Alternate Reality

Alternate Reality
Chapter 4 - "A Saiyan Way of Life"
WC: 4,800

AN: Wow we're already on chapter 4. I'm so excited. I've finished the story and am now in the process of writing a sequel to this one and watching the epsiodes from the Buu Saga so I can better write my drabble series. I'm hoping to stay on this roll I have and not hit a writer's block (knock on wood). We'll see what happends.

Chapter Sum-up: Gohan and Vegeta have a talk, a relationship is revealed...and another visitor (I just can't help myself).

So on with the story. Enjoy...

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Three months before Gohan’s eighteenth birthday Vegeta sent Trunks and Goten out to spend the day on Kami Island with Krillin and his family. With that done he waited impatiently in the living room for Gohan to return from his weekly training session with Piccolo.

It was the weekend now so the boys weren’t in school and it made it easier for Vegeta to spend a long, quiet time with Gohan without worrying about the twin terrors and his eldest son getting behind in their studies. Trunks and Goten were more inclined to be out of the house, getting them out of Vegeta’s hair for several hours, for which Vegeta was thankful.

After a few minutes of pacing Vegeta felt the unmistakable chi of his eldest son and he heard the front door open then close. He next heard Gohan putting his jacket away and taking his shoes off before calling out for him. He called back and Gohan appeared in the doorway of the living room. Vegeta gasped…he almost thought Kakarot was standing right in front of him. Gohan was flushed from flying and his hair was more rumpled than usual, yet it was his eyes; bright, deep, with hidden wisdom and strength. Physically Goten resembled their father more than Gohan, but Gohan had Kakarot’s look, his presence, and Vegeta’s heart stopped for a moment as a few tears came to his eyes. Oh Kakarot…

Vegeta shook himself when Gohan tilted his head in question towards him. Now was not the time for the past, it was time for the future, Gohan’s future. “We need to talk kiddo,” he said as he took a seat on the couch, gesturing for Gohan to join him. Gohan did a bit reluctantly, but would never question his Papa.

“What do you want to talk about,” he asked a bit shakily, his Papa had a very serious and hard expression on his face. “Am I in trouble?”

Vegeta softened at Gohan’s tone; he was so worried about the young man that he was starting to scare him. Vegeta shook himself and gently grasped one of his son’s slightly shaking hands. “No Gohan, you’re not in trouble,” he spoke as he stroked the young man’s hair with his other hand, “But there is something important we need to talk about; about you. If it isn’t resolved something bad could happen.”

Gohan’s eyes widened and he started to shake noticeably. “Don’t worry, don’t worry,” Vegeta was quick to reassure. “Nothing will happen for a while. I wanted to talk to you sooner so you understand. It’s about our heritage. I told you I would tell you everything you needed to know when you came of age and now is that time.”

Gohan relaxed a little at his Papa’s touches and words. He leaned in and nuzzled his face into the juncture of Vegeta’s shoulder and neck. He stayed there for a while, being comforted further by his Papa’s scent, before he pulled away and gazed at his adopted parent. He nodded slightly, giving Vegeta the ‘go ahead.’ Vegeta nodded back and took a deep breath. It was now or never.

“On our home planet, to regulate the population, our species could only have a guarantied pregnancy every ten years in their lifespan, if you tried to have a child between those ten years there was a much higher risk of miscarriage, so most Saiyans usually waited for the proper time for their body to have a child.

“This means that not everyone was on the same schedule; some would have a child one year and others some years later. This was regulated because a Saiyan’s body went into heat every ten years starting at age 18 till they passed their prime. We are a warrior race so this is important. Even so a heat did not always result in a pregnancy. I’ve already told you our species was primarily male, some Dom and some Sub. The Sub could get pregnant during heat only if he wanted to. A Sub has to meditate and prepare their body to have a baby before getting pregnant, if he didn’t prepare then no cub.”

“But if that’s true then some Saiyans may never have kids if they can only do it every ten years and when the Sub is ready,” Gohan said, trying to wrap his head around the differences of Saiyans to humans.

“That’s only if Saiyans live on a human life scale. An average Saiyan with a power level far below ours would live 200 years before passing their prime, plenty of time to have kids in my opinion. For you and me we’ll live for hundreds of years before aging. Even so Saiyans don’t have many kids because we fight to survive. Children are a lot of work and only come into the picture for a couple when the Sub feels safe enough to have the cub and raise it. A cub was old enough not to need its parents once they’ve gone through their first heat and found their mate, so siblings were usually spaced about 20 years apart so there was no conflict for attention from the parents, though there are exceptions,” Vegeta said, referring to Gohan, Trunks and Goten.

“Now here’s the thing. If a Saiyan goes through their heat and not have sex they will be driven insane by the overload of emotions and pain. Usually they don’t survive long after the few days that heat will last.”

“But Papa…I’m almost eighteen and haven’t gone through this at all.”

“I’m getting to that. On our planet the heat cycle came at the same time for all Saiyans although not in the same year. It was scheduled around the rise of one of our moons, Iris, which only rose once a year. Now on Earth that doesn’t happen, we don’t even have a moon anymore so I’m not sure how this affects your cycle. My body’s still on schedule but I’m also a full blooded Saiyan. You have human blood running through your veins so I have no idea when your heat will happen, but right now that’s not what I’m worried about…” Vegeta paused, a tad embarrassed to go on.

“What are you worried about Papa,” Gohan asked quietly, not sure where this was heading.

Vegeta took a deep breath and straightened his shoulders. There was no easy way to say this. “I’m worried you won’t have anyone to mate with,” he murmured.

Gohan blushed to the tips of his ears and turned his head away from his Papa. Vegeta, after waiting a few moments to let the words sink in, reached out and grasped his son’s chin and turned him back towards him. “I know this isn’t something kids your age talk about with their parents so bear with me.

“Because I have no idea when you will go into heat I at least want you to have someone close to you who you’re willing to have sex with, because if you don’t…well I don’t even want to consider it. I know your human blood has diluted your Saiyan instincts a bit, but even so, you still have strong traits in you. I don’t want to risk losing you,” Vegeta finished; releasing Gohan’s chin and leaning back to wait for his son to digest this information.

Gohan sat staring at the floor for minutes on end, still blushing but seeming to be contemplating what he had been told. He shifted suddenly like he was uncomfortable, and then cleared his throat, still keeping his eyes glued to the floor as he began to speak. “I…well I…I do have someone I like…”he trailed off, nervous to continue.

Vegeta leaned forward, gazing at a side profile of Gohan, once again marveling at the similarities between father and son. “Who is it son. Is it a human friend of your’s from school. Because I know they can be a bit dense…”

“No it’s not,” Gohan interrupted with a shake of his head. “It’s someone else, someone very close to me…I.” Gohan bowed his head and took a breath; this would be very awkward telling his Papa who he liked.

“I’ve always liked him but as I grew up I had a terrible crush on him and now…I think I’m in love with him…but…”

“But what Gohan,” Vegeta urged when Gohan was quiet for a few moments longer. Gohan just shook his head, shrugging off the sentence. “Who? Tell me who Gohan…please,” Vegeta asked. Gohan sat for a few more moments, looking straight ahead before whispering the name.

“Piccolo.” The name came off as a loving sigh from his lips.

It was Vegeta’s turn to stare at the floor with great intensity. ‘Piccolo…’ The name fluttered around in his head before settling. It was strange but so…right. The two had always been close but…how had he not noticed? How had he not seen the looks Gohan sent Piccolo, once innocent now with longing? Why didn’t he notice a faint blush staining pale cheeks at his arrival or praise? How had he not noticed?

He sighed…he knew why, deep down. It was because he had always thought Gohan would fall for a human. Piccolo had never entered Vegeta’s thoughts as a suitor for Gohan…but in hindsight he is the best pick. He already loved Gohan, the degree to which was still unknown to Vegeta, and Piccolo was level headed, incredibly strong, intelligent, and handsome in his own way. It’s not that Vegeta didn’t like the thought so he never considered it; it’s that Piccolo has always been close; he just never thought he could be closer. The only problem now was finding out if he felt the same way for Gohan as Gohan obviously did for him, judging by the wistful looks and glazed eyes.

Vegeta looked over at Gohan after he had absorbed the unexpected news, he saw his son’s head was downcast, his eyes filled with embarrassment, a touch of fear, and sadness. “I’m guessing from your expression that he does not know how deep your feelings for him go,” he whispered to gently, breaking the uncomfortable silence that had descended upon them.

Gohan’s head whipped up at his Papa’s gentle tone, looking into his eyes and not seeing disgust and anger like he expected, but saw compassion, understanding, and fatherly affection. “You mean you don’t mind it’s him,” he asked hesitantly.

Vegeta smirked. “Not at all. In all honesty I think you two are very good for each other. You compliment each other’s strengths and weaknesses,” he said wrapping an arm around Gohan’s relaxing shoulders.

Gohan smiled, relieved at his Papa’s approval and nuzzled once more into the strong neck of the Prince, inhaling the sweet musk that always chased all his fears away. Gohan relaxed entirely and melted into Vegeta’s embrace, but remembered what his Papa asked him about his expression, it meaning Piccolo didn’t know his feelings. “My expression Pops was more about telling you. I’ve had all these scenarios running through my head for about a week, of when I told you. I guess I was worried you wouldn’t approve and that made me sad…”

“So he knows,” Vegeta asked, pulling back from the embrace to look at his son, catching the goofy smile at the question and blushing cheeks.

Gohan nodded. “He knows. Remember we went on that weekend excursion about a month ago to train, just the two of us. Well I finally got enough courage to confess to him, and he…” Gohan paused as his smile grew larger.”…he said he was wondering when I was going to say that to him, he had been waiting Pops. Then before I could respond he kissed me…he gave me my first kiss…” Gohan trailed off, lost in the memory of that moment.

Vegeta chuckled to himself, remembering he acted much the same when he first confessed to Kakarot and his feelings were reciprocated. And of course Piccolo would figure out Gohan liked him, since the boy didn’t try to hide his feelings. Piccolo is a very perceptive creature; he can see what’s right in front of him if he wants to, unlike most people. Vegeta smiled and pulled Gohan closer, breaking the young man from his memories. Gohan looked at him and smiled shyly back, cheeks still ablaze. Vegeta nudged his son with his shoulder, encouraging him to continue.

“Well after he kissed me he said we shouldn’t go any further because he wanted to make sure we had your blessing, so he wanted me to tell you. He also said it was a good idea to figure out what we’d have to expect in the future, since we’re two different species. He thought you would have some ideas,” Gohan said, eyes staring into his Papa’s deep black orbs.

Vegeta tilted his head and scratched his chin, staring off over Gohan’s shoulder and thinking. “There shouldn’t be any problems. Radditz, your uncle, told me stories of Planet Vegeta before Freeza invaded and took over. He said the Saiyans were always open with other planets, trading, accepting visitors and immigrants alike, and many times Saiyans would find love among the many species we had good relations with; I believe Radditz even said they sometimes had children and even grandchildren. Now I don’t know about Nameks specifically, but I doubt there will be any problems for the two of you,” he said, remembering his history lessons with Radditz and Nappa in between missions.

He smiled at his eldest son, mirroring the brilliant grin the teenager had on his face. Gohan wrapped his arms around his Papa, laughing with happiness. “I’m so glad you approve. It means so much to me,” Gohan whispered, burrowing into Vegeta’s warmth.

“Of course Gohan. You could never displease me. I’m very proud of you for having the courage to tell both him and me. There are not many people who have that strength.”

“Thanks Pops.”

“Alright Brat, enough seriousness, let’s you and me go out hunting for dinner.”

Gohan whooped happily and dashed out of the room, calling over his shoulder that he was going to get changed. Vegeta smirked and followed after the young man, deciding to get ready himself.

As his boys grew Vegeta found that each of them, while having strong Saiyan traits in all mediums, all held a passion for one Saiyan past time above all others. Goten, like his father Goku, loved food. Not only for eating but he enjoyed making food and learning about what went well together and why. When he turned six Goten started helping his Papa out in the kitchen making meals. At first it was simple stuff like adding ingredients when told to but soon he was making a soup all by himself or cutting up vegetables and meat, all under his Papa’s watchful eyes of course. Goten seemed to have a real affinity for cooking and Vegeta was very proud of him, he would be a fine mate for any one that deserved him, which by Vegeta opinion weren’t many.

Trunks on the other hand really enjoyed battling and learning how to fight. He was constantly urging his Papa to teach him new techniques and styles. He loved studying battle strategy and rules for combat, trying to understand reasons for the way some people fought. And Vegeta couldn’t be anymore proud of his son. If they had lived on Planet Vegeta, Trunks would have been a high ranking officer in the army, which was incredibly respectable for their race.

Gohan, though, had fallen for one of the Saiyan’s most important past times, hunting. Hunting was used in many rituals for their race, most importantly being the ritual for mating and for the coming of age ceremony. Gohan was stealthy and fast, perfect qualities in a hunter, and he didn’t even use his chi to take down even the most dangerous of prey. He just used his instincts and natural born skill to become the perfect predator. And any opportunity they had Vegeta would offer to join him because he loved watching his eldest son become the best Saiyan he could possibly be.

After getting ready Vegeta came downstairs and found Gohan bouncing excitedly from one foot to the other. “Let’s go get us some dinner Gohan. The sooner we do the sooner I can get dinner going before everyone gets here,” he said, walking out the back door with Gohan beside him.

“You got it Pops. I’ll get us something nice and juicy,” Gohan replied as they entered the large forest behind their house and he began scenting for the best prey.

“Well I’ll leave it to you Boy. I’ll just watch how your form is,” Vegeta said as he sprang into the trees to keep and eye on Gohan without getting in the way of his hunt.

Gohan nodded up to his Papa before creeping deeper into the forest, following the markings of a male dinosaur. It was probably about the size of an elephant, maybe a little smaller, judging by its scent. He removed his boots and placed them by a bush, Vegeta had taught him the best way to stalk silently was to feel the ground so he could avoid snapping twigs and the like. He came to a clearing with a river running through it and found his prey taking an afternoon drink. Gohan silently crouched behind a tall bush, moving aside some foliage so he could watch his prey as he planned his attack. The best way he figured was to get the creature away from the river because he would most likely see Gohan’s reflection no matter how he attacked. Gohan searched his surroundings trying to find the best ambush site. He found it in a low thick branch with plenty of leaves to give him cover. Now to lure the beast over to that location.

Gohan first climbed up onto the branch that was about 10 feet off the ground. When he was situated he pulled out a handful of Fun Snaps he had brought from home. These tiny fireworks were very useful because of the loud snap they made when thrown to the ground. They were especially useful in luring the prey to him. Vegeta had taught him that the best hunter made up his own techniques in catching his prey, and every Saiyan had a different style.

For a few years Gohan had trouble finding his niche for hunting until one day when they had traveled into town. Apparently it had been some kind of holiday for the country because there were fireworks everywhere and Gohan came across some people throwing pieces of paper to the grown and making a loud snap. He was curious so he asked a vender what they were. The man looked at Gohan like he was an alien for not knowing what these were, but he explained none the less. He said these pieces of paper were filled with something similar to gunpowder and when thrown hard on the ground it created a mild explosion, resulting in the snap. They are safe for everyone to use as long as their thrown away from the body. Gohan had figured out his strategy. He bought a large bundle of them and since then has used them to frighten his prey so they were more unsuspecting of his attack.

He grabbed one from his hand and threw it so it landed right across the river from the beast. He got the desired reaction of the dinosaur backing away from the river. He kept throwing Fun Snaps in strategic locations to lure the creature to his location, but he had to do this quickly before the beast suspected it was being hunted. Finally the animal was about five feet from his branch and Gohan stopped throwing the fireworks and braced himself. He had only one opportunity, if he messed up he would go from predator to prey in an instant, and he would then have to escape and start all over again.

His fingers rhythmically tightened and grasped the branch in his grip as he counted down his attack. An instant later he was in the air and tackling the dinosaur around its neck. The beast roared its fury but had been caught unprepared and there was nothing it could do except struggle. Gohan kept his grip around the creature’s neck firm as he was tossed around. He finally managed to use the beast’s own momentum to force him to the ground. He used one foot to firmly hold its neck down as he wrapped first one then two arms around the creature’s head and pulled until he heard the tell tale snap and the creature went limp.

He gently laid its head down and stroked its neck, sending up prayer to the Gods to watch over this soul and to give thanks for the life of this animal. Vegeta taught him that this was the most important part of any hunt, to give thanks for the life he took and to ask for the soul to be protected. It’s what separated them from heartless barbarians who cared for nothing but themselves.

Gohan began gathering the body up as his Papa joined him, giving him a proud smile and a nuzzle for a job well done, before he gathered up the other end of the body and they headed back home with the main course for dinner.

The arrived back at the house after a few minutes and they put the body beneath a large tree with a wooden platform Vegeta had put there so they would have a proper place to skin and cut up the food. Vegeta sent Gohan inside to get their tools while he hung up the body on some hooks on the branches so the blood could be drained and its pelt skinned more easily. Gohan was back a few minutes later and the two of them went to work removing the beast’s pelt then diving the various parts into what they could eat and what they would get rid of or use for something else. Vegeta had found dinosaur bones and hides were good for making tools and furniture. So whenever they killed another animal they tried to find as many uses for its body and dispose of very little.

They had finally divided everything up and Vegeta sent Gohan inside with the meat to put it in the freezer while he stayed outside to get rid of what they didn’t want and clean up what they did. He washed the bones he wanted to keep and then started scraping down the inside of the pelt so it would be useable. He was quietly cleaning up everything when he sensed that Piccolo had dropped down behind him. Perfect timing, Vegeta thought, he wanted to have a talk with the Namek. He turned around and faced the younger man with a stern face, and he nearly burst out laughing as Piccolo actually took a step back and gulped. “We need to have a talk Namek,” he said, trying to keep up his facade.

Piccolo took a deep breath and tried not to fidget. He had a very accurate idea of what Vegeta wanted to talk to him about. “Alright Vegeta,” he replied, bracing himself for attack.

Vegeta smirked and walked closer to the nearly bolting Namek. “Gohan came to me with some very interesting news today. Do you know what he told me,” Vegeta said, starting to circle his friend, trying his hardest to keep a straight face.

“I have a good idea,” Piccolo said quietly.

“I bet you do,” Vegeta growled, mock glaring at Piccolo.

If Piccolo wasn’t as strong a man as he is he would have probably wet himself by now in fear. Vegeta was one man he never wanted to piss off. Because Piccolo knew that this man in front of him could probably kill him with his pinky without much thought. Piccolo closed his eyes and braced for the end. He knew Vegeta was incredibly protective of his children, especially Gohan. Anyone who even touched them inappropriately wouldn’t have time to pray before they were blasted all the way to King Yamma’s desk.

“Pops, stop teasing him.”

“But it’s so much fun. I rarely have opportunities like this.”

Piccolo’s eyes snapped open as Gohan sided up to him and put his arms around the Namek’s waist and gave his slightly pale green cheek a kiss. Piccolo’s eyes snapped to Vegeta when the man had burst out laughing, smiling at the Namek’s embarrassment. Gohan leaned his head on Piccolo’s shoulder and he looked down at the young man to see him smiling happily at him. So Vegeta wasn’t actually mad, he was just playing…that brat, Piccolo thought.

“I’m sorry Piccolo, “Vegeta said in between chuckles that sounded suspiciously like giggles. “I just couldn’t pass up the opportunity to mess with you. I’m actually very happy for you two, and you have my blessing…But…”

He paused as all his mirth left his face so the Namek in his son’s arms would know he’s completely serious. “If you ever…ever hurt Gohan, I will make sure you feel his pain a hundred fold. Understand,” he said quietly.

Piccolo nodded as he wrapped his arms around Gohan, pulling him close to show he would protect his precious burden. Vegeta nodded back and smiled once more. “Good. Now I have to go get dinner started before everyone gets here. Gohan can you finish cleaning the pelt,” he asked and at a nod from his son he went inside, leaving the two lovebirds together. He couldn’t be any happier at this moment. Gohan deserved all the love and happiness in the world.

A few days later Gohan said a friend was coming over after school so they could do a project. Now Vegeta had always been welcoming to any of Gohan’s human friends, even though humans (especially teenagers) weren’t his favorite company, with exceptions of course. So he was courteous but stayed out of their way. Most of the time Gohan’s friends were very pleasant and nice, because that’s how Gohan is. But unfortunately he had a couple friends, one in particular that drove Vegeta nuts. But because he never wanted to hurt his son’s feelings he never said anything. Unfortunately one of those friends was making an appearance today. Her name’s Videl.

There was just something about her that made Vegeta’s hackles rise. Part of the reason was how she hanged all over his son, trying to get him to go out with her. Didn’t she realize he completely wasn’t interested? Another part was how annoying she was, how loud her voice was and how she talked. A big part though was that she reminded Vegeta of Chi-chi, and that really didn’t sit well with him. But there was still something else, Vegeta knew it, but he just couldn’t figure it out.

So he did what he always did when she came over. Brought out some snacks, said as few words as possible, then retreated to the backyard to meditate and practice his katas. Unfortunately the two teenagers had gone into the library and had the window open so Vegeta could perfectly hear their conversation. He decided to retreat further into the forest when something his son said froze him in his tracks.

“I don’t see why you have to go to public high school Videl. I mean you’re Hercule’s daughter, you could go anywhere…”

Vegeta didn’t hear the rest of the conversation. All he heard was ‘Hercule’s daughter…Hercule’s Daughter…HERCULE’S DAUGHTER…’ It’s unbelievable but it explained everything, why Vegeta felt so uncomfortable around that girl. She was the spawn of that bastard Hercule who took the glory for his Kakarot’s sacrifice. He had half a mind to go in there and strangle her but to also shake his son and demand he tell him why he was friends with the daughter of that liar, that slob, that asshole…

No, he would just leave them alone. He was better than her and her father so he didn’t need to sully himself by lowering himself to their level. Though he might have to request she spend as little time at their house as possible. He didn’t want to spend anymore time than he could handle around Hercule’s daughter Videl.

After this big surprise Vegeta was sure he couldn’t be anymore shocked by anything he came across now. Of course the Universe loved proving people wrong. And Vegeta got the biggest shock to date on a Saturday morning while he was watching the news.

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So there it is folks. Besides being a huge Goku/Vegeta fan I also love Piccolo/Gohan (not really sure why) so I couldn't help adding them in. While their relationship will be a part of my story it will not be the focus. This story will stay focused on Vegeta and his relationships with everyone (most importantly Goku). I do think Videl and Gohan make a cute couple but she reminds me too much of Chi-chi, so I didn't put her with Gohan. I am gonna keep her in my story because I think she's an interesting character and some interesting situations spring up because of her presence, teehee.
TTFN