A/N:

Hi all! Finally back in the swing of things, and it feels awesome! Thanks to all my loyal reviewers that are dealing with my schedule shifts and summer adjustment issues. You'd think with a month of summer already gone, I'd have a better schedule, but I digress.

Special-extra-super thanks to:

BountyHuntress16, The Crystal Rose, dyingdreamsv2, ScoobyDoobyDee, merlincrazy, Feares Solen (i'm happy to see you're still reading, and thanks for the review!), KayuraK (hope you can read this on your phone :D), jdboss1 (this one has more fights!), taity (to answer your SSJ question...maybe.), CreatorOfHavoc, MK08 (thanks! and you'll see!), elleelle, ZombieChick422, Naughty Cat (hope you did well on your English final!), The Azu Soul Lilly, anny, LunarJade (wow thanks so much :D that takes commitement. I'm flattrered!), 6teenana1, bimbosarahsurfchick (Bermuda! Not Hawaii D: and the layout isn't so awful...except the scrolling down gets on my nerves whenever I want to look at my stats...), PerfectLover, omgover9000 (thanks for the multiple reviews and for This Time Around Review too!), CloudEnvyShikamaru, Trixie-chan, piscesgirl35 (All your questions will be answered! :D and I don't! I swear! I hate waiting for fanfics to update!), betty69blue, Eure, Many Voices in My Head (Strike? Eep. I hope that doesn't last long! and we shall see what happens to dear Raditz), BloodyXan-Xan ( hehe glad you liked Gohan's part :D), Death101-Fox Version, BLACKONYX, freakin amazing (for chapter 15! He's pretty badass), Laania (sorry for making you cry with Make A Wish! Oof...I remember that backlash.), Cara2012 (no problem, and they really are T_T), and BlueHairedSaiyan.

It's great to see all the new reviewers too! All of you guys are absolutely amazing :)

Forewarning: There's a lack of Vegeta in this one.

Also, I made a very bad error in the last chapter, miscounting Guldo's eyes. Whoops. This has been corrected.

Disclaimer: I own nothing.

Latent Power

She really did, didn't she?

She loved him.

It was an easy thought. It just appeared in her mind, and now that it was there, she couldn't get rid of the idea. She loved him. She loved Vegeta. She may or may not have fallen in love with him years ago for all she knew. Or maybe she always had. Well ...not always, but since she was sixteen.

Bulma unconsciously shook her head, still staring at the Saiyan prince in front of her. His dark hair flitted gently in the Namekian breeze, shoulders hunched, body ready to snap at any second in case someone approached. No, she hadn't loved him then. She would have done anything in her power to save him if she had loved him. She would have bit Goku's head off for wishing her back and not have touched Yamcha. That was just a school girl crush, a hollow shade of what she was feeling now. Mature love. Understanding love. She knew him, completely, and that's why she loved him.

Goku touched her shoulder when Vegeta turned to leave. The Saiyan prince didn't run (or fly) off like last time, and Bulma hesitated on whether she should tell him. He said I was a distraction. Talk about giving him the biggest distraction ever with that bombshell. Yet at the same time she couldn't help but wonder what if he never came back? She would have never told him.

Stop being so melodramatic. Or have you forgotten about the dragon balls?

Yes, there was always that. Bulma's mind assuaged any further thought. Vegeta, if dead, wouldn't remain dead for ever, not if she had any say. And since when was she so negative to believe that he would die anyway? Bulma crossed her arms, blue eyes staring Vegeta down even though he wasn't facing her. "You better come back."

He grunted and let his head fall down. "Yes, Bulma." Vegeta turned and gave a silent salute with two fingers before flying off and leaving her with Goku.

The blue haired woman turned to her friend and let out a deep sigh. She was distracted by the sudden epiphany of emotions, by the prince's apparent, yet minimal, warmness towards her. Those things could be analyzed later. Those thoughts were better left for peaceful places, not here. "Well, now what?"

"Wait until he sends the fighters over. Maybe you better lay low. If he sends two over, one may try to use you as leverage."

"Fine, but after you kill the first guy, I'm coming out."

Goku's small smile immediately faded. "Bulma... I don't kill people."

"These aren't people, Goku. They're monsters." She couldn't believe what she was hearing. Was Goku really going to sacrifice their safety because he felt guilty about killing someone? "They are nothing but..."

Goku shook his head, "Vegeta was just like them once, and look at him now. Didn't they have the same situation?"

"But they're not the same person. Vegeta is..." She didn't know how to explain it. Perhaps there was a point when Vegeta was just as bad as those men, but not anymore. He always hated Frieza, always had that hint of rebellion in him.

The tall Saiyan shrugged, ignoring her hesitations and slight stuttering. "Quick question, Bulma. I should have asked Vegeta this, but maybe you know."

There was a rarely a question she didn't know the answer to so Bulma nodded. "Yeah, sure. Ask away, Goku."

"It's just... Did he ever tell you what a Super Saiyan looked like?"

"Huh?" What does he mean by that? She hadn't really thought about it, mostly because she only viewed the Super Saiyan as some exceptionally powerful wish and that's all. It was a means to an end, the end being Frieza's death. But now that Goku mentioned it, what was the Super Saiyan? Was it something like the Oozaru? Because that was something she didn't want to see.

What if it's worse? What if he doesn't have any control over it? She let the question remain in the recesses of her mind. There was no need to bring about more concerns, and vocalizing them just made them seem more real. "What made you think of that, Goku?"

"So you don't know. Hmm..." Goku stretched a bit, warming up for the inevitable fight minutes away. "I know I was the monster that killed my grandfather. You knew about that, didn't you?"

She fiddled with her hands. Bulma had always felt bad for Goku about that. That man had been the only person in Goku's life for over a decade, and then to find out that Goku was the one responsible for his death? The Saiyan was taking it much better than she ever would. "Yes."

"I had no control...I don't even remember changing."

"You think the Super Saiyan is like that?"

Goku paused for a second, "No...no, I don't."

"Then why did you..."

Goku's black eyes veered off into the sky. He was tracing kis, no doubt. "I think I've seen it."

She felt immediate shock and relief at the same time. Goku had achieved the Super Saiyan? It was wonderful and horrible. Now they may have a chance against Frieza. They could survive and go back to Earth perhaps unscathed. Though she knew Vegeta wouldn't be happy about that. She couldn't imagine his anger, his obsessive need to surpass the man who stole that from him. That wouldn't be healthy. "Goku, have you..."

"Shh, Bulma." Goku raised an arm, holding it over her stomach. "Go hide. Two kis are coming."

"And where, genius, do you expect me to hide on this barren wasteland?" Bulma hid her fear with annoyance. It was true. The surrounding area was pretty much lollipop shaped trees and rocks that were too far away to run to.

Goku glanced around as well. It was amazing the transformation Goku would go through when a battle approached. The once goofy, childlike man would stiffen, muscles tensing and happy smile turning into an excited smirk. There was something about Saiyans and fighting, some kind of rush that Bulma didn't really get. The only thing she could equate it to was maybe the passion and obsession she felt when she was inventing. Goku grabbed her hand, "I'll hide you."

Her stomach heaved a bit with Goku's sudden speed. He was heading towards a plateau, one close but still far enough that she could have never made it there on her own. The Saiyan released her arm and watched her sit down. Bulma huffed at his hovering. "I'm fine, Goku."

"You sure? Last time we left you alone, you sort of got kidnapped."

"I'm fine."

"And if that happens again, I'm pretty sure Vegeta would kill me. Though that probably would be a good figh..."

"Goku!" Bulma rolled her eyes. He was incorrigible. "I'll scream my lungs out if some super freaky alien comes near me. Go fight some bad guys now. Okay?"

He gave her a soft smile and flew off. Son Goku didn't need to be told twice to fight.

There was nothing but dust moving amongst them. Both their bodies were completely frozen, one looking incredibly calmer than the other as they sized each other up. Eyes unflinching, Piccolo thought back to his training and how grateful for once that he had been tied to Kami. He wasn't too fond of the deity, even though technically they were the same person, but Kami's influence had allowed Piccolo to keep his body in the afterlife. King Yemma had even granted him permission to go through Snake Way and not Hell. Apparently sacrificing yourself when protecting the son of a man you once wanted to kill has its advantages as well.

His training under King Kai mostly composed of meditation. He refused to do such foolish training methods the god first suggested, but what King Kai lacked in convention he made up for in knowledge. There was something called the Genki Dama, or Spirit bomb, that the blue idol said Piccolo was incapable of learning because of his 'impure heart'. But he did tell him all about Frieza and how he shouldn't fight him. Demon kings really don't take well to orders.

And besides, how else was he supposed to test out the Kaioken?

He expected that would be enough to fight Frieza currently. Piccolo couldn't really see what all the hype was about. He didn't need Nail's fusion, though that certainly heightened his power immensely. He would be done with Frieza in a few minutes.

"You're different than the other Namekian." Frieza curled his lips. "Tell me. Will you be just as easy to kill?"

"Idiot. You didn't kill him. He is a part of me now, and we will both kill you."

Frieza frowned. "So you slugs can merge bodies? Interesting." The tyrant moved into a fighter's stance, hands raised and legs spread apart. "Well, at least it allows me to kill you both at the same time. How efficient."

In an instant, Frieza flashed forward, body no more than just a blur. Piccolo traced him easily and raised a punch just in time to snap Frieza in the face. The long tailed alien flew backwards, shoulders and legs buried in the dirt from the sheer force. The Namekian grunted and crossed his arms. He didn't even have to remove his weighted clothing. "You're too cocky. Having henchman do your dirty work has made you soft."

It didn't take long for Frieza to stand up again. He brushed off his armor, distaste but not anger in his red eyes. "You're better than I thought. Allow me to give you an appropriate challenge."

Piccolo raised his arms, expecting a ki attack. "Please do."

But to his surprise, Frieza did not release any sort of offensive attack. The air suddenly funneled around the small alien. Burning flame of energy flashed brightly and Frieza's ki skyrocketed. When the dust cleared, Piccolo jerked back in confusion. This was not Frieza.

He was much taller, bigger, and overall more powerful. The overlord no longer wore armor, revealing an even whiter and purple appearance. His horns curved upwards, sharp enough to gouge through a person's chest with ease. Cold purple lips looked bloodied, like sniveling dried up worms. "Surprised, aren't you? You see, I purposely put my body into a lower energy state. It seems less terrifying."

Piccolo tossed off his helmet and cloak and his body eased with more energy. Frieza's ability to transform into a different state was a surprise, but it was still manageable, especially with the Kaioken. He snorted, "This is nothing."

"Oh good." Frieza vanished and reappeared inches from the Namekian's face. The evil, merciless soul of the tyrant could be seen throughout the alien's body. He reeked of pure malice. His voice lowered, the red eyes from the monster's body shown blood red. "Because I still have two more left to show you."

A knee suddenly collided with Piccolo's abdomen, and Frieza shook the Namekian's cowering figure with a backhanded punch that rocketed the green alien backwards. Piccolo quickly recovered, hurt but not broken. Feet etched into the ground, he used the solid surface as a jumping off point, springing towards the alien with full speed. Piccolo didn't want to waste any time. "Kaioken!"

The words threw the white and purple alien off a little, but Piccolo left no time to ponder the technique. A red flare ignited around his body right before Piccolo swiped Frieza in the face. He carefully snap vanished behind the alien and spiked him down to the ground, creating craters with Frieza's battered form.

Piccolo panted as the Kaioken effects wore off. The technique was hard to control and did take a toll on his body. But the Namekian needed speed. He needed to kill this demon quickly. Frieza did not become the most powerful being in the universe without knowing how to fight. Better to cut him down as soon as possible than to be careful. This fight is over. He raised two fingers to his forehead, charging an attack he had created over a year ago. There was enough time. Piccolo kept his mind focused on the cannon, channeling pools of ki into his sparking two fingers. Even after charging for about a minute, the alien was still unconscious on the ground. I'll have time to complete this before...

"Now, now."

Piccolo dropped his slightly charged fingers and spun around to face Frieza. "How...how did you..."

"Who's underestimating who now?" He had changed again. Face long, hideous. A monster out of some forgotten, locked away nightmare.

Damn it. How could I let him transform again? I was concentrating too hard on this fucking attack!

Frieza grabbed both of the Namekian's hands. "We can't allow any energy blasts, can we?"

In a sickening, wet rip, both of Piccolo's arms were torn from his shoulder, joints popping and breaking as purple blood sprayed everywhere. His muscles ached and died from the severance. Bone shattered. Tissue completely dead. Frieza dropped the body parts carelessly as Piccolo screamed in agony, utter pain. "You're an easy kill now, aren't you?"

His mind was blurry, going dark. Piccolo was losing too much blood too fast, but he had enough ki to regenerate still. He just didn't have enough time.

Frieza kicked him in the stomach again, causing his body to roll flat on his back. The now long headed alien moved Piccolo's head with his cold hand, terrified eyes looking upwards. "I want you to see this." Frieza stepped back. "I want you to see fear itself."

"That's my dad's ki." Gohan smiled before picking up speed. Clouds whirled passed them as he and his fellow fighters arched through the sky. "Uncle Raditz, come on!"

Krillin wiped his head next to said uncle, "Gee, what kind of training did you guys do? No way was I that powerful when I was 5."

"My nephew has incredible potential. Especially when you consider his upbringing." Raditz wiggled his nose as a piece of black hair flurried in front. Sometimes he really questioned the Saiyan culture of retaining the hair you were born with. This wasn't exactly too conducive for fighting.

"Goku's not a pushover, Raditz." Krillin didn't really like arguing with the Saiyan; he seemed kind of volatile. But he needed to defend his best friend. "He always finds a way to beat an enemy. Always."

Raditz shrugged, "My brother lacks the more common of Saiyan sensibilities. But Gohan taught us how to read power levels. It's easy to sense he's hiding something incredible."

"You think he could be the Super Saiyan?" Krillin asked.

"I don't know. But I'm really starting to believe it's possible."

Gohan suddenly slowed, realizing the speed he was going. The young half Saiyan floated backwards. "Sorry, Dende." He approached the small Namekian. "Was I going to fast?"

"I'll be fine." Dende huffed a bit before stopping as well. "Your father is close, isn't he?"

"Right over there." Gohan pointed practically directly downwards. Two other powerful kis were also there, but none were really close to his dad's actual power level.

Yamcha wasn't looking in that direction however. "Bulma's there all by herself."

"Go there, Yamcha. And maybe you should go too, Dende. The three of us will be enough to help Goku." Krillin suggested. The short warrior waved Gohan and Raditz closer. "Come on."

They separated quickly, Gohan taking the lead towards his father. He knew a fight was ready to burst out. The air was electric, filled with billowing ki. His father was slowly creating more and more power reserves. Gohan felt this sudden itch in his body. It was that excitement for a fight, the readiness of unleashing all of the energy within you and letting ki pulse through the pores of your skin. And as the young half Saiyan landed behind his father, he could tell Goku had the same urge. A Saiyan itch that needed to be scratched.

"Gohan, stay back."

The boy didn't listen to his father's warning. He wanted to see the enemy. Saiyan instincts kicking in, Gohan wrapped his tail tightly around his armor and gave the two unrecognizable warriors a once over. They didn't seem like much, especially the small green one with four eyes. The one that was currently squaring off with his father was big and bulky, funny orange hair crowning his head. The smaller one met Gohan's eyes and snarled. "Look at what the kid's wearing."

"...What is it Guldo?" The orange headed one peered over to look behind Goku.

"It's Vegeta's armor. You must be one of his Saiyan traitors." Guldo crossed his arms, "Am I right, Raditz?"

Raditz stayed back with Krillin, not physically responding to the taunt. "I'd keep your mouth shut, Guldo. Save your energy because you're about to need all of it."

"Hehe! All of the monkeys want to play! Too bad Ginyu is taking on Vegeta! We could have had a monkey party!" The orange haired one cracked a grin. "Let's go, Saiyan man!" He gestured to Goku. "Show me what you got."

Goku shot his friend and son one more warning glance before turning to his brother. "I think you better go check on Vegeta. He may need your help."

Raditz grunted in distaste. "Vegeta will be fine without any of us."

"Suit yourself. Gohan, Krillin, is Yamcha alright?"

"He's fine." Krillin scratched his head, eyeing both members of the Ginyu Force with extensive trepidation. "Though I can't say the same for us..."

Gohan shook his head, "I've got that one, Krillin. My dad should be fine too."

He wouldn't have done this a year ago. Even though he was only five, he was ready to fight, unafraid and only anxious with anticipation. Gohan would blame his Saiyan blood for this, but that wasn't completely true. He had Saiyan blood in him from the start yet he had still been a scared, cowering child. No, it must have been Vegeta and Raditz. Their training had been intense, their passion unwavering. He understood that he wasn't fighting for 'fun', though his Saiyan side certainly did enjoy it. He was fighting for others, and that was what made his blood ignite.

So when Krillin gave the young boy a hesitant glance, Gohan could only smile. This was a chance to prove that he was his father's son.

"Alright, boy. Don't say I didn't warn you." Guldo took a ready stance. He opened his mouth, preparing to spout some kind of spell or move or something, but Gohan was too quick. The half Saiyan bolted forward and mashed his elbow in the alien's face, halting any further attack.

"Vegeta told me about you. You're the one that stops time." Gohan felt hesitant at the realization. Both Krillin and Goku's eyes widened in interest, but Gohan did his best to remain calm. He never fought someone who could literally stop him so the best course of action would be to finish him quickly.

Gohan sent a flurry of punches into the alien's stomach, never ceasing until he set up a roundhouse kick. The blow snapped across Guldo's small frame, and he screamed in pain before falling flat on his stomach. Gohan lightly hovered over. "I'll give you a chance to go back to where you came from. You're free. You don't have to listen to Frieza or Ginyu or everyone."

His uncle growled. "Finish him Gohan! Don't give him a chance to..."

"Guldo! Get up!" The taller one shouted before turning back to Goku. "Well, what are you waiting for?"

Goku's eyes were dark, serious. He only heard the surpised gasp of the Ginyu Squad member before the Saiyan sent his elbow through his ribcage. Recoome gurgled from the loss of oxygen before collapsing in the dust. "Phew." Goku wiped the slight sweat on his brow before violently turning around. "Gohan, watch out!"

"Huh? AH!" The young half Saiyan couldn't move. His muscles were frozen, limbs stuck in the awkard postion of a mid step. He couldn't shoot ki or even blink. His dark eyes started to burn from the dry Namekian air. "...D-Daddy!"

"Gohan!" Goku shot forward to the green, short alien. His arm formed a straight knifehand strike, sweeping across the alien's body, cutting his four eyed head clear off. Sensing what he had just done, Goku immediately tried to calm his infuriated nerves. There was a slight yellow aura around him, fueled by his rage, of his son's pain. But it didn't last long. Goku cut off that emotion, opting instead for regret. "I...I didn't mean to..."

"Good job, Kakarot." Raditz's hand was on his brother shoulder. It soon was placed on his head, scruffing his pointed black hair with pride. "That's some younger brother I got. You were great! Amazing. For a second there your ki was incredible."

Goku cast his head downwards before giving a weak smile to his brother. That was two people he killed since his arrival. But this one...this one had been a complete accident. He had only meant to knock the alien back to interrupt his attack, not to cut off his head. Goku wasn't even using that much of his strength. That was a first. He was normally in complete control of his power. "My..aura was yellow."

"Yeah strange, right?"

"Did anything else change, Raditz?"

"No...except for your power level. It was really high."

Goku couldn't believe it. "Krillin?"

The former monk shook his head in disbelief. "...I...I barely recognized you for a second there, Goku."

That wasn't good. Maybe there was some merit to what Bulma was saying about the Super Saiyan. He could feel it. That legendary amount of power was in his reach, but was it controllable? Would he kill all of his loved ones again? "Gohan, are you alright?"

The little boy scratched his head before nodding. "I...I still have a lot to learn, don't I?"

"Don't ever let your guard down again." Raditz walked over and gave his nephew a pat on the head. "But other than that, you did well."

"Dad?"

Goku nodded. His son's power seemed limitless. Sure he was inexperienced but there was something there, some latent power that was way more than Goku could ever dream of achieving...not that he wouldn't try. "You were, Gohan. Mom would be proud of you."

"Um, guys?" Krillin was by the still surviving, though unconscious, Ginyu member's body. He cautiously kicked the fallen before gulping, "What do we do about him?"

Raditz held up his right hand, igniting a large ball of pink ki. "Move."

Krillin scurried away before the Saiyan let loose the blast, killing the next member of the Ginyu Force. Goku grabbed his brother's arm. "That was completely unnecessary."

"Would you rather he get up to attack? It's necessary Kakarot. I...I understand your reluctance. You were raised much differently than I was. When you're a member of the Planet Trade Organization, you learn to take precautions and opportunities whenever they present themselves to you." Raditz crossed his arms and sighed. He looked exhausted mentally. "Please tell me, Kakarot, that you will kill Frieza if you can. If...that power was what I think it was, do not give him the opportunity to escape. He will find us. He will find your world and destroy it."

Goku was hesitant to reply, but he kept his face strong. He hated killing people. It left him cold, but, more than anything, there was something deep within the forgotten parts of his body that seemed to enjoy it. That terrified him. I'm Son Goku. Goku held out his hand and let Raditz shake it, signaling his promise. And I am not a monster.

She had never been so happy to see Yamcha in her life. Bulma hadn't been abandoned long, if hiding in safety could even be construed as abandonment, but he did distract her mind. She needed to stop thinking of this prince. It was actually quite pathetic when she thought about it pragmatically. Bulma was a beautiful, smart, heiress. And what was he? Just some super powerful prince who she was in love with.

Okay, so maybe it was fair to be a little distracted.

But Yamcha managed to preoccupy her with updates about the others and how the battle was going about a mile away. The Namekian, Dende, was silent in the corner. Bulma half wondered if he had seen some of his family die. That can't be easy. Yamcha , however, sounded hopeful. "I think we can actually do this, Bulma. We might make it back to Earth fine."

"Yeah...we will." Bulma sighed. It felt like she had been on Namek for years. She couldn't wait to get back to Capsule Corp and see her parents. She wanted to get back to her lab, smoke some cigarettes, and go out partying, living. This had been a few steps too close to a nightmare. "My parents will be upset about us."

"They'll understand." Yamcha sat cross-legged across from her. The bandit grabbed her hand. "Mayeb I should have married you years ago."

Bulma couldn't help but blush. Though she only wanted Vegeta, she couldn't help but be flattered. The actual prospect of marriage, however, somewhat terrified her. "I don't think I'm the marrying type, Yamcha."

"That's what I kept telling myself about you. And neither am I, to be honest. But I think you're lying to yourself, Bulma."

She had always been independent. Bulma was handed a silver spoon, but at sixteen, she tossed her luxuries of home for an adventure. When she finished college, she worked her ass off in her laboratory to make sure no one thought she had any 'special treatment'. Bulma hated thinking that she needed anyone's help or anyone. That was why her relationship with Yamcha had been so volatile. And maybe, if she was being honest with herself, that explained why Yamcha had been sort of loose in the past. What person wanted to be with someone who didn't need them?

She needed Vegeta. She loved him. And Hell, she always needed somebody. Just the right somebody. Why would she wish for a boyfriend if she didn't need someone to care about, to look after? But could she really marry him? Does he even know what that is? Bulma sighed and avoided the conversation further. Let's deal with that when we actually get off this planet.

Yamcha suddenly stood up, arms stark at his sides. He shot Bulma a wary look, and the heiress grabbed Dende's hand and crouched behind another rock. But she immediately got up, seeing who landed. "Vegeta!"

He didn't look hurt at all, even though he must have fought three of Frieza's top henchmen. Sure, his uniform was a little dusty, and he looked a little strange, but other than that it was Vegeta.

Yamcha was still tense. He grabbed Bulma's hand to stop her. "What's your problem, Yamcha?" She tugged hard at her ex-boyfriend, but he was recalcitrant. "Yamcha! Are you listening?"

"Bulma, this isn't right." The bandit's eyes didn't leave the Saiyan in front of them.

Vegeta just looked on, not speaking, a small smirk on his tanned face. He started walking forward, and Yamcha inched back and blocked Bulma's body from the prince. Bulma huffed, "Stop being jealous, Yamcha. I thought we were..."

The Saiyan laughed a bit and held up a gloved hand. "That's right, Yamcha. Let the lady go with me."

Bulma's blood ran cold at his words. Vegeta hadn't called Yamcha a scar-faced idiot or weakling. He hadn't scoffed in disgust over their contact, and he had called her lady? What the hell? Her blue eyes cracked at the realization.

This wasn't Vegeta.

A/N:

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