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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
- 25
- 26
- 27
Thank you Secret and Nancy, for your reviews and thank you to all who read this story, it is coming to an end, though this isn't the last chapter. Enjoy

A/N "()" during thoughts denotes echoing thoughts.

Twenty-sixth Chapter

Goku and Vegeta were standing together on the same ledge that Von and Gohan had their first conversation, looking over the Saiyans. There are so few and they seem strangely calm. Goku wondered why a lot of them, including his son, seemed to be sleeping in later than usual today. It had to be around eight or nine in the morning, and there weren't as many Saiyans running about as there usually are at this hour, and they don't seem so lively. Goku kind of wished he and Vegeta had spoken more about what was about to go down here, but it was a little too late for that. Piccolo finally decided to come join them and Goku was glad for it.

He landed quietly at their backs and didn't say anything. To Piccolo, the fact that Vegeta was here and now aware of the situation was enough, and it quelled any need to speak for the moment. He would admit, too, that it was damn good to see him, and he was looking very well; poised and stronger than ever, though he paid little mind to Piccolo's arrival. He wasn't sure what the two of them have discussed, or if Goku knew anything about Dunduil, and he figured keeping silent for the time being was the best choice.

Vegeta was at a loss for words but Goku and Piccolo gave him the chance to take it all in. He wasn't able to sleep for long with his people on his mind. The Saiyans, it's so unbelievable. He looked them over with mock scrutiny, then turned to Goku and asked, "What are we waiting for?" Goku nodded and they took off, Piccolo close behind them. Vegeta landed after Kakarot, a few yards away from the Elder's home, some shack-like place to Vegeta. He knew Kakarot was leading him to one of two men.

Everyone around them stopped and watched. Some fell to the ground in fear and recognition of the Prince, while others were frozen in place, since they didn't know much of King Goku or his personality, and they did not recognize the man he arrived with. People who were in their little houses began to come outside or look through windows and wake others who were still sleeping. It was quiet save for quick murmurs of young one's questions, which were hushed. They all wondered what was going on, and what would happen when their King learns about Dunduil, if Piccolo hasn't already told him.

Goku could feel everyone stirring inside of the Elder's house that was asleep. Vegeta watched closely, as Goku seemed to be waiting for whoever was inside.

Von woke up suddenly, and the first thing that he noticed was King Goku right outside of his door, and there was someone else, too, someone of enormous power. He sat up and knew somehow that he was expected. Taking in a few quick, deep breaths he stood up, trying to pull himself together. He hadn't meant to fall asleep!

Thelel sensed Von's intense emotions and came out of her dreams quickly, grabbing onto Lune, which stirred the young girl awake. The woman asked quietly, "What is it?" She looked around and it seemed the Elders had gotten up and left them a while ago, but things were quiet, perhaps more quiet than usual.

Von was already up and out of bed. He said, "It's our King, and, and I think Prince Vegeta, too, " he seemed in shock as he straightened his shirt, but he was headed for the door.

"How do you know?" Thelel's voice was so quiet Von could only distinguish it from the air because of having known it for so long. She gathered the still sleepy but rousing Lune and made for the doorway after him as fast as she could.

Von never answered her as he stood up straight and opened the door and stepped out and into the sunlight. His eyes first met with his King's, and when he began to bow his eyes fell upon his Prince, and time stopped. Beholding him; It's a dream come true. This is the man he'd been searching for all of his life. Von thought Vegeta more handsome than he'd imagined or than any picture he'd ever seen, and there is much to admire when looking at him. To Von, it was almost like finding his long-lost brother, and his high regard for him is indisputable. He found himself at a significant loss for words. Had he not been planning for this moment his entire life?

Vegeta looked at him very strangely and said, "Vaughn," unsure, as though he was a ghost. No, this is not Vaughn, he realized, this is his son.

"Your majesty," Von fell to his knees, as did everyone else who was watching who hadn't already fallen to the ground. "Long have I desired to meet you," but for the moment that was all he could manage to say.

Goku said, "Get up, Von." Then he mentioned to Vegeta, "This is the General..." but, curious about the look on his face, he didn't finish introducing him or say anything else, either. Goku wondered how he knew his name, he didn't remember mentioning it before.

Von stood up, looked at Prince Vegeta, and came forward, waiting for a response while he caught his breath. Vegeta said, after what seemed an eternity, "You look just like your father."

"My father," Von said wistfully, "held great reverence for you and your line, and I share in his beliefs. He is no longer with us, though, but forgive me, for I wish not to damper on these grand tidings," a smile rose to his face and it seemed he was exuberantly happy, as he had been when he'd first arrived hoping to find Prince Vegeta. He said, "I have come a long ways with the Saiyans and at last I am charmed to hope that I can finally reunite a people with their Leader." Vegeta was silent as he listened to Von coo him. Gohan, Trunks, and Goten landed during his speech and everyone gathered around to watch silently and acutely. Von went on to say, "If I may, please allow me to proclaim your name to the people, and let it be known that Prince Vegeta is once again amongst us, as the head of us?"

Vegeta answered, to everyone's surprise, "What makes you think I would care about any of this? I have no need for the toils of a lost peoples every day lives. You've come to convince me to torment with the duty of carrying on a dwindling culture I know hardly anything about? What's more amusing is that you tried to lay the lot into Kakarot's hands, first. Kakarot! Who doesn't care in the slightest about the Saiyans, and who has no desire to rule them. Now, I'm to believe that you want me to be your King, when you have already given the crown over to another man before me, a man who you would not allow to refuse it? What conclusion am I supposed to come to?" Von did not know that the Prince was bluffing, in fact, no one did, but Vegeta had a point.

He [remembered he could read thoughts and] looked into the minds of many around them. Von was focused entirely on him. Most of the others were frightened, some were distracted and weary. Vegeta knew that something has happened recently amongst them, perhaps it is the same cloud causing their funk, the same that has them all acting utterly spent. Then he remembered the other man he wanted to meet, and he barked again, "Tell me, who is the other Saiyan, where is he?"

Goku was so shocked he remained absolutely silent and still, even though Vegeta wasn't talking to him, he knew he was referring to Dunduil, that's when he realized that he didn't feel Dunduil anywhere, at all.

Von was threatening to fall apart in many different ways, but he kept it together and answered still, "My Lord, I believe you are asking about Dunduil, and I must inform you," his eyes flickered to Goku for a moment before settling back on Vegeta's ever-smouldering ones, "he is dead. I killed him not twenty hours ago."

Goku remained stunned and he could not speak not even to question it, but he knew Von had not misspoken, Dunduil is dead.

Vegeta seemed a little less put off but his brows furrowed and his eyes narrowed as he processed the information. He caught onto Goku's sudden tremor. "What happened?" he asked, dying to know. Von went to speak but Vegeta stopped him, saying, "No," he turned to a familiar face in the crowd, "Gohan, tell me what happened."

The crowd looked on. Gohan looked at Vegeta, his small frown so familiar to the Prince. Gohan wished the first words he said to him were not these, but he answered, with much more ease than Von could muster, "Dunduil went to Capsule Corp and tried to rape Bulma. Thelel," Gohan motioned towards a beautiful woman who was holding a young girl, the same two who had followed Von out of the house, they were now standing amongst some elders and as Gohan finished speaking Vegeta scanned their faces, listening carefully, "came to save her, and Dunduil would have turned on them both if Trunks hadn't been there." Gohan was nervous to tell Vegeta that story despite his delivery, who knows how he will react.

The Prince was angered but he couldn't be happier with the end results. Dunduil, the one Goku had bitten, is dead, which means he's of no consequence to any of them anymore, despite the harm he's done. Vegeta quickly took into consideration the fact that if Kakarot had been on Earth, or if it were any of the fighters from Earth against Dunduil, the man would not have been killed. Vegeta mentally noted to speak to Trunks privately and also to Bulma, now understanding the look of concern on her face from before. Dually, Vegeta was encompassed with the elderly men and women, who all looked very familiar, some more than others. He watched keenly as one man in particular took his sweet time to brave walking up to Vegeta from out of the crowd.

He was an Elder, clearly he had once been a great warrior and lived on Vegeta-sai. The man was bent over a tad, and so his height was nearly equal to Vegeta's. When he got closer Vegeta said, with a fond note, "Lord Mushnor," recognizing his scent over everything else.

"My dear Prince Vegeta," Mushnor replied kindly with a small smile on his old face, "Don't be so hard on Von, he means well."

Vegeta smirked at the man but shook his head, "I don't understand." Vegeta felt as though this were all a dream, a long, intricate, complicated dream- it just seemed too impossible to be real. If Von's face wasn't enough to snap him back to the past, Lord Mushnor is. He's starting to believe and is becoming more interested in being involved than seeing it as an awkward and uncontrollable situation. Still he has so many questions and he wants to know the details of what's happened, and he wants to start making plans and get things going.

Mushnor answered, "There'll be plenty of time for catching up, don't you think? Now let Von say what he has to say to you, you might like to hear it."

No one was more surprised by Mushnor's treatment towards Prince Vegeta than Gohan. Although some of the Elder's had mentioned knowing Prince Vegeta, Mushnor wasn't one of the ones who claimed it. There did, however, seem to be a relationship there, and even Vegeta acted more amused by Mushnor's attitude towards him than anything. Vegeta knew his name, Gohan doesn't think even Goku knows it to tell it to him. Everyone here must be watching in awe because Gohan can feel the bewilderment.

Vegeta turned to Von with a blank stare, essentially giving him permission to continue.

Von was stricken by him, moved by his presence, and he felt obligated to fulfill any of his desires, regardless of the way he reacted to him at first. He nodded respectfully at Mushnor, not expecting his help, and then at Vegeta. He began again, "I never aimed to deceive you, Prince Vegeta," He gestured towards Goku and said, "It is true, I declared this man our King and he denounced it, many times over, but I refused him, still. Honestly, I couldn't believe that any Saiyan man would not want to take place as ruler amongst us, and I denied him the choice because I believed he would change his mind. But I was wrong, I know that now. All this time that we've been here and he has not spent one moment of it amongst us. I know what you say to be true, he does not wish to be King. I can tell you, though, that my crowning this man and obstinately pushing him towards reigning does not contradict my belief that you are my rightful King."

Vegeta was a little blown away to learn that Goku never took an interest in the Saiyans this whole time. He figured he would have gotten to know at least some of them, as Gohan and the younger boys have.

Von went on, not giving Vegeta much time to process everything, "I assumed that things were different, much different than they turned out to be here. Life, however, still goes on, and the choices that I make affect everyone you see around you, so naturally not every choice made is always only my own. The people wish for King Goku to rule because he is the Legendary and he destroyed Freeza," Von seemed to run out of words as he stared longer into Vegeta's eyes.

Vegeta read his thoughts, which were, I know you're a Legendary, too, my King.

Von took a breath and explained, "My assumptions on your course of action and the cause thereof have brought us here in awkward timing. For whatever reason, I thought that you and King Goku were together, then there would have been no need for arguing over the crown."

Vegeta remembered hearing him tell Goku that and he wondered where he was getting his inclinations from, but he wasn't given the chance to ask.

Von was saying, "I never expected you to leave the planet, especially not after you'd been here for so long. Then you were gone when I got here, but now you are back, and since King Goku does not want the crown and he will not fight you for it, then by all means, it is yours. There are none who would contend you."

"Why did you kill Dunduil?" Vegeta stopped him quickly, suddenly curious to know.

Von caught the undertones, why would he go through the effort of killing Dunduil if there was nothing in it for himself? But there was nothing in it like that for Von. Dunduil had been his enemy already and he needed to be taken care of.

Von seemed rather reluctant to speak on the matter, but that was not a problem for Vegeta anymore. He reached into his thoughts and they read, clear as day, (Dunduil, he's not worth talking about.) I thought you would have been informed already. (Surely you don't think I was threatened by him, he is dead, after all.) Gohan... why else would King Goku bite him? (He's so secluded from us all, even his own son.) I can't mention Apimic if front of this crowd.

A light went on in Vegeta's head at that word. In a mere moment memories flooded back to him. There's that place again, that dark, empty memory from before, with Fronshir. It was the frightening one that had been so familiar, like it's from his past, like a vision, and that's exactly what it was. Vegeta could see the dreary scape all over again, as though he was there, but he was a young boy, and he looked up and over his shoulder to his right, and there was Vaughn, he smirked at him, and Vegeta smirked back, and turned away, and then there was black. That was the last mission they ever went on together.

He was somehow remembering things he thought were lost, and he heard his father's voice saying words he could barely translate. One of them was Apimic, or Bond. Vegeta realized that he and Kakarot now had it, Bond, Apimic, the connection, the real thing. Vegeta now saw his father and very few others standing in a glorious room, explaining to Vegeta casually that he had the gift, if he chose to use it. They told him that he had the proper, developed skill to know when Apimic is right, and that he had a good chance of finding a pure Bond. The King explained to him how powerful it could be, how he could turn otherwise harmful subjects into loyal soldiers, should the need arise. Vaughn jumped in to explain that sometimes if the need is dire or instinct takes over, Apimic will happen, planned or unplanned. He also mentioned that a bond of love is more desirable than that of dominance and to avoid anything tainted. There were many other details being told to him, but the dream faded away. The moment it took for Vegeta to realize these things passed and he said, "I see," and looked upon Von with even more interest.

Vegeta now understood, as he's always known, Kakarot is very Saiyan, so Saiyan in fact, his instincts caused him to bite Dunduil, just as Von's caused him to kill him. It seems no one has asked Kakarot what he was thinking in biting Dunduil, though it plainly involved Gohan, Vegeta would bet that Goku doesn't even know, exactly himself (Which is why he hasn't brought it up; he didn't know what to say.) It's clear Dunduil was a menace before the Saiyans even arrived on Earth and Von was doing what no one else would, taking care of the garbage. Gohan and the others could have stopped Von if they wanted to, they must have found out about his Bond with Goku and weren't certain of what to do, either. That is probably part of the reason Goku needed to leave the planet and come see Vegeta. It seems Vegeta wasn't the only one in need.

"My Lord," Von said, unsure of what was going on. He hasn't answered him yet.

Vegeta said darkly, "Finish what you were saying before." In his link to Kakarot, a warmth grew, and only Trunks and Goten noticed Goku's tail begin to wave behind him.

Gohan looked at Vegeta strangely, not understanding what was going on. He hadn't felt this lost in a while.

Goku marveled at his new ability, he hadn't really considered the affects of him being able to read minds, yet. He honestly thought Vegeta would react a little stronger about Dunduil. What had Von been thinking that was revealed to Vegeta in that split second? Even Goku is still confused about Dunduil's death.

Von nodded at him, though it was hard for him to just drop it. He tried to remember his place, thinking back on Vegeta's harsh argument. He finally started out again slowly, "I was saying that... You were born to rule us, and I imagined the challenges of taking on the position of leadership would appeal to you. It was torn from you but now it has been re-patched and chance is here," Von said with a tone of humbleness, "Is there no more pride left for you in our people? More than half of us are younger than fifty, my Prince, we do not recall those traditions which were so special to us, either. All the more reason for celebration, I say, and the possibilities are limitless."

Von seemed to have gotten his voice back as he finished with, "I seek to make things as accommodating for you as possible. We even took this time to come upon a planet that, if it is to your liking, I think will suitable for our people. You are not alone, and your guidance and strength over us would be more than a hope turned into reality. I would not speak falsely to you and I will admit that it is my desire to have you both as my Kings." He looked between the two men, but focused on Vegeta again and said, "I am at your leisure, Prince Vegeta, we all are. Will you not have us, my Lord? Will you not be our King?"

There was a stiff silence and Vegeta milked it, staring into Von's eyes. Vaughn, he'd seemed just a dream to Vegeta now for so long, but how he adored his God-father as a young boy, and how he'd forgotten about him. He could see why Gohan is taken with this saiyan, Von. He reminds Vegeta a lot of his God-father, and he wanted to hear an account of the man as soon as possible. Obviously Kakarot approves of him, Vegeta saw that there was nothing left to do but get to know him.

He took in the moments, realizing that this was his opportunity and that although he's so longed to take it, he was still just realizing its impacts. There must be countless stories of how they've survived and travelled this long for this very event. Lord Mushnor and Nijttee (Miss) Ludant, Vegeta was anxious to speak with them, and a little more interested than he thought he would be in getting to know these newer generations. He'd once felt so separated and detached from everything, but, with the help of Kakarot's insight on his side, Vegeta is beginning to understand that he must become involved in order to be effective. The joy is in the act of getting to know those around him, and both of them being truly versed in the people will only be to their advantage.

Vegeta almost lost this chance one too many times, and now he no longer saw himself living life alone. He finally replied, with much thankfulness from the waiting ears, "My pride in our people has never failed. Kakarot," he looked at Goku, who looked at him and smiled, "has been easily persuaded to be your King, as well." Vegeta smirked at Kakarot before turning back to look at Von. He said, "As for the rest of the details, we will discuss it further in private later on. Oh, and I have already seen the planet you speak of," he nodded at him, "it is a solid choice."

Von was already smiling from ear to ear before Vegeta finished his sentence. He turned to the people and shouted, joyously, "Oh, people, Hail King Vegeta, Gibjik! Gibjik! Gibjik!" (Hail Hail Hail!) and everyone shouted along with him and then long after him, waking up those who managed to sleep through the arrival of their newly crowned King. Finally Von managed to yell out over the crowd, "Hail King Goku!" The company roared in the same manner as before (Gibjik!) and a party ensued. Von hadn't left a moment to spare.

Trunks and Goten ran up to Vegeta and Goku and began asking them all sorts of questions, but they couldn't make out the words due to the uproar and they were much too distracted. Vegeta did squeeze Trunks shoulder tightly, and they exchanged looks, Trunks told him, "Mom's okay." Vegeta nodded and Trunks knew he would be home later on.

There were too many things and too many people calling for attention. Vegeta didn't necessarily want to leave, but being in the middle of it wasn't working out. He also didn't necessarily want to get away from Kakarot, then again, he needed to speak with others, like Von and Lord Mushnor and Piccolo, alone. This is a lot to take in, and there's more to it still.

Goku seemed to understand Vegeta's need to go it alone for the moment, besides, there were others taking his attention anyways (mostly children who asked him if he was going to live amongst them, and shouted out for joy when he said he would. They asked him to play with them...) Gohan, however, followed Vegeta as he darted away from the crowd, where Goten and Trunks were just as excited as everyone else and were partying right along with them. When Gohan last looked, Thelel and Lune had Von's attention, and the Elder's were too busy watching the general splendor to do much of anything else, not to mention the people running up to them in ecstatic disbelief. There was such an intense amount of emotions from within the Saiyan people it could be sensed strongly.

Vegeta looked over his shoulder as he dashed away and saw Gohan following him. They hadn't made it very far away from the people but Vegeta stopped and turned to talk to him anyways. Gohan looked surprised that he stopped suddenly, but then again, Vegeta isn't one to be chased for very long.

Gohan wasn't sure what to say first, he could take this conversation so many different ways. Vegeta was ever silent, allowing him to make his choice as he studied him. Finally Gohan asked, "Where have you been?"

Vegeta found it amusing and he laughed but he didn't answer him. He took his time looking him over. He looked older, more like a handsome young man than a boy now, and he's definitely gotten stronger. Goku must be so proud of his son.

Gohan said, feeling a little more loosened up after having said something initially already, "You know Mushnor?"

"Lord Mushnor," Vegeta corrected, but he didn't answer him.

"I'm sorry, he never told me, I didn't know," Gohan tried to dismiss his interruption. He waited for some type of response but he got nothing in return. He asked, "And Von, he looks like his father?" a smile came to his face as he said the man's name.

Vegeta shook his head, dismissing his question again with silence. Gohan was too anxious to learn something, so he asked other questions, pausing in between each one, "Why were you gone for so long? Were you not going to come back? Is it true, you've seen the new planet? Do you like it?" Gohan walked closer to him as he became more and more excited.

Vegeta smirked and turned his back to him, "Calm down, Gohan."

Before, Gohan would have gotten extremely upset that he turned his back to him and told him to calm down when he wasn't doing anything. Instead Gohan became bold and said, "If you hadn't left the communication device we would have all been just a click away."

Vegeta wasn't surprised, it made sense for Gohan to be frustrated with him, even now he wasn't being very accommodating to him. Vegeta answered, crossing him arms over his chest, "At the time a click away would have been too close."

"Vegeta..." Gohan swallowed the lump of nervousness in his throat but he still couldn't form the words.

Vegeta read his thoughts since he'd rendered him silent. They said, My Dad must have really hurt you. How much you must love him, Vegeta. None of us really knew how much he meant to you, but I don't think you ever knew how much you mean to us. But all Gohan said was, "I missed you," unlike years before, when he couldn't admit it.

Vegeta didn't know what to say and he couldn't move, frozen by Gohan's sudden gentleness towards him. Even after he's been so cold, Gohan somehow still found the nerve to say what he'd wanted to for so long. Vegeta knew it wasn't that he didn't want to talk to Gohan, it's just that things were happening so fast, he felt like he needed a minute to think of what he would say and what he would keep to himself. He had looked forward to seeing the young man, and he didn't want to push him away, but showing him any affection at this point in time wasn't going to happen.

Gohan braved asking Vegeta one more question, "You and my Dad are together now, right?" Vegeta nodded at him. Gohan said quickly, "Good," and nodded back, remarking, "I don't know why it took so long."

Vegeta smirked, his teeth showing, and he said, "We weren't men enough for each other, before."

Gohan wondered at that statement and replied, "You must think a lot more of him than you say."

Vegeta answered, "I would say that your father is wise is ways that aren't determined by years."

Stunned, Gohan asks, "Did you just say-?" but Vegeta gave him a look which dared him to finish his question. Gohan smiled at him and laughed. Finally he said, moving on, "I want you to come see Von later, and meet Lune, his daughter." He finished with, "You can't say 'no'," and smiled at him with that Son smile.

Vegeta smirked at the young man, admittedly happy to see him after all these years, and so grown up. He responded, "I guess I can't say no, then," and for the briefest moment, his sentiments towards the younger man were somehow conveyed.

Gohan knew that he would get no further with him for the time being and that was okay. He turned and left Vegeta, going back to Von and his family.

Vegeta turned and walked further away, entering into the forestry. He supposed he was trying to get a grip. A lot of change just happened, and yet nothing has happened yet at all.

Piccolo landed nearby and Vegeta stopped where he was, he'd been expecting him.

"Well?" Piccolo wondered, letting Vegeta choose, if he would, how they would begin this conversation.

"Hn," Vegeta closed his eyes, "How long have they been here?"

Piccolo smirked, "Did you and Goku even talk?"

Vegeta's jaw dropped for a split second and then he gathered back his wits, irritated, and looked away, a blush creeping onto his face. He didn't say anything.

Piccolo asked, after Vegeta had cooled off from his joke, "What happened... out there?"

Vegeta's face hardened. He retorted, "What happened here?"

Piccolo didn't rush into anything, and he figured it best if he didn't lead the conversation, but he mentioned, "Gohan's gone through 'Horunta.'"

Vegeta nodded at him, "Yes, with Von."

Piccolo inquired, "You seem to know him...?"

"Only his shadow," Vegeta answered and then smirked at Piccolo. "How did you go through it?" he asked, making light of the Namek's emotions as he had his.

Piccolo was thrown off guard, he knew Vegeta was aware of his feelings for Gohan, but they'd never talked about it. He answered honestly, though, "They left the planet for the duration of it." He narrowed his eyes and remarked, "You're one to talk, aren't you the man who couldn't handle rejection so you left the planet? Besides, I let Gohan go."

Vegeta couldn't help his surprised stare, Piccolo wouldn't do that, not unless Gohan's in love. A few seconds later he "humphed" and crossed his arms and said, "Well, don't waste your time trying to understand me, Namek."

Piccolo answered, "I'm not here to pry into every detail of your love-life with Goku. I guess all I really want to know is what made you call out for him, it was beginning to look like we were never going to see you again."

Vegeta turned and sneered, but all he mumbled was, "What do you care?"

Piccolo didn't say anything else, allowing Vegeta to choose his next response. Vegeta listened in on Piccolo's thoughts and they went, I guess Goku didn't tell you that he's been looking for you for a long time. He even used Bulma's lab to do research. I guess he didn't mention how angry Gohan's been with him since you left, either, or the fact that he's hardly been able to concentrate on anything else. He must not have told you he was out for days just trying to hold on to you in the end. No, you're too busy trying not to be embarrassed or look weak when no one is pointing their finger in the first place. We've all been wishing you were here, especially since the Saiyans arrived. Goku hasn't done anything.

Vegeta couldn't speak for a long time, but Piccolo remained silent, too. Eventually the new King spoke up, and said, "Kakarot is it for me." Piccolo wasn't sure he knew what he meant or why he was telling him this, but Vegeta went on to say, "I've always known that, my feelings have never changed. If he wasn't in my life..." Vegeta looked at Piccolo as he revealed, "I came across someone that I didn't expect during my time in space, and I almost couldn't come back," He looked away, thoughtfully, and said, "Now is not the right time to discuss it, I think."

Piccolo wasn't about to push things any further with Vegeta if he said he didn't want to be pushed. He was acting a little different today, more reserved maybe? In any case, he went on ahead and changed the subject again, "How come you're not more angry about Dunduil?"

Vegeta eyed him and answered, "Should I be?"

"No," Piccolo shook his head, "it's nothing to concern yourself over."

Vegeta smirked at him, interested in their conversation even though they were still keeping things from one another. Vegeta asked him, "Will you be joining us, at the new location? You're invited you know," he smirked at him.

The Namek gave him a strange look and said, "I haven't thought about it. Which reminds me, you said you've been there? How? And how come you seemed to get information from Von that he never told you?"

"Oh," Vegeta began to laugh hardily, then he explained, "Well, Kakarot and I spent the last few weeks there and he's not the only one who's learned a new trick."

Piccolo asked, "What do you mean?" almost nervous to know.

Vegeta shook his head, "You wouldn't believe me if I told you, and besides, I don't want to make anyone feel uncomfortable."

Piccolo could have rolled his eyes but it's hard to tell if Vegeta's bluffing, so he kept his mouth shut about it, knowing he'd find out eventually. He determined that Vegeta has mellowed out as the years progress, either that or it's Goku's affect on him. He said to him, after a few long moments silence, "So, you and Goku?"

Vegeta smirked and closed his eyes, "Want to see something?" He knew the Namek wouldn't say no. Vegeta lifted up his hand to his shoulder and pulled over on his shirt, showing off his new mark.

Piccolo was stunned by it, it looked so different than Dunduil's had, almost as though it belonged there in some odd way. "It's perfect," Piccolo mumbled without thinking.

"Of course it is," Vegeta snapped, not realizing what he was comparing it to. Piccolo smiled and laughed at him, he looked so proud of it. Vegeta said, "Kakarot has the matching one."

Piccolo nodded at him and said, "Congratulations." Vegeta was about to say something cross to him about mocking him, but Piccolo actually bowed a little bit and he said, "Come see me when you've made some plans and we'll talk more then," and then he left, just like that.

Vegeta took a moment to think about their conversation before he turned and walked further into the forrest with no destination in mind. He spent a good amount of time there alone in thought until Trunks came along.

---

Goku stayed amongst the Saiyans for some time, mostly playing with the children, and then he formally met every single one of them. He spent his time wandering about, Gohan was hanging out with his younger brother for once, and two other men Goku met earlier, though he can't remember their names. He was waiting until he saw that Von was no longer surrounded by people. Once h saw his chance, he went up to him and asked to speak privately. Von was happy to oblige. They walked together for a while out in the open, but far away from everyone else while they talked.

"I'm glad that Vegeta's finally back," Goku laughed, stating the obvious just to start out with.

Von gave him a peculiar look, and said, "Yes, well, no more disappearing acts from either of you and I'll be happy."

They laughed together at that and Goku scratched the back of his head, "Yeah, I promise."

Von said, before he could stop himself, "I meant to talk to you about Dunduil," he looked into his Kings eyes, "long before you left." Goku looked confused and Von explained himself, "There were some amongst us who noticed that Dunduil was behaving strangely. I wanted to mention Bond to you but I was uncertain of what you might say and I was distracted. In all honesty, I ignored it, when I should have done something."

Goku shook his head, "Whatever it was, it wasn't your fault," Goku put his hand on Von's shoulder. "I should be thanking you, Von," and he squeezed it tight.

A weight was lifted off his shoulders as he stared into his King's eyes. He'd needed to know that he would understand, and he did. Von gripped his Kings shoulder and squeezed it as well and they smiled at one another. Von said, "It's strange the way things work out."

Goku nodded at him and they let go of one another as he said, "I know what you mean." Goku reached up and pulled down at the collar of his shirt on his left shoulder, revealing to Von his mark.

Von's mouth fell open as he looked at and he said, "It's beautiful."

"Vegeta has one, too," Goku smiled at him, "So, I guess I kind of want to know about Bond anyways."

Von was so touched at the image it made him smile, and he said, "Everything I know I'll tell you, but the Elder's know more. You should go and speak with them, bring King Vegeta, too."

They were smiling at one another nonstop now, and they felt almost silly at this point. Goku had so much he wanted to talk to Von about, and hear about, and Von felt the very same for him.

Goku said, "You should bring Thelel and Lune, and tonight we'll eat at Capsule Corp with Vegeta and the boys."

"It would be my pleasure," Von began to bow but Goku held his chest in place, stopping him.

"I told you, you don't need to bow to me," his smile never left his face.

Von nodded at him, and wrapped his arms around him, instead. Goku didn't react at first, surprised, until he found he was wrapping his arms right back around Von. They both pulled back and Von asked, suddenly stricken with curiosity, "How is it possible that King Vegeta has seen the planet I chose already?... How did you get to him?"

Goku laughed and tried to explain, "There's this technique I learned called Instant Transmission, and I sort of developed it to where I can jump through space and time. It's hard to explain."

"You don't say," Von thought, Remarkable, and then wondered, "So, you've been there? Do you like it?"

Goku smiled and nodded at him, "Very much."

Von stood there with him, feeling floored about just about everything. He found himself smiling again and he said, "I'm so happy I don't know what to do with myself."

Goku's grin only grew brighter, and they joked around with one another for a little while longer before parting ways. They would speak again later on in the day.
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