Chapter 8 - Accepting The New Goku and Frieza's Relentless Ways
Goku woke up early as the sun started to rise. It was 6am, and Vegeta slept peacefully beside him. Goku quietly slipped out of bed, got dressed and slipped out of the room, making sure to not disturb Vegeta.
Goku stepped outside. The air was cool, but refreshing. Goku wanted to try out sone training.
Goku remembered what Vegeta said, how it was okay to feel, and how Goku couldn't use this form to hide forever, so Goku took a risk.
He took a deep breath, and dropped back to his base form. Goku stood for a moment silently. He could feel so many emotions, it was almost overwhelming. Goku took another deep breath, holding it for a moment before slowly breathing out, doing his best to ignore the emotions, or rather, calm them.
Goku went about his training, he eased into it at first. Starting at staying in his base form, then moving on to each of his different forms, one by one. He felt okay, at first, but his emotions were still strong and he had a lot of pent up anger. This anger grew the more he trained. Goku wished he could have faced Kakarot, rather than have such a menace stuck inside him. At least he could be sure Kakarot was gone that way. Goku instead had to live with the fact he would never truly be sure, and it pissed him off beyond anything imaginable. This anger continued to present itself, and it continued to grow. Goku got more aggressive as he trained, not even thinking about anything else.
Vegeta woke at 9am, the space beside him where Goku would be was empty and cold.
He walked downstairs and heard something outside. curious, Vegeta ventures outside to see what it was.
He saw Goku, no longer in Ultra Instinct, but Super Saiyan Blue instead. Something seemed different, Goku was angry, relentlessly pushing himself, muttering in anger. As he trained himself, he was aggressive in everything he did. Vegeta wondered if he should leave Goku be, but at the same time, he didn't want Goku to suffer alone. He could now see what Goku was saying to him the day before, he understood now. Goku didn't want to go through these feelings, but Vegeta could see he wanted to get through them so he didn't have to hide behind Ultra Instinct in order to cope.
Goku felt as though the anger that Kakarot expressed was there, like it never really left, but it just didn't speak to him, or try to take over him the way it did before, but it was still there.
Goku stopped, kneeling on the ground to take a breather.
"Fuck!" Goku said to himself angrily as he punched the ground.
"Goku?" Vegeta said gently as he carefully approached
Goku turned his head. "Oh, hey, Geta."
"Are you okay?" Vegeta asks as he sits beside Goku.
"Uh, yeah." Goku answers
"You sure?" Vegeta presses a little
Goku sighs "No...Kakarot isn't there, but the anger, it never went. The difference is that it's a part of me now. All I feel is angry. I thought maybe I'd be okay. I thought maybe I'd be able to handle it. It seems I can't."
"Really?" Vegeta asks "Because it looks to me like you're handling it well."
"Hm, maybe." Goku shrugs
"You could have lost control by now but you haven't." Vegeta says
"That's tr-" Goku stop suddenly and gets to his feet. "Do you feel that?"
"Yeah..." Vegeta says getting to his feet.
"Frieza." Goku says his voice deep with frustration.
"Well, I think we know what to do." Vegeta says
Goku nods at Vegeta and the Saiyan's head to where they sensed Frieza.
Goku silently wondered how he'd handle a fight right now. He wondered how he'd carry himself, if he could manage to keep control of himself.
Goku and Vegeta arrived only to find Frieza was at Capsule Corp. He was threatening Bulma and trying to get her to hand over the Dragon balls. Goku felt the anger within rise. How dare he threaten his friends!
"Give them to me, and I'll let you live." Frieza taunts
"No." Bulma snaps back
"You really don't want to make such a mistake." Frieza replies
Before Vegeta could even speak, Goku spoke up.
"The only one making a mistake is you." Goku snaps "Get the fuck away from my friends.
Frieza turns to see Goku and Vegeta.
Frieza looks at Goku, noting an expression of anger he'd never seen before. Goku seemed different, but it didn't phase him.
"You can't stop me." Frieza says with a smirk "You're not the only one with a new form."
"Take whatever for you want, I don't care." Goku snaps as he walks toward Frieza "I don't fucking need it."
Frieza smiles as he takes his new form, Black Frieza. "What do you think? You're not the only one who can train in a time chamber."
"Truthfully, I don't give a fuck." Goku says, distain in his voice.
Goku transforms into True Ultra Instinct. At this point, he didn't care about how angry he felt, all he knew, is that he was going to direct it all at Frieza.
"You're really going to take such an inferior form compared to the other one?" Frieza taunts
"Oh, that's where you're wrong." Goku says "You're thinking of Ultra Instinct Sign. This is not that. That form, like Autonomous Ultra Instinct requires my heart to be calm. Believe me, my heart is far from calm."
"It won't be enough to stop me." Frieza replies "If you just gave me the Dragonballs, I'd leave you alone."
"Why the fuck would we do that?" Goku starts to laugh "You honestly think we are stupid enough to just hand them to you? You fucking idiot."
Vegeta takes a moment to process what he was seeing. Goku was acting different. he could see a little Kakarot was still left behind, and Goku was right, he did become a part of him. Goku didn't act like Kakarot did per say, but just little hints of him were left behind. Essentially becoming one with Goku. it was clear the medication worked, but there were parts left behind that clearly couldn't be eradicated. it became clear that when Goku said he'd changed, he wasn't kidding.
Vegeta thought Goku meant that he'd be a little different for a while as he came to terms with everything. He didn't expect permanent changes in Goku's personality. Vegeta knew he'd have to keep a close eye on Goku and make sure he didn't take things too far. Goku hadn't even done proper training since and neither of them had any idea what to expect, or how Goku would handle things.
Goku on the other hand didn't waste time. He just went on the offense and went straight for Frieza.
Frieza wasn't phased and thought he knew what to expect until he realised that Goku was acting a lot differently than usual. When Frieza though about it, Goku acted much more like a Saiyan than before. His attacks were ruthless and far more aggressive. Frieza wondered where this change had come from. Goku had always been a certain way, and now he was very different, much more careless. Frieza wanted to use this to his advantage. The more careless Goku was, Frieza believed that he could use this to his advantage. If Goku was more careless, it meant he'd be more likely to make a mistake.
Frieza held his own against Goku, waiting for an opening to strike. He knew he'd be able to find an opening doon, and when he did, he planned to take out Goku completely.
Goku and Frieza continued to exchange blows and block each others attacks.
Sure enough, as Frieza predicted, Goku's recklessness left him an opening. Frieza managed to land a punch so strong, Goku was knocked straight back to base form.
Goku struggled to his feet. Fuck...what is this form? It's stronger than I thought. Where did he get this power?
"You don't have power over me any longer, Monkey." Frieza taunts
Goku grunts. He can feel that the punch from Frieza proved to be a problem. Goku knew he was biting off more than he could chew.
Goku swayed slightly, trying to stay on his feet when Frieza rushed him again, knocking him down to the ground once more.
Goku lay in pain, looking up at Frieza who was stood over him.
Vegeta stared in surprise. Frieza was much stronger than he realised. If he didn't do something, he knew Frieza may just finish Goku off.
Fuck... Vegeta thought. I have to do something...I can't let him kill Goku. He's been through enough. He wasn't ready for this. He needs me, even if he won't admit it. I won't let Frieza take him from me. I swear it.
"You..." Vegeta snaps suddenly. "How dare you. Get the fuck away from him."
"Hm?" Frieza turns to Vegeta
"Vegeta..." Goku croaks "Don't.."
"You've seen what I can do." Frieza laughs "And you think you can stop me?"
"No one, and I mean NO ONE, hurts my Goku and gets away with it!" Vegeta shouts angrily as he powers up to his Ultra Ego form. "You'll pay for that."
Goku, barely conscious stares at Vegeta. Vegeta was willing to put everything on the line to protect him, to fight for him. Goku knew Frieza was only going to do the same thing to Vegeta. Goku didn't want that for Vegeta, but he was in no state to fight. Goku realised he had not thought through fighting Frieza. He'd just rushed in, let his anger get the better of him and just jumped right in. He did something he'd never done before and it became his weakness, the reason he was now laying there injured. Goku told himself that if he'd not been so reckless, this wouldn't have happened. Goku realised he wasn't ready to fight, or rather, that's what he told himself. Goku needed to train, get back to how he was, or close to it. He'd spent so long unable to properly train, dealing with his own demons that he wasn't in the frame of mind to think straight. He was all over the place and didn't even know how to help himself. Now, Vegeta was putting himself in harms way to protect him. Goku grew frustrated. For years he'd been able to handle himself, he'd been able to hold his own, but now? Now he was a shell of who he used to be. He felt he's regressed and let his frustrations get the better of him. He felt stupid for believing that nothing changed once all that with Kakarot was over. He told himself he was fine, he was okay, he didn't change, but truth is, he did and he needed to learn to fight in a new way, to become better, smarter and stronger.
Vegeta stood before Frieza, letting the rage of Ultra Ego fuel him, but not just that, but his instinct to protect Goku.
Frieza showed no concern, he believed if he could take out Goku, then Vegeta would be no problem either.
Vegeta wasted no time and attacked Frieza, putting everything he had into each strike, but Frieza blocked and evaded each strike with little effort. His new form gave him tremendous power and speed. Frieza lands a powerful punch on Vegeta's abdomen, Vegeta stumbles but doesn't fall.
"If Goku can't beat me, what makes you think you can?" Frieza taunts
"You see, the power I possess is not like his. Goku's power has a lot to do with defence and evasion. Mine? Mine is the opposite." Vegeta smiles with a devious look "Each time you hit me, I get stronger. Every single time. So your attacks only fuel me further. So keep going, Frieza, you're only helping my power grow to new heights."
"That won't be enough." Frieza laughs
"No?" Vegeta says curiously "Prove it."
Shit. Goku thinks. Vegeta is strong, but if I don't do something, Vegeta is toast! Vegeta is strong, but Frieza seems stronger. If I can't hold up against him, I don't know if Vegeta can. I can't let Vegeta do this alone. I have to do something!
Vegeta and Frieza continue their fight. Vegeta is holding his own, but Frieza has the upper hand.
Goku struggles to his feet. He swayed a little as he tried to find his balance. Goku knew he had to focus, he couldn't be reckless, he had to think. He had to be careful.
Goku took a deep breath, calming his mind and heart as much as possible, calming himself the same way he did to supress Kakarot. Once calm, he took his Mastered Ultra Instinct form. Goku opened his eyes, now his silver eyes were filled with determination. He stared down Frieza who continued his assault on Vegeta. Goku knew Frieza couldn't sense him anymore. Whether Frieza cared or noticed didn't matter.
Vegeta was so focused on the fight, and so focused on not falling to Frieza that even he did not notice Goku. Frieza knocked Vegeta to the ground. Frieza stood over him, arm outstretched, palm open.
"It's over, monkey." Frieza laughs
It was then that Vegeta noticed Goku behind Frieza.
Vegeta smiled. "No, it's far from over."
"I commend your confidence, Saiyan." Frieza replies "But it won't be enough. Confidence doesn't win fights, skill and power does."
"You're so fucking right." Goku says suddenly.
Frieza turns to see Goku stood behind him, staring at him in a calm yet menacing manner.
"You know, I have to say, I respect the time and effort you've put into getting where you are." Goku says "But just like every other time you've fought us, it won't be enough."
Goku punches Frieza in the face. Frieza stumbles but stays on his feet.
"You can stay the fuck away from what's mine." Goku snaps "Got it?"
"Your overconfidence has always been your weakness." Frieza replies angrily.
"It's not a weakness if I beat you." Goku replies "But I'll let you in on a little secret. My weakness isn't my confidence. My weakness is giving people like you a chance. I always see the good in people, I always see a chance for them to change, to be better. it's showing mercy to people like you who don't deserve it. I thought after the tournament, you'd appreciate the fact I kept my promise, I thought you'd leave us be. I thought you'd do better, knowing that even someone like me saw better in you. Every time you're given a chance, you fuck it up. Every time I kicked your ass, I thought you'd learn, but you never do, do you? It's like you want to get your ass kicked over and over again."
"You have no hope of defeating me now." Frieza laughs "Deep down, even if you don't want to admit it, you knew I'd come back. You knew I wouldn't change. let's be honest, Goku, you only keep me alive so you have someone to fight. You don't care about the safety of anyone else around you, you just want a reason to fight."
"That's not true and you fucking know it!" Goku snaps
"No?" Frieza smirks "I know for a fact no one wanted me on the team for the tournament, not after all I've done. No one trusts me, obviously. I bet they all called you crazy for it. They thought you were stupid to do that, and even more stupid for making the promise you did. The thing is, they were right. You are stupid. You did whatever you could just so you could fight, even if it meant having your rival at your side."
"I chose you for the tournament. nothing more." Goku replies "It was us fight in that tournament, or we all get erased. I gave this universe and many others a chance because Zeno was going to just straight up start erasing universes. It had nothing to do with my need to fight. It had everything to do with giving people a chance to live. You're right, I should have found someone else. That way you'd still be rotting in your version of hell."
"Oh well, it's too late now." Frieza laughs
"Maybe, but it's not too late for you to go back there." Goku snaps just before launching himself at Frieza.
Goku at Frieza go at it again as Vegeta gets to his feet.
Vegeta could see Goku was more careful with his attacks, as if he was paying attention to Vegeta's own fight with Frieza. Vegeta knew Goku was known for staying back and taking note of how someone fights. It's his go to when it comes to facing someone. Vegeta had a feeling Goku's Ultra Instinct also helped by controlling the reckless, angry part of him that presented itself prior. Allowing Goku to fight with a more clear mind, controlling the overwhelming anger that lay within Goku recently.
Vegeta knew Goku couldn't do it alone. This would be a team effort. Even then, Vegeta wondered if it would be enough. All he knew is that they'd have to try, there was no other choice.
Goku was knocked back, but still on his feet.
"Goku." Vegeta says
"Hm?" Goku looks at Vegeta
"We have to do this together." Vegeta says "Neither of us can do it alone."
"Right." Goku replies "But we need to get Bulma out of here."
"It's alright. She's already gone." Vegeta says
Frieza grows angry. The Dragonballs were not here anymore. Where they were, he did not know. He had to find them, he had to do what he planned to do. He was not going to give up. Frieza would gladly scour the Earth until he found them.
"If you won't hand them over willingly, I'll find them myself." Frieza says before vanishing.
"That doesn't sound good." Vegeta says
"No, it doesn't." Goku replies
Since Goku's memories came back, he wanted to make Frieza pay now more than ever for the destruction of Planet Vegeta. Frieza destroyed the planet because of his fear of the Super Saiyan, and Goku wanted him to feel real fear, and he was going to do just that. He had an idea, but it was going to take some time.
"Geta, I need to do something." Goku says "I think it can stop Frieza, but I need you to stay here."
"Goku...?" Vegeta looks at the Saiyan confused "What are you going to do?"
"Geta, I need you to trust me." Goku says
"I do." Vegeta replies still confused
"Good. I need you to get to Bulma, protect her and the Dragonballs. Frieza will scour the Earth to find them. It'll take him a few days. Get her somewhere hard to find. Keep her hidden. Only leave her side if you absolutely have to. Frieza will likely only take a few days before he finds her, and a few days is all I need."
"Goku, can't you tell me?" Vegeta asks
"There's not enough time to explain it, but you'll see when I return." Goku says
"Okay, please be safe." Vegeta says
"I will." Goku smiles before vanishing.
Goku knew what he needed to do, and he needed Whis' help.
Goku got to Whis and explained his plan, Whis seemed a little unsure as to if it would work, but Goku had to try.
"So, you think you could help me?" Goku asks
"To get to universe 6?" Whis asks
"Yes." Goku replies "It won't take long."
"Alright." Whis says
Several days had passed and still no sign of Goku. Vegeta wondered what Goku was up to. He seemed so sure of a plan, but wouldn't say what it was. Vegeta wondered why. What did Goku plan to do?
Frieza was still scouring Earth, he knew Bulma, Vegeta and the Dragonballs were not that far away. They only had so many places to go. Frieza had gotten hold of a Dragonball radar, he'd found it when tearing through Capsule Corp. He knew exactly what it was for. When Frieza turned it on, the radar started pinging, and a dot appeared on screen, it was the location of the Dragonballs.
Vegeta felt Frieza's presence now, and it grew closer and closer. Vegeta had only popped out for a few minutes, but rushed back to Bulma as soon as he felt Frieza approaching.
Vegeta arrived just before Frieza got there. He just hoped Goku would hurry up, he couldn't hold off Frieza on his own. Even with the likes of Piccolo, Krillin, Tien, 17, 18, and Yamcha wouldn't be enough.
Come on Goku, I need you! Vegeta thought desperately Now's the time to make an entrance!
"Give them to me." Frieza says "You know you can't fight me."
Vegeta and the others did their best to hold off Frieza. Vegeta was the only one left standing. It didn't matter how hard they tried, Frieza was too strong. Vegeta did his best to keep going. If he fell too, it was over, whatever Goku went to do, would have been for nothing. Vegeta didn't want that. He refused to give in. So every time he was knocked down, he got up again.
Goku's plan was complete, and now he was ready, he headed straight for Frieza.
It didn't take him long to arrive, but he saw his friends, scattered, and beaten. He saw Vegeta trying his best to keep going but even he too was not far from being in the same state as everyone else.
"Hey Frieza! Want to know what that fear feels like again?" Goku says suddenly
Frieza turns to face Goku, but he is shocked by what he saw. He tried to comprehend what he was seeing, what stood before him. Frieza didn't understand how it was possible. How did Goku do it?!
Vegeta looked up to see Goku stood there, but he now realised why Frieza was so shocked and even Vegeta couldn't help but feel that same shock
Goku...How?! Vegeta thought. How the fuck is this possible!?
"H-how?!" Frieza stutters.
"Something called the Super Dragonballs" Goku smirks "Remember those?"
Frieza just stared. He had no idea what to say. He did indeed begin to feel fear. The very thing he worried about so many years ago, there it was, stood right in front of him.
"It seems the Saiyan's have a bone to pick with you." Goku smirks
Behind Goku, stood the strongest Saiyan's. Most of them of high class status. Goku used the Super Dragonballs to bring back the Saiyan race! All to make Frieza feel fear, and suffer. It wasn't just Saiyan's stood behind him, they were all Super Saiyan's! Goku had spend the last 2 days training the Saiyan's and teaching them how to reach such a level.
"Goku!" Vegeta drags himself to his feet, moving toward Goku "How?"
"It's simple." Goku smiles taking Vegeta's hands into his own. "I knew how much Frieza feared the Super Saiyan, It's why he wiped out Planet Vegeta. So, I went to Whis and asked him to help me gather the Super Dragonballs and wished the Saiyan's back! I then helped them achieve Super Saiyan, and brought Frieza's fear to life."
"I can't believe you did it!" Vegeta exclaims "No wonder you didn't tell me!"
"Yep." Goku smiles "I'm sorry I didn't tell you, but I felt this had to be done right. Plus, looks at Frieza's face! Beautiful..."
Vegeta laughs as he hugs Goku. "You really are something else."
Goku laughs a little before turning to the Saiyan's stood behind him. "Have at it. But please, keep Earth in tact, this is my home after all."
"Gladly." One Saiyan pipes up.
The group of Saiyan's move toward Frieza.
Frieza doesn't know what to do or say, he did not expect this at all. Frieza grew angry again.
"Filthy fucking monkeys" Frieza shouts "I guess I'll wipe you all out all over again!"
The Saiyans begin to attack Frieza relentlessly.
"You're a good kid, Kakarot." Bardock's voice said from beside him.
Goku cringed at the sound of his given name. hearing it still bothered him, but he tried not to let it show. he knew his father had no idea why it bothered him so much now, he didn't expect him to understand. Instead, Goku gave him a small smile before turning back to watch the battle unfold.
Bardock silently noticed the closeness between Goku and Vegeta. He understood exactly what was going on. he could see a relationship had blossomed between the 2 and it was obvious it was more than friends. He didn't care though, as long as Goku was happy.
Goku marvelled in the dight before him. Frieza was overpowered by the Saiyan's. Frieza was strong but he could not fend off that many Saiyan's.
"I'll be right back." Goku says to Vegeta.
Goku approaches Frieza and the Saiyan's. "May I?"
"Go for it." one Saiyan says.
Goku took up Mastered Ultra Instinct and stood over Frieza. "I told you that I'd be the end of you. You have never had any hope of defeating me."
it seems none of the Saiyan's expected to see this form that Goku took. they stared in awe. They couldn't even sense him at all! If Goku had not been standing there, they'd have no idea he was around at all!"
"What is that form?" Bardock wonders "That's nothing like the Super Saiyan form he showed us!"
"That is Ultra Instinct." Vegeta answers
"Ultra Instinct?" Bardock asks
"Yes, it is a technique of the gods." Vegeta says
"A technique of the gods?!" Bardock says shocked. "How is that possible?!"
"We train with the God of Destruction Beerus and his angel attendant, Whis." Vegeta says "Whis helped him achieve this form."
"Holy shit." Bardock says "How did you manage to train with gods?!"
"Pure luck, I guess." Vegeta shrugs "Beerus wanted to destroy Earth at first. He kept talking about the Super Saiyan God. Once we helped Goku achieve it, they fought, and apparently Goku impressed Beerus enough to keep Earth in tact...plus, it seems he really likes our food."
"I must ask, why do you call him Goku?" Bardock asks
"It was a name given to him when he came to Earth." Vegeta says "I called him Kakarot up until recently. He went through some pretty horrible shit recently, and it tied to his Saiyan name. he's hated hearing it ever since, so I stopped calling him it as not only did he ask me to stop, but I could see how much it bothered him hearing it."
"I see." Bardock says "A shame, really."
"It really is, he was just coming into his own understanding himself as a Saiyan." Vegeta sighs "He'd lost his memories as a child, but getting them back seemed to go wrong. That's all I can really say about it really."
Bardock stares at his son in surprise and awe. He knew he wished Goku to thrive, but he never realised how much his son would thrive and had no idea Goku had such potential. It was far beyond what Bardock had ever expected from him. he felt a sense of pride, seeing his sin achieve what most could not.
"It's over, Frieza." Goku says charging up a Kamehameha. "Enjoy hell, prick."
Goku fires the attack, finally putting and end to Frieza, once and for all.
Goku stands there for a moment, unmoving, taking in and accepting that Frieza was finally gone. Justice for the Saiyan's was finally served.
Vegeta approaches Goku as Goku drops to his base form. "Hey, you okay?"
"Yeah" Goku smiles "The bastard's gone, why wouldn't I be?"
"Thankfully that's it for him." Vegeta says "You really out did yourself on this."
"You think?" Goku asks
"Well, I mean, you hunted down the Super Dragonballs, revived the Saiyan's and put the fear of the Gods into Frieza!" Vegeta laughs a little "That was fucking brutal! Yet brilliant!"
Goku laughs.
"I wonder what the Saiyan's will do now." Vegeta wonders as he watches them all talk. "You know, considering the past."
"Oh shit." Goku says "I didn't even think of that!"
"It's fine." Vegeta says "I'm sure I can get some sense into them"
Goku watches Vegeta approach the Saiyan's, hoping he did not make a mistake. He remembered how ruthless the Saiyan's were, at least from what Vegeta told him.
"So, you're all back, and I know you have Goku to thank for that. Especially considering the effort he put in to do it." Vegeta says "But there's one thing I need to make clear. This whole liberating and destroying planets shit that used to happen, it doesn't happen anymore. Goku and I have put a lot of effort to move the Saiyan's away from that. So many held a grudge against us because of what our race as a whole did. So no more of that."
"Who the fuck is Goku?" One Saiyan pipes up
"You know exactly who I'm talking about." Vegeta rolls his eyes
"Kakarot brought us back, not this Goku you speak of." The Saiyan says
"They're the same person." Vegeta says "He does not like going by that name."
"Why not? It's his name!" The Saiyan replies
"I'm not going into it. Due to recent events, he has a very good reason to not want to be called Kakarot." Vegeta says "So show him a little respect and call him Goku.
"That explains the look on his face when I said it." Bardock says
"Yes, but that's not the point." Vegeta says firmly "We have worked hard to prove Saiyan's aren't what they used to be, so I don't want to find out you're still doing shit of the past. if I find out, I will not be pleased, and will step in."
"Why not?" another Saiyan says "We are just doing what we can to survive."
"Because I fucking said so." Vegeta says coldly "Find another way that doesn't involve killing people. There's been enough bloodshed. it's time to leave the sins of the past behind."
"You know King Vegeta won't be pleased about it." a Saiyan says
"Do I look like I care?" Vegeta snaps "Where is he anyway?"
"On planet Vegeta." Bardock says
"Well, one of you can tell him then, can't you?" Vegeta says
"Wait, you're not coming back with us?" Yet another Saiyan asks
"No." Vegeta answers " My life is here, my family, Goku. I'm happy here and won't be leaving."
"Geta..." Goku says suddenly, sadness in his eyes "If you need to-"
"No." Vegeta interrupts turning to Goku placing one hand on his cheek "I'm not leaving you. I've spent long enough without you, I'm not going anywhere. Goku, I love you, and I'm not going anywhere. I have the perfect life now, I have everything I could want and I'm happy. I'm exactly where I want to be."
"I love you too, geta." Goku smiles "I just want to make sure it's what you want. I'd never want to be the one to hold you back."
"You're not, I promise." Vegeta says "Here you you, the boys, our friends, it's where I am happiest, I've built a life here...we've built a life here. I don't want to be anywhere else."
"Prince Vegeta? Are you-?"
"I know exactly what you're about to ask." Vegeta says suddenly, turning to the Saiyan who was speaking. "The answer is yes. Is that a problem?"
"N-no...of course not." The Saiyan replies
"I should hope not." Vegeta says firmly. "Now, we have things to do, I'm sure you'll want to get back yourselves."
The Saiyan's begin to leave.
"Mm...Aren't you a feisty prince." Goku teases with a wink, pulling Vegeta close, lifting his chin with one finger.
"I can be." Vegeta smirks a little "It seems to...excite you.."
"Mhm." Goku leans in close "I like that side of you...pleases me very much."
"Oh? Is that so?" Vegeta says softly, leaning in toward Goku until they're bother mere centimetres away from each other
"Very much so." Goku replies softly
Goku leans into kiss Vegeta. Vegeta returns the kiss. Feeling the sudden increase of passion behind the kiss from Goku. After a few moments, Goku gently pulls away, Vegeta noticing the lustful look in Goku's eyes.
"We should probably get Bulma and the Dragonballs back.." Vegeta says softly
"Mm.." Goku says clearly only half listening.
"Come on you.." Vegeta laughs a little
Goku follows Vegeta, and helps Bulma with the Dragonballs.
Back at Capsule Corp, Goku brings the Dragonballs to where Bulma usually keeps them to avoid them getting into the wrong hands.
Goku laughs a little to himself while holding one of the Dragonballs.
"What?" Bulma asks
"It's just funny how as a kid, I wholeheartedly believed Grandpa Gohan's soul was in this Dragonball." Goku says holding up the 4 star Dragonball. "I used to talk to it all the time, thinking I was talking to him. I remember him giving it to me as a gift, he always told me to protect it."
"Well, he was very important to you." Bulma says "Clearly."
"More than anything." Goku replies "I still can't believe his death was caused by me."
"I'm sure he understands." Bulma says
"Yeah, maybe." Goku says finally placing the Dragonball down.
"So, how does it feel now the Saiyan's are back?" Bulma asks
"I dunno, It doesn't seem any different." Goku admits
"Really?" Bulma asks "I thought you'd be somewhat pleased."
"I mean, I spent most of my life here on Earth." Goku says "It's all I've ever known. So it doesn't make all that much difference to me to be honest. It doesn't change anything really."
"That makes sense." Bulma replies
Goku and Bulma leave the room.
Trunks is showing something to Vegeta. Goku leans on the doorframe, just watching.
Vegeta could have decided to go home, eventually rule it even, and yet, he chose to stay here, with me. Goku thought. I'm a little surprised, I'd have thought he would have thought about it, but there was no hesitation at all. He has the chance to be a literal king one day, and he turned it down, just like that...I wonder if he'll ever go back. I wouldn't mind going. I'd like to see it one day. Just see what it looks like, see if I recognise it at all.
After a little while, Vegeta was ready to go home, noticing Goku leant on the doorframe, seemingly in his own world, stuck in thought.
Vegeta approached Goku, snapping him out of his thoughts.
the Saiyan's head home after a long few days.
Once home, over a hot meal, Goku decided to throw the question out there.
"Geta?" Goku asks
"Yeah?" Vegeta looks up at Goku
"Do you think that one day we could visit planet Vegeta?" Goku asks "I'm kinda curious to see it. When you feel ready of course."
"Yeah, of course!" Vegeta smiles
"Really?" Goku's eyes brighten
"Yeah, sure." Vegeta replies "I do want to go and see it again myself at some point. It's been so long."
"It sounds like it should be fun then!" Goku smiles
"I should think so." Vegeta smiles "And maybe it'll help you understand everything a little better."
"I hope so." Goku says "It'll be nice to finally make sense of it all."
"It'll be nice to go there again, and maybe even see my father." Vegeta says
"Ah, of course." Goku says "It's been so long, an opportunity that can't be missed." Goku says with a smile. "I'm sure he'll be pleased to see you!"
"Maybe." Vegeta shrugs
"You don't sound so sure?" Goku wonders
"I don't know." Vegeta admits "It's been so long."
"I'm sure it'll be fine." Goku smiles
Vegeta laughs a little. "You always have a positive outlook on things."
"Well, it's worked pretty well so far!" Goku laughs as he goes to put his empty dishes in the sink and begins filling the sink with soapy water/ "If I didn't things could be vastly different now, especially after recent events...There's no telling how I'd be if I didn't stay positive."
Vegeta turned to look at Goku, noticing the sadness that creeped into Goku's voice.
"You'd have been fine either way." Vegeta says walking up behind Goku, wrapping his arms around Goku's waist. "You've always had a knack for making it through the hardest of things. You've always bounced back, that's just who you are."
"But if I didn't stay positive, I may not be here.." Goku sighs
"Hey, don't say that!" Vegeta says "I think you know deep down that's not true."
"I dunno, there might be some truth to it, even if not the full truth." Goku shrugs
"Well, I don't believe it for a second." Vegeta says softly
Goku stays silent, but smiles to himself. Vegeta always sees better in me than I do. I guess I'll never really understand it. I can't complain though, it does keep me going when I feel I need it most.