Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ What Exactly Is Involved In A Saiyan Mating Ritual? ❯ Transition ( Chapter 2 )

I'm soooooo sorry that this took so long. There were just so many different ways that I could have gone after the first chapter that I had a tough time deciding on what to put in and what to leave out. Anyways I hope you enjoy J

Disclaimer: I don't own DBZ that's the privilege of Akira Toriyama please don't sue *^_^*

Chapter two

In the obscurity and darkness of a large industrial room, backing onto the domed family rooms of the Capsule Corporation, a solitary light shone. This was nothing new, the number of late night vigils held there were daunting in their number and practically second nature to the residents. Tonight, however, the usual occupier of the meticulously laid out laboratory was tucked up in bed and sound asleep, replaced by a competent but impatient and sexually frustrated Saiyan. The hum of a lone computer, and the occasional mumbled curse were the only distinguishable sounds in the otherwise glaring silence as the digital display on a far distant wall turned over to 3:00am.

The scene was a lonely and depressing one, but that didn't faze its inhabitant in the slightest. It was what he was used to. His whole existence up until a few days ago had been a reflection of the scene he now featured in, and now… well… now, at least, he had a purpose. A very different purpose to what he was used to, but still a purpose none the less. It was strange. He was used to striving to be the strongest, and to be the best, but here he was for the first time in his life pushing himself for what he couldn't help deem as anything less than a weakness. He had always believed that love was an overrated and especially overused word. In fact before had had come to earth he would have dismissed it as a legend altogether. It was a dream. An ideal for weak life forms to cling to, to somehow make their pathetic lives seem more significant than they knew they really were. Now he had become just like them. He did not wish to change this, but he still doubted the wisdom of the step he was about to take. It was overwhelming to say the least. He was even willing to put his own life on the line just to protect her. Many times he had asked himself why? Why did he feel a connection with her? Why had he felt so angry with Yamcha when he saw the tears that spilled from her eyes after they broke up? Why had he got her the Senzu? Why?

Was it because he was lonely? Was it because he had too much time to think? Was it because he felt her pain? Was it really because he was a complete baka and loved her? What was he thinking? He was tired that was all. It was pure animalistic lust that attracted him to her. He might care about her a little bit. He might not want to see her get hurt, but that didn't mean he loved her! That was ridiculous… wasn't it?

He walked over to the hot pot of black liquid that Bulma had told him was coffee. She had explained to him that it had a thing in it called caffeine that was a stimulant. He poured himself a large mug full and turned his attention back to the luminescent computer screen, pushing all unnecessary thoughts out of his head to continue work on the scouter. The woman had prepared a whole essay of encrypted computer codes for him to use, before she had retired to her bedroom, but still it didn't make any sense. It had sounded perfect when she had tried to explain it. So simple, so matter of fact, and now, when he tried to do it without her presence, his fingers fell dumb at the keyboard and his mind froze. Now he knew why she had beaten him so effortlessly in The Link. Her mind must be far more advanced than he had any idea of before. Nowhere had he ever seen anything like it! If Vegeta-sei still existed she would have probably been able to beat an entire contingency of Saiyan elites at the game. He looked over the small Saiyan circuitry that was intricately encased in the scouter, and hooked up to the machine he was working on. Who would have guessed that a simple training simulation would have changed his life so much!

Hours passed and still Vegeta worked. He had an amazing ability to push himself, a desire to never give up, which helped him through all the little difficulties he came across. His patience had been pushed to breaking point several times that night, and the thought of blowing the whole laboratory to hell and forgetting the ritual, sat uncomfortably at the back of his mind as he worked. He wasn't a quitter though. When the frustration hit and he found that working was impossible he let his mind go blank, feeling out for her all-important ki.

When he had first arrived on Chikyu he had concentrated on separating her energy from the rest of the human throng. Mostly it was out of boredom, but part of it had been out of necessity. She had the uncanny knack of sneaking up on him completely unnoticed, and it had made him feel strangely awkward, even vulnerable. If he had felt less when she was near then he probably wouldn't have tried so hard or minded so much, but the very thought of her being able to catch him off guard had been too much of a risk to his sanity.

It had only taken a couple of weeks to perfect the technique, and now her ki was almost as familiar to him as his own, it could even be described as comforting. It inspired him and gave him extra determination to succeed in transforming the three-dimensional computer simulation of Vegeta-sei's royal palace, into a suitable location for a traditional Saiyan mating ritual. He had to admit that she had done a good job of recreating the scene, and with the feel of her energy, he carried on with renewed determination. There was, however, one part of the ritual he was having problems with, and for a long time he couldn't see any way of getting around it, or at least he tried to think of a different way around it than the glaringly obvious, but completely humiliating one. I've already lost enough dignity doing this, I can't possibly ask for his help. There's no way! But then again if I don't then the ritual doesn't get performed and I don't get to…Aw hell! You know you haven't got any choice. You know it's either this or…he swallowed hard, Celibacy! Which is worse? Even if it does mean asking nicely, you at least get to... A strange glint shone in the Saiyan's eye. Ha! That's worth any compromise of pride!

*******

In the far distance a beautiful mountain scene perfectly framed a lush green forest that interlaced the craggy outcrops, stirring such romantic feelings as only such a beautiful blue morning's sky could create. The sun burnt brightly as it started its slow ascension over the dense canopy and onto the forest floor. A stillness and sense of calm spilled out from the knotted branches of the age old generation of trees and engulfed the scene in visions of the picturesque.

Above the tree line, ignoring the awe-inspiring scenery that spilled out over the horizon, floated the figure of a muscular green Z fighter. His attention was fixed on a small patch of cultivated earth that was cut out of the surrounding woodland, revealing a quaint little house positioned next to a fast flowing stream and shrine.

Piccolo knew that the scene about to unfold was going to be interesting to say the least, and even though most of the evil had been chased out of him by the small boy and his fusion with Nail, he couldn't help but smile at the thought of his old rival getting yet another verbal bashing. He listened carefully with his super sensitive ears waiting for the telltale intake of breath that would give him just enough warning to...

"GOKU!"

The shout rang out against the early morning sky, rebounding off the mountains and scaring a small flock of nesting birds off their respective perches.

"GOKU!"

Dammit. Why do you have to screech lady? Cursed the green alien holding onto his burning ears. Living here is continual torture. I might as well rip my ears off and wait until we fight the androids before I regenerate them. The pain would be nothing in comparison!

In the midst of contemplating the frightening woman that Goku had married, a familiar sixth sense took hold and he couldn't help but stare into the distance looking for a spark in the sky that would allow his eyes to confirm what he already knew. Someone was coming! Hmm? He thought, disregarding the shouts from the kitchen and fixing his attention fully on the fast approaching power. This should be interesting.

***********

An eight-year-old half Saiyan stood at the door of the Son family breakfast room, blinking the sleep out of his young eyes, only just managing to keep them open long enough to focus on the neat wood-clad room laid out in front of him. His mother loomed over the scene in a pose that Gohan was all too familiar with. She stood in front of the kitchen sink, blocking the morning light with her hands on hips, ladle in hand, staring angrily at him. "What's wrong mom?"

"What's wrong!" she shouted almost bringing the ceiling down (It wouldn't have been the first time.) "Gohan, just what time did you and your father get home from sparring practice last night?"

The poor boy trembled under his Kasaan's tirade and looked to the floor hoping that somehow the right reply would magically appear there. It didn't. "I'm not sure, mom, It was getting pretty late when we finished the two on one sparring session, and then Mr Piccolo wanted me to practise my energy manipulation techniques, and then daddy said…"

"I asked for a time Gohan!" She interrupted as the metal of the ladle started to bend in her vice like grip, "Not the whole history of your training session!"

"About oneish…" he whispered, as if saying it quietly enough would somehow lessen the evil.

"ONE!" she screamed discovering a whole new octave, "GOKU! GET IN HERE RIGHT NOW!"

A good few minutes passed before Goku happily breezed into the room, blissfully unaware of the tension surrounding him. "Hey hun what's up?"

The waiting housewife growled evilly at its unsuspecting prey. "Don't hey hun me mister! What on Chikyu were you thinking letting Gohan stay out till one in the morning on a school night."

"Oh that! Well Gohan was doing so well, and learning so much that it seemed a shame to stop just because of a silly thing like time, and we were all having such a great time that well I guess we lost track of time. I'm so proud of Gohan. He's becoming such an amazing fighter, I think he has the potential to turn Super Saiyan and, well, ya know he doesn't actually have to attend catch up school until later this afternoon..."

"That's not the point!" came the angry reply "His studying hours are vital for his future academic success, and do you know what will happen now? Now he'll just be tired all day, staring out of the window thinking about fighting when he should be hitting the books. I can't believe you could be so irresponsible Goku. Why do I even bother trying to talk sense into you! Don't you even care about our son's future? I sometimes wonder if you want him to have an education at all!" Chichi paused, her body heaved as she gasped for breath, exasperated at the fact that her husbands face hadn't changed expressions during the whole of her speech.

"Sorry Chichi I know how important Gohan's studies are, but don't you think you're over doing it just a little bit. I mean look… he's fine." Goku's confidence shrank a little at the sight of his young son, bleary eyed and fighting to stay awake. "I'm sorry Chichi it'll never happen again, I promise. Maybe he should have a couple of day's out. After all, rest is just as important as…" His voice trailed away.

"Daddy?" piped up the boy from the obscure corner he had crawled into to avoid any more of his mother's questions, "Who is that?"

"Who is what!" screamed Chichi fuming at the fact that Goku hadn't finished apologising. "Goku tell me what's going on!"

"KAKARROT! GET YOUR WORTHLESS, LOW CLASS TAIL OUT HERE THIS INSTANT. I NEED TO SPEAK WITH YOU."

Goku laughed and turned to Chichi, "I'll give you three guesses," he smiled, "and the first two don't count."

The brightness of the morning sunshine hit Goku full force as he exited the shade of the house. The Saiyan's acute senses managed to control the urge to shy away, and instead focused on the smaller Saiyan standing arrogantly on his perfect lawn. "Hey Vegeta! What's up?"

Vegeta turned up his nose up at the remark and growled. He was unwilling to be dragged into unnecessary small talk. Every particle of air surrounding him was thick with tension. His hands balled into fists, and small sparks flew from the tips of his hair. This is so humiliating! What am I doing here? Ugh! Look at that pathetic excuse for Saiyan! I can't believe he's the only other pure blooded Saiyan still alive. Maybe I'll just go home right now. What am I saying? I've come this far. It shouldn't take too long. He won't be expecting it and I might as well get this over and done with. Ha! This is ridiculous. I hope you realize what I'm putting myself through for you woman. You had better be DAMN grateful! As if I haven't humiliated myself enough as it is! Trying to sound as unconcerned as possible he spoke. "You have something I need Kakarrot!"

"I do? Cool! What?"

A slight grin pulled at Vegeta's lips. "Oh nothing much. I just need some of your blood that's all." Without further warning he rushed at his greatest rival full speed, laying a fist into his startled face.

Given warning Goku would have probably avoided it, but although he managed to keep on his feet and put up a slight defence, the punch landed on his chin, busting open his bottom lip. "Aw man Vegeta! If ya wanted to spar you could at least have given me some warning! Gees!"

"Don't be ridiculous Kakarrot. I have no desire to spar with you. I train alone!"Humph! Well that was much more entertaining than I thought it would be.

"Then why did you just hit me? Aw man that stings!"

You think that hurts? Just wait until I'm a Super Saiyan too! Then you will know what true pain is! "Ugh, I told you already! I need some of your blood, but if you'd prefer, I could be talked into going back to Capsule Corporation to make that woman give me the biggest needle she can find and..."

Goku paled at the thought, and let out a yelp. "Ahhhhh, ok anything but needles!"

"Well as much as I've loved this conversation," he sneered, walking up to the taller Saiyan and using a swab to get what he wanted, "I have more important things to concentrate on." His ki exploded around him enveloping him in a shroud of blue energy. "Bye, bye." he snorted sarcastically, before speeding off into the sky back the way he had come.

Nervously Chichi poked her head around the front door. Her husband still looked up at the sky even though Vegeta was no longer in sight, "Wow, what was all that about?"

The baffled Saiyan scratched the back of his head deep in thought, "I have absolutely no idea."

Trees flew by underneath Vegeta's feet as he piled on all his power, not wanting to loose even a second of precious time. He headed back to his future Saiyan mate knowing that at last he could finish his alterations. This is perfect! Now I have everything I need. Watch out woman this Saiyan is coming to claim you. Just you try and back out now!

************

The gentle morning sunshine filtered through the orange leaves on the large oaks that boarded an extensive woodland area at the back of the Capsule Corporation buildings. Its beautiful soft rays picked out the rust colors of early autumn and literally made the scene glow with its energy. Bulma still lay in bed, wrapped up in the blissful folds of sleep. If she had been awake she might have heard a soft padding as her Saiyan Prince landed effortlessly on the balcony, scouters in hand. He gently slid the large pain of window glass open and entered completely unnoticed.

Laying the small machines on the dressing table he walked over to her bed. His muscular arms sat comfortably crossed over his broad armor-clad chest. The slightest flicker of a smile contorted his usual scowl as one of his hands extricated itself to gently push a couple of stray bands of aquamarine hair away from her peaceful sleeping face. She stirred slightly under his touch and whispered something indistinguishable, before rolling onto her tummy, settling back into whatever dream she had been disturbed from.

Feeling an overwhelming tiredness hit, Vegeta walked back outside to the wicker-worked chair on the balcony patio and closed his eyes. A strange feeling of satisfaction ran though his blood as he let his mind go and forced himself to fall asleep.

It was his very own room. Not the show room that passing dignitaries were introduced to or even his allocated part of the house where servants were paid and threatened in turn to keep watch over him, but a room that he had chosen himself to sleep in. It was the only place in the entire palace that he had ever felt truly comfortable in. It was his sanctuary, his place for reflection, meditation and escape. Tonight, however, it felt different. The young prince couldn't explain it, but there was a strong feeling of inevitability clinging to his sixth sense, something bad was about to happen. He could almost smell it in the air. "Vegeta!"

Shadows shifted in the large room and created strange patterns that licked at the walls making the young prince tremble lest some horrible creature of his imagination came to take him away. The oncoming footsteps only added weight to the young Saiyan's warped conviction that his fate laid at the mercy of some hideous demon, and to be fair, he wasn't all that wrong. "Vegeta!"

He recognized the voice now and banished all thoughts of unspeakable creatures. "Yes father." He replied.

"Ah there you are boy! I need to discuss a small matter with you."

"You want to speak to me? Why? Is there to be another contest?"

"No, I have no desire for the public to witness how weak their promised future Super Saiyan prince is again. Tonight I have more pressing matters to attend to. I have come to inform you that I will be leaving Vegeta-sei shortly for…" his voice tightened slightly, "shall we say, negotiations, with lord Frieza and that you will be accompanying me."

Vegeta looked to the floor unsure of what was expected from him. His father frequently took him to important planetary meetings, so why was there an emphasis in his voice that made this feel different?

"I am not sure how these negotiations will pan out, but there is a chance that they could collapse entirely. You have to understand, therefore, that if diplomacy fails, our planet and very survival is at risk. I believe that we will prevail in the struggle and return to Vegeta-sei as though none of this ever happened, but I do not like the feeling that stirs inside of me and hangs thick in the air tonight. Usually the thought of going into battle pumps me up, but I have a bad feeling about this. I may be paranoid, but if for some reason the worst does happen then I, and our entire army will go out fighting, just as any pureblooded Saiyan's should. You, however, will live on. Lord Frieza does not wish you harm. He tells me that your powers and abilities will be useful to him, and although I do not trust him in general, I know that his thirst for power will keep you alive."

"What do you mean I will survive? You will live also…"

"This is not an open discussion! I will speak and you will listen. I don't have time for frivolous questioning. The harsh reality is that if Lord Frieza comes to collect you on the second day after our arrival then you will know that our efforts have failed and that… I am dead. I have trained you to regulate and suppress your emotions. I have not liked the severity of my training, but for the future life you may be forced to live, it has been necessary. I know therefore that the thought of my demise, will not distress you as much as it distresses me to relinquish you to that monster. If I do not return then you must understand that I never wanted this to happen, and that… I love you."

"Feh! There's no such thing as love, only differing degrees of toleration. Those are your own words!"

"Yes… you are right." He sighed walking to the door, "Your training really has paid dividends. This is for you." A small machine was thrown at the young boy who caught it deftly.

"I already have a scouter!"

"Not like that one, you haven't! Imbedded in the circuitry is a game called The Link. It was designed by Bardok to heighten the reflexes and reaction times of those Saiyan elites thought mentally competent and trustworthy enough to use it. Frieza will train your body, but the game, the game will train your mind. Now sleep well, you have a busy day ahead of you tomorrow. Nappa and Raditz will come to collect you. They have a purging mission to Sinerra and are to accompany us as far as Lord Frieza's ship before continuing on their own. Never forget who you are Vegeta! You are a Saiyan, a prince, and above all else you are unbelievably strong! One day you will be free from all this, and I want you to promise never to forget what it is to feel. Do you promise?"

"I do not understand you father. You are talking nonsense! I promise nothing!"

The mighty king took a step back, and shook his head in disbelief. "What have I done to you?" It was barely above a whisper. "Vegeta?" he held out a gloved hand. "You are my son. You are the future. Promise me?"

"I will not. I wish to be left alone!"

The king of Vegeta-sei turned to leave just as his son had requested. "Father?" came a small voice "The promise is unnecessary. Return to collect me!"

The scene shifted. Instead of the comforting room his father had just vacated the ten-year-old Saiyan was sat in the cold metal hold of an ice-jin spaceship. He was hungry. No one had remembered to bring him food. Seeing a rat crawling along the floor he let a small beam of energy escape from his infantile hands. The blue light flew at the rodent killing it instantly. Happy with his own ingenuity he feasted on its flesh feeling for the ki's of his father's men, trying to ascertain what was going on. That's odd? He couldn't feel anything. No wait! He could feel one solitary Saiyan ki, but only just. It was weak, barely clinging onto life.

His eyes widened. "Father?"

He felt again trying to make sure. He hadn't been mistaken. The dying power surged slightly and Vegeta stood up trying to understand what was going on. The surge didn't last long. It became fainter and fainter before blinking out of existence all together. "NNNNNOOOOOO! FATHER!" he looked down at his half eaten meal, and threw it across the room, as tears streamed down his face and he fell to his knees. "I told you not to leave me. I specifically asked you to return! Why did you leave ME?"

His head turned as the heavy door to the cold room hissed open. "You must be the Saiyan Prince Vegeta. Lord Frieza wants us to show you to your quarters. You will not be returning to Vegeta-sei. Get your things and follow me."

He did as he was told trying to control the torrent of tears that flooded down his cheeks, I do feel father. I will make the promise that you asked me too. I shall never forget!"

His whole body jolted throwing him out of his dream and back into the glaring mornings sunshine. He was no longer alone. His eyes adjusted to the light and made out the shadow of a figure leaning up against the railings. The long blue hair blew enticingly in the gentle morning breeze and those eyes reflected the light, making his chest swell with pride. Slowly pushing himself out of the chair he walked up to her, his dream still tugging at his thoughts. Not saying a word he stroked both his hands from her shoulders down her back, pulling her close. He didn't care about the mating ritual or wanting to claim her. He just wanted to be close to her, to feel the comfort that only her arms brought him and to capture the feeling that only she could create. I will keep my promise father. I have not forgotten.

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Ok that's it for chapter two. Thank you all for the great reviews on the first chapter, but don't forget to review this one too. PLEASE! Also if anyone is still really confused as to the story line check out my other fic Saiyan Games. It will help. What? Unabashed self-promotion... me? Never! *^_^*