Royal Namekian Blues

By Trynia Merin

Vegeta and Bulma’s Combat Exercises

Written for those of you who demanded more Vegeta/Bulma, HERE IT IS! Sorry it took so long! I don’t’ own either one, but Toriyama does. I own Dr. Stellari, Fermi and Bohr, who don’t appear but are mentioned in this chapter. Lemony Lime taste here!

Gohan kept his distance from Raditz. Neither spoke, but there seemed a silent understanding between them. Around Dr. Stellari Gohan was polite and kind, and she had helped him catch up with his science to Chichi's delight. Acting as a tutor to her son was a temporary measure, and it paid for room and board. Not to mention using Chichi's home computer kept her in touch with what remained of Capsules auxiliary factories. Raditz trained with Piccolo and defended the area, while Gohan trained the twins and Chichi and Stellari tended the ill Goku. They formed an unconventional family unit.

Gohan's reluctance to let Raditz stay had implemented this as a temporary buffer zone. Two futons could be laid on the floor for her sons, and she and Raditz shared the large Chinese box bed. As trust slowly blossomed between nephew and uncle, they were at least able to sit at table without any accusatory looks. Gohan's own eyes had seen his uncle protecting Goku, and that erased much but not all of the hatred.

Hence Raditz wearing Goku's extra clothes. Chichi had the idea that if Raditz dressed as a human, Gohan would be less terrified? It did help to some extent. Plus Dr. Stellari had no clothes but Chichi's old spare outfits. Every day she learned the diverting tasks of sewing and fixing things along with cooking for a whole small army. She still couldn't figure out how Chichi could afford to keep two saiyans fed. Piccolo had some of his own funds that his Mazuko clan had amassed. Then Chichi's father the Ox King had set up a trust fund for Gohan, and there was Chichi's dowry she had invested.

Raditz still drew a salary from Capsule. Fermi and Bohr had helped fetch groceries from the local market. They easily flew Chichi to and from, and Dr. Stellari had a driver's license and often took turns with the shopping. Rarified air and weighted clothes slowly unlocked Raditz vast potential, but he trained endlessly on his own when he was not working with the 'green man'. Gohan and Piccolo moved to perform their own training while Raditz worked with the twins. But there was a time where he would train Dr. Stellari in the ways of basic combat.

During the two days that Dr. Stellari and Lunch had spent with Nappa and Raditz, Vegeta and Bulma had been taking some quality time for themselves. She glanced over his shoulder at the rest of the Gravity chamber. Luckily the crude bunk made a good temporary guest quarters for her and Vegeta while staying here. For some reason Vegeta had insisted Bulma needed some basic combat training. As the mate of a Prince it was considered protocol. For the past week they had stayed in the GR under an ever increasing program from 1 up to 10 G's. Bulma had thought it insane at first, but after Vegeta's taunts of calling her a weakling she'd taken up his challenge. Trunks was in the care of her parents at their vacation home.

Vegeta had her pinned from behind as before. Bulma suddenly dropped forwards. Vegeta found it exceedingly difficult to keep a grip on her falling body. Then her thighs snaked out and latched around his legs. Jerking her whole body she toppled the mighty Saiyan on his side.

"Ugh, fool female," he snarled. Bulma untangled herself, and then aimed a kick at his shin. A tight band clamped around her ankle. She glanced back to see Vegeta gauntleted hand latched around her foot. Instantly she kicked at his forehead and face. However he would not release his grasp.

"Dammit," she grumbled.

"Remember what I taught you, woman," Vegeta urged. "You can escape. But the answer isn't so nice."

Bulma nodded. Instead of kicking his face she jammed her foot against his wrist. The spike of her pump heel collided with his thumb. Then she twisted her whole body in the opposite direction and managed to break his grip. Only to have him press her flat and pin her down again. She lay completely still under him for a long series of minutes. When Vegeta shifted, he suddenly felt a sharp pain in his face from her hand reaching out. Point blank, purple energy flared directly into his eyes and nose.

"Drek," Vegeta cursed. His sensitive nose was completely useless from the direct flash up his nostrils. Since when could she generate any sort of ki? Around his neck he felt her arm latch and her fist to his neck. Squeezing hard in a half nelson or sleeper hold she was trying to apply pressure to the jugular vein and carotid artery. Simultaneously her thighs wrapped around his torso and tried to squeeze against his ribcage.

"Don't woman, you'll hurt yourself," Vegeta urged. "My bones are ten times as dense."

"I will find a way," she whispered.

"Doubtless you will. You're a far fiercer fighter then first I realized," Vegeta grunted. He still managed to wriggled out of her hold, and pin her flat under him.

"Damn it…"

"Enough woman, I tire of this," Vegeta grunted. It was his nonverbal cue that he was only playing. They had developed the code so she remembered the difference. Judging from his dilated nostrils and heavy breath, he was highly aroused.

She glanced up at him looming over her. Instead of armor, he wore gi. It was strange to see his muscular form clad in just workout clothes seeing him wearing armor so often. Low on his left breast a faded Vegetasei symbol bulged against the curve. All that remained of his Saiyan armor were the gloves and the boots. She glanced down at her own outfit, made of sturdy spandex, sleeveless and tight. One of the old fighting outfits of her husband had sufficed. She grasped a handful of his blue undershirt and felt the texture of the metal woven together tightly. Vegeta seemed far more energetic and composed then before.

"It suits you," she murmured.

"These are flimsy clothes, but they have their advantages," Vegeta grunted.

He sat down next to her, and then pulled her to sit in his lap. She buried her face in his hair, suddenly terrified of the unknown. For a week she'd worried about the possible retaliation from the Z warriors since Tien and Yamcha's attack.

Just then she heard the shrilling of something electronic. Bulma and Vegeta shared the same look of mutual irritation. “Just a moment,” she said.

“Make it quick!” Vegeta growled impatiently. “I don’t like interruptions.”

“I still need to run Capsule. I mean Daddy’s giving me more responsibility since I’m the Vice President,” she reminded him.

“Do so, I’ll be waiting,” Vegeta answered, nudging her off his lap so she landed playfully on the floor.

“HEY!” she glowered at him. Vegeta gave her backside a playful swat when she got up, then dashed over towards the place where she heard her gym bag continuing to trill.

“Yes, yes I’m COMING, sheesh!” she growled at the offending electronic device. Fishing it out, she finally retrieved the flat company phone with the CC logo on it.

“Hello, VP Briefs…”

“Thank goodness!” came a frantic voice on the other end.

“Dr. Stellari… what’s going on? Where have you been for the past forty eight hours! Dr. Melmac and Technician infra said you were missing!”

“I’ve been… well I met up with Raditz and Nappa while they were going ape,” said Dr. Stellari.

“WHAT?” Bulma yelped. Vegeta peered over his shoulder, and winced. He overheard the statement and shook his head. Apparently he’d have to have a discussion with his two subordinates about taking their activities further from West City.

“It’s all right, but I’m at the Son house,” said Dr. Stellari.

“What are you doing THERE?” Bulma demanded. She began to orbit the GR, her blue eyes sparks of impatience. Vegeta snickered to himself about how much she resembled him at that moment. Yet his own interest was piqued.

“Goku brought Raditz, the boys and me. He says there have been more sightings of the androids and that it was safer…”

“WHAT? Why didn’t Kakkarot TELL me?” Vegeta snarled, rushing towards the phone.

“Hold on, Vegeta. What was that you said?”

“I don’t know! Goku said that he and Piccolo got word that Yamcha and Tien went missing, and that there were sightings of the androids…”

“Let me have that device!” Vegeta snapped, snatching it out of her hand. “You, Raditz mate?”

“Yes… your highness?” Dr. Stellari stammered nervously.

“You have Kakkarot call me NOW! I must speak to him!”

‘But he and Raditz are out training…” said Dr. Stellari. “And he wouldn’t tell me…”

“Typical! Damn it…”

“Wait a minute, Piccolo’s here…” Dr. Stellari said. “He wants to talk to you, Prince…”

“Put him on!” said Vegeta.

“But what about…” Bulma growled. Vegeta waved her away with a gloved hand.

“Yes, what the hell is going on, Namekian?” Vegeta growled into the phone.

“I think you should tell us. Why are your soldiers smashing things up in ape form?”

“They aren’t SUPPOSED to be so foolish! Is that what you’re calling me about?”

“I just thought you’d like to know that Tien and Yamcha have gone missing. And that Goku figured that these android sightings which were near Capsule weren’t safe for her and her kids,” said Piccolo.

“Bulma! Have there been any happenings at Capsule?” Vegeta asked.

“If there were, I would have known,” Bulma said. “But SOMEONE’s hogging my executive line!”

“Stop jerking me around! What did you see?” asked Vegeta.

“That’s what I’d like to know. I think it would be best if you joined Gohan and me as soon as you can. Trunks said he was already on his way this morning…”

“Since WHEN did he do anything without…?” Vegeta trailed off. Bulma grabbed his wrist, trying to get his attention.

“He left yesterday with Bliss. He didn’t want to disturb you or me,” said Bulma guiltily hanging her head. “He figured if anything major happened he’d signal you.”

“I’m going to have to talk to that boy!” Vegeta snorted. “So Namekian, where is he?”

“He’s in a place called Gingertown with Bliss,” said Bulma.

“Gingertown, eh?” asked Piccolo. “That seems consistent with what I heard the other day. I was about to check that place out myself… with Gohan. If you’d like you can join us… unless you don’t think it’s necessary to have us weaklings in the way!”

“I’ll be there if it’s worth my while. Otherwise I’ve other matters to attend to. And tell that third class soldier of mine to stay put and keep an eye on Kakkarot,” said Vegeta.

“So you know he’s here?” asked Piccolo.

“He may stay. And keep Kakkarot from doing anything stupid,” said Vegeta. “If he endangers himself before I’ve had the chance to have satisfaction, I won’t be happy at all! Nobody will have Kakkarot but me!”

“I’ll let him know. I think it might be worth your while to join us anyway, since Trunks did mention that one of the places that could see action was this ‘Gingertown’. It’s near that island in question,” said Piccolo.

“I’ll be there in two hours,” Vegeta said. “I have some business here to tie up…”

“Fine. Goodbye,” Piccolo said. There came a rustling, and then he heard the female voice of Raditz mate on the phone.

“May I speak to Dr. Briefs please?” asked Dr. Stellari.

“Do so. But I think it best if you remain there, considering what you carry is a precious commodity. Don’t be foolish enough to put yourself in danger!” Vegeta snapped.

“Excuse me?”

“Your Saiyan brats, woman. Kakkarot has more sense then I imagined if there are Androids about. You will remain at Kakkarot’s home with your mate, got it?” said Vegeta.

“But I don’t get what is going on!” Bulma growled into his ear.

“Did Kakkarot give you any reason why?” asked Vegeta.

“Didn’t Piccolo tell you, sire?” asked Dr. Stellari equally confused.

“Give me the phone, Vegeta,” Bulma growled. Vegeta pulled a face and handed it back. “Yes, this is Bulma. Sorry about the confusion. I’m going to have to talk to Goku about acting without talking to his FRIENDS… no it’s not YOUR fault. Just consider yourself on leave.”

“All right…”

“I’ll make sure you get some clothing and your computer stuff sent over via Capsule express,” said Bulma. “Take care! And just let Goku take care of you!”

“All right,” Dr. Stellari said. Bulma said her exit greetings, and then clicked off the phone. Vegeta stood with crossed arms, tapping a booted foot.

“What IS Kakkarot up to? I don’t LIKE it when he acts smart,” Vegeta glared at her.

“I don’t’ know either! I don’t like it anymore then you do when Trunks doesn’t tell me…”

“He’s YOUR son,” said Vegeta.

“EXCUSE me, it takes TWO to tango!” Bulma glared. Just then the phone mercifully interrupted again. Both of them groaned.

“WHAT?” Bulma shouted, clicking it open.

“Hi mom, sorry to disturb you,” said Trunks raspy voice.

“What the HELL is going on boy!” snapped Vegeta, grabbing Bulma’s arm and tugging her over so they both stood with the phone between them.

“Sorry Father. I didn’t want to bother you and Mother. Bliss and I were investigating some ‘sightings’ we heard about in the local news. And then Goku suddenly appeared near us and asked us if we knew where Yamcha and Tien were…”

“Get to the point! Why didn’t you TELL me that you were subversively…?” Vegeta snarled.

“It wasn’t like that, Father. You don’t like sneaking around bases. You told me yourself you wanted to face the Androids head on, didn’t you?” Trunks asked.

“Have you found anything else?”

“Nothing really. Once Piccolo and Gohan get here, we’ll see what’s what. But Goku heard that Raditz and Nappa were transforming and he went to go investigate personally. Then he saw Dr. Stellari and her kids out in the wilderness and figured it was better if they were at his place. There HAVE been sightings of strange powerful beings. But they can’t be sensed by our ki,” said Trunks.

“Someone needs to freaking TELL me!” Vegeta snarled.

“I can handle it, Father. I know it’s a Saiyan’s prerogative to fight an enemy head on. That’s what Bliss said. Till we actually SEE them, I figured that you wouldn’t want to be informed,” said Trunks.

“You were correct in that boy. Do your spying and report back to me. But next time TELL me what the hell you’re up to! Remember whose side you’re on!” Vegeta snapped. Bulma winced, shaking her head.

“Father I’m sorry. It’s just that you didn’t tell anyone that Nappa and Raditz were transforming,” said Trunks quietly.

“I see your point, damn it. But a Prince doesn’t need to explain his actions,” said Vegeta ominously, wrinkling his brow. “And the whereabouts of Tien and Dim Sum are not my affair either!”

“That’s what Raditz and Goku are doing. They’re off to find them where they were last seen, and Krillen and Chiautzu are going along. Piccolo, Gohan and I are checking out the ‘sightings’,” said Trunks.

“I will join you in two hours. But next time you see fit to take initiative you must TELL me. You are the son of a Prince, and you owe your allegiance to me,” Vegeta grunted. “Got it? I applaud your observance of our customs, but I won’t tolerate the withholding of information that could be of advantage to me! You ASK me next time!”

“Right Father,” said Trunks quietly.

“Or were you not telling me for some other reason, eh?” asked Vegeta. There was a long pause as Trunks breathed deeply.

“It’s just that I don’t want you to… die, Father. Not like you did in my universe,” Trunks said.

“That will not happen. Have you so little faith in my abilities, boy?” Vegeta snickered. “Do have some respect. I shall finish combat exercises here, and leave Nappa to guard your mother. I will expect to have my share of the action.”

“Father?” said Trunks.

“Try not to let the weaklings have TOO much fun if those tin cans should show their faces,” said Vegeta. Bulma swallowed hard when he grunted farewell and clicked off the phone. He tossed it back to Bulma, who glared at him.

“What?” he snorted, seeing her anger.

“Vegeta, he’s only trying to protect you,” said Bulma.

“I don’t NEED that boy’s protection,” said Vegeta angrily. “He forgets his place. He may be my brat, but he has MUCH to learn about Saiyan pride.”

“I’m going to shower,” Bulma mumbled.

“I shall join you,” Vegeta said. Bulma raised a brow as he licked his lips.

She shivered; bare arms goosepimpling in the GR. Vegeta gently helped her to stand next to him. Power flared over them both to warm her. Was he still the same warrior that had once claimed Goku and the others were weaklings? Now he owed his hidden potential to the very one he had come to take away. The taste of such a good life with Vegeta was playing havoc with her sense of right and wrong.

If not for the grounding of what seemed 'right' through the bond he would be insane. He was still a ruthless Saiyan warrior. What would his father think of him now? It scarcely mattered since Prince Vegeta had altered the Saiyan order to include protecting weak creatures. Vegeta was trying to recreate planet Vegeta on earth, while still retaining enough human culture that they would not dissuade the humans. Still there were times when the Prince had killed an employee for insubordination. Something Bulma had turned a blind eye to out of love.

They quickly made use of the small shower. There were no movements to renew their bond, simply quiet attempts to wash each other's sweat away. This time Vegeta had let the female adjust the temperature. He wondered why she had not removed the robe from around herself.

"There, just step under that," she said, nudging him inside.

"I already KNOW your bathing customs!" Vegeta mumbled.

"You're hopeless," she groaned. She motioned for him to kneel on the floor. Vegeta did so, letting his body be battered by the hot rain. He groaned at the sensation of a cloth dragging over every inch of his skin. His nose wrinkled at the sickly smell of flowers dousing him.

"I can't stand that," he groaned.

"Sorry. Let's try something more masculine," Bulma apologized. Before he could look at her body she had ducked behind his hair. Plastered around him he looked similar to a character on an old TV show called Cousin It. Soon the flower scent vanished under a spicy musk that Vegeta could tolerate.

"I much prefer this to smelling like your fool mother's garden! What is this surfactant again, Woman?" Vegeta asked.

"Old spice. I wasn't thinking that your nose is…"

"Seven times as sensitive as your human one, and don’t you forget it!" Vegeta answered. "And our hearing is twice as sensitive."

"I hate to think of how I must smell to you," she murmured, finishing soaping him off. Vegeta stood up, towering over her.

"Now your turn, woman," he laughed.

"That's not necessary," she stammered.

"Are you scared a monster like me will harm you, female?" Vegeta teased her. His harsh laugh made her wince. Yet his hands moved delicately over her body. She stood with her back to him, holding out the washcloth to him.

"I don't need that," Vegeta laughed. Instead his hands lathered the liquid soap between them and then rubbed the suds all over her. She yelped in shock at the sensation of him reaching around her from behind so he could scrub her chest, upper arms, then belly.

Inevitably his hands darted down and explored territory between her slender legs. Bulma arched her back, hissing breath out from clenched teeth. While his left hand crossed over her chest and cupped a breast, his right index finger found a fun activity. A sharp nip on her earlobe followed, and then Vegeta dropped to one knee. "Good god, what are you doing… here?"

"Reminding you of who's your Master," Vegeta whispered in her ear. "This is but a small sample of the pleasure I give you as the mate of the Prince of all Saiyans. Reminding you that I'm not some mindless animal or brute as your idiotic friends seem to think of me."

"You are, and you aren't," Bulma choked, gripping his wrist. Vegeta at first though she was trying to pull his hand from its current obsession. Yet he felt her guiding his probing fingers. Shaking legs wouldn't let her stand up. As she pitched downwards, Vegeta strong hand stopped her. He knelt behind her.

Bulma felt hands arresting her fall. Glancing down she saw her legs straddling his muscular thighs. Hard pectorals flexed against her back. Sharp teeth seized the nape of her neck, hot breath fanning it with volcanic intensity. Vegeta slipped his index and middle fingers over the center of her attentions while simultaneously joining them. Bulma jerked forwards against the arm clasped over her chest. In such a position her body and his were merged in ways that defied all previous pleasures.

"Remember when I first told you this was how Saiyans mate, Bulma?" Vegeta whispered. "I do things your way and it's only fair you should see it from MY perspective."

"Mmm, remind me," she whispered, tears blurring her vision with his ministrations.

"Oh yes, you suit me VERY well," Vegeta purred, groaning at the force of her body. Bulma let out a loud groan then felt his tongue lapping up the blood oozing from the nape of her neck. Mercilessly Vegeta raked pleasure and gave her so much in return. Quickly the tension and itching ache mounted inside. Then she quivered for all she was worth. In her ear she heard his loud roar vibrating through both their bodies.

Blinding radiance exploded behind her eyes. Thousands of silver shards of pleasure and pain burst along every nerve ending. Then she heard herself panting and her own heart thumping. Only his back braced her weak body up along with his arm across her chest. Vegeta nipped at her shoulders, and then removed his hand. She panted through the tears and the soft gentle swipes of a soft tongue lapping up her blood that remaind.

Vegeta carried her out of the bedroom into the living room area of the GR. Holding her off her feet, he flickered his tongue over the bite mark, then pulled her face to nip his jugular. Bulma instinctively buried her teeth in his flesh, forcing herself to swallow his thick rich blood. It contained more oxygen then hers, giving her the strength to keep up with him while bonding them together. Just what the nature of her powers was eluded him, but he knew she'd be strong enough to carry the offspring he'd planted in her womb.

"Be proud, that you're mine," he whispered.

"And you're MINE," she added as he set her down on the sofa, and sat at her side.

"You're mine alone, female," he purred, possessively wrapping his arms around her. "And nobody on this world or any will dispute that."

"You're MINE too," Bulma nodded. "Even though my friends might think you're a monster, you're my husband."

"You are loyal to me, Bulma," he whispered. "The sacrifice of your culture and friendships can be harsh, but you must remember our bond cannot be broken."

"Never Vegeta," she whispered. "I'm with you to the end."

Elsewhere at the secret Saiyan training facility, Nappa had brought his woman Lunch back from the wild. They were getting down to business in the small capsule house near the GR complex where Bulma and Vegeta had spent their last week. However the inevitable happened once more as Nappa gently pulled the red nightgown off his woman.

Nappa heard the scream after the sneeze. As vulnerable as her he saw the frightened blue haired Lunch squirming against him. His first impulse was to stop that awful racket. "Woman, be quiet!"

"What… who…" she stammered.

"It's Nappa, woman. I'm not going to hurt you," Nappa barked, grabbing her wrists lightly.

"You… what…"

"Shh,' Nappa hissed. He moved back from her, but held her back with one hand.

"I… were you and me going to…" she asked.

"You and I need to chat, woman," said Nappa quietly. "This is getting to be a real pain. I'm going to level with you once and for all."

"But why…"

"Simple. You and me are sex partners. I've been screwing you since that first time. But since I like you, I'm not going to hurt you, got it?" Nappa said firmly.

"You were with me? Then this baby…"

"Is yours and mine. I wanted the brat, and I want you. But you keep sneezing and going blue just before we're gonna do it. And I think it's time you learned ol' Nappa isn't gonna harm his woman," said Nappa.

"I'm scared."

"Don't be. I'm strong enough to beat the crap out of anyone who'd lay a finger on you. I like you WAY too much to let anything bad happen to you, so forget any thoughts in that little blue head of yours about me doing something nasty. You please me, and you're fine. I don't mistreat my women despite what you might hear," Nappa said.

"You've never… taken me like this," she whispered.

"We can change that," said Nappa.

"But I hardly know you," Launch squeaked.

"I won't bite hard," Nappa said, stroking her cheek. She yelped then giggled as his tail darted out and tickled her ribs.

"That's so cute and furry," she laughed, lightly taking hold of it.

"You like it? Cause it likes you," Nappa teased. Lunch tittered at the tail suddenly darting into dangerous territory.

"You naughty man…" she yelped.

"C'mere girl. I'm not gonna hurt ya. In fact you're going to see just how much fun we can have if you submit," Nappa urged. Lunch trembled at the caress of a huge hand on her delicate cheek. Nappa leaned forwards. Timidly she turned her face to the side and offered a kiss to him. Rough lips and his moustache tickled. Yet he did not hurt her. Rather he pulled her to straddle his lap, securing her in place with his tail.

"Relax little girl, cause I’m going to give you the ride of your life," Nappa laughed. Quick touches of his hands in all the right places caused her to moan with untold pleasure.

So when he finally put her hand on where he most wanted, her nervous blue eyes looked at his, dark with desire. It was not at all what it was like when she slept with Master Roshi. He had been one that would look and drool at her. Then his touches and gropes would tickle, and his quick attempts would only bring momentary pleasure. They'd sleep tangled up with his head in her breasts. She was glad Master Roshi was just turned on by looking, and nothing else. He was a kind and gentle lover but she longed for something more substantial. Blushing she allowed him access to her delicate body. Nappa laughed with the ease at which she accepted him and then began to sate his needs. Lunch squealed and pressed her hands to his chest, riding along with glee. It didn't take long to bring her to a shattering climax where she cried his name.

"That was fun," she giggled.

"Want more?" Nappa leered.

"Uh huh!" Lunch laughed, leaning forward to kiss him. Nappa rolled her over, and they soon filled the capsule house with cries of joy.

While Vegeta and Bulma tried to sort out what was going on, Goku and his brother Raditz blasted full speed to a special training location. As Goku glanced sidelong he struggled to see the similarities between himself and the silent sober Saiyan. Yet he had glimpses of hope in the pleasant and gentle demeanor Raditz displayed around Fermi and Bohr. Unknown to Raditz and Stellari, Goku had spied on them most of the last 2 days. He bid his time till just the right moment to approach Stellari to determine if she was happy or not. Chichi would scold him for his subterfuge, but Goku knew it would be worth it if he could prove to her and his friends that Raditz had indeed turned over a new page in his life.

Most importantly Goku had to prove to Gohan that his uncle was different. He did not envy Stellari who would face Gohan’s pointed questions. He could just envision the tension he had left back home with Chichi. Nevertheless he had faith in his wife’s ability to keep the peace. Besides Piccolo was there to make sure Gohan had a source of comfort. Chichi would most likely side with Dr. Stellari if arguments and tempers heated.

Raditz kept his own council. For the past hour he had nothing of import to say because he was so shocked at Goku’s ready acceptance. Just when he thought he had Goku figured out, his brother blew all his theories to rubble by some unpredictably NICE behavior. Raditz didn’t DO nice. To him, such things were as alien as the world he now inhabited. Although Vegeta and Bulma struggled to indoctrinate him and Nappa into Earth culture, he reminded them they were Saiyans foremost. All they had to do was keep from killing any Earthlings Bulma told them not to, and not arouse suspicion of the Z fighters. That didn’t stop Vegeta, Raditz and Nappa from finding sport by picking off unsuspecting strangers or those foolish enough to try and sabotage or attack Capsule. Of the three, Raditz was the most shaken in his ways.

Now he wondered what was to happen next. Goku most likely wanted to try some brotherly bonding activity. Just what it would entail unnerved Raditz? He loathed the idea of his brother’s forgiveness, thinking it weak. However, he had seen the evidence of Kakkarot’s ascension with his own eyes and scouter. Fortunately Bulma had been able to whip up a substitute. Yet it was not the same. The green lens still covered his left eye with a dark field, but Raditz was accustomed to it as much as Stellari was used to wearing glasses. How ironic to call her blindness a ‘weakness’ when he was ki blind without the device?

Finally Raditz mustered the desire to ask, "Where are we going… Kakkarot…"

"My name's Son Goku, okay? Could you just call me that please?" Goku shuddered as if Raditz had insulted him.

Wincing, Raditz berated himself for his carelessness. Despite Goku’s rejection of his native culture, Raditz knew he had to respect Kakkarot’s choices. At least as far as his wife Dr. Stellari insisted. Or else he’d hear her protests for weeks, and endure sleeping on a sofa, or alone in his large bed. If there was one thing Raditz loathed it was being without his mate. Saiyan Third class were considered weaklings for forming lasting mating bonds. Yet they considered mating something of importance, even though they pretended to be callous and uncaring amongst their peers, secretly they held affections. They did not wear their hearts on their sleeves like the foolish Humans of Earth. Such open display of feelings was extremely uncomfortable to any Saiyan. Especially the Prince of them all.

"Apologies… Goku. It's not easy to change the habits of a lifetime. But you would know all about that, wouldn’t you?" Raditz rasped, blazing a trail of ki around himself. So far it blew his comprehension how Goku could easily fly at his speed.

"Yeah, but everyone can change," said Goku with a disarming smile.

"You're unbelievable you know. Such power… I can't comprehend…" Raditz shook his head.

"A lot has happened, Raditz. And there's a lot you can learn, and a lot we need to talk about. So I thought we could spar up ahead,” he indicated with a pointed finger below. Hills rolled under vast stretches of forest, where dinosaurs roamed still. In the cities few dinosaurs dared tread but around West Province 429, they were still plentiful.

"Me spar with YOU? But such things would be ridiculous," Raditz snorted.

"Raditz, we need to get some stuff straight. So let’s just land here, and we can hash it out okay?" Goku said sternly, his brows lowering. Raditz blinked in momentary shock at the familiarity of the expression. The change on his brother's face was not lost on the earth bound Saiyan, and Goku frowned.

"Here," said Goku, suddenly stopping his flight and tumbling head over boots to plummet from flight. Raditz shook his head and banked down headfirst. Just before reaching the ground he righted himself and landed on both booted feet.

"Not a bad place. You spar here often with the Green man and your boy?" asked Raditz, glancing around at the open field rimmed with mountains and trees.

"It's far away from the home. Chichi complains I scare the neighbors in the village too much sometimes. Piccolo and Gohan and I come here to train for the Androids. You like it?" Goku asked.

"It is acceptable," Raditz said, glancing around. He felt unsure of what Goku was trying to achieve. Feeling woefully inadequate in the face of his brother who was light years ahead of him in power.

"I'm sorry I broke that scouter of yours," said Goku. "But I see you've gotten another. You shouldn't rely on that toy. It got you messed up last time."

"And I suppose YOU have a better idea, Kak… I mean Goku?" Raditz asked, trying to make sure he used the right name.

Goku chuckled at the correction and rubbed the back of his neck with one large hand. It was a nervous gesture that he did since childhood. Raditz at the same moment had lifted his own hand to side underneath his long cascade of hair. Both brothers suddenly peered at one another in shock. They were facing each other and mutual confusion shifted over their faces. For a second Raditz permanent frown was replaced with wide-eyed wonder as he looked at Goku.

"Not you too," said Raditz with a groan.

"What do you mean?" Goku asked.

"Father always said I looked like an IDIOT when I did that," Raditz mumbled. "Whenever I wasn't sure of something he hated how I'd scratch my neck. He said it made me look like a weak buffoon…"

"He did?" Goku blinked. "I guess I kinda freak you out don't I? Looking like Bardock and all…"

"How much… do you know?" Raditz asked defensively, backing away.

"Your wife told me," Goku grinned disarmingly, still scratching his neck.

"Infernal woman," Raditz groaned.

"They kinda do that, don't they? I mean being married's sure strange. I've been with Chichi for about six years… and it still takes getting used to. I bet you didn't ever think you'd get married huh?" asked Goku. He dropped to a squat, extending one long leg while crouching on the other. From one side to the other he stretched. Raditz shrugged and began his own series of slow arcing movements to warm his muscles up. Both very different but both with the same aim.

"Vegeta uses that same fighting style I've noticed. But a bit different. Is it Saiyan?" asked Goku.

Raditz stopped in mid pose, blinking at Goku. "I suppose you could say so. Doubtless YOUR earth style is far different from mine. But who trained you?"

"Kami," Goku shrugged. "And King Kai. I trained for almost a year in ten times gravity. Took me only a bit of time to learn what would take 20 years on Earth."

"But you... the Legendary… I cannot fathom it," Raditz blinked. Goku swung from side to side, throwing either arm out as he flexed his waist. Raditz long hair blew like a banner.

"You might wanna tie that up. Yamcha's hair gets him into trouble, and so does Gohan's," said Goku as he grabbed a piece of string from his pocket.

"Don't be ridiculous," Raditz snorted.

"Aw c'mon, you don't want someone grabbing you and throwing you around with that do you?" Goku stopped him, moving behind him and grabbing a length of Raditz long mane.

"Idiotic…" Raditz grunted but stood still, wondering how he had the patience to deal with such nonsense. But he had to admit Goku was right. IT didn’t' take long for Goku to tie it back.

"There you go. You can keep your armor on. It'll help with training. Though some weighted clothes might not be a bad idea," Goku said.

"That vest and boots are more then just armor then," Raditz pointed to his shirt.

"Oh this? You guessed huh?"

"I thought it was rather feeble Earth armor. But it has the same design as Namekian garments. They are legendary for their clothing generation techniques, even as far away as they are," Raditz said. "Now are we going to talk or fight?"

"I'll go easy on you," Goku said, standing in a crouch with one hand forward, the other back. Raditz automatically took up a stance with both hands over his head, feet at shoulder spread.

"Humph," Raditz mumbled as he prepared for a long sparring session. He knew what Goku was trying to do, and respected him for it. Because the next few hours were indeed vigorous.

Meanwhile, Chichi tried to make sure the new occupants of the Son household were well looked after. Unfortunately it was easier said then done. After the chilling look Piccolo had given her, Dr. Stellari had kept a low profile in the small sitting room. Fermi and Bohr were off elsewhere with Gohan, teaching him to throw a baseball. Inside the house, Chichi looked at the brooding older woman. Although Atomica Stellari had ten years on Chichi, she lacked vital experience. Namely with being happily married to one man. Sure Atomica Stellari had two six-year-olds, but she had just entered into a marital bond with a Saiyan. Something Chichi had way more experience with.

"What's bothering you?" Chichi asked, resting a hand on Atomica's arm. The cup of tea she held rattled against the saucer.

"I'm more of a coffee drinker. But since you went to the trouble of making this…"

"We've got instant, wait a minute," Chichi said. She came back in a blink with a new cup of water brewing with instant steaming java. Atomica Stellari gratefully took the cup in exchange.

"Thank you. I know it sounds like I'm bitching, but…"

"Bitch away, you've got every right to. Considering what your husband's putting you through it's nothing. Believe me I know what you're going through," said chichi quickly. She sat down next to Atomica Stellari, who sipped the decaf coffee with relish.

"Decaf. Figured you'd slip me that. But the taste is fine," she nodded. "

"You can't have caffeine with two babies on the way," Chichi said.

"Hmm, this is my second," Atomica Stellari said.

"But your first baby with someone from Goku's family," Chichi said, obviously avoiding the word 'Saiyan'.

Noting the omission, Atomica's brain tried to figure out her reasons. Perhaps it was because of what the unpleasantness of the word held. Savage, blood thirsty, everything Goku was not. Yet genetically he was. Nevertheless he was the kindest, gentlest being on the face of the Earth along with being the fiercest fighter. "You're right. Was it hard?"

"Yes, and no," Chichi laughed. "You need to eat a lot obviously. That's why you should make sure to keep your strength up."

"I've seen Bulma give birth. She almost died," said Atomica Stellari.

"Huh, those idiots didn't have the decency to call someone with experience. Stupid customs. But who am I to complain. It's not like Bulma takes my advice anyhow," Chichi shrugged.

"What DO you suggest? Is it because you're stronger physically then Bulma is that Gohan gave you no problems?" asked Atomica Stellari.

'He gave me problems, all right. But what happened with Bulma?" asked Chichi.

Atomica Stellari told her in detail what had transpired, and what Raditz had done to assist. Chichi chuckled with the image of Raditz acting as a birth coach. Atomica's feeling of dread temporarily abated with the sound of laughter. To know someone else had faced what she was about to made it a bit easier to take. She leaned close and asked, "Didn't you ever have… problems if Gohan saw the full moon?"

"What are you talking about?"

"Babies with tails… transform if they see the full moon," said Atomica Stellari.

"You mean…" Chichi trailed off. "Goku wasn't making that up… oh my goodness… I'm glad they took it off!"

"If they don't see the full moon it's not an issue," said Stellari, grasping her hand.

"Thank Kami we went to bed early," said Chichi, wiping sweat from her brow. "But you and this… Raditz… I still can't believe he's Goku's brother."

"Birth brother," said Stellari. "Neither knew the other existed till… a few years ago."

"I know he scared my Gohan to death. But if my Goku trusts that he can be brought here… and seeing him having a wife and children, he wouldn't dare do anything…"

"If he did, he'd have hell to pay from me," said Stellari.

"Good for you," Chichi said, squeezing her hand. "Don't let that guy push you around."

"I don't. You grab the tail…"

"I realized THAT at a young age. I knew that if I grabbed Goku's tail he lost his power. It held true for Gohan. If he stepped out of line, all I'd have to do was touch his tail and he stopped. Worked better then a spanking," Chichi said. "But I hated the thought of hurting my little boy."

"Thank goodness you can stand up to psychic twins," chuckled Stellari.

"They're children. You just have to give them discipline. Even if they ARE physically grown up," Chichi rolled her eyes.

"Raditz has his moments. You probably will be relieved to know that he has the same table manners as Goku."

"Huh, figures," Chichi giggled.

"I just hate not knowing what's going on. Relying on others to defend me when I'm used to fighting," said Stellari.

"Who says you can't defend yourself. I might not fight anymore, but I can still do so if my Gohan and I are threatened. If you like I can show you a few things," Chichi said.

"Raditz has taught me some of his martial arts for defense. But I am capable of defending myself if need be," said Stellari.

"But your sons learning martial arts…"

"That's the only way to control their powers," said Stellari. "I don't WANT them to fight."

"I can't stop Goku from teaching Gohan!"

"You can't stop him from his powers. If his power is not controlled it could destroy him and you," said Stellari.

"But he didn't NEED to know," Chichi whispered.

"Like it or not its there. It's potential, and if he doesn't master it and tame it now, he won't. And it could corrupt. Better that he learns to subdue it and have the choice to NOT fight," said Stellari.

"How can you say that?" asked Chichi.

"Because I know," said Stellari, glaring at her with the same anger. Chichi and Stellari exchanged lethal dark eyed stairs, their teeth gritting. Tension crackled through the room, and then suddenly stopped when Chichi started to laugh.

"You're made of stern stuff," Chichi shook her head, continuing to laugh. "That look on your face would scare the HELL out of Goku."

"I can't think of anyone ELSE who could keep him in line but you," said Stellari. "You two are exact opposites but you BELONG together like some matched set."

"If I don't, who will?" Chichi shrugged. "And I think this Raditz is a better man for having you to keep him in line. Was he REALLY as fierce as…?”

"Yes. But he claims Saiyan women are just as tough. From the little he's heard of you, I don’t' think he'd have done what he would have if YOU were there. You'd kick his ass," laughed Stellari.

"Well, you said you wanted to use the computer. It's in Gohan's room. I'll just tidy up here, and you can go do your work for the day," said Chichi brightly. Stellari rose to her feet and followed the other woman back towards Gohan's bedroom. Soon the scientist was fast at work checking emails over the desktop unit.

A knock sounded at the door an hour later, and she turned to see her twins carrying a tray of cookies, and a jug of milk. Next to them stood Gohan carrying a tray with glasses. Fermi called out, "Mommy, you look like you could use a snack…"

"We brought ours to share with you," Bohr added.

"Hey there boys, you being good guests…. Oh, hi Gohan. I hope it's not a problem I'm using your computer…"

"It's okay, Miss Stellari. Mom told me you'd be back here," Gohan said politely, inclining his head. The twins moved over to the desk, while Gohan set down the tray with glasses. The cookies were placed down, and he poured milk for all four of them. While Dr. Stellari tried to get up, Fermi moved over and climbed up on her lap while Bohr and Gohan grabbed pillows to throw on the floor around her.

"Don't move Mom, you're the grownup, you get the chair," Fermi scolded her. She slung her arm around his back and held him in place on her lap while Gohan held a glass of milk over for her.

"I don't mind, Ma'am," Gohan said, pushing hair out of his face. "My mom told me you could help me with my science homework… I'm behind cause of Mr. Piccolo's training."

"Yeah, mom's really smart with Chemistry," Fermi said.

"Very VERY smart," Bohr stuck his chest out. "Like Mrs. Bulma!"

"Boys, that's sweet of you, but I am just another Capsule scientist. Any smart person can become a scientist if they work hard enough. Nothing exceptional about me, except I've got two handsome strong men as my boys," she said, squeezing Bohr's shoulder and hugging Fermi.

"Aw MOM, that's embarrassing!" Fermi groaned.

"Mom does THAT to me all the time," Gohan made a face. "Say guys, do you mind if I talk with your mom alone?"

"What’s going on?" asked Bohr.

"You look mad or something," Fermi said.

"Gohan, you do look like you need to talk. Why don't you two young men go and see if you can help Aunt Chichi in the kitchen. She's going to need lots of help cooking dinner for all of us," said Stellari. Gohan nodded.

"Mom would REALLY appreciate it. And Mister Piccolo said he'd like to spar with you guys to see how much you know," said Gohan.

"Mr. Green man?" Bohr giggled. "Sure."

"He's Mr. Piccolo silly," Fermi glared at him. He rolled his eyes at Gohan.

"I don't think he'd like being called that. He's Mr. Piccolo, okay?" Gohan said firmly.

"Sorry," Bohr whispered with wide eyes.

"It's okay. I'll chat with your mom, and then come join you, okay?" Gohan said.

"Mommy?" Bohr asked, glancing from Gohan's intense stare to their mother's.

"Go ahead boys, I'll be fine. Gohan and I have some things to talk about. He's got some questions about what's been going on, and I think he needs some answers," said Stellari.

"About Daddy?" whispered Bohr. Gohan's eyes widened and he swallowed hard.

"He doesn't hurt mommy. We make SURE of that," Fermi said darkly, glaring at Gohan with challenge on his face. "We wouldn't let ANYONE hurt mom, okay?"

"Fermi, relax. Go help Aunt Chichi, please. Bohr, don't worry. I'll be fine," said Stellari sternly. "This has NOTHING to do with you guys. It's something that Gohan and I need to talk about."

"I'm not going to hurt your Mommy, okay?" Gohan reassured them. "I just want to talk to her about stuff okay?"

"Okay," Bohr nodded, kissing her cheek. Fermi slid off her lap and glared at Gohan.

"Go, please. Like a big boy, do what mommy says?" Stellari glared at them with a firm voice.

"C'mon," Bohr whispered. Bohr grabbed his sleeve and dragged him out. Gohan shut the door and walked over to sit on the stool by his bed. He looked expectantly at Stellari, folding his hands and bumping his heels against the stool.

"I'm sorry to be rude and all, Ma'am, but I need to know why," Gohan said. "And I don't want to upset Fermi and Bohr, but…"

"Gohan, I knew you were going to ask me this!" Stellari swallowed hard, unnerved by his stern but innocent glare. "I don't know what to tell you. Except that you've every right to demand to know why. Your father told me everything… about what happened to you."

"He did," Gohan asked, swallowing a mouthful of milk.

"Yes, before he brought us here," said Dr. Stellari. "And I've seen it…"

"How?" Gohan whispered, almost dropping his glass. Stellari reached over and grasped it with reasonably fast reflex.

"Let me back up, Gohan. I know this is VERY hard for you, and I want you to know that I don't want to stay here with him if it makes you uncomfortable," said Dr. Stellari. "What happened was inexcusable. And I won't sit here and make up some lame story trying to get him off the hook. I know what he's capable of."

"Do you?" asked Gohan.

"Yes," she said.

"And I swear to you that nothing like that WILL happen again."

Gohan wiped tears out of his eyes, and started to heave in and out. He gasped, "He was a monster… and now you're married to him like my mommy and daddy are. How… I just can't understand it really good. Cause I have nightmares about him… and yet he doesn't LOOK the same… but he is…"

"Gohan I swear he won't hurt you. I wouldn't LET him hurt anyone!" Stellari said firmly, grabbing Gohan's shoulder.

"My Daddy talked to me about this, and I don't get it," Gohan sniffled. Dr. Stellari leaned over him, not sure if she should hug him. Reaching out her arms she moved over and hugged him tightly. Gohan didn't shrink away. Rather he leaned into the embrace and wrapped his arms around her neck. His nose snuffled into her neck as Dr. Stellari rubbed his back and shushed him.

"I'm sorry Gohan. I know what he did. And I'd rather die myself then let it happen again. What I did was to make sure he wouldn't harm anyone. That somehow I could…" Stellari blurted out.

"Mom says that sometimes women try to change men they marry. But Mr. Piccolo…" Gohan whispered into her ear. "I know you're a good person, but how could you let him… I mean I know Ms. Bulma and Vegeta make a baby together, but that makes no sense either! I mean Krillen and I fought with him on Namek… and he was just mean and evil cause of what Freiza did…"

"You're so young to try to get all this, Gohan," she whispered, hugging him as if he were Fermi or Bohr. "I don't expect you to understand."

"I… I'm trying," Gohan whimpered. "But it's HARD."

"I know, kid believe me," said Dr. Stellari. "But the only way I can explain it is to look at Vegeta and Bulma…"

"Trunks said that his mom and Vegeta were together and married, and had him. And that it had happened already here in our time. I sensed the energy of the baby growing inside Mrs. Bulma's tummy, but it was so hard to believe. And she had that bite on her neck," Gohan blurted out. "Why?"

"I can't explain why women are drawn to men, it's just something that happens with grown ups. We don't get it either. Sometimes it's not a good reason except for selfishness that some men and women get together and marry. Other times it’s because they see something in the other that they can take the bad with the good. With Raditz, I took that chance," she whispered. "I think that's why Bulma and Vegeta are together."

"But you let him around your kids?" Gohan sniffled.

"You were around Piccolo for a whole year. And your father and him were enemies," said she quietly, stroking Gohan's hair. Gohan pulled back, blinking at her. He struggled to understand but his eyes gleamed with confusion and anger still.

"I know but it's still so horrible," Gohan swallowed. "It's hard to believe that HE… could stop being mean."

"I wouldn't dream of letting my kids get hurt. For a while I didn't even have Raditz around them. Till I knew he could be trusted," said Stellari.

"Why him? Why did you make babies with him?" asked Gohan.

"I don’t' have good answers for that. But I felt attracted to him. I won't lie to you, Gohan. Something about his eyes just… it was like I saw a scared person who was looking for guidance. And when he and I were together, he was gentle and kind. And then he asked me to marry him," she said, struggling for the right words.

"And you said yes?" Gohan asked.

"He said he wanted to find a woman, so he could start a family. I don't think a man who was going to hurt people would bother trying to find a wife and kids," Stellari breathed deeply. Gohan sat at arm's length, sniffling into the tissues he grabbed. He handed a few to her.

"That's sure weird. You're comparing him to Mr. Vegeta. I see what you're trying to do, and it makes logical sense, but still my heart can't just forgive him," Gohan mumbled.

"Maybe not. But your dad seemed to accept him. And Raditz couldn't believe it either. He truly thought that your father deserved to kill him for what he did. And couldn't get why Goku would dare forgive the past," said Stellari.

"You mean to tell me he was sorry for what he did?" Gohan breathed.

"Yes. He hates himself for it. First he hated himself for being weak and feeling human emotions. Then when he was dead, he met up with many people he'd hurt. And he was forced to confront all the horrors he'd caused. In Hell," she said.

"Really?" Gohan blinked.

"Yes. He and Nappa were brought back with the Dragon Balls when Bliss made a wish. Nappa's Bliss' father. And Raditz was brought back too, because they're loyal to Prince Vegeta," said Stellari.

"Wait, they were WISHED back?" Gohan stammered. "How, and who's Bliss?"

"She is a Saiyan. She was a member of the crew of someone named Turles…."

"Turles? Oh MAN, he was rotten!" Gohan growled. "That MONSTER hurt my dad, and my friends!"

"The Red Ribbon army captured her. And they hurt her and did unspeakable things to her, and to me," said Stellari.

"You? What did they do?" asked Gohan. "My daddy said they were evil."

"Experiments. On me, and on Bliss. She was kept like an animal in a cage when I first saw her years ago. When Turles tree exploded she was thrown off the ship, and landed nearby. The Red Ribbon soldiers found her and brought her in. I was just a young scientist then. They had captured several of us who knew special technologies and forced us to work for them," said Dr. Stellari.

"You were in the Red Ribbon army?" Gohan gasped, blinking at her. "How horrible!"

"It wasn't my choice, but it was that or die. And there was one man who was kind to me. The man who was my first husband. Dr. Rutherford Stellari Scarlet. He was another scientist who knew about how to enhance human strength through special experiments. Both of us were part of a project to take human genes and push them to their limits. I was one of the subjects that survived. And so was he," said she.

"Ugh…"

"And then I stumbled across Bliss. I was supposed to work with her, to try and train her to be human. But instead I freed her. And for that I was punished severely. And there were other bad things during that time. Bliss helped me escape the Red Ribbon army, and she helped me and my sons find our way to Capsule, and that's where I've been ever since," she said, letting the story come out.

"There's a whole lot you aren't telling me it sounds like. But I had no idea," said Gohan softly. "It sounds terrible."

"That's why Bliss and I are friends. And why Raditz didn't hurt me. I knew what Saiyans were like. Because Bliss told me about the monster named Freiza who enslaved her whole race and who destroyed her whole world," said Stellari.

"You… wait you know?" he panted.

"Yes," Stellari nodded. "And Raditz told me as well. Bliss was just a baby when it happened. Her father and mother were off world. Her mother on another world raised her. When she was old enough, she joined Turles crew. Nobody but he knew she was a Saiyan."

"He was a horrible man," Gohan growled.

"Yes. But to Bliss he was a parent. It's hard to tell you that there was good in all. But Turles valued Saiyan children. At least that's what Bliss said. He was always kind and good to her. She never knew any other way. I can't expect you to grasp all this," said Stellari as Gohan sat next to her on his stool. Cookies were mere crumbs and the milk was all but drained from the large pitcher by this time.

"I can't imagine that awful Turles as a nice guy," Gohan complained.

Dr. Stellari tucked a bit of hair behind his ear, feeling the texture, which was fully human. Gohan had the same eyes as his father, but his mother's hair and features. Still she saw tension existing in his small frame, clad in the blue mystery tribal uniform identical to Piccolo's.