Chapter 28: Bulma's Pet Peeve
The bright lights buzzed overhead as Vegeta, followed closely by Goku and Krillin, stormed up the corridor of Capsule Corp towards Dr. Briefs' laboratory. Each step the prince took echoed with purpose, his scowl deepening with every stride. Goku maintained a respectful distance, concern etched on his features, while Krillin, still recovering from his fits of laughter, struggled to keep up with the brisk pace.
As they approached Dr. Briefs, who was engrossed in a stack of paperwork, Krillin's echoing amusement reached his ears, causing him to look up and smile at the trio in greeting. "Ah, Goku, Vegeta, and Krillin. What brings you all here?" he inquired, pushing his glasses up his nose and puffing his pipe.
Vegeta wasted no time in stepping forward, thrusting the struggling frog into Dr. Briefs' face. "I found this pathetic creature in the frog pond and I want to keep it as a pet. How do I care for it?"
Dr. Briefs blinked in surprise at the sudden appearance of the amphibian, then glanced at Vegeta with a mixture of amusement and curiosity. "A new pet, you say? How delightful!" he exclaimed, his eyes twinkling with excitement. "As you well know, I'm quite the animal enthusiast myself."
Goku, ever the voice of reason, stepped forward, his expression pleading. "But Vegeta, it's just a frog. It deserves to be free," he insisted, his tone gentle yet firm. "Come on, 'Geets. Have a heart!"
Vegeta's scowl deepened at Goku's suggestion, his grip tightening on the struggling creature. "I will not be swayed, Kakarott. This frog is mine and I will not release it to cause mischief in the compound."
Dr. Briefs clapped his hands together with enthusiasm. "Well then, let's see about setting up a proper habitat for your new pet," he suggested, gesturing for them to follow him. "Come with me to my bio lab."
As they entered the brightly-lit laboratory, smells of animals and nature filled the air. Dr. Briefs led them to a corner where a large tank sat, filled with lush green plants and a bubbling stream. "This is what we here on Earth call a paludarium, a little slice of nature, if you will," he explained, excitement evident in his voice. "It's a perfect habitat for amphibians like your little froggy friend. With a bit of tweaking, we can create a comfortable environment where it can thrive. Have you thought of a name yet?"
Vegeta's scowl softened slightly at the sight of the paludarium, curiosity piqued despite his reluctance to admit it. "Yes, Slimeball. How exactly do we go about creating this...paludarium?"
Dr. Briefs returned a look of delight and shuffled around in a cabinet, pulling out a small animal enclosure made of plexiglass. He popped the top open and held it up for Vegeta. "I'll show you, my boy. For now, here's a safe container for your new companion, so he won't run amok," he offered, snapping the top shut once the prince had deposited the animal inside and handing it to Vegeta. The doctor bent down to get a good look at the creature, adjusting his spectacles. "Slimeball, is it? Hm, this is odd. I have never seen a species of frog that looks quite like this. Would you allow me to study him if I promise not to harm him?"
Goku padded over and frowned. "Uh, Dr. Briefs, that frog is from Namek. Come on, I think we oughta encourage Vegeta to let him go. On the other hand, maybe it would be better for him if we kept him long enough to send him back to his native habitat with the Nameks once they restore their planet?"
Dr. Briefs' eyes widened with scientific fascination as Goku revealed the origin of the frog. "From Namek, you say?" he exclaimed, leaning in closer to get a better look at the amphibian. "This is truly remarkable! To think that we have a creature from another planet right here in our midst."
Vegeta raised a brow as he listened to Dr. Briefs' excitement, a flicker of interest replacing his previous stubbornness. "So, what does this mean?" he asked, his voice betraying a hint of curiosity.
Dr. Briefs straightened up, his mind racing with possibilities. "It's quite extraordinary, really," he began. "Studying this frog could provide insight into alien biodiversity. Who knows what secrets it holds?"
Goku nodded in agreement, a sense of wonder filling him as he looked at the frog with newfound appreciation. "Yeah, and maybe after you've had a chance to study it a bit, we can send it back home with the Nameks once they've restored their planet," he suggested, a hopeful smile playing on his lips.
Meanwhile, Krillin finally caught up, his chest heaving as he bent over with his hands on his knees, trying desperately to catch his breath. "Whew! Sorry, guys. I'm not as fast as you two," he gasped between deep breaths, straightening up and wiping the sweat from his brow. "So, uh, what did I miss?"
Holding the plexiglass enclosure protectively behind him, Vegeta made to lunge at Goku in an act of mock intimidation, stopping short. He glared daggers at his rival, who jumped back slightly at the threatening gesture. "Hell, no. We're not sending him back to Namek. I'm keeping him forever whether you like it or not, dumb ass. Now, stop being such a stick-in-the-mud, Kakarott, before I pulverize you!"
Krillin, still catching his breath, watched the exchange between Vegeta and Goku with amusement in his eyes. As Vegeta made his bold declaration about keeping the frog, Krillin burst into laughter once again. He doubled over, holding his sides as waves of mirth washed over him. His laughter echoed through the bio lab and into the connecting corridor, drawing curious glances from passing employees.
Dr. Briefs, ever the picture of composure, stepped over to Goku and patted him on the shoulder. "Don't worry, Goku," he said with an amiable smile. "I'll teach Vegeta all the ins and outs of pet ownership. Keeping pets is a great way to learn responsibility, after all," he pointed out with another puff of his pipe.
"Yeah, it's great for responsibility, Kakarott," Vegeta echoed in a sarcastic tone, glaring at Goku.
Goku frowned. He glanced at the frog, now named 'Slimeball' by Vegeta, with a mixture of concern and affection. "Uh, thanks, Dr. Briefs. I appreciate it," he said sincerely, "but, look, about the frog…"
"Shut up, Kakarott!" Vegeta blared.
Dr. Briefs nodded back, his eyes twinkling with enthusiasm. "Of course, Goku. I'm sure Vegeta's new friend Slimeball will be very happy in his new paludarium once we've set it all up. It'll be a perfect environment for him," he expressed, gesturing towards the lush tank in the corner of the lab.
At the mention of the frog's new name, Krillin's laughter erupted once more. He nearly lost his balance, stumbling backward and clutching his stomach as tears of laughter streamed down his face. "Slimeball! Oh, man, that's too good!" he managed to choke out between fits of giggles.
Goku shot his childhood friend an irritated glare. "Krillin, don't encourage him."
Vegeta, in turn, glared at Goku. "Shut it, Kakarott! At least Krillin has a sense of humor. Idiot!"
Dr. Briefs chuckled at Krillin's reaction, shaking his head in amusement. "Ah, youth," he mused, before turning his attention back to Vegeta. "Now, let's set up Slimeball's new home, shall we?"
Krillin continued to giggle uncontrollably, repeating the name 'Slimeball' over and over again until he nearly passed out from laughter. Even Goku could not help but crack a smile at the infectious laughter of his human friend as Krillin started slapping his knee repeatedly, his whole head turning bright red.
Dr. Briefs' voice cut through the exchange with a tone of excitement. "You know what would be a delightful idea?" he interjected, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "We could set up a nice, big 500-gallon paludarium in the living room. It would be a lovely aesthetic addition to our home."
Vegeta chuckled. "Heh, heh… cool."
With that, Dr. Briefs gestured for the three to follow as he headed towards the supply closet in the back of the lab. Inside, the shelves were lined with cases of DynoCaps, each containing a variety of capsules.
Dr. Briefs perused the selection before selecting one case and opening it with a flourish. From within, he extracted a single DynoCap and presented it to Vegeta and the others. "Behold," he declared, holding it up for inspection. "This contains a beautiful 500-gallon tank, perfect for Slimeball's new home."
Vegeta eyed the DynoCap with curiosity. "Okay, so let's open it."
Dr. Briefs led the group to a heavy-duty table positioned in the middle of the lab, devoid of any objects. With a confident gesture, he placed the DynoCap on the table and activated it with a press of his thumb. In seconds, the small capsule expanded, growing into a sizable 500-gallon rimless tank.
Vegeta raised a skeptical eyebrow as he inspected the empty tank. "Hmph, there's nothing in it."
Dr. Briefs chuckled softly. "Ah, not yet, Vegeta. We must set it up first," he explained patiently, reaching for a nearby clipboard where he outlined the necessary items. "We'll need rocks, pebbles, dirt, sand, driftwood, live plants, and various other items to create the perfect habitat for Slimeball. Would you like to collect your own supplies from nature or would you prefer to pick from some stock items?"
Vegeta placed the plexiglass enclosure down on one end of the table. "Collecting stuff from outside would take too long and Kakarott and I need to get to our training. Let's go with stock items for now."
Goku's eyes lit up with interest as he surveyed the list. "Hmm, well, I guess with all this stuff, maybe he won't be so miserable after all," he mused, envisioning the lush environment they would create.
Krillin, still snickering intermittently at the mention of the frog's name, nodded. "Yeah, let's get started!"
With everyone on board, they set to work gathering the required materials from the shelves of the lab. Dr. Briefs provided guidance and instructions, ensuring that each element was carefully chosen and positioned within the tank. With meticulous and concerted effort, the paludarium took shape, transforming from an empty tank into a vibrant and thriving ecosystem. Rocks and driftwood were arranged to create naturalistic landscapes, while live plants added bursts of color and texture. The old man puffed his pipe and reached in to hook up the plumbing needed for the miniature waterfall. As soon as the waterworks started, which added the finishing touches to the paludarium, all four men stood back in awe.
"It really does look like a slice of nature," Vegeta observed, his eyes widening.
Dr. Briefs' mustache turned upward into a satisfied grin. "Indeed, and with the tank's considerable size, there's plenty of room to add other critters who can provide Slimeball with 24/7 companionship, don't you think? Over the next few days, why don't you three collect some nice, tropical fish and maybe even a friendly turtle or two. What do you say? You can find them in the Atrium or even outside the city."
Krillin's face brightened. "Hey, that sounds like a fun outing. How about next weekend, you guys?"
"Sure, we can do it next Sunday," Goku said. "If it's not too hot out, we can even have a picnic."
Dr. Briefs scrolled through his phone momentarily. "The weather projections look promising. This unusual heat wave should end in a few days," he revealed, slipping his phone back into his lab coat pocket. He strolled around to the back of the tank and pressed the button to encapsulate it. "Alright, let's take Slimeball and the new paludarium home where we can introduce them to one another," he declared, taking the DynoCap in hand. He turned to leave the bio lab, beckoning the others to follow.
Dr. Briefs, with a satisfied smile, led the group through the corridors of Capsule Corp, the sounds of their footsteps echoing off the polished floors. Vegeta held the plexiglass enclosure with Slimeball firmly in his grasp, while Goku and Krillin walked alongside, the former eyeing the frog and the latter snickering.
As they reached the elevator, Vegeta pressed the button to call it, his impatience evident in the tapping of his foot. The doors slid open, and the group stepped inside, the elevator carrying them smoothly to the second floor. Exiting into the hallway, they continued on their way until they reached the Briefs family residence. Entering through the interior door, they found themselves in the spacious living room.
Mrs. Briefs was in the midst of her exercise routine, following along to an exercise program for women on the television. She paused her workout momentarily as she noticed the group's arrival, a look of surprise crossing her features when she spotted the frog in the enclosure that the prince was carrying. "Vegeta dear, what's that you have there?" she asked, her voice laced with curiosity.
Dr. Briefs stepped forward, a warm smile on his face as he explained their plan. "Ah, my dear, we're adding a beautiful new paludarium to the living room," he declared proudly, gesturing towards a blank wall. "And this little fellow here," he continued, indicating Slimeball, "will be its primary resident."
Mrs. Briefs' eyes widened in surprise, but then her face brightened with enthusiasm. "Oh, how lovely!" she exclaimed, her tone filled with excitement. "I can't wait to see it all set up."
With Mrs. Briefs' approval, the group set to work preparing the space. Dr. Briefs directed Goku and Krillin to bring in a long piece of spare bedroom furniture as a table mount. The old man then opened the DynoCap on it and had Goku and Vegeta adjust its position. At last, the finishing touch was added. Vegeta released Slimeball inside, watching with pride as the nervous frog began to explore his new home.
As the group stepped back to admire their handiwork, Mrs. Briefs clapped her hands together in delight. "Oh, it's wonderful!" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with admiration. "Thank you all so much for bringing a little piece of nature into our home. It'll be such a great conversation starter for parties!"
Krillin snorted out a laugh. "Oh, Mrs. Briefs, you have no idea…" he remarked, suppressing his amusement as much as possible because his sides still ached terribly from earlier. "In fact, I'm gonna tell Gohan, Yamcha, and the others the great story behind it. Everyone will get a kick out of it. Aw, man, I can hardly wait for September," he mused, staring into the paludarium with a dreamy look in his eyes.
Goku started bouncing from foot to foot. "I can hardly wait for September, too!"
Vegeta grabbed Goku by the orange gi and shoved him in the direction of the sliding glass door to the patio. "Enough of your nonsense, Kakarott. It's high time we returned to our training."
With the paludarium now complete, Mrs. Briefs returned to her exercise routine. Krillin left to return to the Atrium, intent on continuing his training. With a satisfied grin, Dr. Briefs went back to his laboratory.
...
In the quiet ambiance of her Capsule Corp bedroom, Aloha Long sat at her sleek desk, her fingers poised over the controls of her remote drone. On the screen of her remote control, Aloha watched with eager anticipation as her drone soared over the vast expanse of the ocean far southeast from West City. The sun was beginning its daily descent towards the opposite horizon, casting an orangey-golden glow over the tranquil waters below. As Papaya Island came into view on the screen, Aloha's heart skipped a beat with excitement. The drone soon arrived and zoomed past the sandy beaches, capturing the breathtaking beauty of the island's coastline. Palm trees swayed gently in the breeze, their fronds rustling softly.
The drone followed the main road into town, offering a glimpse of the lush greenery adorning the island. Hibiscus flowers bloomed in vibrant hues of red, pink, and orange, their petals dancing in the breeze. Towering coconut palms lined the streets, their slender trunks reaching to the sky. Banana trees swayed, casting elongated shadows on the ground. Aloha marveled at the beauty of her native island from above. As the drone continued its journey, she leaned forward, her eyes glued to the screen.
As Aloha directed her drone to hover over the city center of her hometown of Hanelela, she could not help but feel a rush of nostalgia overtake her. Despite being miles away in West City, the familiar sights of her childhood home brought a sense of comfort and longing. The sunset-lit streets were alive with activity, as people went about their evening routines, their silhouettes casting shadows against the warm hues of the setting sun. Lowering the drone enough to read the street signs, Aloha navigated it down Lulu Street, following the road south until she reached Muai Avenue. Memories flooded her mind as she passed by familiar landmarks and quaint houses, each holding its own piece of her past.
Eventually, the drone came upon her parents' small estate. Her mother's car was parked in the driveway, and the lights inside the home were lit, casting a warm glow through the windows. Flying over her childhood home, Aloha could not help but feel a pang of longing for the simplicity and comfort of her upbringing, at least the one before her gender confusion was discovered by her parents. Continuing onward to the next residential neighborhood over, Aloha's heart quickened with anticipation as she approached Ashley's house. Painted a cheerful pineapple yellow, the single-story home stood out amidst the lush greenery of the surrounding landscape. The expansive back lawn boasted a mix of fruit trees, and an enormous kia tree with Ashley's childhood treehouse still intact stood proudly in one corner.
As memories of their childhood adventures flooded her mind, Aloha scanned the area, hoping to catch a glimpse of her long-lost friend. With bated breath, she watched the screen of her remote control, her heart pounding as she sought a sign of Ashley's presence. As Aloha maneuvered the drone outside Ashley's window, she felt a pang of disappointment as she peered inside. The room was clean and tidy, devoid of the usual clutter and chaos that had characterized Ashley's space during their childhood. Memories of their shared adventures flooded Aloha's mind, reminding her of the carefree days they had spent together.
The unnaturally tidy state of Ashley's room struck Aloha as odd. Ashley had always been notoriously messy, and the pristine condition of the room suggested that she was not currently in residence. This realization puzzled Aloha, as Ashley was still a minor and should have been at home. Frowning, Aloha made a mental note to investigate further. With a sense of determination, she decided to park the drone in the familiar confines of Ashley's childhood treehouse. Activating the remote control, she powered down the drone remotely, ensuring that it would remain undisturbed until she returned the next day.
As the drone settled into its resting place amongst the branches of the kia tree, Aloha could not shake the feeling of unease that lingered in the back of her mind. Something was not right and she was determined to get to the bottom of it. With her plans set for the following day, Aloha turned her attention back to her Capsule Corp bedroom, her thoughts consumed by the mystery surrounding her long-lost friend.
Feeling restless and in need of a distraction from her troubling thoughts, Aloha decided to take a walk. She exited her room and paced down the corridor. With each step, memories of her childhood adventures with Ashley resurfaced, filling her with a mix of nostalgia and longing. She recalled their countless escapades in the tropical woods surrounding their Papaya Island neighborhoods, their youthful laughter echoing through the foliage as they explored every nook and cranny of the island by bike.
As she jerked open the door leading to the back lawn of Capsule Corp, the sweltering heat flooded into the cool space. It had to be well over 100 degrees outside, which made Aloha quickly rethink her plans. Shutting the door, she turned and headed toward the Atrium instead, which she knew would be more mild in temperature. She needed a walk in a pleasant green space and the outdoors were just not viable on a hot July day. Still deep in thought, she paced through the corridors leading to the Atrium.
When Aloha finally entered the indoor garden, a wave of tranquility washed over her, soothing her troubled mind. The serene atmosphere enveloped her, offering a welcome escape from the scorching heat outside as well as her troubled thoughts. Surrounded by lush greenery, she reveled in the peaceful ambiance of the garden, where the sounds of chirping birds and rustling leaves created a symphony of nature. As she strolled along the winding paths, Aloha could not help but smile at the sight of the friendly animals that called the Atrium home. Dogs, cats, and even dinosaurs roamed freely, their playful antics adding to the enchanting atmosphere of the space. Lost in the beauty of her surroundings, Aloha felt a sense of calm settle over her, the worries of the outside world fading into the background.
Suddenly, her ears perked up at the distant sound of familiar kiai shouts. Intrigued, Aloha followed the noise until she stumbled upon the sparring arena, where her martial arts teacher Krillin was engaged in rigorous training of his own. Watching Krillin as he practiced his katas with precision and grace, Aloha could not help but admire his dedication and skill. The speed of his punches was blinding. Aloha began to wonder, in light of her upcoming transformation with the dragon balls, if she would ever be as strong and fast as Krillin. Smiling, she approached him in hope of striking up a conversation.
"Hey, Krillin!" Aloha called out, causing the fighter to pause in his training and turn his attention towards her. "Sorry to interrupt, but I just wanted to let you know that I'm looking forward to our next session."
Krillin flashed her a bright smile, wiping the sweat from his brow. "No problem, Al," he replied. "I'm glad to hear that you're eager to get back to training. Have your muscles recovered from our last session?"
Aloha nodded. "Yes, they have," she replied. "In fact, I'm feeling stronger than ever!"
Krillin's eyes lit up. "That's great to hear! Hey, how about we reschedule our next session to before dinner today instead of waiting until tomorrow? I've got some free time. What about you?"
Not having much else planned for the day, Aloha jumped at the opportunity. "Sounds perfect!" she replied, a smile spreading across her face. "Should I meet you here then? I'll be ready!"
Krillin nodded, returning her smile. "Absolutely. I'll be here."
"Awesome! I can't wait. See you then," Aloha replied. With a renewed sense of determination, she turned to leave the sparring arena, her heart filled with excitement for the training session to come.
…
As Aloha turned to leave, her excitement discernible, Krillin's heart raced with anxiety. He knew he had to seize this moment to impress her somehow, to show her that he was more than just her martial arts teacher. With a shaky breath, he called out to her, his voice laced with a hint of hesitation. "Um, hey, Al!" Krillin's cheeks flushed slightly as Aloha turned back towards him, her chocolate-brown eyes bright and her gaze expectant. "Before you go, there's something I wanted to tell you." He laughed. "Something, uh, really funny happened here in the Atrium earlier. In fact, it's probably one of the funniest things I've ever seen," he clumsily tried to explain, rubbing the back of his head as his face flushed.
Aloha's eyes sparkled with curiosity, her lips curling into a delighted smile. "Oh, really? What happened?" she asked eagerly, her interest piqued. "I love funny stories and I could use a good laugh."
Krillin felt butterflies fluttering in his stomach at the sight of her enthusiastic response. With newfound determination, he padded closer to her and plopped down in a cross-legged position, inviting her to join him. "Well, there's sort of a backstory behind what happened that I need to tell you first so you have the full context," he explained, his voice tinged with nervousness. "An epic space adventure, in fact!"
"Oh, really? Neat!" Aloha replied, settling in and resting her forearms on the edge of the sparring ring.
Krillin prepared to recount the tale, Al's attention fully focused on him. "Do you remember at the barbecue when we were talking about the Nameks being aliens from Planet Namek?" he asked.
Aloha's eyes lit up with recognition. "Yeah, I remember that conversation," she replied with a nod, her curiosity growing. "It was when Bulma and you all told me that we had already made first contact with aliens. Probably the biggest revelation of my life. I would never forget. So, what about the Nameks?"
Krillin smiled warmly. "Well, not too long ago, Bulma, Gohan, and I actually visited Planet Namek. You see, a friend of ours named Mr. Popo had found an abandoned Namekian spaceship in Yunzabit Heights. It looked nothing like the Gravitron, totally different technology, but just as space-worthy."
Aloha's eyes widened in fascination. "So, you've actually set foot on another planet yourself? Oh, my gosh! What was it like? Please, tell me every detail. Don't leave anything out!"
Krillin chuckled at Aloha's excitement. "Yeah, it was quite the adventure, let me tell you," he replied, leaning in a bit closer as he recounted the details. "Planet Namek was not much different than Earth, strangely enough. At least not at first glance. It was covered in lush green landscapes. The sky was also green instead of blue. The air was breathable and the gravity was about the same as Earth's, too."
Aloha's eyes sparkled with wonder as she hung onto Krillin's every word. "Wow, that's amazing!" she exclaimed. "I can't even imagine what it must have been like to explore another planet."
Krillin nodded, a nostalgic smile playing on his lips. "It was definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience," he admitted. "But you know, as incredible as it was, it also came with its fair share of challenges and dangers. We had to face off against some pretty dangerous enemies, but I'll get into that in a bit. What was really odd about the planet was that… night never fell. Planet Namek had three suns and was lit 24/7! It really threw off my sleep schedule, let me tell you! We were there for days and it was pretty unsettling."
Aloha leaned in even closer, her curiosity piqued by Krillin's vivid descriptions. "Three suns? That's incredible!" she exclaimed, her imagination running wild with the idea. "I can't even imagine what it must have been like to experience perpetual daylight. It must have been so disorienting."
Krillin chuckled at her reaction, nodding in agreement. "You have no idea," he replied, a hint of amusement in his voice. "But you know what? Despite all the challenges, there was something truly awe-inspiring about being surrounded by such natural beauty. Strangely enough, we learned that the planet had only recently recovered from a major climactic disaster in, like, the last few centuries. Originally, there was only one survivor named Guru. After things settled down, he set about to repopulate the planet, having lots of children all by himself. You see, the Nameks reproduce asexually by spitting eggs out of their mouths. Isn't that neat?! I even got to meet Guru before he passed. What a great guy!"
Aloha's fascination grew as Krillin delved into the details. "That's incredible!" she exclaimed, her eyes widening with amazement. "To think that an entire planet could recover from such devastation and thrive once again. And meeting Guru must have been truly remarkable. What was he like?"
Krillin's smile widened at Aloha's enthusiasm, proud to have her undivided attention. "Guru was... well, he was wise beyond measure," he replied, his tone filled with reverence. "Despite everything he had been through, he remained incredibly kind and compassionate. He had this aura of wisdom about him that was just... indescribable. He was the spiritual leader of the Namekians and played a vital role in guiding them through their darkest times. He was also the father of all the Nameks living at Capsule Corp. Even though some of them are way older than others, they're all brothers. Even Morely and Dende are brothers!"
"Wow!"
Krillin rubbed the back of his head, a sheepish grin spreading across his face. "You know, come to think of it, this is actually going to be a pretty long story," he admitted, his gaze meeting Aloha's. "Do you have time to listen to me recount the whole thing? I don't want to take up too much of your time."
Aloha nodded eagerly. "Of course! I'd love to hear all about it," she replied, her voice filled with genuine interest. "And even if I had things to do, I'd happily rearrange my schedule just to hear this. Go on!"
Krillin's smile widened at her enthusiasm, a thoughtful look crossing his features. "Well, in that case," he began, leaning in slightly closer, "have you heard about the dragon balls yet?"
Aloha nodded again. "Yes, Goku told me about them just recently," she confirmed. "He told me a bit about how they can grant almost any wish. It sounds unbelievable, but knowing Goku, I believe it."
Krillin chuckled. "Oh, it's true, all right," he replied, a mischievous glint in his eye. "And let me tell you, the adventures we've had with those balls... they're unlike anything you could ever imagine. But anyway, back to the Namek story. Planet Namek had its own set of dragon balls and its own dragon, whose name is Porunga. You see, we weren't on Namek long before we ran into some serious trouble. A really powerful guy named Frieza had also found out about the Namekian dragon balls and he was ready to stop at nothing to get his wish…" he continued, his demeanor turning serious as the story took a deadly turn.
Aloha's eyes dilated from anticipation as she leaned in closer, hanging onto Krillin's every word. The atmosphere in the Atrium seemed to hold its breath as the interstellar tale took a solemn turn, Krillin's voice dropping to match the gravity of the situation that had unfolded all those months ago.
…
As Goku and Vegeta emerged from the intense training session in the Gravitron, the oppressive heat of the early summer evening awaited them. Dripping with sweat, Goku wiped the perspiration from his brow as he prepared to head inside to shower. However, his path was intercepted by Morely, who approached him with an infectious smile. "Hey, Goku!" Morely greeted, his eyes sparkling with excitement.
Goku turned to face him, mirroring his friend's grin. "Hey, Morely! What's up?"
With bated breath, Morely leaned in closer, unable to contain his excitement any longer. "Guess what? I did it! I hit the impossible hole-in-one during our golf trip yesterday! No one else ever accomplished that feat!" he related proudly, pulling a shiny trophy out of his long robe to show Goku.
Goku's eyes widened in surprise as Morely proudly displayed the shiny trophy, his grin widening in response to his friend's achievement. "No way! That's amazing, Morely!" he exclaimed, genuinely impressed by the accomplishment. "You're the first one to hit that impossible shot? That's incredible!"
Morely nodded, his smile growing even wider. "Yeah, I couldn't believe it myself! It was like the stars aligned perfectly for that moment. I've been practicing that shot for months, and finally, it paid off!"
Goku clapped Morely on the back, his enthusiasm bubbling over. "You definitely deserve it, buddy!"
With a grateful nod, Morely tucked the trophy back into his robe, his chest swelling with pride. "Thanks, Goku. But you know what's even more exciting? With this level of precision, I'm confident we can successfully pull off our plan to enhance Porunga's powers at the September summoning! It might take some practice rounds, but I'm willing to bet that we'll be able to pull it off, no sweat!"
Goku's eyes lit up with excitement at the prospect. "That's right! Having someone as skilled as you on our team will definitely give us an advantage. Two extra wishes at our disposal will be a game-changer!"
"You bet!" Morely replied, nodding with a look of pride. "Your raw power combined with Dende's unique abilities, under my precise guidance, is sure to produce epic results for Porunga."
Goku and Morely shared a fist bump, their minds alight with anticipation for the upcoming summoning.
Morely's face turned serious for a moment. "Now, in preparation, I want you to practice controlling your Super Saiyan transformation better. The more control you have, the better the plan will work. Got it?"
Goku nodded eagerly. "Absolutely! I got it!" he replied, turning toward the patio. "See ya, Morely!"
With a wave goodbye, Goku bounded up onto the Capsule Corp deck, ready to head inside and prepare for dinner. As he reached the sliding glass door, his hand paused in mid-air, his attention snagged by a sudden, high-pitched girlish scream echoing from the interior of the house. "Blaaaaagghhhh!"
Startled, Goku's heart skipped a beat and he quickly slid open the door, rushing inside with concern etched on his face. "Bulma, what's wrong?!" he blared, turning to see the young woman with her blue hair standing on end in front of Vegeta's new paludarium in the living room.
She slowly turned around to face him, her face an aghast blue. Her shock quickly melted into rage as she pointed an accusing finger at the frog inside the tank. "What is… is that disgusting creature doing in here? G-Goku, don't you know who that is?!" she blared angrily, her cheeks turning crimson in rage.
As Mrs. Briefs poked her head in from the kitchen in concern, one hand on her cheek and the other holding a kitchen knife, she asked, "What's the matter, dear? That's our new paludarium. Isn't it lovely?"
Bulma turned her blazing eyes toward her mother, then back to Goku, her anger raw and powerful. She gestured vehemently at the amphibian basking on a rock under the heat lamp in the tank. "Mom, don't you see? That's not just any frog! Goku, did you even bother to tell her who that is?"
Mrs. Briefs looked between her daughter and Goku, confusion knitting her brows. "It's just a harmless little frog, Bulma," she said soothingly, trying to calm her daughter's escalating emotions.
But Bulma was having none of it. She turned her fiery gaze back to Goku, her tone accusing. "That frog isn't harmless, you guys. It's the very same evil villain who stole my body on Namek! Don't you remember me telling you the story, Mom? This revolting little bastard forcibly switched bodies with me! I was stuck in that icky frog body for over an hour! It was the worst experience of my life!"
Goku rubbed the back of his head. "Uh, yeah… He stole my body, too, and even tried to steal Vegeta's."
Bulma's anger only intensified at Goku's admission. "He stole…? Goku, this is serious! How could you bring that monster into our home without even telling me about it first?" she blared.
Goku held up his hands defensively. "Hey, easy, Bulma! 'Geets discovered him in the Atrium and decided to keep him as a pet. I tried to talk him out of it, I honestly did, but Dr. Briefs was on his side and helped him set the thing up. Because this frog species is from Namek, your dad finds it fascinating."
Bulma's rage reached new heights. "Vegeta... Wait, what the hell was that thing doing in the Atrium to begin with?! How did it get to Capsule Corp at all?!" she demanded, her voice rising with each word.
Goku shifted uncomfortably under her intense gaze, feeling the weight of her anger. "Actually, no one seems to know. I suppose the dragon must've wished him to Earth along with everyone else."
"I didn't ask what he was doing on Earth! I asked what he was doing in Capsule Corp!" she roared.
Goku shrugged and backed up slightly. "I-I don't know… Maybe, he followed you all here somehow?"
Bulma turned to glare daggers at the devious frog, who, sensing the intensity of her fury, hopped to hide under a rock. Mrs. Briefs, concerned, stepped forward. "Bulma, dear, please calm down. He's just a frog now. Look at him, harmless and cute as can be," she said soothingly, trying to diffuse the tension.
Bulma's gaze remained fixed on the frog, her lips curling in disgust. "Harmless? He's not harmless, Mom. He's an evil, conniving monster!" she blared, her voice overflowing with frustration.
Just then, Vegeta stomped into the room, a towel draped over his shoulder as if he were about to take a shower. He scowled at the commotion. "Will you lot put a sock in it?! You're making enough noise to wake the dead, for fuck's sake!" he blared, shooting Bulma a withering glare.
Bulma, already seething with anger, redirected her fury toward Vegeta. Whipping around to face him, she pointed an accusatory finger. "Oh, you would say that, wouldn't you?! You're the one who brought this abomination into our home in the first place!" she accused, her voice dripping with resentment.
Goku winced, seeing that Vegeta was about to face the full force of Bulma's wrath.
Vegeta panned his gaze between Bulma and the paludarium. "Oh, you're talking about Slimeball, formerly known as Captain Ginyu? Indeed, I would say his abominable, amphibious existence is a good reminder that there is cosmic justice, after all," he said before throwing his head back to roar in laughter. He strolled over to her side, peering into the tank with an evil grin. "Surely, you can see the gods have a sense of humor, woman? I mean, just look at this pathetic creature, doomed to live out the remainder of his days as a pet to the Prince of all Saiyans. What a fitting end for one such as he! Besides, I didn't bring him into Capsule Corp. He was already here. He must've hitched a ride on your father's airship."
Bulma stomped her foot in anger, her frustration boiling over. "You should've stomped it under your boot the moment you found it, Vegeta!" she insisted, her voice seething with resentment.
Vegeta rolled his eyes at her outburst, his expression unimpressed. "And risk getting frog guts all over my nice, clean boots? I think not," he retorted, his tone dripping with sarcasm.
Bulma's face flushed with indignation at his dismissive response. "Oh, please! Spare me your excuses, Vegeta! This is serious!" she exclaimed, her hands gesturing wildly in frustration.
"Bulma!" Goku blurted, taken aback. "Why would you encourage Vegeta to do something that mean?"
Vegeta turned to Goku with a devious grin. "Encourage me? She's been shrieking like a banshee since she laid eyes on the frog. That's not encouraging, it's demanding," he retorted, his tone heavily amused.
Bulma shot Goku a frustrated look. "Because the frog is dangerous, Goku. We need to get rid of him!"
Goku scratched his head, trying to diffuse the tension. "Okay, let's all take a step back," he suggested, glancing between the two. "We can figure out what to do with the frog without resorting to… violence."
"If you're too weak to do it, then I will!" Bulma blared, reaching toward the top of the tank.
Vegeta side-stepped into her path, snorting derisively. "We've already figured out what to do with it. He's my pet now and his name is Slimeball. If either of you has a problem with that, try telling it to my fist!"
Bulma jumped back, huffing indignantly. "He's not Slimeball, Vegeta! He's Captain Ginyu, the same guy who stole my body on Namek! Who knows what he's capable of?" she exclaimed, her frustration evident.
Goku looked exasperated. "Bulma, come on. Like I said, he stole my body, too, but he's just a frog now."
Vegeta turned a devious grin to Goku and reached into the paludarium, taking the frog out and holding it out to Goku with both hands. "Aw, Kakarott, I'm sure he only did it because he had the hots for you and knew he would never measure up to your standards as a revolting horned purple alien. Without stealing your body, how else would he get to feel you up?" he joked, roaring in laughter as Goku's eyes widened in alarm and he shrunk away from the frog. "Come on, idiot. Give him a kiss. He's feeling rejected."
Mrs. Briefs giggled at Vegeta's joke, finding his dark humor oddly amusing. But Bulma was not amused.
Bulma's frustration boiled over as she attempted to yell at Vegeta again, but before she could get a word out, he thrust the frog in her face, holding it out with a smirk. "Come on, Bulma. Give him a kiss. Who knows, he might turn into a prince," he taunted, his voice dripping with mocking sarcasm.
Disgusted, Bulma's face paled, and she gagged a little before recoiling and stumbling backward. "Ew, gross! Get that thing away from me!" she shrieked, her voice rising in pitch as she turned and bolted down the hall, screaming in terror. "Like we really need any more rotten spoiled princes around here!" the blue-haired genius shouted from the hall before slamming her bedroom door shut in anger and disgust.
Vegeta chuckled darkly, thoroughly entertained by Bulma's reaction. "Ouch. Well, that was dramatic."
Mrs. Briefs stifled a laugh behind her hand, finding the whole situation absurdly amusing. "Oh, my, what a scene," she murmured, shaking her head in disbelief. "I hope Bulma calms down soon."
Vegeta shrugged nonchalantly, still holding the frog in his hands and grinning wickedly. "Eh, she'll get over it," he remarked casually, completely unfazed by Bulma's outburst, unlike Goku.
Goku glanced the way Bulma had fled, rubbing the back of his neck. Then he sent a scolding look in the saiyan prince's direction, cracking a grin. "No one's kissin' that frog, Vegeta. Put it away."
Vegeta chuckled. "Really, Kakarott, I think you're hurting his feelings. Maybe, you should apologize."
Goku shook his head, his grin widening at Vegeta's teasing. "I highly doubt he cares, 'Geets," he said, crossing his arms over his chest. "Now, put him back in his tank before you traumatize anyone else."
Vegeta chuckled, but complied, gently placing the frog back into the paludarium with a smirk. "You're being a spoilsport, a stick-in-the-mud, and a buzzkill, Kakarott," he muttered, shooting Goku a playful glare. "You should be ashamed of yourself and I hope you'll do better in the future." He did not even wait for Goku's retort before he strutted off down the hall to take a shower, his head held high.
Goku and Mrs. Briefs exchanged a look. "Bulma's not kidding about us not needing anymore spoiled princes around here," the former remarked, chuckling. "One is more than enough."
Mrs. Briefs laughed softly, shaking her head in amusement. "Indeed, one is quite sufficient."
Goku snickered in response, a fondness in his eyes as he glanced down the hallway in the direction Bulma had fled. "Yeah, that's for sure," he replied. "Do, uh, you think I oughta go check on Bulma?"
"She'll be fine, Goku. Vegeta's right. She can be pretty dramatic, but it wears off on its own," Mrs. Briefs pointed out, getting back to her cooking. "Go hurry up and take a shower. Dinner will be ready soon."
Goku nodded, a relieved smile playing on his lips. "You're probably right, Mrs. Briefs. Thanks," he said gratefully before turning to head to his room. With that, he disappeared down the hall, ready to wash away the sweat of training and hoping for all their sakes that Bulma's anger would soon dissipate.
…
As Krillin finished recounting their adventure on Namek, Aloha sat with a deeply pensive expression, taking in every detail he shared. Finally, breaking the thoughtful silence, she remarked, "Wow, Krillin, your story answered so many questions I had, especially about Vegeta's temperament and Goku's transformation into a Super Saiyan." Her eyes sparkled with newfound understanding.
"Wait, you already knew about Goku going Super Saiyan?" Krillin asked, taken aback by her revelation.
Aloha nodded, her expression serious. "Yeah, he did it once by accident in front of me when he got upset about something," she explained, recalling the recent memory. "It was quite a sight to behold."
Krillin leaned in, intrigued. "Really? What happened?" he inquired, eager to hear more about the event.
"Oh, nothing much. He had just heard about some injustices and that was enough to set him off. He really doesn't like it when people get hurt by others, especially for ridiculous reasons," she shortly explained. "Anyway, it wasn't that big a deal, but I was caught off guard. He explained it to me, but didn't go into as much detail as you did about how he was able to achieve it, and he didn't include the legend behind it."
As Aloha finished explaining the incident with Goku's accidental transformation, both she and Krillin were interrupted by the rumbling of their stomachs, synchronized in hunger. Aloha glanced at her phone to check the time and realized it was getting late. "Looks like dinner will be served soon," she noted. "We spent the whole day on your story, Krillin. We didn't even get to our training session."
Krillin chuckled, nodding in agreement. "Yeah, but it was worth it. We can always train tomorrow. And hey, if you want, we can get together for more stories during lunch," he suggested, a twinkle in his eye.
Aloha's face lit up with enthusiasm. "I'd love that! Thank you so much for sharing the story with me, Krillin. It's given me a lot to think about and really caught me up on a lot of missing information," she expressed gratefully, feeling genuinely appreciative of his effort to share his experiences with her. "Anyway, I gotta get to the cafeteria before all the good selections are taken. See you tomorrow!" she said, hopping up and waving goodbye as she ran off down one of the pathways.
"Goodbye, Al!" Krillin called after her, waving.
As Aloha dashed off, Krillin watched her go with a dreamy look in his eyes, feeling grateful for the time they had spent together. However, his reverie was interrupted by a sudden realization. With a snap of his fingers, he remembered the funny story about Vegeta in the Atrium that he had forgotten to tell Aloha. Fortunately, he had covered all the necessary background information concerning the Ginyu Force.
Jumping to his feet, Krillin shrugged, resolving to save that tale for next time. "I'll have to remember to tell her about that during lunch on Monday," he mused aloud to himself, a grin spreading across his face. With that thought, he turned on his heel and made his way back to the Briefs residence to join them for dinner, his spirits lifted by the anticipation of spending more time with Aloha in the days to come.
…
The aroma of a delicious dinner filled the air as Mrs. Briefs bustled around the kitchen, deftly preparing the meal. Bulma sat at the dining room table, freshly showered but quietly peeved, her gaze fixed on the paludarium in the nearby living room. Her mood was on edge, a stark contrast to the cheerful atmosphere that surrounded her. Dr. Briefs entered the room, his lab coat slung over his arm, and greeted his family in a tone of merriment before taking his place at the table. Krillin soon joined them as well, humming happily to himself as he settled into his seat. Oblivious to Bulma's sour demeanor, he struck up a pleasant conversation with Dr. Briefs, discussing recent developments in Capsule Corp technology.
Meanwhile, Bulma continued to glare at the paludarium, her frustration growing with each passing moment. However, she refrained from saying anything, opting instead to avert her gaze and stew silently. As the men chatted, a robotic servant glided into the room, bearing dishes of food to set upon the table. Just then, Goku and Vegeta arrived, their gravity-defying hair still damp from their showers. Goku flashed a wide grin to the others as he took his seat, while Vegeta's grin was somehow even wider.
Krillin noticed the uncharacteristic demeanor of Vegeta, who seemed to be in an unusually jovial mood. With a curious tilt of his head, Krillin addressed the saiyan prince. "Hey, Vegeta, you seem to be in a good mood. Enjoying your new pet?" he asked, gesturing towards the paludarium with a nod of his head.
Vegeta chuckled softly, his grin widening as he served himself heaping portions. "Very much so," he replied, his tone laced with amusement. He shot a devious glance in Bulma's direction before turning back to the human warrior. "And thank you so much for asking," he added with a mischievous glint in his eyes.
Bulma, unable to contain her frustration any longer, rounded on the unsuspecting Krillin with a glare that could melt steel. "And you!" she exclaimed, her voice dripping with irritation. "Did you know about that wretched frog as well?" she demanded, her accusatory tone cutting through the air like a knife.
Krillin nearly fell out of his seat in startlement, causing Vegeta to roar in laughter. Goku gave Vegeta a warning nudge, begging him to behave with a silent look, though Vegeta simply ignored it. Meanwhile, Krillin straightened up, discombobulated. "Wha… what's wrong, Bulma? You don't like the set up?"
"The tank isn't the problem! It's the tank's resident! And none of you morons seem to care!" Bulma snapped, grabbing her plate and stomping off. "As far as I'm concerned, you're all a bunch of jerks!"
Goku looked like he was about to go after her, but Mrs. Briefs gestured him to stay put. "Trust me, Goku. She'll get over it," Panchy pointed out. "Just needs a little more time to cool off."
Dr. Briefs blinked too, taken aback. "You mean to say Bulma doesn't like our new family pet?"
Vegeta, ever the instigator, could not resist the urge to add fuel to the fire. "Actually, Dr. Briefs, I might have forgotten to mention a small detail about the Namekian amphibian," he began, his tone casual as he speared a piece of food with his fork. Dr. Briefs looked at Vegeta with curiosity, prompting him to continue. "In my excitement to have a new pet, you see, I may have neglected to mention that the frog is no ordinary Namekian frog," he explained, his smirk growing as he saw realization dawning on Dr. Briefs' face. "In fact, the frog is inhabited by none other than the former enemy known as Captain Ginyu, who, if you recall from the stories, stole both Bulma and Kakarott's bodies on Namek."
Dr. Briefs' eyes widened in astonishment. "Are you saying that frog is really... Captain Ginyu?" he asked incredulously, his scientific curiosity piqued. "Oh, perhaps that's why Bulma dislikes it."
Krillin, Vegeta, Goku, and Mrs. Briefs all nodded in unison, confirming the revelation.
"Indeed, the frog is intelligent and understands us when we speak. Just be careful not to give him any kind of translator. It was speech that enabled Captain Ginyu to carry out his body-switching technique. Without the ability to speak, he cannot switch bodies with you or anyone else," Vegeta clarified.
Rather than being angry or alarmed, Dr. Briefs seemed intrigued. "Fascinating," he murmured, a hint of excitement in his voice. "The implications of this are truly remarkable from a scientific standpoint."
Goku felt relieved that Dr. Briefs was not upset. "Yeah, it's straight out of those sci-fi movies."
Mrs. Briefs nodded in agreement with Vegeta's explanation. "Yes, I've noticed that the frog seems to be very smart. He's been rather cooperative since he arrived," she added, her tone thoughtful.
Goku chuckled softly, feeling a bit more at ease now that the situation seemed to be under control. "Well, at least we know how to handle it now," he remarked, shooting a grateful glance at Vegeta.
Vegeta smirked in response, feeling a sense of satisfaction at having resolved the issue without too much trouble. "Indeed. And it seems we've stumbled upon quite the scientific discovery in the process," he commented, his eyes gleaming with interest. "Perhaps, you could study the frog more easily now. If you can get him to like you, I'm sure he'll be willing to cooperate in some harmless experiments."
Dr. Briefs nodded, his mind racing with ideas. "Yes, it certainly opens up new possibilities for research," he agreed, his curiosity fully ignited. "What do you suggest I do to get on Slimeball's good side?"
Krillin snorted out a laugh, repeating the name 'Slimeball' under his breath as he ate.
"Treats wouldn't hurt," Vegeta suggested with a shrug. "Just be careful. He is clever and still very capable of mischief. In other words, he will switch bodies with you if you give him the opportunity."
Dr. Briefs nodded thoughtfully at Vegeta's warning, taking the advice seriously. "I'll keep that in mind," he replied, his mind already buzzing with potential experiments and precautions. "Thank you for the heads up, Vegeta." With a newfound sense of excitement and caution, Dr. Briefs turned his attention back to his meal, eager to discuss further plans with his family and guests. The dinner table buzzed with lively conversation as they delved into the intriguing possibilities presented by their unexpected discovery, setting the stage for new adventures and scientific endeavors in the days to come.
…
As the helper bots efficiently cleared away the remnants of dinner, Goku and Krillin settled into the comfortable sofas of the living room. With a flick of the remote, Goku turned on the TV, hoping to catch an MMA match in session. Krillin leaned back, stretching his legs as he prepared to enjoy the spectacle.
"Hey, Vegeta, come join us!" Goku called out, glancing towards the kitchen where Vegeta was lingering. However, the prince merely waved dismissively, his attention already captured by something else. Grabbing his tablet from the nearby coffee table, Vegeta headed outside onto the patio, drawn by the cooling breeze of the evening as the sweltering heat of the day finally mellowed out with the sunset.
Curiosity tugged at Goku as he watched Vegeta's departure, casting furtive glances out the windows where the prince sat reclined on the deck. Despite the allure of the TV, Goku found his attention drifting towards his fellow saiyan's solitary figure bathed in the warm hues of twilight.
After a few minutes of wrestling with his curiosity, Goku finally made up his mind. "Hey, Krillin, I'll be right back. Gonna see what 'Geta's up to," he announced, pushing himself up from the sofa.
Krillin nodded in understanding, flashing Goku a knowing grin. "Sure thing, Goku. Don't take too long, though. You don't want to miss the main event!" he replied with a chuckle, settling back into the cushions as Goku made his way towards the sliding glass doors leading to the patio.
As Goku slipped out onto the patio, the evening breeze welcomed him. He approached Vegeta, who lay on a recliner facing out towards the lawn, completely engrossed in his tablet. Goku could not help but notice the serene expression on Vegeta's face as he manipulated the touchscreen with his fingers.
Drawing closer, Goku squinted to get a better look at what Vegeta was doing. He could see strange sinuous, interlocking symbols forming under the saiyan prince's touch, tracing elegant patterns across the screen. With a furrowed brow, Goku leaned in and asked, "Hey, Vegeta, what are you doing?"
Startled by Goku's sudden intrusion, Vegeta nearly tumbled out of his recliner, his concentration broken. "Kakarott!" he exclaimed, shooting Goku an irritated glare. "Don't sneak up on me like that!"
Goku raised his hands defensively, an apologetic grin spreading across his face. "Sorry, sorry! I didn't mean to startle you," he apologized, taking a step back to give Vegeta some space. "I was just curious about what you were doing. It looked interesting. What are those doodles you're drawing?"
Vegeta's glare intensified. "I'm not drawing, Kakarott," he retorted in annoyance. "I'm writing."
Goku blinked in confusion, taken aback by Vegeta's response. "Writing? But... I thought writing involved letters," he remarked, scratching his head in puzzlement. "You know, A, B, C, D, E, F, G…"
Vegeta let out an exasperated sigh, running a hand through his hair in frustration. "The common tongue is written with letters. This is written Saiyago, alright?" he explained tersely, his patience wearing thin. "It's more like... symbolic script. Not that it's any of your business. Now, buzz off and leave me alone."
Despite Vegeta's dismissive tone, Goku could not shake off his curiosity. "Saiyago, huh?" he mused aloud, his interest piqued. "That sounds pretty cool. Mind if I stick around and watch?"
Vegeta shot Goku a withering glare, his irritation palpable. "Yes, I mind," he snapped, his voice dripping with annoyance. "I prefer to work in peace. Now, if you don't mind, I have things to do."
Goku hesitated, sensing the tension in Vegeta's words, but his curiosity got the better of him. "Aw, come on, Vegeta. Can't I have just a quick peek?" he pleaded, flashing the prince a hopeful smile.
Vegeta scowled, unimpressed by Goku's persistence. "Why bother? You won't understand it. You never even learned your own native tongue, you big dope," he snapped, resituating himself on the recliner.
"Well, maybe not," Goku said with a sheepish grin, scratching his head with a finger, "but it looks pretty."
Vegeta rolled his eyes, his patience waning with each passing moment. "Plenty of things are pretty, Kakarott," he retorted sharply. "Why don't you go check them out instead of bothering me?"
Instead of taking the hint, Goku remained undeterred. With a determined expression, he pulled up a chair beside Vegeta. "Nah, I'm good here," he replied casually, making himself comfortable.
Vegeta's scowl deepened, his irritation reaching its peak. He quickly hid the face of his tablet on his chest, shooting Goku a glare. "What do you think you're doing?" he demanded, his voice laced with frustration.
Goku shrugged, unfazed by Vegeta's glare. "I just wanna see what you're up to," he replied innocently, leaning in to catch a glimpse of the tablet's screen. "Come on, 'Geets, just one little peek?"
Goku, undeterred by Vegeta's obvious annoyance at him, leaned in closer, his curiosity remaining unabated. As he scooted his chair closer, he could not resist the urge to gently brush the back of his finger against the soft reddish-brown fur on Vegeta's tail, which lazily hung over the side of the recliner.
Feeling the tickling sensation, Vegeta recoiled instinctively, his tail twitching. He shot Goku a glare, narrowing his eyes at him. "Hey, cut it out, Kakarott," he growled. "What do you think you're doing?"
Goku chuckled, trying to appear innocent despite the mischievous glint in his eyes. "Just giving your tail a little scratch," he replied casually, though his voice hinted at shenanigans. "Didn't mean to startle you."
Vegeta's scowl deepened, a sinking feeling beginning to settle in his stomach. He growled slightly. "Looks more like you're trying to get yourself punched…" he uttered in warning. The prince could not shake the nagging suspicion that Goku was up to something, especially after the incident with Bulma at dinner. Was he trying to teach Vegeta a lesson of some kind? "Whatever, Kakarott," he muttered in skepticism, shooting Goku a wary glance. "Just leave me alone, will you? I'm busy."
"Aw, c'mon, Vegeta. You agreed to do the wiener thing, but I can't even touch your tail?" Goku teased.
Vegeta shifted uncomfortably, coiling his tail up protectively under his rear so Goku could not mess with it anymore. "You have to earn that privilege first by making that wish we talked about."
Goku did a mock-frown. "Buuuuut, 'Geeeeets, touching your tail won't infect me with the viiiruuuus."
"Well, it feels fucking weird!" the prince snapped, turning his head away
Undeterred by Vegeta's firm stance, Goku decided to try his hand at lightening the mood with a bit of playful banter. Ignoring Vegeta's irritation, he leaned in closer, twirling a sly index finger around a dark spike of hair on the back of the prince's head. "Aw, come on, 'Geets," Goku coaxed, almost purring as he observed the tiny hairs on the back of Vegeta's neck prick up and stand on end. "You're always so serious, meanie. How about we take a walk? I bet you haven't seen much of the city. It could be fun!"
Vegeta tightened his shoulders, shuddering at the contact. "A walk? Why?" he uttered.
Goku giggled. "Come on, it's a breezy Sunday night. We gotta get out more. Whaddaya say?"
Vegeta narrowed his eyes suspiciously, unsure of Goku's intentions but feeling a strange sense of intrigue. He shifted uncomfortably in his seat, the prickling sensation from Goku's playful touch lingering on the nape of his neck. "Why would I want to waste my time wandering aimlessly around the city?"
Goku chuckled softly, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "We might discover something new! Who knows what adventures await us out there? I mean, just think of the adventure we had in the Atrium today."
Vegeta hesitated, the corner of his mouth twitching as he fought to maintain his stoic demeanor in the face of Goku's clumsy flirtation. Despite himself, a small part of him was tempted by the prospect of venturing beyond the confines of Capsule Corp and experiencing something different for a change.
With a reluctant sigh, Vegeta begrudgingly relented and turned back to face Goku. "Fine, Kakarott," he conceded, rolling his eyes in an exaggerated manner. "But don't expect me to enjoy it."
Goku rose to his full height and smirked down at Vegeta. "Well, look who's being dramatic now?" he lightly teased, offering a hand to help the prince up from his spot on the recliner.
Vegeta glared at the offered hand and got up without assistance. "Fine, but put this inside first," he directed, shoving his tablet into Goku's hands and then folding his arms over his chest defiantly, "and tell Krillin to guard the paludarium while we're gone. I don't trust that blue-haired woman."
With a one-sided grin, Goku leaned in, towering over the slighter saiyan just a bit. "That blue-haired woman has a name, you know," he gently reminded Vegeta, petting the prince's hair lightly.
"Tch."
Goku shot Vegeta a look of delight before turning his attention back to the Briefs residence. He went inside and waved to the human fighter, who was still engrossed in the MMA program. "Hey, Krillin!" he called, catching the human fighter's attention. "Vegeta and I are going for a walk. Can you keep an eye on the paludarium while we're gone?" he requested, placing the tablet down on the nearest table.
Krillin's eyes widened in surprise at the unexpected request. He glanced at the TV screen, where the announcer was hyping up the upcoming main event. "But, Goku, the main event's coming up in five minutes!" he exclaimed, torn between his love for MMA and his desire to hang out with Goku.
Goku grinned sheepishly, scratching the back of his head. "Yeah, I know. Thanks for the heads up, but I think I'll pass this time," he replied apologetically. "Could you give me the highlights later?"
Krillin chuckled, shaking his head in amusement. "Sure thing, Goku. You're missing out, though."
With a wave to Krillin, Goku bid his friend farewell before closing the sliding glass door behind him. He returned to Vegeta's side on the patio, a bright smile still plastered across his face.
Vegeta shot Goku a sideways glance as he turned to hop over the bannister. "You know, Kakarott, you're gonna get yourself punched one of these days if you keep annoying me like this," he remarked cheekily.
Goku chuckled, undeterred by the warning. "Ah, but it's so much fun," he teased, reaching out to give the prince's tail a playful swat as Vegeta jumped down. "Besides, you wouldn't dare lay a hand on me!"
Vegeta snorted, rolling his eyes at Goku's antics as he landed on the grass. "We'll see about that, Kakarott," he muttered under his breath, though the faintest hint of a smile tugged at the corners of his mouth as they set off under the darkening sky. The prince curled his tail around his waist.
"Ah, no! Don't wrap it!" Goku protested, reaching for the protected appendage.
Vegeta shot him another glare and slapped his hand away. "Why the fuck not?"
Goku made a small whining noise. "I like it when it wiggles around."
"Well, too bad!" Vegeta snapped. "You pissed it off, so no more wiggling for you. Idiot."
"Aw, man…" Goku pouted playfully as Vegeta refused to let his tail move around freely. "Come on, 'Geeets, don't be like that," he whined, shooting the prince a mock-pleading look.
Vegeta shook his head. "You're lucky I'm letting a peasant like you walk beside me," he retorted, a teasing glint in his eyes. "Besides, you can wriggle your own tail to your heart's content when you get it back."
With a grin, Goku fell into step beside Vegeta as they left the property, their footsteps echoing softly on the pavement. They followed the sidewalk toward the city center, the glow of the streetlights casting long shadows across the ground. As they strolled, Goku felt a sense of contentment wash over him. Despite the playful banter and occasional squabbles, moments like these with Vegeta always felt special.