Monkey Moon

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."

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?"

Tails twitched in anticipation as snarls filled the cave.

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-"

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!"

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."

"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.

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."

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!!"

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!"

It was true. Piccolo braced against waves of fiery ki that crashed him into a rocky wall. In desperation he held his arms out, attempting a blocking shield.

"You waste your time, namek!" Nappa gloated. "Pathetic idiot. Did you truly think to challenge our might?"

Piccolo strained against the passive assault. "Stuff...it...Nappa..." Vegeta's aura continued to expand around him.

Raditz stood alongside the ouji, raising a fist. "Burn him, prince. We have more important matters to attend!"

Vegeta folded his arms. "Observe, _Reiken._ (my subjects) I merely display my might and this loud mouthed namek falls back. Perhaps I should fry him, ne?" he raised a ki-ball as if to attack.

Raditz and Nappa made a throat slashing gesture, snickering. "Badante." (Finish him.)

"Curse you, Vegeta!" Piccolo shouted, eyes wide in shock. "Only you would attack someone occupied with defense!"

"Ha" Vegeta abruptly powered down, surprising the other saiyans. "You aren't even worth the effort, Piccolo."

"Perhaps I would be more to your liking." a new voice rung out. The saiyans spun in shock and surprise. Goku stood behind them, an angry scowl on his features.

"Wha...aat??" Nappa stammered, moving to Vegeta's other side. "He must have appeared from nowhere, I didn't even sense him!"

A weary Piccolo collapsed to his knees in relief. "Goku, you followed me?!" he demanded.

Goku nodded, not taking his eyes off the others. "Hai, I walked in the jungle awhile and suppressed my ki. Your trail was strong, it was a simple matter to transmit in."

"Transmit?" Radtiz stared, his eyes full of questions.

Dark eyes rested on the burly saiyan and remained there. The air filled with tension as both brothers appraised each other.

Radtiz forced a smile. "Kakarot" he inclined his head.

Vegeta moved between them. "So, you used instant transmission?"

Vegeta huffed. "There was no attack. The foolish namek came here hurling insults and demanding information. I decided to reward his insolence."

Piccolo staggered to his feet. "Yeah. Not that I got any useful answers."

Goku glanced around the cave, curious. "What is this setup? It looks as if you plan to be here awhile."

Nappa moved forward, a slow smile spreading his lips. "This is our keep, Kakarot. It's full of many comforts, and if you-"

Vegeta pinched a frown at the bald warrior. "Teiun!" (Quiet!)

Goku stared at the saiyan general. Though he wasn't considered beautiful, Nappa was a fascinating mix of power and rugged good looks. Rippling muscle curved beneath snug spandex, a testament to years of stern conditioning. He looked different somehow...

The older saiyan flashed a toothy smile. "What are you gawking at, boy. It's not like you haven't seen me before."

Goku continued to look him over. "Your body...is different, more normal. You were nearly a giant when we fought. What happened?"

"That's hardly important, Goku!" Piccolo shouted. "Aren't you more concerned with why they're here?"

Nappa stretched, his tail uncoiling and doing lazy loops. "Supplements, boy. Too many hormonal enhancements to increase my natural strength and size."

Goku blinked in surprise. "A warrior doesn't need that junk-"

"Who the hell cares, Goku?!" Piccolo pointed at Vegeta. "He's up to something and you know it!"

"You severely annoy me, namek" Vegeta retorted. "Don't test my hospitality again."

Goku glanced over at his friend. "_I_ care. If I have to fight him again I'll need to know if his ability has changed."

"He has a right to ask, namek." Raditz was irritated now. "Any saiyan would!"

"I didn't ask for your opinion, Raditz!" Goku rounded on his brother. Raditz glared at his younger sibling.

Piccolo threw his hands up. "Stupid saiyans! You're all crazy. Do what you want, Goku...I'm out of here!" he moved to go.

Nappa started after him, but Vegeta indicated otherwise. "Let him go."

Goku suddenly gave a goofy grin, scratching his head. "Well hey, everybody seems a little uptight here. What say we get along, hmm?"

Goku glanced over his shoulder on the way out, suddenly serious again. "Hurt anyone here and you'll deal with me. Understood?!"

"Yeah, it's so" Goku was insolent, dark eyes flashing defiance. "And I'm not sure what you called me Raditz, but I didn't like it!" he turned and bounded out of the cave, leaving three stupefied saiyans.

Raditz found his voice moments later. "We've got our work cut out for us."

The aliens conversed on their plan of action over dinner. Concerns and frustrations were vented.

"I don't understand how you can be so calm about this, Vegeta." Raditz was still agitated. "My brother clearly isn't in his right mind!"

Nappa shook his head. "Hai, he goes from one personality to the other all in one turn. Could a simple blow to the head have caused all this?!"

"I told you before I believe him traumatized" Vegeta replied.

"He disavows his heritage!" Raditz exclaimed. "This insistence that he's an earthling borders on lunacy...I remember that nonsense he blabbered when we first met!"

Nappa pulled his chin. "Hn, I was unaware of this. What did the crackbrain say?"

Raditz glowered at the memory, stabbing at his venison. "That I was mistaken, there was no 'Kakarot'. He also said he was from earth and sworn to protect it."

Nappa dipped his bread in some gravy. "Vegeta, what course of action is called for here? The boy's instincts are still intact despite what he says."

Vegeta nodded. "Hai, he can deny all he wants, but saiyan blood runs hot through his veins. His words are empty, and 'Goku' is a fraud."

Raditz was silent a moment. "I know the inner truth here, ouji."

Dark eyes bored into him. "You sense emotions as well? I thought only Kakarot had that ability."

Sly smile. "Hardly. Our father could do the same thing."

Raditz cringed. "It wasn't deliberate...I didn't think it important."

Vegeta slammed his fist on the table. "Well it is! It's not your place to decide what is and isn't important. Do I make myself clear?!"

"He is truly disordered, although he believes himself happy. His past is a blank, and his true self is masked under alien exposure and relationships."

"True, but his injury and the loss of his tail...have made a huge difference."

Nappa nodded. "It would explain a lot. Vegeta, remember the saiyans on our homeworld that had their tails injured or destroyed from battle?"

Vegeta grimaced at the thought. "Hn, they were not the same...their personalities were fractured, muted..."

"But there's a significant difference" Raditz interrupted. "His inner self is still there and intact. He only calls upon it for strength when he's fighting."

Nappa thought that over. "Maybe he can still be recovered, then. I've seen flashes, when his eyes change...does he do that all the time, Vegeta?"

The prince was grim. "Hai, ever since we first met. He teeters between Goku and Kakarot, from denial to acceptance."

"In childhood" Raditz answered. "Shortly after he arrived here."

"Ah" Nappa smiled in understanding. "Then the first order of business is clear...we have to find a way of regenerating it."

Vegeta pointed at Raditz. "It's time for you to reconcile with your brother. We'll get nowhere unless trust is established."

"Gladly, ouji. He's all I have left...and I'll not see him stagger around in such a ridiculous state!"

"Hn, I doubt he sees it that way. In any case, the full extent of his power isn't known."

"What?" Nappa couldn't believe his ears. "He has a hidden ability?"

Vegeta sipped his wine. "Raditz may sense emotions, but I have a nose for ki...and I tell you both Kakarot contains power none of us has seen."

"True, but Kakarot always had a maddening tendency to surpass me. If it's true, I would see it."

Raditz frowned. "I should have such power. It makes no sense, my brother graded low as a baby."

"Hn...everyone is not equal in ability, Raditz. I've learned that the hard way. Besides, Kakarot may be a 'late bloomer'. Mistakes have been made in evaluations before."

"This will strengthen our clan, then" Nappa surmised. "The challenge will only increase our power as we rise to meet it."

"My thinking exactly" Vegeta replied. "I fear no obstacle. If Kakarot has indeed become what I suspect, then I will raise my level to greet it. Should I, the Prince of all Saiyans, quake at some new power level? Bah!"

"Hah! Once we get the dragonballs the universe will do the quaking, eh, Vegeta?" Nappa raised his beer mug. "To immortality!"

Raditz and Vegeta raised their own glasses. "Immortality!!"

The tall saiyan dressed simply for the task, a white t shirt and jeans with black boots and belt. Vegeta briefed him quickly at the cave entrance.

"Now remember...be straight with him. There's no other way at this point."

Raditz nodded. "Hai, I understand. But why can't I wear my armor?"

"You musn't appear threatening in any way. Appeal to his family first, that will gain you some points."

Nappa grinned coolly. "No offense, boy...you youngsters are so high strung."

Chi Chi had a strange foreboding all afternoon. Goku decided his family was in no immediate danger so they returned home. Not trusting everything to chance, Chi Chi purchased a high powered rifle.

_Not sure what good it will do me against those freaks, but at least I won't feel so helpless._

She scrubbed the kitchen countertop furiously, annoyed at her wayward husband. Goku had gone off in the woods to 'think', or so he said.

_Dammit, why now? He needs to be here...if something happens..._

A rapping knock at the front door disrupted her thoughts. Chi Chi nearly leaped from her skin. The pounding grew louder.

"Mom?" Gohan entered the kitchen. "Do you want me to get it?"

"No wait" Chi Chi raced to the pantry shelf and grabbed the rifle. Gohan stared at her in disbelief.

"It could be the saiyans, Gohan!" Chi Chi cocked the trigger.

The boy tugged at her arm. "No it isn't mom...the ki is all different."

Chi Chi blinked. "Who, then?" she stalked through the living room and opened the door.

"What do you think you're doing?!" the namek grunted in surprise.

The namek smiled at the boy. "So, are you holding the fort here?"

Gohan puffed out his chest. "Yeah, but mom thought she needed that rifle. I tried to tell her it wasn't one of the saiyans."

Chi Chi set the rifle aside. "Sorry, Piccolo. Please come in."

"Hmf" the namek grumped, gliding past her. "Where's Goku?"

Chi Chi sighed, leaning against the door. "Out thinking. I have no idea where he went."

"Hey, what do I look like?" Gohan was offended. Piccolo rubbed the boy's hair in apology.

"Sorry, kid...I know you can handle pretty much everything, but your dad needs to be here."

"Agreed" Chi Chi was annoyed. She paused, frowning. "What's your story?"

Piccolo looked around. "I wanted to speak with Goku about some concerns I have."

"Yeah. I don't want to alarm you, but I believe Vegeta has plans for Goku."

Chi Chi dropped on the couch. "Plans? What's that supposed to mean?"

Piccolo sighed. "I wish I knew. I thought perhaps Goku might have some idea."

"They'd better leave my dad alone!" Gohan balled his fists. Piccolo grinned at him.

"Easy, kid. I don't have any proof, just some things I overheard."

"But what could they possibly want with him?" Chi Chi was completely confused. "They have nothing in common!"

Gohan winced at his mother. "I remember, mom...it was when Vegeta first came to earth and attacked us. Krillen was going to finish him, but dad told him not to."

Dark eyes blinked in astonishment. "But...why?! It makes no sense! Why would he spare an enemy that nearly killed his son and crushed his body!!"

Piccolo shook his head quickly. "Because Vegeta is saiyan."

Chi Chi threw her arms up in exasperation. "So WHAT. That doesn't explain anything-"

"I don't pretend to understand their mindset, but I know that Goku has the instincts of his people. His motivations are merely different."

"Piccolo...I'm his wife. Gohan's his son. We have a home and life here together."

"Yeah, Piccolo...dad's been on earth his whole life. Those saiyans don't mean anything to him!"

Goku sat by a quiet stream, his thoughts troubled. Despite outward appearances, the continued presence of the other saiyans grated on his nerves.

_What could they possibly want? They've shown no aggression, but they haven't revealed their true intent, either._

He skipped pebbles along the clear water. _This is crazy. Maybe I should go back to their keep and see if they're hiding something. Sitting here certainly isn't getting me anywhere._

Nappa watched news reports on their rigged satellite center. "Hn, these ningens lead a chaotic life" he grunted.

Vegeta chomped on some barbequed chicken. "Hai, they rely heavily on technology...ningens ignore their instincts until the criminal society causes problems."

"I noticed...they gloss instincts like some separate aspect to hide and fear."

"Or be embarrassed about. Humans are a bizarre species."

A pause as Nappa's tail twitched. "I can barely wait for jungle run, Vegeta."

The ouji threw a sidelong glance, nose flaring. Their scents were changing, and he felt the burn as well.

Soft growl. "Soon enough, Nappa...hopefully Raditz will make some progress with Kakarot and his family. This is a separate hunt, an appetizer for the main course."

Raditz approached the Son house two hours later. Silently he landed in the backyard near the woodpile.

_Hn. I scent Kakarot's traces, but he isn't here. There's another ki of some power I recognize-_

"What the hell are you doing here?!" a guttural voice challenged.

The burly saiyan turned his head slowly, smiling. "Ah...so you're the one I sensed."

"You got it, monkey man...now explain why you're lurking in Goku's back yard!"

Raditz folded his arms, frowning briefly. "My business doesn't concern you, namek. I might ask the same thing."

Piccolo stalked towards him. "If you're here to start trouble-"

The saiyan held up a hand. "Spare me. I've no interest in you or your petty displays."

"Well, _I'm_ curious!" another voice rang out. The men turned. Chi Chi cautiously approached them, her face drawn with tension.

Raditz nodded briefly. "I'm here to see you, actually."

"He's strong willed, woman. No doubt the boy will disobey you at some point and come out" Raditz replied.

"The name's Chi Chi, saiyan. I've got nothing to say to you, anyway. Get out of my yard!"

Raditz approached her. "I can't leave until I make amends. It's why I came here originally, to see Kakarot."

Chi Chi blinked. "Kakarot? You mean Goku? He isn't here."

"Is this some kind of trick, Raditz?!" Piccolo demanded.

"No. I regret what happened in the past, namek. My mission was to scout earth and find my brother, not harm him."

"You were responsible for his death, and kidnapped my son!!" Chi Chi yelled. "How dare you come here-"

Dark eyes flashed with pain. "True, Chi Chi...I hoped he would join me. Our meeting was a disaster, despite my intentions."

"The results proved otherwise" her voice held an edge.

"There's no forgiving what I did, but hear me out...I need to reconcile with my brother. He's the only family I have left."

"You're making me cry" Piccolo was sarcastic. "Don't listen to him, Chi Chi!"

Chi Chi frowned. "I don't know that I believe you, but I know family is important."

"To a saiyan, everything. Using Gohan was a way of gaining Kakarot's attention."

Raditz glanced at Piccolo. "Can we talk inside, Chi Chi? Please?"

She thought a minute. "Out of respect to Goku I'll listen...but I'm not promising anything else!"

Goku landed about ten miles from the saiyan keep. He strolled quietly in the deep jungle, taking in the sights and sounds.

_I rarely explore country like this, but it almost seems familiar somehow._

Wildlife peeped, screeched, and roared in the background. Goku smiled and glanced up through broken light and shadow. A keening growl rumbled in his chest, unbidden. He immediately squelched it.

The air was thick with oppressive heat and humidity. Goku sniffed, smelling water nearby. An idea struck him.

_Think I'll take a quick swim. With Vegeta still at the keep there's no real hurry._

Stripping quickly he raced through the foliage towards the sound of a nearby waterfall.

Vegeta and Nappa were playing a game of cards in their hideaway.

"Hn, it seems odd almost to have 'down time', ne?" Vegeta grinned, looking at his hand.

Nappa nodded, sipping his drink. "Only for a bit, ouji" dark eyes gleamed in anticipation.

Vegeta understood the feeling, a general edginess and tingle of skin. "The calendar shows a full moon two consecutive days this week."

Nappa's tail snapped the air as he growled. "Hn! Vegeta, do you sense?"

Sharp features stared in concentration. A slow grin spread over the ouji's face. "It seems we have company lurking about. Unless I'm mistaken, it feels like Kakarot."

Nappa glanced at the cave entrance. "He's at one location and hasn't moved for some time...what's that about?"

A small frown. "Curious" he smiled at his comrade. "I think you should investigate."

The bald warrior gave a sly grin. "And what would my prince suggest?"