Second Chances for Bardock's Sons
By Trynia Merin
Beta'd by Sarah Slutz
Disclaimer: I don't own DBZ so please don't' sue me. Tomic and the few other fan characters are my only claim in this. This isn't for money, it's for fan enjoyment.
Raditz remained alone for a time, sitting by himself looking out the large window of the Son living room. The landscape around his brother's home looked so peaceful. Noticing Raditz sitting by himself, Goku excused himself to have a word with his moody brother. Instinct told Goku to distrust Raditz, while his heart begged the warrior to give him the benefit of the doubt. Obviously, Raditz had seen much of Goku's life on Chikyuu that day, being among he and his friends at the tournament. He had even relaxed a bit, laughing and joking with Yamcha. Somehow, the Desert Bandit and the alien warrior got along reasonably well. Tien and Chaotzu kept their distance however, while Krillin made bumbling attempts to ingratiate himself with his brother.
"Um Goku, I don't mean to be rude bro, but that brother of yours gives me the creeps. I think you should get him to take a bath. He smells," Krillin whispered.
"Chichi will be on him soon enough," Goku laughed.
"Goku, tell your brother he can use the bathing barrel! I've got fresh soap out there for both of you!" said Chichi right as they had been discussing the issue. Goku and Krillin glanced at each other and grinned.
"All right!" Goku nodded. She thrust towels, soap into her husband's grasp, and propelled him toward Raditz. Wandering up to his brother, Goku coughed.
"What is it, Kakkarot?" Raditz asked.
"Um, Chichi thought you could use a bath. I'll join you if you like," Goku said.
"Hmm, I suppose I must," Raditz mumbled, sniffing himself. Humans had such a preoccupation with bathing. Rising to his feet, he followed Goku out the back where Chichi had already stood tapping her foot.
Outside the house, Raditz was relieved to see a far simpler hygiene apparatus than the one he was used to at Freeza's bases. On their native planet, most Saiyans took sand baths or bathed in pools when they were ready once a week to clean themselves. It was due to the fact Vegetasei was an arid planet where water was scarce, so the priority was using it for drinking rather then bathing. Already a fire crackled beneath the barrel, which Goku tended with a prod of his booted toe. The thing was twice the size of the original because Goku had accidentally broken the first bathing barrel when he got overzealous. Therefore, he had found another much larger tub to appease Chichi's temper.
This one could allow two people to stand up inside together and with enough space to scrub. Raditz watched as Goku undressed, and then did the same, not thinking much about modesty. Saiyans did not care looking at one another. Goku was relieved Raditz had no shame about going in the tub altogether naked as Chichi did. It seemed safe and normal. Putting their gi into the nearby basket Chichi had left, Goku climbed into the tub first.
"There's room for both of us in here. Unless you want to go first," he said. Raditz shrugged and instead grabbed the nearby pail and dunked it full of water. Raising it up, he dumped it over his body, and then grabbed the soap.
"Um, you can stand in the bath and use it," Goku explained. "There's plenty of water. Or do you guys not take baths like we do here?"
"Only rarely," Raditz snorted. Still he decided to climb into the tub and chance adopting the alien custom to gain his brother's trust. Quietly they took to the task of washing themselves. However, when it came to washing his hair, Raditz let it drop over the side of the tub away from the water.
"It can be good, you know," Goku began the conversation, handing Raditz a washcloth. "Living peacefully as we do."
"I cannot, Brother. It's so tempting to just forget myself here and remain," he whispered, glancing around at the small but comfortable Capsule house in front of their tub.
"You could stay here on Chikyuu. With Tomic. Live with Chichi and me," Goku said, patting his shoulder. Raditz sighed, closing his eyes tightly. He gently shoved Goku's hand off his arm. Goku narrowed his eyes in concern when he saw his brother turning away.
Goku reached for Chichi's homemade shampoo. Dunking his head under the water, he wet it thoroughly, and then slathered the suds over his mane. Raditz watched thoughtfully, wondering why there was a preoccupation with hair among the humans. For some reason, they cut it, and styled it from the natural state it could take.
Before Goku could open his mouth to say the words, Raditz interrupted him. "My Prince needs me, Brother."
"You said he was fighting someone," said Goku, scratching his scalp. He grabbed the pail Raditz had used before, and then dumped water over his own head to rinse his hair.
"I cannot disobey him," Raditz replied. Light from the noonday sun peeked in between the mountains. It again faded to leave them standing in a shaft of gray shadow. Raditz obscured the source of natural light casting Goku in a long shadow.
"But is he angry and bitter like you?" asked Goku.
Raditz licked his lips. It was so tempting for him to lie through his teeth. Yet the earnest look in his young brother's dark eyes killed that notion. What weakness compelled him to be so honest? the warrior wondered. Taking another deep breath, chest heaving in and out he said, "Yes, Brother. He would do whatever it took to defeat his foe. If Earth serves his needs, he will sell it."
"I see," Goku nodded quietly. Both pairs of dark eyes met in a serious, sober gaze. Raditz cursed himself for feeling guilty. Why did he have to explain to this brain-damaged brother why he did what he did? Why did he feel ashamed of what he was?
"It is the truth, Kakkarot," he said.
"Thank you for telling me," Goku said, leaning over to touch Raditz armband, the one matching that on his thigh.
"So, are you disappointed that your brother isn't some soft-hearted fool?" Raditz asked.
"Hey, you are what you are," Goku answered. "But that doesn't mean that you have to be that way because other people SAY you are."
"You fool," Raditz laughed harshly.
"Maybe I'm not the one who's really foolish. Did you ever think of that? You are my brother. I guess I hoped that you would stick around and, and realize why I'd defend it with my life. You don't HAVE to do what this Prince says."
"You don't understand! My life is sworn to protect him!" Raditz snapped, pushing Goku's hand away. Water sloshed in the tub, splashing over the side from their movements.
"I'm not asking you to," Goku shook his head. "Look, we could help you. If you let us."
"You'd help me?" Raditz asked, shaking his head.
"Yes. If you ask me to," Goku said.
"You've no right accepting me so readily. I'm a killer and a monster. I know no other way," Raditz said bitterly.
"So, you're my brother. And you deserve a second chance," said Goku, putting his arm around his brother's slumped shoulders.
"You don't comprehend, do you?" Raditz said quietly.
"Why not choose for yourself?" Goku asked inquired.
"Because he'd destroy you and this planet in a single blast. His ultimate move can vaporize a planet. I've seen him do it on Arlia. It brings a smile to his face to see the fireworks of a…"
"Don't…" Goku gasped.
"I'm not lying fool. We're not someone you can push around."
"I can't let that happen. I'd die first. All of us would!" Goku gritted his teeth.
"I see that. But I'm giving you a chance to prove your strength. If you can show to me that you're strong as a Third-Class Saiyan in combat … you could come with me. And fight for your planet's sake."
"No. I can't leave my home."
"Then you might as well let me kill you all now," Raditz murmured.
"What the HELL are you saying?" Goku growled.
"They're dead. You're all dead unless you come with me fool. That's why I came here," Raditz whispered.
"Dammit…" Goku hissed, clenching his fist. "Look… you say that you want a strong fighter. But what if I wasn't strong enough to take with you! What if you pretended you never saw me? You and Tomic could just go back and pretend you found me, but I'm not good enough to join you."
"Just what would be the point in that?"
"You Saiyans like gold and silver… you say you're like pirates," Goku gritted his teeth. "Well, my friend Bulma is rich. What if we… paid you NOT to blow up Earth?"
Raditz blinked in shock. He suddenly chuckled and whacked Goku on the shoulder. "Well, well, you are thinking like a Saiyan. What WOULD you primitive fools offer us?"
"Lots of gold? I mean this Ma Junior has lots of money and stuff. Bulma's Dad can get anything you want. I mean heck… he can make big things pop out of capsules…"
"What?" Raditz lifted a brow.
"Fill as many of these things with treasure and take that to your Prince. Buy him off if you're so hot to make money?" Goku flailed his hands.
"That's so simple it may work," Raditz chuckled, shaking his head in disbelief. "All right brother, you give me an idea. I will allow you to help me rescue my mate. And if that happens, I suppose I can strike a bargain. But even so, you're prolonging the inevitable."
"Then give us time Raditz. Buy us ENOUGH time to get strong enough to fight your Prince. We can increase our power!" Goku said.
"WHAT?" Raditz threw back his head and laughed. "Are you insane? The Prince is far more powerful then you can image!"
"Maybe. But so are my friends and me. You can't sense our REAL power. And there are WAYS of training on this world. I mean heck YOU could become strong enough to fight him."
"I see… perhaps… you have a point."
"Why would you want your Prince to blow up a planet where he can become stronger on it?" Goku chuckled.
"Yes. Yes that might work. He might well spare Earth if he can use it as a training ground. The proof will be if I can somehow buy time for you. And if you can prove you can get stronger, perhaps it might…" Raditz tapped his chin. "Very well. This woman can get lots of money you say, several tons of gold and silver would do nicely. In addition, perhaps a few slaves… no… ah well… then the chance to have a world where a Saiyan can train and increase his power. That alone would be worth sparing this place. I will do it."
"Are you sure you will?" Goku lifted his brow.
"Yes. I don't want my mate dead. Moreover, if the Prince came here and found I'd blown things then I'd be dead too. Besides, you hardly ARE a Saiyan losing your tail, though just now you think like one. It will be fun to continue to compete with you in this tournament and see if you can fight like one. Your friends aren't half-bad. If not for being mildly impressed I would have already overcome you."
"You keep thinking about it, OK! But we've got to keep fighting in the Tournament first, and rescue her and your wife so we can ask them. So let's stop hanging around here and get some rest for tomorrow, right?" Goku grinned. Raditz nodded, and then took the bottle from his brother's outstretched hand.
"By the way, show me how you use this stuff you call shampoo, Brother," said Raditz. Goku grinned, grabbing the pail and dousing Raditz hair so he spluttered.
"I'm going to GET you for that!" Raditz mock growled, splashing Goku. Both brothers soon wrestled playfully in the tub, flinging sheets of water everywhere.
Miles away, Piccolo and his student spent the evening in the woods near the tournament. Rather than fraternize with humans, he preferred to remain aloof. A few of his followers had erected a small trailer for the purposes of hiding him. A large fridge held food for his hungry pupil.
That night he meditated, watching over the alien woman curled up on the guest bed. Outside his men kept close watch, lest she awaken and try to escape. The ki dampener kept her in check. Piccolo remembered the other day. He held within his sash the secret to winning. He was not fooling when he claimed he had hidden powers. In addition, the alien woman had given it to him, the fool.
"Your powers are destructive. You and I could easily conquer," said Piccolo.
"I am loyal to my Prince. But I can give you warriors in my place," she winked.
"How is that possible?" Piccolo demanded.
She pulled a vial out of her boot, turning it over. "These. They are the seeds of creatures called Saibamen. We Saiyans use them for foot soldiers and for training."
"Hmmm, interesting. They're plant based?" he snorted, as she held up a small glass vial with two compartments. The upper held green sphere, at least ten, while a liquid sloshed in the bottom.
"Yes. These are the seeds. You can grow them in rich soil, these minions would serve you well."
"These creatures will be loyal to me?" Piccolo asked.
"The Saibamen listen to whoever plants them," said Tomic, handing him the vial.
"Hmm, so you say," Piccolo said, grabbing the container from her. "How long does it take to grow them?"
"Less then an hour or so in the right conditions," Tomic coughed.
"You're proving to be more interesting then I thought, woman," Piccolo said. "How many of these
Saibamen can I plant?"
"As many as are in this vial. They will live for as long as you need them. Their power levels are equal to your own," she said.
"Impressive. There's ten here. Do you have any others, or know how to cultivate more?"
"They germinate and produce seed pods like you Namekians lay eggs. But one must remain alive to do so," she said quietly. "My Prince would have my head for giving these over, but if it means you will allow me to leave and do my business."
"Hmm, you've given me a lot to think about," Piccolo said, holding the vial up to the light. "About these Saibamen, what are their capabilities tactically?"
"They're drones created to fight and build fighting skills as I said before. There are only ten, and they grow within seconds. You can have an elite fighting force that will be loyal to you," she explained.
"These nutrients used to grow them intrigue me," Piccolo said. "If they are like me, then perhaps…"
"You won't derive much benefit from them," said Tomic.
"Maybe not. But anything I can do to increase my power I'll try," Piccolo said with a nod.
"That's your affair. There is only enough to revive the ten Saibamen. If you take any of the nutrients yourself you're denying your elite force."
Some hours later, Bulma and Vegeta rocketed off over the ocean in the direction of the Tournament. Located on a small chain of islands, it took a few hours even flying under the speed of the alien Prince to arrive. Already the sun had set when Vegeta finally reached the huge vehicles flitting about. Both arrivals to the Budokai had different reasons to be there. Bulma was there to watch and see Goku fight Piccolo, while the Prince of all Saiyans was there to find his missing soldiers Raditz and Tomic. He had to maintain his cover, deciding to honor his bargain not to purge Earth if Bulma could show him its value to increasing his power.
"We've got to land in a place nobody will notice you," Bulma insisted.
"Idiotic stupid pain in the ass," he cursed for the millionth time. For the most part, they had traveled in silence, Bulma trying to stop her heart from pounding and her mind from racing at the effect he was having on her. Yet part of her wanted to strangle him for his royal attitude. Was SHE this much of a pain to be around?
"Yamcha said I was high maintenance. What a joke," she said.
"What the hell was that?" he asked.
"Nothing, your Highness, just talking to myself," Bulma insisted with a chuckle, wishing to avoid another royal tirade. Just how was she going to hide alien Royalty with an attitude? Sure, he was rather short, but his armor and scouter were a dead giveaway that he was not exactly normal.
"Where do I land then, little fool? Since you're going to all the trouble of camouflage… what do I care if these idiots see me. I'll just blast them…"
"No you won't! You don't want your plan to be ruined do you?" Bulma scolded, grabbing his gloved hand. He glared at her, and she directed him to fly on a course that led them to a small deserted beach on the far side of the island.
Far below the duo landed in the bushes. Bulma swallowed, feeling QUITE sick to her stomach. Her companion glanced around, pressing buttons on the device on his face.
"Uh, I think we need to get you some clothes other than that stuff," she said, still sure she was a shade of green.
"WHY?" demanded the Prince.
"DUH, you're standing out like a sore thumb in that armor and spandex. Do you WANT people to know you're some alien Prince?" Bulma glared at him.
"Shut the hell up," Vegeta mumbled. "I am beginning to REGRET this. I've half a mind to slay this Piccolo myself."
"Well what makes you think you can GET to him? Without blowing up a whole stadium?" Bulma glared at him.
"I know where he is," said Vegeta.
"That thing only reads power levels in one way. Goku says that true power's hidden," Bulma said. "And we need to find you some clothes, bud."
"You will address me by my proper title, woman," he mumbled.
"C'mon Prince, let's get the accommodations settled," she said, dragging him off by his gloved hand. Growling under his breath, Vegeta had to admit that she was right, damn her. Minutes later, she had found a nice place in the shade of several palm trees, further up the beech and secluded.
"Here we go," she said.
"What the hell is that?" he said as she grabbed a case from her purse.
"Capsule technology, what else? My dad invented these!" she said proudly, pushing the plunger and throwing it down. The Prince glanced at the rising smoke, his hand lifted to fend off the attack. Vegeta hissed in alarm, sneezing profusely as a sizable multiple bedroom dwelling sitting in the upper shade of the beach trees.
"Huh, that's rather interesting," Vegeta grudgingly admitted, pretending NOT to be impressed, in spite of himself. If her father invented THIS… then what was SHE capable of?
"Are you going to tell me you have that in space?" she asked haughtily.
"I reserve judgment. I require food, and I don't think the hunting here is…"
"Oh no, I've got food like a civilized woman," she said with alarm. "Don't tell me a Prince like you eats disgusting raw meat!"
"What's wrong with that? Does it turn your weak stomach, little woman?" he teased a bit nastily.
"My cooking isn't THAT bad! Besides, it's pre-packaged! What you think I'd poison you? You're just as bad as GOKU!"
"Don't compare me to that Third Class trash," Vegeta barked as Bulma opened the door. Rolling her eyes, she ushered him in.
He stepped into the domed hut, fairly impressed at the compact but roomy accommodations. Grunting, he glanced around at all the conveniences with a bored air. "Primitive, but I can't complain between this and sleeping in a space pod."
"What, you SLEEP in those little baseballs! Honestly! And you say we're primitive?" Bulma pulled a face at him, as she closed the door. She felt the same odd sensation as when she first showed Goku the same house. Ironically enough the monkey tailed being with her was a full-grown specimen.
Never mind he was an inch or so shorter than she, without the hair. "Now, you make yourself comfy while I go get some clothes for you. I will be back in a bit. You can watch TV… or shower, or whatever you like. There's food here…" she showed him the fridge as he glanced around bored.
"Feh, as if I'd care about your miserable world's entertainment," he muttered. She shoved a remote into his gloved hand and snorted impatiently.
"Work with me! Don't go blasting something while I'm gone!" she mumbled. Vegeta shrugged, and sat down on the sectional sofa while Bulma busied herself preparing him something to eat. Soon, accustomed to Goku's appetite she brought multiple platters of ready made Capsule dinners for him, setting them on a foldout table.
"I'm not sure what you like, but it's all good," she said. "I'll be back! Don't go anywhere."
"Idiocy," he muttered, picking at the food. Feeling weird at the thought of a dangerous alien in her Capsule house, Bulma grabbed her purse and wandered into the bathroom. She reemerged, brushing her hair.
"Oh, and if you want a shower, there's towels and the bath is there. I'm guessing you must be smart enough to learn how to…"
"Don't you ever shut up?" he mumbled, mouth full of food. Glaring at him, she marched off, slamming the door behind her.
Vegeta swallowed hard, and then turned his attention to the 'television'. His eyes widened to behold the coverage of the local tournament. While he ate the strange Earth food, which was heavily processed, Vegeta flipped channels. Sometimes watching the entertainment of planets he had purged was a diverting pastime. While he had seen his share of various forms of amusement, he had to admit the shows of this world were insipid at times, and humorous the next.
His scouter bleeped, and he opened the link, "Yes Nappa."
"I blew up the base, Sire. What are your orders?" Nappa asked eagerly. Vegeta was relieved the woman had left him to his own devices. Now he could touch base with his soldiers uninterrupted.
"Don't blow anything else up yet. Train with the Saibamen and await my arrival. If Raditz tries to contact you, let me know. So far the idiot seems to have got it in his head to play with the inhabitants of this planet," said Vegeta.
"And are you having fun Sire, with that female?"
"What do you think? Either way, amuse yourself, but don't draw too much attention to yourself just yet. If more of those idiotic tin cans show up, you can have fun picking them off."
"Well, there were a lot more of them. I'm waiting for some of them to reactivate so I can blow them up too," said Nappa. "Some of them were in these capsules… and I figured… well if the first few tin cans were strong…."
"Did you blow up the base?"
"Yeah this one. However, one of the tin cans said something about a computer and another nest of 'em. Said there were at least twenty of 'em. You want me to go hunting for them?"
"Don't waste your time. If these metal dolls can amuse you, I would rather we wait to see what else this world has to offer. Perhaps we can sell this technology while I decide if we let the inhabitants live or die. I've found some interesting trinkets to learn about."
"All right, Sire," Nappa said. There came the sounds of distant ki blasts, and then a sound like a ripe melon breaking next. Through the video feed Vegeta saw Nappa arranging bodies in rows of fives as he normally did. There were a great many of these Red Ribbon soldiers and other tin cans he was messing with, including a robotic person who was howling in pain with the letters Kill You on his back, and a blond haired freak.
Nappa flicked off what felt like a mosquito bite, and failed to notice the gray haired scientist watching from aside. Next to him, two other of his creations looked to their master. "Shall we activate Thirteen, Fourteen and Fifteen?" they asked.
"No. Luckily, this idiot did not get my stronger androids. The prime four units that I am still testing. Sixteen, Seventeen, Eighteen, and Nineteen are all in my secret base. These alien primates will soon be at my mercy. This large one doesn't know that I'm right under his nose."
"Good thing the transplant was a success," said android Nine, a tall wispy figure with green hair and an eye patch. The bulky Ten was almost the size of the bald alien, and the good Doctor was rapidly having him crunch data on what would make the best Twenty-two and Twenty-three. Already Twenty-one was incubating, the first biochemical android of its type. Seventeen and Eighteen were much too risky to reactivate because they were troublesome. Perhaps later on.
"Indeed. These aliens have computers that sense power levels. But we have none," Dr. Gero laughed wickedly. "I think they'll fit into the equation nicely. They certainly have far more power then I could have imagined. But there is one other that seems to have done in poor no. Six."
"Shall we pursue it? The power level is enormous."
"No. Let's see if they return yet…" Gero nodded.
"The alien is leaving. The one that destroyed the prime base," said no. Nine.
"Pursue him and keep watch. No. Ten, you stay with me. We've got a lot more data to analyze. Do you have the DNA sample?"
"Yes, master," Ten agreed.
"Let's return to base. Moreover, add this to Twenty-one's little genetic soup. It should prove most beneficial. Along with that of the green monster we acquired a while ago," laughed Gero. He and the other construct silently rose into the air, leaving no trace as they flew away.