Chapter Eleven: Keep fighting
"Naomi stop!" Goku ordered when he appeared next to her and Tien's battle. As if his voice had reached her over everything else Naomi froze. Her fire red eyes moving to see if Goku was in fact there and not something her warped brain had made up. Yet there he stood. A look of concern on his face. Tien took this opportunity to catch his breath. Multi form took a lot out of him especially in fighting two determined saiyans. Naomi held her fists at her sides but she felt the rage pump through her violently. She had to fight just to be able to hear what Goku had to say and not jump to attacking the new threat.
"Listen to me Naomi, the moon is making you act this way. You have to fight it. You are stronger then this." Goku said softly. Taking very slow steps towards her, trying not to set her off again. Goku couldn't blame her. He did his fair share of damage to this planet because of the full moon. Things he couldn't even remember. Things he didn't want to remember. He couldn't help her in this. She had to fight it on her own. Since they had already wished the moon back once they couldn't do it again so there was no easy out. "Let me help okay? Just stay calm and you will regain control."
Goku felt his heart drop when he watched a large tear fall from her eye. She grinded her teeth and instead of returning to her fight with Tien she charged at Goku. Only having enough sense to know if she was going to fight, it would be against someone who she more then likely wouldn't harm. Goku caught both of her fists and held her there. Pulling her very close to him so that she couldn't squirm away. Naomi stopped fighting for control and savored the closeness. Feeling the warmth coming from Goku making her a little weak. She forced her head up to look into Goku's eyes. The one's she always thought held the meaning of goodness in them. Goku sighed,
"Come on Naomi. You can beat this. I know you don't want to hurt anyone." It was never so easy. Even if everything inside her was screaming for her to stop she just couldn't. With a smile she summoned two ki blasts in each hand making Goku let go of her immediately and when he was a good distance away she let them fly at him. He flicked them away with a mere wave of his hand. A scowl coming on his face. Looks like this would have to be the hard way. Something Vegeta had already realized when he sauntered towards Hideo who was still enraged in his fight with the now two Piccolo's. As Hideo went to charge at them yet again Vegeta grabbed him from behind by the very hairs in his Mohawk. Vegeta pulled him towards him and brought his knee up directly into the younger sayian's lower back. Hideo grunted and looked up to find his new attacker. A chill went through him when he saw the disapproving glare of his more vicious mentors.
"You have a moon on your planet boy, why are you reacting so violently to this one?" Vegeta stated loudly in Hideo's ear. Vegeta's eyes turning up towards the moon then back at Hideo. "Why are you so angry, you brats have it easier then Kakarot or I had it when we were your age I assure you." Hideo didn't answer but instead elbowed Vegeta in the stomach in attempt to get him to let go of him. He felt the breath leave Vegeta for a second but his gloved hand remained firm in his grip on Hideo's hair. He tugged even harder now and Hideo yelped in pain. Vegeta cleared his throat then continued about his conversation as if nothing had happened. "You use plenty of your power in training everyday, so it can't be built up that much. So what is making you lose yourself now?" Vegeta waited for a response and when he didn't receive one he kneed Hideo in the back for a second time.
"Answer me!"
"I. Don't. Know." Hideo grunted. His teacher's actions not exactly helping the rage situation but he searched for a more suitable answer. "We are stronger then what you make us to be you know. We aren't anywhere near your power and it's infuriating. But to everyone else on this planet we are an unstoppable force. Maybe we just want to get into a fight where we won't lose. For once." Vegeta scoffed and rolled his eyes.
"That is what you are whining about? Babies want to win so bad that you have to go out and start a raucous like this? You have the strength to fight the moons hold over you, now do it or be incapacitated. It's your choice. We will revisit this when you are of a sound mind." Vegeta retorted then let Hideo go. Hideo flew a little farther away from him and rubbed his head. Looking back at Vegeta in fury as the older saiyan still held the same bored expression as always. Vegeta knew a lot of his students reactions were not their fault but they had to control it now or else this would just keep being a problem.
"…I can't…" Hideo replied as he tried with all his might to stop the urge to attack again. The fear he had of Vegeta being the only thing that kept him where he was for now.
"You can. I know it's difficult, but just because you are pissed off at your own weakness doesn't mean to go out and start fights with anyone you see fit to make yourself feel better."
"I'm not weak." Hideo said his rage flaring yet again. This time his fists were clenched so tight a trickle of blood fell from his palms and down his wrists. Vegeta smirked.
"Prove it then." Vegeta stated knowing most of his fury was probably directed towards him anyway so worst case scenario would be Hideo attacking him. "Fight it. I assure you it's the only way you can prove your worth to me. If you are going to be a slave to the moonlight now then you might as well pack up and go home. I haven't the patience for disgruntled teenagers."
Hideo stared back at Vegeta's cold black eyes. After a few moments he started to think clearly again. He breathed in and out slowly. Vegeta watching him like a hawk. When he saw Hideo unclench his fists and his eyes fade back to the natural black ones he simply nodded in approval to him. Vegeta then turned to Piccolo and said
"Continue about your business. I'm sure the boy is still eager for a fight, so don't disappoint him." Vegeta laughed and Hideo who was now regaining his senses looked to him then the namekian that was still near him, even though he was in one form instead of two now.
"Wait what-" Hideo started before Piccolo's foot met his chin in a strong kick. Hideo went flying back to the ground. Now in control of his actions but not very much enjoying the battle anymore. Nor liking that it was continuing even though he was back to normal. Piccolo landed next to Hideo who was stumbling to his feet. Piccolo grinned.
"What you think this was over? You started this kid, so let's finish it." Piccolo stated watching Hideo stand securely on his feet once more. Hideo ran his tongue over his swollen lip then that rusty metallic taste of blood tainted his taste buds. Never had he imagined that he would get so accustomed to tasting blood. He felt a lot weaker now. Without the moon's extra nudge towards power and having to constantly fight off it's call to him was making him much less effective then he was before. It's not as though Piccolo would kill him or anything but he's probably still sore about the words they had exchanged and he did randomly attack someone that he assumed was one of his friends.
"Alright green dude, let's finish it." Hideo agreed. The fight raging on yet again. Only now he was thankful that he only had one Piccolo to deal with. The scary thought of their punishment not ending after tonight popped into his head and he gulped. Damnit, looks like him getting his ass kicked would quickly become as familiar as his own heart beat. When Vegeta landed he appeared in front of the attacking Kaylynn and caught her fist before it made contact with Tien. Causing Tien to let out a small sigh of relief. That girl was tiny in comparison to him but damn did she have a mean punch. Vegeta's unchanging hardened eyes met Kaylynn's wild red one's and he kept a firm grip on her fist.
"Stand down." he said as an order. Kaylynn smirked and Vegeta blocked the knee coming up to jab him with his own. The girl was easy to predict and extremely defiant no matter what her state. He admired it but now it was just annoying.
"Why?" Kaylynn asked in hushed voice that could have been mistook for a whisper. She became aware that her knee was still locked with his and his hand was engulfing her fist. She had never noticed how much bigger his hand was compared to hers before. In a stronger voice he answered
"Because I told you to. I warned you once girl that I would remind you your place if you kept defying me. Don't let this night be that time."
"I won't kill him." Kaylynn protested rolling her eyes.
"You heard me. Your battle is over tonight."
"What if I beat up on you instead?" Kaylynn smirked and moved her knee away from him then attempted to punch him with her free arm which he effortlessly caught. Vegeta let a low growl escape him. Reminding himself she wasn't in complete control or else he'd have slaughtered her then and there.
"Bah, think you will do better now then you did but a few days ago? The moonlight can't save you from my power little girl."
"You know my name old man. Use it." Kaylynn retorted and the stare off began. Only Vegeta's usual smirk was no where to be seen on his face and instead a just as proud and cocky one showed on hers. Kaylynn was almost…shaken by the look in his eyes. It wasn't the untamed eternal anger or disapproval. It was regretful…almost solemn. Her face automatically softened to show her surprise. Vegeta released her and took a step back.
"I had hoped it wouldn't come to this, but have it your way. I warned you." his voice was gruffer then usual. Obviously to hide the hint of remorse in it. He held true to his word though. Before she could blink she felt his knee collide into the pit of her stomach. Despite all her dignity she let out a loud cry of pain. He had never hit her that hard before. He wasn't holding back. The next movements happened so fast it hadn't registered with her until she was on the ground. Vegeta pulled her by the back of her hair and yanked her closer to him then put his foot behind hers and pushed her straight on her ass. When she looked up at him his arms were crossed and the his scowl was lining his face. The second she got back to her feet Vegeta was on the attack again. Pushing her back on the ground from the mere rush of air from his hand he forced in her direction. Kaylynn was furious now. For the second time that night she was fighting just to stand on her feet and attack.
Meanwhile the fight with Naomi and Goku was winding down. Naomi was simply running out of strength. She gave all the power she had in her with every punch. Not that a single one landed. Goku either blocked or dodged. She panted heavily and felt sweat pouring down her face. The one day she decided to wear eye shadow like Kaylynn, had to be the one where she'd end up fighting. She had to look a mess, and down right pathetic. Goku didn't have a single bead of sweat on his face and he was dodging her like it was an old granny throwing punches at him. She wasn't meant for this life. It was obvious now more then ever. She couldn't keep up with Kaylynn and Hideo. She would never catch up. She just wasn't…a warrior. After embarrassing herself like this tonight she would just go home where she belonged. So she couldn't shame her master's and siblings anymore. With that thought she halted her attack and let her fists fall to her side. It was over. Even if she had the desire to fight it just wasn't in her. She attempted to look up at Goku in an apologetic expression. He walked closer to her sensing her power decrease and saw she was still struggling to catch her breath. It was kind of a relief in a way though, Naomi contemplated. Using every ounce of her power even though it got her no where.
"Naomi…are you okay now?" Goku asked. His happy tone despite the situation helping her push back the moon's hold over her. Still she answered bitterly.
"No, master Goku. I have failed you." Goku had to strain his hearing just to be able to make out what she was saying.
"Naomi, why would you say that? We have all lost control because of the moon before. It's just one of the…downsides to being a saiyan. It's normal I guess." he smiled lightly to her and she looked away from him.
"It's not just that. I wanted the moon to take control over me. I wanted the power because…I thought it was the only thing that would make me strong. I try and I try but I just can't keep up." Naomi sighed. Goku placed his hand on her shoulder but her eyes remained on the ground. Refusing to look up into those peaceful eyes or to see his forgiving smile. She didn't deserve it.
"Well if you ask me I think you have come a long way since you have first arrived here." Goku said smiling and Naomi still didn't meet his gaze.
"Not like Kaylynn or Hideo. They are true saiyans."
"That's because you are not Kaylynn or Hideo. You are you. Everyone has a different fighting style and everyone learns at a different pace. You know Gohan thought the same thing a long time ago. He didn't think he could ever tap into the massive power he had locked away inside him. It took years but he finally did it. He even saved the earth all on his own against Cell. Now I can't tell you much about being a true saiyan, but did you know I was born the lowest class possible on Planet Vegeta? So by that logic I shouldn't have the power I do now, but I trained hard and here I am. I know you will not only match my level one day Naomi but I'm pretty sure you will surpass it."
Naomi didn't answer. His voice and words soothed her. She enjoyed feeling her heartbeat return to normal, though because of that she felt her cheeks flush at the same time. There she was standing next to possibly the strongest and most valiant fighter in the universe and she was blushing and in almost tears like a little girl. What she wouldn't give to just disappear from existence.
"I wish I could see what you do." she said her eyes continuing to burn a hole in tiny spot on the ground she was focused on.
"Don't be so hard on yourself. It's not a race or a competition. You have all the time you need to get where you want to be. It's not your power alone that will make you a great fighter." Goku said then with gentleness such sturdy hands couldn't possibly be capable of he touched her chin and nudged her to look at him. She repressed a gasp. Anytime she looked into those eyes she was in awe. "It's your heart. That's what makes you great. You may have lost yourself tonight but in the future that heart of yours will lead you to victory. You'll understand one day."
Goku studied her face. The moonlight bouncing from her pale skin made her almost glow in front of him. He felt a grim sting run through him when he saw the tear stains on her pretty face. Without thinking he took his thumb and wiped them away. She smiled up at him and he felt another strange feeling in his chest. He wanted to pull her close to him, to wrap his arms around her to prevent her from shaking anymore. To make her feel protected and wanted. He didn't understand why. A yelp of pain snapped him back to his senses and he looked back at the battlefield. Looked like both Vegeta and Piccolo thought getting the teens back to themselves involved a much more violent approach. He sighed. There was nothing for it. He promised Vegeta he wouldn't interfere with his methods as Vegeta wouldn't do so in his. Though technically Kaylynn was under his watch now so if things got to extreme he could step in. At the moment Hideo was clearly exhausted and now bloodier then Piccolo was. Goku gave him credit though, he kept fighting. Even though Piccolo was clearly overpowering him.
Kaylynn on the other hand…was not doing as well. Vegeta wasn't giving her even the slightest chance of landing a hit on him. What was more maddening was the man hadn't used a single ki attack nor fancy maneuvers. Just simple punches and kicks, maybe a head butt once or twice. She knew how strong he was, but he wasn't even trying to hold back. The little he held back in training was obviously still miles of difference. She was on the ground doubled over in pain. With blood streaming out of both her nose and her mouth, anymore blood on her face and she would be unrecognizable. The only thing making her not pass out from pain was the extra bit of power from the moon. Her head was throbbing and she took as little breathes as she could because she felt like her lungs would explode otherwise. She hid her face in her hands so that he couldn't see her so vulnerable. Damn him. The bastard wasn't even trying. She heard his heavy footsteps grow closer and closer but she was not afraid. There was nothing he could do to her that was any worse then what he had already done. Save kill her and at that point she didn't really care if that happened either.
"Have you had enough or do you still desire more?" Vegeta asked but looked away when she removed her hands and he saw her face distorted with blood and bruises. A sick feeling in his stomach knowing he was the cause, but damnit the brat wouldn't listen otherwise.
"Not on your life." Kaylynn said and Vegeta clenched his teeth when he heard the sickening sound of her bones cracking when she tried as hard as she could to get up on her feet though she came crashing back down. She chuckled at her state, and she thought training was bad.
"Give up!" Vegeta yelled trying to control his own anger. One hit to hard at this point and he would kill her. He thought for sure the girl would break after only one or two hits but each time she got back up and attempted to attack him again. When Kaylynn got to her feet Goku had to stop Naomi from rushing over to her. Assuring her that Vegeta knew what he was doing. As painful as it was for even he to watch he had to let Vegeta do what he thought was best.
"Fuck you!" Kaylynn yelled back but immediately regretted it because now to top everything off her throat was burning.
"Why are you so hell bent of defining me?! I came here to try and help you stupid girl!" Vegeta yelled keeping himself in control but he his aura still flared around him like the flames raging in his mind.
"I'm not a good student I guess." Kaylynn chuckled weakly then coughed up a bit of blood as a result.
"You can not win this battle. Now I am ordering you to desist. Now!"
"No."
"Stop fighting and come home!"
"No." Kaylynn repeated and tried her best to fight the upcoming blackness that threatened to take over her. "I will not just accept whatever you say just because you are my teacher. I'm not an obedient dog waiting to bow at your every command! I gave you my word I wouldn't kill the man I was fighting so what harm was I doing? Yeah the moon may have gotten me into this but I do not stop a fight until I'm either dead or my opponent has fallen! There is no other honorable way, but you had to interfere! Now you hold true to your convictions and you truly defeat me yourself or step aside and let me finish what I started! You said you would punish me but you have yet to strike the finishing blow or to render me unconscious so do it! I'm not afraid like you want me to be!" Kaylynn yelled out. She struggled for breath and her knees were shaking. Wanting to collapse under her weight but she wouldn't allow it. Not after that speech. She tried to think of her next move. She analyzed Vegeta's stance but he hadn't moved and he held the same cold expression as he did before. Staring at her as if she was a puzzle that he was desperately trying to fit all the pieces together.
"Do it…or I swear I will never respect you again." Kaylynn said again breathlessly. Not that even if he did decide to let her keep fighting Tien she would be able to win. She couldn't even summon the lowest level of ki attacks if she tried and even if she could still throw some punches or kicks they would be half hearted. Goku took a small step forward. Half afraid that after her speech it would have angered Vegeta to the point the wouldn't be able to control his next attack so he was prepared to fly in between the two if need be. Though Goku knew Vegeta better then anyone and even though he appeared livid as always Goku didn't sense any anger coming from him. Actually…he couldn't identify anything coming from Vegeta.
Vegeta was incredibly intelligent and you could almost see the gears turning in his head as he stared at Kaylynn. Goku's eyes widened. No one else could have noticed because the expert fighter was well at hiding it, but Vegeta's left hand was shaking, but if it was not out of anger…then what could be the cause? Kaylynn grunted at Vegeta's silence and lack of movement. Without any rational thought she used the remainder of the strength to fly towards Vegeta. Determined to land at least one hit on his smug face. To discourage her further he disappeared before her very eyes. She landed where he once stood and searched for him. Damn all her blood loss, she couldn't so much as sense his power. Vegeta reappeared behind her when her back was turned. He gave her a light tap on the back of her head and it was over. Before she hit the ground he gently grabbed her and cradled her against his chest. Watching her red eyes fade back to the violet one's she was born with before her eyelids closed completely. He let out a sigh and turned to look at Goku who was now walking over to him with Naomi close behind.
Hideo's match was also now at a close. For the hundredth time that night he was on the ground. He wasn't doing horribly but every time he started to get the upper hand Piccolo would throw another ki attack at him. Impressive attacks. This guy must have battled just as long if not longer then Vegeta and Goku in order to achieve that. Before he could get on his feet Piccolo's green hand was in front of his face. When Hideo looked up at his face he saw that he was smiling. Like Hideo had pleased him somehow by falling on his ass as many times as he did. Truly Hideo was ashamed. Not only did he lose his cool and go out and attack people, one of which he had never even met before but he couldn't even defeat them. He felt bad for any body who attempted to mess with earth. Here he thought Vegeta and Goku was earths biggest defense but even if they failed it looked like they had a cavalry of strong backup's that would be just as hard to take down. Hideo was hesitant to take Piccolo's hand seeing as he could easily trick him by throwing him across the desert of making a point blank ki attack. Piccolo sense his wariness and assured him.
"Well done kid. There is no sense to fight anymore, you are clearly beaten. Next time the full moon is out do me a favor and stay in control, I'd hate to have to kill such a promising fighter." Piccolo said with a small chuckle. Hideo couldn't help but grin. Seemed like the people of earth were accustomed to all sorts of strange events. Harboring a pack of saiyans before them probably helped. He took Piccolo's hand and he was effortlessly pulled back to his feet. He felt sudden guilt at Piccolo's kindness after the harsh words he had said to him. His point was well proven though. Piccolo was no push over, he really had a lot to learn if he wasn't even on his level yet.
"Sorry…for all of this." Hideo said feeling humiliated. He did well sure, but he just showed everyone including his masters that he had little grip over his own power and no matter what way you looked at it he lost. Not only that but he had return home with a very disgruntled teacher. Not that he didn't deserve what was coming to him but he wasn't looking forward to it to say the least. Piccolo scoffed.
"It's not me I would be apologizing to." He said simply then turned around to walk away. Giving a quick look to Goku to make sure he wasn't needed further. When Goku nodded he continued on his path to head back to the lookout. As he walked he felt a continued throbbing pain in his mouth. Moving his tongue to the source in his surprise he spit out a tooth Hideo must have knocked loose without his knowing. He stared at the little white tooth in his hand in disbelief. He clenched his hand over it and laughed.
"Your going to go far kid." Piccolo whispered into the night. After gathering up his armor he disappeared without another word. Hideo gathered his surroundings and saw Kaylynn slumped over in Vegeta's arms unconscious. He sighed. He prayed she was okay but that girl did not know when to give up and he doubted she even knew the meaning of the words. Before he rejoined his master's and his sisters he walked over to Tien. Chiaotzu was by his side making sure he was okay and he was joined again as one being instead of the two he had spilt into. Hideo started to feel even worse now deciding to confront him as well. What made things worse his even he was wearing a small smile at the sight of him.
"I apologize for disrupting you at your home and for my actions. You are free to take your vengeance in anyway you see fit." Hideo said to Tien bowing his head. Expecting to feel a strong punch or even a ki blast. Instead Tien gave him a good tap on his shoulder and Hideo's eyes looked into Tien's.
"All is forgiven. I got to admit, I haven't had that much action in a long time. It get's a little dull around here. Next time you want a battle just announce yourself first okay um…" Tien said then suddenly remembered he had no clue who the kid in front of him was or the other two for that matter except that they were Goku and Vegeta's students. Hideo smiled and felt embarrassed yet again.
"Hideo." he finished for him. Tien nodded.
"If you are training under those two, I know I will hear that name a lot more often in the future." Tien assured with his third eyes glancing over at Vegeta and Goku. Hideo did the same and when he saw the impatient look on Vegeta's face he knew it was time to go. With a quick nod to Tien he made his way back over to them. A terrified feeling in the pit of his stomach the closer he got. As soon as he stood in between Goku and Vegeta they were teleported back to Goku's house to his surprise. Not knowing what was going to come next. Vegeta immediately headed to the little house she and Naomi were staying in and laid her on the bed. He was going to turn and leave right away but looking once again at Kaylynn's blood covered face he stopped. He ripped a small bit of his shirt and wetted it in the tiny sink in the corner. As he wiped her face clean he felt the sting of guilt take over him. He never had any hang up's over fighting against women. Well women fighter's at least, yet he couldn't help but wonder if he had been to hard on her. Brat deserved it. She was infuriating. When he was done he left the house in time to see Goku him hand Naomi a senzu bean.
"Sorry it's the only one I have. I'll visit Korin tomorrow and get more. Give it to Kaylynn when she wakes up. I think she needs it more then you too." he instructed and she nodded. Goku looked over to Vegeta and saw the look in his eyes. He turned back to his students.
"We need a minute you guys. Vegeta and I need to talk. Wait inside and make sure Kaylynn get's the senzu bean as soon as she awakes okay. With an obedient nod the brother and sister went into the house. Hideo was convinced that when they came back they would tell them to scram back home. How could he blame them? He just disgraced them with attacking their friends like rabid animals. Who wants to put up with that? Naomi feared the same thing and she was already trying to find the words to plead her case. Hoping that Goku's forgiving nature would win out over Vegeta's impatience and demand for perfection.
"What now Kakarot?" Vegeta voiced when he was sure that the young saiyan were inside. "It was simple tonight but if that were to happen when they are much stronger as planned it could be catastrophic."
"I don't think it will happen again. They have been here for months without changing under the full moon, tonight could just be a fluke. Besides did you see their down trotted faces? They know they messed up and they fought it once we confronted them. As soon as Kaylynn awakes she will probably feel just as bad."
Vegeta grunted at hearing her name and clenched his fist.
"That girl is impossible. She defies me at every turn, she's stubborn, and she refuses to put anything before her sense of self worth even with her life in danger!" Vegeta said a lot more harsher then he meant for it to come back. Goku let a small smile show on his face even with Vegeta staring evilly at him.
"Yeah, because that doesn't sound like anyone we know." Goku said receiving an even more intense look from Vegeta.
"And what is that supposed to mean Kakarot?" he hissed. Goku chuckled a little.
"Oh nothing. The point is she's a strong girl and she has that fire she needs to become the best fighter she can be. They all do. I think just incase we should make sure they are indoors on days of the full moon for a little while. But like I said I doubt it will happen again. Vegeta nodded though his fists were still clenched at his sides.
"We will let them rest tomorrow and continue on as normal. Though I promise you that girl is on thin ice with me. I will not teach someone who not cooperative." Vegeta said before taking to flight to head home. It was both her most admirable and most annoying attribute. He was both angered and strangely proud by her. Though he learned something valuable from her little spell. She wouldn't give up. She'd keep fighting till the end. Earth needed that. Perhaps he did too.