Welcome to Boxer & Rice

► Chapter 1     Chapter 2     Chapter 3     Chapter 4     Chapter 5     Chapter 6     Chapter 7     Chapter 8     Chapter 9     Chapter 10     Chapter 11 Three beings of immense power travelled the void of space in their starship. They were the lone survivors of an ancient, barbaric race known for bloodshed and conquest. Their mission was simple...retrieve one of their own. And on the relatively small, blue green world of Chikkyuu, they would find him. Find him and bring him home...
Vegeta paced, impatiently observing the large viewscreen. In full regalia as Prince of Vegetaseii he stood, dark eyes flashing in anger.

"Nappa, Raditz. How much further to planetfall?"

The burly, maned saiyan replied first. "About a day, Prince Vegeta.
All indications are that my brother still resides on Chikkyuu."

"If you ask me he's still just a tailless loser" Nappa barked,
tapping the control panels.

Raditz flashed his fangs. "Beware what you say, Nappa. My brother is much changed, and I understand his power far surpasses anything we've seen-" he caught himself and coughed.

"Ah...except for our prince, of course."

Vegeta gave a half smile, cape billowing as he moved. "Hn. We'll see, Raditz. You and Kakarot have fences to mend. However, the main goal is to reclaim that which belongs to me."

Nappa stared. "Surely, you can't mean...you'd allow him to challenge?"

Vegeta laughed broadly. "Perhaps. Our race is decimated, you know.
Hai, I might consider it!"

"But Vegeta! He's a third class nobody, a soldier! I am elite..."

Radtiz snarled. "Who'd want your bald ass?" his tail twitched. "I would be a better choice, and-"

"Jam it, you third class rag-hair-"

"No longer third class, stone dome. By combat and strength I am elite as well!"

"Mongrels always bark the loudest. Perhaps I'll test you myself."

"ENOUGH, both of you" Vegeta commanded. "I choose when I want, who I want. And I know about Kakarot's new power. The question is, how much does he remember about himself?"

Radtiz turned from the controls. "Eh, Prince? I don't follow your meaning."

The ouji purred a sibilant hiss. "As you know, Jungle Run is this week. I would see how Kakarot has matured, both mentally and physically."

Raditz gave a sinister grin. "And of course, as his elder it is my duty to...induce him a bit?"

Vegeta looked into space. "Ah. Did I say that? First you must gain his trust and regard."

Wild eyes lit with anticipation. "It can be done, ouji. A simple mind touch is all it will take. Kuso! I was so eager to complete my mission the last time I didn't consider it."

"I could hardly condemn your zeal, Radtiz. However, Kakarot had no reason to join you. Being raised among humans clearly distorted his perception of our ways."

"There wasn't time for a true reunion, ouji. Had there been, I could have...done a few things to convince him" the burly saiyan gave a sly smile.

Nappa snorted. "Hn, so you used his child? Efficient, but hardly worthy of a sayian warrior!"

"There wasn't time for anything else!" Raditz snapped. "I didn't want to harm Gohan, but expediency was necessary!"

Vegeta shook his head in negation. "No...that would have worked with anyone but Kakarot. His obsessive need to protect that world overrides everything else, and I dare say he'd sacrifice that earth woman mate of his before he would his son."

"It enraged me to see my brother in such a disoriented state" Raditz stared off, his eyes glazing over. "He denied his heritage several times. I wanted to make him suffer for it!"

Nappa adjusted his navigation controls. "The boy fell on his head, so it's no wonder. Remember what happened to Colonel Inatz, after the war on Karridan? After his head wound, he was never the same."

"You're comparing my brother to that vegetable!"

"He isn't brain damaged, specifically, but traumatized" Vegeta pointed out. "I suspect that part of his persona is due to memory loss. By acclimating to humans, he acquired some of their characteristics."

Raditz snorted. "Hai, he'd never have refused to do his mission otherwise. I couldn't believe he let those weaklings remove his tail."

"We may be able to correct that situation."

Nappa stared at the viewscreen. "I can't figure Kakarot. A peace loving saiyan that fights like a demon. It makes no sense!"

"It makes perfect sense" Vegeta told the surprised soldiers. "Think.
You have a saiyan with no memory or knowledge of his true self.
Everything he knows he's been told. Yet, his instincts are strong...he fights like a true saiyan warrior. I saw it when I confronted him on earth, and he was incredibly strong then. He countered my gallic gun."

Raditz gawked. "He...what?"

"Impossible!" Nappa agreed.

"No. Later, as our paths crossed again I noticed his power level increasing at an unbelievable rate" a sly smile. "Of course, my strength had grown also."

Raditz felt a swell of pride. "Would that father could have seen that. It's true, then? He's a super saiyan?"

"No way" Nappa couldn't believe. "A super saiyan from the lower class? That's insane!"

Vegeta was grim. "Insane perhaps, but true nonetheless. What concerns me is what level he's at."

"Level!" the two other saiyans chorused.

Vegeta chuckled knowingly. "Indeed. There is super saiyan, and there is more."

Nappa and Raditz stared at each other.

Nappa blinked at his prince. "But no one is..."

Vegeta glared at him. "No? Have you so soon forgotten my strength,
Nappa?"

"I meant no insult, but it seems incredible. You think Kakarot has achieved such a state as well!"

Vegeta gritted his teeth. "In all probability, damn him. In any case,
his power is mine to command. Mine! And no one else's."

Radtiz could only stare, anticipation boiling his blood. "If that's true...once we gather the other dragonballs, nothing will stand in our way!"

The ouji nodded in satisfaction. "Hai, four down...and three to go.
But we can afford to be patient here."

"Cooler and Freiza are still on the loose, Vegeta!" Raditz reminded him. "Despite our power, defeating their armies won't be easy!"

"Coward!" Nappa yelled at the maned saiyan. "So it's a race for the dragonballs...one that we'll win! The Cold brothers aren't even in this sector."

"Nappa speaks the truth" Vegeta intervened before they could go at it again. "We have some time. The two despots are quite busy claiming worlds in the south galaxy at this juncture."

Raditz was silent a moment. "What if my brother refuses us again? I have no interest in a repeat of last time."

Dark eyes glittered unpleasantly at the viewscreen. "He won't, once his mind is opened to his true self."

"Threats against the earthers won't work" Nappa stated. "You know how protective he is of those ningens."

Vegeta smirked at him briefly before turning on his heel. "I'm going to my chambers. Alert me when we orbit Chikkyuu."

()

Goku was having a restless night. A light sleep was interrupted by strange dreams.

Familiar forms walked his way from smoky mists, their outlines dim against brooding darkness. Voices called to him, voices from the past...

"KakarotKakarotKakarotKakarot"

He ran, seeking safety in the world known as Chikkyuu. The beings shadowed him, their forms shifting in motion. Goku ran through endless mist, his own footsteps echoing loudly in nothingness.
Chikkyuu lay before him, the familiar blue green planet hanging against gray infinity. He reached for his adopted world, straining to touch...

And then it was gone, replaced by another world. One he knew but never did, blood red and swirling in bleak darkness.

"No!"

The creatures gained on him, closing ground in the soupy deep. He fired a kamehameha. Laughter rippled across his mind.

"Fool."

Invisible hands grabbed him. Suddenly he was spinning in a vertigo of disorientation, unable to right himself. The red hell ball loomed behind him, larger and larger...

"Come home, Kakarot."

Goku fell even as his vision went dark. Impact was seconds away...

"NOOOOO!"

"Goku!" slender hands shook him hard. The saiyan jolted to a sitting position.

"KkkHkk...Chi Chi!" he stared at her blankly, his eyes unfocused.
Nervous hands clutched at the bedsheets.

Dark eyes shone with concern. "You were having a nightmare again."

Goku wiped his brow. "Yeah, it's always the same one..."

"Where someone comes to take you away?"

The saiyan nodded. "I'm beginning to wonder if my othersense is trying to warn me. This same dream can't be a coincidence."

Chi Chi thought a moment. "Maybe King Kai could help."

Goku pecked her on the cheek. "Chi Chi, you're a genius!"

He meditated in the den briefly to establish mental contact with his mentor. The familiar voice soon boomed in his mind.

/Goku? What is it?/

/Hi, King Kai. I need your help.../

/Hmm? You want me to tell a joke/

A snort. /This has nothing to do with jokes. I've been having nightmares lately./

/Everyone has them./

/The same one in a pattern?/

A pause. /Perhaps you'd better tell me more./

/It's bizarre. I'm running from strangers who follow me. I try to reach earth, but it disappears and is replaced by another world./

/Can you describe it/

/It seems familiar to me...larger than earth but with a red atmosphere./

/Hmm. Any voices in the dream/

/Yes. They keep telling me to come home. The next thing I know I'm falling into that planet.../

/What then?/ the mental voice sounded strained.

/Nothing. I always wake up at that point./

King Kai was silent for a bit. /Let me do some checking. Hold on./

Goku waited patiently. Minutes later King Kai returned.

/Listen, Goku. There could be a great danger headed toward earth. I sense a starship looming in this parsec. It's shielded by a cloaking device./

/What? And you can still sense it/

/Yes. It's sophisticated, but such devices are no hindrance to me. Be very careful, and stay alert. There's something else you should know.../

Goku was getting edgy now. /Aliens/

/To you, no. To the earth, yes./

The saiyan swallowed. /You mean.../

/Yes. The starship holds saiyans aboard./

/What! How many? And who?//

Another pause. /Incredible./

Goku's eyes snapped open. /King Kai!/

The mind voice was incredulous. /Vegeta...your brother...and Nappa!/

/Impossible!!/

/No! Somehow Raditz and Nappa are revived...I'll have to get the specifics from Lord Emma. This is madness./

Goku's expression hardened in silence. So brother, you're still alive.

He raced upstairs and told Chi Chi the news. She went pale with fear.

"But...what can they possibly want? Are they here to kill us all?!"

Goku held her tightly. "No one's getting killed. I swear it!"

Her trembling form clutched him closely. "But Goku...why now? I thought Vegeta served Frieza."

Goku stared off into space, thinking. "I don't understand it either.
But you and Gohan aren't safe here. I'll make arrangements for you to stay with Master Roshi."

Chi Chi fell against him. "Ghods, just when I thought there'd be peace."

()

The next day Goku called an emergency session of the Z warriors. The mood was grim.

Piccolo paced. "This isn't good...news from Namek is that Vegeta managed to obtain the black star dragonballs for a time. Apparently he used those to revive Nappa and Raditz."

Goku snapped to at that. "But does he have them all now?"

Piccolo folded his arms in thought. "No...there was a skirmish with some of Frieza's smaller armies. The darkstar balls got scattered, though the rumor is that Vegeta managed to retain some of them."

"But whatever for?" Yamcha wanted to know. "They're useless unless he has all seven. Does he think the rest of them are here on earth?"

Goku shook his head. "No, that makes no sense either. Only the gold balls remain on earth, and they're hidden. There's no way he could even know their location."

"But the fact remains he kept some of them" Tien pointed out. "If that's true, he has a plan...and him coming here with more saiyans is bad news for us!"

Krillen frowned in thought. "Guys, maybe we're on the wrong track here."

They all stared at him. "What do you mean?" Goku asked.

"What if he has another goal?"

"Like what?" Yamcha shrugged. "He knows we protect the planet. Why would he try conquest now with Frieza and Coola out there on the loose?"

Tien nodded. "I don't think even Vegeta would prefer tackling both brothers with all their resources and armies. Krillen might be right."

Krillen disagreed. "Yeah, but remember earth is still unofficially on the hit list. Besides, we don't know what Vegeta's current status with those two is."

"Agreed" Piccolo stated. "Assumptions could be deadly here. I'll return to the-"

He was interrupted mid sentence. A thundrous voice filled the room.

"THIS IS KING KAI. GOKU, EVERYONE. I HAVE NEW INFORMATION. VEGETA'S STARSHIP IS BUT ONE DAY FROM PLANETFALL."

"Do you know what his location will be?" Piccolo asked.

"NOT AT THIS JUNCTURE, SINCE THEY AREN'T IN ORBITAL RANGE. YOU'LL HAVE TO SCOUT THE EARTH FROM EVERY CORNER. I'LL LEAVE A CHANNEL OPEN SO YOU CAN COMMUNICATE INSTANTLY IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY. UNDERSTOOD?"

"Understood" the men echoed. Kai continued.

"VEGETA'S MOTIVATIONS ARE UNKNOWN AT THIS TIME. HOWEVER, HE MIGHT SEEK THE GOLDEN DRAGONBALLS IN LIEU OF OBTAINING THE BLACKSTAR BALLS IN AN ATTEMPT TO COMBINE THEIR POWER."

"That's insane!" Tien stammered. "Their energies bound together are too unstable-"

"THIS IS ALL SPECULATION. STAY ALERT. I WILL CONTINUE TO SCAN THE AREA."

"Thanks, King Kai." Goku nodded briefly. The voice faded and was gone.

Tien rubbed his hands together. "Well, we know who we're up against,
but not what."

"Yes we do." Goku replied strangely. His friends stared at him.

()

Chi Chi had reservations about staying with Roshi. Everyone knew the old coot was a pervert of the worst order. Gohan of course thought it was 'cool'.

"Gee, mom, why don't you want to stay here?"

"Eat your soup, Gohan."

The little mop top slupped at his bowl. Chi Chi frowned at him. "Stop slurping like that. Ugh! You're beginning to eat like your father." she looked up from the kitchen table as Roshi walked in.

"Heh heh" the old snaggletooth grinned. "It's not often I have guests that stay overnight."

Chi Chi sniffed. "This isn't for pleasure, you know...once Vegeta and the others arrive we'll all be in danger!"

"I'll fight!" Gohan raised his fist.

Roshi grew serious, pouring himself some soup. "No you won't. If anything goes wrong your strength will be needed here, Gohan. Let your father and the others handle it."

Chi Chi breathed a sigh of relief. Despite his perversions, Roshi had a sense of time and place. His practicality was legendary.

"Master Roshi, how long do you suppose they'll stay?" she asked.

Roshi seated himself at the table. "Difficult to say, but knowing Vegeta, it's best to prepare for the worst. We do have one significant advantage this time, though."

Chi Chi blinked. "What's that?"

"We know they're coming, which gives us a chance to prepare."

Goku paced about his empty home, his heart full of dread and anticipation. Vegeta's arrival was something he could process, but Raditz being alive was something he was totally unprepared for.

What do I say to him? I don't even know how I feel! I hate what he did...if he threatens my family again I'll kill him. But he's my family, too. I don't...want to kill my own brother.

"DAMMIT!" a ki powered fist smashed a hole in the dining room wall. "Why this? Why now?"

The saiyan crumpled to the floor, his soul raging in confusion.

()

"Approaching Chikkyuu, Oujii-sama" Nappa stated, staring at the viewscreen. The blue green world loomed large against the backdrop of interstellar space.

Vegeta nodded in satisfaction. "Excellent. We'll maintain a low profile. No doubt that clod group of ningen defenders and meddlesome namek will be about."

Raditz lifted an eyebrow. "Namek? The one called Piccolo?"

"Yes. He seemed quite close to Kakrarot's son" Vegeta paused with a grin. "Your nephew."

Raditz growled. "More proof of my brother's confusion. He defends earthers and allows a namek to care for his son!"

Nappa nodded. "Aye, the boy is mad. But is he truly as strong as you say, Vegeta?"

"Yes. All the more reason for him to be claimed. No saiyan of such strength should be separated from his own kind."

Nappa pulled his chin in thought. "I would see it for myself, although admittedly I didn't fare well against him last time" a wicked grin spread over his lips. "A nice looking lebchen, ne?"

Raditz glanced at him sideways, not liking the tone. "You're not thinking-"

Nappa pulled at the elastic fabric beneath his armor. "Of course. After all, Jungle Run is this week. My true body is certain to please his eye, unlike that bloated form I wore when we last battled."

"I warned you about enhancement drugs, Nappa" Vegeta snapped. "Besides distorting your body, they made you psychotic and irrational."

"True" Nappa admitted. "At the time I believed the drugs would enhance my power."

"Did they?" Raditz was curious.

"Yes, but falsely. The drugs merely sent my own hormones into overload, causing a temporary surge in ki. Once the effect wore off, my power levels actually dropped, leaving me exhausted."

"Like running on your own reserves" Raditz concluded.

"Hai, I'm done with enhancements. A commander such as myself shouldn't sully himself with chemistry."

Vegeta glanced at tablets in his hand. "I was able to replicate the capsule technology that Bulma woman employed on earth...we can use these to set up provisions."

Nappa observed earth on the viewscreen. "I'll find a remote location."

"Good. Make certain it's heavily forested, with nearby water bodies."

()

The z warriors were on alert from their various posts around the world. Thanks to the psychic link King Kai provided they could communicate thousands of miles in an instant.

Piccolo started from his vantage point in the Himalayas. /Everyone,
can you hear me?/

Krillen answered first. /Yeah, it's quiet here at the equator. /No news./

Tien was next, in the Australian region. /Same here./

Goku spoke from the north pole. /Hey, guys. Lots of ice but no Vegeta./

Yamcha responded from the tip of Africa. /Not a pip of ki...they must be hiding.//

The namek grunted. /I don't like this...they should be here already./

Goku paused before responding. /Stay on it, everybody...we need to find them before they find us./

/Agreed./ they all replied before closing the link down.

()

"This continental land mass is perfect!" Nappa was jubilant. "It resembles our homeworld on a smaller scale." the saiyan commander stared through lush jungle teeming with life.

"The ningens call this South America, I believe" Vegeta responded, nodding his approval. "You chose well, Nappa."

"The cloaking device worked like a charm" Raditz plucked at a passion fruit. "Our arrival was completely concealed."

Vegeta palmed the capsules in his hand. "We'll use that location over there" he pointed at a mountainous cave wall surrounded by wild growth and trees. A waterfall cascaded about a hundred yards away.

The sayians sniffed the air, their tails ruffling in sensuous delight. Brightly colored birds floated through the murky forest everywhere. Deep sunlight scattered through the dense jungle growth,
creating bright shadow patterns. Thick heat and humidity emphasized the primevial scent of soil, green growth and water.

Nappa stretched, his arms upraised. "Ahh...delicious! I look forward to Jungle Run!"

Raditz eyed the tall trees covered with vines. "Impressive...but what about the moon cycle?"

Vegeta kicked a pebble absently. "We'll be here long enough to take advantage of that as well. We have plenty of provisions."

Nappa jerked a thumb. "Nice waterfall. C'mon, Raditz, let's take a dive. I feel gritty from our long trip."

The maned saiyan grunted in agreement. "I could use a dip myself."

Vegeta stalked to the cave opening. "Go on, both of you. Later we'll form a strategy" he tossed the capsules inside. They expanded into furniture and bedding.

Nappa pulled off his armor. "What are you going to do in the meantime, Vegeta?"

A smirk. "Go for a little walk."

()

"I don't believe this!" Krillen shouted to himself as he flew over Mongolia. "That ki...it can't be...him!"

There was a similar reaction in other parts of the world. From their vantage points of observation, the z warriors all sensed a tremendous power surge.

Piccolo sent a message through the psychic link. /Everyone, listen.
I'm picking up Vegeta's ki, and it's enormous!/

The others responded quickly. /He's stronger than before./ Yamcha answered first.

Krillen cut in. /Amazing! His power level is beyond super saiyan!
It's.../

/If we can't detect their movements, we're in deep trouble./ Tien added.

The namek concentrated a moment. /Unless I'm mistaken, he's inside South City already./

/Than that's where we'll be./ Goku cut in.

/Goku, his power level is.../

A pause. /I know, Piccolo. He's ascended./

The link closed to heavy silence.

()

Vegeta caused quite a stir as he strode about the city in full regalia. Stares and gapes followed his every move.

Regal features eyed the humans with disdain. Idiots.

A lanky man with a laptop shuffled his way. "Um...ah...excuse me, sir? Are you one of the political delegates from overseas?"

A dark brow lifted. "What are you babbling about?"

The man extended a handshake, which was ignored. He stuttered nervously. "Ah, well. My name is Peter Ignancio, and I'm a correspondent to the House of Representatives. There's a political convention in town and by the way you're dressed...I just assumed you were here as a delegate."

Vegeta found it amusing. "Indeed. Let's just say I'm here visiting, little man. You needn't concern yourself further" he pushed Ignancio aside. The man nearly dropped his laptop, glaring.

"Are all internationals such jerks?!"

The ouji didn't respond as he stalked off, cape billowing in the breeze.

()

The z warriors converged over South City an hour later. Vegeta was still wandering about aimlessly, his ki a beacon they could all detect.

Piccolo shook his head as they flew in formation. "I don't get this...first they arrive in secret, and now Vegeta stays in plain sight."

Krillen agreed. "Yeah, it's like he wants us to find him!"

Yamcha frowned. "But what's his game? I can't sense the other saiyans."

"I'm more concerned with his new power level. It makes him more of a threat than ever." Goku pointed out.

Tien glanced at the streets below. "He's not far off. Less than a mile now."

Goku gave a strange smile. "Then let's not disappoint him!"

Piccolo stared at him oddly.

()

Vegeta sat calmly on a park bench next to a water fountain. The z warriors landed in front of him with a flourish. Krillen moved forward first.

"All right, Vegeta. What's the deal? Why did you return to earth?"

The ouji glanced at him casually. "Hn, a poor greeting from old friends."

"Friends" Tien snorted. "I doubt that. If you've come to take over-"

Yamcha took in his appearance. "Hey, guys. Look at how he's dressed!"

They all paused. Goku stood in front of his friends. "Vegeta, I know you've ascended. I can sense it!"

Vegeta stretched to his full height, his mood serious for the first time. "Shall I show you?"

"Wait!" Piccolo held out a hand. "Don't trust him, Goku! He's-"

"Oh, DO be quiet" Vegeta waved him off. "Kakarot knows I merely wish to demonstrate."

Goku nodded grimly. "Go ahead."

The prince flashed his golden aura effortlessly. Thick golden spikes stood, growing stiff and rigid as a white glow encased them.

"Ascended saiyan" Goku murmured, impressed. "I see you've been training, Vegeta."

Vegeta was smug. "Of course. Did you think I'd let a third class soldier leave me in the dust?"

Tien squinted from the golden glow. "You still haven't told us why you're here!"

Vegeta powered down to this normal state. "Don't concern yourself with this mudball, I have no interest."

Piccolo didn't believe him. "Bull! If this is some trick of yours Vegeta, I swear you'll pay!"

The ouji spread his arms. "Have I come dressed for war?"

They stared at his raiment. "It does seem pretty fancy" Krillen finally agreed. "But why? What stunt are you trying to pull?"

"You didn't come all this way just to visit" Goku added.

Dark eyes sparkled with hidden joy. "Oh, but I have, Kakarot. You see, I left a precious commodity behind from my last visit. I intend to take it with me this time."

"What commodity?"

A sly smile. "I'm no threat, not this time. This is all merely a vacation for me-"

Goku gritted his teeth. "Oh? Raditz and Nappa aren't included!"

The mask fell briefly before sliding in place once more. "How do you know about them?"

"We have our sources!" Piccolo interrupted. "Were you planning on telling us?"

Another secretive smile. "Of course. In my own time."

"What are you planning!" Tien couldn't take anymore.

Vegeta brushed at his cape. "I told you, nothing. Even saiyans need down time."

"You expect us to believe that?"

"The results will speak for themselves. Ningens are too jumpy. I could have blown up this dirtball a day ago had I so wished."

Goku felt an inner turmoil heat his blood. "Any threats will be opposed, Vegeta. Remember that."

The handsome faced tilted at him. "Aren't you curious about Raditz?"

"No!"

"Don't let him bait you" Piccolo warned.

"He won't-"

"Raditz is most anxious to see you, Kakarot" Vegeta interrupted.

Goku ignored the strange knot in his belly. "I don't care, Vegeta. Earth is my home."

"Got that right" Krillen added. "So pack up your little group of merry soldiers and beat it" he pointed at the sky.

"Clamp it, Baldy. I'm in a gracious mood, so this is your lucky day."

"Is this legit, Vegeta?" Goku wanted to know. "You really have no designs on the earth this time?"

"My word is my bond, Kakarot" dark eyes surveyed him slowly. "And for what it's worth...your brother regrets the past. Would you have him leave without even speaking?"

Goku fidgeted slightly, dark eyes wavering. "I'm only concerned with friends and family."

"He is both. And more."

Piccolo didn't like the direction of the conversation. "Don't listen to him, Goku."

"He knows where I stand. Vegeta, we'll be watching you."

The ouji bowed slightly. "I hope to be entertaining." he abruptly turned and flew off. The z warriors watched him go.

"I don't like this" Tien shook his head in dismay. "He's planning something."

Yamcha stared at the skies also. "I'm more worried about the so called 'possession' he's here to claim. What could it be?"

Goku scarcely heard their words. He stared into space, lost in thought.

Piccolo watched him silently.

()

Vegeta returned to his lookout in South America. Raditz and Nappa had pulled electronic equipment into the cave from the ship. The ouji couldn't believe his eyes when he saw them watching cable television.

"Hn, what's this? An entertainment center?" he glanced about at the setup.

Nappa kicked back on a couch. "Sure, Vegeta. With all our provisions in the cave we won't be disturbed. Not that anyone's liable to run across us in this isolated jungle."

Raditz glanced up from the screen. "Did you see Kakarot?"

"Hai, maned one. Your brother is quite...fine" Vegeta licked his lips quickly.

Raditz tilted his head, eyes narrowing. "I see. Was he alone?"

Vegeta removed his cape and sat at a table. "No. The motley crew was in tow, as usual."

Nappa laughed, waving a beer. "Let me guess...they threatened you,
right?"

"Of course, they suspect my motives" Vegeta frowned in thought. "Something puzzles me however."

"What?"

"They know you're alive, but I have no idea why."

Raditz nearly dropped the remote. "What? How could they possibly know that?"

Nappa sat up. "Do you think they know about the Dragonballs?"

Vegeta tapped his fingers impatiently on the table top. "Difficult to say. In any case, let them reveal what they know first."

Nappa stretched out again. "So. What was your impression of our wayward saiyan?"

Obsidian eyes gleamed. "Jislani" (Perfection).

Tails twitched in anticipation as snarls filled the cave.

()

"OUCH! Dammit, Goku!"

"Sorry, Chi Chi."

Goku curled against his wife in Roshi's spare bedroom. He still wasn't convinced of Vegeta's intentions and insisted that Chi Chi and Gohan remain with his former master.

Chi Chi had other things on her mind presently, namely her restless and horny husband. Slim hands pushed the hot body back a bit.

"Stop trying to bite me! I've told you that a hundred times-"

Goku was crestfallen. "I didn't mean anything by it."

Chi Chi turned on a small lamp over the nightstand and faced him. "You always say that. Sometimes I'm tempted to sleep with one eye open so you don't chomp me!"

He nuzzled her neck. "I can't help it, Chi Chi."

She squeezed his arms and sighed. "You've been edgy ever since Vegeta arrived."

Goku sat up, annoyed. "That has nothing to do with me wanting my wife!"

Chi Chi observed his expression. The dim lighting made her husband appear almost...feral. She glanced at his hands.

"Honey, your nails need trimming again. They're snagging the bed linen."

"Is that all you can say? You sure know how to kill the mood, Chi Chi!"

Slender arms encircled him. "I'm sorry...maybe I'm on edge, too. I'm not trying to push you away."

The saiyan returned her embrace. "This situation with Vegeta bothers me. He gave his word, but I know he didn't come all this way for nothing."

"But surely he wouldn't try anything now."

"I don't know" dark eyes looked her over slowly. Wide palms rubbed her back before gripping her in a tight hold.

Chi Chi rasped breathlessly, feeling his erection against her thigh. "Goku, for Pete's sake...how much sex do you need? Can't you make it through one night at least without pawing me!"

Hot kisses planted over her eyes and throat. "No" he pressed her down into the mattress.

()

Piccolo didn't like the situation at all. Nameks tended to be suspicious anyway, and Vegeta's explanation didn't sit well with him. He decided to take matters into his own hands and confront the saiyans directly. His thoughts were unsettled as he flew across time zones.

I can't believe this. Does Vegeta actually think we won't monitor him?

He sensed their ki as he approached a remote area of central South America. The namek smiled in grim satisfaction.

Hmm. Clearly their ship is concealed somehow, but where? Or have they moved out of it?

He lowered his flight pattern above dense jungle growth. The odor of fresh water caught his nostrils.

This would be a most likely place...remote and well forested.

Silently Piccolo landed in trackless jungle. He looked about, taking in the sounds from local wildlife.

"Very close." keen eyes squinted through broken sunlight and deep shadow. A gentle breeze blew his way suddenly. Sharp namek senses detected the presence of others in close proximity. Piccolo turned down a winding path where he spied a vine covered cave.

"Well, well...it appears I've found the nest." he smiled. The ki emanations were unmistakable.

()

The saiyans sensed their company as well. Nappa glanced at the cave entranceway. "Hn, that smell...is familiar to me."

Raditz snorted derisively. "Yeah...like baked moss and vines" he pulled off his upper body armor and stretched. "Vegeta, should we clear out the trash?"

The ouji ate heartily at the table. "Now Raditz, let's be civilized." he laughed wickedly. "At least until Jungle Run! Why let the foolish Namek ruin our celebration?"

The maned saiyan smiled wanly, considering. "Hn, perhaps. Still, it's been hours since I had a good fight."

Vegeta flashed him a saucy grin. "Remember our true goal here. Think of play and delights later."

Raditz licked his lips, thinking. "Aye, ouji...once we get Kakarot here-"

"Then what!" an unwelcome voice interrupted. All heads turned.

"Well, well." Vegeta smirked. "Look what strayed in."

The imposing Namek strode in without preamble. "Don't mind me."

"We won't, greenbean" Nappa leaned back on the couch. "You'd hardly be a threat on your best day."

"You presume too much. I'm here to get answers."

The saiyans laughed at him. Piccolo glared at Vegeta. "Why are you here?"

Vegeta continued eating. "I'm under no obligation to answer you, namek. I should be asking the same question."

Piccolo folded his arms. "Following monkey stench is fairly easy...saiyans have an odor that permeates everywhere. Out of respect to Goku I never mentioned it."

Raditz moved at him. "You dare? I'll permeate your brains with my fist!"

Vegeta snapped his head. "Yatii!"

The burly saiyan froze in his tracks, tail bristling. "Ei-derae-tlusn-
se!" (He dared insult us!)

Nappa glanced at him briefly, making a hand gesture."Ei-sa-o-nu-
ecnaupegnon-yei-rehtoo?" (He is of no consequence, why bother?)

Raditz looked to his prince once more, pointing at the namek. "Vegeta-
ebik-eho-dron-A-dneg-sita-namek-du-hull-yltnenerak!" (Vegeta, give the word. I'll send this namek to hell permanently!)

Vegeta shook his head fiercely. "A-liwe-lae-heti-ein." (I'll deal with him.)

Piccolo stared, taking in their rapid fire language. "What are you yammering about, saiyans? Can't you answer a simple question?"

"I'd rather smell like a real being than a plant any day, namek." Nappa snarled. "Don't come here boring us with your insults."

"Then stop shrieking like brainless apes. If the question is too difficult I'll gladly repeat it."

Vegeta abruptly put down his fork and stood. "Clearly you've forgotten the power you face" he flashed to super saiyan and beyond.

Piccolo stood back and shielded his eyes, temporarily blinded by golden glow. Vegeta gave a harsh laugh.

"Fool. I outclassed you years ago, and my power has grown since then!" ► Chapter 1     Chapter 2     Chapter 3     Chapter 4     Chapter 5     Chapter 6     Chapter 7     Chapter 8     Chapter 9     Chapter 10     Chapter 11