Ch 27

The early morning was spent training as Gohan and Goten prepared for battle against the King of Saiyans. They sparred long and hard against each other for hours until they decided to take a break on the unusual blue colored grass fields.

"How strong do you think this King really is?" asked Gohan as he turned his head to face his younger brother.

"Vegeta and Trunks went up against him, and they sensed he had more power that he was holding back."

"Do you think he has any idea of what's coming?"

"I don't know, but I'd be prepared for anything."

"Like not getting off this planet alive."

"I don't want to die here Gohan. We have to defeat him. There's no other option."

"You're right, but what happens when we do? You remember Trunks saying that the ki shield on earth will keep any saiyan out."

"I'm sure this planet has escape pods. Bulma, Mom, Videl, Uub, and grandpa can make their way back to earth where Bulma can disable the ki shield. Once she does, we'll be able to return to earth."

"That sounds like a good plan. Have you discussed this with Trunks?"

"Yeah, we talked telepathically last night. He's very eager to get this over with and get back to earth. I know he's frustrated with not being in constant contact with me as well as hiding our relationship. I've never heard him sound so desperate."

"It all comes with the decision to mate. He's the dominant saiyan, so he feels possessive of you to the point that not being with you is driving him crazy."

"I didn't realize how debilitating saiyan mating really is to the dominant mate."

"Trunks knew of all of this before he decided to mate with you, but he had no choice. He would have literally died without you Goten. I guess his only option now is to learn how to manage his urges."

"He won't be alone," he said as he felt his brother's hand on his shoulder.

"Well then Trunks is lucky to have you."

Goten stood up. "We should probably get back to training."

"Right," Gohan nodded as Goten's stomach rumbled. "Uh, maybe we should eat first, Can't fight effectively without a full stomach."

Walking inside the house, the two Son brothers could see their mother cooking with the food Videl had gathered earlier in the morning. Videl was sleeping on the couch while the Ox King was telling Pan stories of his adventures as a young man.

Gohan picked up his wife carefully in his arms and carried her to their bedroom as Goten made his way to his niece and grandpa. "Hey uncle Goten."

"Hey Pan, having fun?"

"Yeah, grandpa sure has a lot of interesting stories like grandpa Goku." The room fell silent like everyone was remembering earth's greatest hero and all he had done for his friends and family. "I think about him often when we're saving the earth," she smiled sadly.

Goten knew what she was feeling, abandonment. "I think about him to Pan," he said as he hugged her, "and I'll never leave you," he said as he felt her hands tighten around him.

After their second sparring match after breakfast, Goten decided to take a walk down by the river. When he reached the river, he saw a bunch of older saiyans swimming in the water. It looked innocent enough until one of them spotted him, a menacing look his face.

"Who are you?" asked the older man who rose from the water towards the young saiyan.

"I—

"Barely a saiyan but more human."

"How did you kn—

"You're more soft in appearance, especially in your face. Who was your father?"

"Kakarott."

"Bardock's son. He was a laid back, rebel man. Your grandfather was a good friend of mine. He had told me about an alien race that had made him see the future of the demise of Planet Vegeta. No one believed him and he tried to stop Frieza but it was too late."

"What is your name?"

"Timor."

"Goten."

"Goten, how is your family coping with this new planet?"

"We manage, but the King—

"Is ruthless, my people and I know this. He's a formidable opponent. My brother attempted to take him down but was destroyed by him in the most horrific way."

"I'm sorry for your lost Timor."

"Such empathy in your voice for someone you never knew. It must be your human side."

"My brother and a few friends of mine are planning to fight the King."

"Is it worth your lives?"

"We can't just do nothing. My family, friends, and I don't want to live here forever. It feels wrong."

"There is a desperation in your voice. I'm guessing you have a lot riding on this."

"I'm not able to live my life here the way I am on earth. I've been separated from my mate for too long. It's becoming increasingly painful."

"Mate? So there are still saiyans who believe in the old ways?"

"I had to save my mate's life. They couldn't survive without the bond."

"I have heard of the concept of love. You feel this deeply for your mate."

"I do, and I guess all saiyans aren't cold hearted, violent beings?"

"We third class saiyans are softened, some of us anyway, by the nature around us," he said as his eyes went to the castle in the distance. "The cold stone and semi dark hall ways create an environment of power hungry first class saiyans, who are only concerned with ruling the universe by any means necessary."

"I have a friend, who was also born on earth, he would be considered first class and while at times he can be cold, he can be caring and warm to those he loves."

'Goten.'

'Trunks, I was just talking about you.'

'A week from today we fight the king. Really, well I'm always thinking about you. After a week, we won't have to be apart anymore. Love you chibi, I have to go.'