like his dim memories as the powerful Gotenks. He felt his hair growing, finally settling around his calves. His hairless brow protruded and his cheeks thinned.
He'd done it. He looked down on his hands, now glowing painfully bright with the brilliant energy of the transformation, the power that had lain deep inside of Goten finally broken through.
"One."
Goten turned in shock. He'd been so preoccupied with the transformations that he hadn't seen or felt the man that now faced him.
"Two."
Goten grinned viciously at the prospect of this final showdown. Wasn't this what he truly wanted?
"Three."
A chance to resolve things with his father.
*****
"What the hell is that?" Bulma screeched as she was barely saved from a falling hot grill by Yamcha. "We don't get earthquakes around here!"
The other warriors seemed to be intent on something other than the strange rumbling of the ground. Slowly Vegeta pulled himself out of the trance. "Seems the boy reached level three."
Chichi's jaw dropped. "The boy . . . you mean Goten?! That's where Goku went?! They're going to fight?!" Chichi's voice went from confusion to disbelief to anger. She was sick of this. Why did every problem have to be solved by fighting? Why did her son have to hate his father? Why did she have to fall in love with a Saiyan in the first place? She hadn't even known at the time. It wasn't fair.
"You needn't worry about them. They won't kill each other. It's not like they hate each other or anything."
Chichi looked at the girl beside her. Jita was trying to comfort her. Well, why not? She was closer to Goten than anyone. "They don't?"
Jita smirked. "Of course not. Saiyans fight their problems out. Once they stop fighting, things should be better. Besides. Goten promised he would reconcile with Kakarrot, so we could -" She stopped before she could give away anything. What was it about these people that took away all her defenses? She hadn't mentioned their engagement to anyone.
"So you could what?" Chichi demanded. It couldn't be what she thought it was.
Vegeta eyed his sister suspiciously, but he knew better to say anything. The others looked at her in varying degrees of distracted confusion. Some knew what was probably going on, but no one would say it aloud.
Bra, however, had no such scruples.
"Goten and Jita sittin' in a tree." Pan joined in with her. "K-I-S-S-I-N- G. First comes love, then comes marriage . . ."
"Silence, children," Jita said, though a little too calmly, causing the others' eyes to widen in shock. Jita desperately searched for a distraction. "Pay attention to the fight. You won't see many level three fights, and it may be over too quickly."
And everyone else took her advice.
*****
The two warriors - the two Saiyans - father and son - faced off. The casual observer would have thought that the two were enemies from the way they glared at each other - both glares seeming to speak a death threat. Of course, the casual observer probably would not have been Saiyan. A Saiyan would know.
The two charged each other with astonishing speed - and were evenly matched. The radical power thrown about nearly decimate the surrounding area. No punches were pulled, no holds were barred - for there was no need. But this was not a fight to the death, as the casual observer would have figured. This was a fight for life.
'I've got to keep pushing.'
The screams filled the air.
'I can't stop now.'
The fight was no longer visible.
'He's so fast.'
A kick to the jaw. A punch to the ribs.
'He's so strong.'
The meeting of kamehameha waves.
'But I may be his match.'
Sparks flew where the ki-blasts met. The sky was no longer blue, but golden. The sky, the ground - the whole earth seemed golden.
Screams.
Power.
And Goten felt free.
Everything was clear now. He was strong, living the life of a solitary warrior, reaching unfathomable power. Pushing himself to his limits, and beyond. Becoming a Saiyan.
Goten understood his father - for once. It was ironic. All this time he had been trying to separate himself from his father's shadow, the shadow that had been placed by his very likeness, even as a child. Especially as a child. He had rejected all his father was, only to now become so like Goku. To achieve the transformation that only Goku had managed. For once, he was not ashamed of Goku. He was - proud - to be his son.
The struggling lines of power between them, which had been there their entire life together, now seemed more of a link. A connection. A . . . bond.
With a start, Goten realized he had powered down to level two. He worried until he saw Goku had done the same.
Down to level one.
And suddenly their hair was black, and the ki between them dissipated. But the link remained.
"Now do you understand?" Goku asked, breathing hard.
For once, Goten did. "Yes."
Goku smiled at his son, relief flooding his face. He'd hoped to reach Goten this day. "I'm proud of you, son."
Goten took one last look at his home for the past four years. Now destroyed by the fight. All remnants of his habitation were gone, and it was almost unlivable. He closed his eyes, and then looked away from the ruins of his life of hate. "I'm ready to come home, Dad."
Goku nodded and walked over to his son, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Everyone's over at Capsule Corp. I'll take us there." He got ready to teleport.
"Oh. and Dad?"
"Yes, son?"
"Thank you."
*****
Goten and Goku flashed into existence in the middle of a disaster area. The scraps and leftovers from the lunch littered the ground, and the animals that seemed to be perpetual residents at Capsule Corp taking advantage of the unguarded food, while the serving droids were fighting off the small army of quadrupeds to clean the mess properly. At least, Goten was able to get a glimpse of all this before being tackled.
Chichi threw herself at Goten. "Thank goodness you're all right!"
Goten grinned, feeling a mixture of happiness and guilt, as well as an awareness of other people staring. "It's all right, Mom," he said, patting Chichi on the back. "I'm home."
Chichi pulled herself away from her son and, in an abrupt mood swing, whacked him on the head. "Of course you are. You wouldn't think of putting your mother through that again, would you? You wouldn't be that stupid. And you," she turned to Goku, who shrunk back at her tone.
Through this mini family reunion, Krillen, 18, Marron, and Yamcha made a discreet exit, leaving the Sons to sort through their own problems. 18 sighed as she left. Maybe now things would get back to normal.
Videl pulled Gohan off to the side, motioning to Pan as she did so. "Maybe we should leave Goten and your parents alone for now. You can see Goten later."
Gohan nodded. Much as he would like to stay and see his brother, he could do that at some other time. Saying a quick goodbye to Bulma and Trunks, the three took off.
Trunks and Vegeta looked on, both determined to stay. For one, it was their home. For another, Trunks wanted to see his friend, and Vegeta - well - he couldn't show it but he was concerned about how this would affect Goku. Whether it be concern for a - friend - or concern for the people he almost considered his subjects, even if they didn't realize it.
Jita huffed in impatience. The third requirement was fulfilled, and she needed to speak to Goten alone. The presence of others was just annoying her now. Bulma stared at her suspiciously. She had grown rather attuned to Vegeta's emotions, and Jita seemed to share some of his emotional tells. What exactly was this girl planning?
". . . and I don't expect any of these silly arguments ever again!" Chichi finished, huffing for air after yelling nonstop for five minutes on end.
"Yes, Mom," Goten complied, for once glad to hear his mother's ranting after years of rarely seeing her. He was suddenly aware of the others staring at him. He laughed a little, and scratched the back of his head. "Uh . . . Sorry for breaking up another party. Didn't mean for everyone to leave on account of me."
Trunks shook his head in frustration. "Never mind that. You reached level three. This is a very big deal. What did it feel like?"
Goten grinned. "Really powerful. But not very useful in a real fight. You use up too much energy, and you can't really control it well. At least, I wasn't able to," Goten added, looking at his father.
"Don't worry, son. I was only able to control it well in the afterlife. This universe wasn't made for that kind of power in one being."
Chichi's attention wandered, not truly understanding the talk of power and super saiyan levels. She was more interested in the look Jita was giving Goten, and the look he was giving her right back. "Maybe you'll tell us, Goten. When are you planning on marrying Jita?"
All conversation stopped as everyone was shocked into silence. Jita glared at Chichi, and then at Goten. "So, you haven't seen your mother in months. Then how does she know about our engagement?" she said, threat practically dripping from her voice.
Goten's glare almost matched her level of fury. "You're the one who talks to her all the time. You'd've told her before I would. I thought you wanted to keep it a secret!"
Chichi grinned in triumph as Bulma applauded the victory. "Neither of you told her," Bulma laughed. "Until now, that is."
Jita and Goten stopped short, their eyes widening as they realized how they'd been manipulated. Vegeta frowned, but inside he was laughing. He wasn't the only one who would get roped in by these humans.
Jita sighed and rubbed her temples. That headache was getting bigger now. "Yes, fine, we are "getting married", as you humans say. I would like to go ahead and get it done this summer." She looked at Goten pointedly.
"Uh . . . sure," he said in a daze.
"This summer!" screeched Chichi.
"There's so much we have to do!" Bulma joined in at the same octave. The two quickly pulled her away and began firing questions at her, leaving the men in a state between shock and pity.
"You didn't tell me you asked her," accused Trunks.
Goten gulped at the stare-down he was getting. "I - I did, but that was a year ago. Honestly, I thought I would have to remind her. She told me to wait until she had finished college."
Goku laughed. "Girls don't forget proposals. Chichi sure didn't. She tracked me down about seven years after I promised to marry her."
Vegeta frowned at his rival. "That would have made you both twelve. How can you get roped into marriage at twelve?"
Goku gleefully scratched the back of his head. "I thought marriage was a type of food," he admitted unashamedly, causing the three others to sweatdrop anime-style. Once Vegeta recovered, he simply shook his head amusedly. "Kakarrot, you really ARE an idiot."
Goku laughed, knowing he could get back at him. "Hey, Vegeta. You know once Goten and Jita get married, we'll be related."
Vegeta's eyes widened. Somehow, he'd never thought of that. His eyes grew wider as Goku kept musing on how they would be related.
"Let's see, she's your sister and she's marrying my son, so I would be Jita's father-in-law and you would be Goten's brother-in-law. Of course, when they have a kid, it would be my grandchild and your niece or nephew . . ."
Goten laughed nervously. "Dad, aren't we getting ahead of ourselves? I mean, I haven't even bought a ring, or set the date. This is a little early to be discussing children."
"It certainly is," Jita interrupted abruptly. She stared Goten down easily. "We are getting married the 18th of July. You haven't seen your family for four years, so go with them. We will see each other tomorrow." With that, she turned sharply and headed for the gravity room.
Chichi smiled at her son's expression. "I knew I liked that girl," she commented cheerfully. "Goku, Goten, we're going home now. Bulma, it really was a wonderful party. I'll talk to you later."
Bulma grinned widely. "We'll have to start the wedding plans as soon as possible if we're going to get it done in time."
Chichi smiled as Goku put his hand on her shoulder, pulling Goten along with him. The three vanished. Trunks walked into the house, muttering something about needing some sleep, and leaving his parents in the front yard.
"Woman," Vegeta commented, "do you possibly think that these social events aren't such a good idea?"
Usually Bulma would have argued to her heart's content, especially when the subject came to socializing. But now, "maybe you're right," she said wearily. "But maybe when those two get married, they'll settle down. They're the ones that keep breaking up the parties."
Vegeta eyed his wife suspiciously as they walked back into the house together. "You aren't thinking of making this wedding a big affair? Jita won't stand for it."
"Well, I can't just leave it at filling at forms to get a marriage license, like we did. No, I don't regret our decision," Bulma amended quickly at the defensive look that sprang to Vegeta's face. "Jita didn't seem to be so against a ceremony a few minutes ago. But, we'll plan a small one, just for Jita's sake."
Vegeta smirked. "When did you become so in tune with other people's feelings?"
Bulma mirrored Vegeta's expression playfully. "The same time you did," she quipped, quickly running upstairs with a shriek as Vegeta chased her. "You'll pay for that, woman!" Vegeta yelled, and chased her into the bedroom, slamming the door shut.
Trunks raised his head from his prone position on the bed, and rolled his eyes. "Parents."
*****
That night, Chichi stood in the doorway of Goten's darkened room, watching her grown son sleep much as he did when he was a child. A tear formed in her eye. She supposed she should have gotten used to her family being broken apart by now, but it still hurt. She almost couldn't enjoy when they all WERE together, because she was always paranoid about something bad happening. The year after Buu was the best - after Goku had come back to life, before Gohan had married, while Goten still idolized his father - heaven had not been that good. But, of course, it hadn't lasted. Gohan got married. Goku started to pick up his old wandering ways. Goten started to change from the happy-go-lucky boy to the brooding adolescent a few years too early. That was when Chichi knew that things would never be perfect.
She felt an arm settle around her waist. That night Goku had seemed more at ease than he had been in the past four years. And he could actually talk to Goten. Most of their conversation had centered around fighting and power levels, therefore going completely over Chichi's head, but it had been nice. A family again, even if he was only going to live there for a few months.
"Reminds me of when he was seven," Goku said quietly. Chichi leaned her head against his chest, determined to revel in the peace of the moment. Peace was hard to come by.
"Do you think he'll be all right?" Chichi asked in a shaky voice. She felt the arm around her tighten.
"Yeah, he'll be all right. He found something out there. He came to peace with himself."
Chichi smiled sadly and let her husband lead her to their bedroom. Yes, she would revel in the peace.
For as long as it would last.
Author's Notes: Thanks to all my reviewers: anonymous cat (You patience has finally been rewarded), Omega (Well, if anyone dies, and everyone say it with me, they can always be wished back by the dragonballs. Unless, of course, they are sent to an untold hell dimension.), Dark Wolf (Aww, that's so sweet. I'm glad you're proud of me, especially an author of your caliber. Everyone, I reiterate, read his stuff.), and aqua-illusion.
Author's Notes: FanFiction.net is finally back up again. Great rejoicing among the peasantry. Anyway, get ready for the chapter you've all been waiting for. Big major action here. Hope you enjoy.
Chapter 27: The Next Level
Jita stared at the paper. Four years for this. Four of the best years of her life summed up on one sheet of overly-ostentatious paper. Her schooling was over, and she had learned one thing for certain: Life was a good thing.
She didn't learn that from school. School had taught her many things about earth life and society. It taught her patience and control. It gave her an appreciation for beauty and art.
Goten taught her about the goodness of life.
She was no longer alone. She had someone to share with. And she had told him everything.
Everything.
Goten had been shocked by some of her recollections, but he showed no pity. For which she was grateful. She didn't need pity. She couldn't really put a finger on what she did need, but whatever it was, Goten provided. He made her - feel. It had been so long since she'd felt anything. The years of torture had numbed her to not only pain, but love. And happiness. She could take a ki-blast that could destroy a planet. She could withstand pain that would have the other Saiyans throwing up and passing out, and she could fight through it. She could take the death of a comrade, even cause it, without a single thought. At least, that's what she told herself. That's how she was trained. That was her life.
Emphasis on the past tense. Goten had changed her so much. She could feel now. Whenever he was around, the dead, numb feeling inside of her was partially dispelled. She almost felt like she had a soul again. Well, of course she had a soul. No one could function as she did without a soul. But she didn't have as much of a grasp on it. Others didn't feel the grasp they had on their soul. It was innate. You didn't even know about it until you'd lost it - until another was grasping her soul. And squeezing it - just as someone would squeeze the throat of a helpless enemy - just to feel the life-force weakening and to see the panic in another's eyes, all in your power. How many times had Jita done that to someone else? Or had it done to her? But, no, there was no comparison to her current situation. She couldn't just pry the fingers away from her throat, or kick her adversary, or use her ki to burn his skin. This wasn't physical. It never had been. It wasn't mental, either. She had her own mind. This was . . . spiritual? It was whatever realm in which the soul lay. And she could never escape entirely.
But she could certainly escape temporarily. That's what this was all about. Carpe Diem. Eat drink and be merry, for tomorrow we may die. That may be a sin, but Jita really didn't think it would matter in the end. All that mattered to her was the moment. And in this moment, she could find happiness - with Goten.
Despite her dark thoughts, Jita started laughing. Goten wanted to marry her. She'd read about marriage, and found it a strange human tradition - a ceremony followed by cohabitation, fidelity, and procreation. Sure, at the beginning it had thrown her for a loop. She hadn't expected him to feel so strongly about her, and vice versa. It had scared her at first, but she'd had a year to think about it. Her plan to put off the decision had worked. Well, maybe it wasn't as callous as that. She truly didn't want to be with a man who didn't even visit his family. If, at some point, she wanted children, then she wanted that child to have something she could never have - a complete family. And she'd wanted to rid herself of her obligation to her formal education before she began something new. She may be a strong, versatile, adaptable, and smart warrior, but emotionally she could only do so much. Now that she had graduated from college, she could devote herself to other interests, such as, and it amazed her to even think about it, raising a family.
And then there was the subject of beating her in a fight. It had taken five tries to beat her, and the victory was a close one. It was probably just a Saiyan instinct, something she'd read about in the numerous Saiyan legends that were really just a warrior teaching method. Nothing taught better than verbal tradition. But that didn't matter. She just wanted him to earn her respect, just as the parents of the first Super Saiyan had done. She knew she could beat him - she'd done it four times - but she needed to know he could best her. Though she had almost gotten discouraged and done the unthinkable - thrown the fight. She was reasonably sure he wouldn't have realized it if she did. But then he would have lost all respect without even meaning to, and she - well - CARED too much for him to do that. So she fought to her fullest, continually edging him out with pure battle experience. That was another thing. He was getting stronger. In a contest of pure strength, he could probably beat her. And she felt he was about to break a barrier. She wasn't sure what that meant, but it could mean that her third request of him could be resolved soon.
"Jita?"
Jita looked up from the degree in her hands. The edges had become crumpled and damp from her clenching hands. She'd been staring at it for a long time without realizing it. "What is it, Vegeta?"
"That crazy woman of mine wants you to come down for the - hmph - celebration. Why they have to celebrate every event by socializing . . ."
Jita shook her head in assent. "I have no idea. But they seem to enjoy it."
Vegeta narrowed his eyes suspiciously. "What were you doing up here?"
Jita took one last look at her degree, and then set it on the bed, carefully smoothing out the wrinkles. "Nothing, brother. Just trying to avoid the party."
Vegeta smirked, deciding to take the answer at face value. "Not a chance. If I have to go, then you do as well."
As she followed her brother to the party, she took one last look at her degree. Two terms she had placed before Goten filled, and she had finally made up her mind. It was really the only way she could be happy. Goten was the only way she could be happy. She would marry him, and it would happen soon.
"Jita," Vegeta said softly. She smirked at him. He would rather die than say it aloud, but he was worried about her. 'Well, he needn't be.' She simply gave him a look and followed him down the stairs, hearing the almost comforting sounds of people talking outside. Would she ever consider them her friends? She still had a hard time considering Trunks and Chichi her friends, and they were by far the closest. Oh, well. That was something to be considered at a later time.
They came down to a friendly sight. Yamcha and Krillen were working the grill, while listening to Marron rattle on about something. Pan and Bra seemed to be hanging on to every word the high school graduate said in awe, looking at her like she held the patent on 'cool.' Videl and 18 were setting the table, while laughing about something or other. Trunks was looking at his degree, much in the same way Jita had just been doing. And Bulma . . . seemed to be waiting for them.
"Well, glad to see you two finally decided to join us," Bulma yelled. "Seeing as how this party is partly for you, Jita."
Jita crossed her arms, a wry smile twitching at her lips. "I don't seem to recall asking for all this fuss. It seems to be forced on me at every occasion." She sighed. "At least I don't have to participate in that 'birthday' thing you humans make such a big deal about. You don't know the day I was born.
Chichi passed her on her way out of the kitchen, directing Goku and Gohan as they were carrying food out to the tables, as well as keeping her husband from sneaking bites. "Actually, we do know. January 17th, isn't it?" she ended with an innocently wicked grin.
Jita twitched, quickly doing conversions from the Saiyan calendar to that of Earth. It was correct. "How -" she began, until she saw the look on her brother's face. Her face hardened into a glare. "You . . ." she said accusingly. Vegeta smirked as the others began laughing. "Do you really wish to be beaten to a bloody pulp?"
Bra walked up to the stand-off. "Actually, Mom told me to pester him until he told me. So it's really not Daddy's fault."
Vegeta's eyes widened. "So that's why . . . woman, you'll have to stop using the child to get to me."
Bulma laughed the warning tone off. "But it's so easy! Besides, she didn't find out everything I told her to."
Vegeta smirked. "And she never will. Don't think I don't know what you're planning, woman."
"Hey, are you people planning on standing around arguing all day?" yelled 18 from the food table. She really didn't know why she came to these gatherings. They usually ended up in a Saiyan family argument. Of course, seeing the other women was nice, and Krillen liked visiting with Goku, but ever since Goten left, Goku and Chichi hadn't been the same. It just threw the whole group off. And 18 appreciated the reason Jita stayed around, and even liked her a little, but Bulma was trying so hard to integrate her into the family that she couldn't just settle down and let it happen. After all, 18 had taken a while to truly warm up to Krillen's friends. 18 sighed. Everything would be alright eventually, and she would just have to learn patience. But right now, she was hungry, and she wanted her newly- graduated daughter to have fun at this party.
Bulma turned, taking the food she'd been carrying. "18's right. The food's going to get cold."
"Not that you Saiyans could tell," Chichi quipped.
Jita took a plate from Bra, who was about to drop it. "What were you supposed to find out, child?"
Bra looked up at her and shrugged. "Oh, nothing much. Just Daddy's birthday. I don't know what the big deal is, but it seems like he really doesn't want anyone finding out. I guess the same reason you didn't want anyone finding out. I don't really understand. I mean, you get a big party, and presents, except usually adults get smaller parties, and they never get toys. What's the point in having a birthday without toys? And another thing . . ."
But Jita had already stopped listening to Bra, and Bra was being dragged away by Pan. So that's what it was? Well, she'd just have to remedy that little problem. As the group was passing around food and saying their congratulations to the three graduates - Jita, Trunks, and Marron - she did some quick conversions in her head. After a few minutes, she leaned over to speak in Bulma's ear, but saying it loud enough for other's to hear. "June 21st."
As Bulma's eyes widened in delight, Vegeta's eyes widened in horror. Jita chuckled. They were right. Sometimes you could get revenge without bloodshed. The laughter all around was enough for immediate satisfaction.
The food was eaten with no more arguments. Pan and Bra finished first, and quickly ran to an open space in the yard and began sparring. Vegeta watched them proudly. Bra had finally found an interest in fighting, and she was getting quite good for a beginning nine-year-old. She didn't seem to have the drive that the other Saiyans had, but that might come when she achieved greater power. He smiled as Bra landed a sweet punch to Pan's stomach. She was already getting near Gohan's brat, and Pan had been training nearly all her life. Take that, Kakarrot's clan.
Speaking of which . . .
Vegeta looked over at his rival. Krillen and Yamcha were talking to him, but the man didn't seem to be paying attention. Not that Vegeta cared. If either of the humans were talking to him, he wouldn't pay attention either. But that look in his eyes, accompanied by Chichi and Gohan' s occasion worried glances in his direction - hadn't the man gotten over what had been bothering him for - what was it - four years? Goku had never been the kind to let something fester. Vegeta shook his head and turned his attention back toward his son. Oh well. Let the man do what he would.
As Vegeta turned his head, his sister caught his eye. Her face had twisted in concentration, and her eyes had gone wide. Before he could ask what was the matter with the child, he felt it too.
It was Goten.
*****
It was late afternoon in the wilderness, the sun far into the west, just in that place where it gets in your eyes. The air was still and hot, seeming to sizzle in the humidity of mid-May. Nature itself seemed to be tense in anticipation. The dinosaurs were, for once, in hiding, and even the large cat that stalked the area was hiding in the shadows. A lone figure stood in the clearing, facing away from the sun.
Goten was ready.
He closed his eyes, focusing his energy. Wind, the first breezes of that day, started to swirl around him. The cat took one look at this spectacle and, remembering the usual ensuing violence, fled. Goten took no note of this.
"One."
He slid into super naturally, a ritual he'd practiced for as long as he could remember. Blonde and teal and the surge of power and light. It was breath-taking, a kind of power high he couldn't imagine anyone getting from synthetic substances. And he was not finished.
*****
Trunks's head shot up suddenly. There was something different. Someone had just gone super Saiyan. Quickly he got his mind together. It was Goten, all right, but something was different. He still felt to ki rising - rising faster than Trunks himself could do. And it felt tense, like something was about to happen. One look to his father and Jita confirmed his suspicions. Something big was about to happen, and he just hoped Goten was ready for it.
*****
"Two."
The light was now golden as he pushed beyond Super Saiyan. He barely noticed the rocks and debris floating about him. This was truly amazing power. The power that people sold their souls for. The power that defeated Cell. And he had finally achieved it. It had taken him years of training and meditation, but now it was easy - just as natural as level one.
*****
'Yeah, I was right. That's Goten.'
Gohan felt his brother's power increase exponentially. Was this the first time he'd reached this level? Or had Gohan been so caught up in his own life that he just hadn't paid attention to his little brother. He didn't really keep up with anyone's ki signature in this time of peace. But now he could feel him as plain as day. Was this because almost all of the strong warriors were here, and Goten was away from them? Even after four years it still felt strange not to have the boy with them. No, not boy. Man. And that may be what it was. Goten had to prove that. If fact, he was doing it now.
"Goku, what's wrong?"
Chichi's voice broke into Gohan's thoughts, and he looked over at his father. Goku was standing now, his fist clenched, his eyes wide. He was concentrating on the same ki everyone else seemed to be feeling right now.
With a flash, resolve came into Goku's eyes. "Chichi," he answered softly, "I'll be right back." Without another word to anyone else, the Saiyan put his fingers to his forehead and vanished.
*****
Goten steeled himself. He thought of all the times he'd been inadequate. And the one time he'd had the chance to save everyone - he'd let it slip by. How many had suffered because of his cockiness? How worthless he was.
No longer. With a strangled voice, he uttered his goal.
"Three."
The scream echoed, seeming to shatter mountains. Perhaps it did. Nature itself seemed to be screaming along with him - from violence or release or pain or joy . . . Goten wasn't sure. Those feelings had long since been muddled in his mind, walking hand in hand with each other. The scream seemed to go on forever.
The entire world was quaking with energy and violence. He saw his cave collapse from the shaking of the ground. The remnants of so many fires from the past were washed away in huge waves of the usually peaceful lake. Lightning crackled in the sky, yet harmed no one. It seemed to dance around him as he changed. He couldn't see himself, but he could feel it - just like his dim memories as the powerful Gotenks. He felt his hair growing, finally settling around his calves. His hairless brow protruded and his cheeks thinned.
He'd done it. He looked down on his hands, now glowing painfully bright with the brilliant energy of the transformation, the power that had lain deep inside of Goten finally broken through.
"One."
Goten turned in shock. He'd been so preoccupied with the transformations that he hadn't seen or felt the man that now faced him.
"Two."
Goten grinned viciously at the prospect of this final showdown. Wasn't this what he truly wanted?
"Three."
A chance to resolve things with his father.
*****
"What the hell is that?" Bulma screeched as she was barely saved from a falling hot grill by Yamcha. "We don't get earthquakes around here!"
The other warriors seemed to be intent on something other than the strange rumbling of the ground. Slowly Vegeta pulled himself out of the trance. "Seems the boy reached level three."
Chichi's jaw dropped. "The boy . . . you mean Goten?! That's where Goku went?! They're going to fight?!" Chichi's voice went from confusion to disbelief to anger. She was sick of this. Why did every problem have to be solved by fighting? Why did her son have to hate his father? Why did she have to fall in love with a Saiyan in the first place? She hadn't even known at the time. It wasn't fair.
"You needn't worry about them. They won't kill each other. It's not like they hate each other or anything."
Chichi looked at the girl beside her. Jita was trying to comfort her. Well, why not? She was closer to Goten than anyone. "They don't?"
Jita smirked. "Of course not. Saiyans fight their problems out. Once they stop fighting, things should be better. Besides. Goten promised he would reconcile with Kakarrot, so we could -" She stopped before she could give away anything. What was it about these people that took away all her defenses? She hadn't mentioned their engagement to anyone.
"So you could what?" Chichi demanded. It couldn't be what she thought it was.
Vegeta eyed his sister suspiciously, but he knew better to say anything. The others looked at her in varying degrees of distracted confusion. Some knew what was probably going on, but no one would say it aloud.
Bra, however, had no such scruples.
"Goten and Jita sittin' in a tree." Pan joined in with her. "K-I-S-S-I-N- G. First comes love, then comes marriage . . ."
"Silence, children," Jita said, though a little too calmly, causing the others' eyes to widen in shock. Jita desperately searched for a distraction. "Pay attention to the fight. You won't see many level three fights, and it may be over too quickly."
And everyone else took her advice.
*****
The two warriors - the two Saiyans - father and son - faced off. The casual observer would have thought that the two were enemies from the way they glared at each other - both glares seeming to speak a death threat. Of course, the casual observer probably would not have been Saiyan. A Saiyan would know.
The two charged each other with astonishing speed - and were evenly matched. The radical power thrown about nearly decimate the surrounding area. No punches were pulled, no holds were barred - for there was no need. But this was not a fight to the death, as the casual observer would have figured. This was a fight for life.
'I've got to keep pushing.'
The screams filled the air.
'I can't stop now.'
The fight was no longer visible.
'He's so fast.'
A kick to the jaw. A punch to the ribs.
'He's so strong.'
The meeting of kamehameha waves.
'But I may be his match.'
Sparks flew where the ki-blasts met. The sky was no longer blue, but golden. The sky, the ground - the whole earth seemed golden.
Screams.
Power.
And Goten felt free.
Everything was clear now. He was strong, living the life of a solitary warrior, reaching unfathomable power. Pushing himself to his limits, and beyond. Becoming a Saiyan.
Goten understood his father - for once. It was ironic. All this time he had been trying to separate himself from his father's shadow, the shadow that had been placed by his very likeness, even as a child. Especially as a child. He had rejected all his father was, only to now become so like Goku. To achieve the transformation that only Goku had managed. For once, he was not ashamed of Goku. He was - proud - to be his son.
The struggling lines of power between them, which had been there their entire life together, now seemed more of a link. A connection. A . . . bond.
With a start, Goten realized he had powered down to level two. He worried until he saw Goku had done the same.
Down to level one.
And suddenly their hair was black, and the ki between them dissipated. But the link remained.
"Now do you understand?" Goku asked, breathing hard.
For once, Goten did. "Yes."
Goku smiled at his son, relief flooding his face. He'd hoped to reach Goten this day. "I'm proud of you, son."
Goten took one last look at his home for the past four years. Now destroyed by the fight. All remnants of his habitation were gone, and it was almost unlivable. He closed his eyes, and then looked away from the ruins of his life of hate. "I'm ready to come home, Dad."
Goku nodded and walked over to his son, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Everyone's over at Capsule Corp. I'll take us there." He got ready to teleport.
"Oh. and Dad?"
"Yes, son?"
"Thank you."
*****
Goten and Goku flashed into existence in the middle of a disaster area. The scraps and leftovers from the lunch littered the ground, and the animals that seemed to be perpetual residents at Capsule Corp taking advantage of the unguarded food, while the serving droids were fighting off the small army of quadrupeds to clean the mess properly. At least, Goten was able to get a glimpse of all this before being tackled.
Chichi threw herself at Goten. "Thank goodness you're all right!"
Goten grinned, feeling a mixture of happiness and guilt, as well as an awareness of other people staring. "It's all right, Mom," he said, patting Chichi on the back. "I'm home."
Chichi pulled herself away from her son and, in an abrupt mood swing, whacked him on the head. "Of course you are. You wouldn't think of putting your mother through that again, would you? You wouldn't be that stupid. And you," she turned to Goku, who shrunk back at her tone.
Through this mini family reunion, Krillen, 18, Marron, and Yamcha made a discreet exit, leaving the Sons to sort through their own problems. 18 sighed as she left. Maybe now things would get back to normal.
Videl pulled Gohan off to the side, motioning to Pan as she did so. "Maybe we should leave Goten and your parents alone for now. You can see Goten later."
Gohan nodded. Much as he would like to stay and see his brother, he could do that at some other time. Saying a quick goodbye to Bulma and Trunks, the three took off.
Trunks and Vegeta looked on, both determined to stay. For one, it was their home. For another, Trunks wanted to see his friend, and Vegeta - well - he couldn't show it but he was concerned about how this would affect Goku. Whether it be concern for a - friend - or concern for the people he almost considered his subjects, even if they didn't realize it.
Jita huffed in impatience. The third requirement was fulfilled, and she needed to speak to Goten alone. The presence of others was just annoying her now. Bulma stared at her suspiciously. She had grown rather attuned to Vegeta's emotions, and Jita seemed to share some of his emotional tells. What exactly was this girl planning?
". . . and I don't expect any of these silly arguments ever again!" Chichi finished, huffing for air after yelling nonstop for five minutes on end.
"Yes, Mom," Goten complied, for once glad to hear his mother's ranting after years of rarely seeing her. He was suddenly aware of the others staring at him. He laughed a little, and scratched the back of his head. "Uh . . . Sorry for breaking up another party. Didn't mean for everyone to leave on account of me."
Trunks shook his head in frustration. "Never mind that. You reached level three. This is a very big deal. What did it feel like?"
Goten grinned. "Really powerful. But not very useful in a real fight. You use up too much energy, and you can't really control it well. At least, I wasn't able to," Goten added, looking at his father.
"Don't worry, son. I was only able to control it well in the afterlife. This universe wasn't made for that kind of power in one being."
Chichi's attention wandered, not truly understanding the talk of power and super saiyan levels. She was more interested in the look Jita was giving Goten, and the look he was giving her right back. "Maybe you'll tell us, Goten. When are you planning on marrying Jita?"
All conversation stopped as everyone was shocked into silence. Jita glared at Chichi, and then at Goten. "So, you haven't seen your mother in months. Then how does she know about our engagement?" she said, threat practically dripping from her voice.
Goten's glare almost matched her level of fury. "You're the one who talks to her all the time. You'd've told her before I would. I thought you wanted to keep it a secret!"
Chichi grinned in triumph as Bulma applauded the victory. "Neither of you told her," Bulma laughed. "Until now, that is."
Jita and Goten stopped short, their eyes widening as they realized how they'd been manipulated. Vegeta frowned, but inside he was laughing. He wasn't the only one who would get roped in by these humans.
Jita sighed and rubbed her temples. That headache was getting bigger now. "Yes, fine, we are "getting married", as you humans say. I would like to go ahead and get it done this summer." She looked at Goten pointedly.
"Uh . . . sure," he said in a daze.
"This summer!" screeched Chichi.
"There's so much we have to do!" Bulma joined in at the same octave. The two quickly pulled her away and began firing questions at her, leaving the men in a state between shock and pity.
"You didn't tell me you asked her," accused Trunks.
Goten gulped at the stare-down he was getting. "I - I did, but that was a year ago. Honestly, I thought I would have to remind her. She told me to wait until she had finished college."
Goku laughed. "Girls don't forget proposals. Chichi sure didn't. She tracked me down about seven years after I promised to marry her."
Vegeta frowned at his rival. "That would have made you both twelve. How can you get roped into marriage at twelve?"
Goku gleefully scratched the back of his head. "I thought marriage was a type of food," he admitted unashamedly, causing the three others to sweatdrop anime-style. Once Vegeta recovered, he simply shook his head amusedly. "Kakarrot, you really ARE an idiot."
Goku laughed, knowing he could get back at him. "Hey, Vegeta. You know once Goten and Jita get married, we'll be related."
Vegeta's eyes widened. Somehow, he'd never thought of that. His eyes grew wider as Goku kept musing on how they would be related.
"Let's see, she's your sister and she's marrying my son, so I would be Jita's father-in-law and you would be Goten's brother-in-law. Of course, when they have a kid, it would be my grandchild and your niece or nephew . . ."
Goten laughed nervously. "Dad, aren't we getting ahead of ourselves? I mean, I haven't even bought a ring, or set the date. This is a little early to be discussing children."
"It certainly is," Jita interrupted abruptly. She stared Goten down easily. "We are getting married the 18th of July. You haven't seen your family for four years, so go with them. We will see each other tomorrow." With that, she turned sharply and headed for the gravity room.
Chichi smiled at her son's expression. "I knew I liked that girl," she commented cheerfully. "Goku, Goten, we're going home now. Bulma, it really was a wonderful party. I'll talk to you later."
Bulma grinned widely. "We'll have to start the wedding plans as soon as possible if we're going to get it done in time."
Chichi smiled as Goku put his hand on her shoulder, pulling Goten along with him. The three vanished. Trunks walked into the house, muttering something about needing some sleep, and leaving his parents in the front yard.
"Woman," Vegeta commented, "do you possibly think that these social events aren't such a good idea?"
Usually Bulma would have argued to her heart's content, especially when the subject came to socializing. But now, "maybe you're right," she said wearily. "But maybe when those two get married, they'll settle down. They're the ones that keep breaking up the parties."
Vegeta eyed his wife suspiciously as they walked back into the house together. "You aren't thinking of making this wedding a big affair? Jita won't stand for it."
"Well, I can't just leave it at filling at forms to get a marriage license, like we did. No, I don't regret our decision," Bulma amended quickly at the defensive look that sprang to Vegeta's face. "Jita didn't seem to be so against a ceremony a few minutes ago. But, we'll plan a small one, just for Jita's sake."
Vegeta smirked. "When did you become so in tune with other people's feelings?"
Bulma mirrored Vegeta's expression playfully. "The same time you did," she quipped, quickly running upstairs with a shriek as Vegeta chased her. "You'll pay for that, woman!" Vegeta yelled, and chased her into the bedroom, slamming the door shut.
Trunks raised his head from his prone position on the bed, and rolled his eyes. "Parents."
*****
That night, Chichi stood in the doorway of Goten's darkened room, watching her grown son sleep much as he did when he was a child. A tear formed in her eye. She supposed she should have gotten used to her family being broken apart by now, but it still hurt. She almost couldn't enjoy when they all WERE together, because she was always paranoid about something bad happening. The year after Buu was the best - after Goku had come back to life, before Gohan had married, while Goten still idolized his father - heaven had not been that good. But, of course, it hadn't lasted. Gohan got married. Goku started to pick up his old wandering ways. Goten started to change from the happy-go-lucky boy to the brooding adolescent a few years too early. That was when Chichi knew that things would never be perfect.
She felt an arm settle around her waist. That night Goku had seemed more at ease than he had been in the past four years. And he could actually talk to Goten. Most of their conversation had centered around fighting and power levels, therefore going completely over Chichi's head, but it had been nice. A family again, even if he was only going to live there for a few months.
"Reminds me of when he was seven," Goku said quietly. Chichi leaned her head against his chest, determined to revel in the peace of the moment. Peace was hard to come by.
"Do you think he'll be all right?" Chichi asked in a shaky voice. She felt the arm around her tighten.
"Yeah, he'll be all right. He found something out there. He came to peace with himself."
Chichi smiled sadly and let her husband lead her to their bedroom. Yes, she would revel in the peace.
For as long as it would last.
Author's Notes: Thanks to all my reviewers: anonymous cat (You patience has finally been rewarded), Omega (Well, if anyone dies, and everyone say it with me, they can always be wished back by the dragonballs. Unless, of course, they are sent to an untold hell dimension.), Dark Wolf (Aww, that's so sweet. I'm glad you're proud of me, especially an author of your caliber. Everyone, I reiterate, read his stuff.), and aqua-illusion.
