Monkey Moon

_You mean well, Piccolo. I just wish you weren't so judgemental._

The tall saiyan plopped into soft grass, enjoying warm sunshine on his face.

Vegeta and the others had stripped down to briefs under darkening skies. The ouji issued commands.

"But we're in South America. Kakarot's thousands of miles away!" Nappa protested.

The saiyans smiled grimly, bounding away into trackless jungle. Vegeta glanced up at the early evening sunset.

Raditz strutted through the underbrush, lacing scent everywhere with his tail. A fine mist of musk trailed behind him, permeating dense jungle growth. Nappa moved counterclockwise, using the same maneuver. The saiyans scored tree trunks with sharp nails, gouging large chunks of bark to emphasize the trail.

Raditz could only smile as he breathed in wild air. _A treat for you, brother...an experience you'll never forget. Break the mask and come to me!_

Nappa held similar thoughts as he tracked a few miles away. _I've not forgotten our time together, Kakarot...perhaps I'll sway you from the prince, eh?_

Vegeta stretched and flexed among the treetops, honing his hunger. _Mine is first choice at jungle run, and all had best remember it._

Piccolo had returned to the Son house and was talking to Chi Chi.

"I don't know what to think, Piccolo. You say he was in the woods?"

The namek nodded, uncertain how to answer that. "Yes. He was doing base exercises."

Another hesitation. "It was nothing...he was there with some of your neighbors."

Piccolo glanced out the kitchen window. "Yes. That isn't important, Chi Chi...something else is. Does Goku seem different to you?"

Chi Chi flopped in a chair. "What else? After he awakened earlier we discovered it had grown back. Raditz explained the true function of saiyan tails. Frankly, it has me worried."

"You're right to be concerned. I'm still not convinced the saiyans have shown their true motive."

"But nothing's happened...there's been no invasion or attack!"

"I'm certain of it. They've gone to great lengths to appear harmless. Totally out of character for saiyans, don't you think?"

Dark eyes clouded in confusion. "Now that you mention it Raditz was unusually nice...for a saiyan, anyway. We talked about Goku, mostly."

Piccolo folded his arms. "Hmm...Chi Chi, I'm going to contact the others and have them stay on standby alert."

"As long as Vegeta occupies earth, no one is safe. He's proven repeatedly he can't be trusted."

Chi Chi looked out the kitchen window at darkening skies. "Maybe you're right...there's something here that isn't adding up."

Goku flew home at breakneck speed. Some warning instinct told him tonight wasn't a good time to be outside. Or so he thought.

_I need to apologize to Chi Chi...my words were too harsh, and she really didn't deserve that._

Chi Chi sighed, sitting on the front step and staring up at cascading blue skies melting to deepest purple.

_What am I going to do? I've always known Goku was alien, but he never acted that way._

A small bluish white dot blazed across the sky, moving nearer. Chi Chi leaped to her feet in recognition.

The 'dot' grew in size and landed a few feet away. "Chi Chi, we need to talk."

She didn't move. "I know. I've been thinking since our last conversation."

He approached her slowly. "I was wrong before, the way I spoke to you. I'm sorry..."

"Maybe I'm sorry, too. Some of the things you said were right...I often treated you poorly-"

"No. I used to yell as a child for attention. Once I found it worked, I just kept doing it out of reflex."

"I said the first thing on my mind. Maybe I should have tempered my words more."

"About earlier, when we were in bed...I didn't mean to force things..."

Chi Chi sat on the front step again. "What was that about, Goku? Were you trying to prove you were a real saiyan?"

He sat next to her. "No. But since my tail came back, urges I could once control try to overtake me."

"Saiyans must be hopeless perverts. He wanted to know everything about our life together."

Goku laughed. "Unbelievable. I guess I should have expected it."

Chi Chi sniffed. "Well I didn't...and I certainly wasn't going into details!"

A pause. "I'm not sure...Raditz explained the effects, but not the cause."

"He said that your tail's like an extra sensory organ that influences you..."

"It's true...I can't tell you how different it makes me feel."

A slim hand pulled the furry appendage free of his waist. "So much change from a tail? It still seems hard to believe."

"This is going to sound bizarre? But had I kept it, I doubt we'd be married now."

Dark eyes narrowed. "Explain, please? I don't see a direct connection."

Goku folded his arms around his knees. "My original mission was to raze this planet as a small child. When I first arrived, Grandpa Gohan often told me I had a horrible temper. He nearly abandoned me to the woods."

"Hai, and it's a good thing he decided to raise me, or you wouldn't have a planet to live on. When I suffered a small head injury it seemed to have 'screened off' the strongest of my saiyan instincts. I was able to adapt, though I still loved to fight. I think training and running kept me sane."

Chi Chi chuckled. "Hai, father thought you were a wild bumpkin. Even at the tournaments they used to call you 'dumb country.' But I thought you were sweet."

Goku flushed slightly at the memory. "Well...I suppose I seemed that way. My lifestyle wasn't exactly sophisticated. When we got married I was completely clueless about the ritual."

Chi Chi blushed a bit. "Well, I did trick you. But I always hoped you felt the same way...after all, no one forced you."

A stab of anger cut through her haze. "You said that already."

She poked his chest with a finger. "Why, mister? Afraid of competition?"

He grabbed her. "I told you once, I'm not like before. And there'll be no competition."

"For the millionth time, yes! What do you want, a public announcement?!"

"That won't be necessary" her voice was ice. "Actions speak louder than words, Goku."

He gritted his teeth. "What is it you think I haven't done or said?"

"You claim to speak your mind now, and so will I. I truly believe you love our son more than you do me!"

"Don't waste time denying it...I already know. There are numerous incidents I could bring up that would prove my point."

"And you're a liar. Do you think it spares my feelings knowing this? Whether it's Gohan's education or safety, my concerns always take a backseat. What husband leaves his wife at the drop of a hat with no acceptance of responsibility? You do it all the time."

He balled a fist in frustration. "Dammit, the situation involving threats to earth-"

"I've heard that song and dance before, too. You enjoy leaving me, leaving responsibility behind for adventure and fighting. I hoped you would settle down after we got married and Gohan was born, but it only got worse."

"I expected you to compromise and meet me halfway, like all sane couples do!"

He exploded. "Where do I go when there's no threat to earth? What do I do?! I stay here, that's what."

"Oh, yes. 'Here' is running naked in the woods, wrestling with bears, or catching a fish. We hardly spend any time together!"

"Our interests seem different...and growing by the second" Goku growled.

"Don't make those noises at me, mister! I don't care if you have found your lost self...my son won't be raised by an animal!"

Glaring, he fought an urge to strike her. "I'm going inside." he stood abruptly. Chi Chi leaped up as well.

"We're apologizing too much. I'm going inside." he strode past her through the front door. Chi Chi watched him go.

"What the hell's wrong with you? Don't you care about our marriage at all?!"

Goku grabbed her. "Stop telling me what I feel." he snarled. "I'm fed up with you yelling at me-"

Chi Chi cringed, alarmed at his tone. Goku stopped abruptly, dark eyes flashing a weird gleam.

He purred softly, a sloopy grin sliding over his face. "Chi Chi...you're gorgeous."

Goku swept her up, raining kisses over her eyes and face. She managed to wiggle clear.

"No." he murmured in her ear. "I just realized...the more we argued the more turned on I got."

"Fool!! Our marriage is crumbling, and all you can think about is sex?!"

He dragged her across the living room. "That's all I can think about right now, anyway. The rest can wait!"

Strong arms clutched her once more. "Hai, all the time. But I never mentioned it."

Goku held tight. "Before I was worried what you might think. Now I don't care."

He licked his lips hotly, leering at her. Chi Chi flushed bright scarlet.

"Didn't you ever wonder why we always made love after an argument?"

"Okay, that's enough talking." he tossed her over a shoulder and stalked upstairs. Compact fists pounded his back.

A stream of curses trailed behind their bedroom door as it slammed shut.

The three saiyans drank quietly from the base of a large waterfall in trackless jungle, dim sunlight glow casting low shadows on their nude forms. Nappa splashed water on his face.

"I feel the change beginning." he purred, stretching out on the rocks. Vegeta nodded in agreement.

"Hn, I sense Kakarot is feeling quite horny. Methinks that ningen of his will be angry and sore."

Raditz nibbled on some wildflowers, savoring their taste. "She's a dainty thing...it's a miracle he ever achieved completion with her."

"Ah, but he hasn't...not in the true sense. What human could satisfy him? That marriage can't mask his instincts or control his wild heart."

"True enough." Nappa grunted. "No human male would roll in the jungle with a professed enemy willingly."

Raditz stopped eating flowers momentarily. "You don't have to brag about it, Nappa!"

"Satisfaction is nine points of the law." the bald warrior preened smugly. "Besides, you continue to turn me away. I'm feeling neglected!"

"That's no way to talk with Jungle Run approaching. A kind word, Radtiz...that's all I ask."

The maned saiyan snorted. "You'll not touch Kakarot first this time!"

"Your prince will determine." Vegeta purred. "After all, instincts are one thing...party is another."

"Why worry about formalities?! Jungle Run is full of possibilities. Throughout our history families and mates alike have warred for possession."

Raditz sat crosslegged. "It was MY right to be with Kakarot first-"

"Distribution is the last point of law." Nappa added, laughing. "He wouldn't have trusted you to do it, Raditz. I'm not the most beautiful of saiyans-"

"That's for certain." Raditz agreed readily. Vegeta laughed out loud.

"However, I've been told I have a certain...masculine ruggedness that is difficult to turn aside. Kakarot found me most attractive, despite his denials. And when it comes to the art of pleasure, my skills take a backseat to none."

Raditz thought that over, tail bristling. "I still don't like the idea of you touching him first-"

Nappa glided over to him. "Is that the only reason? Perhaps a bit of jealousy, ne?"

A big hand stroked the thick tail, ruffling it. Raditz twitched, his back arching.

"I thought I was so ugly." Nappa purred, combing thick hair with his fingers.

Lips planted on a flushed cheek. "Hn, such tasty young flesh..."

Vegeta watched them with predatory hunger. "Oh do continue...watching is half the fun before we begin properly!"

"I want Kakarot here." Raditz complained, even as Nappa kissed his throat.

"Stop whining, boy...I smell your heat. Now let's get on with it!"

Raditz purred, his eyes closing at the attention. "Fuck off."

A frayed and frazzled Chi Chi lay silently in bed, staring at the ceiling. Her long dark hair splayed everywhere even as she gathered her composure in silence. Goku had drifted off to sleep at her side.

_This is insane. I can't live with a husband that drags me to bed on a whim!_

She looked over the swarthy features relaxed in sleep. A tiny smile lit full lips.

Dark eyes widened in shock as a thick coil of black fur wrapped her thigh. She pulled at it to no avail.

"Don't believe this shid" she murmured, tugging away. The tail only tightened. Chi Chi grimaced at the pressure on her upper leg.

He glanced blearily. "Oh. Okay..." the whip lifted up and away.

Chi Chi rubbed her sore body. "That's it, mister...we get separate beds!"

She spluttered, at a loss for words. "You drag me to bed without asking me first..."

"Before or after you stripped me naked? Is this what saiyans consider etiquette?!"

She bit her lip. "Goku, there's nothing wrong with wanting me. In fact I'm flattered you find me this irresistable..."

"You're getting...strange in what you want. I'm not sure I can go along with it."

Bronzed flesh flexed next to her in agitation. "Did you come?"

Goku tucked back down under blankets. "I could tell...you felt really good, Chi Chi."

She was shocked to silence. "I don't know what to say at this point, other than this can't continue."

She smacked a hand to her forehead. "Kuso. Will you listen to me? I have needs, too. I'm not a possession to be dragged off and used when the whim suits you!"

"That wasn't my intent, Chi Chi. My drives are so strong now they're difficult to control. I'm still adjusting to having my tail."

She rubbed sore body parts again. "I'm beginning to...painfully."

He slid out of bed. "I've got sensu in my gi pocket...it should help."

"Yeah." Chi Chi murmured, watching muscled perfection move as it rippled. _Will this get worse the longer it goes?_

"Not yet, but you're beginning to worry me, Goku. This is uncharted territory for me too."

A frown pinched his features. "Are you saying you want a separation?"

"No, not exactly. But we may have to evaluate a few things. It's clear our relationship is changed now."

"This isn't change for the better. I'm not a saiyan, Goku. I have no idea what you expect of me now."

"It's got nothing to do with being saiyan. I think we can work this out, with a few adjustments. Would that be so terrible?"

"I've bent over backwards accommodating your wishes for years."

He laughed, shocking her. "I see...so it's come to that? I won't apologize for being what I am!"

Her eyes narrowed. "And just what are you? I see a face that resembles Goku, but the man behind the eyes is a stranger."

Vegeta had to admit Nappa and Raditz put on a good show. The maned saiyan arched and howled as he was mounted from behind. Nappa cried out, shuddering above him. Vegeta stroked himself slowly, bursting thick wetness over his fist as the others climaxed.

"Kakke-ke." the prince murmured shortly, rinsing his hand in the stream. "Not bad for an appetizer."

Raditz breathed heavily in satisfaction as he lay sprawled on his belly. "Hn...a nice warmup" he purred, eyes slitted.

Raditz stretched under him, tail flying up. "I still want Kakarot here! I long to taste his skin..."

"He will come shortly." Vegeta sat crosslegged nearby. "Now both of you, sit beside me. The games begin!"

"Oh yes." Raditz purred, slinking over. Nappa likewise bounded to his prince. Dark eyes slowly brightened to molten red against near night skies. The three saiyans sat in a circle, tails waving sensuously as they chanted.

The dark saiyan looked into space. "Nothing...just something in my head."

"I'm fine...really. Get some sleep, Chi Chi. We'll talk more in the morning." he reached to turn out the light.

"Hmpf." she tucked her head beneath the blankets. Goku turned out the light and closed his eyes...

/What will you decide? The moon is full these next two nights./

/Out of my head. I've had enough mind games the last few days./

Goku smiled to himself, abruptly shutting off contact. _Ha. Did they think me that easy a mark?_

He turned on his side, stretching in fatigue. A panoramic view of sparkling stars and moonlight cast a soft glow through the window across the bed.

Goku couldn't say why, but the nocturnal display enthralled him. A slow vision of circular beauty rose above the horizon, a stark contrast to black skies. The moon.

Chi Chi wasn't asleep. She peeped quietly at her husband, watching his strange expression.

Goku's face slackened to a blank stupor as he stared. A small tingle, barely noticeable sparked to a strange warmth under his skin. That same warmth turned to white heat winding slowly up his spine...

_He ignored her, feeling the change. Words meant nothing, thoughts meant nothing. In silence he moved, rising from bed. The call was too strong._

"Goku, can you hear me?!" slim hands shook him in desperation.

_Her words came from a distance, but it didn't matter. He pushed her away._

Her entranced husband didn't respond. Slowly he pulled on a pair of gi pants, coiling his tail and binding it securely under a sash at the waist.

"STOP." she was yelling at empty air. With one prodigious leap Goku bounded out the open window into darkness.

Chi Chi stared in shock as her husband ran into the night and disappeared.

Insanity. Like a madman he took to the skies, flying south at near light speed. Down the mid time zone he zoomed, following the moon as if tethered on a string...

Chi Chi didn't waste any time. In panic she called Krillen and asked for an emergency meeting regarding Goku's strange behavior.

"No. That's why I'm worried. If the saiyans are trying to use Goku, mess with his mind-"

A pause. "I'll contact the others. Hang tight, okay? We'll work out a strategy."

"Anytime. And don't worry. We've been through tight situations before."