Chapter 9 - A Trip to Planet Vegeta
A week later, Goku and Vegeta had planned their visit to planet Vegeta.
Goku was excited to see where he came from, after all these years. he wanted to see for himself where he came from, take in the sights, the sounds, the smells, the feel of the air around him, the look of the sky.
As Vegeta and Goku travelled to the planet, Goku's curiosity grew, as well as a little nervousness. He had no ides what to expect.
"There." Vegeta says pointing to a planet.
"That's it?" Goku asks
"Yeah." Vegeta replies
Goku leans close to the window, looking and the reddish planet before him, taking in the view as they grew closer and closer. he could finally see it... the place he called home before coming to Earth. The place he was born, the place he'd be if it was not destroyed.
The ship finally touches the ground.
Vegeta steps out first, looking around him, he remembered it like it was just yesterday he was here. He was back. The sights, the smells, it was all too familiar. Vegeta continued taking in the moment as Goku stepped out.
Goku stood beside Vegeta, looking around him. noting the harsh desert world. The yellow/red skies, the pale clouds, the 2 suns in the sky, the smell of the air, the mountains, rock formations, even the feel of the increased gravity, it all felt somewhat familiar to him, even if he didn't exactly remember it. He just knew he remembered something. There was a familiarity about it all, even if he couldn't quite place it.
Vegeta turns to look at Goku staring around in awe. A little smile formed on Goku's face, as if something clicked, like he finally remembered something, anything.
"What do you think so far?" Vegeta asks
"The sky is beautiful." Goku says softly "And the gravity, it feels just like King Kai's planet."
"It is very similar." Vegeta says "But now you can see it...Where I grew up, well, sort of. Where you would have grown up if the planet wasn't destroyed."
"It's not what I expected, I'll admit." Goku smiles
"You know, this is where we came from, but it's not actually our native planet." Vegeta says
"No?" Goku asks
"Our native planet is called Sadala." Vegeta says "But that's long gone. The Saiyan's relocated here after Sadala's destruction. This planet used to be called Plant, home of the Tuffles. A war broke out here long ago, and the Saiyan's won the war, resulting in the new name."
"Oh.." Goku replies
"Yeah, not exactly great, but there was some speculation around the reason for the war." Vegeta says "I'm not fully sure of the truth."
Vegeta takes Goku's hand in his own, beginning to lead him around.
Goku noticed the Saiyan's stand tall in respect for Vegeta, some even bowed at the Saiyan prince's presence. He also noticed some whispers. He couldn't make out what was being said, but he assumed it may be because they could see the Saiyan prince holding hands with him. Goku didn't care though, they could say what they liked, Goku was just happy to see the planet finally, and be there with Vegeta. Their words would not change anything.
Vegeta led Goku to a tall, castle like building. it sat on top of a tall rock formation, overlooking a calm green lake. Some of the castle seemed to go inside the rock, likely leading up to the part that sat on top of the rocks. It towered over the city they were in, far more elegant and well made compared to the standard Saiyan homes around them. It seemed to be made from the finest materials.
"What is that?" Goku asks
"This used to be my home." Vegeta answers. "This is where my father resides"
"Wow..." Goku stares in awe "I've never seen anything like it! It's worlds away from everything else around."
Vegeta laughed a little, tugging lightly at Goku's hand, leading him down a finely paved path, with greenery decorating the sides of the path.
Upon entering the palace, it was noted by Goku how large it was, wide, long hallways that led to so many different places. Goku would get lost if he had not been with Vegeta!
Soon, he and Vegeta approach large elegant doors, unlike many on the doors they had passed on the way. Goku figured that since they were heading to find King Vegeta, these doors must have the throne room on the other side.
Goku and Vegeta enter the room, and Goku is struck by amazement and awe. The room was rather dark, but colourful stained glass decorated the room, allowing light to gently brighten the room. Beams of light shone through the glass like a kaleidoscope, adding a mysterious beauty to the room. The glossy floor reflected the colours from the glass, reminding him of something similar to what oil looks like when spilled in water. The room was large, guards lined up in formation along either side of the room. At the other side of the room, there were steps that led to the throne, and Goku could see a figure sat in the throne, obviously none other than King Vegeta himself.
Goku felt his nerves rattle at the thought. He knew he had to be respectful and courteous around the King. Goku remembered how King Kai taught him to greet others, especially when meeting Beerus for the first time, but Goku knew he was to show respect to the King the way he'd seen some Saiyan's do when they saw Vegeta.
Vegeta and Goku stopped in front of the steps. Vegeta thought he'd have to instruct Goku to bend the knee, but he quickly realised Goku had already known. Goku dropped to one knee, head bowed before the King, and Vegeta did thew same.
Goku felt many eyes on him, he knew they all silently wondered who he was, and maybe why he seemed to be so recognisable to them.
"Prince Vegeta." The King's voice was loud and powerful, echoing though the large room. "It's good to see you, you've grown."
"Yes, father." Vegeta replies
"So, tell me, who have you brought with you?" King Vegeta asks
"Hello." Goku says carefully "My name is Son Goku, sir."
"Hm... stand up, look at me." King Vegeta says
Goku nervously stands up and looks at the King.
"You seem to look somewhat familiar to me." King Vegeta says "Do I know you?"
"I do not think so, your highness." Goku says choosing his words carefully "You may have heard of me, but I'm not sure. You do know my father."
"Oh?" The king looks curious.
"Just like you, I am a Saiyan. My given name is..." Goku stops for a moment, takes a deep breath and continues "Kakarot."
"I see." King Vegeta says "Now I know why you look so familiar. You are Bardock's son. You look just like him."
"You are correct." Goku says
"So tell me, why do you go by the name Son Goku?" king Vegeta wonders
"When I was sent to Earth, it was a name given to me, I grew up with it." Goku answers "I suffered a head injury as a child and did not remember my birth name. it was only when I met Raditz and Vegeta that I learned of my name."
"Yet, you still go by Son Goku?" The king asks
"It's all I've ever known." Goku replies "I have had some recent events happen that caused me to avoid the name more than I would have, regretfully."
"Do explain." The king says
Goku felt like he could not defy the King's orders. Vegeta looked at Goku, knowing full well he did not want to recount the experience and has not done so since.
"I..." Goku begins before pausing and taking a deep breath. "A few months ago, the head injury I sustained was healed. I regained my memories from before coming to Earth, but at a cost. Over a few days, maybe weeks, I'm not sure, I began to feel differently, I put it down to the memories, but I began losing time, not remembering hours of my days. It eventually came to me that it was as though the Saiyan side of me manifested into what seemed like another person, an alter ego of sorts. The alter ego called himself... Kakarot. he was ruthless. he, using my body caused many deaths, and threatened the people I care about. I had to shut myself away for a few months to stop him from hurting anyone. I did so until my friend Bulma, and your son found a way to help me. it took a toll on me, and caused many issues. I have not fully recovered from the toll it has taken on me mentally yet as it is all fairly recent. Maybe one day I will be able to hear the name without experiencing flashbacks to that time, but right now, it's hard to hear."
"Wait... You have flashbacks?!" Vegeta exclaims
"Yes." Goku replies "I didn't tell you as I didn't want you to worry."
"Goku..." Vegeta stares at the Saiyan "You likely need that looked into."
"Why?" Goku asks
"You realise that you have what sounds like PTSD right?" Vegeta asks
"What's that?"
"Post traumatic stress disorder." Vegeta answers "It often happens after traumatic experiences. It can cause many issues down the line. I'm getting Bulma to look into it when we get home! You should have told me!"
"I-I'm sorry." Goku lowers his head "I thought nothing of it. I thought it would pass."
"It's okay." Vegeta smiles placing a comforting had on Goku's shoulder.
"Father.." Vegeta turns to King Vegeta "There is something I have to tell you."
"Go on." King Vegeta says curiously
"Part of the reason we are here and wanted you to meet Goku is because...well..." Vegeta pauses for a moment. "Goku and I...well, we are dating."
"Wait, what?!" King Vegeta stares at his son "So you're...?"
"Yes." Vegeta answers.
"Son Goku?" King Vegeta asks, deciding after Goku telling his story, to respect the choice of name although he didn't fully agree with it.
"Yes?" Goku answers
"Do you mind if I speak to my son alone for a moment?" The king says
"Of course, as you wish." Goku replies "It was nice to meet you."
"Thank you." King Vegeta replies
"Hey, I'll be right outside, alright?" Goku smiles softly
"Okay." Vegeta smiles in return, trying not to look concerned.
Goku begins walking toward the doors once more, feeling all eyes on him, but he tries not to focus on them. Goku instead focuses on the doors ahead of him.
Goku carefully opens the doors, being sure to close them behind him. Goku spots a window nearby, and stands in front of it, peering at the breath-taking view before him. he never knew such a harsh desert like planet could look so amazing from this far up. it was truly a sight to behold.
"Vegeta...You realise he is a low class Saiyan, right?" King Vegeta asks
"I'm aware." Vegeta answers "That makes no difference to me. He makes me happy, that's all that matters to me."
"You are to become King one day, and you not only decide to be with a low class Saiyan, but one who cannot even accept his Saiyan name and heritage?" King Vegeta challenges.
"Look, he told you why he goes by the name he does. he can't help feeling the way he does! he was fully willing to accept his Saiyan heritage before all that shit happened! He sought answers to his past, he even asked to come here to learn more about it, even after what happened to him! he is still trying to accept who he is and where he comes from regardless of what happened to him!" Vegeta says angrily. "Goku has been through a lot and I will not allow you to disrespect him in such a way! He is the reason you're here and are alive! He deserves some fucking respect! Also, who says I want to be King?"
"What!?" King Vegeta stares at his son confused and surprised.
"I spent a lot of my life away from this place." Vegeta replies "I have spent more time on Earth, than I ever have here. I have a son, I have friends and also Goku who all reside there. I spent many years accepting that I'd never be king. I accepted that I was a prince to a mostly dead race. After this planets initial destruction, there were 4 Saiyan's left. Myself, Goku, Nappa and Raditz. Once Nappa and Raditz were gone, it was Just Goku and I left. I came to terms with that. I moved away from the life of Royalty and made a life for myself. I am happy where I am. Sure, I came here to see you, but I also came here for Goku. I did not come here to take the throne. I do not care what anyone thinks, this is my life, and I've made my choice."
"So you're telling me you'd rather live on some shitty planet, spend your life with a low class Saiyan than become a king one day?" King Vegeta could not understand his sons thought process.
"That is exactly what I'm saying." Vegeta replies. "I have a son from a previous marriage, friends, Goku...everything I could ever want. Earth provides me with what I feel I need. I agreed to bring Goku here because he asked. I brought him to you because I thought you'd be more accepting, but I guess I was wrong. I'm done with this conversation. I'm going home."
"You are home, Vegeta." King Vegeta says
"No." Vegeta says firmly "This isn't home anymore. Once it was, but that was a long time ago. I was a child then, I'm not a child anymore. I'm a grown man. I've already made a life for myself."
"You need to be here and do your duty." the king demands
"No. I'm done with this life, I was a long time ago." Vegeta says firmly "Goodbye, father."
Vegeta starts to walk away as King Vegeta calls after him, but Vegeta ignores it. He refused to let the king have any power over him anymore. Vegeta came with good intentions, only to be left disappointed by his fathers ignorance, and inability to accept things as they are. He would not stand for the king disrespecting him, or Goku in any way.
Vegeta didn't care if King Vegeta saw Goku as a low class Saiyan. Vegeta knew the king had no idea what he and Goku were capable of. The kind pf power they possess. If the king knew, maybe he would not be so quick to judge, but Vegeta wasn't going to even give his father the time of day. He was not going to bother proving himself, nor having Goku prove himself. They didn't need to prove themselves to the king, they didn't need his approval.
Vegeta opened the doors and stepped out, not even bothering to look back at his father and pushes the doors shut behind him.
"Geta?" Goku turns away from the window, noticing Vegeta was irritated. "Are you okay?"
"I wish I could say I was." Vegeta shrugs "Turns out my father isn't as accepting as I thought he'd be."
"Oh...I'm sorry." Goku says sadly
"It's fine, I just want to go home." Vegeta sighs
"Okay." Goku gives Vegeta a small smile
Goku and Vegeta head back toward their ship, and they are nearly there when 3 royal guards approach.
Goku and Vegeta turn to face them, wondering what they want.
"Prince Vegeta, we have been ordered to bring you back to the king." One guard says
"Not a chance." Vegeta says "I thought he figured that already."
"I am not asking, nor did the king." The guard says grabbing Vegeta's arm.
"Unhand me. NOW." Vegeta orders
"Apologies, Prince Vegeta, but these are the kings orders."
by now, the Saiyan's in the area are watching the situation unfold. Curiosity caused many of them to stop going about their day and watch. Even Bardock who was nearby stopped to see what was going on.
"He told you to let him go." Goku says firmly "I suggest you listen."
"Sorry, Kakarot." the guard says "Not my call."
"Will you stop fucking calling me that!" Goku shouts "For the last fucking time, my name, is Goku! You have 2 choices. You let him go and we leave, or I put all your asses on the ground and we leave. Your choice. I brought you idiots back from death, I can easily rescind that choice!"
"Are you threatening us?" the second guard demands to know
"Threat?" Goku laughs "Let's be real here, what you perceive as a threat, I can make into a fucking promise, and I always keep my promises. Don't fucking test me. I won't tell you again. Let. Him. Go.
"You don't stand a chance against us. You are a mere low class Saiyan." the first guard says daringly. "Would you defy your king?"
"My king?" Goku laughs again. "I was raised on Earth. I have no king. Now unhand Vegeta, or I will do it for you. I swear to the gods, you will regret it."
The guard looks to the other 2 guards without a word. It seemed the other 2 guards knew what the first guard was saying without having to say it. They move closer to Goku.
Goku stares down the 2 guards moving toward him. Without a word, Goku transforms into Super Saiyan Blue before quickly flooring the 2 guards.
Goku looks at the first guard "High class Saiyan's you say? You're pretty fucking pathetic ones if you can't take down me, who you call a low class Saiyan. You can't touch me. I'm above you all."
The guards, and the Saiyan's stood around watching stare in shock, trying to comprehend what they're seeing. They did not understand this form they saw Goku take. They couldn't begin to comprehend the immense power they felt radiating from Goku. It was nothing any of them had felt before.
"What is that?!" the guard still with a hold on Vegeta asks
"I'm a fucking god compared to you." Goku snaps "This power proves it, and I am more powerful than this. This is me holding back, and it'll forever be beyond what you'll ever achieve. Unhand Vegeta now, or I'll end you myself. I don't really care at this point."
"Fine." The guard says letting go of Vegeta "I'm sure the king will deal with you."
"Oh, he can try." Goku laughs again "Make sure before he does anything, he remembers who the fuck brought him, and yourselves back from death. Remember who gave you this chance at life."
The guards begin to walk away as Goku drops his form. "Geta, I think I'm ready to go."
Vegeta nods and they head back to their ship and begin to leave the planets atmosphere.
"Geta?" Goku says suddenly after several minutes of silence.
"Yeah?" Vegeta answers
"I'm sorry I reacted like that back there." Goku says "I just didn't like how they tried to force you, and I understand if my threat to them upset you in any way."
"It's fine." Vegeta says "I'm done with this place. Honestly, I didn't expect such a reaction. It was unexpected. I didn't mind though, seeing that angry protective side was rather flattering."
Goku laughs a little
"It's just a shame." Vegeta says "I didn't expect things to go the way they did. I guess I held up hope for a better outcome, but sadly that was not the case."
"I guess your father isn't all that pleased with me?" Goku asked
"I don't think it's you personally." Vegeta says "I think it's that in his head, he sees lower class Saiyan's as less. He expected me to take the throne, and wouldn't be able to bear the thought of one standing at me side on the throne, but I don't want that bastard throne. I've already accepted I won't be king, I don't want to be. I am happy as I am. I don't need a stupid title to be happy, just you."
Goku smiles "I'm glad to hear that. Thank you for making me so happy, Geta."
Vegeta returns the smile. "Though I must say, I know how you felt back on Earth now. You know, when you told me you liked the assertiveness I displayed."
"Yeah?" Goku asks with a twinkle in his eye
"Indeed." Vegeta smirks "To see you go from your usual nice guy to a force to be reckoned with like that? It was hard to keep my composure."
Goku leaned in close, a cheeky smirk on his face. "Maybe I'll let you see it a little more then." he says softly.
"I won't say no." Vegeta says before kissing Goku.
After a few moments, they pulled away.
Vegeta sighed with content, taking in the precious moments, but in the back of his mind, something said this wasn't over yet. He had a feeling his father would not yet give up on trying to bring him back, pull him away from his life, from Goku. The king would likely try and bring him back by force, and there was no telling what Goku would do, especially if they did manage to succeed. Just one of those guards grabbing his arm had Goku threatening the erasure/death of the entire race, so Vegeta couldn't even begin to fathom how things would pan out if the king got his way and managed to get hold of him and bring him back to planet Vegeta.
Vegeta knew all Goku had to do was ask Beerus, for the right price, Beerus would do it, plus he loved a reason to destroy a planet, he's destroyed planets over food, if Goku mentioned that the Saiyan's became a risk to the universe, Vegeta was sure Beerus would get in on the opportunity to blow up a planet.
Goku had already thought of the possibility. he already planned what he would do in the event anyone threatened Vegeta or if they did manage to take Vegeta against his will. Goku knew Vegeta did not want to rule planet Vegeta, he said so plenty. Goku wouldn't let anyone force Vegeta into anything. If they did...Goku angered at the thought.
Vegeta looked over at Goku, who was leaning back in his chair, staring blankly ahead, but his face showed small tell tale signs of anger. the way his eyebrows furrowed, the look in his eyes, the way his lips were twisted into a small angry frown. his hands, rested on his lap, were tightly balled into fists, his knuckles white with tension. Goku's whole body looked stiff and tense. Vegeta had a good idea as to what was going through Goku's head.
Goku closed his eyes for a moment, and quietly took a deep breath, before slowly letting it out and opening his eyes once more.
Goku's fists loosened, his body untensed and became more relaxed and calm, his face expressed a calmer, softer look.
instead of focusing on what could happen, Goku decided to focus on the now. watching the stars zoom past as they got further away from planet Vegeta and closer to Earth.
Goku did his best to not let the anger get the better of him, he had to be careful, keep his composure. back on Planet Vegeta, Goku could feel himself getting close to losing control of himself through his anger. In his anger, he'd threatened and entire race and it's planet. Goku knew he'd never normally do something of the sort. He was always the one to try and stop someone saying or doing things of the sort. He had no idea what came over him lately, he could feel he wasn't fully himself. Some things just set him off. Especially when it came to any threats toward Vegeta.
Goku noted that even in his thoughts, he considered wiping out a planet, and its inhabitants, even though it was because they tried to take Vegeta against his will. Goku did not understand why They could no accept Vegeta's choice, why they couldn't respect it. Surely they could see Vegeta was different now. Surely they could see Vegeta has his own life now, one that he was happy with, one he did not want to give up. Goku didn't understand why they wanted to take that away. He thought the king would be happy that his son had found a life for himself that makes him happy. Goku was not going to allow anyone to control Vegeta in such a way, especially if it's not what Vegeta wants. All Goku wanted was for Vegeta to be happy. If Vegeta wanted to go back, he'd accept it, even if it hurt, but it was clear that was not the case. Goku promised himself he would not allow anyone to get in the way of what Vegeta wants.
Goku and Vegeta finally arrived him after a long trip. Relieved they got home, all they wanted to do was relax now that it was over. They both knew deep down that it likely isn't over yet, but for now, it is. For now, they needn't worry.
"I'm so glad to be home." Vegeta sighs with content
"Me too." Goku replies "There's nothing better than getting home after a stressful day.
"I just hope it stays this way." Vegeta says "I'm sorry your experience was soured."
"It's okay, no one could have anticipated that." Goku shrugs "I won't let them get their way."
"I know." Vegeta replies "They don't stand a chance."
"You think?" Goku asks
"Yeah!" Vegeta answers "I mean, did you see their faces when you went Super Saiyan Blue?!"
"No, I didn't really notice." Goku admits
"I think their brains melted seeing and feeling the power that came with it!" Vegeta laughs "They can't even begin to fathom the power we possess! They have no idea what we can do."
"Maybe they'll think twice before trying anything then." Goku shrugs
"They'd be stupid to try at this point." Vegeta says
"True." Goku says "But it seems they don't really think about things in such a way."
"That's a valid observation." Vegeta replies "But it'll be their mistake to make."
"It will, but we can only hope." Goku sighs.
Goku and Vegeta spend the rest of the day doing nothing but relaxing and enjoying each others company with lots of food.
They took in each moment, making the most of the calm before what they assume will be the storm. Anything could happen at any time, and they didn't want to waste the free moments they have.
They planned training sessions, days out, everything. Goku wanted to go visit Goten since he had not seen him in a while. Goku wanted to make sure he was all set before doing so.
The day ended curled up in bed, tangled in each others arms, content, happy and at peace.
The next morning, Goku and Vegeta decided to get back into training with Whis.
Goku felt he needed to get back into training again. He had not trained properly since he was free of Kakarot. Goku wanted to learn to better control the anger that lay within him. Goku felt the training might help him understand himself as he is now better. he knew he had changed, and there was nothing else he could do, he had to accept that he was different now, there was no going back to how he used to be. He needed help with it, the same way Vegeta felt he needed help for the flashbacks he experienced just by hearing his Saiyan name.
Vegeta did wonder how Goku hid it so well. Goku never showed any signs. Vegeta never saw anything more than distain painting Goku's face by hearing the name, but maybe the distain wasn't for the name itself, but rather what he saw after hearing it.
Goku wanted to accept the name, he tried so hard, and it was why he never corrected Vegeta when he called him by his Saiyan name. It was Goku's way of accepting it to an extent. Goku even considered one day going by the name.
Goku and Vegeta arrive at Beerus' planet after a little travel.
it does not take the God of Destruction and his Angel attendant long to notice the arrival of the Saiyan's.
"Goku!" Whis exclaims approaching. "I have not seen you in some time, where have you been?"
"Uh, a lot has happened." Goku admits "Things went pretty south after I left here."
"Oh?" Whis looks curiously at Goku, trying to study the look on Goku's face.
Goku goes on to explain everything, telling Whis and Beerus about Kakarot, sadness seeping into his voice. Goku explained how he locked himself away for months due to his friends being at risk until Bulma, with Vegeta's help, found a way to help him. He went on to explain the lasting affects of the ordeal.
Vegeta noticed Goku saying his Saiyan name a lot and wondered how it was making him feel. Was Goku seeing the flashbacks? Were they helping him to explain the situation better? Vegeta intently watched Goku, noticing that Goku's reactions to the name were not as obvious than before.
Goku had started saying the name to himself. He would stand in front of the mirror each morning and say it. Goku felt it would be a good way to get used to it.
"Goku, you're using that name a lot?" Vegeta asked curiously
"I thought by saying it enough, I might be able to get used to it again." Goku shrugs
"Is it working?" Vegeta asks
"It has a little, actually." Goku admits
"Really? You lost your shit yesterday over it." Vegeta wonders, slightly confused
"I was angry, plus, I'm still yet to be able to hear it from others." Goku says
"I see." Vegeta replies
"How have you handled things since?" Whis asks
"I've noticed I seem more angry than before." Goku answers "I'm much more easily set off than before. I don't know why."
"Maybe you are angry with yourself?" Whis wonders "You know, for that happening. You blame yourself for it, you believe you shouldn't have let it get that far, even if you couldn't control it. I assume you're punishing yourself deep down. Until you stop doing so, that anger will continue to manifest outwardly.
Goku silently thought about it. Whis was smart, and right. Goku felt he had failed not just himself, but those around him. He felt he could have fought harder, done things differently. If he had seen it all sooner, rather than ignoring it, maybe things wouldn't have gone as far as they did. He told himself he was fine, he ignored the signs. Goku wished he had seen it all sooner, but what was done, was done. He could not change it now. Goku realised he had to forgive himself, he had to let go of these feelings and the past. He had to focus on what he was doing now, and where he was. How far he'd come.
"You're right." Goku says finally. "I hate that I could have done better, more even. I hate what I became, the monster that lurked inside. I hate that it's changed me into someone I barely recognise."
"Instead of hating who you've become, accept it." Whis says "Think of how much you've changed over the course of your life. Your experiences, they changed you, that's a normal part of life."
"I guess so." Goku sighs
"Look at Vegeta, he's a good example of how much people can change." Whis says "He's far from the person he used to be, and he's better for it."
"And it was because of you that I'm so different." Vegeta says "You showed mercy when I didn't deserve it. You helped me see that I'm more than I was before. That I could do better, be better."
Goku looked at Vegeta for a moment, unsure what to say.
"You saw there was more to me, that I was better than that." Vegeta continues "I see the same in you. You're more than that experience. You know that, even if you don't really want to believe it, but I do. You know that part of your experience is not who you are."
"You're right." Goku sighs "I'm not a monster, killer or anything like that. I'm no hero or anything like that, but I'll protect what I care about."
"Exactly, none of us are perfect." Vegeta says "None of us stay the same, and that's okay."
Goku smiled at Vegeta. Vegeta always seemed to find the right words to say.
The Saiyan's soon got into training, and Goku had a new perspective.
Now, Goku wanted to get stronger, prove himself even. he knew it would take time, but he didn't care. He was ready for it. It was simply a new challenge to face. A new way to push him beyond his limits.
Goku trained with a new sense of purpose, hope for the future and a gratitude for the people around him. People who never gave up on him, who believed in him, who knew he could keep going, no matter how impossible things may seem. He knew he'd not be where he is today without them. All because of Vegeta and the others. They all played a big role in Goku being who he is today. Goku doesn't just fight for himself, but for those he cares about. He doesn't fight to kill, or for revenge, but to test his limits and push himself beyond them.
Goku and Vegeta still tried to land hits on Whis, but of course, Whis was too fast. Goku and Vegeta were working on fighting together more effectively, trying to learn to be in sync with each other. They remembered Whis' remark on how they worked rather well together and fought well when they were somewhat in sync with each other.
A few hours pass before they finish training and head back to Earth.
"Hey, I have to go help Bulma with something." Vegeta says
"Okay." Goku replies "I need to do some shopping anyway.
Goku and Vegeta part ways.
Goku heads to the supermarket. He always hated going, for some reason he attracted a lot of attention. Women often stopped and stared, whispering to each other, giggling like school children. The men always shot him dirty looks, not pleased with how their wives looked at him as though it was his fault.
"Hey there." A woman says in a flirty tone as Goku passes by. "Aren't you just fine looking!"
"Huh?" Goku turns around to see a woman looking his way
"You, you're a fine looking guy." The woman winks touching his arm
Goku recoils away from the woman a little.
"Hey! Back off my wife." A man appears from behind the woman.
"Respectfully, sir, I don't want your wife." Goku replies
"Yeah, sure, they all say that." The man says trying to square up to Goku.
"If you're going to try and fight me, don't bother, you'll only fail." Goku says standing firm and staring the man in the eyes. "She came on to me. I don't want her because truthfully, I'm not into women. I'm gay, and I have my own partner. All I want to do is finish my shopping in peace, so kindly fuck off."
Vegeta arrived to meet with Bulma.
Goku's birthday was just a few days away and Vegeta wanted to do something special for him. After all Goku had been through, Vegeta wanted to give something to Goku that would brighten his days.
"A surprise party? How sweet of you, Vegeta!" Bulma exclaims "He'll love it!"
"He's been through a lot, he deserves it." Vegeta says ignoring Bulma calling him sweet, or at least trying to.
"He's really done a number on you, huh?" Bulma smiles
"What the fuck does that mean?" Vegeta says defensively crossing his arms
"You were never like this with me." Bulma says "Goku clearly makes you happy and comfortable, you know? You've changed, but in a good way."
"I guess so." Vegeta says "It's just different with him, I can't explain it."
"It's nice seeing you so happy, Vegeta." Bulma smiles again. "So, tell me, what did you get him as a present?""Before the destruction of Planet Vegeta, O got hold of some of it's rarest metal. After the planet was destroyed, I kept it as a reminder of my home." Vegeta says "Since Goku had been and to an extent still is trying to connect with his heritage and accept it more, I got the metsl made into something for him. I think it would be nice for him to always be able to carry around something from his birthplace."
"Oh?" Bulma looks at Vegeta curiously. "What is it?"
Vegeta pulls a small maroon velvet box out of his pocket, and opens it, allowing Bulma to see its contents.
Bulma stares in awe and wonder. Her eyes lay upon a ring. It was as lack as the vpid of space, and had swirls of bright glimmering blue, reminding her of a marble pattern. The blue swirls seemed to glitter in the sunlight, similar to how the ocean waves glimmer and sparkle as the sun hits them.
Bulma ould not believe her eyes. It was the most beautiful thing she'd ever set eyes on.
"Vegeta...it's beautiful!" Bulma exclaims "I've ever seen anything like it!"
"Do you think he will like it?" Vegeta asks
"He's going to love it!" Bulma says "More so that it's from you!"
"I hope so." Vegeta says
"How did you get someone to make this without questioning what they were working with?" Bulma wonders
"I made it myself." Vegeta answers "I don't think anyone would work with metal they've never seen before."
"You MADE it?!" Bulma stares at Vegeta in surpise.
"Yeah." Vegeta replies
"You have a very fine hand at making these things. It's so well made!" Bulma praises.
"Thank you." Vegeta says "It's not perfect, but that's okay."
"Vegeta...it IS perfect!" Bulma says "He's going to adore this."
"I'm glad to know that." Vegeta says
"Leave the party planning to me." Bulma says. "I'll get it all sorted and text you the details, you just have to bring Goku here."
"Thanks, Bulma." Vegeta says before heading off.
Vegeta heads home. He looked forward to seeing how Goku reacted not only to the gift but the wonderful party that was being set up for him. Vegeta wanted Goku to have a day with nothing but happiness. He deserved it after everything.