Author's note: Did anyone miss me? Haha!
No? Well, in that case, I'll just make my exit. ;)
Setting the humor aside, let's dive in!
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Raditz felt the power levels up ahead of him, growing stronger and more distinct as he approached his destination.
Two his surprise he felt instead of two, three power levels.
The landscape below him was a blur as he pushed his speed to its limits. The Earth's terrain zipped by beneath him as he closed in on the streams of the power he felt. The ground shook with the force of his rapid descent, but Raditz paid it no mind. All that mattered was finding his brother.
Finally, as he burst through the treetops and into a clearing, Raditz's eyes widened in amazement and disbelief. In the distance, against the backdrop of the bright shining sun, two colossal figures clashed in a titanic battle. They were massive Great Apes, their massive forms towering over the landscape.
One of them was Vegeta, unmistakably, his power level was astronomical. But beside him, equally enormous and ferocious, was one of the other unique energies Raditz had detected—Kakarott.
It had been years since Raditz had seen him, and now, here he was, in all his primal glory, locked in combat with the prince of saiyans, Vegeta.
With calculated precision, Raditz landed on a tall rock formation near the battlefield. Knowing they were oblivious to his presence, he chuckled to himself as he observed the showdown between the two Saiyan giants. Goku's punch landed squarely on Vegeta's face, sending the Prince of Saiyans stumbling backward.
So that must be Goku's brother, huh?
Piccolo hovered in the sky, adjusting his weighted cape as he eyed Raditz from a distance. The Saiyan was focused on watching the nearby battle between the two monsters, ignoring Piccolo completely. The Namekian had just finished a training session with Goku, and they had both eaten a senzu bean to recover their strength. Then Vegeta had shown up, cryptically warning Goku that a big surprise was headed his way soon. But first, the Saiyan prince wanted to spar with him a bit before this surprise arrived.
A smug grin spread across Piccolo's face. He had actually bested Goku during their sparring match today. Sure, it was just practice, but he took it as a preview of his eventual victory over the Saiyan.
An image flashed in the Namekian's mind - Chichi weeping over Goku's lifeless body, her voice echoing as she asked how Piccolo could kill her dear friend.
Piccolo's eyes went wide and he shook his head sharply, banishing the disturbing vision.
Enough. He thought with a scowl. I've had enough being around Goku for one day.
The Namekian zoomed off into the sky, putting distance between himself and his rival as he headed back to the castle. He wanted to get as far away from the Saiyan as possible, his mood suddenly darkened.
Raditz smiled.
Kakarott had come a long way from the infant he had last seen. The sight of his brother's incredible power and the fight going on awakened Raditz's Saiyan desire for battle, causing his heart to race with envy.
Raditz couldn't contain his excitement any longer. With a loud, booming voice that carried across the battlefield, he addressed Vegeta, making his presence known to Goku and the Prince of Saiyans.
"Vegeta!" Raditz called out, his voice filled with a devilish grin. "Might I have your permission to give my brother a traditional elder Saiyan brother greeting?"
Goku's eyes widened in shock as he turned his attention to the newcomer. This was Raditz, the brother he had only learned about thanks to Vegeta. The presence of a long-lost sibling was overwhelming, and Goku felt a bit awkward, not knowing how to behave, as he had never experienced having a brother before.
Curiosity piqued, Goku couldn't help but wonder what Raditz meant by a "traditional elder Saiyan brother greeting." His expression displayed his puzzlement.
As if answering Goku's unspoken question, Vegeta, in his towering Great Ape form, let out a thunderous, hearty chuckle that echoed through the battlefield. He was clearly excited for what was about to transpire. With his characteristic cockiness, Vegeta replied, "Oh, go right ahead, Raditz. What kind of prince would I be to get in the way of two saiyan brothers?"
With Vegeta's permission granted, Raditz wore an even wider grin as he lifted off the rock formation beneath his feet and ascended into the sky, as he looked at the synthetic moon floating high above the two great apes.
He took a deep breath, embracing the immense Saiyan energy that surged within him. His body began to undergo a dramatic transformation, growing larger and more monstrous with each passing moment.
Finally, Raditz transformed into a Great Ape, his colossal form casting a formidable shadow over the landscape. He flexed his massive arms, feeling the immense power coursing through his new body. As a Great Ape, he was a force to be reckoned with.
Meanwhile, Vegeta, still in his own Great Ape form, soared into the sky, crossing his arms and grinning widely. His sharp teeth glinted in the sunlight, clearly relishing the spectacle that was about to unfold. He had been looking forward to this moment since Raditz's arrival.
Raditz, now in his towering Great Ape form, couldn't help but chuckle as he looked down at Goku. His younger brother's confused and uncomfortable expression only fueled his amusement. With a dark smirk, Raditz taunted, "What's wrong, Kakarott? Didn't the Earthlings teach you any manners? Aren't you going to give your big brother a warm hug?"
Goku sweatdropped, his discomfort evident as he stammered, unsure of how to respond to the situation. He wasn't typically a hugging or physical touch kind of person.
Raditz let out a hearty laugh, his deep voice rumbling. "Well, then," he continued, "Looks like I'll have to show you how family should act."
With a powerful step that shook the ground, Raditz closed the distance between him and Goku. In one swift motion, he gathered his brother into a bear hug, causing Goku to cry out in surprise.
Then, Raditz executed a sudden and unexpected maneuver. Using his powerful hug as leverage, he lifted Goku off the ground, their colossal silhouettes framed against the bright sky. In a swift and almost acrobatic motion, Raditz tossed Goku off his back, sending him hurtling through the air. Goku's body arched and twisted as he soared briefly before landing painfully on the ground, creating a small crater upon impact.
Goku lay dazed and disoriented within the impression he had made, stars dancing in his vision from the unexpected aerial maneuver.
"Kakarott, you should've seen yourself!" Vegeta chortled, his grin wide and pointed teeth on full display. "That expression was priceless, Raditz really got you there. Hilarious, even. Your confusion is a sight to behold, Kakarott. It's almost worth framing."
After Vegeta's hearty laughter, Raditz walked over to where Goku lay on the battlefield, still disoriented from the unexpected toss. With his arms crossed, Raditz couldn't resist a chance to rib his younger brother.
"Glad to see you had overcome your low-class power level, little brother," Raditz remarked, his tone laced with teasing. "Father and mother would have been proud."
Raditz extended a hand to help Goku up, but a mischievous glint in Goku's eye appeared. Goku smirked darkly and replied, "No thanks, I think I'll just use my tail for what I'm about to do next."
In a lightning-fast move, Goku's tail shot out like a whip, wrapping around Raditz's ankle and with surprising strength he hurled Raditz through the air with tremendous force.
Raditz flew through the sky, caught off guard by Goku's sudden attack. Vegeta, who had abruptly stopped laughing, watched in shock and fear as Raditz hurtled toward him. By the time Vegeta registered what was happening, it was too late to react.
With a resounding crash, Raditz collided with Vegeta, and the two Saiyan Great Apes tumbled through the air, landing with a thunderous impact. A cloud of dust billowed around them as Raditz, in his awkward landing, ended up with his furry behind right in Vegeta's face.
Vegeta's muffled shout of "Get off of me!" was followed by a fierce ki blast erupting from his mouth, burning Raditz's rear and sending him frantically scurrying away, howling in pain as he tried to cool down his singed behind.
Goku, on the other hand, stood nearby, bent forward in uncontrollable laughter at the comical spectacle before him and pointing at them both.
As Vegeta rose back to his feet, his pride wounded by the embarrassing mishap, he clenched a fist and turned his smoldering gaze toward Goku. His eyes bore into him.
"Kakarott!" Vegeta muttered through gritted teeth, anger and frustration bubbling within him.
His other fist, the one hanging at his side, began to crackle with blue ki, forming a ball of energy. With a sneer on his face, he took a menacing step forward, preparing to unleash his wrath upon Goku.
But just as Vegeta was about to launch his attack, Raditz, consumed by his own anger and determination to pay back Goku for the earlier humiliation, interrupted the Saiyan prince. Raditz's focus was solely on his younger brother, and in his fury, he hadn't paid any attention to the Saiyan prince's intentions or presence.
"You're going to pay for that, brother!" Raditz declared, his voice seething with anger and determination.
With a powerful roar, Raditz lunged at Goku, bringing Goku's laughter to an end.
Raditz's massive fists came crashing down like sledgehammers. Goku agilely dodged the strikes, using his newfound speed to stay one step ahead of his brother. He countered with swift punches and kicks, targeting Raditz's vulnerable spots.
Raditz, however, was no pushover. He parried Goku's attacks with immense strength, forcing Goku to put in extra effort to land a blow. The shockwaves from their clashes sent tremors through the ground, shaking the very earth beneath them.
Goku's agility and combat finesse began to shine as he exploited Raditz's size and weight. He somersaulted through the air, delivering a devastating kick to Raditz's jaw. The impact sent Raditz stumbling backward, disoriented and vulnerable.
Seizing the opportunity, Goku focused his energy and launched a massive Kamehameha wave at Raditz. The powerful blue beam struck Raditz head-on, engulfing him in a blinding explosion of energy. As the smoke cleared, Raditz was seen staggering, his body singed and smoldering.
Raditz powered up, his aura flaring with renewed determination, he unleashed a relentless barrage of energy blasts at Goku. The battlefield was ablaze with explosive energy, and Goku had to move with incredible agility to evade the deadly projectiles. He weaved, ducked, and darted through the onslaught, narrowly avoiding each explosive blast while closing the gap between him and Raditz.
Just as Goku was about to deliver another powerful strike, a sudden burst of energy came from behind him. He barely managed to react in time, twisting his body and narrowly dodging the incoming attack. The ground where he had stood moments ago was scorched and smoking from the energy blast.
Goku turned to see Vegeta, hovering above the battlefield, his cocky grin firmly in place. Goku's tail wagged slightly, delighted by the excitement of the battle.
"Two against one, huh?" Goku chuckled, his grin returning as he looked at Raditz and Vegeta. "Wow. What's wrong? Looks like you two hot heads really can't handle being embarrassed,huh?. Oh, well. More fun for me!"
Goku soared through the skies, his colossal Great Ape form hurtling towards Vegeta with blinding speed. His massive fist was raised high, crackling with energy, and he was determined to deliver a powerful punch to Vegeta.
Vegeta attempted to dodge Goku's incoming punch, but the Saiyan juggernaut's speed was overwhelming. Despite his best efforts, he couldn't evade in time, and Goku's massive fist connected with Vegeta's chin with a resounding impact.
"You're getting faster, Kakarott. Impressive," Vegeta grumbled, rubbing his chin as he narrowly avoided more of Goku's devastating punches.
Goku continued to press the attack, his blows coming in rapid succession. He threw an unexpected punch at Vegeta's stomach, causing the Saiyan Prince to gasp for breath.
"Perhaps a little too fast for you," Goku taunted, a sly smile crossing his face.
Vegeta scowled, his brows furrowing in frustration. "In your dreams, Kakarott! You'll need that new speed of yours to run for your life for what I'm about to do to you!"
With a swift motion, Vegeta raised his hands and unleashed a storm of ki blasts at Goku. The energy beams streaked through the sky, converging on their target. Goku twisted and turned, narrowly avoiding some of the blasts, but one of them struck his shoulder, causing him to flinch and groan in pain.
The battle raged on as Goku and Vegeta clashed in the skies, their powers and skills evenly matched. Punches, kicks, and energy blasts filled the air, creating a mesmerizing display of combat prowess.
Amidst the chaos of battle, Goku and Vegeta continued their banter, their voices cutting through the thunderous cacophony.
Goku grinned as he evaded Vegeta's strikes. "Come on, Vegeta, show me what you've got!"
Vegeta's retort was fierce. "You'll regret underestimating me, Kakarott!"
Goku's determination to prove himself and Vegeta's unwavering resolve to defend his pride were palpable. Amidst the chaos, their rivalry burned brighter than ever.
And just when it seemed that the battle couldn't escalate any further, the ground shook as Raditz entered into the fray. He hurtled toward Goku with unyielding determination, His voice echoed across the battlefield, adding a new layer of complexity to the already heated confrontation.
Raditz's words were punctuated by the roar of his power. "Time to make this family reunion truly unforgettable, little brother!"
With Raditz's intervention, the dynamics of the battle shifted once more. Goku now found himself caught between two formidable adversaries.
As the battle raged on, the focus shifted momentarily to Goku and Raditz, the two brothers locked in a fierce one-on-one confrontation. The sky crackled with energy as they circled each other, their Great Ape forms illuminated by the radiant blasts of ki energy.
Goku's determination burned brightly as he launched a relentless assault on Raditz. His colossal fists swung with unparalleled speed and precision, striking Raditz time and again. Each blow landed with bone-shaking impact.
Raditz, though formidable in his own right, found himself on the defensive as he struggled to keep up with Goku's relentless onslaught. The Saiyan brothers' battle showcased their martial art skills, their strikes and counters a mesmerizing dance of combat.
Goku, for a time, gained the upper hand. His speed and agility allowed him to weave through Raditz's defenses, landing powerful blows that left his older brother staggering. With each strike, Goku's confidence grew.
However, Raditz's Saiyan pride refused to allow him to be dominated for long. With a fierce growl, he powered up, his aura flaring as he unleashed a barrage of energy blasts. Goku danced through the onslaught, narrowly avoiding the explosive projectiles.
With newfound determination, Raditz powered up again further. His fists were a blur as he struck back at Goku with a relentless flurry of blows. The two brothers fought hard, their roars of exertion echoing through the battlefield.
For a time, it seemed Raditz had regained the upper hand, his blows landing with ferocious power. Goku, however, refused to back down. His resolve shined brightly as he countered Raditz's strikes with precision and skill.
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"You're going to give yourself a bald spot if you keep brushing that same spot so roughly," Piccolo warned, genuine concern in his voice as he observed his royal friend. The Namekian had been silently standing on the rooftop of the castle, watching Chichi as she stood on the balcony, brushing her hair. Her brows were furrowed in deep contemplation as she gazed up at the starry night sky, clearly troubled by whatever thoughts weighed on her mind.
Chichi let out a startled scream, her hand jerking in surprise. She nearly dropped her brush but managed to catch it, albeit rather clumsily. The unexpected sound of Piccolo's voice had broken her reverie, causing her heart to race in her chest.
Chichi whirled around, a mixture of annoyance and exasperation etched across her features. She directed her gaze toward Piccolo, her irritation evident.
"Do you have to keep surprising me like that all the time with your unexpected presence, Piccolo?" Chichi huffed, her frustration clear in her voice. "Can't you just walk through doors like other people? Or walk in front of me and say hello?"
Piccolo couldn't help but chuckle at her response, his dark eyes twinkling with amusement and he replied in a playful tone, "And why would I do all that when you can simply remember to keep your senses on alert, as I've taught you?"
Chichi rolled her eyes at his response, knowing he had a point. With a resigned sigh, she couldn't help but admit that she needed to be more vigilant.
Piccolo's face grew more serious as he continued to gaze at Chichi. His dark eyes bore into hers as he asked, "What's really bothering you?"
Chichi's eyes widened at the unexpected question, and for a moment, she hesitated. Then, she quickly replied, "I'm just worried about Vegeta, Goku, and Raditz fighting a little too roughly, that's all. What if one of them accidentally gets killed? You know how Saiyans can get carried away..."
Before she could say more, Piccolo cut her off with a stern yet compassionate tone. "No, that's not what's bothering you. Sure, it's a concern, but you're lying to me and to yourself. There's something much deeper going on, and I can tell."
Chichi looked up at Piccolo in surprise, her defenses crumbling in the face of his insight. She hadn't expected him to see through her so easily. After a moment of hesitation, she finally nodded, her eyes filled with a mix of gratitude and vulnerability.
"Why don't you let me help you, after you've helped me so much, Chichi?" Piccolo asked, a small, reassuring smile on his face.
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The aftermath of the epic battle left Goku, Vegeta, and Raditz utterly exhausted and gasping for breath. Their colossal Great Ape forms had given way to their normal selves, and their once-pristine uniforms now hung in tatters and shreds. Raditz, sweat dripping from his furrowed forehead, had both hands planted firmly on the rocky ground. The drops of sweat pooled beneath him, forming a small puddle of sweat under him as he struggled to catch his breath.
Goku was on one knee, his muscles aching from the prolonged battle. He wanted to stand, but his body felt like lead, weighed down by fatigue.
Vegeta, his back resting against a nearby tree as he sat, winced in pain, clutching the wound he had received from Goku during their fierce exchange.
Goku had emerged victorious in his bout against Raditz and had won only by the narrowest of margins against Vegeta. The battle had pushed all the Saiyans to their limits, leaving them drained and battered.
"I did it! I beat you both!" Goku grinned weakly, so exhausted.
It was then that an unexpected voice shattered the silence of the night, causing all three Saiyans to startle. Chichi stood before them, hands on her hips, wearing a disapproving expression.
"I let you all fight to enjoy a good battle since I know how you Saiyans are," Chichi scolded, her tone stern. "And I wanted you all to train to get stronger against Frieza. But I hadn't expected you to fight all night! It's almost midnight!"
Goku blinked in surprise, looking around at the darkness that had enveloped the landscape. "Wow, it's that late?" he exclaimed, clearly taken aback. "That's crazy! It feels like barely a minute has passed."
Vegeta, struggling to his feet, unsteadily walked over to his wife Chichi, still wincing from the pain in his side.
"Woman, you're not our nanny. You didn't need to worry over us and come to get us. You should have just gone to bed instead of staying up all night, waiting," Vegeta scolded Chichi, his words laced with an unmistakable harshness. However, beneath the stern tone, there was a subtle softness in his voice that Chichi couldn't help but detect.
Chichi, unfazed by Vegeta's scolding, folded her arms across her chest and pouted at him with a set of sad puppy dog eyes.
"I was too frightened to go to sleep," she admitted, her cheeks reddening under the gentle glow of the moonlight.
"Frightened?" Vegeta questioned, genuine confusion etched on his face.
Chichi hesitated for a moment, her eyes revealing a vulnerability that surprised Vegeta. She began nervously, "Well, what if one of you got carried away and got seriously injured? Or what if—"
But before she could finish, Vegeta cut her off, his Saiyan pride shining through. "Such a thing would never happen, especially not when we know Frieza is on the way here."
Vegeta's assurance, meant to comfort her, had an unexpected effect. Instead of being reassured, Chichi's eyes betrayed a hint of pain.
'Something else is bothering her, more than just worrying about us getting injured. But what?' Vegeta thought to himself, his instincts picking up on her distress.
"I need to speak to my woman alone," Vegeta stated to Goku and Raditz while keeping his eyes on Chichi.
Chichi let out a small noise of surprise at that.
"Kakarott, you and Raditz each take a sensu bean and tomorrow we will all fight again, this time with Nappa." Ordered Vegeta.
Goku and Raditz exchanged glances, understanding the weight of Vegeta's words. They nodded in agreement and Goku reached for the senzu beans he had.
With injuries that would have left most incapacitated, Vegeta lifted Chichi into his arms, his Saiyan strength undiminished. Despite her desire to protest, to object to him carrying her in his condition, Chichi knew better than to challenge Vegeta's resolve. It was a battle she couldn't win, with Vegeta the undeniable victor in such matters. Then Vegeta took off into the night sky.
"Here," Goku smiled warmly, extending a sensu bean toward Raditz. "You really put up a good fight, Raditz. Someday, you've got to teach me some of your moves!"
Goku couldn't help but admit to himself, after hours of sparring with Raditz, that having a big brother was actually rather enjoyable. The initial awkwardness he had felt around Raditz had dissipated, replaced by a newfound camaraderie. He couldn't help but wonder if this connection was a Saiyan trait or a 'me' thing.
Raditz smirked, accepting the sensu bean from his younger brother's outstretched hand.
"Only if you teach me that Kamehameha wave of yours first," Raditz teased, his smirk widening as he playfully popped the bean into his mouth. However, as he swallowed the miraculous bean, his eyes widened, and he let out an involuntary groan, smacking himself in the face.
"Huh? What's wrong? Something bothering you?" Goku inquired, a note of concern in his voice.
"I forgot about Launch," Raditz confessed, his displeasure evident. The weight of his oversight hung heavily on him, and he knew he'd need to make amends as soon as possible for his mistake.
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Chichi's voice was filled with concern and a hint of sadness as she spoke, her eyes fixed on her injured and bleeding husband. "At least tell me you're taking us back home. I have a bag of sensu beans there on the dresser."
Vegeta gave her a silent nod, determination in his eyes as he sped up, eager to get to the bottom of what was troubling her.
Minutes later, Vegeta skillfully landed on their balcony and gently set Chichi down in their bedroom. In the soft artificial light, he could see her more clearly, and it was evident that something was deeply troubling her.
Yes, there was a change in her demeanor, a certain ease that had vanished from her step. Instead, there was an undercurrent of anxiety. Her eyes, usually bright with warmth, held a profound sadness behind the concern she felt for him in that moment, despite her own injuries.
How long have you been feeling like this, Chichi?
The question formed in Vegeta's mind, and before he realized it, he had voiced it aloud. He couldn't help but wonder if he had been neglecting her, consumed by his training. Had she been carrying this weight for days? Weeks? Had he been too preoccupied to notice?
"Answer me!" Vegeta demanded in frustration, unable to bear her silence.
Chichi walked over to him, her steps measured, and as she did, she replied softly, "I will, but first, eat this." She popped the sensu bean into his mouth with her thumb and index finger, surprising him.
Vegeta swallowed the bean whole, not wanting to waste time chewing. Then, he gently but firmly grasped Chichi by her shoulders.
"Alright, I've eaten the damn bean already. Now, talk," he said, the effects of the sensu bean working its magic as he waited for her to open up to him.
Chichi opened her mouth to speak, but her voice quivered, and she closed it again. Her lower lip trembled, and her eyes welled up with tears. Then, as if a floodgate had burst open, she broke down into sobs, her cries sincere and filled with pain. Vegeta stood there, stunned and deeply troubled, as he witnessed Chichi shedding tears he had never seen her shed before.
"I'm... I'm afraid," Chichi confessed through her tears, her voice trembling with vulnerability. Her hands covered her face as she wept, and her heartache was palpable. "I'm afraid of losing you to Freiza, Vegeta. You mean the world to me."
Vegeta's heart ached as he watched Chichi's tears fall.
Vegeta, despite his pain, felt a surge of wounded pride and anger. He looked at Chichi and asked, "What, you think I'd lose to him? You don't believe in me?"
Chichi removed her hands from her face, her brows furrowing in slight anger. She replied, "Of course I believe in you, dummy. I'm just worried about the 'what if.' I'm human, after all. I don't have that Saiyan pride and drive of yours to just be able to toss aside such concerns as easily as you do. It's eating away at my heart, Vegeta. The fear of losing you. It has for a long time now, and just with the arrival of Nappa and Raditz, it finally hit home how close Frieza is to getting here."
Vegeta's anger dissipated, and he found himself understanding Chichi's feelings on a deeper level. He recognized the stark difference between them – he was a Saiyan, driven by pride and battle, while she was an Earthling, with her human way of dealing with worries and fears. He understood that as human Chichi needed to face her worries head-on, or they would continue to eat away at her until they boiled to the surface, like they had now.
"Chichi, look at me," Vegeta said, his voice filled with gentle urgency. But she didn't hear him; her face remained buried in her hands as tears flowed freely.
With unwavering determination, Vegeta repeated, "Woman, look at me!" This time, Chichi lifted her head, her tearful eyes meeting his.
Without a word, Vegeta took her face in his strong hands and earnestly kissed her with a depth of passion that needed no words. In that wordless kiss, Vegeta poured his heart and soul, telling her all the things the words he knew he'd struggle to speak. Through the loving pressure of his lips, Vegeta assured Chichi that he would fight with all his might to stay alive, not just for himself, but for her sake.
Vegeta's kiss then spoke of love to her heart repeatedly.
With every sweet, lingering press of their lips, Vegeta's silent message echoed like a beautiful refrain: "I love you. I love you. I love you. Damn you, woman for making me soft and driving me insane over you!"
As their kiss finally broke out of need for air, they were both left audibly breathless, their chests rising and falling with the intensity of their emotions. Vegeta, still holding Chichi in his arms, managed to catch his breath and looked deep into her eyes.
"Hell would freeze over before I ever let Frieza take me away from you," he declared, his voice filled with determination. "I will never allow it. Besides, woman, if you truly wish to entertain such a foolish notion, we do have the Dragon Balls to wish me back, don't we?"
Vegeta's lips curled into a confident smirk, and he added with a playful glint in his eye, "And if I do happen to bite the dust, you'd better give him hell to pay."
Chichi couldn't help but giggle at his words.
Chichi's eyes sparkled with playful mischief as she responded to Vegeta's confident words, "You better believe it, bucko. If anyone dares to mess with my man, they'll have me to reckon with."
A proud grin tugged at the corners of Vegeta's lips as he replied in a flirtatious tone, "That's my woman," before leaning in to seal their playful exchange with another passionate kiss.
As Vegeta held her close in their embrace, Chichi couldn't help but feel a profound sense of relief wash over her. She silently thanked Piccolo in her heart, grateful that she had followed his advice and finally found the courage to speak to Vegeta about her fears and worries.
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Raditz soared back to the castle. He expected to find Launch in the hospital area, fast asleep where he had last seen her. However, when he arrived and saw her bed empty, his brows furrowed in confusion.
"She's not here, if you're looking for her," a voice spoke from behind him.
Startled, Raditz swiftly turned around, his tail lashing in surprise. He was met with the sight of Tien, who seemed to have appeared out of nowhere.
Raditz's eyes narrowed slightly.
"Where is she, then?" he asked, his curiosity piqued.
"I found her a sensu bean, and she didn't need to be hospitalized anymore. She waited here all day for you to return, but she didn't want to leave without seeing you again. So, Chichi have her a guest room." Tien replied.
Raditz muttered to himself, his voice barely audible. "Good. That means I can apologize to her in the morning."
As he turned around, Tien's voice reached his ears. "Hey, listen, man," Tien began, a mix of gratitude and guilt in his voice. "Thanks for being there for Launch. I really appreciate it... honestly. I wouldn't have been able to live with myself if something had happened to her. I hadn't known she was so important to me, or that I cared so much about her until I nearly lost her because I neglected her."
Raditz regarded Tien, sensing that he had no intention of getting in the way of what had begun between him and Launch. He then gave him a slightly cool nod of understanding before walking away.
Raditz made his way through the castle corridors, following the directions provided by a helpful servant. Eventually, he reached his assigned room and found it just as they had described. The door beside his was slight;y open, and he could hear the unmistakable familiar sound of Nappa snoring loudly inside.
A mischievous grin tugged at Raditz's lips as he pushed the door open gently and peeked into the room. Sure enough, there was Nappa, sprawled out on the bed, snoring away, and seemingly oblivious to Raditz's presence.
Figured you passed out after eating. Like always. Otherwise, you wouldn't have missed the fight.
Raditz couldn't help but chuckle softly to himself. "You're too predictable, old man," he whispered, shaking his head in amusement as he carefully closed the door, leaving Nappa to enjoy his well-deserved rest.
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"Hey! Watch it!"
Goku's sprint through the bustling city streets sent pedestrians scattering in all directions, their startled voices filling the air.
"What was that?!"
'What the heck?!"
"Some gust of wind?"
"Sorry! Excuse me!"
Apologies tumbled from Goku's lips as he weaved through the crowd, his eyes scanning the street signs in search of the address Bulma had given him. While, yes, he could have flown, Goku had chosen to go on foot, relishing the opportunity to stretch his legs on this sunny day.
Bulma had provided him some cash and told him about a new burger joint that had recently opened, and Goku couldn't resist the allure of a culinary challenge. The restaurant boasted a monstrous fifty-pound double cheeseburger, and the dare was to finish it in one sitting. The reward? A lifetime of free meals and drinks.
The thought of sinking his teeth into that colossal burger made Goku's mouth water, and he let out an excited laugh as he quickened his pace. "I don't see how the other guys and saiyans could put this on a rain check for later. This is way too good to pass up!" Goku thought aloud to himself with his trademark grin.
But then, a sudden blood-curdling scream pierced the air, enough to bring Goku to a sudden stop, causing his feet to leave long grooves in the sidewalk beneath him. That scream was a stark contrast to the startled cries he had been causing as he ran through the streets. This was a cry of pure terror, and it sent shivers down his spine. Something was terribly wrong.
Goku whipped his head back and forth, scanning the area for the source of the scream until he heard the voice again, crying out in panic.
"Somebody help me! He took my baby!" screamed a terrified blonde young mother, her voice trembling as she stood beside an empty stroller, pointing at a large man who was running away, clutching a young infant in his arms.
Goku's brows furrowed, his eyes narrowing as he assessed the situation. His determination to help was unwavering.
"Don't worry, I'll get your baby back!" Goku loudly assured the distressed mother with unwavering confidence.
However, just as he was about to sprint into action, he witnessed a surprising turn of events. Out of nowhere, a basketball shot through the air with incredible speed, slamming directly into the kidnapper's face. The impact sent him tumbling backward, and within seconds, a young woman with striking red hair appeared, swiftly retrieving the baby from the criminal's grasp as he fell.
"Thanks for letting me borrow your ball," she called out to a young teen boy in the distance behind her.
Goku watched in amazement as the woman returned the baby to its relieved mother. Something about her seemed oddly familiar, and then it hit him.
"Suno!" Goku exclaimed in joy, realizing that this was his childhood friend, someone he hadn't seen in a long time. He had often wondered what had become of her.
However, the moment of joy was interrupted by the enraged kidnapper.
He had gotten back on his feet.
"You bitch!" he snarled, recovered from the basketball blow and advancing toward Suno with his fist poised to strike.
In an instant, Goku stood between the criminal and Suno, his palm outstretched. The kidnapper's fist collided with Goku's palm, and the force of the impact was evident as the man let out a piercing scream, clutching his broken hand in agony.
"Where the hell did you come from?" the startled kidnapper demanded of Goku, his fear and confusion palpable.
Meanwhile, Suno was still processing the unbelievable scene that had just unfolded before her. As the relieved mother thanked her and hurriedly left with her baby, Suno almost couldn't believe who she was seeing. Could it really be him? Goku?
Then her eyes caught sight of Goku's unmistakable tail, and a radiant smile instantly spread across her face.
It is him! It's Goku!
Goku, ever the playful warrior, couldn't resist a smirk as he responded to the kidnapper's question. "Heh. If you had asked me months ago, I would have told you I was from Earth, just like you are. But it turns out I'm from the planet Vegeta." He finished with a casual shrug, sinking into a fighting stance that left the man staring at him as if he had grown an extra head.
Fear was written all over the criminal's face as he gawked at Goku, who seemed ready for a fight. "You're crazy! I'm out of here!" he cried out before swiftly turning on his heel and making a hasty retreat, fleeing as fast as his legs could carry him. He was met with two furry police officers standing in his way. One was a tiger and the other a bear.
"Only place you're going is behind bars." Said the tiger, placing a handcuff on the man.
"We both saw everything," the bear officer chimed in, brandishing his baton threateningly.
Goku couldn't help but snicker as he watched the man cry out in protest while being forced into the back of the police car. Justice had been served, and the criminal was on his way to face the consequences of his actions.
However, his amusement was interrupted when he felt a gentle tap on his shoulder, and as he turned around, Goku found himself enveloped in a warm, fierce hug from Suno. Her arms were wrapped securely around his neck, and her feet dangled in the air as she clung to him.
"Goku, it is you! Thank you so much for your help!" Suno exclaimed, her voice filled with gratitude and excitement.
Goku chuckled in response, his innate friendliness shining through. "Well, of course it's me. Who else would I be, silly?" He patted her back affectionately. "No problem."
Physical displays of affection with old friends were something Goku had always been comfortable with.
"How've you been?" Goku asked with genuine curiosity.
"Me? What about you?" Suno replied, her smile radiant. She released her embrace and gracefully landed on her feet. As she looked at Goku, her cheeks began to flush with warmth, realizing just how handsome he had grown over the years. She had to bite down on the inside of her cheek to quell the rising blush.
"We need to catch up pronto, Goku," Suno continued after clearing her throat, her voice filled with eagerness. "Are you busy? Maybe we can go someplace to eat?"
Goku's stomach eagerly joined the conversation, growling in agreement as he recalled the mission he had been on before this unexpected encounter.
"Oh, yeah! Sounds great! I know just the place!" Goku replied enthusiastically, thrilled at the prospect of reconnecting with an old friend and sharing a delicious meal together.
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Suno couldn't help but giggle as she took a bite of her fries, thoroughly entertained by the sight of Goku voraciously devouring the colossal burger he had been challenged to finish and had almost finished now in a matter of minutes.
The entire restaurant seemed to be in a state of disbelief, with patrons and staff alike staring wide-eyed at Goku's astonishing feat. Some were even turning blue from holding their breath in sheer astonishment.
As Goku triumphantly gulped down the last bite of the burger, a worker hit the giant tambourine on the wall, signaling his victory. The entire establishment erupted in cheers, and even the live band joined in the celebration.
The manager, an older man, approached Goku with a ribbon of congratulations, which he affixed to Goku's Gi. He shook Goku's hand vigorously and spoke with a mix of respect and awe, "Congratulations, young man. I never thought I'd see the day someone would beat such a challenging contest. That was quite an accomplishment and an incredible show."
Goku's hearty laughter filled the restaurant as he scratched the back of his head, his trademark grin beaming from ear to ear. "Aww, shucks. Thank you!" Goku's eyes sparkled with an innocent charm. "But can I have another one of those giant burgers?"
The patrons and staff in the restaurant, with the exception of Suno, comedically dropped to the ground in disbelief. Suno couldn't contain her laughter, knowing full well that Goku would ask for more.
"Actually, more than one. Eight more, please?" Goku begged. "That didn't hit the spot yet. I've got plenty of room for more. Do I get my lifetime supply of free food now? If so how about twenty orders of fries too?"
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Goku patted his belly contentedly after chugging down a large drink of water, letting out a relieved sigh. "Ah, that's so much better!"
Suno smiled at him, her own meal now finished. She leaned in, her curiosity getting the best of her. "Now that you're all full, Goku, why don't you go first and fill me in on your life since we last saw each other? You told that creep earlier you were from a different planet? Were you being serious or just joking?"
Goku chuckled, taking a moment to gather his thoughts. "No joke, Suno. It's a long story, but here's the short version." Goku began recounting the incredible events of his life since he last saw her, up until his his discovery of being from the planet Vegeta, and the impending threat of Frieza.
Suno's eyes widened as she listened intently, processing the incredible information. An evil alien named Frieza was coming to Earth, and Goku, an alien himself, was going to defend it alongside his friends. It was a lot to take in, and Suno felt a mixture of awe and concern for her childhood friend and so much worry for the planet and all it's inhabitants.
Suno smiled at Goku, a sense of reassurance washing over her. "You know, Goku, this Frieza guy gives me the serious creeps, but knowing that Earth has you to protect it, I'm not as frightened as I could be. I remember how tough you were as a kid, and what I saw you do earlier, breaking that guy's hand so easily... I know the planet will be safe with you around."
Goku grinned back at Suno, appreciating her confidence in him. "Thanks, Suno. It means a lot to hear that from you. And hey, like I said I've got some strong friends by my side too. We'll do whatever it takes to keep Earth safe."
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Author's note: See! I do love Goku!
We're not done with him and Suno yet.