Monkey Moon

Chapter Eight

Goku flew home at breakneck speed. Some warning instinct told him tonight wasn't a good time to be outside. Or so he thought.

I need to apologize to Chi Chi...my words were too harsh, and she really didn't deserve that.

Accelerating west, he neared his destination.

Chi Chi sighed, sitting on the front step and staring up at cascading blue skies melting to deepest purple.

What am I going to do? I've always known Goku was alien, but he never acted that way.

A small bluish white dot blazed across the sky, moving nearer. Chi Chi leaped to her feet in recognition.

"Goku!"

The 'dot' grew in size and landed a few feet away. "Chi Chi, we need to talk."

She didn't move. "I know. I've been thinking since our last conversation."

He approached her slowly. "I was wrong before, the way I spoke to you. I'm sorry..."

"Maybe I'm sorry, too. Some of the things you said were right...I often treated you poorly-"

He hugged her. "Don't worry about it..."

"No. I used to yell as a child for attention. Once I found it worked, I just kept doing it out of reflex."

"I said the first thing on my mind. Maybe I should have tempered my words more."

She smiled sadly. "It's a miracle you never yelled back."

"About earlier, when we were in bed...I didn't mean to force things..."

Chi Chi sat on the front step again. "What was that about, Goku? Were you trying to prove you were a real saiyan?"

He sat next to her. "No. But since my tail came back, urges I could once control try to overtake me."

"Maybe you need to talk to someone."

"I have...Raditz explained a great deal."

"We covered a few topics also, like the biting thing..."

Goku glanced down. "I hope you didn't get too personal!"

"Of course not! He wanted to, though..."

"Say what?"

"Saiyans must be hopeless perverts. He wanted to know everything about our life together."

Goku laughed. "Unbelievable. I guess I should have expected it."

Chi Chi sniffed. "Well I didn't...and I certainly wasn't going into details!"

"What else did you talk about?"

"Just...saiyans in general and their behavior."

"Did it help you understand any better?"

A pause. "I'm not sure...Raditz explained the effects, but not the cause."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"He said that your tail's like an extra sensory organ that influences you..."

"It's true...I can't tell you how different it makes me feel."

A slim hand pulled the furry appendage free of his waist. "So much change from a tail? It still seems hard to believe."

"This is going to sound bizarre? But had I kept it, I doubt we'd be married now."

Dark eyes narrowed. "Explain, please? I don't see a direct connection."

Goku folded his arms around his knees. "My original mission was to raze this planet as a small child. When I first arrived, Grandpa Gohan often told me I had a horrible temper. He nearly abandoned me to the woods."

Chi Chi blinked. "I knew some of this, but not all."

"Hai, and it's a good thing he decided to raise me, or you wouldn't have a planet to live on. When I suffered a small head injury it seemed to have 'screened off' the strongest of my saiyan instincts. I was able to adapt, though I still loved to fight. I think training and running kept me sane."

Chi Chi chuckled. "Hai, father thought you were a wild bumpkin. Even at the tournaments they used to call you 'dumb country.' But I thought you were sweet."

Goku flushed slightly at the memory. "Well...I suppose I seemed that way. My lifestyle wasn't exactly sophisticated. When we got married I was completely clueless about the ritual."

Chi Chi blushed a bit. "Well, I did trick you. But I always hoped you felt the same way...after all, no one forced you."

"I do care about you."

A stab of anger cut through her haze. "You said that already."

"Don't take it the wrong way, Chi Chi..."

"Don't patronize me! I could have any man I want!"

Dark eyes were hard on her. "I suggest you reconsider that."

She poked his chest with a finger. "Why, mister? Afraid of competition?"

He grabbed her. "I told you once, I'm not like before. And there'll be no competition."

"Do you love me?"

"For the millionth time, yes! What do you want, a public announcement?"

"That won't be necessary" her voice was ice. "Actions speak louder than words, Goku."

He gritted his teeth. "What is it you think I haven't done or said?"

"You claim to speak your mind now, and so will I. I truly believe you love our son more than you do me!"

He was floored, staring at her in silence.

"Don't waste time denying it...I already know. There are numerous incidents I could bring up that would prove my point."

"You're wrong!"

"And you're a liar. Do you think it spares my feelings knowing this? Whether it's Gohan's education or safety, my concerns always take a backseat. What husband leaves his wife at the drop of a hat with no acceptance of responsibility? You do it all the time."

He balled a fist in frustration. "Dammit, the situation involving threats to earth-"

"I've heard that song and dance before, too. You enjoy leaving me, leaving responsibility behind for adventure and fighting. I hoped you would settle down after we got married and Gohan was born, but it only got worse."

"I see...so you were expecting me to just change?"

"I expected you to compromise and meet me halfway, like all sane couples do!"

He exploded. "Where do I go when there's no threat to earth? What do I do! I stay here, that's what."

"Oh, yes. 'Here' is running naked in the woods, wrestling with bears, or catching a fish. We hardly spend any time together!"

"Our interests seem different...and growing by the second" Goku growled.

"Don't make those noises at me, mister! I don't care if you have found your lost self...my son won't be raised by an animal!"

Glaring, he fought an urge to strike her. "I'm going inside." he stood abruptly. Chi Chi leaped up as well.

"Wait. This conversation isn't over!"

"It is as far as I'm concerned."

She looked him over a moment. "Is there any hope for us?"

A sigh. "I don't know. Maybe we both just need some sleep."

"I'm sorry about the animal comment."

"We're apologizing too much. I'm going inside" he strode past her through the front door.

Chi Chi watched him go. "Now what?"

"Nothing" Goku glared at her once inside.

"Is that all you can say?"

"For now!"

"What the hell's wrong with you? Don't you care about our marriage at all!"

Goku grabbed her. "Stop telling me what I feel." he snarled. "I'm fed up with you yelling at me-"

Chi Chi cringed, alarmed at his tone. Goku stopped abruptly, dark

eyes flashing a weird gleam.

"Hn..."

She watched him carefully. "What is-"

He purred softly, a sloopy grin sliding over his face. "Chi Chi...you're gorgeous."

Chi Chi gawked, blinking. "I...ah...huh?"

Goku swept her up, raining kisses over her eyes and face. She managed to wiggle clear.

"Are you insane!" she panted, staring at his wagging tail.

"No." he murmured in her ear. "I just realized...the more we argued the more turned on I got."

"You don't mean?"

"Mmm. Let's do it..."

"Fool! Our marriage is crumbling, and all you can think about is sex!"

He dragged her across the living room. "That's all I can think about right now, anyway. The rest can wait!"

She pushed free again. "This never happened before-"

Strong arms clutched her once more. "Hai, all the time. But I never mentioned it."

"So why now?" she tried to squeeze out from his embrace.

Goku held tight. "Before I was worried what you might think. Now I don't care."

"Lunatic!"

He licked his lips hotly, leering at her. Chi Chi flushed bright scarlet.

"Didn't you ever wonder why we always made love after an argument?"

Her lips moved soundlessly.

"Okay, that's enough talking" he tossed her over a shoulder and stalked upstairs. Compact fists pounded his back.

"Put me down, you big lummox! Gohan's in his room!"

"He's old enough to know what's going on."

A stream of curses trailed behind their bedroom door as it slammed shut.

()

The three saiyans drank quietly from the base of a large waterfall in trackless jungle, dim sunlight glow casting low shadows on their nude forms. Nappa splashed water on his face.

"I feel the change beginning." he purred, stretching out on the rocks.

Vegeta nodded in agreement. "Hn, I sense Kakarot is feeling quite horny. Methinks that ningen of his will be angry and sore."

Raditz nibbled on some wildflowers, savoring their taste. "She's a dainty thing...it's a miracle he ever achieved completion with her."

"Ah, but he hasn't...not in the true sense. What human could satisfy him? That marriage can't mask his instincts or control his wild heart."

"True enough" Nappa grunted. "No human male would roll in the jungle with a professed enemy willingly."

Raditz stopped eating flowers momentarily. "You don't have to brag about it, Nappa!"

"Satisfaction is nine points of the law" the bald warrior preened smugly. "Besides, you continue to turn me away. I'm feeling neglected!"

"Idiot!"

"That's no way to talk with Jungle Run approaching. A kind word, Radtiz...that's all I ask."

The maned saiyan snorted. "You'll not touch Kakarot first this time!"

"Your prince will determine" Vegeta purred. "After all, instincts are one thing...party is another."

Raditz lifted an eyebrow. "You are suggesting?"

"Why worry about formalities! Jungle Run is full of possibilities. Throughout our history families and mates alike have warred for possession."

Raditz sat crosslegged. "It was MY right to be with Kakarot first-"

"Distribution is the last point of law." Nappa added, laughing. "He wouldn't have trusted you to do it, Raditz. I'm not the most beautiful of saiyans-"

"That's for certain." Raditz agreed readily. Vegeta laughed out loud.

"However, I've been told I have a certain...masculine ruggedness that is difficult to turn aside. Kakarot found me most attractive, despite his denials. And when it comes to the art of pleasure, my skills take a backseat to none."

Raditz thought that over, tail bristling. "I still don't like the idea of you touching him first-"

Nappa glided over to him. "Is that the only reason? Perhaps a bit of jealousy, ne?"

A big hand stroked the thick tail, ruffling it. Raditz twitched, his back arching.

"Stop" he hissed. "It isn't time yet..."

"I thought I was so ugly" Nappa purred, combing thick hair with his fingers.

"I never said you were ugly-"

Lips planted on a flushed cheek. "Hn, such tasty young flesh..."

Vegeta watched them with predatory hunger. "Oh do continue...watching is half the fun before we begin properly!"

"I want Kakarot here." Raditz complained, even as Nappa kissed his throat.

"Stop whining, boy...I smell your heat. Now let's get on with it!"

Raditz purred, his eyes closing at the attention. "Fuck off."

Nappa threw him down on the rocks. "I intend to."

()

A frayed and frazzled Chi Chi lay silently in bed, staring at the ceiling. Her long dark hair splayed everywhere even as she gathered her composure in silence. Goku had drifted off to sleep at her side.

This is insane. I can't live with a husband that drags me to bed on a whim!

She looked over the swarthy features relaxed in sleep. A tiny smile lit full lips.

I'm glad one of us is smiling.

Dark eyes widened in shock as a thick coil of black fur wrapped her thigh. She pulled at it to no avail.

"I don't believe this shit." she murmured, tugging away. The tail only tightened. Chi Chi grimaced at the pressure on her upper leg.

Should chop the damn thing off...

"mmm..."

"Let go of me!"

Goku blinked sleepily. "Hey, babe..."

"Don't 'babe' me, you freak! Get your tail off my leg!"

He glanced blearily. "Oh. Okay..." the whip lifted up and away.

Chi Chi rubbed her sore body. "That's it, mister...we get separate beds!"

Black eyes were on her hard. "Isn't that a little extreme?"

"It's no more extreme than this sex is getting!"

"What makes you say that?"

She spluttered, at a loss for words. "You drag me to bed without asking me first..."

"You had every opportunity to say no."

"Before or after you stripped me naked? Is this what saiyans consider etiquette!"

"I think you're sexy...why is that wrong?"

She bit her lip. "Goku, there's nothing wrong with wanting me. In fact I'm flattered you find me this irresistable..."

"But?"

"You're getting...strange in what you want. I'm not sure I can go along with it."

Bronzed flesh flexed next to her in agitation. "Did you come?"

She turned beet red. "Why are you asking-"

"I asked you did you come!" he demanded.

"Yes, dammit, but that isn't the point!"

Goku tucked back down under blankets. "I could tell...you felt really good, Chi Chi."

She was shocked to silence. "I don't know what to say at this point, other than this can't continue."

"You weren't satisfied?"

She smacked a hand to her forehead. "Kuso. Will you listen to me? I have needs, too. I'm not a possession to be dragged off and used when the whim suits you!"

"That wasn't my intent, Chi Chi. My drives are so strong now they'redifficult to control. I'm still adjusting to having my tail."

"Well for Kami's sake, I hope you do before I get killed!"

He kissed her softly. "Now do you understand?"

She rubbed sore body parts again. "I'm beginning to...painfully."

He slid out of bed. "I've got sensu in my gi pocket...it should help."

"Yeah" Chi Chi murmured, watching muscled perfection move as it rippled. Will this get worse the longer it goes?

Goku noticed her expression. "I'm not a monster, Chi Chi."

"Not yet, but you're beginning to worry me, Goku. This is uncharted territory for me too."

He handed her the bean. "What do you want to do?"

She stared at it. "Maybe we need some time to think..."

A frown pinched his features. "Are you saying you want a separation?"

"No, not exactly. But we may have to evalute a few things. It's clear our relationship is changed now."

"Everyone resists change, Chi Chi."

"This isn't change for the better. I'm not a saiyan, Goku. I have no idea what you expect of me now."

"It's got nothing to do with being saiyan. I think we can work this out, with a few adjustments. Would that be so terrible?"

"No, as long as I'm not the one doing all the compromising."

"I've bent over backwards accomodating your wishes for years."

She snorted. "I see, so this is payback?"

"No, but it is your turn."

His arrogance galled her. "Damn saiyan!"

He laughed, shocking her. "I see...so it's come to that? I won't apologize for being what I am!"

Her eyes narrowed. "And just what are you? I see a face that resembles Goku, but the man behind the eyes is a stranger."

Goku glanced away. "Perhaps I always was."

()

Vegeta had to admit Nappa and Raditz put on a good show. The maned saiyan arched and howled as he was mounted from behind. Nappa cried out, shuddering above him. Vegeta stroked himself slowly, bursting thick wetness over his fist as the others climaxed.

"Kakke-ke." the prince murmured shortly, rinsing his hand in the stream. "Not bad for an appetizer."

Raditz breathed heavily in satisfaction as he lay sprawled on his belly. "Hn...a nice warmup" he purred, eyes slitted.

Nappa slapped his ass. "I'll warm you up, all right!"

Raditz stretched under him, tail flying up. "I still want Kakarot here! I long to taste his skin..."

"He will come shortly" Vegeta sat crosslegged nearby. "Now both of you, sit beside me. The games begin!"

"Oh yes." Raditz purred, slinking over. Nappa likewise bounded to his prince. Dark eyes slowly brightened to molten red against near night skies. The three saiyans sat in a circle, tails waving sensuously as they chanted.

"Kakarot..."

/Kakarot./

"Goku, what is it?" Chi Chi paused at his sudden hesitation.

The dark saiyan looked into space. "Nothing...just something in my head."

"What are you talking about?"

A frown. "I'm not sure...maybe it's just my imagination."

/Kakarot, come./

"Goku!"

"I'm fine...really. Get some sleep, Chi Chi. We'll talk more in the morning" he reached to turn out the light.

She settled in carefully, not turning her back. He sighed.

"You don't have to watch me. I'm not going to attack you."

"No?"

"No. So relax, please?"

"Hmpf" she tucked her head beneath the blankets. Goku turned out the light and closed his eyes...

/Forget that foolish ningen. Come to us./

/Who's in my head/

/We are. Your family, your pack./

/Jungle run begins now./

/I never promised anything.../

/You did, in heat and blood./

/Those were mistakes, impulses./

/Not for our kind. Come./

/You presume too much. I never decided/

/What will you decide? The moon is full these next two nights./

/That has nothing to do with me. Have your fun./

/Hai, you're stubborn as a saiyan./

/That pleases you?/

/Tremendously. But resistance is futile./

/I don't trust any of you. Not yet./

/We'll see.../

/Out of my head. I've had enough mind games the last few days./

Goku smiled to himself, abruptly shutting off contact. Ha. Did they think me that easy a mark?

He turned on his side, stretching in fatigue. A panoramic view of sparkling stars and moonlight cast a soft glow through the window across the bed.

Goku couldn't say why, but the nocturnal display enthralled him. A slow vision of circular beauty rose above the horizon, a stark contrast to black skies. The moon.

Chi Chi wasn't asleep. She peeped quietly at her husband, watching his strange expression.

Goku's face slackened to a blank stupor as he stared. A small tingle, barely noticeable sparked to a strange warmth under his skin. That same warmth turned to white heat winding slowly up his spine...

A deep growl curled from within. Alarmed, Chi Chi sat up.

"Goku?"

He ignored her, feeling the change. Words meant nothing, thoughts meant nothing. In silence he moved, rising from bed. The call was too strong.

/Kakarot, come/

"Goku, can you hear me!" slim hands shook him in desperation.

Her words came from a distance, but it didn't matter. He pushed her away.

"What's happening to you? Tell me!"

Her entranced husband didn't respond. Slowly he pulled on a pair of

gi pants, coiling his tail and binding it securely under a sash at

the waist.

A slap. "Wake up, damn you!"

Goku blinked. "Chi Chi?"

"Are you sleepwalking?"

"I...no. I have to go!" he moved at the window.

"Wait. What are you going to do!"

"I'm sorry, Chi Chi...I can't explain, but I have to leave!"

"STOP" she was yelling at empty air. With one prodigious leap Goku bounded out the open window into darkness.

Chi Chi stared in shock as her husband ran into the night and disappeared.

Insanity...

Insanity. Like a madman he took to the skies, flying south at near light speed. Down the mid time zone he zoomed, following the moon as if tethered on a string...

Chi Chi didn't waste any time. In panic she called Krillen and asked for an emergency meeting regarding Goku's strange behavior.

"Chi Chi, do you have any idea where he went or why?"

"No. That's why I'm worried. If the saiyans are trying to use Goku, mess with his mind-"

A pause. "I'll contact the others. Hang tight, okay? We'll work out a strategy."

"Thanks, Krillen. You're a lifesaver."

"Anytime.And don't worry. We've been through tight situations before."

()

Goku landed in the vicinity of the keep, wild air filling his nostrils. He stood in silence, briefly taking in the scents and sounds of jungle wildlife. Peeps, whistles and roars filled his earsin the distance.

Three saiyans awaited anxiously, their forms shaded against the night. Tails twitched in anticipation as sculpted bodies gleamed like polished bronze in dense foilage.

"He comes." Vegeta purred roughly, squatting in tall bamboo. "The trail is well marked?"

Nappa peered through thick growth. "Hai, prince...soon will he know!"

Raditz blended into the bush, his mane having the appearance of a

small tree. "Closer, ai...I can smell him!"

Like shadows they melted into deep forest.

Goku cautiously walked with measured steps, feeling a strange fire heat his bones. Gentle breezes blew across a meadow he approached. Familiar, potent scent assailed his nostrils.

I know that...but how?

Growling softly, he investigated further. The trail was stronger still along tree trunks and through heavy foilage. He wrinkled his nose in delight, unaware of the instinctual reaction. Further along he wound, approaching an enclosed waterfall against jungle backdrop.

They were waiting. Three pairs of red eyes watched him in silence, eerie against the dark.

"What the hell?" Goku whispered under his breath, seeing their nudity up close. The saiyans sat clustered on wet boulders, water streaming around them on all sides. The scene was eerily reminiscent of his dream. Dark spiky mops were overgrown and shaggy, spiking to bizarre porportions. Even Nappa had grown long shocks from the back of his head, although he was still bald up top.

Vegeta spoke first. "Eventide, Kakarot...we are pleased you join us this night."

Goku stared at their strange appearance. "What's wrong with all of you?"

Raditz shook his great mane and laughed. "Have you no other word, brother? 'Tis meet that you came to us now."

"Mostly out of curiosity" Goku managed, looking them over. He felt strangely turned on.

Vegeta lowered glowing eyes in seduction. "I've been described as most comely. Do you find me attractive, Kakarot?" a soft purr.

Goku could only stare at bronzed perfection. "I...I'm thinking many things."

Vegeta waved his tail at him. "And do you trust us now?"

"I don't know. Something compelled me to be here."

"Understandable" Nappa chimed in. "The trail was strong...you had no choice."

"Trail?" Goku frowned, turning the memory of scent over in his mind. He glanced at Raditz briefly. "That was your doing, as well?"

The maned saiyan grinned. "Hai, you've a good nose. But enough of this, come join us on the rocks."

"I'll keep my distance for now. This night is wild and strange, and fire burns my body. I want answers!"

Vegeta leaned against Nappa as he received a massage. "All your answers are here...along with your heart's desire."

"What do you know of my desires?"

"This is jungle run, Kakarot. Lies die and masks fall away. You would burn and yet keep your distance?"

"That's right. I don't fear being saiyan, but I won't be used either."

"Hn. Even pride must yield to pleasure for our kind."

Goku walked the edge of the waterfall cautiously. "We'll see about that. Why are you out here in the jungle?"

In response the saiyans reared their heads back and roared. White fangs sparkled in near darkness.

Goku dropped down to sit on a nearby boulder. "That isn't an answer!"

Radtiz pointed smugly. "Kakarot, you're hilarious...have you learned nothing from your dreams?"

Goku stared at them all, shaking his head. "Hai, enough to know you look like lunatics."

"Lunatics, are we?" Nappa chortled. "Have you seen yourself recently?"

"What!"

Vegeta smirked. "No more illusions, Kakarot" he pointed at a clear pool of water. Goku stalked over to stare at the smooth surface. Dark eyes went wide in shock.

"Shit!"

The others laughed, a strange chattering sound. Goku stood transfixed by his own image. A memory surfaced once again...

Goku stared at his reflection in dark waters, not recognizing himself.

"Hn, I see another crazy saiyan" his mother taunted. "Your hair grows long."

It was true. He was red eyed and shaggy like the others...

"This is like that strange dream I had." he murmured in disbelief. The others came up behind him, forming a semicircle. Goku had a notion they resembled a cluster of demons roaming the night. He stared at his hands, seeing clawlike nails for the first time.

"Is this some kind of trick?"

A finger traced down his bare back, trailing fire. Goku jolted, spinning around.

"Sensitive, are we?" Vegeta teased, red eyes flashing weirdly. "It's no trick, Kakarot. You can't deny your blood or the feelings that come with it."

"I don't know what I feel. This is too bizarre."

The prince stood before him, magnificent in his nudity. "Jungle run is tonight, and you are here. Nothing else matters."

"It does to me" Goku backed away uncomfortably, forcing his eyes up.

"You find me attractive" Vegeta purred again. "Good. There is much between us this night-"

"Vegeta...I won't deny that at times it seems as if there's an energy between us. I've never been able to tell if we're friends or enemies..."

"We are less...and more. It has ever been so" a furry coil brushed his hip. Goku lifted it away gently, noting a sweet spicy fragrance.

"I should leave" his body felt strange, prickly hot. Raditz moved behind him.

"A lovely night, brother" the maned saiyan looked to the sky. "Have you seen the moon?"

"Yes, all the way down here!" Goku snapped, edging away again. Blood pounded in his ears making it difficult to concentrate.

"There is a small cloud cover. We but await it to clear, and then-"

"Why tell me?" Goku grew increasingly agitated. Their scent was strengthening, grating his nerves.

"Hn" Nappa pulled his chin, looking Goku over slowly. Wild red eyes fell to the bulky sash at his waist. "Join us in a swim, Kakarot" he leered, licking his lips.

"No..."

"I grow impatient with your reluctance, Kakarot" Vegeta growled, snapping his tail. "You aren't here out of curiosity or answers. The call of the pack has been answered, and you will participate!"

Goku balled his fists, attempting to go super saiyan. "Go to hell...no one orders me around!"

They growled at him with toothy smiles. Goku strained to change, a suffused golden glow rolling around his form...

Nothing happened. The glow dissipated rapidly to nothingness.

He stared at himself. "What the f-?"

"Look at yourself, Kakarot" Vegeta laughed wildly. "You're shifted into oozaru...under the moon there is no super saiyan!"

"What do you mean!"

"Remember the dream? You can't be in both states at once!"

"But I'm not oozaru, dammit! This should have worked-"

Another eerie round of laughter from the saiyans. "Brother, you're priceless." Raditz grinned. "Try as you will, oozaru will dominate here...you will change, soon enough."

"Bull!" Goku flared again, straining to maximum power. A misty golden aura expanded before imploding once again. He collapsed on the ground, spent for his efforts.

Sculpted bodies encircled him. Vegeta looked up quickly at clearing skies. "Kakarot...are you trying to deceive us? I do sense another change in you."

Goku pulled himself up to a knee. "Change? What are you babbling about, Vegeta?"

The prince gave a slow smile as comprehension dawned. "Hn, I can smell it..." he nodded at Nappa and Raditz.

Nappa tugged at Goku's sash. "This is pretty big...I wonder why?" a savage grin lit his features.

Goku slapped his hand away. "Go paw someone else."

"Hn, and after all we shared together..."

Raditz likewise glanced down. "Hai, most interesting. Take off those pants and join us in a swim!" he grabbed Goku at the waist from behind.

"Get the hell off of me, Raditz!" Goku snarled, wild hair sticking everywhere. A free hand slinked down his bare belly before pausing.

"Why Kakarot...are you trying to hide something from us?" Raditz purred sweetly, stroking across the sash.

Goku twitched, jerked. "Don't...ahhh...do that!"

"Like that, hn? Oh, what's this...a surprise!" he touched black fur through folds of cloth.

Goku sought leverage against the armlock. "Stop-"

"Game over, brother!" Raditz tore the sash away, revealing a thick tail that tumbled free. The black coil had an impressive length, lashing wildly about.

Nappa tasted his lips hungrily. "My touch did that!" he shouted in triumph.

"A touch well made, Nappa" Vegeta commented. "Your prince will show his gratitude."

Goku elbowed Raditz in the gut, who held on stubbornly. "And now it begins!" he shouted, yanking Goku's head back.

"Look to the skies, Kakarot!"

Goku stiffened, staring upward. Thin clouds wafted away, revealing a bright moon against sparkling stars. As Raditz said, game over.

Handsome features slackened once more, slipping into a trancelike state. Unblinking eyes blazed flaming red. With a gutteral roar, Goku burst free and turned oozaru, shifting to monstrous size and towering over dense jungle forest. Similiar cries erupted around him as the others transformed also, their roars rocking the jungle for miles around.

Whether it was meant to happen or not, Goku couldn't say. He only knew he felt great...

()

The explosion of ki didn't go unnoticed. The emergency session Chi Chi pleaded for was in full blown discussion at the Son house.

Krillen, Yamcha, Tien and Piccolo argued heatedly about a course of action regarding Goku.

"I still say it's a personal matter between Goku and Chi Chi!" Yamcha insisted.

Krillen sipped his coffee. "Gee, I don't know, guys...if Goku's changing, maybe he's under the influence of Vegeta some way."

"That's right" Tien chimed. "I contacted some friends in Tibet...they mentioned a tremendous power surge unlike anything they'd ever felt."

"There's something going on in South America." Piccolo stated.

()

Something indeed. Four mighty oozaru wrestled and fought in their own version of loveplay. Deafening blows traded with titanic crashes. A punch here. A kick there. Monstrous body rolls that broke open hillsides and caved out open terrain. The were apes had remarkable agility despite their huge size, leaping and bounding over small rivers and tossing huge boulders.

Communication was a different language altogether. They chirped and chittered, clucked and roared at each other. Tails lifted in display as they paired off and coupled repeatedly, roars of ecstacy frightening jungle game for miles around. Finally exhausted, the monstrous behemoths settled in huge caves, nuzzling in warm comfort.

The Z fighters were done arguing. The decision was made to investigate Goku's odd disappearance. A specially designed light ship by Capsule Corporation made the trip to South America unbelievably quick.

"What can we expect to find? It's almost dawn!" Krillen stared out the panoramic view screen at endless jungle terrain. The skies were lightening to deep lavender and pinkish orange hues.

"Good question." Tien stared also. "Anything unusual, I guess. But those ki spikes seem awfully familiar somehow...like something we've experienced before."

"Yeah, I was thinking the same thing" Yamcha said as he piloted the controls. "This is getting too weird...guys, you don't think Goku's joined them or something!"

Krillen glared. "C'mon, this is Goku we're talking about! Are you crazy?"

"We can't make assumptions" Piccolo warned. "Goku is changed, as we discussed earlier. Remember those are his own kind."

"But they're evil." Yamcha insisted. "Why would he associate with them?"

"On some level I understand, Yamcha. I don't pretend to know the saiyan mindset, but I can tell you this...it's difficult to turn away from your own, no matter the circumstance."

"Then we'll have to convince him otherwise." Tien supplied. "His home is with us!"

"Is it?" Piccolo wondered aloud.

()

Goku opened his eyes blearily, his face against damp skin. Scents filled his dawning awareness. Soil, sweat, musk. Plants, water, semen. All were combined in a primitive fragrance he found most...delightful.

Dark eyes blinked in confusion as he rubbed his head and looked about. He was sandwiched in saiyan flesh, a tangle of arms and legs. Soft waterfall pattered outside the damp cave rich with moss and lichens.

Cold shock stabbed his gut to full awareness. What did I do?

He glanced down at blissfully sleeping saiyans squeezed around his body. Vegeta was pressed underneath him, a rapturous expression on his face.

Vegeta...

Goku realized then how beautiful the prince truly was. Fingers traced soft lips and heavy brows.

I could never say it, Vegeta...but there's always been something there. I wanted you but feared acting on my feelings. There was too much at stake.