Monkey Moon

"Enough lecturing, Kakarot. You're getting long winded" a new voice sounded nearby.

Goku could only stare with his good eye. Stalking regally over the bleak horizon came Prince Vegeta, fully donned in ornate armor of purest gold. The seal of Vegeta gleamed on his chestplate. A white cape fanned behind him, set off by matching boots and gloves.

"Va...va...Vegeta??" Goku stammered. The Prince halted, observing his wounds.

"Calling you Kakarot twice is too confusing." he indicated the suddenly silent oozaru.

Goku tried to smile, but his jaw ached too badly. "You look great, Vegeta. But I don't get it, why are you here in this...place?"

"I've been here for years." the ouji answered offhandedly, then shouted up.

Kakarot shifted, dropping down to normal size. Vegeta tapped his foot impatiently.

"And what's this business about being stronger than me? You dare speak that way of your Prince?"

Kakarot shuffled his feet nervously. "I meant no offense, only-"

Kakarot screamed as a circle of flame suddenly licked at his legs.

The Prince snapped his fingers again. "Or I could make you freeze."

Kakarot shivered as ice held him in place. "Ap-p-p-ologize" he chattered. The ice suddenly disappeared.

Goku rolled to a sitting position in stupefication. "What, you're a magician now?"

Vegeta glanced over. "I'll brook no insolence from low trash."

"My son's a bit anxious to find his way." Kaliope supplied, entering the scene.

"Hn." Vegeta eyed her. "I have a vested interest as well. You are quite lovely."

Kaliope bowed slightly. "Thank you, Ouji...my son has but recently regained his true saiyan power. He's having a difficult time making the adjustment."

"What about our fight? It still isn't done!" Kakarot shouted.

Bardock shushed him. "Why resume, fool? All battles aren't won with noise and glory at the end. Look at your opponent!"

Goku stared at them all, his eyes going dull. "I get it now...this is hell, and everyone wants a chunk of my soul."

Vegeta stood over him, cape billowing gently. "You never understood me. From the time we first met I knew that a partnership would be beneficial to the both of us."

"I cared nothing of earth, but you intrigued me. You were a third class with the power to defy me. It was a rare occurrence."

"Glad to know I brightened your day. Don't think I've forgotten how you tried to kill Gohan."

"He was never a target. When we talked in the valley, I could feel the power flow between us. So did you, although you turned me down."

Goku fell silent. It was true, he'd never dwelled on the strange feelings the regal prince invoked.

"Yet you allowed me to go free when Krillen would have ended it there. Haven't you ever asked yourself why?"

"I told him that I was a saiyan too. You were different, Vegeta. I admit that. I wanted our fight to continue at a later date."

"Impressive" Kakarot nodded. "Perhaps the me in you isn't so weak after all."

Goku ignored him. "We were the last of our kind. Why would I have you killed?"

Vegeta's dark eyes glowed with a strange light. "There was no other reason?"

Goku's head dropped in exhaustion. "Maybe. Right now I want to leave this loony bin."

"Your insolence won't help." Bardock told him. "Acceptance is the only way out of here."

Kakarot stepped up and extended a hand. "Me. Your true self. Make the move now, Goku."

"I want you back as well, Kakarot." Vegeta said without inflection. "I've seen glimpses when your guard was down. Make the decision and come to me."

Goku staggered to his feet. "I can't beat you, Kakarot. I know that now. More importantly, I know _why_.”

Kakarot extended his hands. "Come. Enough false conflict and self deception."

"Agreed." their hands locked. Goku felt an odd brilliance erupt from his chest. Reality faded away briefly in a haze of white.

A crashing peal of thunder erupted in his ears. He blinked to find himself standing tall next to his parents on the barren terrain. There was no evidence of his battle with Kakarot anywhere on the unbroken landscape.

"What? All that damage we did disappeared?" Goku felt himself all over, sensing his strength returned. His wounds and injuries were gone.

Bardock smiled, clasping his shoulders. "I'm proud of you, Kakarot. You made the right decision...the _only_ decision."

Goku took a deep breath in gratitude. "Thank you, father. But there's no damage from my battle with Kakarot."

Kaliope laughed gently. "The only battle was within yourself. You had the rare opportunity to see what lay hidden beneath."

"Why do I get the feeling you two knew how this was going to turn out?"

Kaliope embraced her son. "You and Raditz must go with the Prince now."

"I don't follow you, mother. By the way, where is Vegeta?"

"He waits with great anticipation, son." Bardock replied. "You'll have some interesting decisions to make once you get back."

"The universe is a large place, Kakarot." Kaliope continued. "Despite having a family on earth, it will no longer be enough for you. The restlessness you contained as Goku can't be held now as Kakarot."

"To yourself, no. But you have awareness now that can't be taken away. Friends and family will notice the change in you."

Goku stared off into space, thinking. "Many things are clear to me now. Urges I couldn't explain, desires I suppressed because they weren't acceptable on earth..."

"You adapted as any intelligent being would to survive" Bardock told him. "There was no longer a Vegetaseii for you to live on. I've always regretted that for you."

Sad smile. "That isn't your fault, father. I'm just glad we had this chance to be together."

Kaliope kissed him. "Most pleasing is your reconciliation with your brother. The two of you are closer than you know."

"There is still more, as you will discover in the future."

Goku paused, wondering at the strangeness of her words. "Sounds mysterious. What now?" he looked about at endless nothingness.

"Go that way." Bardock pointed to the brighter western horizon. Goku stared at the unbroken line of land.

"That way is for us." he pointed towards the eastern horizon that dissolved into dim gloom.

Goku felt an odd tightness in his chest. "I don't want to leave you like this."

"We'll be fine." Kaliope assured her son. "Whenever you need us, just come here."

"But it isn't enough...I don't want..." tears erupted unbidden as Goku shuddered. "Dammit, it isn't fair!!"

He fell to his knees, banging the ground in frustration with his fists. Twin pairs of arms crushed him close.

//Our sons are strong, Kakarot. Show the universe what you're made of!//

Goku collapsed against them both in emotional exhaustion. Kaliope purred in his ear, a strange singsong he hadn't heard since he was an infant. Shapely hands stroked his face gently.

(Hush little baby, don't you cry...mama's gonna give you a good brain pie...)

Goku jolted to awareness, sitting up in bed. He touched his tear streaked face and shivered.

He sighed, gathering his wits and emotions. _Kami, this is worse than going on an all night bender._

The tall saiyan staggered to the bathroom, wiping his eyes clear. "Need to wash up." he murmured, pulling at the door. It wouldn't open.

"What the hell?" irritation cut through fatigue and confusion. Then he remembered what happened earlier. Chi Chi had locked herself inside.

_Don't tell me she's still hasn't come out._ "Chi Chi...are you okay in there?!"

A pause. His wife's sleepy voice cracked through lack of use. "Goku? Get away from the door!"

Momentary silence as she opened the door with a click. "Are you yourself again?"

Chi Chi observed his strange expression. _Something's changed in him._

"Okay, but not too long? Gohan will be up soon and I need to fix breakfast."

Chi Chi waited patiently for Goku to gather his thoughts. She noticed the thick tail waving gracefully as he paced.

_I'd forgotten how good he looks with that. It almost makes him seem...primitive._

"Chi Chi, I've learned a few things about myself recently."

"Hmm?" she blinked in distraction. "Sorry, I was daydreaming."

"I know I acted strangely last night...in fact, some of my behavior has seemed strange for some time now."

"Goku, I've never forgotten you're an alien. All things considered, I think you've done a remarkable job adjusting."

Chi Chi blanched. "What do you mean? You have family and friends here!"

"I love you and Gohan, but I never felt complete, like a real person. I thought being seen as a hero would fill the void in my heart. It doesn't."

Goku smirked oddly, folding his arms. "My life is my own, now."

She blinked, taking refuge in anger. "Like hell, mister. We have a son to raise!"

Wild spikes tossed in defiance. "You shout at me, woman? I suggest you try being more polite!"

"I'm not a child. I tolerated your temper before for Gohan's sake."

"Nor will he have the chance. I need to see my prince and talk things over."

Goku stretched, ruffling his tail. "All things change, Chi Chi...I'm thinking of spending some time off planet."

"I see your face, and words come out. Nothing is making sense! You aren't my Goku!"

Shockingly, he laughed. "Now that's interesting...a saiyan who belongs on earth. A strange world I couldn't understand, yet chose to defend."

Chi Chi was muted. "You still aren't making sense. This is all ancient history!"

"History revised. I know far more about myself now, Chi Chi. It's impossible to go back to the way I was."

"Oh yes, the happy buffoon. The one who shrinks when you shout, Chi Chi?"

"You did. I often heard your friends remark how 'cute' you were, humiliating me in public."

"It hardly matters now because that won't continue. I think it's time you treated me differently."

"For one, no screaming. You'll address me like an adult or I swear I'll ignore you."

"Why not? You're acting like a damn alien anyway. Whatever's happened has turned you against me!"

Goku thumbed her lips. "I'm not against you, but understand me here. I won't be the person you're accustomed to."

"I've had a series of dreams inside myself. There was much information locked away I didn't know about. These dreams allowed me to view my life in a different light."

Goku looked about the bedroom. "I'm not sure...I have a suspicion it may have come from an outside source."

Chi Chi's mind raced. "I knew it...they've poisoned your mind with visions!"

"Now I see the plan...Raditz came here as a front, while the others messed with your head!"

His answer was shocking. "If so, then they have my gratitude. I feel like I've awakened from a dream, Chi Chi. Who would choose blinders over the truth?"

"A woman who wants her husband back!" Chi Chi pleaded desperately. "This is insane. I should go there and-"

He grabbed her. "No you won't. I've got some final arrangements to make anyway."

She didn't like the sound of that. "Arrangements? What the hell's this now?"

"Have you hit your head again? Listen to yourself! What kind of father abandons his own child!"

"I'd never abandon Gohan. He's more than welcome to join me when he gets older."

"FOOL!!" she slapped him, hard. "You love your family, all right...like background noise you tolerate!"

He touched his face where she slapped him. "It's fairly common for saiyans to be raised by one parent or another relative."

"This is earth, and Gohan's half human! I don't want to hear any more nonsense!"

Goku turned away from her. "It isn't nonsense. Since saiyans are telepathic we don't need to be in constant contact like humans. I could check on Gohan anytime I wished."

Chi Chi noticed he only said Gohan. "And how do I fit into this neat picture you've painted?"

"I've always gone with your wishes in the past. Now you'll go with mine."

"Like hell, mister. I don't care if you are a newborn saiyan, nobody orders me around!"

Goku paused before answering. "Like you treat me, instead of a husband?"

"From reality. You mistake me, Chi Chi. Just because I never complained doesn't mean I approved."

"I see, mister high and mighty. So, are the subjects of the realm worthy of your presence now?"

"Cute." Goku growled, moving away. Chi Chi jumped in front of him.

"Re-evaluate my life. Some things must be viewed on a larger scale."

"I'm different now, I told you that. Don't expect that buffoon to return. I have my pride."

_Pride..._ Chi Chi mused, wondering where she'd heard that before.

"There's nothing different about you I can see, besides the bad attitude. That and your tail."

Goku waved it in her face as a taunt. She slapped it away.

"It's thick and soft to the touch. So are newly washed towels. Do you have a point?"

"It smells like spicy air freshener...or some kind of body oil. Hardly a reason to hop in the sack!"

"Stop it! I remember the conversation with Raditz about saiyan tails. That's why you're all screwed up!"

He grabbed her. "Sometimes you're a real pain, Chi Chi. Saiyans are SUPPOSED to have tails!"

"I would have been this way if it weren't removed during my childhood."

She paled again. "I can't believe this...maybe I'm the one dreaming here."

"Besides, cutting it off won't work...I know how to regrow it now!"

Chi Chi paused at that. "Wait, I thought only saiyan children could regrow their tails."

She didn't like the implication. "How? What do you mean?"

The romp with Nappa flashed through Goku's mind. "Nothing. It's quite fun, really. Now if you'll excuse me." he moved to leave again.

"Are you cheating on me? Is that what's behind all this?!"

Goku roared with laughter. "So predictable! I should have known you'd jump to that conclusion."

"No, I'm not...but there is something else I'd better mention. It's about sex."

"There might be times when I'll need you. Please be available."

"Mating. Saiyans have a cycle that compels them to have sex."

"This is all in your head!!" she blurted. "There was no problem with this before-"

"Remember?" Goku waved his tail again. Chi Chi clamped her mouth shut.

"Just a reminder. Like I was saying, stay nearby. Oh, and make certain no males touch you, even from casual contact like hugging. I'd hate to kill anybody."

"I know it all seems strange...but I won't be too rational then. Another man's scent on you might trigger me the wrong way."

"I wish I had a trigger" Chi Chi mumbled. "On a gun with a barrel."

Goku pecked her on the head. "Meanwhile, don't worry about it. I'll let you know ahead of time so you can eat and gather your strength."

A stream of curses left her lips at that. "What do you think I am, a brood sow? Go to hell, mister!!"

He ignored her taunts. "I have no doubt you'll do well. Oh, one more thing...we'll need to be somewhere remote and secluded."

"You're talking like a damn animal! If that tail does this much to you I want no parts of it!"

"Oh that's deep. I'll be sure to write it on the bathroom wall!" she snorted in disgust.

Goku growled to himself. "Now I can understand why Vegeta was so angry when Nairobe cut his tail off."

"I really don't give a rat's ass, Goku." Chi Chi pointed at his face. "This tail thing is an excuse, admit it! Do you want a divorce or something?"

"No, it isn't necessary. Our current arrangement is agreeable to me."

"You...you bastard!!" she pummelled his chest in frustration. "I know I love you, I don't have to think about it!"

"I've already said I love you and Gohan. What else do you need to hear?"

:"Something sane. Sometimes I get the impression you love your son more than me!" she paused at her own words.

Goku glared at her. "This conversation is taking a bad turn, Chi Chi...I'm going in the woods to run for awhile."

"You mentioned Gohan in the future, but not me. I'm your wife, for Kami's sake!"

"You're overreacting again. This is exactly what I said has to stop. I'm tired of all the melodramatics."

She smirked coldly. "Okay, Goku...I'll remember your words during the so called 'rut' you mentioned. You might find an empty bed!"

He kissed her on the eyes. "Then I'd come looking for you."

Vegeta stretched languidly in the treetops and flexed his toes. It wasn't often he enjoyed the freedom of being barefoot. It made climbing so much easier. A soft thud landed at his side.

The burly saiyan squatted, tail lashing. His bare torso dripped from a recent swim.

"Very much so. In fact, according to this planet's calendar there will be three successive moon nights."

"In the cave keep looking at those infernal 'soap operas'."

"You really have to keep up with those every day. It's easy to get lost if you miss a week."

"Don't be concerned about your brother. The saiyan in him is awake now, and there's no turning back."

"But what if he still refuses? After all, he's been surrounded by humans a long time-"

"The sending went well, Raditz. Kakarot is past denial now."

"Sometimes events take care of themselves. He's accepted being saiyan but has yet to embrace it fully. That will change."

Raditz sat alongside his prince, leaning against the tree trunk. His eyes closed as a sinuous red-black tail coiled his own.

Goku spent the majority of the afternoon shadow boxing and running in his favorite spot, a remote glade about twenty miles from his home. He paused to take a break, stripping down to his shorts by a small stream. A thick tail shone like black velvet, the sun catching every blue highlight.

Two relatively nosy but harmless neighbors followed him using a ki radar. Gerty and Millie crept along a long row of shrubs. Millie held a camera.

"Yeah, barely. It's a good thing we've got the binoculars and telephoto lens!"

"Good deal." the two young women edged closer, finding a strategic spot on a rock outcropping.

"Hmm." the tall redhead tapped her camera. "We need a better angle...I'm getting straight sunlight with this shot."

_Goku smiled to himself. He sensed and smelled the two women when they first arrived. A show was in order. The tall saiyan did an elaborate slow dance, stretching and bending while looping his tail in lazy circles._

"Saayyy...he's got a tail? What's that all about? Weird!'

"They say Goku's in some kinda cult...he hangs with these guys that wear orange and fight a lot."

"I think it's glued on, myself. Kinda cute, though...I wonder what it feels like?"

Millie pulled a roll of film from her jeans pocket. "We'll never know...the guy's married."

"Oh, yeah...to that loudmouthed witch, Chi Chi. Geez, what'd he ever see in her?"

Millie flipped tumbling red waves. "Especially with better prospects in the neighborhood." she batted eyelashes playfully.

"Hah. Quit talking already and take some pictures before he leaves!"

"Wonder what he's like in bed?" Gerty snickered, peeping over the outcropping. "Look at that fat butt...WOO!!"

Millie smirked, taking another shot. "I'm a leg woman, myself. Love those thighs!"

The redhead banged the camera with her fist. "Must be on the fritz...the field's gone blank."

"Can I help you ladies with something?" a male voice sounded behind them. Millie and Gerty spun in shock.

"Ah, uh...eee..." the two women pressed against a rock wall.

Goku smiled at their expressions, wearing only black spandex shorts. "Nice day for a walk, hmm?"

"It was such a nice day, we were taking pictures, the woods are nice, how are you doing-"

"Well, ah...we thought we'd take some...nature shots." Millie winced.

"This many miles away from the neighborhood? That's odd."

"Well, we, uh, wanted to run some while we took pictures."

Goku swished his tail. "You need to get the proper shoes, then. That or go barefoot."

"But those aren't for running. Maybe you should take them off." Goku teased.

They flushed red. "Ah, maybe some other time." Gerty mumbled.

A devil got ahold of Millie. "Can I take your picture, Goku?"

Goku laughed out loud. "I like you two. Don't think for a moment I didn't know you were watching me."

"Your tail? We thought maybe it was glued on or something."

Goku turned, waving it at them. Gerty "oohed," grabbing it gently. Slim fingers ran along the soft fur.

"Oh, you've got to feel this, Millie. It's just like velvet!"

"Amazing." the redhead stroked the fuzzy tip. "It's warm, too." a sudden fragrance filled the air.

"Mmm." she ran it over her nose. "This is something different...you put cologne on or something?"

"That's my own personal variety." Goku grinned smugly. "Most seem to appreciate it."

"Would you ladies care to take a swim with me?" dark eyes blazed in invitation.

Another pair of eyes watched from a short distance away, narrowing suspiciously. Piccolo folded his arms in consternation, not certain of what he saw.

_What's Goku doing out here with those women? I'd better check it out..._

Gerty pointed. "The one flying this way. He looks kind of upset about something."

Goku dismissed it. "Piccolo always looks that way. Hey, Piccolo!!" he waved excitedly.

Piccolo glanced at the two women. "I was about to ask you the same thing. I just left Chi Chi, she was pretty upset."

Goku's face darkened a bit. "We had a disagreement. I came out here to relax a bit."

'Oh, excuse my manners, ladies. Piccolo, these are my neighbors, Millie and Gerty."

"You must be a friend of Goku's." Gerty eyed him closely.

"We were about to go for a swim." Millie interrupted. "Would you care to join us?"

"I don't think that's a good idea." Piccolo said with meaning, staring at Goku. An uncomfortable silence fell between them all.

Goku sighed. "He's right...I'll see you ladies later, hmm?"

They were clearly disappointed. "Well...okay." Millie sniffed, turning to go. Gerty moved to her side.

Piccolo levitated in a lotus position after the two left. "Now tell me what that was all about?"

"Does it really make such a difference in your behavior?" the namek was typically blunt.

"She exaggerates. I have a self awareness she can't deal with."

The namek paused at the strangeness of his words. "Your ki is sharper, more defined."

"Before, it was just a general haze of all around power. Now I sense specific patterns that form a hard shield with many faces. It almost seems familiar..."

Piccolo pursed his lips. "Yeah...whenever I'm around saiyans."

"Is that supposed to be funny? I've always been a saiyan!"

The namek observed him coolly. "I know that, but your aura wasn't like theirs until recently. Something's changed in you."

Goku blinked, remembering his mother's words. _They will see the difference._

"There's no point in lying, Piccolo. You're right. I've experienced several dreams lately that have taken place inside myself."

"If you prefer. In any case, I'm not the 'old' Goku. I'm done with being a buffoon."

Piccolo watched him closely. "I sense it...I thought it an endearing quality."

"An annoying one. I played a role I believed would make me human. That's over with now."

"Do I look like an idiot? I see you out in the woods with two attractive women..."

"They're a bit strange, but harmless. I didn't come out here with them, Piccolo."

"I'm not sure I believe that, Goku. I watched the three of you for some time."

Goku growled. "You're good at 'watching,' aren't you? When do you ever participate?!"

"Always passing judgement...what precisely turns on a namek, Piccolo?"

"It's an honest question. I've just been wondering for some time now."

Piccolo snorted. "You've changed...and not necessarily for the better."

"We'll see...everyone said the same about you after merging with Kami."

Goku inhaled the fragrance of sweet honeysuckle. "No...you go ahead. I think I'll just enjoy this scenery awhile longer."