Chapter 20: Friendship is Magic

MONDAY, JUNE 29, 763

The soft hum of computers filled Bulma Briefs' laboratory as she and Aloha Long finished setting up the makeshift conference call station. Two computers sat back-to-back on a sturdy table, their screens on and ready to go. With the stage set for the impending confrontation, Bulma turned to Aloha, a reassuring smile on her face. "Alright, Al. Aw, I like that you're all dolled up for this. Cute wig!" Bulma remarked, her tone enthusiastic. "Anyway, this is it. Just remember to keep your cool. Watch your pace when you speak and don't let your anxiety take over. Also, keep reminding yourself to relax your shoulders."

Aloha nodded, her nerves evident in the slight tremble of her hands. One thing she hated even more than confronting her mother and father was wearing feminine clothes, but right now it was necessary to conceal her androgynous transition from her conservative parents. "Thanks, Bulma. I'll try my best."

Bulma stepped closer, placing a comforting hand on Aloha's shoulder. "I know you will. Now, let's do a quick breathing exercise to help calm those nerves. Just remember, no matter what they say to you, no matter what threats they might make, they cannot force you to do anything. But heck, for all we know, they might be understanding. Sometimes, people can surprise you, so let's try to be optimistic."

Closing her eyes, Aloha followed Bulma's lead as they both took deep, slow breaths in and out. The rhythmic pattern helped to steady Aloha's racing heart and ease the tension coiled in her chest.

"Good," Bulma said, her voice encouraging. "Just like that. Now, keep a relaxed stance. You've got this."

As they finished the exercise, Aloha opened her eyes, feeling a renewed sense of determination. "Thanks, Bulma. I feel better already. My blood pressure seems to have noticeably gone down."

Bulma smiled before gesturing to the computers. "Alright then, let's get started. They're waiting for you. Oh, one last tip. Yawn and try to look tired from the 'work assignment' you just got off of. It'll help you maintain a sense of calm, especially since it might have the power of giving them a little more empathy."

Aloha sat down and slumped a bit in her seat, her eyes partly lidded. "Like this?"

Bulma smiled and nodded before taking her own seat. "Perfect."

Again, Aloha took a deep breath and then turned on her microphone and camera. Hola and Adios Longs' eyes lit up. "Honey!" her mother Hola exclaimed with a bright smile. "We're so relieved to see that you are alright. That must have been one heck of a work assignment! How did it go?"

Aloha smiled lightly. "Hey, Mom. Hey, Dad. Good, good. I mean, it was exhausting, but what can I say? Crisis averted. I'm so sorry I had to abruptly hang up on you the other day, Mom. Sometimes things just happen so spur of the moment around here, but at the same time it's exciting to be in such an innovative place. Anyway, we can get down to business now. What did you two need to talk to me about?"

After greeting Aloha with a friendly wave, Adios' visage turned serious. "Don't worry, Aloha dear. We're not upset," he said, "but we do have some important business to get out of the way. Oh, we received your money transfer. Thank you so much for that, but here's the thing. I don't know how much your mother told you over the phone before you had to run for work, but we need to talk more about the financial situation. You see, Aloha, being a child prodigy, you're in a unique position among your peers. Your intellect is incredibly advanced for your age, or any age for that matter, but that doesn't necessarily mean that your emotional maturity and ability to make sound financial decisions follow suit. If you were an average jane, you would have only just graduated from high school. You're not prepared to manage your own money, dear, not yet. Maybe in a few years. For now, this is what we're going to need you to do. Consider this a part of your financial education. Now, we can either do this on a weekly or monthly basis, but here's the plan. I'm going to email you a great budgeting template for you to fill out with your regular expenses. For now, I want you to ask for and keep all receipts for all your purchases. Meanwhile, you're going to have your paychecks redirected to the joint account. I'll invest the money and transfer back the amount you need for expenses, plus a little fun money on top. Say, 15,000 zeni a month?"

Aloha looked to be processing her father's words to buy time.

Meanwhile, Bulma typed away on her side of the setup. Her recommended response popped up onscreen.

"Dad," Al read, trying to sound natural and unscripted, "I think learning how to budget is a great idea, but I don't really think it's necessary to invest the money elsewhere. You see, interest accrues at a high rate in my CCCU account and it's reliable and regular, unlike the stock market. I'm going to go with that option. However, I'm open to working with this budgeting template you mentioned. It sounds like a great idea. And, if you want, I'd be happy to share that with you on a regular basis for some tips and advice."

Adios Long's brows furrowed as he listened to Aloha's response, his expression turning stern. "Aloha, dear, I understand your point about interest rates, but you're not seeing the bigger picture here. Investing your money is about long-term financial security and growth. The stock market may have its fluctuations, but with the right strategy, it can yield far greater returns than a simple savings account."

Aloha's mother, Hola, chimed in, her tone firm and authoritative. "Listen to your father, Aloha. He's been managing our finances successfully for years now. He knows what he's talking about."

Aloha bit her lip, feeling the weight of her parents' expectations bearing down on her. She glanced at Bulma's suggested response on the screen, then back at her parents, steeling herself for the coming argument. "I understand, Dad, Mom," she said, her voice steady. "But I've been managing my finances well so far and I have faith in my approach. I'm willing to work with you on the budgeting template and keep you updated on my expenses, but I'd like to retain control over where my money is invested."

Adios's expression softened slightly, but his tone remained firm. "Aloha, we just want what's best for you. Trust us, we have your best interests at heart. You're much more naive than you think, dear."

Aloha nodded, her resolve unwavering. "Come to think of it, I see your point concerning investments. However, I don't think I'll learn much if I just put that burden on you to handle it all alone. If anything, I should be learning more about investments and trying my own hand at it when I'm ready. Ah, here's an idea. How about I sign up for a course with a local college in West City?"

Adios sighed. "Aloha, it's fine if you want to sign up for such a course. You can add that to the budget. But you're not ready to take all of this on alone. So, the answer is no, we're going with the original plan. In a few years' time, however, we can gradually transition you into a more independent lifestyle."

"Yes, listen to your father, dear," Hola chimed. "He knows what he's talking about."

Aloha's shoulders slumped slightly at her parents' continued insistence, but she refused to back down. Taking a moment to collect her thoughts, she glanced at Bulma for support, finding a reassuring nod from her friend. "Alright, you guys," Aloha said, her voice calm but determined. "I understand your concerns and I appreciate your guidance. But I also need to start taking more responsibility for my own decisions and learning from my mistakes. If I don't start now, when will I be ready?"

"Aloha, dear," Hola blurted, "impatience is a sign of emotional immaturity. Think about it."

Adios cleared his throat. "How about if we preliminarily agree to a transitional period of three years?"

"I don't need that."

"Aloha!" Hola blared. "Okay, you know what? That's it. The discussion is over. Do as your father says."

Adios sighed, running a hand through his hair in frustration. "Aloha, it's not about your capabilities. We know you're intelligent and capable. But financial management is complex and we're just trying to protect you from making costly mistakes. Why learn the hard way if you can learn directly from us?"

Aloha's heart sank as her mother's stern tone cut through the air, her frustration evident in the crease of her brow. She glanced at Bulma once more, silently pleading for guidance. Bulma gave her a wink and started typing. Aloha cleared her throat. "But I will be learning from you. We can have weekly meetings."

Her mother, however, remained unmoved, her expression still stern and unwavering. "We've made our decision, Aloha," she said, her voice final. "You will follow your father's plan and that's the end of it."

Aloha cast a glance to Bulma, who had a hard look as she typed. Aloha took a deep breath, preparing for the hardest part. "Mom, I'm a legal adult and I'm just not comfortable with this arrangement."

A tense silence filled the virtual space as Aloha's brazen words hung in the air, her heart pounding with anxiety at the thought of defying her parents' authority.

Hola's eyes narrowed, her lips forming a thin line as she processed Aloha's declaration.

Adios leaned forward, his expression a mix of concern and disappointment. "Aloha, we understand you're a legal adult now. That doesn't mean you're equipped to handle the responsibilities that come along with it. We're trying to guide you, to protect you from making bad decisions with serious consequences."

Aloha shook her head, her resolve hardening with each passing moment. She did not even wait for Bulma's suggestion to pop up this time. "Yes, and you can still do that without controlling my money completely. Guide me, like you said, don't control me. I don't understand why you're so insistent on this. Is there something else going on behind the scenes that you're not telling me about?"

Bulma's eyes popped open in surprise, but then she looked impressed and gave Aloha a thumb up.

Adios Long's brows furrowed deeply, his expression shifting from concern to surprise and frustration.

Hola, on the other hand, seemed taken aback by Aloha's directness, her stern demeanor softening slightly. "Aloha, honey, what's going on? You've never talked to us this way before," she returned.

Aloha shrugged. "I suppose I'm growing up."

Adios gave a ragged sigh. "That may be what you think…"

"Aloha, I don't know what's come over you, but this is unacceptable behavior," her mother scolded.

Aloha narrowed her eyes. "Don't talk to me like I'm a minor. Now, I'll give you a few days to process these changes and we can chat again on Friday. Please, take what I've said to heart and don't contact me through work again. You'll put my job at risk. I have to go, but I'm glad we had a chance to talk. Have a great week," she said, ending the call. Aloha let out a shaky breath, her hands trembling with adrenaline.

Bulma jumped up from her seat, eyes sparkling. "Oh, my stars, Al! That was incredible!" she exclaimed, her voice ripe with admiration. "You stood up to them like a boss! I knew you had it in you!"

Aloha could not help but grin, her heart pounding with exhilaration. "I couldn't have done it without you, Bulma," she said, her voice brimming with gratitude. "You were my rock through all of this."

Bulma chuckled, stepping closer to Aloha and wrapping her in a tight hug. "Hey, that's what friends are for, right? To support each other through thick and thin," she replied cheerfully.

As they pulled apart, Al felt a surge of confidence coursing through her. She yanked off the wig, tossing it aside with a triumphant grin. "Now, I feel like I can take on the world… or even the universe!"

Bulma grinned back at her, her eyes shining with pride. "Damn right, you can! You didn't just grow a shiny new spine, Al my gal. I think you practically grew a pair of balls just now!"

Aloha burst into laughter, an inkling of gender euphoria bubbling up inside her. She jumped up and down, her movements free and uninhibited. "Yes! Thank you so much, Bulma!" Aloha exclaimed, her voice ringing with joy. "I never would've grown these balls without your initial support. You're amazing!"

Bulma grinned back at her, her own excitement palpable. "You're damn right I am! And you, my friend, are a force to be reckoned with. I can't wait to see what you do next." As they basked in the glow of their recent victory, Aloha could not help but feel a surge of gratitude for the friend who had stood by her side through it all. With Bulma's support, she knew she could take on anything that came her way.

…

As Aloha made her way to the cafeteria, her steps felt lighter, her heart brimming with new confidence. She greeted her colleagues with a bright smile, feeling more at ease in their presence than ever before. The burden of an upcoming confrontation was lifted and replaced by empowerment. Grabbing a plate of eggs and toast, Aloha settled at a table by the window, basking in the warm morning sunlight filtering through the glass. She took small bites of her breakfast, savoring each mouthful as she mulled over the events of the morning. Lost in thought, she was interrupted by a voice beside her. "Mind if I join you?"

Looking up, Aloha Long saw one of her male peers, a fellow scientist whose passion for metaphysics matched her own. She smiled warmly, gesturing for him to take a seat. "Please, go ahead."

The two engaged in a lively discussion about the nature of reality, consciousness, and the universe, their voices blending with the ambient hum of the cafeteria. Aloha found herself immersed in the conversation, her mind buzzing with excitement and scientific curiosity. As the conversation wound down, Aloha glanced out the window, noticing the clear blue sky and the gentle breeze rustling the leaves of the trees outside. An urge to bask in the sun consumed her and she decided to head outside.

Stepping out into the crisp morning air, Aloha felt a sense of freedom wash over her. She closed her eyes, tilting her face towards the sun and relishing the warmth on her skin. In that moment, all the worries and stresses of the world melted away, leaving only a profound sense of inner peace.

Her reverie was interrupted by the sight of Vegeta exiting the Briefs' residence from the patio, his posture rigid as he headed to the big round spaceship. Memories of the previous evening flooded back to Aloha, the thrill of being mistaken for a boy mingling with Bulma's teasing remark about growing testicles. A mischievous smile tugged at the corners of her lips as an idea took root in her mind. Against her better judgment, curiosity got the better of her and she made her way towards Vegeta, determined to strike up a conversation. "Prince Vegeta," she called out, her voice filled with confidence and excitement.

Vegeta stopped in his tracks, turning to regard Aloha with a raised eyebrow. "What do you want, kid?"

Undeterred by his gruff demeanor, Aloha stepped closer, a playful glint in her eye. "I just… I had some more questions about saiyans and the universe. But if you're busy, it can wait."

Vegeta folded his arms and turned his head to the side. "How many questions?"

"Um… quite a few. But I can start with just one."

Vegeta regarded Aloha with a skeptical expression, his arms still folded across his broad, muscular, and very much bare chest. "Fine. Make it quick," he replied, his tail twitching impatiently.

"Can you… uh… is… this what you really look like, or are you wearing a disguise or mask of some sort to fit in better on Earth? Sorry if that's a weird question! I've just… seen stuff like that in sci-fi and wondered if there was maybe some level of truth to it," Aloha bashfully explained.

Vegeta raised a brow. "What do you mean, am I wearing a mask? Does it look like I'm wearing a freaking mask? No, kid, what you see is what you get," he snapped. "This is what I look like."

Aloha nodded, her face thoughtful. "Okay, so…" she said, pointing toward his chest. "So, this is your real body and everything… Why do you look so… human? I always imagined that aliens would look… well, radically different. Maybe, they'd be blobs… or maybe they'd have thousands of limbs. I dunno."

"Most are radically different," Vegeta retorted. "The diversity in the cosmos is beyond your imagination. Yet, there are some races I would certainly call saiyanoid in appearance. Some species from different planets can even interbreed. Saiyans and humans, for instance, can produce hybrid offspring."

Aloha blinked. "How do you know that?"

"Because Kakarott did it. He made a kid with a human woman."

Aloha seemed to have had another mind-blowing revelation. "I wonder if… if it's because of convergent evolution or… perhaps, common ancestry? But we're from different planets… maybe human ancestors weren't really even native to Earth! Wow, the scientific possibilities… are endless…"

"You have fun exploring that," Vegeta concluded with a slight eye roll as he headed away.

"Wait!"

Vegeta stopped, shooting Aloha a withering glare.

"Please, just one more question." She paused. "Why… why did you think a was a boy yesterday?"

Vegeta threw his head back to laugh. "Ha ha! Does that really offend you more than being called a bozo?"

"No, not at all! I wasn't offended, not even a little bit. I actually…" Aloha hesitantly replied, "I actually really liked it when you said that. Honestly, I wish people would think I was a boy more often."

Vegeta chuckled. "Okay…?"

"I mean… I know my name is… is Aloha, but sometimes… sometimes I wish it was actually… Alpha," Aloha reluctantly admitted, biting her lip in fear of his response. The saiyan prince was clearly a man's man. In Al's experience, that typically meant someone highly bigoted and maybe even dangerous.

Vegeta rolled his eyes. "What do you mean 'you wish'? It's your fucking name. If you want it to be Alpha, then it's Alpha. What, are you under some kind of mind control or something? Fuck's sake."

"Okay, but please don't say it in front of anyone else! Only when we're alone!" Al blurted.

Vegeta threw up a hand dismissively as he paced away. "Sure, whatever, kid. You humans are funny."

Aloha watched him go, a swirl of emotions churning inside her. While she had expected his reaction to be dismissive, there was a pang of disappointment at how easily he brushed off her confession. Yet, there was also a glimmer of hope in his casual acceptance of her desire to be referred to as Alpha. He had not mocked her, nor had he told her that she was dreaming and would never be a man. Indeed, he was a virile specimen of masculinity, but not of the stock she was accustomed to. He was not of Earth. As the saiyan left to do his training, Aloha's eyes glanced up to the blue morning sky. Was there somewhere out there in the cosmos that she could feel more at home and less out of place? She desperately hoped so.

As she turned to head back inside, Aloha could not shake the inner turmoil that had been stirred up by her conversation with Vegeta. The realization that her gender identity was something she longed to explore further weighed heavily on her mind, leaving her with far more questions than answers. But for now, she tucked those thoughts away, knowing that the journey to self-discovery was just beginning.

…

The morning sun illuminated the Capsule Corp patio where Krillin and Goku stood enjoying a moment of peace after a hearty breakfast. The aroma of Mrs. Briefs' cooking lingered in the air, a testament to her culinary prowess. Krillin leaned back and stretched, raising his arms over his head. "Man, Mrs. Briefs really outdid herself with breakfast today. That omelet was incredible," the shorter male expressed.

Goku nodded enthusiastically, his mouth still half full with a leftover piece of toast. "Mhmm, it was absolutely amazing! I never knew spotted dragon eggs could taste so good," he replied.

Chuckling, Krillin glanced around the patio, taking in the tranquil scene. His eyes landed on Aloha, who was standing on the lawn below, looking out toward the Gravitron. A small shy smile crept onto his lips as he watched her, admiring the way the morning sunlight danced on her slender shoulders.

Turning back to Goku, Krillin felt a rush of embarrassment consume him, his cheeks flushing. He cleared his throat and shifted his feet, feeling self-conscious. "Hey, Goku, uh… Can I ask you something?"

Goku swallowed the last bite of toast, his expression curious. "Sure, Krill. What's up?"

Krillin hesitated for a moment, unsure how to phrase his question. Finally, he spoke, his voice tinged with shyness. "Well, you know… I was just wondering… What is it like to have a girlfriend?"

Goku's brow furrowed in thought as he considered the question. He scratched the back of his head, seeking the right words. "Hmm, well, I don't know. Chi Chi and I kinda skipped right over that phase and went straight to fiancée. Heck, we weren't even engaged for long before we were married."

"Do you think you started too young?"

Goku thought for a moment. "Well, I'm not sure our age had anything to do with the problems we developed. And I certainly don't regret it because, well, I wouldn't have Gohan."

Krillin smiled lightly, somehow feeling on a more even playing level with Goku now, even though he was sad about his friend's divorce when he heard about it. For the longest time, he had always felt like he was walking in Goku's shadow, but now they were both single and in the same boat. "Hey, I got an idea. How about we do some kind of summer challenge together, Goku? Wouldn't that be fun?"

Goku raised a brow and scratched his head as he considered the prospect. "Like a training challenge? I love the idea! As long as it doesn't interfere with the deal I made with 'Geets, I'm all for it!"

"Uh, no, Goku… I mean… it wouldn't be for martial arts training. It would be for… well, love."

Goku looked even more confused. "What do you mean?"

"Well, we could act like each other's wingmen and try to encourage each other to ask a girl out. What do you say? You have your eyes on anyone?" Krillin inquired enthusiastically.

Goku shook his head. "Nah, I'm not really interested in doing that. I'd rather train."

Krillin's enthusiasm waned slightly at Goku's response, but he tried to hide his disappointment with a forced smile. "Oh, okay. Yeah, training sounds good too…" he bashfully murmured.

Goku noticed Krillin's change in mood and furrowed his brows. "Hey, Krill, are you alright?"

Krillin shrugged, trying to play it off with casual body language. "Yeah, yeah, I'm fine. Just thought it might be fun to, you know, mix things up a bit," he suggested, rubbing his arm.

Goku nodded understandingly, but with a hint of confusion on his face. "I get it. But, uh, maybe we can think of something else to do? Like, I dunno, maybe we can try a new training exercise or something."

Krillin forced a smile onto his face, masking his disappointment. "Sure, Goku, that sounds really great." He chuckled, rubbing the back of his head. "Well, I guess I shouldn't be surprised. Do you think you would have ever gotten a girl if Chi Chi hadn't initiated things at the tournament?"

Goku shrugged. "I don't know. Before Chi Chi expressed interest in marrying me, I had never really thought about it before. I mean, if you remember, I didn't even know what marriage was."

"Yeah, but… now that you know… how was it? I mean, I know at one point, things went sour, but…before that, like when you were newlyweds… what was it like?" Krillin probed.

A dreamy nostalgic smile played at Goku's lips and a distant look overtook him. "Aw, for the first year, it was like magic… Like, I had never known that I could feel that way about another person. Unfortunately, though, it didn't last long. When Gohan was born, Chi Chi sorta just… lost interest in me, for lack of a better term." He paused. "Yeah, love is great, but I suppose it can be fleeting. Not that that's a reason not to try! I would definitely encourage you to give it a go, Krillin, if you like that type of thing."

Krillin's shoulders fell a bit. "It's really hard for me, Goku… I've never been lucky enough to have a pretty girl demand a wedding out of me. Hm, I guess I shouldn't be bothering you with this stuff. I need to find a guy who really knows how to handle girls. Like a master of the craft, y'know?"

"Oh! I actually have been learning a bit about that. It can be really tricky, but with some practice, you can get really confident about it. Um… as a matter of fact, err… Let me ask the guy I've been learning from. Maybe, he'd be willing to take on another student? I wouldn't bank on it, but it's worth asking!"

Krillin's eyes turned to saucers. "You have someone teaching you how to handle girls? Well, shoot! Why didn't you say so from the beginning, Goku?! So, that's why you weren't interested in my challenge. You're already on top of things!" He paused. "Your teacher, is he like really, really good at it?"

"Oh, he's amazing! I've seen for myself."

"Wow! Okay, yeah… definitely ask on my behalf… and let me know the answer as soon as you get a chance! Really, I-I can't wait… You see, I…" Krillin muttered, casting a glance back to Aloha. However, she had since vanished. He shrugged, knowing they had agreed to meet after the Capsule Corp workday for her first training session. He would assuredly see her later and was feeling more encouraged than ever. "Well, this is just awesome, Goku. I'll try not to pester you over text, but this is really exciting!"

"Alright, Krill! I gotta go start my control training now. I promise, I'll shoot you a message as soon as I know," Goku replied, waving back to his childhood friend as he headed toward the Gravitron.

Krillin watched Goku go, a mix of excitement and anticipation bubbling up inside of him. He could not believe his luck that Goku had someone who could teach him the ropes when it came to male/female interactions. Maybe, just maybe, he could finally figure out this whole dating thing.

With newfound determination, Krillin turned and headed back inside Capsule Corp, his mind racing with thoughts of a possible upcoming learning session with Goku's mentor. As he passed through the sliding glass door, he could not help but feel a renewed sense of hope for his romantic prospects.

Meanwhile, Goku made his way to the training grounds, his mind buzzing with thoughts of his upcoming control training. He could not wait to get started and see just how much he could push his limits.

As Krillin and Goku each embarked on their own paths, little did they know that their journeys would soon intersect in unexpected ways, leading to new adventures and discoveries beyond anything they could have imagined. But for now, they were content to focus on the day ahead.

…

The late morning sun beat down on the Capsule Corp campus as Goku and Vegeta finished their morning session in time for lunch. Goku's eyes were lit up with excitement from recalling a long-forgotten memory. "I can't believe I finally remembered that! It really did happen, wow!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with incredulity. "It's just… it… I can't believe that I literally tried to eat Bulma and she never, ever told me about it. Why? Yamcha and Puar were there too and they never said a thing to me!"

Vegeta chuckled, his arms crossed over his chest. "Well, it seems many of your friends have kept you ignorant on purpose, Kakarott. Perhaps, they thought you couldn't handle the truth, but they were foolish not to tell you. They left you vulnerable to letting it happen again. If you'd known, you could've taken steps to prevent it. Anyway, you've surprised me again. It seems you've kept up with Gohan's progress much better than I expected, but I suppose that's due to his lack of experience with intense mental focus. Regardless, you both are making excellent progress. Soon, you'll be ready for the off-planet phase of your control training. What do you think about that?" the prince pointed out with an encouraging grin.

Goku's eyes sparkled with excitement as he bounced on the balls of his feet. "Yeah, that'd be awesome! Then we can go to Kami's Lookout and get my tail back. And... and... I guess for Gohan, we'd have to wait for his tail to grow back naturally, huh? Eh, that's no big deal though."

Vegeta nodded, a small smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. "Yes, and it's only a matter of time for him. The tails of young saiyans almost always regenerate on their own. Really, it's better this way, because we can do your off-planet training first, and then when it's Gohan's turn, you can help me to keep him under control when he transforms. With two super saiyans, it would be even less risky."

"Yeah, I love that plan!" Goku replied enthusiastically, his grin stretching from ear to ear as they exited the Gravitron and made their way across the lush green lawn. Spotting Krillin sitting on the patio from a distance, Goku's expression became sheepish as he turned toward Vegeta, his big eyes pleading. "Um, Vegeta, can I make a little request?" he inquired, poking his fingers together bashfully.

Vegeta raised an eyebrow, his gaze piercing, and then released a ragged sigh. "Why, oh why, am I being bombarded with questions today?" he muttered, more to himself than to Goku. However, after a moment of contemplation, he relented with a resigned sigh. "Fine, what is it now, Kakarott?"

Goku's face lit up with excitement as he began to explain. "Well, Krillin could really use some of your resocialization training. He's been feeling a lot out of place lately and I think your guidance could really help him adjust. You see, I've known him almost all my life and he cowers even worse than me when it comes to mean, scary women yelling at him. Really, Vegeta, I told him I know a guy who can help him break free from that behavior pattern and he was so, so excited to hear it. He wants to learn bad."

Vegeta blinked, his expression blank as he processed Goku's request. Then, a smirk crept onto his lips as a mischievous glint entered his eyes. "Kakarott, are you saying that you want me to train a human to behave like a saiyan?" he asked, his tone laced with amusement. "Come on, now. That's way out there, even for you. I really don't think humans are meant to behave like saiyans. They're humans."

Goku scratched his head, a sheepish grin spreading across his face. "Well, I guess not exactly like a saiyan, but you know what I mean, right? Krillin just needs a little boost in confidence and I think your methods could really help him with that. C'mon, I don't wanna have to disappoint my buddy!"

Vegeta's smirk softened into a thoughtful expression as he considered Goku's request. After a moment of silence, he shook his head. "I suppose I understand what you're getting at, Kakarott. Confidence is a trait that can benefit anyone, regardless of their species. But I've already agreed to take on an extra pupil at your request, let me remind you, and at this point our schedule is rather full. We really need to prioritize our physical training, especially since we don't know the whereabouts of the Colds yet."

Goku's expression fell slightly, disappointment evident in his eyes. "Oh, I understand, Vegeta. Physical training is important too, especially with the Colds still out there. I just thought it would be really cool if Krillin could benefit from your expertise, like I have," he murmured, looking bummed.

Vegeta regarded Goku for a moment, his expression softening with understanding. He could see the sincerity in Goku's eyes and knew that Goku genuinely wanted to help Krillin. After a brief internal debate, Vegeta sighed and relented somewhat. "Look, Kakarott, instead of turning him down point blank, perhaps we can come up with a reasonable compromise. What I'm teaching you, I give you permission to pass onto him with one exception. He does not get to receive the lessons that I've given you on saiyan history, culture, and saiyanthropology. Those are for saiyan ears alone. All you are to teach him are the techniques. One day soon, you'll master what you're learning and you'll be perfectly qualified to pass it on, though it might require some waiting on his part while you complete your own lessons."

Goku scratched his head. "I feel like that's going to take a really long time though. I mean, social skills are… complicated. Like really complicated. I mean, there's an infinite number of possible scenarios we could find ourselves in and that's partly why it's so overwhelming. Trust me, Krillin feels the same way!"

Vegeta released a soft growl of frustration. "Yes, Kakarott, but that's also what makes this a huge time commitment. In fact, concerning our session last night… I expected it to be much shorter, but when I saw that you were getting it and making progress, I didn't see a point in cutting it short."

Goku's shoulders fell. "Aw, gee… I mean, I'd love to try to pass it on to Krillin, but I feel like he's got some unique challenges that I'm just clueless about," he sadly admitted.

"Such as?"

Goku rubbed his bicep sheepishly. "Well, he's not very big, for one."

Vegeta snorted. "What does that have to do with it? He's the strongest human on Earth."

"Aw, come on, 'Geets! Surely, you can understand what that must be like. I mean, it has caused a lot of other people to underestimate him and see him as a possible target. It was a big problem for him when he was growing up in a monastery in particular. He got picked on all the time. Eventually, he learned to stand up to the bullies, but with girl bullies, it's just different… He's at a loss, like me."

Vegeta rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Hm, actually, I do have a word of advice for a problem like that. I'll go over it with you tonight when we're working on your skills. So, here's a thought. If you're teaching Krillin and end up stumped on some specific scenario, you can pass the question on to me. But really, Kakarott, I don't have time to take on yet another pupil by myself, especially if it doesn't even serve to help you all defend your planet. I mean, that's the whole point of your control training, right?"

Goku looked down at his feet, shuffling them a bit. "Well, yeah. Hm… Alright, I guess that could work. Krillin might be a little disappointed that he won't get taught by the guru himself, but at least he won't feel hopeless since I'm not straight up telling him no. Okay, great! I got it!" he declared, snapping a finger. "I'll ask Mrs. Briefs to pack us a lunch so we can fly out to the country somewhere. That way, Krillin won't have to feel self-conscious that there might be other people around. Of course, I'll be back right after lunch as usual for your Super Saiyan training in the afternoon, Vegeta!"

Vegeta shrugged. "Sure, Kakarott. Knock yourself out. I'll see you after lunch."

Goku clapped Vegeta on the back. "Thanks, 'Geets!" he exclaimed, taking off at a sprint. As Goku bounded toward the patio where Krillin sat, a renewed sense of determination filled him. He was eager to share the compromise and offer Krillin the opportunity to benefit from his own learnings.

Meanwhile, Vegeta watched Goku's retreating figure with a hint of amusement, as well as puzzlement. Damn it, what's come over me? he thought. It never used to be so easy for anyone to persuade me to do shit for people I don't even like. I guess Ox-King was right. Kakarott really is just that damn persistent. Oh well, at least I didn't completely give in. The prince looked up to the hot midday sky and grabbed the water bottle he had strapped to his middle, downing it in one go. He soaked in the sun for a few minutes before his growling stomach brought his attention back to the upcoming meal. As he approached the compound, he saw Goku and Krillin flit off eastward in his peripheral vision. He paid it no mind, heading right for the picnic table where the Briefs were setting up the midday meal under shady umbrellas.

…

The midday sun highlighted a billion red blossoms in the expansive floral pasture. Goku and Krillin sat on a large blanket at the forest's edge, having found a comfortable spot with partial shade. Mrs. Briefs had packed them a delicious picnic and now the remnants of their meal lay scattered across the surface as they prepared to begin their practice session. Goku stretched his arms above his head, feeling the warmth of the sun on his skin. "Ready to get started, Krillin?" he asked, a hint of satisfaction in his voice.

Krillin's eyes filled with anticipation. He nodded eagerly. "Heck, yes!"

With a smile, Goku leaned forward, his expression serious as he explained the training plan. "Alright, so here's how it works. First, we'll start with some meditation to clear our minds and focus our mental energies. Then, we'll move on to role-play scenarios where we'll practice coordinating our body language, facial expressions, tone of voice, and what to say in different situations. Sound good?"

Krillin nodded enthusiastically, his excitement growing with each word. "Sounds perfect, Goku! I'm ready to give it my all. This is so awesome. I can't believe you actually found someone who knows what they're doing." He paused, a hint of skepticism on his face. "This guy isn't like a stud, right? I'm not looking for that type of energy, to be honest. I actually want something that'll last a lifetime."

Goku scratched his head. "A stud? I don't know what you mean."

Krillin chuckled. "Ah, don't worry about it. Never mind. Let's get started!"

Goku grinned, pleased by Krillin's zeal. "Great! Let's start by thinking of a recent encounter where you wish you had reacted differently, but you just weren't sure what to do in the moment and you choked. It could be anything, big or small, but it's best to start small. Just something you want to work on."

Krillin furrowed his brow in thought, recalling a recent interaction at Phoenix Mountain during the Ox Crown Festival where he had embarrassed himself while trying to impress a rancher's daughter. With a determined nod, he turned to Goku. "Okay, I've got one. Let's do this!" he declared.

"Alright, so tell me what went down and how you reacted. Then we're going to 'rewrite the script' (so to speak) such that things go the right way in a reimagined version of the scenario. Got it? Alright, go."

Krillin took a deep breath, centering himself as he recounted a situation. "Well, there was this rancher's daughter, Mezi. She was showing me around the festival and I was trying to impress her with my martial arts skills. But then, when I tried to demonstrate a simple move, I ended up tripping over my own feet and nearly falling flat on my face. It was embarrassing and I could tell she was trying not to laugh."

Goku listened intently, nodding along as Krillin spoke, although looking a bit puzzled at the presented situation. "Oh, I see. So, did she then get in your face and shout at you and stuff or was she really mean?"

"Uh," Krillin uttered. "No, n-not really. It was just really embarrassing."

"Huh," Goku uttered, crossing his arms in thought. "Well, that's definitely a different situation than I imagined. Heck, if it was me, well, I probably would've just laughed along with her. There's nothing wrong with poking fun at yourself once in a while. People will think you have a good sense of humor."

Krillin slumped a bit. "Well, sure, but I'd rather not have choked in the first place."

Goku rubbed his chin. "But you're really a great martial artist, Krill. What do you think caused you to stumble? I almost never see you stumble, even when doing complex moves," he asked.

Krillin rubbed his arm bashfully, his cheeks reddening slightly. "That's different, Goku. You're my friend and a guy. You don't make me nervous. I guess it was the nerves that got to me."

"Ah, I see," Goku replied, regaining focus. "So, what exactly did she do to make you nervous? Did she poke fun at you before that? Or did she seem judgmental in her face or body language? Or worse?"

The redness in Krillin's cheeks deepened. "Uh, nah, it wasn't anything she did… I just… You know, she's a pretty girl and… I was trying to impress her. What can I say? Girls are like an alien species."

"It doesn't sound like she was being mean though. You said yourself, she even made an effort not to laugh. That seems like a considerate thing to do, not aggressive or belligerent. I don't know, Krill, this sounds like too mild a scenario. You wouldn't necessarily need to do anything different than you did."

Krillin jumped up in protest. "But she must think I'm a fool!"

"She said that?! Now, that is mean!"

Krillin groaned in frustration, flopping back down on his backside with a sigh. "No, but I'll bet that's what she was thinking. Why else would she laugh at my stupid fumble?"

"How do you know what she was thinking? Did you read her mind?"

Krillin shook his head. "I think what makes me so nervous around girls is… is just that. I don't know what they're thinking. They could be thinking all kinds of mean things about me and I wouldn't know!"

Goku blinked. "Well, what does it matter what they're thinking if they aren't actually being mean? Gee, Krillin, I thought I was pretty sensitive about these things. I mean, I get scared when girls yell at me, but I never thought to be scared just about what a girl might be thinking in her head. I have to say, I'm stumped on this one. But I'll tell you what… I'm having another practice session tonight after dinner and I'll inquire on this exact topic. Then maybe meet you again the next day for lunch? How's that sound?"

Krillin nodded. "You're a pal, Goku. I can't wait to hear the solution to my problem that your mentor comes up with! In fact, we ought to do another picnic if the weather is good, don't you think? Oh! One thing… I, uh… I'm pretty nervous right now because I'm meeting a new girl in a few hours for martial arts training. Remember Aloha from the barbecue? She wants to learn really bad and… Well, I thought she was pretty cute, but I'm just afraid I might choke and mess things up somehow."

Goku scratched his head. "Well, Krill, you know all the basics, so just start there? What's the big deal? Al was really, really nice to me. She didn't even get mad when I asked her that question that made Bulma so mad. Yeah, I don't think she's the type to bully anybody for any reason, so just relax!"

Krillin started to chew on his fingernails a bit. "I know I oughta, but it's easier said than done, y'know? I mean, geez, Goku… I just randomly lucked my way into a prime opportunity to spend some quality time with a girl here. I'm afraid if I mess this one up, I'm going to live in regret for the rest of my life…"

Goku still looked stumped. "Hm, I'll tell you what. Since this one is kinda urgent and we're done with lunch, I'll go pass it by my mentor right now and call you up with what he tells me. Maybe, it'll help calm your nerves for when you two meet up? How does that sound?" he proposed.

"Yes! Yes, please! Please, Goku, make sure he knows how much is riding on this meeting!" Krillin pleaded, practically on his knees. "And… and… if all else fails, maybe offer him money? I got a few thousand zeni that I could part with for a good cause. Please, old buddy, old pal! Whaddaya say?"

Goku nodded. "I'm not sure he's interested in money, but I can give it a try. Like I said, I'll get back to you with the answer. But since time is of the essence, I think we oughta pack up and head back now."

With a nod of agreement, Krillin quickly helped Goku gather the remnants of their picnic, folding up the blanket with practiced efficiency. Despite his lingering nerves about his upcoming meeting with Aloha, Krillin could not help but feel a glimmer of hope at the prospect of Goku seeking advice from his mentor. "Thanks, Goku! I really appreciate it," Krillin said, his voice sounding a bit calmer.

Goku flashed him a reassuring smile. "No problem, Krillin. I'll make sure to get back to you as soon as I can. And hey, don't worry too much about it. I'm sure everything will work out just fine."

Krillin nodded, trying to push aside his apprehension. "Yeah, I guess. Thanks again, Goku."

With their belongings packed away, Goku and Krillin bid farewell to the tranquil pasture, making their way back to Capsule Corp. As they flew, Krillin could not shake the nervous flutter in his stomach, but he took solace in the knowledge that he had Goku's support and guidance in this latest endeavor.

…

The midday sun streamed through the windows of the Gravitron, casting blinding points of light on the sleek metallic floor inside. Vegeta sat nearer the control panel, his muscles taut as he engaged in his stretching routine, preparing himself for the rigorous Super Saiyan training session ahead.

Suddenly, the door burst open and Goku rushed in, his expression frantic as he scanned the room for Vegeta. Spotting the prince, Goku bounced up and down on the balls of his feet, his energy practically crackling in the air around him. "'Geets! 'Geets!" Goku cried, his voice echoing off the walls.

Vegeta turned to face Goku, raising an eyebrow inquisitively. "What is it now, Kakarott? Can't you see I'm busy?" he grumbled, though a hint of curiosity flickered in his eyes at Goku's unusual urgency.

Goku bounded closer, his breath coming in quick gasps as he struggled to contain himself. "It's Krillin, Vegeta! He's got something urgent he needs help with! Can we reschedule my resocialization training to now? And then we can continue the Super Saiyan training a bit after dinner to make up for lost time!" he blurted out, his words tumbling over each other in his haste. "Please, please, please!"

Vegeta's expression softened slightly as he took in Goku's frenzied demeanor. Despite himself, a small smirk tugged at the corners of his lips. "Calm down, Kakarott. You're acting like the world's about to end," he remarked, though there was a hint of amusement in his tone. "What could be so catastrophic that it requires imminently rearranging our schedule? I'm sure you must be overreacting."

Goku took a deep breath, visibly trying to rein in his energy for the prince's sake. "Sorry, Vegeta. I just thought you should know how important it is. Krillin's really counting on me and I don't want to let my bestest buddy down," he explained earnestly, his large eyes pleading for understanding.

The prince growled in his throat as he used his tail to push himself up from the floor. "Alright, what's the problem? And it better be pretty freaking important or we are not rearranging our schedule."

"It is important, Vegeta! Really, really important. You should've seen how Krillin pleaded with me to help. The guy's a nervous wreck!" Goku hurriedly tried to explain. "He… uh… he's meeting a girl in a few hours and he's deathly afraid that it's going to somehow go horribly wrong."

Vegeta folded his arms across his chest, a skeptical look on his face. "Meeting a girl? That's what's got Krillin in a tizzy?" he questioned incredulously. "So, what, he's scared of her?"

Goku nodded vigorously, his expression serious despite the absurdity of the situation. "Terrified, 'Geets!"

Vegeta huffed. "Well, shit, Kakarott… I mean, how aggressive could she possibly be? Surely, she can't be worse than Chi Chi," he pointed out. "There aren't that many saiyan-like women on this planet."

"She's not aggressive at all, that's the part that puzzled me. He's terrified of her, but she's actually really nice. See, he's even worse than me! I've never been scared of nice girls in the least!"

Vegeta raised a brow in skepticism. "Did he explain why he's scared of her?"

"He literally said it was just because she was a girl. He thinks… he thinks girls are like aliens from another planet. I don't understand it at all. If I did, I could help Krillin myself," Goku said.

Vegeta snorted. "Aliens… from another planet… Because he thinks that girls are like aliens from another planet, he's seeking advice from literal aliens from another planet to help him handle them…" The prince blinked and shrugged. "You know what? In some twisted way, that actually makes a small bit of sense. I mean, it's stupid and totally wrong, but I can see how, in Krillin's crazy mind, it might make sense."

Goku scratched his head, his expression reflecting his confusion. "Yeah, it's weird, Vegeta. But I gotta help him out. He's really worked up about this. So, what do you say?" he pleaded.

Vegeta sighed, shaking his head in exasperation. "Fine, Kakarott. We'll help Krillin overcome his stupid irrational fear. But I swear, if this interferes with my training schedule further, I'll blast him into orbit."

Goku grinned, relieved that Vegeta was on board with helping his friend. "Thanks, Vegeta!"

Vegeta nodded. "Now, I don't think playing telephone between you, me, and Krillin is going to work here. If you don't understand his problem yourself, then it'll be useless. You'll have to bring him directly to me. Keep in mind, Kakarott, I am only consenting to a direct practice session with Krillin one time and only because this is 'such an emergency' that he's about to lose his fuckin' mind over it. Also, for the sake of Krillin's privacy, we should probably relocate to another area for this. I think the last thing he needs is to have the blue-haired woman spy on us and scream in his face for calling women 'aliens'."

"Great point, Vegeta. Man, you're so smart! Where should we go?"

Vegeta subtly rolled his eyes. "I'll find a shady spot right outside the city. Meanwhile, you go collect Krillin and follow my energy signature. And hurry it up! I am not wasting more than thirty minutes of my time on this," he directed, flashing Goku a quick warning glare as he paced past him to the open door.

"Alright!" Goku proclaimed, following suit. Vegeta flew off over West City while Goku dashed over to the compound to find Krillin. When he arrived on the patio and looked around, he did not see his friend. The sliding glass door was ajar. Goku stepped inside and spotted Krillin sitting on the couch, his body tensed up like a coiled spring, his face a mask of nervous anticipation. Mrs. Briefs hummed a cheerful tune in the nearby kitchen, seemingly oblivious to the anxious energy radiating from Krillin.

Approaching cautiously, Goku gently poked Krillin on the shoulder.

Krillin jolted in surprise, nearly leaping off the couch before realizing it was just Goku. He took a deep breath, attempting to steady his racing heart. "G-Goku!" he stammered, his voice wavering with nerves.

Goku nodded, his expression a mix of encouragement and urgency. "Krillin, I got good news. He said he'd meet with you once, but we gotta go right now. You ready?" he inquired, looking mildly excited.

Krillin's eyes lit up. "R-Really? Heck, yeah! I've never been readier for anything in my life!"

"Let's go!" Goku declared, leading the way to the patio before taking off into the hazy summer sky. "We're heading just outside the city again. That way, we'll have some privacy from snoops."

Krillin zipped after him. "Alright!"