Monkey Moon

"This dish...what do you call it?" he pointed at his food.

"Very much so" the burly saiyan dug into his bowl with relish. "It reminds me of tursla meat."

Raditz grinned. "A domesticated farm animal used for food."

Chi Chi rested her chin in her hands, watching. "You certainly eat like Goku."

The maned saiyan laughed, pointing his fork at Piccolo. "You don't eat, namek?"

The namek snorted with disdain. "My people require only water."

"Our bodies absorb nutrients through various light sources."

"It's far more efficient than your crude way of synthesizing energy."

The saiyan cracked a bone before swallowing it. "So you say, plant man. You'll never know the simple pleasures of solid flesh between your teeth!" Raditz gave a strange smile.

"Isn't that a little out of line?" Chi Chi asked, frowning.

Raditz chuckled. "I doubt it...he has fangs, yet eats no meat. No wonder nameks are a confused race."

"My physiology is no concern of yours" Piccolo snapped. "Mine is a refined, elegant race. We aren't ruled by base instinct and wild emotion."

The burly saiyan was indifferent. "Repressed people often speak that way."

"Personally, I think a balance between the two is more ideal" Chi Chi put in. "Everyone is different."

"True" Raditz agreed, eyes narrowing on Piccolo. "But intolerance often comes from cool blood."

"Better than the immorality of talking animals" Piccolo retorted.

Dark eyes flashed ferally. "I'd love to discuss that under a full moon."

"Okay, that's enough. Both of you!" Chi Chi interrupted.

Radtiz rubbed the mop top. "Just disagreeing about how people are different. What works for some doesn't work for others."

Gohan thought that over. "Are saiyans different than the people here?"

Raditz smiled at Chi Chi, who appeared uncomfortable. "Quite."

Chi Chi's curiosity was sparked. "In what way, besides the obvious?"

A pause. "I've noticed that ningens rely heavily on technology. My people only find it useful as a tool, not a way of life."

"Hmm" she frowned, thinking. A thought struck her. "What about...behavior?"

Chi Chi felt her cheeks flush as Raditz stared at her. "Gohan, clean off your plate and go downstairs."

The boy sighed, then brightened. "I can watch my favorite show?"

"Okay!" Gohan snatched his plate and dumped it in the sink. He turned momentarily before leaving.

Chi Chi waited for her son to be out of earshot. "Okay, mister. What kind of crack was that?"

She jabbed a finger at him. "Don't give me that innocent routine. I saw the way you looked at me...are you making a pass?"

Raditz pointed at himself innocently. "Me? Pursue my brother's mate? I'm here to reconcile, not start a war!"

"Yes, you! Why would you start a topic of conversation like that with Gohan here?!"

"We live on earth. And while you're in my house, you abide by my rules. Got it?"

Raditz appraised her openly. "I begin to see why Kakarot chose you...you'd have made a good saiyan."

"I still would like to know your purpose in staying here" Piccolo interrupted.

"I tire of your accusations, namek. Have you nothing better to do?"

Piccolo growled. "Goku is a friend of mine, and I won't see his family threatened."

"Kakarot is my brother" Raditz countered, annoyed. "Keep your suspicions, namek. I could care less."

"Piccolo, stop it already" Chi Chi admonished him. "So far I've seen no indication he's not telling the truth."

"Do I look like an idiot? If he's lying we'll find out eventually. Meanwhile, he's a guest in this house."

Raditz kissed her hand. "Oh, I do like you, Chi Chi...you're the closest thing to a saiyan I've seen here."

She ignored the tingle of soft lips on her skin. "Well, I suppose we can put up with you for the time being. Goku should be back any time now."

Raditz grinned. "I'm not ungrateful. Though my ways may seem strange, I mean you no harm."

He looked her over again. "You're still curious about saiyan behavior?"

Caught off guard, Chi Chi turned beet red. "I'm not sure what you're getting at-"

"You have a saiyan for a mate. Perhaps I should tell you about-"

"Maybe for plant people with ice water in their veins!" Raditz responded. Chi Chi laughed in spite of herself.

The burly saiyan winked at her. "Oh, I'm just full of surprises."

Goku sat alone in oppressive heat, scarcely noticing it. He'd attempted to put on clothes several times before stopping. His body was too swollen and sensitive.

In vain he tried meditation techniques taught to him by Master Roshi. It was useless. His body refused to obey the dictates of his mind. Dark eyes surveyed the nearby stream closely.

_Maybe a cool swim is what I need. I've got to go home sometime, but not like this!_

Cautiously he waded into icy clear waters, submerged to the chest. Eyes closed in memory.

As the thought struck him, his cock rose stiffly once more in denial, despite the cold water.

Goku pulled himself without realizing it. In truth he'd never been so turned on in his life. Not with Chi Chi, nor with Bulma when she teased him as a teen.

Eyes snapped open as he realized what he was doing. "Krukka!!" he shouted to himself, startled.

A strange tingling sensation rippled down his back. It was pleasant and stimulating, spreading warmth to his lower body.

"Aaahh...." a sigh escaped the saiyan's lips as he sunk even lower into the stream. Dark eyes flashed open in confusion once more.

_Something's happening to me...I feel different, but why? That whole episode with Nappa was insane. Am I crazy? There's no way I can tell anyone about this!_

In dismay he waited patiently for his body to cool. "Go down, dammit, go down!! I can't stay in this stream forever!"

Goku finally gave in to the urge, yanking himself to completion. Doing it underwater felt wondrous and different. With a sigh, he eventually climbed out and got dressed.

_What am I going to do? I don't even understand this myself..._

Nappa re-entered the keep like the cat that ate the canary. Vegeta sprawled lazily on a prefabricated sofa watching the world satellite feed. Keen eyes flashed even as heightened senses discerned the truth.

"Hn" the ouji sniffed. "I do believe you've been with Kakarot, Nappa."

The bald saiyan licked his lips. "Hai...he's something else, Vegeta."

Vegeta sat up and stared sharply. "Jungle run is nearly here..."

"I guarantee you won't be disappointed, my prince. He's everything you suspected and more."

Nappa pulled a beer from a refrigeration unit. "Fascinating, actually. His appearance is somewhat oozaru-"

"Ai, his hair resembles his brother's, save for the golden color."

Vegeta rubbed his chin in thought. "I must see this state."

"The plan is still in place for the dragonballs, Nappa. I won't be denied."

"True. However, Kakarot states he can't maintain that form for long."

"Level three wastes a great deal of energy. I suspect it's not a stable form..."

Vegeta's eyes glazed over. "Hn, but think of the power."

Nappa shook his head. "Power that must be used immediately or lost. I'm familiar with such energy sources, Ouji. While devastating in potency, they cannot be sustained for any length of time."

Vegeta stretched out comfortably again. "Perhaps not. But after an initial onslaught that would hardly matter."

"It's entirely possible he could destroy any enemy with an all out attack. However, if some rare being is able to withstand the first onslaught he'd be dangerously vulnerable."

The bald general grinned like a maniac. "Let's just say...saiyan blood runs hot."

Vegeta smirked. "That much I know, despite his games...be warned, Nappa. You'll make no claim!"

"You didn't have to. Choosing will be done when he joins the pack, and the choice will be mine!"

"Silence. I thought you entertained notions of his brother's charms."

Nappa grunted in annoyance. "He doesn't want me, not enough...and I lose patience with his indifference. I'd gladly claim Kakarot."

Vegeta growled. "At my displeasure. I won't warn you again."

Nappa purred strangely, walking around the seated Ouji. A thick tail coiled curved shoulders.

"Then perhaps I should set my sights on something...more royal?"

Nappa groomed the thick flame of hair with his fingers. "Is the thought so outlandish?"

Vegeta closed his eyes momentarily, enjoying the attention. "Jungle run will decide...and Kakarot will join us."

Nappa continued his slow scalp massage on the ouji. "There's something I forgot to mention about Kakarot's tail."

The bald saiyan snorted. "I expected a hollow...but the remnants are still there."

"His saiyan power will be restored, Vegeta. Whoever removed it did a poor job...a small stump still exists."

The ouji laughed out loud. "He'll understand more when it grows back, since he hasn't had it since childhood."

Nappa continued his grooming session on Vegeta's head. "The _lunwe_ (moon) cycle should stimulate it, now that I've awakened his hidden desire."

Vegeta purred, his tail waving about in thought. "Hormonal overload and the moon...impossible for any saiyan to resist."

Chi Chi persuaded Piccolo to keep Gohan occupied downstairs. Raditz kept her company in the kitchen. The burly form rested against the doorway in a relaxed pose.

Chi Chi flushed. "I'm not certain what you mean" the saiyan fascinated her no end.

Raditz glanced down the hall briefly. "Hn, he has a son. Clearly, something must have worked."

"What's that crack supposed to mean?" Chi Chi glared, hands on hips.

A quiet laugh. "You don't completely understand him, do you?"

"That isn't what I asked, Chi Chi. There must be aspects of Kakarot that baffle you, ne?"

Chi Chi plopped in a chair. "No marriage is perfect, but you adjust. What's your point, Raditz?"

He sat across from her, smug. "I like you, you get to the point."

"Why not? As his cooni (brother), I'm naturally concerned for his welfare."

"To earthling ways" Raditz interrupted. "But he isn't complete."

"Hai, but he hasn't _been_ saiyan. There's a difference."

"A husband with a hidden face" Raditz murmured almost to himself.

"I don't pretend to understand everything, is that what you want to hear?!" Chi Chi snapped, her irritation showing.

Raditz leaned forward suddenly, dark eyes sharp. "Explain that."

Another smirk. "Ah...perhaps he's not so human after all."

Delicate features reddened. "It's none of your business!!"

Raditz folded his hands. "Hn...touchy. He's strange in bed sometimes?"

"I've got news for you, mister. There's plenty of weird humans as well!"

Black eyes held a strange gleam. "Oh? How fascinating. You must be quite...energetic to keep up with a saiyan."

Chi Chi glared at him. "I was just beginning to like you a little..."

"Come, we're all grown up here. Let's do this, then. Ask me a question, and I'll tell you about saiyans."

A variety of expressions crossed delicate features before she answered. "I'm not sure I should be doing that."

"Ask, or you'll never know. You must have questions about a husband who's alien to this world."

"That doesn't make him one. I'm surprised our species are compatible for cross breeding."

She faltered before replying. "Maybe...there are some things I need clarified. Things that make no sense..."

The heart shaped face turned beet red. "He...tries to bite me. I've asked him to stop, but he has a hard time controlling the urge."

A chuckle. "Everything you've described so far is normal for my kind."

Chi Chi was silent a moment, thinking. "There's something else that disturbs me most...I really haven't talked to anyone about it..."

Chi Chi gulped, taking a breath. "He wants to taste my blood whenever we...make love. Actually, he just seems to like blood. Half the meat he eats is raw."

She blinked at his reaction. "You mean, that's normal for a saiyan too?"

"Ghods, I don't believe this..." she covered her eyes. "He's always talking about...how everything smells."

"Not just during sex, but everything...people, even objects. It's embarrassing in public."

"Heightened senses. Our race is ancient and primal. We use our instincts like humans use their intellect."

Now it was Chi Chi's turn to be smug. "So saiyans have no intellect."

"You've got a smart mouth, woman. I like that. Let's just say we get the same results in different ways. We're 'wired' differently. Would you be surprised to know that Kakarot identifies your scent more than your face?"

"Hardly. The next time the opportunity arises, ask him."

Goku neared his home, sensing a long forgotten ki. Thoughts jumbled, he hovered in the evening sky.

_Why is Raditz here? And for that matter, why is Piccolo? It makes no sense._

The tall saiyan lowered quietly, dark brows pinched in a frown. Unresolved feelings and fears resurfaced.

He snorted. _It's been a hell of a day. Maybe I don't know myself after all. How in Kami do I just walk in as if nothing's happened? And what do I say to Raditz?_

The aforementioned saiyan looked up suddenly, a slow smile spreading his features.

"Hold, Chi Chi. Our delightful conversation must wait...I sense my brother about."

The petite brunette looked about. "It's about time. I expected him hours ago."

Chi Chi glared down the hallway. "He'd better have a good reason for being so late!"

Raditz watched her in silence. _This small harridan commands my brother? What insane contamination has taken place?_

Moments later quiet feet entered the kitchen. Goku stared at his brother in silence, his expression revealing nothing. Raditz returned the curious expression, arms folded.

Chi Chi waved her arms in the air. "Hello, earth to husband...where the hell have you been?!"

Goku glanced at her in distraction. "Hi, Chi Chi. Sorry I'm late."

"Is that all you have to say? Dinner was ready hours ago! What have you been doing all this time!!"

Raditz stared at his brother in astonishment, not believing his senses. _Kami, he's been with Nappa! What the fug??_

Equally dark eyes raised in challenge. "I don't want to talk about it."

"What kind of answer is that?" Chi Chi snapped. "Well, if you want your dinner, you'll have to reheat it-"

She blinked, taken aback by his demeanor. "What's wrong with you, Goku? You're not acting like yourself."

Raditz grinned knowingly. "Kakarot...it's been a long time."

"I came to see you, actually. Chi Chi and I were getting acquainted. She cooks the most delightful meals."

Goku sat at the table, watching him carefully. "I know. Have you been here all day?"

"Since earlier this afternoon. Your namek friend is downstairs. I suppose he's appointed himself watchdog."

A sigh. "I'm no threat, Kakarot...you forget, I'm your family too."

The conversation was interrupted when Piccolo and Gohan burst into the kitchen. Gohan leaped at his father.

'Hey, give him a chance" Gohan piped up. "Right, daddy?"

Goku looked about uncomfortably. "Right. Gohan, go upstairs to your room and play, okay?"

The little mop top was clearly disappointed. "Can't I stay with you guys?"

"Maybe later. Right now the grownups need some time together, okay?"

A sigh. "All right. See you, Piccolo. 'Bye, Uncle Raditz" the boy waved before leaving.

"And don't turn up the playstation volume!" Chi Chi shouted after him.

"An adorable child" Raditz commented. "he has an impressive power about him."

Raditz sniffed at Piccolo. "Don't let the door hit you, namek."

"It's all right, Piccolo" Goku gave a small smile. "For better or worse, I'm a saiyan too."

The two brothers walked in uncomfortable silence across the front yard. Raditz decided to break it.

"Kakarot, you don't have to treat me like I have a disease."

Raditz stopped in front of him. "Hai. I myself have unresolved feelings. But you must know I never intended to harm you."

Dark eyes were suspiciously bright. "That seems hard to believe."

A sigh. "Kakarot...all saiyans are taught to use any means necessary to obtain a goal. I was no different."

"Understood. It was cowardly to use the boy, but I was feeling desperate."

A rueful smile. "I made a mistake. Anger and pride clouded my judgment. It felt as if you betrayed your saiyan blood...and me."

Goku threw his hands up. "What the hell did you expect me to do? There was no home world for me to return to, and I had a life here!"

Raditz looked at darkening skies. "This world you call home has a certain charm. But your heritage lies elsewhere."

The older saiyan shook him. "Fool! You aren't ignorant of what you are."

Goku stared obstinately. "I was raised on earth by a human named Gohan."

Raditz felt another stab of rage. "You want to play games, eh? Is that why I smell Nappa all over you?!"

"Ha! You were practically reeking when you walked in...although I smelled stream water on you also. You tried to wash it off?"

"What the hell do you think?!" Goku flushed, cheeks heating.

Raditz was smug. "Initially I was concerned that you'd lost touch with your saiyan side, but it's clear you haven't."

Goku shook a fist at him. "I'm warning you...don't tell my wife!"

Raditz shrugged. "Why would I? Saiyans don't spray their business everywhere. You only did what was natural."

Goku blinked at that. "Natural? I'm a married man, for Kami's sake!"

Goku snorted. "I see...so saiyans are incapable of being loyal?"

Raditz snarled. "Your ignorance is astounding. Of course we're loyal! That isn't the point...we can't deny our instincts."

"What's that have to do with anything, Raditz? We all make choices!"

"I tell you, it's different for a saiyan. Have you ever been confused by your own responses on this world? Things you couldn't explain, even to yourself?"

Goku paled, realization sinking in. "I...try not to dwell on that..."

Raditz pressed. "It's true, isn't it? You don't understand."

"I don't want to discuss this, Raditz. I'm more interested in _your_ motivations."

Strangely enough, Goku understood. "Fine. But no lies, Raditz. I can sense the truth of emotions from those around me."

"A gift I inherited as well. It will make things easier for us both."

"Our dear father had the ability, Kakarot. There is much you don't know."

"Apparently not" Goku was muted as they entered the deep wood.

The two sat near a quiet stream. Goku removed his shoes and wiggled his toes absently.

Raditz nodded, watching him stretch. "There wasn't time before, but now I want to share something with you."

Goku stared at his reflection. "I get impressions of thoughts, mostly- "

"You've had no one to truly bond with, Kakarot. It's a miracle you aren't mad."

Raditz looked at him searchingly. "No, correction. You have a tenuous bond with our prince Vegeta."

Equally dark eyes went stark. "Are you insane? There's nothing between Vegeta and me!!"

Goku gawked. "You want to fill me in on this? What's the big deal about my tail? I've lived perfectly fine without it!"

Raditz waved his own furry coil in emphasis, smirking. "Oh, you'd know if you still had yours..."

Goku watched it move and undulate in fascination. "Vegeta and Nappa always had them wrapped around their waists."

"A protective move. Enemies often use our tails against us since they're quite sensitive."

Goku's eyes glazed over in memory. "I remember as a child being nervous about people pulling mine. Sometimes my adoptive grandfather would stroke it to soothe me...it actually felt pretty good."

"Hn, you noticed. Do you remember anything else about it?"

"Not really. I was just a child, no more than seven when it was removed."

Raditz pulled his chin. "Ah, so you didn't hit adolescence with it..."

Goku frowned in confusion. "So what? It was just a tail."

The maned saiyan snapped his head around. "Fool. A saiyan's tail is far more than just an appendage. It's a sensory organ that regulates power and vitality."

Raditz laughed. "Hai, brother...your expression is priceless. And there's more."

Raditz stared in sudden comprehension. "Why didn't I see it before! No wonder your actions were baffling. I'm surprised Vegeta didn't consider this..."

"Now wait a minute!" Goku stopped him. "There's nothing wrong with me, you got that? I have a good home and family-"

"I can say this without a doubt, Kakarot. If you'd kept your tail most likely this planet would be wiped clean, and we'd be meeting in outer space."

"No it isn't. How did you treat your adoptive grandfather?"

Goku froze in horror at a sudden memory. "No...he said I was a 'rotten' kid when he found me."

Goku sighed, staring at the stream again. "Yeah. He said I was nasty and mean...he thought something was wrong with me."

"I suppose to a human a saiyan baby would seem so. Didn't it ever strike you as odd your behavior could change so much?"

"I just assumed that occurred when I hit my head in an accident."

Raditz snorted. "Come on, Kakarot. As much as you fight, do you really think every blow changes your personality?"

A sigh. "Your tail also contains various hormones. Some of those trigger the oozaru transformation."

A gasp. "So that's the true reason I couldn't change without my tail!"

"Hai, it had nothing to do with it just being 'chopped off'. It could no longer transmit hormones to your brain."

"Other hormones the tail produces stimulate your instincts and drives."

Raditz looked him over carefully. "Hn. Aye, you function well...your power is amazing. But that's not my meaning. The 'Goku' these humans know would not exist with your tail. It may be the only reason you could remain sane and live among these aliens without wanting to destroy them."

"Without your tail, yes...your drives and natural saiyan instincts are muted enough to make you peaceful."

Goku flushed red. "You make it sound as if I'm neutered!"

"Not precisely, Kakarot. I've seen and heard evidence of your natural aggressions and instincts coming out on occasion, particularly as super saiyan."

The younger saiyan gritted his teeth. "Yes...hatred" he admitted.

Raditz tilted his head in approval. "Hai, most impressive the power...and power feels good."

Goku looked away momentarily. "Of course it does. When I first attained super saiyan I stayed off planet to get the power under control."

"To a degree. I can always control the transformation, but not my reactions once I've changed."

Dark eyes blinked in astonishment. "Not really. I never examined that too closely."

The burly saiyan touched his cheek. "You're impressive, Kakarot. Despite your confusion, you acknowledge certain truths."

"That wasn't my question. You have a human mate and friends."

"Doesn't it become frustrating at times, being the savior of this planet?"

Raditz stared at the ground. "I know. Father wanted to find you, but King Vegeta refused, saying that everyone was needed for the war against Frieza."