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Gone	By : TristaML Category: Dragon Ball Z > Yaoi - Male/Male Views: 10329 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Dragonball Z or any of the characters. I do not make any money off of writing this fanfiction.

Chapter List
- 24
- 25
- 26
To Nancy103: Thank you so much! Have a happy New Year :)

To Secretcaiyancrush: Thank you :) I'm glad you liked it- Happy New Year to you, too.

Thanks again to everyone, Happy New Year! Enjoy!

Twenty-fifth Chapter

Piccolo went up to Gohan and said, "This is kind of... funny," but Gohan didn't have quite the same sentiments about it. He was only remarking that it would be a simpler, quicker, and more certain fight if any of them did it, instead. He couldn't care less if Dunduil is killed or not, and neither should Gohan, he hardly knows him.

To Gohan, though, they were talking about life and death, not just victory and defeat and although a lot of the crowd seemed unsure of the outcome, Gohan wasn't. Von was going to kill Dunduil, and he wasn't sure how that made him feel. Also, there was still the "Goku factor", does he know what's going on? Will he somehow appear in the nick of time and save him? More over, should Von kill Dunduil for what he's done, or what he tried to do? Or is it something else?

It was strange to see Piccolo amongst all the Saiyans again, too. Gohan figured Piccolo must know something and although at first he wasn't going to say anything, he looked at the great Namek and asked, "Why don't you seem more...?" unable to put the words together since he spoke before he finished the thought.

"I've known about Goku," Piccolo answered simply, knowing where Gohan was going with that statement.

Gohan looked away, mad. After a few moments he whispered, "Why didn't you tell me?" Gohan felt let down by Piccolo, the same way he'd felt about Von earlier when he learned he'd been keeping information from him.

Piccolo argued, whispering back, "Goku didn't tell me, I saw it happen. I never talked to him about it."

Gohan couldn't help but be a little angry that the two men still in his life kept the same secret from him. Is he the reason they couldn't trust him with the information? Was it his reaction they were afraid of? He didn't say anything else to Piccolo and focused on the fight about to break out.

Von and Dunduil were having a stand-off, but it didn't last for much longer. Dunduil was the first to make a move, darting forward to attack him, but Von dodged at the last minute and kicked him from behind, sending him to the ground. Dunduil growled and sprang to the air and turned around to look at Von, who was still smirking. Dunduil tried to hit him a few more times, but every punch was blocked. He backed off, jumping away to change his strategy. Von remained where he was, calm and collected.

The crowd watched, weary and attentive. There seemed to be some type of decision being made between the two men. Finally Dunduil spoke, "I hope you don't think you have the upper hand."

Von answered, "I wouldn't boast like that."

Dunduil barked, "Let's go if you want to fight! I'm tired of wasting time."

"Then follow me, I will not kill you here," Von stated and began to take off into the air.

Dunduil followed him, but not with the same intentions. He did not wait for Von to get where he was going, but instead he launched a ki blast to his back. Von barely noticed at first but he managed to get out of the way just in time to be knocked in the jaw by Dunduil's fist and sent flying.

Von wiped the blood from his bottom lip and said, "So, you really are that low?" They were far off, but still in the view of the others who watched keenly.

"You actually think I'm going to allow you to defeat me? You cannot kill me, Von!" Dunduil let out an outrageous amount of blasts from right up close and he just kept going. It looked as though Von was incinerated, or at least scorched.

Somehow Von maneuvered out of the way of the blasts. He appeared behind Dunduil, who turned quickly to face him and began to talk but Von cut him off, "You should never have trifled with the Royals and their family. You have signed your own death warrant as far as I am concerned. No piteous speech you could give me will persuade me otherwise, and if that's not enough, the offenses you have done against Thelel are more than reason for me to have killed you years ago, not to mention your attempt at Princess Bulma, and those are just some mentions of your more minute discrepancies. Whatever held my hand has loosened it's grip. Although you may find yourself ill-prepared for this fate, I am more than ready to deliver it."

Dunduil was stricken with fear and though he tried to hide it, it was unmistakable. Von drew nearer, and their fight began again. Dunduil's punches were heavy and Von wouldn't say they didn't sting, but it wasn't anything he couldn't handle. Maybe if this fight had gone down when they'd first arrived, but after spending time wrestling with Gohan, Von's strength has increased more than he'd known. He realized that Dunduil was trying his best and Von was just toying with him. It seemed a shame.

Dunduil's behavior was a product of his thoughts, which were much more terrible than anything he's manifested, yet. Von was unwilling to allow Dunduil to think he can get away with something Von would kill any other species for without hesitance. He knew that it was his soft-spot, to kill someone he's known all his life, a brethren, but Dunduil has crossed the line and his incidents, innumerable, can no longer to be unlooked.

Dunduil has always been ruthless, he's always been mean, not just to other creatures but to his own soldiers. The people are afraid of him more than anything, he has a terrible temper and little regard for others' feelings. Those that like and follow him only want to be him, but they are lacking in one area or another. Von sees it as anarchy, the idea that you can rule your own portion of the people because you match in strength to or/and are close to the royals. Only thing is, this fool has no idea how powerful the Royals really are, and Von finds it a waste to allow his cockroach-like presence to persist.

After hours of fighting, Von grabbed onto both of Dunduil's fists and held them, deciding to finish this. Dunduil was only getting weaker, and this couldn't wait any longer. There was a confused look on his face before Von began to power up and shoot straight up at incredible speed, still holding onto a struggling Dunduil.

"What are you doing?!" Dunduil asked as they travelled up, up, unable to get free of Von's grip on his fists. He could feel Von's hands gathering energy together. "Hey-"

"I'm ending this," Von responded, staring him blankly in the eyes.

"Are you crazy?! You're trying to kill us both?!" Dunduil knew the air was thinning as they continued on, even for a Saiyan, and the amount of energy and heat coming from Von's body was making him tremble.

"No," Von angled Dunduil above him and said as he let go of his blast, "Good-bye, Dunduil."

"What?!--" Dunduil enraged, "No!" as he was incinerated into outer space.

Von took a few minutes to come back down, and a certain numbing settled inside of him. He returned to Earth to the silent gaping of the crowd, who no doubt were waiting for Dunduil to follow. Gohan, Piccolo, and the boys could no longer feel a trace of him, though, and they were a little surprised, and all very speechless.

Von knew he hadn't necessarily done the right thing, but it was in defense of a friend, and he was the only one who would have to live with his choice, so he'd live with it. He walked up to the Elder's where Thelel was standing firmly, and said, "Elder Mushnor, I have killed Dunduil, as a gift, and a sacrifice, to our people. Let it be the last." With this he left everyone's sight, clearly stricken with many thoughts. Gohan followed after him quickly but Goten and Trunks remained behind, to listen to what the people would say.

When Piccolo walked past Thelel on his way to leave, she said to him, "King Goku did not save him. Would you have it any other way, Outsider?"

Piccolo, drawn in by such a question, stopped for a moment and said, "Perhaps your King meant for it to happen that way, then it would be out of his hands, and he wouldn't have to worry about the repercussions."

Thelel remained silent and watched his back as he turned and left.

---

"Von," Gohan followed him into the air where he took off headed in a random direction. Then a thought occurred to him: maybe he wants to be left alone? Gohan stopped where he was and tried not to be so selfish. He would go see Von later, very soon, even, but not now.

He dropped to the planet and wondered again if his Dad could feel any of them or has any idea about what's going on. He couldn't imagine what he would have to say about it. Gohan hasn't sensed his father since the day he left. What has he been doing, anyways? He must have found Vegeta, otherwise he wouldn't still be gone, unless he can't get back, which isn't likely.

Gohan had watched the brief conversations between Piccolo and Thelel, and it interested him. Goku wasn't here to save Dunduil, after all. This is just another rehashing of the same old lesson; he needs to start deciding things for himself, instead of waiting to see what his Dad's opinion of it would be. Besides, chances are they are one in the same, and if they are different, then it's Gohan's call, it's his life. But what Piccolo had said, about his Dad leaving on purpose, Gohan couldn't deny that complete falsehood, either. Though it seems farfetched, maybe it was a thought in the back of Goku's mind. Of course, Apimic is why Gohan wants to speak with Von, but it's over now, so what urgency does it require besides peeked curiosity? That, and he wants to discuss Dunduil's death.

This would change dynamics between people within their society. His death is probably a bigger deal than his life because of the cause of it. Von killed him, someone they've all known for the longest time, someone many of them revered. Gohan didn't know how this would affect Von's life in the future. He would make sure to ask Trunks and Goten what the people were saying later.

Gohan realized that if they all knew that Goku had bitten Dunduil, that would have changed things within the society, too. Why did Goku bite him? Was it Gohan's fault because Goku was trying to protect him? What type of goal did his father have in mind when he did that?

The Elder's had been very meticulous in their conversation with him about what happened at Caps. Corp. They made Gohan go over it again and again before they would discuss anything else and they said they would like to speak with Prince Trunks on the matter, too. However, after Dunduil awoke and haughtily confirmed everything Gohan had said, they decided discussing it with Trunks was unnecessary. Dunduil was glaring Gohan down inside of that tiny house, but he said nothing directly to him the whole time. Gohan wasn't sure then what was happening, but now he understands they needed more than a tale of Dunduil's deeds to stir anyone into punishing him and Von just so happened to arrive during their conversation.

Before Dunduil woke up they heard about the scar on Dunduil's thigh and grew alarmed and quiet for some time. Then the Elder's did take care to explain to Gohan about Apimic, at least what they could of it. They said Dunduil wanted to bite him in the first place either to try to be a part of the Royal House or to see if his spirit was weak and he could overpower him. They also said that it's most likely their King saw evil within him and meant to render him harmless.

Gohan asked them why they never told him these things before and they answered, "With knowledge comes power, and you already have the power, what then would you do with the knowledge?" which didn't exactly answer his question, but it still brought on attention.

Gohan tried to tell them all that he didn't have any ill-intentions, and eventually one of them told him that he was still too young in their culture. He asked them about Horunta, why would he have been able to go through Horunta and not be old enough to learn about this? They said to him, "If you knew, then you would know."

He had been much too frazzled by everything else to continue to listen to their riddles, so he just asked them if there was any good to it. They all responded with a resounding, "Yes," but they were quiet after that.

From what Gohan knew about Apimic now, Goku bit Dunduil instinctually, but he did not allow Dunduil to bite him back. It was not a good bond, which is why the mark is so hideous and scarred. The link was derived out of reason, at least to Goku's subconscious, and since King Goku is so much stronger than Dunduil was, putting him under his thumb is child's play, but since the bond was not complete, neither was his control over him. When King Goku left the planet, he opened up the possibility of his spell on Dunduil coming undone. He could only imagine things from there.

The Elder's told him nothing of the other side of it, the side he guessed he pretty much imagined for himself, but knows exists. He has desired to bite Von all this time, sometimes the need to do it was unbearable, but he held himself at bay. Was there a bad side to the good side of Apimic? He could only keep guessing for now, but he does understand why allowing Apimic to take place at will may be dangerous. Some of the Saiyans might abuse it's powers, or think it's going to work when it won't.

Gohan wondered if the Elder's point had anything to do with him and his current feelings. Something about Von made Gohan believe that his sentiments are real. He supposed he'd know for sure when he sees Vegeta again, but something inside of him seemed to tell him Von is the one, and that there's no need for delay. Still, he would continue to hold himself back. He hadn't asked Von, yet, if he feels anything like he does.

Gohan planned on vising with Piccolo once he noticed that he'd returned to the lookout. He stopped by Bulma's first to see if she was alright and tell her the news. She didn't want to talk much, she just asked if Vegeta was back with Goku yet. Gohan told her no, and stayed and drank a cup of coffee quietly while she drank something of her own.

When Gohan landed at the lookout Piccolo seemed to be expecting him. He said, "Hey," casually.

"He actually did it," Gohan said, still a little confused about how he should be feeling.

"Vegeta would have wanted to," Piccolo mused, almost humorously, "Anyways, it's nothing to get upset over. You can stop looking so lost."

Gohan sighed a little, "I'm just still surprised about Apimic and, and I want to know where the hell my Dad is?"

"Apimic?" Piccolo asked, recognizing the word from his chat with Von, and then said, "Goku's unpredictable, but he will be back."

Gohan explained, "Apimic, Bond, it's what happened when my Dad bit Dunduil, only since Dunduil didn't bite him it didn't complete the connection." Piccolo nodded and he continued to listen as Gohan said, "I had a hard time thinking my Dad would bite Dunduil because..." that part Piccolo understood, though Gohan didn't say it. Gohan was comparing it to the feelings he has for Von. The half-saiyan laughed a little and remarked, "I was angry because Von knew my Dad bit him and so did you, but I was clueless. I should have figured it out on my own, but I was too busy with... my life. I shouldn't have gotten mad at you, it's not like if you'da told me about it I would have been able to help."

Piccolo spied him closely before answering, "If you ask me, your Dad just knows how to make lucky breaks."

Gohan laughed at that, too, and said, "I'm glad you're here, Piccolo," satisfied, at least for now, with the topic.

Piccolo looked into the handsome young man's face, and allowed himself to wish, for the last time, that he could kiss him. Gohan noticed the subtle changes in his expression as it became softer towards him and he wondered what he must be thinking, but he looked away. Piccolo didn't need to respond.

Gohan asked a little hesitantly, "Did Vegeta ever mention anything to you about Bond?"

Piccolo thought back to when Goku was going under Horunta for the first time. He could recall seeing what looked like Goku attempting to 'bite" Vegeta, and Vegeta throwing him to the ground. He replied, "I don't think he's ignorant to it but," he looked at Gohan, "it was always hard to get any information out of him."

Gohan said, "Yeah, that's true." He knew Vegeta knew about it, but what he knew was still a mystery to him. Still, when Vegeta spoke of it, it wasn't something that he seemed to fear.

---

Vegeta enjoys pounding into Kakarot, hearing to his soft pants become heavier and more noticeable the longer he's inside of him. His tail is locked securely around Goku's throbbing penis, and Goku isn't allowed to touch himself. The more Vegeta angled, the more desperate he became, but he liked this, too. Neither of them wanted it to stop. Vegeta continued to pump in and out of Goku from behind while he grabbed onto his tail gently, starting at the base. He ran one hand up the length, bringing it to his mouth so that he could kiss it. Goku moaned and changed up their rhythm, grinding back hard onto him. Vegeta let him attempt to get himself off and even let up just a little bit on the hold on his cock, but he ultimately pulled out of him completely, killing his chances.

When he let his tail's grip go of Goku's dick and moved away Goku turned to face him, wondering why he stopped. Vegeta seemed to be still catching his breath, his hard penis pointing upward, toward Goku. Goku moved in quickly and pushed Vegeta to the ground onto his back, saying, "You lost your turn," with a wide grin as he positioned himself at Vegeta's entrance.

Vegeta's already flushed face turned a little more red, but all he said was, "You're still not allowed to touch yourself," and he moved Goku's hands away and guided his dick inside of himself, pushing in just the tip at first. Goku flared up briefly, the feeling making him want to lose it. The blast cleansed their bodies, though they were still sweating. Goku tugged Vegeta's thighs closer to his waist, guiding his dick further inside of him, groaning as he watched his body move beneath his. An immense pleasure came from taking Vegeta, the same emotion Vegeta surely feels. Goku grabbed onto Vegeta's dick and slowly pumped it to the same maddening beat as his hips.

Goku's perfect to Vegeta. He allows himself to relax underneath Goku's pressure and give in to him. Vegeta tells him when it's just right, and bucks wildly into him, saying, "Kakarot," whenever it gets to be nearing too much. The first time Vegeta cums he's silent and his eyes are closed while Goku's thumb plays with his lips and he continues to thrust in and out of his thrumming heat.

Vegeta thrills to ride him and Goku can tell. Neither of them have need to speak for some time as Goku manages himself inside of Vegeta in all the right angles from their position. After a while he knows he's getting to the point where he can't hold it anymore, doesn't want to, and Vegeta's about to cum for a second time. He holds his body against the Prince's, instantly warming him as Vegeta wraps his arms around him, and they enter into a blind kiss. Goku pounds into his body a few more times before feeling Vegeta's cock twitch and release in between them. This time Vegeta cries out, continuing to ride out his orgasm on Goku's stiff penis. Goku couldn't help but spill himself inside of him, staring longingly into his eyes as they completed and continued to kiss one another softly.

Goku pulled out of him but he did not get off of him. He continued to hold him hostage to the ground as they nipped at one another for some time. Vegeta does this thing where he feels the pulse on Goku's neck, then rubs his mark, then guides his hand in a graceful touch over his heart before settling it on the back of Goku's head and deepening their kiss. Goku's not even sure Vegeta knows he does this, but he's done it at least once every three days. Goku pulls Vegeta up into his arms and wraps them both around him, along with his tail.

Goku's not too sure on how much time has passed, he hasn't been paying close attention to it, a few weeks or so at least. They haven't talked much about the Saiyans, among other things, they've been too distracted to speak much at all, at least on serious matters. Now, though, Goku knew it was time to take care of business, although he didn't particularly want to leave. He knows Vegeta desires to be reunited with his people. He even thought about just telling Von to come on over, but it will be a long trip and Vegeta is not very patient. Goku admitted, letting go of Vegeta and standing up once he'd decided it was time to go, "I'm not sure I can get you back on your ship."

"What?!" Vegeta stood and brought up a fist threateningly. Why did he wait so long to share that tidbit of information? Vegeta had been wondering what kept Goku dragging his feet this whole time. He knew it had little to do with their relationship.

Goku threw his hands up in defense, "Hey, sorry, it's just that it's a moving object. I can't sense a spaceship, and I'm not sure where to look in the universe for it if we want to head that direction." As Goku was explaining, Vegeta didn't seem very interested in a word that he said.

Vegeta replied sarcastically, "What are you suggesting, Kakarot? That we travel back to Earth in the buff?"

"Well..." he smiled at the thought of it. He's never had a problem with walking around naked but that doesn't seem like Vegeta's thing.

Vegeta yelled at him, "Didn't you just say you have to sense someone to get us there? Who were you thinking of?!" There was a red tint on his cheeks just thinking of it.

Goku laughed, "I haven't gotten that far yet."

"How'd you get us here if you have to sense someone?" Vegeta snapped again smartly.

"Planets are living things, you can sense them just as easily as a person, can't you?" Goku answered.

Vegeta looked at him queerly, he supposed that animals and plants do give out certain frequencies that he can feel, but he'd never considered it as "energy" before. He rolled his eyes, "If you IT us directly to Earth, it better be to EARTH!"

Goku laughed, "Okay, okay," he finally felt at ease, although, Vegeta could be so unpredictable.

Vegeta had seemed to let it go, then he said, "No, in fact, take us to directly into my bedroom."

Goku smiled, "I don't know where that is."

Vegeta was beginning to get irritated with him, "Why are you making this so difficult?"

"You don't really need clothes, Vegeta," Goku tried settling. Vegeta went to smack him but he dodged, ducked, and tackled him. Vegeta grabbed onto him and Goku knew he was smirking. Goku let go and stood to face him and said, "Okay, I'm going to try to figure this out, so please be patient."

After a few moments of silence between them Vegeta said, standing by, "This is going to take all day,"

"Vegeta," Goku laughed, and tried to concentrate harder. Then Goku felt something strange, the tiniest feeling, and it went away quickly. It was so minute Goku could hardly even say it happened.

"What is it?" Vegeta asked, his mind sensitive to sudden changes in Kakarot's thoughts and feelings.

Goku shrugged, "Nothing, I guess."

Vegeta looked at him closely but Goku was now reaching out to focus on Earth. Vegeta was too distracted to make something more of it. He was still in slight disbelief, he wanted to see these so-called "Saiyans." If they are who they say they are, then shouldn't he be able to recognize some of them? He couldn't picture it, much less realize it's happening, not yet anyways.

He hadn't tried to pick it apart very much, too busy reading through Kakarot's thoughts on other things, like him and Gohan, and Trunks, and even the memories with Bulma. The other things were too difficult to sort through without having met the person speaking. He did learn that Gohan has gone through Horunta, and he needed his father's help as well as the help of another Saiyan, "The General," who seems a popular guy. Those things amused Vegeta to know, but it wasn't so amusing when he remembered all of the things he's done over his time alone while directly envisioning Goku. He hoped Kakarot didn't learn anything about that. Not to mention his time while he wasn't alone, and all the times he'd thought of Goku still.

Vegeta has not brought up Fronshir and Goku has not brought up the Saiyan he claimed. Vegeta does know about him, somewhat, and he would have been furious about it, but he knows Goku's loyalty to him, and he can't even feel the man through his link with Goku, his presence is so insignificant. He wants to know why Goku bit him, what he was thinking, but it seems that Gohan was involved, and Vegeta's unwillingness to talk about Fronshir keeps him silent. Which is only another reason why Vegeta wishes to return to Earth, so he could meet the man Gohan's become involved with, and the one Goku has claimed.

Their bond seemed to get stronger everyday and it was unlike anything that had ever been described to Vegeta before in all his life. There was a certainty between them that seemed to feed their souls and although they were still very shy in a way, the presence of the other is a comfort and felt right. It was as if the subtle link that has been their all along was sparked to life and is newly learning about the possibilities.

They only communicated telepathically sometimes, most of the time they had no need to speak for the present time, at least, nothing was so important it couldn't wait. their love for one another could be felt at all times, and it stifled worries. Vegeta didn't know how much of his own thoughts were completely open to Goku since he was too preoccupied with other things to pay close attention. He knew Goku knew certain things, and at the moment, the things they have discussed seemed to be enough for them to move on from here. Vegeta was very much looking forward to finding out the rest of it on his own from here on out.

"Alright Vegeta," Goku said, his eyes closed, reaching out a hand. Vegeta put his hand in Kakarot's, trusting him, and they were off.

---

Thelel was in the same state as many of their people: shock. Life without Dunduil over their heads would be so different. It's a good thing, but it came about in a bad way.

There was some talk amongst the people. Some said that it was strange this happened all of the sudden, and without King Goku around. Some wonder where the King has gone more than they cared about Dunduil. Others remarked that Von should have had mercy on him. Others whisper that it should have been done sooner. It was a community of mixed feelings. Some believe that although Dunduil may have deserved death, he should not have been killed by his own kind. There were so many accounts of opinions that vary in slight ways it was nearly impossible to keep up.

Thelel didn't want to be accused of causing his death any more than she knew her friend Von wanted to be despised for it. If he had not killed him, Dunduil would have come back, worse. Thelel thought long and hard on the words of the Namek and decided, if their King meant for it on purpose, then he is a wise King, indeed. No other Saiyan would have had the gut or the strength to take care of Dunduil once and for all except for Von, at least none among them.

She believed that eventually the people would come to the consensus that Von did the right thing for the safety and happiness of them all. Face-value people will always try to speak the more honorable route after the fact, but Thelel knew that Dunduil's shadow had once cast above the majority of them, with Von as their only safe-guard, and now that shadow has been lifted completely. The sigh of relief within them was unanimous, whether outspoken or realized or not.

Thelel wished to speak with Von, impressed that he came back so fast, and at the time that he did. She's happy that he's here, but they have much to say to one another. She'd been walking long hours alone in the forrest to think but now she's come back to be with the people. She goes to her place and sneaks in quietly, not expecting anyone else to be there. She jumped a little when she saw a woman standing and looking out a window. The young woman turned to her, it was clear she was confused and upset. Thelel was at more of a loss for words than usual. She's never been very good at comforting speech so she didn't know what to say.

Iseri finally broke out and asked, "Did Dunduil really go to Princess Bulma's house?"

"Yes, Iseri," Thelel answered quickly, but said nothing else.

She bust out into tears and sunk to the ground. "He'd been using me, this whole time," she said in between her sobs. Thelel went to her, getting on her knees to hold onto the woman. Iseri said she was sorry, but it still hadn't quite hit them that Dunduil was gone. Thelel held the young girl until she fell asleep out of exhaustion but her own eyes would not seem to close.

An hour later Von walked inside of her home quietly. Thelel was standing at the window that Iseri had been looking out of. She did not turn to him, but he didn't hesitate to wrap his arms around her and hold her close. She bit back her selfish tears and pulled away from him, turning to look at him while she asked, "Why didn't you do what I asked you to do? Hm?"

"Tijitfiq,"(Sister) Von's face became blank and serious.

She would not let him speak while she asked, "And why didn't you tell me that our King left?! That's kind of important information!" she stepped around him as she spoke, half-whispering, half-yelling since Iseri was still asleep.

"Ja bin tipqquz, Thelel," (I am sorry) Von said as he turned and watched her recoil from him, afraid to feel her own emotions.

"And why did you...?" Thelel couldn't finish her last question, but Von was holding onto her again, and she couldn't stop herself from crying.

Von answered, "I had a choice to make and I made mine," knowing her last fragment of a question was about Dunduil. Von told her, "Do not think any of this is your fault. No one blames you. If they are to question the circumstance, they will wonder why Dunduil was brought back by Prince Gohan, and why everything happened so far away and not at home, where it would seem more likely to take place. Listen to me: his blood is on my hands. This is in no way your problem and you are not the cause of it. It has been on my mind for many years."

"Von," she searched his face, her 'brother,' her very good friend, her General. She loved him like family and just to have him around was such a blessing to her, especially on such occassions. She held him close for a brief moment and then pulled back and asked him, "Where is Lune?"

"Asleep, with the Elders," Von assured her, his hand warmly gripped her arm, "which is where I'm taking you. As you sleep tonight let their peace work on you."

"They are not angry with you?" Thelel asked, obviously more tired than she would probably admit at the moment. She was awfully compliant, and out of it, as she allowed Von to lead her outside and towards the Elders' home.

Von replied, "They have taken oaths of silence against me, each for a different amount of time," but that is all that he would say about it, despite the many more questions that she tried to ask him.

Finally he brought her into their quiet home and she questioned him one more time as he laid her down to rest, "Have you spoken with Prince Gohan? Or the great Namek, Piccolo?"

He looked at her closely and then said, "I have delayed those conversations for now."

He tried to take his leave but she clung to him. "I beg you, stay 'till I fall asleep," she said, and curled up on the sheets next to Lune.

Von stayed as long as it took. He imagined he would not find rest this night. But to his surprise he fell asleep next to Thelel and his daughter, more exhausted than he'd realized.

---

When Goku arrived with Vegeta on Earth everyone was asleep, it must have been around three o'clock in the morning. They agreed on keeping their ki to a minimum as to not draw any attention to their arrival, especially since they were both naked. Goku managed to get them out in the middle of the woods, where his Grandpa's old house is.

Vegeta grumbled something about this being good enough, "Now take me to C.C."

Goku smiled, did as he was told, and they appeared next to a sleeping Bulma. Goku dashed and got dressed at his house while Vegeta grabbed his own garments to put on. He could not stop staring at Bulma's face, which looked so troubled, but he dared not wake her. After he finished dressing he stood at her side and watched her sleep. His hand graced her face softly but it was not enough to wake her up.

When Goku came back, he asked Vegeta if he'd like to stay here the night, and they'd meet and leave in the morning. Vegeta turned to him and said, "No, I thought you and I could take a nap and go when the sun comes up."

Goku said "Okay," dreamily and smiled. They kissed deeply and left.
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Gone