Chapter Fifteen: Familiar
It was warm out that day. It seemed like for weeks the weather had only provided cold rain and chilled winds. The trio had used the snag in weather to slack off a bit. For almost two years straight they had endured whatever training they could to get stronger. For the past year alone their close friends Trunks and Goten taught them some new tricks, but mostly provided efficient sparring partners. The times they weren't training they were having a great time. Trunks and Goten took them to a movie theater to watch what was basically television but on a much larger screen, it was amazing. No commercials too. Though here recently thanks to all the rain they were up playing board games or just plain talking and laughing. Naomi enjoyed the closeness between the five of them. Never before did she think silence amongst a group of people wouldn't be awkward or irritating. Though it wasn't. it was comfortable. No one need say a word, and they could spend hours merely staring at the television screen in complete content.
Naomi was always the first out of bed in the morning. She was certain that if she left the boys alone, they would sleep all day long. Hideo especially. She had made sure anytime she went to awake him to remove all objects close to his grasp, or else he would sling them at her when she'd flick on the light. Pop bottles, alarm clocks, plates, you name it. If he could get his hands on it he'd toss them at her in protest then mumble curses into his pillow. Naomi was thankful for her morning abandonment today however. She planned on making a visit she would in all honesty prefer alone. She quietly got dressed in her martial arts uniform and fixed her hair in the small bathroom mirror. She smiled when she saw the state of the bathroom was just as big of a wreck as the rest of the house. About six empty shampoo bottles littered the bath tub and sink. Along with at least twelve empty toilet paper rolls She was the only one that really cleaned. If she didn't do it, it wasn't done. She didn't mind though. If she wasn't training she would find herself growing restless and cleaning was a good outlet. She took pride in it, but the weather and a good wave of laziness struck her so it was starting to get a little out of hand. She did wrinkle her nose at the ashtray that sat on the sink. She could smell the burnt tobacco and chemicals even through the pleasant scent of her hairspray. Unfortunately Kaylynn and Hideo had taken up the bad habit of smoking in their time away. The only plus to this was they didn't do it very often. Only one or two a day. Unless they found themselves particularly stressed or worried then heaven knew how much of that junk they would take into their lungs.
When she was finished she headed out. Grabbing a simple blue ribbon as she passed from the kitchen table. Before she flew off to her destination she tended to her favorite hobby. One much more satisfying then cleaning. She had taken to planting flowers and tending to a small garden she planted next to the house. The weather wasn't helping the endeavor. She had to shelter them or else she was afraid the little things would drown. Goten had taken her to a florist when he found out her love of the beautiful creations. Her eyes almost bulged out of her head when she stepped inside. All the fragrance's and colors were almost overwhelming. The exotic flowers were of particular interest. They were always so bright in color. Goten had bought her a single white rose that day, which she still had pressed in a book. If only such a delicate and beautiful thing could live forever. She loved that little rose probably more then she should. What enticed her the most was on the tip of the flower was a tiny splash of pink. Goten told her their were ways to change the flowers colors in the growing process, that's why that particular rose was unique to the others. That's why Goten had picked it for her. She was so unique and gentle it only seemed fitting. It sat there in a sea of fellow white roses, cleary standing out amongst the rest. That's how he saw her. Naomi became thoroughly interested in the packs of seeds that were for sale when she was in the shop. The florist explained to her that all wild flowers came from tiny seeds that continued to grow in the ground until they were in full bloom. She bought as many packs as she could, and tried to match all the wonderful flowers she had seen grow in Chi Chi's garden from the pictures of the pack. She remembered vividly staring down at the itty bitty seeds as they rested in her palm. They seemed so insignificant by sight. How could anything so small be something of worth? Yet they could grow into the beautiful flowers she loved so much and even grow into the mighty oak tree's that sheltered her currently from the sun's rays. God, how this planet was glorious.
Hastily she grabbed an assortment of her favorite flowers and tied them together with the ribbon. She liked this grouping. The contrast of bright and dull colors really kept the eye busy. She took to flight and headed in the direction she had planned on avoiding, but she couldn't do it anymore. She had to face it. No more hiding your head like a frightened child. Time to be strong. When she arrived she landed and walked over to the spot. It looked different then the last time she was here. Fresh dirt replaced with a sheet of grass as if the grave had always been there. She gingerly laid her bouquet of flowers by the grave stone and then sat on the grass a good distance away.
"Hey Chi Chi…" Naomi said in almost a whisper. Feeling kind of dumb talking to essentially thin air. She convinced herself that her words would travel to the afterlife absent proof or certainty. She had rehearsed what she had wanted to say over and over in her head but she knew she would leave out something. "It's been a little over a year since you have laid to rest. When you were taken from us…Goten has been acting a lot happier these past couple months. I know seeing him sad would probably break your heart. I um…I've gotten a lot stronger in these past two years. I know you told me many times in the past that fighting wasn't everything, though I truly think you would be proud. Of all of us. I wanted…I wanted to thank you Chi Chi. And to tell you I am sorry for not being brave enough to tell you all of this sooner."
Naomi could feel a slight breeze now, though it wasn't as chilling as the previous days. It cooled her burning cheeks that were red from both embarrassment and shame. She feared if her words were heard it would only disrupt Chi Chi's peace with her babbling.
"I wanted to thank you because, when I was growing up I always wondered what family I had lost. Who was my mother? My father? I know…I know Hideo and Kaylynn are not in blood relation to me so I often wondered if I had any other siblings. Those thoughts and unanswered questions would keep me up at night. Were they bad people? Did they really kill or slaughter people for sport? What I found myself wondering the most was…would I shame them by not sharing in their bloodlust? For being weak? Then I met you…and after time my strength and fighting ability meant nothing to you. You saw me. I think it was the first time anyone saw me for me and not a saiyan or a fighter. I took all your lessons to heart…when you would let me watch you in your garden after a days training. I have a small one of my own now. Nothing compared to yours but I'm learning. I promise by next year you will have hundreds of flowers to keep you company." she stopped to take in a deep breath not knowing what to say next. Despite all her promises to herself she felt her hands shake. Would she ever be more then a weak hearted child?
The sound of a twig snapping caught her attention and she quickly looked over at source. The rose suddenly and turned her head to hide her face. None other then Goku of course stood but a few feet away. A heartbreaking look on his face yet he stepped closer and closer to her.
"Forgive me master. Had I known you were planning on being here at this time I would have waited." Naomi muttered at a very fast pace then went to move past him. Knowing that her instructions were to not see either of her teachers for two years time and she didn't wish to upset him. A gentle hand gripped her upper arm. So light that had she not continued her course she wouldn't have felt it. Only until she was almost out of grasp did she realize Goku's hand was upon her. She wondered for the hundredth time how a warrior of his stature's hands could have such tender contact.
"Naomi wait. It's okay…please stay with me a while." Goku said. She closed her eyes and let his voice echo in her mind over and over again. That voice. It was incredible how much she missed hearing that voice. So much so she didn't realize just how she missed something so simple until it was brought to her ears after a year's absence.
"Of course." Naomi said finding the courage to look up into the man's eyes and give him a warm smile. The smile which was returned in kind by Goku and she saw his still grief stricken black orbs fill with that fabled light that made Goku the man he was. She couldn't help but fill joy because seeing this at long last made the world seem right again. The way it should be. Even though the location required more of a somber emotion.
Goku's gaze turned to the bright assortment of flowers that stood out amongst the few other bouquets resting on his departed wife's grave. Seemed like every time he visited her he'd see new ones. Somehow he knew the particular addition was from her. Goku bent down to pick up the bouquet in question. Looking from in to Naomi in astonishment.
"Did you bring these for her?" Goku asked and Naomi nodded.
"Yes. I grew them actually…Chi Chi taught me how to plant and tend to gardens long ago and I thought she would appreciate them more if she knew they came from my garden. I am kind of…proud of it."
"Yes…she would love them." Goku said with a smile then placed them back down to their resting place. His kind hearted chuckle startled her but she couldn't help but smile weakly. Of course it was a silly gesture.
"I know…a saiyan tending to gardens and flowers is kind of ridiculous huh?" she asked. Wanting to know so much more. How had he been? Was he okay? What about Bulma and the other's? The years apart was almost maddening. She grew to care for each of her new found friends extremely and it was a horrible feeling not knowing the state they were in. Though all those questions would wait. Tomorrow was the exact date they had departed from their teachers and they would at last be reunited with them. Naomi almost had her watch marked down to the seconds.
"That's not what I'm laughing about Naomi." Goku said and she felt her heart beat just a little faster hearing his voice and ways return to the way they were before tragedy had struck him. "I'm laughing because I had a feeling about you since the moment we first laid eyes on one another. I could tell that your hands were meant to give life and save life. Seeing these flowers were just proof that I was right." Goku smiled and Naomi felt her cheeks get hot again. She didn't think of it that way. Of course Goku of all people could take something as simple as planting seeds and make it sound like she was doing something profound.
"How often do you come here?" Naomi asked absent thought. She just wanted to break the silence and draw attention away from her blushing cheeks.
"Three or four times a week. " Goku said. His voice still light and breezy. He must have come to better terms with her loss in the past year though she doubted he'd ever be fully over it. Especially if he visited this place as frequently as he claimed. How could one ever truly get over such a thing? She didn't hold Chi Chi near as close to her heart as Goku had but she would at times remember her and it was like a sealed wound being split open. Though it was pleasant enough to see the loss didn't break down the man she admired so muh completely.
"I just hate the idea of her getting lonely you know?" Goku said taking a seat on the grass and Naomi found herself following his lead.
"You are a good man." she said. Of course it was a redundant statement. She often wondered if the universe truly knew of all the things Goku had done for it.
"Thank you Naomi. It's nice to know you think that way. To be honest I don't know if I hold myself in the same caliber anymore." Goku said. A smile still on his face but his downward gaze and nervous shuffling suggested that whatever he was referring to had tormented his mind for sometime now. Naomi was more then curious. What possible task could make Goku think little of himself.
"Why is that master?" Naomi asked scooting a little closer to Goku. Ready to dismiss whatever non sense he could have to say to explain how he could be a bad person. Goku's ears twitched at Naomi's choice of words. Something about it bothered him to no end.
"Please Naomi, you don't have to call me master. Goku is just as good." Goku said in all seriousness. Then he contemplated rather he should tell her what had been weighing on him for so long. Something he dare not breathe to his son's. Looking into those bright wide eyes of Naomi's he felt he could. At least he knew she would be honest with him.
"I don't claim to know to much about the condition that killed my wife, but I can't help but feel like…I aided in it. A lifetime of worry I gave Chi Chi. Since the moment we got married. I started to think and wonder how many nights did she lay awake, wondering where I was or if I was okay. I'd rush off to a battle without thinking and not give her so much as a goodbye…and sometimes I didn't come back. I've died twice Naomi. I don't know if you knew that. One time in particular was after the fight with Cell. To make a long story short his last ditch effort was to turn himself into a bomb the likes of which that would destroy the whole planet. I transported him to King Kai's planet and in the process I died after his attack. When they gathered the dragon balls to revive me I told them from other world not to wish me back. I chose to stay dead. I thought all I provided for the earth was further conflict. A lot of people sought to kill me and it made the planet in jeopardy. I missed so much in that time. I didn't even know that Chi Chi was pregnant. I missed the birth of Goten. I missed Gohan's first day at a public school, but she just bared it. Seven years without me. You see she is stronger then I ever could be. She just accepted my death and moved on. I however have not taken her death nearly as well. If a year has done this to me I can't imagine what the seven did to her. If I could take those seven years back I would." Goku explained.
Amazed at how fast and easily his bottled up emotions poured out of him. It felt nice. He paused to look over at Naomi and her eyes were if possible even wider then before. Leaning over to hang on to every word he was saying. He smiled at her then gazed up at the sky.
"So you see, I can't help but think all the stress I put her through is what caused…" he couldn't finish his sentence. It was a different affair to speak your fears out loud then it was to keep them locked away in the depths of your mind.
Goku had come to accept that he was the reason she passed so quickly. He had heard what stress could do to the mind and body, but how oblivious he was to what he was putting his pour wife through. A warm soft hand gripped the top of his and Goku looked at Naomi in disbelief. So wrapped up in his guilt and thoughts he had almost forgotten she sat beside him. How many times did he think the same thoughts over and over again in this very spot?
"What happened to Chi Chi was a travesty." Naomi said firmly. Gulping back her anxiety. Her words would do one of two things. Either help Goku feel better about the lies he had told himself or make him believe them more. How she did not want the latter to occur,
"The fact that you would even consider what happened to be your fault proves exactly what I told you. You are a good man. A man your wife loved and adored up until her very last moments in this world. Whatever hardship she endured being your wife she took on happily, knowing the risks. I know that anytime she had with you were the happiest in her life. No matter how often or breif they occurred. Without you, she wouldn't have known those joys. That's what you have to remember Mas-Goku. She may not be with us anymore but she lived a full life. A happy one. Something that only the blessed can claim. So you shouldn't have any regrets. Because I know were you to ask her, she wouldn't have any." Naomi smiled. Holding her breath awaiting Goku's reaction. Half afraid he would turn from her in anger and yell that she had no idea what she was talking about. Instead she felt his free hand being placed on top of hers and his eyes flickered from the ground to her. Goku himself was unsure on how to react. Her voice and words were the sweetest thing his sore ears had heard in a very long time. Sure, in many ways he had recovered a lot in the past year. Getting used to the absence of his wife. Yet hearing her voice after so long and the advice she had put Goku in a much better mood.
"Thank you Naomi. You have no idea how much that means to me."
Goku said taking a moment to look her up and down for a second. He Didn't really look at her at the funeral yet now she seemed like a completely different person.
"I am only saying the truth. No need to thank me." Naomi said gently. The few moments of silence that followed felt comfortable but started to make Naomi nervous. Goku's hand was still on top of hers and he was absent mindedly sweeping his thumb back and forth on the top of her hand. She looked away, trying to focus on anything other then Goku and his warm hands, Yet every time she looked back at him, his eyes were on her. Like he was trying to figure something out. Naomi cleared her throat and spoke. Feeling that familiar rush of blood to her cheeks.
"Can I…um help you with something?" She asked meekly not knowing what else to say. She was certain that was the longest time Goku had stared at her without interruption. He blinked then realized where his hand was and gently removed it. Naomi nervously put her hand in her pocket.
"You look different." Goku smiled happily. He again sounded like his old self and Naomi really did help that along.
"Yeah, 18 helped me pick out a different hairstyle. I kept it braided for years because I couldn't keep it tamed before. Saiyans and their one haircut you know? I promise were I not to maintain it, it would be just a thick mess." Naomi vented. At least now it didn't take as long to put up. Saving her many blissful minutes of extra sleep. Her hair reached the top of her breasts but the ends were rough and edged giving it the spikey look. Even with hairspray and proper styling techniques you just couldn't beat genetics. Though it was much easier to braid only a few strands of hair in the back then it was to braid the entire length.
"It suits you. Looks like you have grown up a lot in the past couple of years. I sensed your energy as I walked up here, but I didn't realize it was you."
"I hope it's enough to prove myself to you. Your son has helped me tremendously in the past year. After school he'd come over to our house and help us train."
Goku raised an eyebrow. Goten had been training with his students? Why hadn't he mentioned it to him? Goten would make up some excuse to come over to the house all the time. Like he needed an extra pillow or something to that nature. He knew it was just to check up on him. It was understandable. For a solid month after her burial no one could find him nor hear from him at all. He didn't want to be around anyone. He wanted to accept his depression. Doing anything else seemed to be a mockery to her memory. He didn't go anywhere or do anything in particular. Simply flew all around the world. Stopping at random cities to sleep and eat when he became to weak. Yet no matter how far he traveled his heart pined for his little house in the woods, though he knew were he to return it would make everything worse.
His children are grown and without Chi Chi he would just have a empty house to greet him. With both pleasant and bitter memories at every turn. When he returned his close support net of friends pretty much refused to let him wander off again. Hint why Goten was over as often as he was. Unlike his brother he only took on the required amount of classes unlike all the extra one's Gohan always took. That and Goten was not above playing hooky every once and awhile. Still though, not once did he mention being in contact with the other three saiyans let alone training with them. In truth Goku was probably more anxious for his students return then they themselves were. The constant company and having to come up with routines would be a nice focus for awhile.
"He has? Well that's wonderful. Can't be to prepared as I always say. It's nice to know he's taken an interest in fighting still. Before you guys came along
Vegeta and I kind of accepted that we would have to be earths best defenders. It's kind of easy to fall out of the habit of training in times of peace." Goku said breaking the silence and his train of thought,
"Do you expect us to be attacked soon?" Naomi said tensing up a bit. Goku contemplated this then put his hand on his chin. His eyes turning up to the cloudy blue sky above.
"Um not really. But to be honest with you Naomi I never really expected any of the times the earth was in danger. Well we were warned about Vegeta and Nappa arrival after my brother Raditz came to earth looking for me. Then Trunks from the future traveled back in time to warn us about the androids and my heart disease." Goku said not realizing that Naomi had no clue what he was talking about and her tennis ball eyes were proof of that. Vegeta and Nappa? Nappa…wasn't that the saiyans name that they had to fight? Were he and Vegeta in league with each other? Was Vegeta once…a villan? Androids…were there other's besides Android 18? Trunks came back in time from the future…what? All of this new found information was making Naomi's head spin and she felt kind of dizzy. Goku laughed and put his hand behind his head awkwardly. Realizing he had just spouted off a bunch of what probably sounded like nonsense. He placed his hand on her shoulder.
"No need for you to worry Naomi. I doubt we will see any trouble in the near future but the important thing is that even if we do we will be ready. All of us." He grinned and Naomi nodded. Starting to eager about showing him her new found strength. She was taking her lessons very seriously. She did not like the idea of Goku being disappointed in her. A feeling she got used to coming from Vegeta however. "What you should be thinking about is getting enough sleep tonight because our training starts first thing tomorrow morning. I know I can't wait."
"Me either Master. I have looked forward to it since the moment we departed." Naomi said realizing the slip when she addressed him as master but Goku didn't correct her but she watched him frown slightly. Odd how he disapproved of it now. She always called him Master Goku to his face in the past, though who was she to argue? She started to feel like her time there had to end, so Goku could have some peace. She really didn't want to but she knew her place. She wanted to sit with him in the sun a bit longer. Discussing his views and current state, and simply…enjoy his company.
"Well, I should probably go. About this time Kaylynn and Hideo are waking up, and if my hopes are right Kaylynn will be making pancakes this morning. I like mine with strawberries and whipped cream." she giggled trying to keep the conversation light and end it on a happy note. That was one thing Naomi just couldn't wrap her mind around however. Kaylynn could cook pretty tasty food now. She actually preferred baking. Naomi suspected it was because of her notorious sweet tooth, but she on the other hand couldn't so much as put leftovers in the microwave without burning it. Sure, Kaylynn couldn't make anything elaborate but it was more then either of her siblings could claim.
"Ha, I like mine just about anyway, as long as there's plenty." Goku smiled and they both laughed. Naomi said her goodbyes and Goku promised she would see him tomorrow. As she flew away Goku couldn't help but remember looking at her. Really looking at her. She looked different yet the same. Had her eyelashes always been that long? He also noticed that when she smiled on the edges of her mouth she would get dimples. Huh. More so, what he was most concerned about was why he felt a dull pain of guilt twisting around in his stomach.
He thought it best to ignore it and go back to what he had planned on doing. He told Chi Chi the exciting news that he was going to be a grandpa soon! Gohan and Videl had just informed him a few days ago. They had been trying for awhile now and seeing the proud look on his son's face when he told him the news made Goku the happiest he had felt in a long time. He was already planning all the new toys he'd have to make for him or her. A baby in the family is just what they all needed. He looked up into the beautiful sky above and sighed.
"I really wish you were here for our grandchild to meet." Goku said into the air. The wind brushing his face and pushing back his hair. He had to much to look forward to and to much to keep him happy to stay in despair anymore. Tomorrow couldn't come any faster.
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Mixed emotions filled the three saiyans as they made their way back to the all to familiar location of Capsule Corp. Excitement, Anxiety, Dread. For all they know even with all their efforts and training they could end up just as weak in their teachers eyes. Surprise, none of them had reached super saiyan yet. It was like the bane of their existence. Trunks and Goten mentioned (though it more slipped out) that they were able to reach super saiyan at a young age and relatively easy. Trunks quickly explained that both Vegeta and Gohan struggled with becoming a super saiyan too. So they started to assume it was different for different saiyans. Great. So they would reach it a year from now or ten years from now. Like it didn't feel like an eternity already. All well hopefully they have learned enough to show they haven't been sitting on their bums the whole time.
"So, how do you think the training schedule is going to work now?" Hideo asked as they flew. His jeans and leather jacket replaced with his old black and red martial arts uniform. He'd miss being able to dress freely everyday but if nothing else it was comfortable. He'd also miss his female company from a few of the bars in town. Was fun while it lasted, even though his sisters remained home pretty much everyday so it was hard to sneak them in and out.
"Like are we still going to do the back and forth thing and how long?"
"Hell if I know, I am just thankful to be learning under real masters again." Kaylynn replied. So anxious she had to slow down her pace for a few times to be the same speed as her siblings. She wanted to be back and get this going again.
"It's really up to Goku and Vegeta. I'm sure they know best." Naomi added. Now Capsule Corp was in plain sight and she could feel her heart pulse in her chest.
"Yeah, not like we'd have a choice anyway." Hideo said with a roll of his eyes. Knowing with absolute certainty he would be training under Vegeta for the first specific amount of time. Vegeta's favorite punching bag had been away from him for two years so no doubt he'd be wanting him back. When they landed, Naomi had expected to see her teachers standing in the front yard, staring intensely at them, but they were no where to be found. In fact they had to go inside the large building to find them. When they walked into the kitchen an unfamiliar sight was beheld.
Goku, Vegeta and Bulma were sitting at the kitchen table. A mug of coffee in each of their hands and a bowl full of muffins and donuts in the middle of the table. The most unusual thing about this picture was the sound of Vegeta's laughter. It wasn't mocking or sarcastic, it was sincere. Goku and Bulma chuckled too, Bulma covered her mouth in a lady like way. She had been thrilled that Goku's and Vegeta's stupid rivalry was over. They were friends now. In their own way but still friends. A few months after Chi Chi's death he started coming over to the house all the time. It lifted her heart to see Goku returning to his true self. Not long after that Goku would rush into the kitchen and cheerfully ask her what was for dinner. Bulma would cook all day if that's what it took to see Goku smile. Though she did have to hire a team of mechanics to fix the gravity room every night after her husband and Goku were done training in there.
Finally Bulma spotted the three young saiyans standing the kitchen doorway. She smiled and waved them over. Vegeta turned his head then smirked at them.
"Ah, there you three are." he said and his voice sounded much gentler then normal. "Come, join us." he added gesturing to the empty seats. Hideo immediately raised his eyebrow and tensed up. Thinking this was yet another weird test of theirs that they didn't get.
"Yeah come on guys, I'm sure your starving. I wanna hear all about your training in the past couple years." Goku said cheerfully getting up from his seat and moving to the one next to Vegeta to give the three plenty of room. They still stood in the kitchen doorway. Dumbfounded at the fact that Vegeta and Goku were getting a long so well, but the fact they weren't already training or being mocked by Vegeta. Hideo expected to be bleeding or drenched in sweat by now.
Bulma laughed at their stunned faces.
"Guys, come on I missed you so much! Even warriors need a good breakfast you know. So sit with us like a family and let's hear all about your adventures." Bulma encouraged. Ready to get up and push them to their seats if need be. Slowly the trio crept over to their seats. Preparing or a random punch or rogue energy blast at any second. It all seemed to easy. Even still as soon as Hideo sat down he reached eagerly into the bowl of treats and shoved some muffins into his mouth. Kaylynn looked at the bowl of food to Goku and Vegeta and back again. Still suspicious. She noticed one of the muffins had chocolate chips so big they were the size of her finger nails and the tempting aroma of the freshly brewed coffee would break her soon. Obviously when tempted with food, Hideo always accepted.
"So, I heard rumor that you were training under Android 18. How did you fair?" Vegeta asked casually eyeing Kaylynn from across the table. She locked eyes with him and felt herself smile even if she didn't mean to. It was just nice to see him again. Especially since he was being…polite?
"She was tough, but after your training it was pretty bearable. She taught Naomi and I exceptional ki attacks and how to channel it better. I am very grateful for her teachings." Kaylynn explained, keeping her hands folded on top of the kitchen table. She'd eat eventually but she wanted to see how this was going to play out first. Naomi's eyes scanned the kitchen noticing a few subtle changes. Above them hung a small crystal chandelier with little vines inscribed on each shard. The walls were painted a sky blue instead of the white before. She liked it much better. Seemed more cozy somehow. The counters were littered with new kitchen appliances that weren't there before. Naomi deduced this was because Bulma was choosing to cook the large amount of food that the saiyans required to subsist on more often instead of relying on her robotic staff to assist her. Which boded well for the trio. Bulma's cooking was always better then what the robots could concoct.
"Is that so? Well that will be interesting to see." Vegeta smirked looking thoroughly intrigued. The damn Androids never ran out of energy seeing how they were machines, but if 18 could teach the two other's girls how to hold onto theirs even longer then that of normal living beings that would be dangerous indeed. After teaching the students how to suppress their power levels it was hard to tell how much they had grown. He'd have to find out first hand. Which was much more exciting anyway.
"What about you Hideo? I heard Tien and you grew pretty close. He show you anything new?" Goku asked. Naomi found it odd that the bowl of food was as full as it was with him around. Lord knew when presented with food Goku would devour it almost instantly. Naomi's worried mind flashed to the possibility of Goku not eating as often and that didn't sit well with her. He didn't look any skinnier so that was a good sign. Since when did he drink coffee anyway? Hmm.
"You know it. That guy is packed full of techniques and martial arts. I kinda regret that our first encounter involved my boot to his face but he managed to kick my ass enough in training in payback." Hideo laughed. He nudged the food bowl to Naomi who was being her normal quiet self knowing her manners and shyness would make her refrain from eating in front of everyone but lord knew that girl needed to eat more. You'd think she was a human only eating three meals a day. He'd probably fall over dead if he attempted that diet.
Goku happened to notice that all of his students looked a little different. They looked older, yet still so young. Hideo's muscles had defiantly toned and bulged to impressive proportions. He had grown a few inches, so he was about the same height as Gohan now. Reaching almost eye level with Goku. Surely it was going to result in subconscious rage with Vegeta. His Mohawk was a bit longer too and his head had a bit of a stubble where hair was trying grow out. Kaylynn was a little taller too not that it did her any good, she was still the shortest though Naomi didn't tower over her as much in comparison anymore. Kaylynn's hair was a little different too. It was the same length and choppy layered but instead of her bangs spiking out they were swept across her forehead. You could tell the girls had toned up some too but they still managed to keep their feminine like figures. They still seemed the same though as far as personality goes.
Eventually breakfast was eaten and a few relevant stories were exchanged. Seemed their masters hadn't been slacking off in the two years either. Damn. Seemed the possibility of surpassing them was forever out of reach. They'd probably be able to beat them when they were in a wheel chair or hooked up to an oxygen tank. The trio followed Goku and Vegeta into the training room, where they knew their abilities were going to be tested. How, was the real question. Kaylynn's tail swished back and forth happily. She was excited and even though she tried to refrain from it, her tail seemed to have a mind of it's own. It was refreshing to see the gravity room hadn't changed. Only a new weight set and a few extra punching bags had been added. She was so used to Vegeta automatically turning the gravity up the second she entered the room she braced for it. Expecting some god awful amount of weight to be thrown on her but instead he and Goku stopped just in front of the controls and smiled at them.
"Alright guys I'm sure you saw this coming, but it's been so long since we've sparred against you we figured the best way to figure out your new abilities is by having a test." Goku said in a cheery voice.
"Okay…what's the test?" Naomi asked anxiously feeling a familiar pulse of thrill, that was associated with fighting. Especially those she knew was stronger then her.
"Don't die." Vegeta smiled. Naomi blinked and heard Hideo get out a word that sounded familiar like "huh". Before Hideo was immediately met by Vegeta's strong fist that sent him bolting towards the wall. He caught himself before making impact with it. DAMNIT. SERIOUSLY WHY ME? WHY DOES HE ALWAYS PICK ME! Hideo screamed in his head. Proud that he blocked Vegeta's knee with his and block his next up coming punches. The blocking wasn't the difficult part. It was the bone crushing power that came along with it that was hard to shake off. The pain that shot through all of Hideo's bones and body was the proper reminder that he was indeed sparring with Vegeta.
Goku leapt at Kaylynn as soon as Vegeta flew towards Hideo and Goku was impressed that she blocked automatically. Staring up at him with those fierce violet eyes. Without turning away he sent a strong energy blast towards Naomi who dodged then flew to her sisters aid. Now Goku was blocking and dodging both of the girls fists. Kaylynn grew tired of the stalemate and when he was distracted with Naomi's Kamehameha wave she ducked to the ground and forced all her weight upwards into an uppercut. Smashing her fist successfully into Goku's chin. She heard him grunt and stumble back a little. As she descended she kicked herself off of Goku's chest and changed direction to attack Vegeta.
Naomi used Goku being off balance to her advantage and tripped him. When he landed on the ground she wasted no time and dropped on top of him. Her knee's knocking the wind out of him as they collided with his chest. Without thinking she punched at his face with great speed and strength. Something Goku had never seen from Naomi. He shook off the shock of the initial attack then caught both of Naomi's fists pulling them above her head and out of reach of his face. The speed of this caught Naomi off guard and she ended up falling forward for a second. Her arms still being held up by Goku. She looked down at him for a second and their eyes met. She felt Goku's grip on her hands loosen but he didn't move. Just stared back into her eyes. For a few seconds the fight was completely forgotten and they just looked at each other. Goku's smile softened into what looked like an in awe expression and Naomi could only imagine what kind of goofy face she had in that moment. Then she became very aware of her position on top of him and how close she had gotten to his face and her entire face quickly changed to a shade of a tomato and she leapt off of him. Goku seemed a little shaken too but he returned to his fighting stance. Pushing whatever that was to the back of his mind and charged at Naomi.
Meanwhile Vegeta easily blocked Kaylynn's flying kick towards his head and retorted with pushing her away from him and sending a big bang attack hurtling towards her. She managed to dodge it but just barely. The energy from his attack melted the bottom of her shoes and now a disgusting smell of burnt rubber hung in the air. Hideo struggled out of Vegeta's grasp and he kneed the elder saiyan in his stomach then appeared behind him. When he went punch at him again Vegeta grabbed him and threw him back into the wall. This time he made full contact with it and he was sure he'd have to pick out the bits of the wall out of his skin. There went his two year streak of walking around with no major injuries.
Kaylynn smirked and realized it was the perfect opportunity to show what she had been working on for a couple of months now, and who better then to Vegeta himself? She out stretched her arm and she shouted proudly "Big Bang Attack". Yes! It was successful! The entire time she trained under him she couldn't get that one down but she watched an almost exact copy of the one he just sent towards her now flying towards him. The blue energy illuminating the small space in between them. Vegeta smirked and sent the attack flying away from him with a simple wave of his arm. Goku and Naomi had to jump out of it's way or else Kaylynn's Big Bang would have collided with him. Kaylynn felt that intense black gaze coming from Vegeta and shivered when she heard him laugh more menacingly.
"A pitiful attempt." he shouted making Kaylynn grind her teeth. She flew instinctively towards him and attempted to hit him directly and even with the two years of training it was proving difficult. The nagging thought that he wasn't even super saiyan kept popping into her head making her even more frustrated. She landed a strong punch against his jaw and smirked when she saw a trickle of blood flow from his mouth. As sadistic as that sounded. She watched him touch his lip after he jumped away. He saw the red stain his white glove and he chuckled. Wiping the remainder of the blood with the underside of his glove.
"It's about time." he smiled at her and before she could register it Vegeta kicked her in the stomach then punched her chin. Sending her towards the ceiling. While Kaylynn was away from Vegeta Hideo moved from the wall and open paled placed his hands on either side of his face.
"Solar flare!" he shouted. Vegeta recognized the attack as soon as Hideo moved to do it and he had time to shelter his eyes between the crook of his arm and elbow. He had felt the sting of that attack to many times in the past to let it get to him now. Goku also happened to hear his attack and shielded himself from it. Leaving the unknowing Naomi half blinded by the attack that wasn't even meant for her. When the light cleared tears of pain rolled from her eyes and she hissed at the unwelcome loss of vision. Goku knew it was the perfect chance to attack her but instead he focused his attention on Hideo. Leaving Naomi time to recover as she knelt on the tiled floor. Hideo cursed at his bad luck that the bastard was able to know that attack. Guess that crowd did stick close together. However Vegeta's sight still wasn't perfect so maybe he could still get the drop on him. When he went to send another attack at Vegeta he was met by Goku's boot against his chin.
Where did he come from! Hideo thought angrily. Then remembered the man was a master of the instant transmission so he really shouldn't be surprised. They duked it out for awhile until Naomi finally regained her senses. She blinked and still saw little spots everywhere, but at least her vision was clear enough to make out everyone else. Just in enough time to see Vegeta running at her. Damn he was fast even on the ground. Without having time to run or block she resorted to her last ditch effort and huddled down in a small ball on the ground then jumped up when he was inched from her. She was surrounded by a sky blue force field that caught Vegeta by surprise and sent him backwards. He managed to only skid on his heels but he was impressed at the power and efficiency of her force field. An Android technique no doubt. While he was distracted Kaylynn dropped from her spot on the ceiling and her knee's landed on his shoulders. She squeezed in an attempt to choke him and when he gripped her legs to force her off she used all her force to lean backwards and she successfully flipped Vegeta around and sent him towards the wall this time. Sending another Big Bang Attack at him and once he collided with the wall her Big Bang Attack hit him full in the chest. She smirked in triumph.
"How do you like my attack now?" she said loud enough for him to hear but she doubted he did. Hideo was used to getting his ass kicked but was growing frustrated that he had only landed a few punches against Goku. So he kicked Goku in the chest and as soon as he was a little distance away from him he did another one of his mentors attacks and sent an infamous tri beam at Goku. He didn't manage to dodge the first one but after the first one hit it's target he instant transmissioned away. Noticing if he hadn't the other two would have hit him as well. Goku was felt his body ache from that attack and couldn't help but feel pride. That defiantly gave Tien justice. They really had come a long way.
"Alright guys that's enough!" Goku shouted when he noticed Vegeta had quickly forced himself out of the wall and stomped towards Kaylynn. He quickly regained his composure and patted the rubble off his shirt and pants. A proud smile came to him despite Kaylynn's dirty tactics. Girl actually managed to get him off his feet and so did the other girl. The boy…well he was there.
"Yes, seems you haven't wasted to much time while you were away." Vegeta stated. The trio panted and refrained from looking proud of themselves.
It worked. Seeing the fruit of their labor in even such a small way was very satisfying.
"That's right. Now your real training begins." Goku said cheerfully. "No holding back this time around. You three are going to be champions."
The three students groaned. Were they holding back before…? Well…welcome home. Hideo sighed and truly contemplated how important being a super saiyan was to him.
XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX
Seemed training was going to go about pretty much the same way as before. Only this time it would be three weeks at each house until their masters thought their training was over. Not only that but they didn't have the pesky intermission of school to distract them. Just none stop training which is both a good thing and a…well immensely tiring thing. Now things were starting up a bit different. Kaylynn was training under Vegeta for three weeks, while Hideo and Naomi was training under Goku. First day they took it rather easy. Goku was mostly interested in how they were. After a few more hours of sparring they all went inside as soon as night fall hit. It was totally different to be staying inside the house this time. More room and knowing Goku was close by seemed to ease Naomi's mind. Then as soon as she stepped into the house she felt dismay. It looked the same but she couldn't help but notice all the dirty dishes in the sink and the random bits of trash scattered about the living room and kitchen. Mostly paper plates and bottles. She wondered how long it had been since Goku had bothered to clean. It made her feel bad. She couldn't sleep. Goku showed them where their beds were. One in Goten's old room another in Gohan's. She picked Goten's room but she couldn't sleep. Knowing how dirty the house was. It Didn't seem right. It wasn't how she remembered. It was just another reminder that so much had changed in the past couple of years. In a way it struck her as Goku not caring about himself anymore. Or not caring in general.
Silently she snuck into the kitchen and ran the water as quietly as she could. As soon as all the dishes were sparkling clean she but them in cabinets she assumed was the right place to go, then got a large trash bag and gathered up all the trash. She put the now full trash bag outside and left it there figuring if she burned it the light might wake up either her brother or Goku. Now she scurried about the house, dusting off everything and fluffing the pillows. She even scrubbed the sink in the bathroom and would have done the bath tub but figured it would be to noisy. Before she went back into her room she took a quick look at the living room and felt much better knowing how much nicer it look. When she laid her head on her pillow she saw the sun start to creep up the mountain side. She smiled. She didn't realize she'd been up that long. All she could do was hope Goku didn't wake them to early. The memory of the look in his eyes earlier in their fight resurfaced in her mind as she drifted to sleep. Wondering why she'd give it a second thought at all.
A/N: So between moving and not having internet I haven't been able to update as often as I'd like. Hope I haven't let you guys down with this chapter, but it might be a bit dodgy so I apologize. Really hope you enjoy and review so I know what you think. Thanks again.