Chapter 18: Ultra Confidence Unlocked
The day after Chi Chi's departure, Goku bid a temporary farewell to his son and the Ox-King, returning to Capsule Corp with Vegeta. Eager to continue their rigorous training regimen, the two saiyans returned to the familiar grounds, where they pushed their physical limits under increased gravity.
Back on Fire Mountain, Piccolo and the Ox-King assumed their roles as mentors to Gohan, guiding him in the ways of meditation and imparting valuable lessons on matters of royal affairs and responsibility. Gohan absorbed their teachings with enthusiasm, eager to fulfill his destiny as the heir to the throne.
Chi Chi seized the opportunity to spend quality time with her fiancé in Orange City, enjoying a respite from the demands of royal life. However, their tranquility was short-lived as the evening of May 20 marked a joyous occasion—a mass exodus to West City for the celebration of Gohan's sixth birthday. The extended family, along with friends and allies, gathered in West City to commemorate the milestone.
The festivities commenced with a lavish catered brunch hosted at Capsule Corp, where laughter and camaraderie filled the air as guests indulged in delectable cuisine and exchanged heartfelt well-wishes for the young prince. Energized by the morning's festivities, the group embarked on an adventure to Dream Land, a popular amusement park renowned for its thrilling rides and vibrant atmosphere.
Chi Chi, the Ox-King, Goku, Gohan, and their companions reveled in a day of excitement and merriment, exploring the park's attractions and partaking in a myriad of games and activities. Mrs. Briefs' culinary skills were showcased as her renowned blueberries 'n cream galaxy cake took center stage in a private party hall, surrounded by an assortment of delectable treats. It was bigger than a royal wedding cake.
Despite Goku's attempts to persuade Vegeta to join the festivities, the saiyan prince remained steadfast in his reluctance to partake in the bustling crowds of Dream Land. While the true reason behind his hesitation remained unspoken, Goku was ultimately forced to respect his training partner's decision and continued to enjoy the festivities alongside his family and friends. As the day drew to a close, the group made their way to the West City airport, where they boarded an airplane bound for Fire Mountain.
Bulma and Dr. Briefs remained trapped in the demanding world of technological innovation and military service. With Capsule Corp being a key supplier of advanced technology to the military, the pressure to fulfill orders on time was immense. Days blurred into nights as the genius duo and their dedicated team toiled tirelessly, their minds consumed by the intricacies of design and production.
Despite facing numerous setbacks along the way, including technical glitches and supply chain issues, Bulma and Dr. Briefs refused to yield to adversity. Drawing upon their expertise and resourcefulness, they devised innovative solutions and implemented efficiency measures to expedite manufacturing.
As the deadline loomed ominously on the horizon, the compound buzzed with frenetic energy as the final pieces of equipment were meticulously assembled and tested. The relentless pace took its toll on the exhausted team, their bodies weary from countless sleepless nights and relentless exertion.
Yet, against all odds, the military's orders were completed just in the nick of time, a testament to the unwavering dedication and ingenuity of Capsule Corp's brilliant minds. When General Pewter and the other military representatives arrived to collect the finished products, they were met with a scene of exhaustion and triumph, as the weary employees celebrated their hard-earned victory.
Recognizing the immense dedication and sacrifice of their workforce, the compound extended a well-deserved respite to all employees, granting them a week off with full pay to recuperate. As the compound fell into a temporary lull, the employees dispersed to seek solace in the comfort of their own homes, grateful for the opportunity to rest and rejuvenate before the next wave of challenges beckoned.
Following Gohan's birthday, the entourage returned to Fire Mountain, where the eagerly anticipated Ox Crown Festival awaited. With Goku's persuasive charm, even Vegeta begrudgingly joined the group, enticed by the promise of further training opportunities amidst the revelry. As they arrived, the kingdom erupted into celebration that spanned a fortnight. The Ox Crown Festival kicked off with commencement ceremonies, culminating in the formal coronation of the heir apparent, Ox-Prince Gohan. Amidst the jubilant atmosphere, a majestic parade wound its way through the streets of Ox City, with Gohan and the Ox-King presiding over the festivities atop the tallest float, waving to their adoring subjects.
Throughout the festival, the kingdom buzzed with activity as feasts of epic proportions and lavish banquets graced tables adorned with ornate decorations. Artisans and craftsmen showcased their talents at bustling fairs, while a mesmerizing masquerade ball invited guests to indulge in the allure of mystery and political and social intrigue. Cultural performances from neighboring kingdoms added a vibrant tapestry of diversity to the festivities, captivating audiences with music, dance, and theatrical displays.
As night descended, the skies erupted in a dazzling display of pyrotechnics, with nightly fireworks illuminating the heavens in a kaleidoscope of colors. From dawn till dusk, the people of the kingdom reveled in the magic, savoring each moment as a precious memory to cherish for a lifetime. Amidst the joyous celebrations, bonds were strengthened, traditions were honored, and the spirit of unity and patriotism flourished, leaving an indelible mark on all who participated in this extraordinary event.
As the last echoes of the Ox Crown Festival faded, the kingdom settled into a peaceful lull, with a well-deserved rest beckoning after weeks of nonstop revelry. With a collective sigh of contentment, the denizens of the surrounding lands embraced the tranquility that followed the whirlwind of festivities, allowing themselves a long, restful respite from the excitement and merrymaking.
For Goku, the end of the festival marked the return to his more rigorous training regimen, bidding a temporary farewell to Gohan and the Ox-King as he made his way back to Capsule Corp alongside the saiyan prince. Eager to continue honing their skills, Goku and Vegeta wasted no time in resuming their intense training sessions within the confines of the Gravitron at Capsule Corp. With each passing day, the smaller saiyan pushed his body to new limits, driven by an insatiable thirst for strength and mastery.
Meanwhile, Gohan remained steadfast on the newly-renamed Phoenix Mountain, where he delved deeper into his studies under the tutelage of Piccolo and the Ox-King. In addition to his scholarly pursuits, Gohan dedicated himself to participating in daily video conferences with Goku and Vegeta to work on the Control Technique. Guided by the elder prince's expertise, Gohan honed his abilities with unwavering determination, striving to unlock his full potential as a warrior and protector of his people.
With the afternoons dedicated to intensive training sessions, Vegeta pushed himself to exhaustion in an effort to unlock the transformation to Super Saiyan. Despite the challenges they faced, Goku, Vegeta, and Gohan remained steadfast in their pursuit of excellence, united by a shared determination to surpass their limits and emerge stronger than ever before. With each passing day, they inched closer to their goals, fueled by the unwavering belief that with perseverance and dedication, anything was possible.
As the weeks passed, Goku remained vigilant in uncovering information about the Colds, reaching out to King Kai periodically for updates on the progress of the search. However, the vastness of the galaxy presented significant challenges. Progress was slow and painstaking. Despite the obstacles, Goku and King Kai persisted, driven by duty to protect home and loved ones from threats lurking in the cosmos.
On Earth, the use of Capsule Corp technology provided a reprieve from the chaos of rebellion, allowing the military to restore a semblance of peace in major cities. However, political unrest continued to simmer beneath the surface, casting a shadow of uncertainty over the stability of the planet. As tensions lingered, the need for vigilance remained paramount, with the specter of conflict looming on the horizon.
Meanwhile, Al Long's determination remained unwavering as she resumed work on her drone project. Despite setbacks during a test flight resulting in catastrophic failure, she refused to be deterred, viewing the errors as an opportunity to learn and improve. And, with Bulma's expertise and support, Al persevered at work and gained rapidly growing expertise in her role as Capsule Corp Systems Engineer.
As spring turned to summer, the residents of Earth settled into a familiar routine, with each day bringing new challenges and opportunities for personal growth and collective advancement.
…
SATURDAY, JUNE 27, 763
On a weekend in June, the midday sun beat down on Capsule Corp's expansive lawn. Bulma had set up a luxurious capsule swimming pool to help the compound's residents beat the summer heat. The vibrant blue water shimmered invitingly, tempting anyone nearby to take a refreshing dip. Sunbathing on the pool's platform were Bulma herself, accompanied by a few Nameks who had joined her for the day's leisurely activities, and a lovely young business associate of Bulma's. The redheaded twenty-something's eyes sparkled with curiosity and mischief as she soaked in the sun's rays in a scandalously tiny bikini.
From the corner of her eye, Bulma caught sight of Goku emerging onto the patio, his muscular frame glistening with sweat from the summer heat. With a mischievous grin, she lifted her sunglasses to get a better look, then leaned in to whisper to Diamona, "That's him. What do you think? Pretty cute, right?"
Diamona's eyes widened, a playful smirk dancing on her lips. "You say he's single and a martial artist?"
Bulma nodded with a glint in her eyes. "That's right. As long as you don't mind that he'll never work or earn a stable income, he's as good as yours. I think we got this one in the bag," she suggested.
Giggling, Diamona replied, "Oh, I don't need a man to work or support me. I make plenty of money for myself in the fashion retail business. I just want all the other perks of male companionship."
Their conversation was interrupted by the gentle padding of footsteps as Dende approached, having coincidentally listened in to their chit-chat with his keen hearing abilities. "Hey, what are you two talking about?" he asked. "You're not thinking of selling Goku, are you, Miss Bulma?"
Bulma cast a mild glare in the boy's direction. "No, no, of course not. Look, a Namek wouldn't understand these things, kid. Why don't you go play with your brother in the pool?" she countered, shooing him away with a dismissive wave of the hand. After he shrugged and left, Bulma rolled her eyes to Diamona. "Heh…" she uttered. "Asexuals… they just don't get it. Am I right?"
Diamona chuckled a bit and nodded. "No worries."
Meanwhile, Goku came nearer as he made his way toward the Gravity Room, his mind set on resuming his training regimen with Vegeta. Spotting Bulma and Diamona waving him over with welcoming smiles, he smiled warmly and altered his course, heading over to greet the ladies. "Hey, Bulma! What's up?" he greeted as he stopped by the women's sun loungers. "Pretty hot out here, am I right?"
Bulma seized the opportunity to play matchmaker. "Hey, Goku, buddy. I'd like you to meet my dear friend Diamona. She's a fashionista," she said, smoothly introducing the two.
Rising gracefully from her sun lounger, Diamona squared her shoulders and puffed out her ample bosom as she offered Goku a firm handshake, her demeanor radiating confidence and poise. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Goku," she greeted him, eyeing him up and down. "My, you look incredibly strong."
Returning the handshake with his characteristic friendliness, Goku replied, "Ah, thanks! It's nice to meet you too, Diamona. Any friend of Bulma's is a friend of mine, for sure." With a casual wave, he added, "Well, I'll leave you ladies to enjoy your sunbaths. See you around!" With that, he turned to continue on his way to the Gravitron, his thoughts already drifting back to his training regimen.
However, Bulma was not quite finished yet. Calling out to the departing saiyan, she halted his progress, a hint of frustration evident in her voice. "Goku!" she exclaimed, her tone bordering on exasperation.
Turning back with an innocent expression, Goku scratched his head. "Huh? What's up, Bulma?"
Suppressing a sigh, Bulma winked and then suggested, "Maybe, you could come back later this evening to watch the sunset with Diamona. Get a little better acquainted, you know?"
Goku blinked, clearly perplexed. "Why?" he asked, genuinely puzzled by Bulma's suggestion.
With a slightly strained smile, Bulma persisted, "Well, you two might have some things in common."
The saiyan warrior raised both brows. "Oh, you think so? Neat!" Goku turned to Diamona, his expression enthusiastic as he posed a question that was typically on his mind. "Do you like to fight?"
Diamona's lips quirked into a small frown as she shook her head. "No, not really."
Shrugging nonchalantly, Goku replied, "Ah, okay. Well, it was worth a shot!" With that, he padded off again, his attention drifting back to his upcoming sparring session with the saiyan prince.
Left alone with Bulma, Diamona sighed and reached for her sun hat, a faint disappointment lingering in her eyes. "I should probably be getting back," she murmured, a hint of resignation in her voice.
As Diamona departed, Bulma's frustration bubbled to the surface, her irritation evident in the furrow of her brow and the set of her jaw. Swiftly catching up to Goku, she delivered a whack to the back of his head. "Just how dense can you be, Goku?!" she charged, her tone laced with exasperation.
Startled, Goku spun around and recoiled slightly, his confusion evident as he struggled to understand Bulma's sudden anger. "Hey, wh-what's the matter?" he stammered, taken aback by her reaction.
Bulma's frustration simmered as Goku's obliviousness persisted. She could not help but emit a low growl of irritation. Rolling her eyes, she waved off his confusion with a dismissive gesture. "Just forget it," she muttered, her tone tinged with exasperation. "You're hopeless, Goku." She made her way toward the shimmering blue waters of the swimming pool. Determination gleamed in her eyes as she approached the diving board, ready to take a refreshing dip and put Goku's cluelessness behind her.
Meanwhile, Goku stood rooted to the spot, sadness and confusion washing over him. Rubbing the back of his head sheepishly, he watched Bulma's retreating figure with a mixture of bewilderment and regret. He could not begin to fathom what he had done to upset her, but the heaviness in his heart lingered as he pondered the interaction. With a heavy sigh, Goku turned his attention back to the Gravitron.
…
Inside, Vegeta sat on the floor, preparing to begin his stretching routine. The prince's keen eyes did not fail to notice Goku's troubled demeanor when he entered. He wasted no time in voicing his concern. "What's your problem, Kakarott?" he demanded, his voice laced with a mixture of annoyance and genuine curiosity. He observed Goku closely, waiting for an explanation for his uncharacteristic mood.
Goku's shoulders slumped in defeat as he sighed heavily, his gaze fixed on the floor. "Bulma just yelled at me," he revealed, his voice laced with confusion and frustration. "And I have no idea why."
Vegeta, ever observant, arched an eyebrow at Goku's confession, his expression a mixture of skepticism and mild amusement. "She yelled at you, and so… you cowered away from her?" Vegeta interrogated, a derisive snort escaping him as he shook his head in disbelief. "You did, didn't you? Admit it."
Goku's cheeks flushed slightly with embarrassment as he nodded bashfully. "Yeah, I sorta did," he conceded, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. "I just didn't know what to do. I froze… again… like an idiot. What's wrong with me, Vegeta? Am I just a hopeless case or what?"
Vegeta let out an exasperated sigh, striding towards the central control panel of the Gravitron. "Listen, Kakarott," he began, his tone firm yet oddly gentle. "I've been observing your social behavior for some weeks now and I think I've pinpointed the root of your problem when dealing with willful women."
Goku's interest was piqued, his eyes widening with curiosity as he leaned in closer to listen to Vegeta's assessment. "Really? What is it?" he asked eagerly, hoping to gain some insight into his own behavior and perhaps improve his interactions in the future. "Please, I gotta know! This type of thing has been happening since I was a kid and I just can't stand it. If I could figure out how to deal with mean girls as well as you do, then… well, that would be better than becoming a Super Saiyan!"
Vegeta's laughter echoed through the training chamber, filling the air with a rare sense of joviality.
Goku's cheeks flushed with embarrassment at being the subject of Vegeta's amusement, but he could not help but crack a sheepish grin in response to the prince's laughter. "Come on, 'Geets, it's not that funny," Goku protested lightly, though a hint of self-consciousness lingered in his voice.
Vegeta waved off Goku's comment with a dismissive gesture, still chuckling to himself as he approached the control panel of the Gravitron. With practiced precision, he pressed a series of buttons, closing the door of the training chamber and initiating the gravity machine with a low hum.
As Goku's frown deepened, he mustered the courage to voice his discomfort. "Hey, Vegeta, could you maybe not make fun of me?" he asked, his tone a mix of embarrassment and vulnerability.
Vegeta's laughter subsided, his expression shifting to one of solemnity as he turned to face Goku. "Kakarott, you can't let that bother you," he said, his voice surprisingly gentle. "See, your problem... I believe it could be some form of social anxiety," he expressed, a thoughtful look overtaking his face.
Goku's eyes widened in surprise at Vegeta's diagnosis, the realization sinking in as he considered his own behavior in social situations. "But... why?" Goku asked, his voice full of confusion.
Vegeta paused for a moment, gathering his thoughts before continuing. "The fear you feel when faced with a 'mean girl' who makes you her target is not a response to a physical threat, but still your body and mind react as if it is," he explained, his tone matter-of-fact yet empathetic.
Goku nodded slowly, processing Vegeta's words. "So, what do I do?" he asked, uncertainty in his voice.
Vegeta's expression hardened. "You must retrain your brain. Like with your control training, I think retraining your social behavior will require starting with some mindfulness and meditation," he suggested. "You'll need to try to picture yourself keeping a cool facade in the face of a social confrontation. Think of it like a form of self-hypnosis. Now that I've had some time to observe, I think I know where to start with those practice role-plays that I mentioned back on Fire... or, rather, Phoenix Mountain."
Goku's face lit up with a spark of hope, his gaze meeting Vegeta's with newfound determination. "Really? That sounds great, Vegeta!" he exclaimed, a smile spreading across his features.
Vegeta nodded, a sense of purpose evident as he turned back to the control panel. "I'll tell you what," he declared, his voice firm yet supportive. "This evening, after dinner, we can fit in a five-minute tailored meditation session and maybe an exploratory role-play scenario or two. How does that sound?"
Goku's smile widened, a surge of gratitude flooding through him. "That sounds perfect, Vegeta. Thanks for helping me out with this," he said sincerely, his eyes shining with appreciation.
"Eh, as I see it, your behavior reflects on me. No saiyan should cower from a female," Vegeta replied, returning a nod of acknowledgment. "Alright, now shut up so I can figure out how to turn on the video call with Gohan again," he added, waving Goku's enthusiasm off as he fiddled with the panel.
Goku nodded. "Oh, Bulma said you gotta turn on the screen first and then an icon should pop up when he initiates the call. At least, I think that's what she said," he recalled, scratching his head.
"Fucking Earth technology… Ah, right. Okay, there, I got it."
…
The late afternoon sun continued to beat down on West City, leaving the occupants of Capsule Corp's expansive lawn lolling lazily in lounge chairs even as the sun leaned westward in the sky.
Aloha Long, her brow furrowed in concentration, stood at the edge of the lawn near the platform of the capsule pool, her hands trembling slightly as she made final adjustments to her drone. Sweat glistened on her brow, trickling down her temples as she worked feverishly under the sweltering late June heat.
With her friend Ashley's birthday fast approaching, Al was determined to perfect her drone in time to discover her old friend's present-day whereabouts. As she meticulously tinkered with the controls, her mind raced with thoughts of locating her friend and helping her claim her adult independence.
Just as Al prepared to initiate a test launch, the shrill ring of her phone shattered the excitement of the moment. Startled, she fumbled for her device, her heart pounding with a mix of anticipation and apprehension. With trembling fingers, she swiped the screen and brought the phone to her ear, her breath catching in her throat. "Hello?" Al answered, her voice betraying a hint of nervousness.
"Aloha baby, thank goodness you picked up!" came the frantic voice of her mother on the other end of the line. "Where are you right now? Are you safe? Where have you been the last few weeks?!"
Al blinked in confusion, taken aback by her mother's urgency. "I'm at Capsule Corp, of course," she replied, her brow furrowing in concern. "What's wrong, Mom? Is everything alright?"
Her mother let out an audible sigh of relief, the tension in her voice palpable even over the phone. "Oh, thank goodness," she murmured. "Your father and I were so worried. We just spoke to your landlord and he informed us that you actually moved out of your apartment weeks ago."
Al's heart sank at her mother's revelation, anxiety washing over her. "I... I did," she admitted reluctantly. "It, um, happened during the conscription of Capsule Corp," she blurted, adding a little white lie to explain away her actions. "We had to work around the clock, so to make it easier, many employees were offered near- or on-campus accommodations. Most have moved back out to their homes and apartments by now though. I just stayed because I thought it was convenient to live so close to work." She uttered a nervous chuckle. "Gives me a little more time to wake up in the morning, you know?"
Her mother's tone softened slightly, though a note of reproach lingered beneath the surface. "Aloha, sweetheart, you know you can't just up and move without telling us," the woman chided gently. "Your father and I were beside ourselves with worry. What were you thinking, dear?"
Al swallowed hard, her throat tight with emotion. "I… I'm sorry. Things just got so crazy during the conscription period, I just plum forgot. Look, I'll do better in the future, I promise."
There was a moment of silence on the other end of the line, punctuated only by the sound of Al's ragged breathing. Then her mother spoke again, her voice soft with understanding. "I understand, sweetheart. But you have to remember that we're here for you, no matter what," she pointed out. "Just please promise me you'll keep us in the loop from now on. We worry about you, Aloha. We love you."
Tears welled in Al's eyes at her mother's words, her heart heavy with mixed emotions. "I promise, Mom."
"I certainly hope so," her mother replied. "When we heard about the company's conscription, as I recall, we agreed not to try to contact you too often because you were so busy. We trusted you."
Al bit her lip. "Don't worry, Mom. I'll get better about these things. You've always said yourself that it takes time to build new habits. This whole… me entering the real-world thing is new for all of us."
Her mother chuckled. "That's true. Alright, I'll try to be more patient, but you know how your father is."
"Yes, we both do," Al replied with a snicker. "Please, offer him my apologies."
"No need, my dear. You can do that tonight when he gets off of work. We agreed before he left that we need to have a video conference call as a family as soon as possible," her mother explained.
Fear gripped Al's heart. "Oh… gee, is he really that mad about my mistake?"
"Oh, it's not that, sweetie," her mother continued. "We need to talk about finances, that's all."
"Finances?"
Her mother's sigh was audible through the phone. "We've noticed that you haven't deposited any money into the joint account. Haven't you been receiving your paychecks, dear?"
Al slapped her forehead. "Oh, that's right! I owe you two some money from the loan you gave me to get situated in West City. I'm so sorry, I forgot about that as well. But don't worry, Mom, I'll transfer the funds immediately. Thank you so much for the reminder," she blurted.
There was a tangible silence. When her mother spoke next, she seemed confused. "Uh, Aloha, where exactly are you transferring the money from? You don't have any other accounts."
Aloha explained, "Well, Capsule Corp has its own credit union, the CCCU. Since the interest accrues there at a much higher rate than at our old bank, I decided to have my paychecks deposited there."
"Interesting," her mother remarked. "Do they allow for joint accounts?"
Aloha's face scrunched up in thought. "I don't think so. I believe the CCCU only allows accounts for current or past employees and their children and spouses," she replied.
"Well," her mother said, "we'll need you to inquire with the CCCU and make sure of that. If not, I'm afraid we'll have to go with our old bank. Anyway, we'll bang out the details on a video conference call when your father gets off of work this evening. Keep your phone with you so you don't miss the call."
Aloha blinked. "What do you mean we'll have to go with our old bank? Were you planning on closing the account? Like I said, I'll transfer the money as soon as we hang up," she pointed out in confusion.
"No, dear, you're not understanding me. Ugh, I didn't want to get into this too much now, but what I mean is you'll have to close your CCCU and have your checks deposited in the joint account instead. You're too young to manage your own money, Aloha. I'm sure your father will want you to submit an itemized list of your expenses and then he'll transfer back the amount that you need monthly."
Aloha's heart pounded in her chest as she listened to her mother's words, her mind racing with conflicting thoughts and emotions. Just as she struggled to find the right response, her gaze drifted to the nearby capsule pool where Bulma Briefs stood, radiant in a cute bikini, poised to dive in. Aloha's breath caught in her throat as she watched, momentarily forgetting the conversation with her mother.
The sight of the beautiful Bulma Briefs sent a surge of pleasant warmth through her veins, but it also added to her inner turmoil. How could she focus on a phone conversation when her mind was consumed by thoughts of her gorgeous boss and mentor? With a jolt, Aloha realized that she had been silent for too long, her mother waiting on the other end of the line for her response. Suddenly feeling overwhelmed, Aloha blurted out a weak excuse about someone needing her urgent assistance and abruptly hung up the phone. Immediately, she regretted her hasty action, knowing it would only cause her mother to worry more. Yet, in that moment, she could not bear to confront the reality of her situation.
With shaky steps, Aloha made her way towards the pool platform, her drone clutched tightly in her hand. The summer heat beat down on her, adding to the weight of her troubled thoughts. Finding a cool spot at a table in the shade of a large parasol, she put the drone down and slumped into the chair, her head in her hands and feeling utterly drained. The sound of laughter and splashing from the pool filled the air around her, but Aloha remained lost in her own thoughts. She could not shake the feeling of unease that gripped her, the weight of her secret and the tension with her parents weighing heavily on her shoulders.
As she sat there, Aloha could not help but steal glances at Bulma, who moved with effortless grace in the water. Each glimpse only served to deepen Al's feelings, adding complexity to her tangled emotions. Lost in her thoughts, Aloha wondered how she would navigate the challenges ahead, torn between her desire for independence, her fear of rejection, and her longing for acceptance. But for now, all she could do was sit and wrestle with her inner demons, hoping for some semblance of clarity to emerge from the chaos.
As the cell phone rang again, Aloha's heart sank, knowing it was her mother calling back. Hastily, she silenced the damnable device, hoping to delay the inevitable confrontation for just a little longer. With her fingers interlaced tightly, she stared at the platform floor between her feet, her mind racing as she struggled to decide on a course of action. She could not bear the thought of surrendering her newfound financial independence to her parents, but she also did not want to alienate them. The idea of confiding in a friend briefly crossed her mind, but she quickly dismissed it, feeling a sense of embarrassment at the thought of sharing her parents' helicoptering tendencies with others. What would they think of her if she revealed her predicament? Would they see her as weak for not standing up to her parents?
Lost in her tumultuous thoughts, Aloha failed to notice the approach of Bulma Briefs until she plopped down in a chair at the same table, dripping wet from her recent dip in the pool.
Aloha started, jerking out of her troubled thoughts as she looked up to find Bulma beside her.
"Hey there, Al! Mind if I join you?" Bulma asked cheerfully, an oversized towel draped around her shoulders. "I couldn't help noticing you were looking a little troubled over here. Is something wrong?"
Aloha hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal to Bulma. But something about the genuine concern in Bulma's eyes encouraged her to open up, if only a little. "I... I've just been dealing with some family stuff," Aloha admitted, her voice dripping with uncertainty. "It's... kinda complicated."
Bulma nodded understandingly, reaching out to place a comforting hand on Aloha's arm. "I'm here if you ever need to talk, Al. You don't have to go through it alone," she offered, her voice soft and reassuring.
Aloha felt a surge of gratitude towards Bulma, grateful for her kindness and support. Perhaps confiding in someone would not be so bad after all. She would just have to be careful. "Um, well… I just… Bulma, when you were a teenager, were your parents ever… I don't know… like overly concerned about you?"
Bulma blinked in surprise at the question. "My parents? Uh, no, they've always been pretty laid back. However, I do know… well, others, who have at least one parent who likes to smother. In fact, I just helped a friend out of a sticky situation just like that. So, who knows? Maybe I can help you with whatever the problem is? You know what they say, a friend in need is a friend indeed!"
"I really appreciate that, Bulma," Aloha replied, a small smile tugging at her lips. "It means a lot. Oh, so this situation with your friend, is it something you're allowed to talk about?"
Bulma shrugged. "I don't think it's a problem if I don't mention anyone by name. Basically, I have this male friend. Now, we've known each other since childhood and we used to go on all kinds of crazy adventures together in the summers. Well, he has a son and the mother of his child is… well… overbearing, to say the least. Now, these two are just recently divorced. When the separation was happening, the mom tried to intimidate my friend and act like she had already been granted sole custody of their kid, which she hadn't. She started making all these stringent new rules for the kid without consulting the father because she figured, well, my friend doesn't have a lot of money and there would be no way he could fight it in court. Boy, oh boy, did we prove her wrong. I hired him a lawyer, which gave him the confidence to advocate for his kid better. They ended up doing a mediation with the mom's father, who has always been great to my friend. Everything worked out in the end, I'm proud to say."
Aloha blinked, fascinated by the story. "Wow, that's amazing! You really spent your own money to help your friend? Not that money is a problem, but I don't think I have any friends who would do that for me."
Bulma chuckled. "The trick was having faith in my friend. I gave him a much-needed boost with my pledge of support, which enabled him to avoid a costly court battle in the end. They figured out a great settlement and, all in all, I didn't have to spend much on the lawyer. Isn't that great?"
"Yeah… that's… actually amazing! Wow… Oh, just out of curiosity… How old is your friend's kid?"
Bulma chuckled. "Just turned six! Very mature and intelligent for his age, I must admit."
Aloha's face fell slightly. "Ah, I see."
"You okay?"
Aloha started wringing her hands slightly. "Well, uh, in my situation… I mean… You know how you said the kid's mom was overbearing? Like, what would you think if she had still been overbearing, but instead of the kid being six, he was eighteen? I mean, that would be a pretty awkward situation, wouldn't it?"
Bulma's face looked thoughtful. "Oh, yeah, that'd be awkward, but legally speaking, it would've been way easier. No lawyers needed, am I right? An eighteen-year-old isn't a kid at all, but a legal adult."
"Right, right… but you said that, um, your friend, the kid's dad, that he lacked confidence. So, what if… what if an eighteen-year-old lacks confidence when dealing with overbearing parents? What do you think a person should do in that situation? Like, if a parent is making a demand that the eighteen-year-old is really uncomfortable with, but at the same time they're afraid of making their parent mad."
Bulma shrugged. "Learning to set boundaries with parents is a pretty normal part of early adulting. So, is it you having this problem with your parents, or maybe a friend or sibling?"
Aloha looked down in shame. "It's… me…" she reluctantly admitted. Though self-conscious, she felt encouraged by Bulma's statement that such a thing was, in fact, normal. As if she really needed to be more of a freak than she already was. Aloha sighed. "You see, the person I see myself as… well, it's totally different than the person I am right now. And my parents don't understand that. If they did understand, then I wouldn't be nearly so opposed to the demands that they're making."
Bulma chewed her bottom lip in thought. "Are you comfortable sharing what these demands are?"
Aloha ran her hand through her short curly hair. "Well, uh… You know how I requested my paychecks be sent to my CCCU account? They don't like not having access to the money. They think, well, at least my mom said that I'm too young to manage my own money. They want me to give them my whole paycheck, submit an itemized list of expenses, and on a monthly basis they'll transfer the needed amount back."
Bulma felt a sudden flare of anger in her chest. "What?!" she blared, causing Aloha to shrink back. Bulma frowned a bit. "Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you, but… that's actually completely inappropriate. You're a legal adult and not disabled mentally or otherwise. I mean, what's the sitch here? Do you have a history of blowing through loads of money or something? Why are your parents being so weird?"
Aloha shook her head. "Not at all, I've been saving the vast majority of my pay. Heck, even if I did have to pay monthly rent and buy my own food, I'd still be saving a lot. My parents are just… overbearing."
Bulma nodded her understanding. "I see. So, what you need help with is establishing boundaries, then?"
Aloha nodded. "Whenever I think of telling them no, all these what-ifs come up in my head and I get a mental block that stops me standing up for myself. It's… I just don't know what my problem is. I may be considered a genius by most people, but I'm ashamed to admit that I'm completely at a loss on this."
Bulma leaned back in her chair, a thoughtful expression on her face as she processed Aloha's words. "Well, first of all, let me just say it's completely normal to feel overwhelmed and unsure in situations like this, especially when you're fresh out of college. Setting boundaries with parents, especially when they're used to having control, can be really challenging," she reassured Aloha, her tone gentle yet firm.
Aloha nodded, a sense of relief washing over her in response to Bulma's understanding. "Thanks, Bulma. I really needed to hear that," the younger genius admitted, offering a grateful smile.
Bulma returned the smile, her cerulean eyes shining with empathy. "Of course, Al. Now, let's talk about strategy. The first step is to figure out exactly what boundaries you want to set and why they're important to you," she established, her voice taking on a more determined tone.
Aloha furrowed her brow in concentration, considering Bulma's words. "Okay... well, I guess one boundary I want to set is that I should have control over my own finances. I've worked hard for my paycheck and I don't think it's fair for my parents to dictate how I use it," she said.
Bulma nodded in agreement, her expression encouraging. "That's a great start, Al. Now, what about the 'why' behind this boundary? Why is it important to you to have control over your finances?" prompted the heiress, her bright blue eyes locking with Aloha's in a show of solidarity.
"Well, for the most part, I don't even want my parents knowing what I spend my money on. Remember what I said about them making me take dance instead of karate? I have some hobbies that I know they don't approve of, hobbies which I do spend some money on every once in a while. I mean, it's not like I splurge or anything. So, why do they need to know my every expenditure? I feel like it's partly so they can keep control and prevent me from partaking in these hobbies that they don't like."
Bulma listened attentively, her brows furrowing slightly in concern as Aloha spoke. "I see," she said softly, her voice thoughtful. "So, it sounds like there's more to this than just wanting financial independence and freedom. It's also about maintaining your own personal autonomy and pursuing your own interests without judgment or interference from your parents."
Aloha nodded, relieved that Bulma seemed to understand. "Exactly," she replied, feeling validated. "I just want to be able to be myself without constantly worrying about what my parents will think or say."
Bulma smiled sympathetically, her eyes reflecting comprehension. "I completely understand, Al. Everyone deserves the freedom to express themselves and pursue their passions without fear of judgment or criticism," she said warmly, her tone filled with empathy. "And that goes double for legal adults."
Aloha Long felt a surge of gratitude toward Bulma, thankful for her unwavering support and understanding. "Thank you so much, Bulma. It means a lot to me that you're willing to help guide me through this," she said sincerely, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips.
Bulma reached out to squeeze Aloha's hand, a reassuring gesture of solidarity. "Anytime, Al. I'm here to help you in any way I can," she said earnestly, her voice filled with determination. "Oh, and since you brought it up… Shoot, I'd almost completely forgotten about this! Thank goodness that you reminded me. I did promise that I was going to invite you to a social gathering with my martial artist friends, didn't I? Well, guess what! We're having just such a gathering tomorrow evening! What do you say, would you like to come? It'll be a barbecue on the patio over there. My mom's cooking."
Aloha's eyes turned to saucers. "What? Oh, really?! That sounds amazing! Yes, please!"
"Alright, we start setting up at five, but it formally starts at five-thirty. Sound good?"
"Yes! I'll be there!"
…
As the savory scent of Mrs. Briefs' cooking filled the air, the dinner at the Briefs' residence was winding down. Vegeta, having polished off his meal, stood up from the table and headed toward the sliding glass door leading to the patio. He glanced back at Goku, who was still enthusiastically enjoying his food, but nearing the end of his meal. "Finish up, Kakarott. Meet me in the Gravity Room when you're done."
Goku, mouth full but nodding eagerly, acknowledged Vegeta's directive and redoubled his efforts to finish his meal quickly. With a determined look in his eyes, he began shoveling the last few bites of food into his mouth, relishing the meaty flavors, before washing it down with some iced tea.
Mrs. Briefs, seeing Vegeta's impending departure, could not help voicing concern. "Are you two planning on more training?" she asked, her maternal instincts kicking in as she worried about their well-being.
Pausing in his stride, Vegeta turned back to face the blonde housewife with a faint smirk. "Sort of," he replied enigmatically, his eyes flickering with amusement. "Why do you ask?"
Mrs. Briefs furrowed her brow, puzzled by Vegeta's cryptic response. "Well, I hope you don't plan on getting all dirty again right after taking showers," she remarked, her concern evident in her tone.
Vegeta chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Don't worry, we're not doing that type of training."
With a nod of understanding, Mrs. Briefs watched Vegeta cross the patio and leap down onto the lawn.
Meanwhile, Bulma observed the exchange with interest, her mind buzzing with curiosity about what kind of training Vegeta had in store for Goku. Turning her attention to Goku, who was finishing up his meal with gusto, she could not help but ask, "So, Goku, what type of training was Vegeta talking about?" Her curiosity piqued, she awaited his response, eager to uncover the mystery behind their training regimen.
As Bulma's question hung in the air, Goku paused, his expression momentarily thoughtful as he considered how to respond without divulging too much about what they were actually up to and why. With a sheepish grin, he rubbed the back of his neck, choosing his words carefully. "Uh, well, you know 'Geets," Goku began, his tone light as he tried to downplay the subject. "He's always coming up with these... unique ways to train, you know? It's like... mental and physical training combined."
Bulma raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Goku's vague explanation, but sensing there was more to the story. "Mental and physical training?" she echoed, eyeing Goku. "What exactly does that entail?"
Goku chuckled nervously, feeling the weight of Bulma's scrutiny as he struggled to maintain the facade of nonchalance. "Oh, you know, just... exercises to improve focus and discipline and… and… stuff like that," he replied evasively, hoping to steer the conversation away from the true nature of their activities.
Bulma regarded Goku skeptically, her keen intellect picking up on his discomfort. Sensing his reluctance to elaborate further, she decided not to press the issue for now, though she made a mental note to keep a closer eye on Vegeta's training methods in the future. While the heiress had some work to do on a personal project after dinner, she resolved to just check up on the Gravitron's security cam footage afterward. "Alright, Goku, if you say so," Bulma conceded with a small shrug, choosing to let the matter drop for the time being. She could always sneak a peek at what they had been up to later on.
Goku nodded, feeling a sense of unease in response to Bulma's scrutiny. Would she be insulted to know that her earlier encounter with him had re-sparked a desire in him to learn how to handle willful women like her in a more saiyan prince-like manner? Vegeta made Bulma so incredibly mad sometimes, as Goku had observed, and yet the proud prince always just laughed it off like it was nothing to him.
The orange-clad warrior felt Bulma's eyes on him as he turned and headed the way Vegeta had gone, drops of sweat forming on his scalp and not just from the summer heat. Get it together, Goku, he told himself. It's just like Vegeta said. She's not… physically dangerous to me, so why does the prospect of making her mad seem so scary? You know what, it's fine. 'Geets will help me figure this out.
As Goku walked across the patio, his senses still tingling with the weight of Bulma's scrutinizing gaze, his cell phone suddenly rang, jolting him out of his nervous reverie. With a slight start, he fumbled for the device and answered, greeted by the familiar voice of his friend Krillin on the other end.
"Hey, Krillin!" Goku exclaimed with genuine enthusiasm, his discomfort forgotten at the sound of his best friend's voice. "Oh, no worries about calling late. It's not that late here in West City."
Krillin chuckled good-naturedly, his voice crackling through the phone line. "Oh, right. Time zones, huh? Always messes me up. Anyway, I just wanted to check in about the Cold family. Any updates?"
Goku scratched his head in thought, distracted from his earlier apprehension as he considered Krillin's question. "Oh yeah, I've got a few updates on that," he replied, his brow furrowing in concentration. "But hey, how about we catch up in person tomorrow at the barbecue? I can fill you in on all the details then."
Krillin's enthusiasm was very evident, his voice brightening at the prospect of their upcoming reunion. "Sounds good to me, Goku! I'm looking forward to it. We've got a lot to discuss," he said eagerly.
Goku grinned, feeling a surge of anticipation at the thought of spending time with his friend. "Definitely, Krill. We'll chat tomorrow. I've gotta run now, but we'll catch up soon. Take care!"
With a final farewell exchanged between friends, Goku ended the call and slipped his phone back into his orange gi pocket, his mind now fully focused on the task of retraining his social behavior with Vegeta.
…
As Goku entered the Gravity Room, he found Vegeta setting up two sitting mats, his demeanor focused yet relaxed. Goku's curiosity rose as he approached, wondering what Vegeta had in store for him. "Hey, Vegeta, are we doing meditation first?" Goku asked, his voice filled with anticipation.
Vegeta glanced up, his expression serious as he nodded. "Yes, Kakarott. We'll start with mindfulness," he confirmed, gesturing for Goku to take a seat.
Goku complied, settling himself down cross-legged as he prepared to center himself.
Vegeta joined him on the opposite mat, their eyes meeting. "Alright, Kakarott," the saiyan prince began, his voice calm yet authoritative. "First, I need you to think of a past encounter with a quote-unquote 'mean girl' that you wish you had handled differently. Which one do you choose?"
Goku's brow furrowed as he scratched his head, his expression tense and uneasy as he delved into his memories. "Well, the worst one of all was when Chi Chi slapped you at the Ox-King's palace," he admitted, his voice tinged with embarrassment. "I honestly can't think of a more mortifying moment."
Vegeta raised a brow at the mention of the incident, smirking as he recalled the amusing encounter, and chuckled. "That's... not the best example to start with, Kakarott. Perhaps, we should choose a less tense scenario to begin with. We can work our way up to the most difficult situations slowly."
Goku nodded, acknowledging Vegeta's advice with a sheepish expression. "Yeah, you're right," he agreed, feeling a flush of embarrassment at his own awkwardness. "Okay, then. Let me think of another encounter…" he began, his tone hesitant as he recounted the events of the afternoon. "Oh, how about at the pool with Bulma today? Maybe, if I can just figure out what set her off, then…"
"It doesn't matter what set her off, Kakarott," Vegeta pointed out, interjecting. "People get mad for all kinds of stupid reasons. The reason for the anger is irrelevant. What matters is your response."
Goku's brow furrowed at Vegeta's dismissiveness, his face conflicted as he pondered his words. "I don't know, 'Geets. There's gotta be a reason she got upset," he replied, his tone thoughtful as he mulled over the situation. "I mean, she's usually pretty patient with me, but today she seemed really frustrated."
"You're not obligated to read her mind, Kakarott. If she didn't tell you straight up what the problem was, then her feelings are her own fault. On the other hand, if she did tell you and you realized that you actually did something wrong that you shouldn't have done, you could easily correct that."
Goku nodded slowly, considering Vegeta's words. "I guess you're right," he conceded, his tone reflecting uncertainty. "But I still feel like I should try to understand where she's coming from, you know? I don't want to keep making the same mistakes and upsetting her. But I don't know… I'm totally stumped. What happened was that… well, I was heading to the Gravitron to join you for training and she called me over and introduced me to a friend of hers. I greeted her friend and then said bye because I was going to train with you. When I was almost at the Gravitron, Bulma caught up to me and smacked me on the head and shouted something about me being dense and then said I was hopeless. I just… wish I could figure it out."
Vegeta rubbed his chin. "Hm, perhaps, she wanted something out of you and was expecting you to know automatically. But that's irrelevant, Kakarott. She'll always get upset about some stupid fucking thing, no matter what it is. It's literally written into her DNA. She cannot help herself. The solution is not to stop her getting mad. That's impossible. It's to stand your ground when she does and not let her take her shit out on you. You're literally training women to mistreat you when you cower. If they get away with it one time, they'll scapegoat you on account of their own bullshit again and again and again."
Goku listened intently to Vegeta's analysis, his brow furrowing as he tried to make sense of the situation. "So, you're saying that no matter what I do, she's going to get mad?" he probed.
"Exactly, Kakarott. Her anger isn't about you, it's about her."
Goku frowned, his voice tinged with frustration. "But that doesn't seem fair. Shouldn't I at least try to understand why she's upset and see if I can fix it?" the taller saiyan murmured.
Vegeta let out an exasperated sigh, his patience wearing thin. "Kakarott, you're missing the point," he replied, his tone growing more pointed. "It's not about whether it's fair or not. People like her will find any excuse to get angry, whether it's justified or not. What matters is how you respond to her anger. If you continue to cower and bend over backwards trying to please her, you're only enabling her behavior. You need to stand your ground and assert yourself. Otherwise, she'll walk all over you."
Goku frowned, feeling torn between his desire to understand Bulma's emotions and his need to protect his own mental well-being. "But what if I hurt her feelings by standing up for myself?" he inquired, his voice dripping with uncertainty. "I don't want to make things worse between us."
Vegeta rolled his eyes, his frustration evident. "Kakarott, sometimes you have to prioritize your own sanity over someone else's feelings," he replied bluntly. "If she can't handle you standing up for yourself, she's not worth your time. You can't let her manipulate you with her emotions."
Goku sighed, feeling conflicted as he mulled over Vegeta's words. Deep down, he knew that the saiyan prince was right, but the thought of confronting Bulma filled him with unease. Nevertheless, he knew that he could not continue to let her walk all over him. With a determined expression, he nodded at Vegeta. "I know you're right, Vegeta. I just have no idea how to actually put this stuff into practice."
"That's why we're here right now," Vegeta replied reassuringly. "In this first exercise that we're going to do, you'll imagine yourself back during that confrontation with the blue-haired woman earlier today. Alright, so you are heading to the Gravitron and suddenly you feel a smack on your head and then you get accused of being dense. So, what was your actual response when this happened earlier?"
"I… um… I turned around and asked her what was wrong."
"Alright, so when this event happened, you cowered and tried to appease her," Vegeta pointed out. "Now, let's rewrite the script. What type of response do you think would've been more appropriate?"
Goku scratched his head, pondering Vegeta's question. "I guess... maybe, I could have stood my ground and insisted that she tell me why she was upset instead of asking?" he suggested tentatively, his brow furrowing in concentration. "I mean, it's not like I did anything wrong by wanting to train with you."
"Alright, that's better, but not ideal."
"Well, what would you have done?" Goku asked.
Vegeta smirked. "Well, that would depend on my mood. If I was already annoyed, I would've sized her up, gotten right in her face, and told her to buzz off before I'd throw her in the pool. She usually backs off when I react like that because she knows I'm not bluffing. On the other hand, if I was feeling friskier, well… let's just say, I would laugh insanely right in her face and advise her to take a dip in the pool before her malfunctioning inner circuits caused her brain to detonate. I wouldn't even think to inquire what her problem was because I wouldn't care. But that's just my style. You don't have to do things my way, Kakarott. Like humans, all saiyans are different and we all have our own personalities, but we are bound together by our culture. In saiyan culture, you do not back down. So, now, let's try to think of an alternative reaction that would be more in line with your personality, Kakarott, shall we?"
Goku nodded, absorbing Vegeta's words as he considered his own approach. "I see what you mean," he replied, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "I don't think I could be as... aggressive as you, Vegeta. But maybe I could try being more assertive without being confrontational."
"When you say you want to be non-confrontational, Kakarott, that implies that you are shying away from the confrontation, which is already what you do. You can be both assertive and confrontational without being aggressive. So, how about instead of trying to figure out what her problem is, you turn around, square your shoulders, maybe tower over her a little bit, and then tell her that you don't appreciate what she just did and would strongly advise her against doing it again. How do you think that would feel?"
Goku furrowed his brow, contemplating Vegeta's suggestion. "I guess it would feel... empowering," he replied slowly, the idea starting to take shape in his mind. "Like I'm taking control of the situation without resorting to anger or aggression. I've never really thought about it that way before."
Vegeta nodded in approval, a glimmer of pride in his eyes. "Exactly, Kakarott. Being assertive isn't about being belligerent. It's about standing up for yourself and setting boundaries without resorting to violence or hostility. And trust me, once you start doing that, people will think twice before crossing you."
Goku's expression brightened with understanding as he absorbed Vegeta's words. For the first time, he felt a sense of clarity about how to handle confrontational situations without compromising his own values. "Thanks, Vegeta," he said earnestly, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "I think I'm starting to get it. But, at the same time, I feel like, even if I do that, it could make the situation worse. And then how would I respond if things started to escalate? Like… what if she accuses me of threatening her or something? I mean, that statement you suggested could be read like a veiled threat, if you think about it."
Vegeta crossed his arms, contemplating Goku's concerns for a moment before responding. "If she accuses you of threatening her, she's acting like a brat and you don't need to explain yourself. Simply disengage and physically remove yourself from the situation. It's important to remember that you can only control your own actions, not hers. Let her stew in her anger, if you must. It'll burn itself out. It always does."
"Oh, okay! That's easy… I think. I mean, I only have maybe one reservation. What if she gets so mad and, seeing that she can't get a rise out of me, she goes to other people and starts gossiping? And then suddenly a bunch of my other friends are calling me up and accusing me of being a jerk or something?"
Vegeta nodded, acknowledging the importance of Goku's concern. "If she starts spreading rumors or gossiping about you, then that reflects poorly on her character, not yours," he replied firmly. "True friends will see through her shitty behavior and understand that her actions are unjustified. As for those who choose to believe her without question, well, they weren't true friends to begin with. Fuck 'em."
Goku mulled over Vegeta's words, a sense of resolve growing within him. "You're right, Vegeta," he said, determination shining in his eyes. "I can't control what other people think or say about me. All I can do is stay true to myself and let my own actions speak for themselves," he decided.
"Exactly," Vegeta affirmed with a nod. "Now, let's put this into practice. Imagine yourself back in that situation with Bulma today. What precisely would you say to her in this revised scenario?"
Goku closed his eyes, visualizing the scenario. After a moment, he opened his eyes and straightened his posture. "I would face her directly and say, 'Bulma, I didn't appreciate you smacking me on the head. I understand you may be frustrated, but I expect to be treated with respect. Please, don't do that again.'"
"Don't say please," Vegeta corrected. "You're making it sound like a request. It isn't one. Just say, 'Don't do that again.' Otherwise, your response was perfect. It definitely seems to suit your personality."
Goku nodded, taking in Vegeta's advice. "Right, got it. 'Bulma, I didn't appreciate you smacking me on the head. I understand you may be frustrated about something, but I expect to be treated with respect. Don't do that again,'" he repeated, the words feeling more assertive without the inclusion of 'please'.
Vegeta nodded in approval. "Good. Now, let's practice your delivery. Let's re-create the scene and I'll play the part of Bulma. Stand up and pretend that you're walking away from me."
Goku drew his brows together and nodded in agreement, determination overflowing in his visage. "Okay!" He hopped up, as did Vegeta, and turned away, making like he was walking away.
Suddenly, he felt a light bop on the back of his head.
Vegeta spoke in falsetto, "Goku, stop being so dense!"
Instead of responding as planned, Goku found himself snorting and giggling.
Vegeta growled. "Oh, so you think my fake girl voice is funny?"
Goku could not help but chuckle at Vegeta's exaggerated imitation of Bulma's voice, breaking character for a moment. However, the humor faded as he remembered their goal. He turned toward Vegeta, his face slightly red. "S-Sorry, Vegeta," he said, trying to stifle his laughter. "I just... I wasn't expecting that."
Vegeta crossed his arms, a faint scowl marring his features. "This isn't a laughing matter, Kakarott," he replied sternly. "I'm just trying to help you visualize it as Bulma and not me. Focus."
Goku sobered up, nodding in understanding. "You're right, Vegeta."
Goku reset his posture and prepared to deliver his response again. Taking a deep breath, he imagined himself back in the confrontation with Bulma, feeling the bop on the back of his head. "Bulma," Goku began, his voice steady and firm. "I didn't appreciate you smacking me on the head. I understand you may be frustrated about something, but I expect to be treated with respect regardless. Don't do that again."
Vegeta nodded in approval, his earlier irritation dissipating. "Much better, Kakarott," he said, offering a small smile. "However, something is a little off… Let me see, the script was correct, as was your posture. Ah, I know. Follow me," he said, leading Goku to the lower level and then into the bathroom. He took Goku by the arm and turned him to face the large mirror over the sink. "It's your facial expression. It betrayed what you were saying and seemed to detract from your outward confidence. It was too… neutral. Okay, so for a second, imagine yourself squaring off with Frieza again, like you did back on Namek. No words, just body language and facial expression. What did you look like when you faced him?"
Goku blinked, peering curiously at his own reflection in the mirror. "Um, oh, that's easy!" he said, the memory dawning on him. He lowered himself into a fight pose and furrowed his brows.
"There it is!" Vegeta said, pointing to Goku's face. "That's it. Forget the combat pose. I want you to combine that face with the stuff you were doing up in the gravity chamber just now. See, you look focused and a little cross, yet you're not in a blind rage. So, now, square your shoulders, tower over Bulma, keep a serious look on your face… Although, you don't need to bare your teeth quite that much. Keep your lips closed except when you're talking. Got it? And then say your line."
Goku nodded, taking in Vegeta's instructions. He squared his shoulders as he faced his reflection in the mirror. Drawing upon the memory of his confrontation with Frieza, he summoned the same focused intensity to his expression, his brows furrowing slightly and his jaw tightening with resolve. "Like this?" Goku asked, holding the expression as he glanced over at Vegeta for confirmation.
Vegeta nodded in approval, a faint smirk playing at the corners of his lips. "Exactly, Kakarott," he replied. "That's the look I'm talking about. Now, maintain that expression and deliver your line to the mirror."
Goku nodded, turning his attention back to his own reflection. With his newfound assertiveness and the no-nonsense expression on his face, he repeated his line with conviction. "Bulma, I didn't appreciate you smacking me on the head. I understand you may be frustrated about something, but I expect to be treated with respect regardless. Don't do that again." As he spoke, Goku felt a sense of empowerment surging through him, fueled by the confidence in his voice and the intensity of his expression. He held the pose for a moment longer before relaxing, a sense of satisfaction washing over him.
"Excellent, Kakarott," Vegeta praised. "That's much better. With that kind of presence, she won't dare cross you again. Now, that blank face you used earlier gives me an idea. One way you can make Bulma rethink her actions is to have a sort of disconcerting presence when you respond to her. For example, if you were to combine those words with a softer, more laidback voice, plus a big goofy facial expression like you give your dumb Earth friends when you're happy for no particular reason, I think that would actually be effective in shutting her up faster by freaking her out, you know? She wouldn't know what to make of you if you did that. Why don't we try that variation and see which one you like best?"
Goku nodded, intrigued by Vegeta's strange suggestion. "Sure, let's give it a try," he agreed, eager to experiment with different approaches to see what worked best for him.
Vegeta gestured for Goku to reset his posture once again, this time adopting a more relaxed stance. "Alright, now imagine yourself back in that confrontation with Bulma," he instructed. "But this time, when you deliver your line, use a softer, more laidback voice and pair it with a big goofy expression."
Goku nodded, closing his eyes for a moment to center himself before reopening them and assuming the expression Vegeta described. With a goofy grin plastered on his face, he delivered his line in a casual tone. "Bulma, I didn't appreciate you smacking me on the head," he said, his voice light and relaxed. "I understand you may be frustrated about something, but I expect to be treated with respect regardless. Don't do that again." As he spoke, Goku could not help but feel a little self-conscious about the exaggerated expression he was wearing. It felt strange to combine such a silly face with serious words, but he trusted Vegeta's judgment and pressed on, maintaining the goofy grin until he finished his line.
Vegeta appeared to be deep in thought as he made his assessment. "You know what? I think we're getting close to something ingenious here, but we still need to make a few adjustments to get it right. So, this time, relax your face a little more. You don't have to grin so wide, but just look like you're in a good mood. Now, I want to make just one quick adjustment," he said, placing a hand on Goku's upper back and pushing him forward slightly. "Don't move your feet, just lean forward a bit. So, basically, what we're doing here is combining elements of happy Goku with confident Kakarott. Back when Planet Vegeta was still around, a saiyan who got this trick right would be considered a comedic genius by other saiyans and would be very popular. You know one saiyan who used to do this really well? Radditz. It would totally piss Nappa off to know Radditz was funnier than him. Those two fuckers used to constantly compete for my attention. I think if your brother could do it, then you can too. His blood runs in your veins."
Goku nodded, trying to hold his stance and focus on following directions. "Okay, I think I'm ready."
"Alright, so here's what you're going to do. You want to look laidback and happy in both body and face, but at the same time be towering over Bulma just a little bit. You look her straight in the eye and you say your line in the same laidback voice you just did, with a little grin on your face. Keep it subtle. The key is to not break eye contact with your target. Alright, now let's try it," instructed the prince.
Goku adjusted his posture, leaning slightly forward as instructed, while maintaining a relaxed and happy expression on his face. He took a deep breath, feeling a surge of confidence as he prepared to deliver his line once more. "Okay, I got this," he said, his voice filled with determination.
Vegeta nodded in approval, a hint of excitement flickering in his eyes. "Great, go ahead," he declared, stepping back to give Goku the necessary space to practice his performance.
Goku focused his gaze on an imaginary Bulma standing before him, his expression brightening with a subtle grin. With a relaxed demeanor, he delivered his line in a laidback tone, making sure to maintain eye contact with his imaginary target. "Bulma, I didn't appreciate you smacking me on the head," he said, his voice calm yet firm. "I understand you may be frustrated about something, but I expect to be treated with respect regardless. Don't do that again." As Goku spoke, he felt a sense of ease overcoming him as his confidence grew with each word. The combination of a relaxed posture, a happy expression, and a poised delivery seemed to create a powerful presence that he had not realized he was capable of.
Vegeta watched closely, observing Goku's performance with keen interest. When Goku finished, Vegeta nodded slowly, a pleased and even slightly amused expression spreading across his face. "That was excellent. Now, you haven't honed it to Radditz's level, but he had a lifetime of practice. If you keep working on this routine, I bet you could surpass him in no time though. You're damn close."
Goku dropped the stance and turned to Vegeta. "Thanks, Vegeta! Just… I got one question… Why did Radditz and Nappa constantly compete for your attention?" the Earth saiyan asked curiously.
Vegeta shrugged. "I dunno, I guess they were just a couple of attention whores. So, anyway, I'm thinking that whichever style you use should depend on whatever mood you're in. If you're in a good mood, it'll feel more natural to use this approach. On the other hand, if something's bugging you and you don't feel like dealing with anyone's shit, maybe use the other more serious approach. Make sense?"
Goku nodded, taking in Vegeta's explanation. "Yeah, that makes sense," he replied, considering the idea. "It's like adapting to the situation based on how I'm feeling in the moment. I can do that."
Vegeta smirked, pleased with Goku's understanding. "Exactly. You'll naturally know when to use which approach once they're both well practiced and have become second nature to you. Time and repetition are all you need to become a master at navigating these ridiculous scenarios."
Feeling encouraged by Vegeta's words, Goku grinned. "Thanks, Vegeta. I appreciate your help with this."
Vegeta waved off Goku's gratitude with a dismissive gesture. "Yeah, no problem. I think we can conclude our work for today. Next time, we'll work with a slightly more challenging scenario. And, of course, just practice with yourself in the mirror when you get a chance. Then, in time, when you've gotten the hang of this, we'll work our way up to the most difficult scenario, Chi Chi's outburst at Ox-King's palace."
Goku nodded eagerly, already feeling more confident in his ability to handle challenging situations. "Sounds like a plan, Vegeta. I'll definitely keep practicing. I swear it!"
Vegeta gave a firm nod, his expression serious. "Good. Remember, Kakarott, saiyan social skills require practice and refinement. But, with a little dedication, you should be able to master them in no time. Now, let's go inside and watch TV, unless you prefer to stay and do some solo practice. It's up to you."
Goku grinned at Vegeta's suggestion, feeling a sense of camaraderie with the prince. "Yeah, let's go watch TV," he replied, eager for a bit of relaxation after their practice session. "I could use a break."
Vegeta nodded, a hint of satisfaction in his expression. "Good choice. I could use some downtime myself," he admitted, leading the way back into the living quarters in the compound.
As they settled in front of the TV, Goku reflected on how much he had learned from Vegeta. It was not just about improving his assertiveness, but also about understanding the intricacies of saiyan culture and how it applied to his interactions with others. As they flipped through the channels, Goku felt a sense of gratitude towards Vegeta for taking the time to help him grow, not just as a fighter, but as a person. With each passing moment, he knew he was one step closer to becoming the best version of himself.