#I love all the different vegeta forms

[paganminiskirt]

I also love how Vegito and Gogeta are not only distinctly different beings, and the former is conducted primarily by Vegeta while the latter is conducted primarily by Goku - but Vegito is clearly the more benevolent and emotionally involved of the two people, while Gogeta tends more towards frigidity and vindictiveness. Because as individuals, Vegeta’s “good side” is just as subliminal and rare to witness as Goku’s “bad side,” right; Vegeta is not a nice man by nature, and Goku doesn’t have a grudge holding bone in his body. Goku’s lack of any impulse towards vengeance is the only reason Vegeta is still breathing. This is well established.

But when Vegeta is shown to care for other people, it always manifests as him lashing out in defense of them against some greater source of cruelty - he gets pissed at Beerus for humiliating his father, he attacks Beerus for hurting Bulma, he freaks out on Cell for killing Future Trunks & knocks Present Trunks out immediately after hugging him for the first time, because he knows his son would insist on staying with him through his kamikaze attempt on Buu. Because Trunks is like that. Because Trunks is his son.

And Vegito takes that principle and drags it out to the extreme! The whole first fight with Buu is just him playing this sadistic cat and mouse game, very much in the arrogant style of Vegeta, but he also makes constant mention of the loss of Gohan, Goten, Trunks and the others - using the language of “stealing” “hunting” and “kidnapping” that brings to mind Vegeta’s own childhood trauma. He displays some aspects of Goku’s personality of course, with the playfulness and the attempts to get Buu to surrender, but Vegeta is obviously steering this ship. It’s his confidence and self-superiority that makes them lose the fight, and his belief in the necessity of a warrior’s “pride” that he explicitly cites as his reason for looking down on Buu.

Because this is what Vegeta’s attempts at “good” look like, right? Preternaturally violent and egotistical, but with a sense of protectiveness and paternity that renders his behavior heartwarming, at least enough to show you that he’s grown from the smirking, bloodthirsty garden gnome he was first introduced to us as. Underneath all the bravado, Vegito is aggrieved on behalf of someone else. He’s being kind in the only way he knows how.

Gogeta… is not that guy. He doesn’t do rescue missions, and he doesn’t feel the need to remind you of his superiority. He portrays himself as an avenger, not a defender, with lines that evoke a sense of justice and consequence like “it’s over, I’ve come for you” and “your own bad energy will be your undoing.” He snidely tells Frieza he’s coming back for him after he’s done with Broly, even though he’s visibly incapacitated and not really picking a fight. He forgoes Vegito’s up-close and relatively simple combat style in favor of these dramatic, wide-ranging attacks, more like an act of god than a natural disaster. And while Vegito allowed Buu to play with him a bit, postponing the end of the fight to sate his own lust for battle, Broly doesn’t even get to touch Gogeta once he goes super saiyan, his dedication to the pursuit reminding you of Goku’s final battle with Frieza.

…Except Goku offered Frieza clemency, and looked genuinely disappointed when he rejected it. Gogeta does no such thing. The audience gets to watch, half in awe and half in horror, as he renders this uber-aggressive Saiyan attack dog into a flailing, incoherent mess, not bothering to stop and ask him to surrender even though the updated Broly is a much more sympathetic character than Frieza or Majin Buu ever were. He enunciates the final kamehameha with such gravitas that you actually feel scared for Broly - and in the older movie, when Janemba switches back to his original form, he takes one look at Gogeta’s glowering face and scurries away in terror.

Hey, remember how Gohan fled in fear when Goku (under extreme duress) threatened him during the fight with Frieza? After he transformed into a super saiyan for the first time, guided only by mindless rage after Frieza’s pointless killing of Krillin? During a fight which only began after Vegeta, someone who caused him immeasurable harm in the past, told him to avenge the killing of both their families & the genocide of their race? All of which took place on a planet which the earthlings only had to travel to in the first place because the Saiyans killed several of their friends - a slaughter which Goku witnessed the aftermath of, at which point he told Nappa “there will be no mercy for you, you bastard” in the original manga?

Goku gets slotted into this role quite a lot, doesn’t he. He’s a protector, but also a savior, a planner, a consoler, and an avenger. He does his best to help people and he raises hell when he can’t, but he’s not vengeful by nature. Quite the opposite. See how he treats Vegeta in the Namek saga, smiling at him and bantering with him like he’s a coworker, and not the guy who crushed his bones to dust while cackling with sadistic delight.

But that’s because Vegeta only did that much damage to him. Nappa killed all the others - with Vegeta’s eager permission, yes, but that’s still enough distance to allow Goku to psychologically seperate him from those crimes. Goku’s clemency initially emerged as a byproduct of his desire to help people, but we have seen that same drive give way to brutal punitiveness when he fails, and somebody he loves dies. You can argue that it's misdirected self-hatred, anger at his own inability to be the hero those people trusted him to be - Krillin died screaming “Goku!” you might recall. The removal from other people Goku grew up enduring feeds into his sense of responsibility for the community that grew around him as an adult. He knows how important he is, and it hurts when he comes up short.

And I think that, understanding Gogeta to be primarily led by Goku but still notably impacted by Vegeta, that intense drive towards retribution the fusion displays takes on more meaning. Vegito exemplifies Vegeta’s better impulses, which are brought out in full force by Goku’s influence - Gogeta exemplifies Goku’s ugliest inner desires, with the leash he usually keeps them on loosened by Vegeta’s influence.

Because Vegeta was knocking down 100+ sentient creatures per day as soon as he could walk. He spent most of his adult life as a pampered slave, he murdered one of his oldest companions without a second thought, his introductory panel shows him munching on a severed limb, ffs. Vegeta has been through a lot, and I'm the last person to downplay that, but he hasn’t been going through it emotionally involved. He's used to this. He had to be. If he wasn't, his whole psyche would've collapsed by age twelve tops.

But Goku? Goku had to do all of that with his feelings turned on! And he chooses to remain steadfastly good and give second chances no matter how bad the situation, and that’s a healthy enough way of dealing with all this horror. But a side effect of being guided by that choice is the knowledge that he could be worse, he could be crueler. He’s a lot like Gohan, in that sense.

And Vegeta used his dying breaths to beg Goku to abandon that long-abiding impulse to show mercy. Goku might believe in forgiveness, and he might’ve let Vegeta go because of that belief, but Vegeta is a stubborn little bastard. He thinks that it’s holding him back, allowing people to slip through the cracks; to get hurt. And we’ve established that these two are both capable of misdirecting self-anger at others, though Vegeta does it much more often than Goku.

So when Goku’s mind is merged with Vegeta’s, and he’s forced to look back on his decisions to allow horrible people to live not with pride, but with regret and disgust, it manifests as Gogeta. A walking overcorrection, the sentient reconciliation of these two belief systems. Who doesn’t forgive and doesn’t forget, self-assured and bitter and terrifying, like Goku was for the first twenty seconds after he went Super Saiyan. Like he always told himself he wouldn’t be.

[zeevoidlight]

what's the deal with these two...

Seriously. Why is the suspicion and joking of their bromance even a thing that exists (outside of just shipping for shipping's sake and ppl making every male friendship a secretly frustrated gay relationship). Is it even a thing?

Do I ship Goku and Vegeta?... yes.. yes I do, I confess myself as part of the problem. But I feel is fair that in a show like Dragon Ball where there's sexually mature references and themes at times I can give myself the freedom to wonder. So i'mmana talk about two pivotal moments that marked a before and after for both of them together as a team: their Majin saga match and the fusion.

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As far as the show goes, there's not really much to go off of. They clearly both have their wives whom they both love very much, children, they love to battle and test themselves, they are bros (now at least), rivals for life, they better each other by challenging one another to get better.

On the other hand my autism tells me that that's not the whole story. Because I normally don't like to take things at face value when i can see more.

Is interesting to see how both, Goku's compassion and respect for Vegeta, and Vegeta's (albeit unhealthy) obsession over Goku, the fact that they were also the last of their kind and the only ones that could compete with each other to fight between themselves and against others (discounting Gohan since he always slacked on his training and wasn't really interested on fighting), the only ones that could understand how the other felt as being pure blooded, that Goku had a living example in Vegeta of his true origins to learn more about himself (like a walking Saiyan enciclopedia), that Vegeta had in Goku a new purpose in life (until he realized what he had with his family as well), all of that with time combined to create a dynamic where they both felt comfortable with each other, it made them be naturally closer than the rest of the cast (even if it was in rivalry terms). They famously became companions, with time forming friendship/friendly rivalry and some could even see them now being akin to brothers. Something that as much as Krilin was Goku's life long friend and will be forever he could never really fulfill all that Vegeta came to develop with Goku. And in a way I don't think anyone can either.

But there's also an important note to make about this relationship/friendship. Vegeta is the one that gives it more meaning than Goku does (at first). I feel like Goku is simply being his loving caring happy free self, while Vegeta takes it personal and takes so much weight on what Goku says and does and how it affects him (like Goku is just vibing while Vegeta is oozing jealousy towards Goku). As he later puts in words in Super (Granola arc i think), Goku is an egotist while he himself is an egocentric. And that difference is important to get to the point because from now on for a while the question is "Why does Vegeta".

Why does Vegeta put so much weight in their fight in the Majin Saga that he's willing to kill innocent people again just to have a match with Goku (going with the latin dub again since is more accurate to the original japanese one). And it isn't just about his ego, is about what he doesn't say as well.

Why is Vegeta the only character that is so against fusion, with Goku specifically because he has only fused with him and we don't know how would he react to fusing with someone else if it's needed.

Why is Vegeta so averse to touching Goku. At least after their fight and after him dying in the Majin Saga and once he is allowed to go back to Earth.

Why on the brink of the universe destruction was Vegeta acting like a cheated on girlfriend when he discovered that Goku had a new transformation and didn't told him about it (I would be mad at him too to be fair but i also understand why Goku wouldn't want to do so and he did it to not hurt Vegeta's feelings and have a good time under fair conditions. he gets half a point for the sentiment).

The Majin Saga

From all the examples people like to pull up when trying to argument sexual tension between these two there's only a few that I feel have some significance. And I can tell you when did it cooked enough to be a possibility. And that is right when Goku announced he was going to go back to Earth for one day and one day only, presumably forever. That's where something started, but it was brewing since Goku died to Cell and Vegeta lost Goku, his purpose, his obsession, his will to fight, and entered a depressive episode that lasted 2 years (aprox, since Bulma tells Chichi that Vegeta had been training for the last 5 years in the 7 year time skip). He honestly was a mess of a person right around that time. He couldn't even call himself a warrior under his own standards, he was trying to cope with the fact that he messed up with future Trunks and would have to change with his own present Trunks, he got stuck not being able to prove himself, etc.

Once he knew Goku was coming back he just had to do anything in his power to fight against him again, no matter what it took (he looks so excited too, that's cute). His entire meaning as the person he perceived he was and his meaning as a warrior and Goku's foil depended on it. He actually was in good terms with Goku up to here though (while in the Cell saga he was pretty much amicably antagonizing Goku for the most part, and the other spent feeling jealous). Agreeing to the tournament rules, being patient, enjoying meals together, bragging about his kid. But after realizing that they might not have their match because of Supreme Kio's pink menace, nothing else mattered, not Bulma, not Trunks, not the Earth or the universe or everything he had been building for so many years without Goku. Goku was the single catalyst for his relapse. Like... how is it possible that fighting with him and proving his worth is more important that it's been a rock in his boots for years now. But ok, he's a warrior so I can understand why, also because he was going through a Major (with capital M) identity crisis where he's trying to negate his newfound value in his family and new home while thinking that is what was making him weak, though he never really believed that since he knew Goku never needed to be cruel to surpass him, it was just a jolt reaction to not knowing how to handle it, and Goku could see through that very clearly by asking him if he really believed that bs about feeling good by being cruel and being a slave of his own mind.

But the thing is that during their fight it is clear that more than winning (which he would have enjoy to no end if they finished their fight and Goku didn't had a new plot convenient powerup hiding under his eyebrows again, though that wouldn't have helped him to grow), both were very much enjoying the act of fighting (since Goku said he wanted to end the fight soon so Buu doesn't get the energy but he didn't because he could have used Ssj3 and end it quite fast), Vegeta fighting against his previous rival now a bit more than that, Kakarot. Battling with him in perfect synchrony in an equal fight because what Vegeta actually wanted with the Majin Magic was to close the powergap and convince himself he had an excuse to not feel remorse because of the magic. And i say that because before Goku dying to Cell he really saw him as competition, but after he lost him i feel that alongside his remorse and embarrassment for the disaster that was that saga, in part because of his gigantic ego, he must have felt alone, now truly being the last pure blooded Saiyan alive and not in condition to call himself a warrior anymore under his own standards. And although he had Gohan, which he respected a lot because of his courage and his immense power, it was not the same since Gohan is a pacifist and didn't had the same passion for fighting like a pure blooded Saiyan so he wasn't even training. So by the time of the Majin Saga and once Goku came into the picture again I think he subconsciously regarded him differently and he ends up realizing it during their fight (although he doesn't vocalize it).

During their fight there's a specific moment. After Goku throws Vegeta to a cliff-side and he makes a hole in it to liberate himself with his ki, Goku comes to him and they both get very close just floating in the air and powering up, looking at each other. Vegeta is beyond pissed, Goku taking the fight very seriously. Then Goku smiles to Vegeta challenging him and showing he's enjoying their fight, and Vegeta relaxes for a moment changing his attitude and showing a smile back to him in empathy, sharing to him that he is enjoying it too and wants to challenge him back as well.

This whole fight is Goku's way to show Vegeta how much he actually cares about him and his well being despite what Vegeta might have believed up until then, how much he respects him as a warrior and an equal too, even risking Earth and Majin Buu's return. He did the unthinkable and menaced Kaio Shin with death if he dared to stop their fight, which Vegeta sure noticed and even reacted with complete disbelief. As Supreme Kaiosama says to Gohan and the others in the wasteland: "we cannot do anything about it. Fight until you can calm your hearts", because even Kaio Shin knew that they weren't going to actually kill themselves, they just had to talk (while fighting).

I know a lot of people joke about Vegeta being a repressed homosexual (or technically bisexual because y'know there's Bulma) because of his legendary obsession with Goku, and i'm not saying he is, but this fight is charged with sexual tension, mostly on his part, among other things of course. And is interesting that Vegeta, ever since the Namek experience (which was the first time in his life he was emotionally vulnerable to the point of breaking entirely), is the most emotionally fragile of the bunch and an unstable character. He feels everything very intensely like an open wound, and reacts in the same way while trying to hide under a curtain of pride, ego and his title of Prince (I mean, he's the one that actually openly cries the most out of frustration after Namek, just for starters).

Goku knew what he was getting into by agreeing to fight with Vegeta. He wasn't going to just let them set the score, he was going to give Vegeta the most intense therapy session ever by letting him discharge all that literal energy and anger, guiding him through his thoughts, playing by Vegeta's rules. Help him overcome whatever he had been brewing in his mind since they day they met thinking on where was the moment everything went wrong for years, so he could move forward...

And then... this happens...

... I don't think anyone expected something like this to even be a thing that he could do as a power that we will only see one time ever in the entirety of the show from him and is in here, lol. And not long ago I watched a semi abridged semi analysis commentary video on the fight and yeah, we coincide that there was something else going on here at the same time. Vegeta got a little too excited... He got rock hard by too much adrenaline (or testosterone, endorphins... i know science ok?), lol. And I didn't mentioned it but being that Saiyans were a warrior culture there exists some real life relation of warrior societies (like greeks, romans, spartans, norse, some aztec societies) and homoerotic practices as part of that philosophy and way of life. Fighting is everything and everything revolves around fighting. And finding a brother in arms could develop into something else (call it love or getting physical or whatever) out of admiration, or from hyper-masculinity with the purpose of dominating the other and demonstrating power by physically making every other man your peach and the others are like "wow, a man dominating a man? that's so mainly". And i'm not saying that that was part of Saiyan culture, just that there might be some similarities with what we're seeing.

There's a fine line between pain and pleasure, hate and love, fear and excitement, rivalry and attraction. And in moments of intensity where both opposite feelings collide can produce an equally intense and confusing response. We know for sure Saiyans by nature often confuse fear an excitement, and rivalry with attraction at least, like Goku when he confesses his motives and feelings on his first fight with Vegeta. And here Vegeta is going through a rollercoaster of emotions, and given that he is the most emotionally charged character it can go all places.

So, Vegeta tells Goku if he pretends to defeat him quickly as he said, Goku responds that he's trying to do that, and Vegeta asks if he thinks he can do it *slap slap* (the disrespect). He's trying to provoke him but the way he does it is kinda similar to what you'd do in a sexual encounter since he's not really hurting him too badly (which is really funny). And I'm pretty sure he wasn't thinking about anything sexual, just pure anger towards our buddy Kakarot, that doesn't change the fact that he did just lost his marbles to blind rage and wasn't thinking at all, just feeling intensely and acting freely on it. "Listen... don't you think this is enough humiliation I got from your part *hit hit punch hit*. This attacks are not enough to set the score. How is it possible that a Prince of Saiyans, that possesses such a great pride, was humiliated by a warrior like you (In the English version there's a series of flashbacks with dialogue but that's not a thing in the japanese and latin version so he continues...). What saddens me the most is that you saved my life, worm (he's referring to way back in the saiyan saga when they first met since for a warrior is way worse offense to get their death in battle denied since he now has to suffer all what he's been through for the simple fact of having been spared=being an embarrassment). You deserve to die! I'll break you to pieces right now! I'll start with the arm...".

((You got this guy having Goku in all tied up to a rock, legs spread out, slapping Goku in the face, talking about "not being enough humiliation", and saying "this attacks are not enough", all emotionally charged and intense with his obsession of a rival, high in endorphins and adrenaline, from a warrior culture, that even back in the day I was like OH MY GOOOOD!? What is he going to DO?!!... He wouldn't do it, would he?... The Buu saga was a return to form to OG DB's general feeling and tone, and if it was OG DB this scene would be absolutely interpreted as having that kind of hidden meaning even if nothing would have actually end up happening, though is still a very bold move in terms of sexual themes, just like that scene in OG DB with Bulma and the two RR soldiers. I was sweating cold, that when I heard him say "I'll break you to pieces right now! I'll start with the arm" I was like OH THANK GOODNESS he's just going to mutilate him... NO, WAIT...)) (also, notice that Vegeta is technically fighting a ghost because Goku is already dead).

Unfortunately for Goku though Vegeta didn't share the safe word and he had to free himself so he wasn't actually dismembered by the intensity of Prince Vegeta and they continued their fight, once again Goku leveling the field into a in a less emotionally charged more equal fight all things considered (while also mutually complimenting their fighting prowess). They talk again and Vegeta admits to him that he understands that he's never going to surpass him because Goku is more skilled at fighting, now getting into the real meat of the matter with him and his frustrations.

We get to Vegeta almost breaking in tears again, torn by the realization of his situation confessing all about how he wants to be who he was as a warrior and how he cannot cope with his new life on Earth having all this new feelings for his family and being passive that make him feel like he is not himself. That he wants to be ruthless like before because what the hell is even being anything else, that's a thing of weaklings. Which tells a lot about how he still doesn't know how to function outside of conflict and his deeply rooted self image since childhood. I mean... this kid (Vegeta) doesn't know anything other than living in conflict, constant stress, anger, and feeling in danger all the time before and during Frieza. He was around 31 years old when he could finally be free. And to me it says that it almost feels to him like he's afraid of disappearing as an individual if he cannot go back to being something he recognizes and is familiar with as he doesn't recognize himself being something else underneath of what he's saying. A who that is completely opposite to what he has ever known. Is something some people that had lived through a deeply traumatic upbringing experience. On top of it being a Saiyan it must have been really confusing and difficult because their nature and culture is nothing like that of earthlings, Saiyan's are naturally built to fight, but Goku is the only one that could probably understand that in some capacity as pure blooded Saiyan that managed to adapt to Earth. That's why he is the only person Vegeta can trust with this information, and because Vegeta genuinely trusts him. With no one else he has this level of openness, probably not even with Bulma.

And i love how Goku doesn't give up on him though after everything and he is still willing to listen and help. Without his help here Vegeta wouldn't have confronted and put into words his reality to later internalize it and fully embrace his love for his family, fully embrace his feelings, giving Trunks later his first hug. That was all Goku's doing.

Of course things happened since they were still in the middle of total annihilation at the hands of the strongest pink ball of bubblegum. and from this fight and his explosive sacrifice/ acceptance of his destiny, going forward Vegeta actually starts acting a little different. A lot more relaxed with Kakarot, more open and sincere, more focused on helping than competing, more agreeable (without betraying his character though) and no longer ignoring or being embarrassed of his feelings for his loved ones (like we see when he gets convinced by Goku to do the fusion using Vegeta's love for Bulma). And I'm pretty sure he felt grateful and in debt to him. Not only for his help with unjumbling his feelings during that fight but for everything he's done for him since the day Goku spared his life way back in the day (as we see him asking to Piccolo if he'll get to see Goku in the afterlife just before he sacrifices). A real true honest best friend/rival for life (like we see evident in the movie Fusion Reborn, which is supposed to happen after his sacrifice in an alternate timeline where both Goku and Vegeta die and Gohan is the one that defeats Buu).

Though he still was being a bit stubborn about wanting to fight Buu himself in the anime, but in the manga he just doesn't charge head first into trying to battle him, he just doesn't like the idea of fussing with Kakarot.

Then the fusion thing...

The thing about the fusion is that Vegeta usually never wants to do it because he's embarrassed by the dance (which yeah... that's absolutely fair) but this is not the metamoran one, is the Potara, and they don't need to dance. His usual complains then change to "I just don't like to be fused with him" or "I don't like the idea of uniting bodies with him" when they have to do it later (either in canon or movie, though the "I don't like to use shortcuts to fight" frequently comes as a reason but is always after they already did the fusion). And I don't know how doing a fusion with someone would feel like but the Potara at least has two ways it can go. For the Kaios just one person becomes the main, getting some physical characteristics and power of the other, and the other becomes dormant, just one person gets to be conscious. But for mortals, both actually remain conscious and they both "live" inside the body of each other as one new combined persona who is a combined identity, mixing mentally and physically, sharing memories, thoughts, feelings, everything in unison either the other wants it or not because when they are fused they are cooperating in a single brain so they think the same under this persona even if later they have separate thoughts on the same thing when they un-fuse. One example of how the logic of it is is in the Super Super Hero movie, where right after the battle with Cell Max Gotenks makes a comment to Bulma and she says "that was Trunks, wasn't it?!", and Gotenks panics and they separate, implying that even if it's a combined identity they still are conscious inside separately and can "influence" their thoughts to act more like so or so, like there's a dominant consciousness guiding the other at times. The fusion is even better actually if they are rivals because they get the rival boost. So is not too crazy to think that some would consider it a very intimate act, even more because is permanent (until the retcon), which Goku is so considerate to tell Vegeta at the very last minute and he's like "WTF!" and Goku is just down with it while Vegeta is regretting ever meeting this guy but does it anyways.

And we have seen other characters combine but they don't think much about it, Trunks and Goten specifically just find it fun because they are best friends and just think about having the time of their lives beating up the bad guys. But I think Vegeta specifically does feel like it's something too personal and intimate that requires a lot his will power to do. His concept of it is different for a lot of reasons that all derive from being a very reserved person in general in many aspects, so he is trusting his entire being and accepting opening to Goku here, and to a degree loose control of himself in an give-and-take act, because he is not silly like Goku but under the fusion he is going to be and act silly alongside him because there's no me and you under it, even switch his brain into feeling it's natural. Same with Goku and being more cruel and mock their opponent more even if he usually would feel is something he wouldn't do.

Ultimately and reluctantly Vegeta agrees for the sake of his loved ones and saving his new home, which is wild to me because he does sacrifices everything he is with the fusion being permanent since just a few hours ago he was just accepting himself as an individual. The pressure was really high.

Goku certainly didn't thought much about it though, just another way to become even stronger by cooperating with someone in a new way for the purpose of saving Earth, and simply not loose the battle for the sake of not loosing itself. He considered his options with others purely strategically without thinking what it could mean outside of that for him as an individual in that moment, because he did understood that if he fused with Gohan for example he thought for a moment if that would mean he would have to go to Gohan's school after they win, but in that moment he was definitely panicking for options just to win the battle and then later he could think about the consequences, as always (he was seriously considering fusing with Mr Satan permanently at the lack of strategic options! How desperate and out of your mind can you get!).

Out of all people it was better if it's Vegeta when he detected his ki of course, because the power boost is much greater to save the Earth and he considers him different at this point, someone he likes better as a selfless guy after his valiant sacrifice. He's so excited when Vegeta accepts because it means so much, it's the demonstration to Goku of his turn to an actual good guy, fighting for others and not just himself, and he's so proud. And the result of the fusion is this very playful, sassy confident and cocky warrior that we all know and love because is the best thing ever and I don't have Vegetto favoritism.

But something did changed in both of them after the fusion. I know is an anime only thing for better pacing (at least until Super came and made it a thing again in small ways of its own), but after the fusion thing Goku started to unnecessarily get into Vegeta's personal space more (I mean, I don't think there's anything more intimate than fussing and you'd have to get a level of trust and understanding with that other person like with no one else ever afterwards regardless). Like, I like that when they do the cheek to cheek attack, which again was completely unnecessary, Vegeta feels dirty about it, even muttering to himself "He's an opportunist...(as in like, Goku was sexuality taking advantage of him) I would have preferred the fusion" and Goku asks him is he's finished blasting Buu bits and Vegeta recoils and yells "Don't get close to me!". (In the manga there's not really that much fuss about it when they separate, they just get to work and directly from separating to Buu's brain).

The fusion represents the pinnacle of their growth together as fighting partners (and partners in general). Probably even more than that at this point for how much they share as rivals and how much they understand about each other above any other person, including their own wives in some regards for all they have gone through on things only they can share between themselves like their love for battle.

And if they both were friendly before while still keeping their cards up, now is when they start to act more like brothers and cooperating. Goku with his power and techniques and Vegeta with his strategic planing at the end of the Buu saga. Goku even becomes more playful with Vegeta, even sharing funny moments together. And as pointed out, I believe the fusion made them know the thinking, memories and intentions of the other to a degree.

This is the turning point for Goku as well regarding accepting his heritage as Saiyan. Because from then on he also accepts the values of the Saiyans as warriors (when before he would be more likely against it) and accepts feeling pleasure in having a good fair honorable fight without aid and relying only in his strength and talent just for the thrill he gets of it (much like what he felt as a child/teen), which he demonstrates by breaking the second pair of Potara earrings while Vegeta responds by telling him that he's so proud of him for going into the fight the Saiyan way. Also from then on others start to recognize Goku fully as a Saiyan (so much is the influence Vegeta has had on him that in the Super Broly movie Goku introduces himself to Broly, a fellow Saiyan, as Kakarot first over Goku).

Now, about Vegeta with the fusion, if he wasn't too sure about the fusion first, now every time the fusion is required he almost feels violated by the suggestion (which right before the kid Buu fight he actually didn't mind fusing again and kinda wanted it in the anime while this wasn't in the manga but ok). And of course, if he didn't had much thoughts on getting close and personal with Goku when battling because it meant nothing (like the arm riding in the Saiyan saga and their almost gory bondage session prior), now he recoils from him in certain situations (it... also didn't help that the first time they fuse they went dick first...).

Also also, there's a moment in the manga when Goku is fighting kid Buu in Ssj3 where Vegeta tells Goku that he guessed Goku was fighting overtime because he never intended for Vegeta to have his turn (because if he dies he dies for real), and Goku says that is not that, that he is just looking for an opportunity to reunite his power for at least a minute, and Vegeta gets all tsundere, blushes and says "So... So you weren't doing it to protect me?!..." (lol, well, here's the latin translation but you get the idea)

And onto Super, they made this thing about Goku asking Vegeta to grab his hand in order to instant transmission but Goku knows very well that's not necessary, he could have said to Vegeta to grab his shoulder like others do but he wants him to grab his hand, and Vegeta gets all flustered and nervous every time as if people are going to make fun of him for being gay or something (since we are told by the Pilaf gang that holding hands is very romantic and a sign of being a couple, and something to be embarrassed about, although from a childish perspective of course but this information was set up for the audience when Trunks wanted to hold hands with Mai). Like... Goku, do you have something to share as well?

They later spent 3 years in the hyperbolic chamber at Goku's request... 3 years together just sparing in a void where there's nothing but infinity and them! (At most they had spent not even two weeks of net interaction prior to that in all the years they have known each other, mostly just in times of conflict and as enemies/rivals/competition, and now they'll spend three years doing what they both love to do the most in friendly terms getting to know each other, just the two of them, are you kidding me?!!) which again, it wasn't really necessary because as Vegeta points out that wasn't going to make much of a difference in terms of power because they are at their limit of what their bodies can achieve by just fighting, and three years is a bit too much. And Bulma even got jealous/angry about Vegeta accepting the invitation. I know Goku went around asking a lot of other people the same request before him, but also everyone in the room (well Bulma and Piccolo) suddenly were paying A LOT of attention in that moment he asked Vegeta and what was he going to answer.

And then! They come out like they did? Matching beards? Truly looking like Spartans for real?! I kinda want to wonder how that came to be. A dare? They broke the razor or what. Obviously the implication is that they got so into their fighting that they just forgot basic higiene those last days but like... I don't even have to try...

It's become such a well known thing that there's something going on that even in official material (not canon exactly but official) acknowledges it. Maybe Goku knows something we don't since the fusion happened but it goes a little beyond just a joke from his part XD.

And i haven't talked about it because contrary to Vegeta Goku is very straightforward, but Goku has no shame or filter. He does seem to display asexual tendencies, but he's either oblivious to sexual stuff at times and how it affects others, or does it on purpose because he feels not much about it but does know how it affects others. So that cheek to cheek attack could have been Goku being oblivious, or Vegeta was right and Goku took advantage of the situation to get close to Vegeta on purpose. He's also known since always to not really care about the social conventions of things. He's a good guy, but he's also reckless, impulsive at times, and if he wants something he'll just get it without thinking of what are others going to think about it.

In GT there's actually not too much, they just remain companions and friends for life...(Is just so cute and fulfilling seeing them being like brothers). Vegeta again reminiscing of everything they've gone through and accepting his role in the powerscale and being very freaking cute with Bulma, being such a dad and all. The highlight is the fusion again though, where Vegeta is the one that says he wants to do the fusion "So what have you decided, Kakarot. Are we going to do the fusion or not", to which Goku just laughs and Vegeta is like "what are you laughing at", and Goku responds saying that "I'm not laughing, I just feel happy because is the first time you ask ME to do the fusion", and Vegeta is just averts his eyes and says "I hate you...", lol.

Of course, the bromance tones might be just fanservice (I didn't knew that in shonen is actually very common but if it is that way I'd argue is exactly because of these two since they were the OGs). But either if there's something or not I don't really care much about that. Because as characters I have seen them grow so much and they have learn so much about themselves and each other that them possibly being into each other might as well be just another aspect they allow themselves to explore if they're down with it, with whatever canon or the anime presents us to see and guess, just like they have with their own families, wives, form friendships, discover new feelings, ways of thinking, how they have become stronger and how they have change the people around them, meta speaking as well. Because it does feel natural for them, like it didn't came out of nowhere or out of purely fanservice (which it kind of is but it does make sense). Either they are just friends, honorary brothers or something more I'm happy with who they have become thanks to each other. And the trust they have for each other is what is beautiful to see reflected. I'm so proud of them and what they have achieved. Now they are inseparable as the best duo in history.

And in my conclusions I would say that Vegeta might feel something towards Goku for how much he has helped him and how he has come to admire and respect him in levels unimaginable... in a spartan kinda way if you like and if he ever was down with it. And Goku is just Goku. He loves in a storge kind of way because that's what he does. He knows Vegeta to a T, knows what he needs, and wants him to be happy as well and become the better version of himself, to feel comfortable and feel loved too because he admires him as well, and if he can help him he will do so. Is not really a physical sexual attraction (which doesn't mean it cannot derive on one if you want and as we've seen, specially with Goku) but there IS attraction and love in a different way.

[dballzposting]

There's really no plainer way to put it but that Goku's love language is fighting.

As in, that's how he communicates, that's how he expresses himself, that's how he comes to understand, that's how he bonds; the pattern of empassioned push-into and push-back. The resistance and deflection, the purposeful direction, the pinpoint strikes.

It's really not a tug-and-pull yin-and-yang dance between two people, as much as it is that each party is BOTH yin and yang. They enter with their own completed prerogatives, and they have a physical argument to test their stance. Each party has their choice of tactic, their own rhythm of when to roll aside and when to spin and strike back and when to dig their heels in and block.

It's because he's a Saiyan and also because of his upbringing. He grew up with the rhythm of the wilderness, where everything is self-defending and self-righteous; and where everything communicates through subtle fights, those inter-organismic interactions, all utilizing the basic moves of offense, defense, or avoidance.

Different animals utilize different techniques, habits, forces of nature; they fall in different niches in the environment. The rabbit does not want to be preyed on, but if he is caught, he is able to accept this inevitability of present reality with grace; the tiger does not want to be caught, and if he is, he'll size you up and make sure you're worth it before rolling over.

It's driven by instinct and biology, but from Goku's budding perspective, it was no different from how warriors learn and adapt and have the volition to utilize different techniques.

The only other person he knew was his Grandfather, who was one of the best martial artists on Earth at the time, and thus: Goku's early bonding behaviors were ruled by the training he did with his grandpa. This also informed his general understanding of the world at large.

Once Goku started on his epic swag adventure and met new people, he had the capacity to love them all, and he continues to fight for them. But the way he loves his friends is maybe not what people have in their head when they think of deep bonding. He loves them, in a sturdy and firm way, in a "of course I do" way, as upfront and practical as any other observation of the natural world.

It's not deep, raw, or passionate; it's not vulnerable, it's not sustaining, it's not supporting; it's not messy or emotional, it's not blood-red or heart-pink ... Goku just stands with a perfectly straight spine, perfectly secure, and he loves his friends, that's all there is to it! He has fun with them, he enjoys their company, he worries for their well-being ... And he will easily go years and years without ever seeing them. When he does see them, he just picks up where they left off like no time had passed at all.

My point is that Goku doesn't NEED his friends, he does not need to see them or to be with them or to feel their support. You know how humans are social animals and need to interact with others in order to stay healthy and functioning; and you know how Goku isn't a human!

He's a Saiyan, so it's by nature, but it also very much has to do with his lived isolation during his formative years. His roots of stability are in boundless nature, the art of fighting, and confidence in his own body; not in the presence of a community.

When he DOES bond deep with people, as in connect on an intimate level, it's in the context of fighting. That's how he understands them and makes himself understood! Through the language of technique, through the specific combinations of offense, defense, and avoidance.

He routinely makes friends with people whom he originally fights as an opposing party, such as the case with Yamucha, Tenshinhan, Yajirobe, Vegeta ... And he makes a habit out of mercy and requesting teamwork with everyone he fights.

He doesn't take fight to be only an aggressive thing, and he takes to friendly sparring or methodical training really well - thinking very fondly of Master Roshi, Master Korin, Popo, King Kai - and having a DELIGHTFUL time with Krillin when they trained close in their younger days.

Of course, fighting CAN be a purely angry, aggressive thing. But he's always ready to let it Not Be, too. Except in the cases of righteous, seething anger (his battles with the biggest bads who have done much to hurt his friends, planet, and order of the universe), Goku loves it when an opponent wants to hang around and fight again.

It's like how predator animals play with each other by tussling for fun. It's not just when in the pursuit of food do those animals utilize predator behaviors, but it's ALL the time, because they have been endowed by nature to be Of A Certain Make & Model because it helps them to survive, and it's just who they are always. They notice certain things, make certain things out to be important, they are intrigued by certain things, they like to move in certain ways - it's everything about all of them that puts them in their ecological niche.

EXAMPLE: Think about how cats are wired to recognize the visual pattern of a snake and to respond quickly, and that's why they sometimes swat at bananas. Or how they hiss, a behavior that emulates the sound of a snake, but they don't know that, they just get angry and hiss. Or how their eyes and brain are designed to notice and follow Movement, and they find this A.) Important and B.) Intriguing; they often orient toward it. This intrigue is selected for because the movement could be food, but, to the lived experience of the animal, it's also just fun. Cats will play with inanimate objects and rodents all the same.

For comparison, non-predatory birds are wired to find importance in things like color and size and shape when it comes to finding food - and they AVOID movement, taking flight away from rather than orienting toward it like the cat.

Another detail about predatory animals: when hunting, they require the element of resistance to stimulate their predatory instincts. This has the advantage of steering the animal away from already-dead-and-possibly-contaminated prey, and toward still-alive-and-delicious prey. This is why the freeze response works in deterring predators; because when the prey isn't moving and fighting back, the predator doesn't feel stimulated enough to hunt. Who knows what animals feel, but the lived experience may be a sort of disgust or repulsion; a definitive avoidance.

At any rate, cats find a lack of movement and a lack of resistance Boring, which is why your cat loves to chase the string toy you just yanked away from her, and why she gets bored when you stop.

My ultimate point is that that's what Goku is like, as a Saiyan, as a mountain boy, as himself.

It's no surprise that his ONLY goal in life is fight. So it's not bizarre to think that through this is how he comprehends and connects with others.

Since this is the case: I honestly think, that on some level, he has loved every opponent he has ever faced. Even Freeza, who introduced him to the purest and most earnest form of righteous rage - Goku hated him more than he had ever hated anybody; but I think that he still loved him as the living, fighting being he was. It's an undercurrent of love that comes with the territory whenever Goku fights, whenever his body gets to move and express himself in that way; and that LOVE I think is the source of his strength. Fighting for anger or other corrosive emotions dirty your soul in the long-term. Goku loves to fight, and has loved deeply every opponent, even if only at the most basic and required level - but he loved, and he loves, and that's why he's the greatest. It's an expansive, nurturing, positive force that he brings into the world.

He loved his grandfather. He loves Roshi and Krillin and all the rest. He loves his sons, and he bonds with them when he trains them, because it's through this that he comes to understand their deepest ways; and he's honored to do so, and he's proud of them beyond measure.

Chichi has long since been out of the ring, but I think that the most vivid memories that Goku has of her are when she is yanking on his ear or slapping him for his ignorance. Like how the cat attaches importance to patterns of movement, Goku attaches importance to such physical engagement; and he retains those impressions for longer.

What he has with Vegeta is the realest shit right down to their bones and shared Saiyan physiology, and it's imperative that they continue to fight each other for forever.

So I guess my point is that if you want to bond with Goku: you'll have to come at him a bit, and offer meaningful contact, and when he comes at you, never roll over like a possum - actively resist, dodge, and strike back.

[marezablr]

i feel like main gohan is scared of his anger but future gohan relies on it.

like, okay. so main gohan has won fights with his anger, right? but he’s also done terrible things with it. he knows that when he can use it, he’ll be on the right side of a beatdown. but he doesn’t trust himself with what happens when it's there. when goku tells him to get angry in buu saga, he expresses reservations, because when gohan got angry with cell, people died. so main gohan's anger is source of incredible power, but it’s also something to be scared of. a beast in the cage of his mortal form. he has to train the power he gets from anger to keep it under control.

future gohan, though? future gohan has never won a fight in his life. like, okay, technically he got the KO on vegeta, but even then, in every fight he’s ever been in, he was on the wrong side of the beatdown. he’s never known winning, let alone what it feels like to have unquestionable superior strength against an enemy.

but his anger gave him super saiyan. it gives him strength and resistance in the face of unrelenting horror. anger is literally keeping future gohan alive. why would he be afraid of it? all his heroes died, and their deaths gave him a weapon to protect everyone left.

so anger just works very differently in their self images. main gohan tries to manage and hold down his anger, because he knows how dangerous it can be. he wants to protect the people he loves from its consequences.

but future gohan cherishes his anger. it is his protection. future gohan's anger is a gift from the people who loved him, and he nurtures that gift to make sure it doesn't go to waste.

[fabuloustrash05]

gotta know your opinion on freeza

One of the most iconic villains in all of Dragon Ball, probably in all of anime on general. He’s a horrible evil bastard and I love him. He’s also surprisingly funny, especially in the Broly movie. He’s definitely in my Top 5 favorite DB Villains.

Though I feel his presence is being very overused nowadays in the current story (for example I feel the Resurrection F arc was completely unnecessary and takes away some of the hype built-up for his return in the TOP) I still overall enjoy Freeza’s character and evilness. I’m not crazy about his Black Freeza design, it’s just his final form in a different shade, it would’ve been cooler if he got an actual upgrade maybe something similar to Cooler’s final form design??

All I hope for now is that Vegeta is the one who defeats him once and for all. 

[astral-mariner]

Wait a minute I can just send you an ask about how you think saiyan culture varies by region and also about that religious tail removal headcanon you mentioned on the extremely long tail post lol

Infodump incoming! (Caveat: these are just some fun headcanons, and I love other people's headcanons just as much. I love when there are a million different versions of things so I can enjoy them all and enjoy the content millions of times over!)

Epic Rambling below the cut.

Okay, so. I made up all of this to be background stuff for my Saiyans under Freeza fic. Like a collective memory the characters have that people like Nappa could reference. To give the fic a sense of history and context even if we don't see the saiyan planet. To show how the characters see the world, how they think about things, what they care about, and why.

Basically, I imagine that Vegeta-sei had a handful of "nations" that roughly correspond to different population groups on different parts of the planet. They each have some unique cultural practices, beliefs, fighting styles, etc. Only in the recent(ish) past had their culture become more globalized due to receiving more access to technology from the Planet Trade. So they may have had scouters and whatnot before, but not everyone would have had them. They may have had healing/incubation pods too, but they weren't readily available to most people. All of this is to say that their different cultures wouldn't have converged into a uniform one due to globalization/colonization.

As for the different nations themselves, I imagine that different regions prioritized different things about being saiyan. Or they had different ways of approaching class hierarchies. For example, one nation might center Super Saiyan legends in their cultural consciousness, whereas another might center Oozaru transformation. This is precisely the difference I imagine between the nation that surrounds the royal palace/lands and the nation that houses a population closer to one of the planet's poles:

The royal bloodline bases their claim to power not just on their (supposed) higher latent strength, but also their alleged ancestral ties to saiyans that have become Super Saiyans. And the royals/nobles themselves perpetuate this narrative to consolidate power. Even though it seems pretty apparent that no saiyans have living memory of actually seeing a Super Saiyan---just that there are stories about their might, what they look like, etc. So the royals and everyone around them would be steeped in these legends. And the general culture of nobility, too, would contribute to obsessing over ancestry, power level, etc., where having ties to the royal family grants social status.

But it's not just social status---probably one of the reasons why SSJ legends have such a hold on people is that the Super Saiyans of legend helped them conquer their own planet(s?), won critical battles in the distant past, and perhaps played a sort of "savior" role. They have a sort of spiritual/religious significance. They provide a sort of "ideal" to which any strong, virtuous saiyan should aspire. An avatar for how saiyans construct morality and excellence (beyond just those in power wanting to maintain order and control).

Vegeta references that a Super Saiyan is a warrior with a "cold" or "pure" heart. Some of this is probably his own or his father's spin on the stories he was told as a child. Shutting down his emotions and detaching himself simultaneously from forming any connections as well as from the horrors he was experiencing/committing was certainly a coping strategy for surviving under Freeza. But some of it definitely came from his culture and from saiyan spiritual sensibility generally.

Different translations refer to the heart of the Super Saiyan as "pure," "cold," or even "tranquil." Because "pure of heart" captures a different kind of vibe in a Western mind than it does an Eastern one. It's not about being, like, "morally good" or anything---it's more about being empty, or single of purpose. Unaffected by attachment, and not in the "I don't care about anyone" sense (though it definitely is about that as well in some cases). Think along the lines of nonattachment philosophy you see described in Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism, or (for a more Western flavor) Stoicism. So you can see how it simultaneously captures the adjectives of "pure" and "cold/tranquil." Or, for a pop culture reference that many will be familiar with, how the Jedi and Star Wars try to stay above attachment to the world and being swayed by personal passions.

And I bring all of this up to make a point about how saiyans might approach virtue. It's more about excellence than it is about doing what is right. So, something done excellently is virtuous, even if it is something humans would consider evil. A virtuous saiyan is someone who is as strong as possible, fights with clearness of purpose, and is unswayed by personal passions. The state of SSJ is a kind of state of enlightenment. (Which puts the differences between Goku and Vegeta on display: Goku is actually more exemplary of someone who fights in this "enlightened" way---purely for the sake of itself---whereas Vegeta is caught up in his emotions in every fucking battle he fights. He hates Kakarot, he hates Freeza. He's always trying to prove something. While Goku isn't trying to prove anything. He's just fighting because fighting is what he does, and he does it excellently.)

Now contrast this with a group of saiyans who prioritize Oozaru transformation more. Instead of trying to detach oneself, imagine leaning into one's passions and becoming a fucking monster. You know, the call of the moon, the bloodlust of the beast. Totally different vibe from the Enlightened Warrior. I find it absolutely fascinating that you have these two competing narratives for how a saiyan shows strength. That they have these two main transformations with these totally different flavors (that are later unified in transformations like SSJ3/4?). And you even see little nods to how saiyans think about their Oozaru transformation. Sometimes it's just about letting loose and being destructive. Other times, different saiyans in canon (such as Vegeta in the Saiyan Saga) seem to turn to it as a last resort. Not their main line of defense; something messy and unbecoming, even.

I'll write more about the saiyan cultures that lean more into Oozaru vs. SSJ in another post about the backstory I've constructed for Vegeta's mom! I headcanon that she belonged to one of these cultures, and that Vegeta's parents followed different traditions. (Also makes the relationship between King Vegeta and Vegeta's mom quite interesting!)

Now about saiyans who remove their tails: So with alllllllll of that said about SSJ vs. Oozaru and the different approaches/philosophies behind them, you can imagine a kind of extremist faction of the SSJ-prioritizing culture that eschews Oozaru transformation altogether as an attempt to strive for excellence only, to be totally pure-hearted, to have no passions whatsoever. And some of them would remove their tails as an expression of their spiritual sensibilities. Perhaps they belong to an ascetic warrior tradition. Tail removal would simultaneously be seen as something scandalous/taboo as well as very serious, as for most saiyans, this removes their access to one of their more powerful transformations (at least for a little while, if the tail eventually grows back).

I don't think King Vegeta would have belonged to this faction even if he would be drawn to some of their philosophies/practices. He probably couldn't remove his tail for social status reasons as well. But I can see him employing some of the tailless saiyans in various corners of his regime. Like, think of what kind of flex it would be to employ ascetic warrior fanatics to positions of, say, law enforcement. As in "these people are going to torture you, and they aren't going to give a single fuck about you or anything else while they are doing it." Because of the nonattachment stuff. People who just follow the will of the heir to the Super Saiyan Legacy and pursue strength/excellence while casting off all else.

I could literally go on and on about this. How these different philosophies shape the characters we know, how the characters twist these narratives to suit their aims or cope with their lives. I know this is super rambly, but I think you get some of the ideas here?

[bitebitesnap]

Something that interests me sometimes conceptually is yanderes.

Now I'm not a fan of them. The obsession, the downright horror vibes-it just bothers me..sometimes. There had been a few times where it's actually been kind of interesting, though it's usually because it's not super involved with making the Reader useless or just prey to be hunted.

But that aside, it's not the point, I was thinking about something.

Goku as a yandere would be horrifying.

And I'm not talking about his power. Technically, Vegeta is within the same range so it's not like it's much different from him going on a rampage. No what I mean isn't so much strength. It's reason.

Let's say Goku takes in what happened with Frieza and puts it to heart. Let's say the anger, the rage of becoming a Super Saiyan boils through to his core and changes him at the root-but also not quite. He's still the silly, goofy sweetheart everyone knows....but not quite.

Being on Namek during it's destruction taught him that he can't just let people go as easily. Just because they could be good deep down doesn't mean anything. If they have the chance, remote as it is, to turn on any of them then it's game over no matter how powerful they are. Maybe they aren't a threat to him, but to everyone else they could be the worst thing alive.

So he can't take that risk. Won't allow it to even take root.

He cuts off Gero before he can even release the other androids. Blasted to bits the minute he saw him. 19 went down too because he wasn't prepared to take the attack at full power.

Sure. A few buildings were destroyed, maybe a few people lost. But that's what the dragon balls are for right? And besides, he could feel the virus starting up so he had to act fast! Don't blame him for doing what needed to be done!

Cell is a surprise but not much more of a challenge either. Poor bastard barely got the chance to get away in his first form, and without the other two androids around to fuel his perfect form he had nothing else at all. Okay so some people got hurt in the fight but it's okay too! Dragon Balls, okay?

And without the Cell games, without his sacrifice...there's not much else to do now, is there? He's got nothing to fight, nothing to worry about. Sure he's got Piccolo and Vegeta so it's not like he's completely bored. Also, Gohan is getting seriously strong! He'd love to have a good spar against him when he gets older!

But....it doesnt'....feel quite right..

With nothing to fight, nothing is threatening his friends anymore. He should feel relieved, happy even.

So why does he feel like something is wrong..? Why does he feel anxious, afraid..almost like something is going to happen.

He kept a close watch on all of his friends, going so far as to intrude into their lives to make absolutely sure they were fine. He'd pop in at any point jsut to 'check in', he said, and when nothing was found and everything was fine he'd pop out. 'See?' He'd tell himself, 'Everything is fine. Don't worry about it!'

But he couldnt'...stop...

Simple check turned into hours long stalking. Stalking turned to obsessively watching over them at all hours, staying awake all night hopping between their homes. He couldn't count how many days and nights he'd been awake anymore. Only keeping track of when the sun rose and fell so he could go back to his home and watch over Gohan and you/Chi-Chi.

But it;s still not enough...! What was wrong!?

Then it happens. An inconspicuous little event that could have been missed by anyone had he not been so deranged by the need to keep an eye out for it.

A simple robbery. Not even a well planned out one, the robber had the bright idea to wander into Bulma's open window to steal a few pieces of her jewelry. It was so one-track and clearly idiotic that even she could have handled it.

But Goku was there. He saw it happen.

Poor bastard had no idea what was going on until he was several miles up in the air, dangling by his throat in the hands of a sleep deprived, wild-eyed Saiyan.

He knew of wars, petty battles between factions for something or another. Some part of him envied the rivalries humans could have with each other without running the risk of blowing up a planet. Being weaker, they had countless other's just like them to fight. No stagnation, always another challenge or threat right among their own.

Being himself, a Saiyan as powerful as he was, Goku never had to look down at them as a danger. His friends were strong, stronger than anyone like this little bug in his hands.

....Weren't they..?

His eyes harden, ignoring the squirming roach.

If they were...then why didnt Vegeta do anything to stop this attempt? Why didn't Yamcha?

Were there other infractions like this? Were they all ignoring it? Just letting it happen, right behind their backs where they could get stabbed just like he was when Frieza-

The crunch happens in the back of his head. His eyes watch the pest's neck flop over his fist but see nothing.

Quiet. It was quiet for the first time in a long, long while.

No noises catching his attention. No anxious energy driving him mad. No wild emotions left unchecked from exhaustion.

He was...calm.

Slowly he brings the body closer. The life force is long gone. No light blinks in the eyes. It's dead. Gone. No threat to anyone.

...Because of him..

And it clicks.

It doesn't matter if Vegeta didn;t get to him, he did. Yamcha wouldn't have fought anyways, he was a coward now and terrified of death.

But because he was here, he did. He caught the bastard. He ended the threat. He saved Bulma.

He saved her from something no one was looking for.

With everyone fresh out of a series of disasters centered mostly around the stars or his past, no one was focusing on the present. How could they? They'd been subjected to it for so long they'd grown numb to it by now. A simple robbery was nothing to them-less than nothing.

They were blind to an enemy they couldn't even think of anymore.

So he clenches the body's neck even tighter. Flesh engorges into a red mass in his palm but he ignores it. Even when the balloon bursts and crimson runs down his fingers. As meat squeezes out into and over his palm, the tongue forced out in a breathless gag.

He was their champion right? The strongest under the sun. The warrior who bested the worst of the universe, the tyrant Frieza, the android's maker, even the warrior built specifically to destroy him. He'd done it all. He'd do it a thousand times over if it meant protecting those he loved.

What was a few, measly little lives of a few bugs that dared to call themselves humans? Did their lives matter, even, if they dared to stoop so low as to be like the monsters he's conquered? Were they lives at all or simply dust under his heels?

The body is flung in a random direction. He doesn;'t care where it lands. His muscles are tight with renewed energy, mind clear and focused on a single, soul driven purpose.

He would protect everyone. He would destroy anything that got in his way. Be the wall between them and total destruction.

He was Son Goku the Saiyan, the warrior, Earth's mightiest protector. But if the Earth itself wanted to turn on anyone he cared about....

Then not even the Earth mattered to him anymore.

[bluehairlaunch]

Top 7 BEST Dragon Ball Transformations

Honorable mention: Yung King Piccolo

Does this count as a transformation?

Mecha Tao

Yup, the best villain in all of Dragon Ball also did this first.

Eat your heart out, Frieza.

Muscle Bottom Trunks

This is where Super Saiyan and its myriad iterations (including "SS2" and whatever you nerds call the version Goku and Gohan have when they emerge from the Room of Spirit and Time) would go, but I decided to choose just my favorite one instead.

I think this transformation has over half a dozen names: Super Saiyan Third Grade, Super Saiyan 1.5, Super Super Saiyan, Ultra Super Saiyan, lmao jesus christ, Power-weighted Super Saiyan, Power stressed Super Saiyan Bitch Super Saiyan, and somehow the list just keeps going on. But what I like most about it is that everyone can do it.

Well not the Super Saiyan part, you have to have a little bit of Saiyan in your brainpan to do that, but the getting big. Doing so makes you stronger, but also so much slower that the difference just doesn't matter (for those of you that just watch youtube videos, and don't read the fucking comic). Frieza is such a useless he/they thembo that he also mistook it for a legitimate transformation against Goku on Namek. Y'know, his 100% (this time for real guyz).

Golden Fuuureeeza

I railed against lazy recolors in my worst transformations list, but Frieza is the physical embodiment of sloth and affluenza. He was the strongest being in the universe by far barring an ancient alien prophecy for fucking decades. And what does he do with all that power? Well, ride around on a rascal scooter, of course, while sending endless swathes of Appule's to do his dirty work. Instead of lifting a finger for an hour and then being immortal FOREVER.

And that's why it works for me in all the ways Resurrection F didn't. He's supposed to be stupid and ostentatious. Dragon Ball Super writers, you're NOT.

Janemba

Frankly, this is the biggest glow up in Dragon Ball history. From lazy Buu clone to, well, admittedly a lazy clone of another great character. But he has a sword! And that moveset. And it's an actually good filler movie in which Hitler dies (again).

Just look at him

Legendary Super Saiyan

Why is greenish Super Saiyan soooooo coooool??? Well, I'll tell you why.

It's because it just is. Super Saiyan? Actually so cool. Green? Such a good color Victorian aristocrats were willing to kill themselves using a shade of it that contained arsenic. It was basically their version of Oceangate, but they all did it! We could only be so lucky nowadays. And the lore implications? Mmm, yeah. Yeah!

You see, in canon Goku did a little prophecy, but Toriyama can't help but be a great writer, so instead of just being the generic Chosen One a la every bad shonen we all know and love, he's not. He's just not. Goku, Gohan, Vegeta, Trunks, baby Trunks, baby Goku, they all do it too. Turns out, Super Saiyan is something each and every Saiyan can do. And then filler happens, Broly shows up, and everyone sees that this is because he's the real Chosen Boy.

And he's green! And we all loved it so hard we got a quality version a century later in the form of Super Broly The Movie

Nice. That's history for you.

Great Ape

The OG. Look at this trendsetter. If this isn't the second best, what is? You're wrong.

Perfect Cell

It's perfect

[carnal-lnstinct]

AHH I'm so happy you're doing a halloween event 💖 Can I request a sfw Vegeta AU in which he is the king of the underworld (alternatively could be demon king of the underworld) and he pines after a human? I picture him more on the yandere side, but you can adapt it however you want! Thank you, looking forward to all your fics 💕

VEGETA X READER

✦✦Content: au, king of the underworld vegeta, light yandere / possessive behavior, one-sided pining. ✦✦Warning: manipulation / gaslighting

Mortal desires are a full spectrum of color he could see with his eyes closed. All intricately woven together to form an illusion of necessity, when it is just a sin dressed in a fragile moral shell. Your case was no different, but it garnered his attention effortlessly. The Divine Sovereign of the Underworld witnessed so little of the intent in your actions and found means to personally place himself in your path. It boiled down to one thing: He had something you wanted, and it presented him with the opportunity he’d been waiting for. His own sinful vanity couldn’t stand by and let himself go disregarded by you when he’s given you more than enough of his…curiosity? Admiration? 

Regardless, an audience with you was required now. 

The King’s large arm stretches out from his cape revealing the trained muscles and old scars. He turns his hand upright, presenting the small dragon ball. The very reason you managed to make your way into the Underworld. He showed it off as if it could be freely taken from his grasp, the corner of his lips turning upward seeing you draw your focus to the magical orb. “Is this all you come here for?” He asks you with a taunting tilt of his head. “I suspect you think I’m going to just hand it over if you begged hard enough. That I will let you continue to traipse over my life’s work and turn a blind eye while you defy the natural order of my authority.” 

As his fingers close around the dragon ball he rises from his grand throne and approaches you and you are temporarily startled by his height for one who sat so high. Though his size compared to yours didn’t outweigh his intimidating aura. “You really think your Eternal Dragon can save your friends’ souls from me? No dead may leave my realm without my say...”

“A-A trade, then! For my friends, I-I’ll give you my dragon balls!” You blurted out in a desperate breath from your chest, shaken by your own weak nerves and impulsive response. King Vegeta’s smirk twitches at that, his brow beneath his curved horns lowering further over his dark eyes.

“What nerve you have. Implying I, a Divine King, have something more to wish for?” His eyes roll in aversion to the idea as he moves around you, a twinkle of excitement in his eyes where yours cannot see. He hovers in your peripheral before he disappears from one side and circles around to your other. “What would I do with three useless dragon balls?”

“—Then take me! Your Highness…take me!” You sink further on your knees and bow your head low to the ground, hands outstretched towards his empty throne. “Please!”

King Vegeta stops circling you, standing outside of your line of sight. Those magic words were uttered so perfectly and so effortlessly, that he had to take a moment to embrace the way it rang in his ears. “Just one mortal soul?” He further teased in mock indifference. “Like there aren't countless piles of those lying around here.”

“One mortal soul…a-and the remaining dragon balls.” You spoke, resolutely. Determined to right the wrongs done to those you loved. “So… So no one else can use them to challenge your power. I’ll gather them all and bring them to you in exchange for my friends.”

Your words mellow in the brief silence, a tinge of hope daring to creep into your spirits. He turns slightly to look down over his shoulder at you, cloak loosely twisted around his leg. “You’re sure?”

“Yes.” You respond sincerely, but softly. You hear his footsteps behind you descend across the room and a chair slides across the floor.

“Eat with me.” He orders you, the sudden change of topic further unsettling your disposition and giving him a surprised look in response. He gestures a hand to the long dining table, specifically to the chair beside the head of the table.

“That’s it?”

“That’s it.” He affirms amicably by sitting in the larger chair at the head of the table. “Unless you have something better to do right this second?” Not like your friends were getting any more dead. And time in the Underworld moved differently than the other realms, a mortal who was not of this world should be starving even in the brief time you have been here.

This shift made you anxious, but you can sense there wasn’t much choice in it. The thought of food crossing your mind did make you conscious of your stomach’s need. You swallow and stand up, “No…I’ll do it. Thank you for your kindness..” 

You settle in the designated chair with a covered plate in front of you. Glancing his way every so often until an unknown hand reaches over your side and removes the lid, warm steam flowing up toward your face. The food had a nice smell, but such earthy colors. You’ve never seen anything like this before. “...It’s poisoned.” You thought out loud, pressing your back up against your seat to put as much distance as you could between yourself and the plate.

“Don’t be stupid. What do I gain from killing you now? I’m not ruining a meal with your corpse.” King Vegeta pointed out, a hint of annoyance from your insult to his hospitality. Not any mortal could be tolerated for something like that.

Not to hurt your chances with his favor, you nod and quickly apologize. You ate without really tasting the food, just doing so to remain polite and because it was asked of you. But the hints of richness and spices made it easier. It was definitely better than it looked. The King ate with you, slowing down in between his bites to watch you feed yourself with a self-satisfied grin. Occupied with his own imagination and how much closer it was to becoming reality.

The second serving is placed in front of you and the most colorful presentation of food before you: a pomegranate. Joined with a small bowl of sorbet. It was a more appetizing surprise and without thought you lifted your spoon to sample your sorbet first. He completely stopped eating and stared you down in silent anticipation, going unnoticed by you with your focus on the sweets. There are different hints of flavors that hit all the points on your tongue, making you finish off the small bowl without hesitation. 

And then, finally, your spoon digs into one of the halves of the pomegranate, the juice pooling into the utensil with a few loose seeds. You scoop out more and carefully sip the juice first, followed by feeding the seeds to yourself in bits. The dark eyes watching you flash with a color, King Vegeta’s grin widening with his sinister snicker. It catches your attention, your gaze meeting his when you turn to him, then self-consciously turning away as you hold your other palm to your bottom lip. Careful to not spill any juice or seeds. He watches a little longer and says nothing, then lifts his goblet to his lips.

When you go to dig for another serving of pomegranate seeds, he stops your hand with a gentle grasp and guides yours away to set the spoon down. “Our business is done.” He states simply. He then rises from his seat with his goblet in hand and walks back towards his throne. “The souls of your friends await you at the gates to the human world.”

Your heart skips and you leap up from your seat, following him with wide eyes. “Wait- that’s…” You catch your breath in the rush of emotions that flowed through your chest. “A-And the dragon balls?”

King Vegeta turns back to you. “It was not about the dragon balls.” He admits with great pleasure, swirling his drink in his hold. His brow arches. ”You understand?”

Your confusion leaves you staring his way, attempting to understand. Running all your words and his together, and then you’re breathless again when the realization hits you.

 It was never about the dragon balls.

Is not the darkness sweet ?

[elisajdb]

Brotherly Love: Part One

Hidden away on Earth, Raditz wants a chance to make amends to his past and form a relationship with his estranged brother, Son Goku.

He was always avoided. No one dared look in his eyes. He was deemed scary. No one spoke more than a few sentences to him. He was deemed wild and savage. No one wanted to get close to him. He was a murderer. No one wanted to talk to him except two: the Ice Bitch and the Ice Queen.

They ran the facility he had been locked in for ten years. The Ice Bitch funded and built this facility while the Ice Queen ran it only cowering to the demands of the Ice Bitch. He has been in worse places and treated brutally on other planets but this place, even with all their amenities, was still a prison.

He was confined to a room the size of an apartment. He had access to food. He was given reading materials, music, movies and television to understand the world around him.

But it was still a prison. The air he breathed was tainted to keep him weak. Twice a week, he was allowed to leave the room but his wrists were bound in wristbands filled with kilotons of electricity.  One wrong move and he could be zapped like a bird on an unsealed powerline. He was away from his room for two hours. It wasn’t enough time to restore his strength. The Ice Bitch made sure of that.

The first three years, he tried to escape and in the last seven years, he resigned himself to this perilous fate. Seven years ago, Raditz lost his motivation to leave. Never did he imagine when the Ice Bitch visited, she would say the words he wanted to hear.

Goku is alive again. He’s back on Earth.

Thanks to the Ice Queen, Raditz knew of the Tenkaichi Budokai. He wanted to see how his nephews fare but the cameras were destroyed. The Ice Queen showed generosity providing him with a radio where they could listen to the tournament. It was here he learned Son Goku was a contestant. He thought it was a strange coincidence since that was the name his brother went by on Earth. Ice Queen was confused, too, but hours later when a monster calling himself Majin Boo destroyed cities, his brother battled the monster and disappeared.

That burned in Raditz’s mind for days and after the destruction and revival of Earth, the Ice Bitch visited. Raditz wanted answers.  

“I saw Kakarot! You told me he was dead! Why did you lie to me?!”

“I didn’t lie. Goku was dead for seven years but he was allowed to visit for a day. Because of Majin Boo, he was granted a new life and he’s back on Earth.”

“And you deliberately kept his visit from me.” Raditz wouldn’t argue years ago the Ice Bitch was justified to keep the knowledge of his existence quiet but not after these years where he showed change. “I want to see him.”

“Goku’s busy reuniting with his family.”

“I’m his family!”

“You’re not the family he wants or did you forget he rejected you?”

Raditz didn’t care his brother rejected him then. Raditz was disgusted at the weak Saiyan his brother grew up to be. Now… it did hurt. “Things were different. I’m not that Saiyan anymore. I want to see my brother!”

But the Ice Bitch wouldn’t hear anymore. She left with the Ice Queen who didn’t agree with the Ice Bitch. She voiced her difference when they walked away from his cell.

“I don’t think you should forbid him, Bulma.”

“Don’t go against me on this, Adira. I’m already pissed with you. How could you let Raditz know about the tournament?”

“Is this because of Son Goku? You didn’t tell me he was returning.”

“You didn’t need to know like Raditz didn’t need to know about the Tenkaichi Budokai.”

“His nephews were participating. I thought he’d want to see them.”

“He doesn’t have a relationship with them.”

“How can he when he’s stuck here?”

“He kidnapped his eldest nephew when he was four years old!”

“He doesn’t seem to be that man anymore, Bulma. I think the years mellowed him like it did Vegeta.”

The Ice Bitch snorted. “Don’t let the mellowing appearance fool you. It could be a trap to let our guard down.”

“I think you’re saying that because of what Vegeta did.”

The rejection left Raditz with one option. If he wanted to see his brother, he had to escape. Over the years, Raditz learned a few things about his brother. The Ice Bitch wasn’t aware during their conversations, he was gathering information he could use later.

“Are you Kakarot’s concubine?”

“I’m too rich and beautiful to be anyone’s concubine. I was gathering dragon balls when I met Goku. I convinced him to be my bodyguard and look for dragon balls with me.”

“How? By opening your legs?”

“No! Goku was a kid. He was too dumb to see how hot I was at sixteen. It’s not his fault. He grew up on Mount Paozu.”

With access to books and maps, Raditz found Mount Paozu but he needed information on where he is and how far he will have to travel to find his brother.  On the days he was allowed to step out of the facility, Raditz studied his surroundings. He noticed the trees and animals on the island. He had casual conversations with the Ice Bitch and Ice Queen to learn what food grew here and what food was shipped. He studied the seasons and discovered the weather varied from warm to hot. It never snowed and never received yearly water storms Earth people call hurricanes.   He applied all this knowledge to his books and discovered he was likely on an island off a large mainland. There’s nothing popular about this land except it was home to the Red Ribbon Army.  

Mount Paozu was on the other side of the world. It would be a journey finding his brother without his scouter but Raditz knew he could do it. This was his only chance to see his brother again. He couldn’t waste this opportunity like last time.

“He’s destroyed most of the world! What are you gonna do when he finds this place?!” Raditz was pissed. Some maniac was killing everyone on Earth. In the last twenty-four hours, television stations went offline. Phone coverage was spotty and only static was heard on the radio. Raditz didn’t care people were dead but he hated not knowing where Majin Boo was. That monster could find this place and Raditz wanted to be ready for him. “You may want to sit on your ass and wait for death but that’s not the Saiyan way. We have our pride. Even if it’s a lost cause, it’s better to go down fighting instead of doing nothing!”

The Ice Queen tried to reason with Raditz. “You could die against him.”

Raditz almost laughed. “Are you caring about me? The Ice Queen has a heart?”

“I’m being practical.”

“Practical,” Raditz knew he shouldn’t have gotten his hopes up. “Typical Ice Queen.”

“You’re still calling me that,” she huffed frustrated. “I hate that name!” The Ice Queen never cared when he called her that. She wasn’t rattled and nothing appeared to get under her skin hence his nickname for her but Majin Boo cracked her cool façade.  “So many people are dead, Raditz. My parents are gone. We’re probably among the last group on Earth. Call me by my name.”

“Fine….. Adira. Majin Boo will find this place and blow us up like he’s done all the cities on this planet. Give me my honor and pride back and let me die fighting.”

Raditz expected Adira to say ‘No’. Her stare could be cold and clinical but there were times her eyes gave away her thoughts. She wasn’t like the Ice Bitch. She was a genius like her but humble and reserved. Perhaps it was her being the only constant woman in ten years but Raditz thought Adira was attractive for an Earthling. Her sable hair reminded him of Saiyan women. Over the years, she changed it from short to long and curled to straight. Her hair was everchanging like her eyes. He was struck when he noticed how wondrously violet her eyes were under lights and away it appeared a cobalt blue as deep as the ocean. Sometimes he stared at her to see the colors bounce between blue and purple. She never noticed his stares. She was too cold and clinical.  

“All right,” Adira gave in. “I’ll let you go. I’ll free you.” As Adira typed in the code to open the door, showers of pink light doused the area. Raditz jumped around avoiding the light. He didn’t know what it was but instincts told him to avoid it. When the showers passed, Raditz saw pieces of his room charred. The door still bolted the room shut but the weird showers created holes in the glass barrier.  

“Adira?” Did the showers force her to run away? Raditz stepped out of his room. “Where are you?”  Raditz walked around the facility. How far did she go? Raditz knew from Adira the fully staffed facility was reduced to a skeleton crew. Majin Boo caused many workers to leave and be with their families.

Adira, despite having parents and siblings, stayed.

Raditz picked up a cell phone off the floor. He listened for a voice but heard nothing. Walking further, Raditz saw an open book and an iPad on the floor. The screen was scratched.  It gave Raditz a cold feeling. The pink shower was Majin Boo’s energy. He killed everyone touched by it.

“Adira.” Majin Boo killed her and he didn’t see it.

Raditz rationed his next move. Majin Boo wouldn’t return so soon after killing everyone here. He also needed to prepare. The room he was enclosed in had doctored air. It weakened him. Raditz needed hours before feeling at full strength. Until then, he ate to replenish himself and exercised. A couple of hours passed when Raditz felt strong enough to try flying. He stepped out of the facility to see the skies turning a dark pink. The ground under him trembled.

“What the----” Raditz gasped as a massive wave swallowed the island. Raditz swam while his body jostled in the ocean. His ears were deafened by the crashing waves and the facility structure breaking in the water. Bouncing around Raditz couldn’t tell if he was swimming up or down. He just swam hoping to reach the surface.

There! He saw it. Light! Raditz swam toward it thinking it was the surface. Almost there he told himself. A little further he--- The light was moving to him and getting brighter.

This wasn’t sunlight Raditz realized as the heat of Majin Boo’s energy swallowed him. It was instant and painless.

Raditz’s memories were fuzzy after that. He remembered a temple and a large man behind a desk. That was all he could recall before he found himself on the island again.

Raditz wasn’t alone. Adira and the rest of the staff were on the island, too. They were trying to piece together what happened when Raditz heard his brother and Prince Vegeta above them.

“Earthlings!! Do you want to be killed by Majin Boo again?! You have a chance to save your planet!!”

“Everyone! Please! Give all the energy you can! We can’t stop Majin Boo without you!”

“Is that Prince Vegeta and Kakarot?”

“They want us to raise our hands.” Adira raised her hands. “How will this help defeat Majin Boo?”

“Prince Vegeta and Kakarot found a way to defeat Majin Boo.” Raditz raised his hands. “We should do it.” Only he and Adira had their hands up. “What are you waiting for?!” Raditz barked at the other staff members. “Do it!”

Everyone raised their hands. Raditz was going to curse their resistance when he saw Adira smiling at him. “What?”

“You used to hate them. Now you’re helping them. You’ve changed.”

Adira’s smile was slightly unnerving. She smiled but never at him. Despite their loss of energy, everyone kept their hands up until the battle was over. Cheers broke out when Mr. Satan confirmed Majin Boo was gone, but when the cheers died, reality sunk in Raditz was not in his cell and not wearing the wristbands he was forced to wear outside.

Security quickly drew their guns on Raditz. Each gun had massive charges of electricity. Raditz rationed he could subdue them but he would suffer injuries, too. “Come at me,” Raditz challenged them.

“Wait!” Adira jumped between Raditz and security. “You need to go back to your cell.”

Raditz laughed. “That room can’t hold me. It received massive damage. I can kill you and finally leave this place.”

“You could.” Even Adira knew Raditz couldn’t be stopped. “But you proved you have changed. I can

present this to Bulma. You’ll be free to leave on your own.”

“I can do that now.”

“You’re still naïve to the world. You need a guide. I’ll help you,” she offered. “I’ll help you get a place and integrate. It’ll be easier with a guide than on your own.”

Adira’s offer was better than the alternative. It wouldn’t be easy and after ten years of confinement, Raditz wanted an easier life. Raditz stayed in a spare room while repairs quickly went underway to his cell. When he returned, Raditz noticed his room wasn’t secure. There was a hole not repaired. Fresh air leaked into the room doctoring the tainted air he was forced to breathe. Raditz kept this to himself as he waited for Bulma to return. He waited a month.

Adira went over a rehabilitation plan for Raditz. Raditz didn’t care about being around humans. He was excited to be free and he wanted to see his brother.

When Bulma returned, Adira excitedly explained Raditz’s behavior over the Majin Boo ordeal and her plan to integrate him into society. Years ago, Bulma offered Raditz a new life on Earth if he changed. Then, Raditz was vengeful, murderous and filled with anger. He didn’t want to change but ten years of confinement softened Raditz to consider her and now she reneged.

This drove Raditz to coordinate his escape.

It was still dark when the chime of Bulma’s phone awakened her. She was in a deep fog of sleep and didn’t recognize the tone. Who would be calling her this early?

“Shut that thing off before I shut it for you,” Vegeta sleepily threatened as he rolled over.

Bulma reached for the phone on her nightstand as the ringing stopped. 3:12 a.m. Calls at this time can’t be good but Bulma figured it was a wrong number. She didn’t bother to check the name on her missed call as she rolled back in bed.

Her phone rang again.

“Bulma….” Vegeta warned.

Bulma brushed off Vegeta’s annoyance as she rolled over. “It’s not as if you have to get up early for work.” Bulma picked up the phone again and bolted upright when she saw the person calling her.

Adira.

“What is it?” The room was dark but Vegeta noticed Bulma’s shuffling.

“Work.” Bulma swung her legs out of bed and stood up. “I’ll take it in the other room. Go back to sleep.” She closed off their bedroom door and leaned against it. “Adira?” Bulma whispered.

“Sorry, Bulma. This can’t wait until morning. We got a problem.”

“I figured.” Bulma fought off a yawn. “What did he do this time?”

“He almost broke out.”

“What?!” Bulma clamped her hand over her mouth. She stepped away from the door and settled on the sofa of her adjacent suite. “How?”

“Don’t know. Security is still looking into it. We had to gas the building. Security had to use three times as much electro charges on him. He’s contained but he was hurt.”

“Any fatalities?”

“No. He’s different now.”

“Different? Did you forget the outbreaks when we first contained him? Ten men died.”

“That was years ago. Raditz could’ve killed but he didn’t. He disarmed and knocked security out. Raditz won’t kill again. He wants out and to see his brother.”

Bulma wanted that to be true but recent experiences left her cautious. “It could be a trap.”

“He hasn’t tried to break out in seven years. He’s read books. He’s studied maps. He’s trying all kinds of cuisines. He’s watching sports games. He wants to embrace our world.”

Bulma flipped on a lamp and sifted the drawer of the end table for her cigarette case and lighter. “I made an offer to him years ago and he rejected it.  ‘As soon as I get out of here, I will kill everyone on this planet. Starting with you, Ice Bitch.’ Those were his exact words.”

“He’s mellowed since then.”

Bulma closed the drawer annoyed. Vegeta either hid or threw out her case and lighter. Again. “I thought the same with Vegeta until the Tenkaichi Budokai.”

Adira knew that was a sore spot for Bulma. Cameras were destroyed so no one outside the stadium saw the footage. Adira and Raditz listened to the radio broadcast of Vegeta killing people. Reports came out hours later people who were killed at the tournament were alive. It would’ve been a major news story for days if not for Majin Boo. Adira thought that was a good thing since it meant everyone forgot what Vegeta did. If the news researched and tied him to Bulma. It would’ve created a massive media mess for Bulma and her family. It could’ve put what they were doing with Raditz in the spotlight.

“You told me he wasn’t in his right mind. He’s not at fault.”

Adira didn’t know the full truth and Bulma didn't want to tell her. That day had Bulma second-guessing everything. “We should be extra cautious. Vegeta has lived openly among humans for years and he fell off the wagon. We can’t trust Raditz. He tried to break out again.”

“What choice did he have after you refused to give Raditz a chance?!” Adira lost her patience. “He’s been cooped here for a decade.”

“Oh, please!” Bulma slammed another draw shut. Did Vegeta throw away all her cigarettes? “It’s not a real jail. Raditz’s room is half the size of a gymnasium. He can exercise. He has a kitchen. He has a bath. He has a TV and access to books, music and movies.”

“It’s not the same as real experience and,” Adira braced herself for Bulma’s blowup. “….. he has a family.”

“A brother who would not want to see him.”

“I don’t know Son Goku, Bulma, but maybe he would want to see his brother. You have to give him that choice. Raditz should hear it from his brother.”

Bulma plopped on the sofa giving up her search for cigarettes. “You weren’t there, Adira. You didn’t see what Raditz did. He was heartless. He hurt Goku. He took his son. Goku died because of Raditz.”

“And you revived Raditz knowing all that,” Adira reminded Bulma. “You have to come clean with this. If you don’t, I will.”

“What?”

“You brought me on this project to reach a goal with Raditz. We did that. The least we can do is give Raditz what he wants. Let him meet his brother.”

Bulma knew that wasn’t as easy as it sounded. She was there that day when Raditz told Goku he wasn’t human, knocked him down with one punch and kidnapped his son. Bulma went into this with the best intentions but unintentionally created secrets that would hurt the people she cared for.  

If Goku finds out about Raditz and what I did, he’ll hate me.  What will Vegeta do?

“Raditz wants to see you, too.”

“I figured as much.” Bulma squeezed the bridge of her nose wondering how to work this out without drawing suspicions. Her father knew about it but not her mother. If her mother knew, this secret would’ve been exposed years ago and the first person she would have told is Vegeta. “I’ll let my parents know they have to get Trunks ready for school. I can be there in two hours.”

Bulma turned off her phone and pushed herself off the sofa. Dammit. What a mess. She had to shower and get some coffee in her before she left. “I need a cigarette,” Bulma yawned as she opened the door. She jolted when Vegeta stood on the other side. Bulma took a step back fearing the worst. He wasn’t Namekian but Saiyans do have sharp ears.

“Bulma, what the hell have you been up to?”

Bulma brushed past him and pretended she didn’t know.  “Up to what, Vegeta? It was a work call. Unlike Saiyans who train all day, Earthlings have to work.”

“Earthlings don’t get middle-of-the-night calls unless they are leaders.”

“And owners of billion Zeni companies.” Bulma pulled a dress from her closet.

“Where are you going?”

“There’s an issue at one of our facilities. An explosion,” Bulma lied. “I’m checking the damages. I’ll be gone for a few hours.”

Vegeta extended his arm in front of the bathroom. “Are you using this to get away from me?”

Bulma pushed but Vegeta wouldn’t move. “Not everything is about you, Vegeta.”

“I apologized. It was a mistake. I won’t do it again.”

“Because Bobbidi isn’t here? What happens when the next wizard shows up with unlimited power and all you have to do is sell your soul?”

Vegeta didn’t resist when Bulma pushed again. She brushed past Vegeta into the bathroom and shut the door. When Bulma stepped out, Vegeta was gone. He left a note on the door.  “Coffee and your airship will be ready for you. I’ll inform your parents to watch Trunks.”

Bulma smiled at the card tenderly. She was angry with Vegeta but he was trying to atone. Maybe when this Raditz thing is settled we can talk.  

Bulma grabbed her coffee and hopped into the airship Vegeta left running for her. She was unaware of Vegeta hiding in the back. The Saiyan knew Bulma was hiding something from him. Bulma always shared issues going on with Capsule Corporation. He didn’t offer an opinion but he noticed when Bulma didn’t share. He noticed when Bulma took calls in front of him and the rare times she left the room. He felt it in his blood Bulma was hiding something from him and with things strained with them, he couldn’t allow it to go further. So he stowed on the airship to find answers.

When the ship touched down, Vegeta immediately felt a Ki. It was familiar but Vegeta couldn’t pinpoint who it was. He stayed on the ship as Bulma greeted Adira and walked in the opposite direction of the Ki. This allowed Vegeta to track it alone. He followed the Ki to the lower levels of the facility. There was security around but no one questioned Vegeta’s appearance since they knew of him and his connection to the Briefs family.

Vegeta tracked the Ki to an iron door guarded by two armed men. They noticed Vegeta and acknowledged him with a nod. “Open the door,” he commanded. One armed man looked hesitant but did as ordered and unlocked the door.

“He’s dangerous,” the armed guard warned Vegeta. “We had a hard time containing him.”

“Understood,” Vegeta played along.  “But I can handle him.” Vegeta stepped into the dark room wondering who they were referring to and why his Ki felt familiar. Lights from the cell drew Vegeta that when he reached it, he froze.

It’s impossible. He should be dead!

In a cylinder cell, Raditz stood bound with chains on his wrists and collar. There were dark, red burns on Raditz’s chest. If not for his long hair, Vegeta suspected burns were on his back, too. He wore a mask over his mouth. His head was bowed and his eyes were closed. He hadn’t noticed Vegeta circling his prisoned chamber.

He hasn’t mastered sensing Ki.

“Raditz.”

Raditz’s tired eyes opened and widened slightly when he saw Vegeta. “Prince Vegeta.”

“Oh, shit.”

Vegeta turned at that soft voice. Bulma and Adira arrived. Adira appeared calm while Bulma was horrified. He could see it in her eyes her shock at him. “How did you get here?”

“Fuck that.” Vegeta wasn’t going to answer when she owed him an explanation. “What the hell is this, Bulma?”  

Earlier, Adira greeted Bulma on the heliport when she touched down. Bulma stepped out of the ship and looked around. From the outside, the facility looked in perfect condition. “I expected some damage.” Bulma removed her dark shades and walked with Adira inside the building. “Raditz’s last major escape damaged the East Wing for months.”

“We fortified things since but there’s heavy damage internally. He got the East Wing again. The armory received heavy damage. Two of the labs are destroyed.”  

As Adira talked, Bulma surveyed the damage. There were basketball-sized holes in walls and light fixtures hanging from the ceiling. Two hallways were unsafe to cross. The elevator wasn’t serviceable so they took the stairs to the underground area where Raditz was held.

“Any updates on how Raditz got out?”

“We found an air leak in his room. We did a rush job fixing Raditz’s room after Majin Boo no one caught it.”

“Ah, damn,” Bulma groaned. “He’s been getting stronger all this time and waited for the right moment. Is he properly sealed?”

“Yes,” Adira hesitantly answered, “He’s weaker again, bound and suffered some bruising from the electro charges, but, Bulma, I don’t agree with this protocol. It’s not humane.”

“Not humane?” Bulma gestured to the destruction around them. “Look at what Raditz did. We can’t go easy on him.”

“I know,” Adira agreed. “I was here when it happened but…..” how to explain she wondered. “It’s not right.”

“Is there something I should know?” Adira always followed Bulma’s orders on dealing with Raditz when he got out of line. This was the first time Adira questioned her authority. “Do you have feelings for Raditz?”

“Bulma.” Adira was offended. “I’ve watched Raditz over the years. I’ve seen him change. I’m speaking as a professional and his doctor.”

Bulma wagged a finger. Something wasn’t right about this. “I wondered about you since your divorce.”

“That was five years ago.”

“You haven’t dated much.” That was a red flag to Bulma. Adira was beautiful. She had a movie star face and a tall and statuesque model figure. A woman with her looks and brains would not be single long unless she wanted it or had eyes on someone. “Most of your time has been here with Raditz. He’s affecting you.”

They were approaching the iron door. Adira scanned her badge on the door. It opened. “He’s not affecting me. I think what Vegeta did is blinding you from rationality.”  

“Miss Briefs,” an armed guard tried to warn Bulma but she stepped into the room with Adira and ignored the guard.

“I have my problems with Vegeta now but he’s--- oh, shit.” Vegeta! He was standing in front of Raditz’s cell. What was he doing here? Did he follow her? “How did you get here?”

“Fuck that.” Vegeta brushed off her question. “What the hell is this, Bulma?”  

Her heart never beat so fast. She never felt so exposed. She never saw Vegeta so livid at her.

No. Not now. This wasn’t how Bulma wanted Vegeta to know. She wanted to ease him into the situation gently. “I can explain.”

“I hope you can because what the hell, Bulma?!” Vegeta roared. Bulma could annoy him but she never angered him. He never felt betrayed by her but that’s what he felt seeing Raditz chained and bruised. “Why is Raditz here? Why is he like this?!”

It galled him to see a fellow Saiyan like this. Years ago, he wouldn’t have cared but when Goku died and the remaining Saiyans were Gohan, Trunks and eventually Goten, Vegeta’s mindset changed. He felt a responsibility to the last of his kind and to see a fellow Saiyan in this condition and knowing his mate had a hand in it, sickened him.

“It doesn’t look like it, Vegeta,” Bulma began her story, “but I wanted to do the right thing.”  

Twelve Years Ago

Goku was dead. Gohan was kidnapped by Piccolo and wouldn’t return him for a year. Their reunion was a disaster and as Bulma. Master Roshi and Krillin stared down Raditz’s dead body, they were lost on their next move.

“What do we do with him?” Krillin wondered. “Can we leave a dead body lying like this?”

“Wouldn’t be a smart idea, Krillin. We passed that farmer on the way over. Someone will come looking for him. They’ll find Raditz.” Master Roshi had one solution to the dilemma. “We gotta get rid of him.”

Krillin caught Bulma and Master Roshi’s stares. “You’re kidding me!” Krillin protested. “Why do I have to bury him?”

“I’m not touching a dead body.” Bulma opened her pocket of capsules. “I’m sure I have shovels in here.”

Master Roshi removed his surcoat. “I’ll help you, Krillin.”

Once Raditz was buried, Bulma flew Krillin and Master Roshi back to the island. Burying Raditz sounded like the right idea but hours later, Bulma had doubts. “It’s a shame Goku had a brother and he turned out like that. We could’ve learned so much.”

“About kidnapping uncles?” Krillin quipped.

“About Saiyans. Imagine scientifically what we could’ve learned. Think of what Goku could’ve learned about his parents. His past is a blank.”

“Goku doesn’t care about that stuff.” Krillin pulled off his shoes and shook the dirt off. “I learned unless he’s from Earth, the only good Saiyan is a dead Saiyan. Bulma, we got two more of these coming to Earth to kill us. If you’re so curious, why don’t you ask them then?”

Vegeta couldn’t mask his disgust at how this story began. “If you buried Raditz, what the hell did you do? Dig him back up?!”

“No.” Bulma would never do that. “My Dad did.” Vegeta threw his hands up. “While Krillin and I were getting Yamcha and Tien caught up, I called my Dad and told him about Raditz. He agreed with me. He got the robots to dig up Raditz’s body and put him in the capsule I stored Krillin and Master Roshi in when King Piccolo was causing trouble.”

Vegeta was vaguely aware of that story and the preservation capsules. “So, when I came to live with you, Raditz was there?”

“Raditz was here. I thought about going back on my plan when you moved in but you were so closed off about Saiyans and you can’t tell us anything about Goku’s parents. When Goku was on Yardrat, I looked for the dragon balls with Yamcha.”

“He knows?!”

If Yamcha knew, he never would’ve helped. “I told him I wanted to collect dragon balls in case we needed them for an emergency.”

“Wait,” Vegeta remembered that day the skies darkened in the afternoon. “Was that the day you confessed using dragon balls to find your missing purse?!”

“Yeah,” Bulma confessed sheepishly. Vegeta wasn’t the only one to question her. Yamcha and Piccolo did, too. “Raditz was in a state of rage. He destroyed the capsule, robots and killed a couple of guards. It wasn’t easy containing him but we did. I offered Raditz a second chance and he rejected it so I kept him here.”

“I see.” Vegeta understood Raditz’s rage. He would’ve done the same. He looked at Adira. “And how do you fit into all of this?”

“I couldn’t be here monitoring Raditz all the time,” Bulma explained. “Besides, my genius level of science is in engineering and tech. Adira’s specialties are genetics, biology and physiology. She’s the best person to monitor Raditz and study Saiyans.”

“Study Saiyans.” It was so insulting to Vegeta. “He’s not a lab rat! He’s a Saiyan. A warrior!”

“We never poke and prodded Raditz, Vegeta. We provided him with a comfortable room. He had plenty of food, a bathroom, books and a TV.”

Raditz snarled. She spoke as if it was a paradise. “That room had tainted air to keep me weak. You let me out of that cage twice a week for two hours.” He raised his hands to show his steel wristbands. “I had to wear these whenever I left and if I got out of line, I was electrocuted!”

“I ordered that because the first three years you were out of control! You were constantly trying to break out. Ten men died because of you while more were injured.” Bulma knew the methods were cruel but felt she didn’t have a choice. Raditz could not be reasoned with. “When Vegeta came to live with me, he never acted like you even though he was a murderer then.”

“All right,” Vegeta intervened. If he hadn’t, Bulma and Raditz would be arguing with each other and blaming the other for Raditz’s imprisonment. “Did you check on him?”

“Every few months. I talked about you and Goku. I thought that would inspire him to change. He knows about you two being Super Saiyans. He knows Freeza is gone. He knows about Cell.”

“Kakarot is back. Dpes Raditz know?”

Bulma had her eyes on Adira when she said, “I would have broken the news differently but someone jumped the gun.”

Adira ignored the blame pushed on her. Instead, she noted Vegeta’s anger and thought to use that to Raditz’s advantage to bring the one who could resolve this. “Son Goku’s return triggered Raditz’s outbreak. When Son Goku died at the Cell Game, Raditz changed. He stopped trying to break out. He began accepting life on Earth. He was curious about his nephews. He wanted to fight Majin Boo and when he heard you and Son Goku ask for power, he raised his hands. He got the rest of us to donate, too.”

“Majin Boo.” Vegeta was still processing Raditz was alive. It hadn’t clicked he was here when Majin Boo was destroying the planet.

“Yes. The facility was damaged. Raditz could’ve left but he stayed to show he wasn’t a killer anymore. He wants to show he can be trusted.”

Vegeta had an idea what happened but he asked. “What happened after that?”

Bulma’s silence forced Adira to talk. “Bulma didn’t think Raditz was ready. Raditz lost hope he would get out and he broke out. He did it because he wants to see his brother.”

“It’s because of me, isn’t it?” Bulma didn’t answer but Vegeta knew it was true. “Dammit.”

“I was being cautious,” Bulma defended her decision. “I wanted to give Raditz more time to prove himself. His break out validates my concerns.”

“Validate. Validate,” Vegeta muttered as he paced. He was so angry. How could Bulma do this?  “You have the nerve to be pissed over what happened with Bobbidi while you’ve been hiding this shit for years?! I’ve been walking on eggshells around you! Fuck!”  Vegeta punched the glass cylinder holding Raditz. It shattered under his impact. Vegeta stepped over the broken glass and ripped the mask over Raditz’s mouth.

“Vegeta, don’t—”

Bulma tried to warn him but as Vegeta touched the manacles on Raditz’s wrists,  a charge of electricity ripped through Raditz and Vegeta. While Raditz screamed in pain, the electrical charges stung Vegeta as if pricked with needles. Vegeta rippled the chains off Raditz’s wrists and collar and tossed them away. Weak, Raditz fell forward. Vegeta stumbled slightly at the sudden weight of the tall Saiyan against him.

Vegeta carried out Raditz and laid him on the floor. “I’ll be back,” he vowed and stormed past Bulma.

“Where are you going?!”

“To do what you should’ve done!”

“Vegeta!!” Bulma called but he didn’t come back. “Dammit!” She knew where Vegeta was going. It’s over.

Adira gently pulled Raditz to stand. “Uhh!” she wobbled at the heavy Saiyan pressing his weight on her. “We should get him out.” She slipped on a cracked glass but smacked her face against the wall. It hurt but she caught herself. “Vegeta could’ve helped get Raditz out of here. Where did he go?”

Bulma looked back at Adira struggling to hold up Raditz. He nearly swallowed her body which was no easy feat considering Adira was nearly six feet in height without heels. Bulma grabbed Raditz’s right arm and helped Adira drag him out.

“Vegeta’s getting Goku.”

“Vegeta?” Goku turned off his tractor as the Saiyan Prince descended from the sky. Vegeta never came to the farm unless forced to by Bulma. Goku stepped out of his tractor and wiped sweat from his face and neck. Farmwork didn’t tire him but the summer heat was strong this week. “I wonder what’s up.” Vegeta wasn’t wearing his normal scowl but Goku could tell something was on Vegeta’s mind. “I can’t spar today, Vegeta. It’s harvest week for the tomatoes and cucumbers. Maybe the peppers, too. Chi-Chi’s gonna check on them when she comes with lunch.”

“I’m not here for a spar, Kakarot.” He had the entire time from leaving the facility to think of the right words but he still didn’t know how to say it. Probably because I’m still in shock, too. I can’t believe he’s alive.

“What are you here for?” Goku went around to the other side of the tractor. He opened the door to dig into the cooler of drinks Chi-Chi packed for him.

For years, Vegeta hated Goku. He wanted him dead. This man destroyed his pride and humiliated him with his skills and strength, but he also inspired Vegeta, helping him to attain Super Saiyan and showing him there is life besides fighting. Ten years ago. Fifteen years ago, Vegeta would’ve loved to drop this news on Goku. He would’ve loved to see the shock and horror on his face. Now, Vegeta was empathetic to Goku and what this news will do to him.

“I have something to tell you, Kakarot. It’s serious.”

“A new enemy?” Goku guessed as he guzzled his water. “It’s so soon. We usually get a few years break. Chi-Chi won’t like it since that means I won’t be working on the farm but I’m always up to fight a strong opponent.”

Kakarot can beat him now. “I don’t think he’s an enemy anymore and you’re stronger than him now. He is someone from your past and he wants to see you.”

Goku put the empty bottle into the cooler and reached for another one. “Hmm.” Goku shook his frozen bottle. He gently raised his Ki to melt the ice. “Someone weak wants to see me? Who and how do you know him?”

“It’s complicated, Kakarot.” Just say it! his mind screamed but Vegeta couldn’t formulate the words and it didn’t help Goku wore his charismatic smile and looked at him with innocent eyes that sent Vegeta into a panic. “I didn’t know he was alive, Kakarot. I didn’t know he was here but I’m doing the right thing telling you.”

“You ain’t told me anything!” Why was Vegeta so hesitant to say who wants to see him? “Do you wanna tell Chi-Chi so she can tell me? She’s good at breaking news to me.”

Ah, hell no! I refuse to be in the same room when she knows!

“No!” Vegeta panicked. “No,” he repeated calmer. Vegeta exhaled. He faced Freeza. He faced Majin Boo. He can tell Goku this. “I was shocked when I saw him, Kakarot. I thought he was dead. I can’t believe he’s alive.”

There was something in Vegeta’s voice that worried Goku. It wasn’t fear but Vegeta was bothered and the way he insisted he didn’t know….. “Who?” Goku probed for an answer. “Who did you see, Vegeta?”

“Raditz, Kakarot,” Vegeta finally said. “Your brother…is alive.”

[angryspacegirl]

@scnzoku

She'd slept like the dead the night before, having passed out shortly after returning to the sleeping quarters she'd be sharing with Caulifla for the 299 days to come. When she awoke, early in the morning of their second day inside the time-distorted mini-dimension, her friend was still resting, so Serori grabbed a few things to eat and flew off, away from the building, so as not to wake her. It was all fake, of course, the mountaintops and rivers of the Planet Vegeta inside this room, but that didn't make it any less beautiful, she thought, as she bit into a helping of bread stuffed thick with meats and cheeses.

"What am I going to do with myself," she muttered, tearing into another bite with a sharp ripping motion, like an animal devouring some fresh kill. Everything had been too fine, until it wasn't. She'd crash-landed on Earth, and in the months that followed, things turned out better than she could have expected. She found a place to live, with another Saiyan woman hosting her when she would have had every right to try and beat her ass. She'd made friends - with Venan, at least, if not necessarily every member of her friend group. She'd fought and won in an Earth tournament, and her training had been coming along well enough - her growth steady, if a bit unspectacular.

And then, somewhere along the line, things had fallen apart. It would have been easy to blame Grendine for all of it - he was the one who messed with her head, he was the one who amplified her negative emotions, he was the one who directly lead to her killing all those Earthlings. Venan, too, could shoulder some blame - too concerned with parties and shirking her duties to step in and help her when she most needed help.

But, Serori herself was abrasive, ill-tempered, touchy about far too many topics, and on a hair trigger when it came to everything. How many times had the moment been fine, even intimate or warm, until she'd flown off the handle at some minor transgression and ruined everything? It was hard to take, but Serori couldn't ignore her own role in everything. If she'd been kinder, or more understanding, if she'd let others in instead of pushing them away with ki-powered fists and sharp words, things could have been different.

So where did that leave her? As she looked out over the sights of the false Planet Vegeta, there was no easy, obvious answer. The only thing Serori could think of was moving forward, however she could. This wasn't the first time this had happened. She'd left her community behind as a teen, and she'd lost everyone on Ikonda. This was just another rotten thing that she'd have to accept. She'd told Venan she never wanted to see her again, and Shuko had gone back to her own time. Kousa had left, never to be seen again. Nixxo and Suu wanted to go home, even if there wasn't anything for Serori there, and Venan's friends had scattered. The kids she'd been training had all moved on to their own things, their own goals, and Maki... Well, she still loved Maki, but, things were as they were. All she could do now was put that all behind her, as she'd put her mother, her childhood ship, even Tanma and Nagi, behind her, and focus on Caulifla - someone who was still here, and did still want her around.

Besides, Caulifla was nipping at her heels. If she wasn't careful, that little pineapple would surpass her, and she couldn't have that just yet.

---

Day 200. It had been two hundred days since she and Caulifla entered, and each one had been filled with training, broken up only for meals and small moments of rest and relaxation. Whether she'd gotten particularly stronger, Serori couldn't say - she'd been in a rut for a while, but it was also hard to see her own progress from her limited point of view. At the very least, she'd been able to keep up with her student, avoiding the worst case scenario of Caulifla leaving her in the dust, even with that purple form of hers. In fact, at this particular moment, she'd managed to catch her boot clean across Caulifla's cheek, purple form be damned.

"Hey! Focus up!" Serori could talk and fight at the same time, her landed kick followed up by a knee strike, and a series of ki-enhanced punches that she didn't expect to land cleanly, but could at least force Caulifla to stay on her toes unless she wanted to get smacked around. "I know you're not thinking of something else while we're training." And if she was, she'd regret that when the full force of a Super Saiyan of Serori's caliber pressed down on her. "Or is this much training finally at your limit?" That definitely wasn't true. Caulifla barely had limits, in Serori's estimation, but coming down hard on her when she was slipping up would hopefully yank her attention back.

[gripefroot]

Crooked Ways [13/22]

“You love those boardroom meetings, cricket. You’ve been begging to go with me since you were ten.”

“That was before I realized how boring they were!”

“No, no - I remember last year when you got so mad at the accounting department that you climbed on the conference table and threw your shoes at the managers. You laughed all night long. Your mother fretted that you were going insane.”

Bulma was insane.

Fingers tap-tapping on the same conference table, she continued to replay the conversation with Dad to figure out how, exactly, she could have explicitly told him no and still ended up in the Capsule Corp high rise in downtown West City. It irritated her enough that it stopped her mind from going where it wanted to go. 

Remembering what she shouldn’t think about only made her want to think of it more. The immediate response in her body had her sitting up straighter in her chair at the head of the table, uncrossing her legs and blinking in a flurry. At the opposite end, a marketer was giving a presentation that she didn’t care about. Since she read through the monthly reports, she already knew what he was saying. Couldn’t she have attended through video conference? That way no one would be able to see her flushed cheeks…

Vegeta. This was Vegeta’s fault. 

Her teeth dug into her bottom lip, exactly where his teeth had done the same the night before. And the night before that. And the night before…

How many days had it been? Since they’d created the strangest nighttime routine, after their daily bickering and respective responsibilities they fell onto the couch in front of the television every night and kissed and kissed and kissed…

It was a much better distraction than any horror movie. Sometimes Bulma wondered what Vegeta was seeking a distraction from, but she’d never asked. 

He’d even given his approval of the new gravity sensors in the training pod in the form of a kiss. She’d expected him to grab her rear, too, but his hand floating down her back had stopped at the base of her spine before drawing away. Disappointing, but Vegeta was full of odd boundaries and cold walls she hadn’t learned to navigate yet. 

“Ma’am? Miss Bulma?”

Bulma put on a dazzling smile, focusing her eyes on the man across the room to give him a few polite, generic comments. He gave a sigh of relief, ending his presentation. She let out a long, slow breath while whispered conversation broke out. The next pale, sweating man stood to make his presentation. Would this never end?

At some point she picked up a pencil, sketching out the battle suit that was at the top of her priority list. And then another, with a few tweaked differences. Looped feet to better stay in his boots. Then another with attached feet entirely. What would he say to that? He’d mentioned that the Frieza Force suits were single pieces. And what about the straps on the armor; would he prefer buckles or elastic that could be slipped over his head and - 

“Thank you,” Bulma said politely when the next man finished. And the next. And the next. 

Vegeta would be training. Probably half-killing himself, but he liked it enough that Bulma held her tongue about it. Some of the time, at least. She’d probably never get used to seeing him sagging and sweating, reopening wounds and barely able to walk up stairs…

Somehow he always found energy for a makeout. She appreciated that about him. 

Next she sketched a half-formed idea that she’d had a few nights earlier. Turning the interior gym into a proper training room for Vegeta so the eyesore of a training pod could be removed from the lawn. Of course, the gravity sensors and technology would have to all be moved, but that was the sort of project she liked…

The managers were packing up their briefcases, muttering amongst each other about dinner. Bulma stood at once, sweeping her drawings and pencil into her purse with a smile for everyone around her. They scrambled to their feet, posturing bow after bow. Annoyance that she was watched so closely, respected so automatically made her steps to the doors too quick. They admired her because she was her father’s daughter, but what about for being her?

High heels in hand, Bulma stepped out of the car at the home compound, the domes turned gold by the light of the setting sun. Instead of going inside to get out of her tight dress or to fill her aching belly with something substantial, she found herself wandering across the lawn to the training pod and the flashing lights visible through the windows. The grass was cool beneath her bare feet, the soil nearly cold. Summer was coming to an end. Only one more summer until…

She beeped her keycard access outside the pod, the whirr of generators and electricity quieting before the door slid open. A cough itched at her throat until she let it out, stepping inside the haze of heat and smoke. 

“Why are you interrupting me? I was almost at my limit!” 

Bulma waved a hand in front of her face to diffuse the smoke clouding her vision. Vegeta hovered several feet above the ground, shirtless and, indeed, sweating. Some of his hair was smoking. That would explain the burning-hair smell that tickled her nostrils. 

“Don’t you want to come inside for dinner?” Bulma asked. A few of the robots, attacks paused by her keycard, beeped. 

“I’ll come inside when I’m done!” The roar filled the pod. She pursed her lips, but said nothing else. His temper would burn itself out in a few hours. She could live with the disappointment in the delay of their nightly kissing. 

“Fine,” she said. “Shower before you come eat, though.” 

“Don’t tell me what to - ”

Bulma was out of the pod before Vegeta finished his sentence. Door sealed shut and explosions resumed, muted by the insulation she and Dad had carefully installed. She hummed a little to herself while she headed to the main dome to ignore the pinch of sadness eating at her heart. 

She was getting too used to relying on Vegeta as a distraction. 

“How were the meetings today, sweetie?”

“Fine.” She served herself in the kitchen, Panchy hovering at the stove while she heated water for tea. “Did Dad make any oh-so-important progress on his submarine issues?”

Panchy sighed. “Oh, if only I knew.”

Oh, if only it was worth wasting my day.

“By the way, Yamcha called for you earlier.”

Bulma nearly dropped the spoon into the rice. “What?”

“Yamcha. He wanted to know how you were coping.”

“Coping with…?” Being alone? Abandoned by my friends? Ignored? Overlooked? Each aggressive answer pushed away the tiny sliver of doubt Bulma had about whether she was betraying Yamcha with Vegeta. Of course she wasn’t - she and Yamcha hadn’t been a thing in months - but…

“He also wanted to know if we have any more of those tent capsules that were discontinued a few years ago since no one was buying them,” Panchy went on, the shrill whistle of the tea kettle raising Bulma’s shoulders to her ears with a cringe. 

“That’s bold of him, isn’t it?” she said with a hint of a snarl, slapping curry on her plate next to the rice. “‘Hi, Bulma, long time no see! Give me free capsules!’”

“That wasn’t what he was saying at all,” her mother protested. “And anyway, I told him I’d look and send them if we have any.”

“You do that!” 

“I will, that’s why I said - ”

“I’m going to my room!”

At some point in the last three minutes Bulma had stopped feeling like a weary, overworked CEO and suddenly like a teenage girl again. She suspected it was when Yamcha’s name had been said. Why, exactly, it triggered her so deeply, she couldn’t be sure. Only that she couldn’t stand another minute around Panchy or waiting for a prince that might never come…

She cried out all the tears she could, huddled on her bed, before pulling her tray of food closer with a sniff. Cold, now. Not that it mattered. Unwinding herself, Bulma stepped off of her bed to open the blinds of her bedroom window. Dark trees obscured the pale indigo of mid-twilight. Not a single sprinkle of star. Regretfully she sat back on her bed, eating without thinking about anything at all. 

Bulma sighed when she gave up on supper, scooting back on her bed until she was engulfed in pillows with her toes tucked in the blankets. What a stupid day. And the conferences at Capsule Corp would last the rest of the week…

She wouldn’t make it. 

A knock at her door didn’t turn her head away from the window. “Come in,” Bulma said, not bothering to raise her voice. A much deeper one responded, the visceral response across her skin to the man in the doorway pitiful compared to what it usually was.

“Are you coming to…watch television?” 

A helpless sort of smile grew on her face. “Hi, Vegeta,” she said. 

“Well?”

“I don’t know. I thought you’d be training much longer.”

“I…got hungry.”

Bulma sensed that was a lie. But she said nothing about it. “Look at me, I’m already in bed,” she sighed woefully, finally looking over at Vegeta with a smile. “You can go back to training.” 

His scowl was darker than any night sky. Arms crossed, shirt stretched tightly across his chest. By that time his scent had made it across the room. She smelled soap. Her stomach twisted at the thought that he’d listened to her. With a sigh Bulma rubbed her forehead. Why hadn’t he gone away yet? She needed peace and quiet to finish her pity party. 

“Is that food?” 

“It was my dinner,” she said, pushing the tray further from her with her feet. 

“You didn’t finish.”

“I wasn’t really hungry.” 

Vegeta grunted. Then, without an invitation, he strode right inside and headed towards the bed where he grabbed the mostly-full bowl of rice to shovel into his mouth. A grain stuck to the corner of his mouth when he finished, setting down the empty dish to wolf down the curry, next. Bulma smiled, resting her head against the pillows. He’d kill her if she said it, but he really was adorable, in his own, special way. 

“Not enough,” he grunted when all the dishes were empty and he neatly set the chopsticks next to them on the tray. 

“Obviously,” she said. “There’s more in the kitchen. Why didn’t you eat before you showered?”

Vegeta shrugged. He wouldn’t meet her eyes, his gaze instead lingering on the bed next to where she was reclining. Bulma gave the covers a pat in invitation, wondering why her hands suddenly felt ice-cold. He sat, angled away from her and staring out the window, same as she did. 

“Why don’t you move into a different bedroom?” he asked. 

“Huh?”

“So that you can see that constellation you like.”

“Oh.” Bulma wound a finger around a curl of her hair, already tired at the thought of getting ready for bed and waking up early the next day for more meetings. “Um. Well, it’s only visible during the summer, anyway. Plus I like this room. It has a bigger balcony.” 

“Do you use it at all besides trying to kill yourself when drunk?”

“Ha, ha. I do when my friends visit.”

“And how often is that?”

Bulma jabbed a kick at Vegeta’s sitting rear with her foot beneath the blankets. He just gave her a narrowed look. “Just so you know, I’ve been drawing up plans for a training room inside the main dome,” she told him. “So be nice or I won’t do it.” 

His brows rose. 

“And you have to promise you wouldn’t destroy this place,” she warned, pointing a finger at his nose. His eyes nearly crossed as he stared at the tip of it. “This is my family’s home. We live here.”

“Well,” Vegeta said. “You’d better insulate the room, then.”

“Obviously I would!” 

“So, you don’t trust me?” A cunning smile tilted the corners of his mouth in a thrilling, almost frightening way. If Bulma didn’t know him better she might have been scared. But beyond the smirk was a delicious, dark smolder in his eyes that she recognized well enough to not be surprised when he scooted a few inches closer, leaning with a fist on her bed to keep himself upright. 

Her heart lodged in her throat. Without thinking she reached for him, holding his face in her hands while he closed the distance with a puff of breath warming her cheeks in the split-second before their lips connected. The dizzying sensation was quick to wipe away her anxieties, replacing them with a sultry kind of haze that she would happily live in forever. 

Vegeta cradled the back of her head in his hand, moving her as he pleased to better draw pleasure from the simple act of kissing. When he gave a choked moan, their noses nuzzling when he pulled back, Bulma moaned herself. Tonight his touch was the sharp bite of static electricity. More ashy than usual, like scorched earth instead of rainy moss. When his teeth bit gently into her lower lip she wriggled closer, wrapping her arms around his neck while his hands held her by the ribs. 

“I suppose here is just as well.” His words were muttered before he resumed making love to her mouth, tongue swirling around her mouth before easing inside. 

“Hmm?” Bulma couldn’t form words with his tongue in control of hers. Her questioning noise was more of a whimper, anyway, and she didn’t really care what he meant right then.

“For kissing.” 

“Oh. Ah. Oh…” She tried to lean back, giving in to the arch of her spine wanting to be closer to him, wanting to crawl right out of the blankets and tackle him onto the bed (never mind that her dress would probably rip) but Vegeta seized her skull, tilting her head back down for more kissing. He wasn’t going to take the hint and kiss her neck then. Or lay her back and climb over her…

“I do wonder,” his voice reverberated in her ear a while later, when he’d grabbed her leg out of the covers to drape over his lap. A few more inches and they’d fall back together. “How you’re making so many more glorious plans when you can barely keep up with your current projects as is.”

“Huh?” Muddled, Bulma ran a hand behind his thick neck, fiddling with the hair there. 

“I’m still waiting for my battle suit.” 

“Oh, of course you are.” 

Vegeta went rigid. It took all of four seconds for her to realize how very trapped she was by his shoulders and arms, pinning her against the headboard. “What’s that supposed to mean?” He pulled away, frowning deeply. The image was offset by his reddened lips. 

“Everyone wants something from me,” Bulma said with a sniff. “Of course you do, too. That’s all.”

“You decided to make me a suit. I didn’t ask for it.”

“No, but you’re always asking for other stuff, aren’t you? The gravity sensors, stronger robots, this and that and food and kissing - ”

“Yes, and you complain the entire time. What’s your point?” 

The point? She huffed out a breath, crossing her arms just like he did, but without the power of bulging muscles. His face was all shades of blue in the light from the window. Except his eyes. They glittered. From the bickering or the kissing. Or both. Bulma squeezed her legs together, but it didn’t help the build-up of desperate yearning. 

“Yamcha called today asking me for free capsules,” she told him. “I’m just…annoyed. Especially after a day like today. All those stupid presentations.” 

“You’re chewing me out because of what Yamcha did?” Vegeta’s brows drew together in ominous warning, which she ignored. He could have hurt her a million times over since he came to Earth, and he hadn’t yet. Her fear of him had gone stale long ago. 

“No, I’m chewing you out because of you.” Bulma waved a hand, as if the difference was negligible. “You make demands, too. Like you own the place! Maybe I’m tired of doing everything for everyone! How come no one ever thinks of that?” 

“If you’re tired of it,” he said, and he lifted her chin with a finger so that their eyes met in a dazzling bridge. She tried to swallow and failed, a tiny eep squeaking from between her lips. “Then stop doing nice things for everyone. You’re a generous woman, Bulma. People have learned that. And they come to expect that.” 

“You want me to stop working on your battle suit?” The words trembled, but Vegeta didn’t comment on that, his eyes flashing. 

“No!”

“So I should stop doing nice things for everyone but you?” 

His mouth tilted downward in a frown. Very nearly a princely-pout. Bulma wanted to trace it with her thumb. “That’s not what I said,” Vegeta said through gritted teeth. “Cease putting words in my mouth.” 

I could put other things in your mouth, she wasn’t brave enough to say. Yet. 

“My grandfather,” he said suddenly, and then snapped his mouth shut. She waited, too intensely curious to ruin her chances of hearing this undoubtedly private tidbit of information by nagging. Vegeta exhaled, head lowering slightly, the bridge between their eyes breaking into a thousand stars. “My grandfather once gifted my grandmother a planet.”

“Well, I haven’t offered that to anyone yet, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Krillian or Goku asked.” 

He nodded. The fist he propped himself with loosened and turned into a flat hand, brushing over her bedspread. “My grandfather thought too small.”

Bulma started. She was sure she’d lost the conversation. Where was he going with this?

“I would give you a galaxy.”

Her mouth fell open. Immediately Vegeta bristled, rising to sit straight with his shoulders out proudly. “You doubt my ability to accomplish such a task,” he said, though Bulma had thought no such thing. “Might I remind you I was at the front lines of the Frieza Force. I could give you ten galaxies.” 

“I didn’t say you couldn’t,” she said, bemused. “No need to get so defensive. But why would you do that?” 

Vegeta blinked. Something unfamiliar swam in his eyes, something deep and regretful and confused. Then he shook his head. “I only meant to make you feel better,” he muttered at last. “I have no interest in your weeping tonight.” 

Bulma hadn’t been in danger of weeping (again) but she didn’t tell him so. Something warm and big was swelling in her chest that she couldn’t quite make sense of. Part of it had to be surprise that Vegeta offered her a galaxy. What would she do with an entire galaxy? She knew how the Frieza Force had worked - did Vegeta think to install her as a tyrannical overlord of conquered planets? She could laugh at the very thought: Bulma Briefs, Dictator, and her right hand man, the villainous and violent Prince Vegeta.

“Why are you laughing?” Vegeta asked sharply. 

She smothered her smile. “I’m not laughing.”

“Yes, you are! I heard it.” 

“If you gave me a galaxy, Goku would show up to depose me,” Bulma said, and she did laugh, but only a little. 

“And I’d finally have my chance to beat him.” Vegeta’s words took on a dangerously low tone. She didn’t dare laugh, but she smiled. 

“You’re full of it.” 

“Full of what? I scarcely ate even part of a meal.” 

“So go eat! I’ll return to my feminine weeping and hysterics after you leave.” 

He stared at her, likely assessing the truth of her threat. 

“I’m teasing,” she told him, smiling. “Really, go eat. I’m tired and I want to go to bed. I can’t stay up all night listening to your revenge fantasies or I’ll fall asleep during the conference tomorrow.” 

Vegeta nodded. Unsettlingly compliant, for him. “I want my battle suit when those conferences are over,” he said, standing up. The loss of comforting weight on her bed settled an unhappiness on Bulma’s shoulders, which she disguised with an indignant gasp. 

“You’ll get it when you get it!” 

But he just waved her off, just like she waved him off sometimes. 

“By the way,” Vegeta added, already halfway to the door. “You should wear that dress more often. But not around anyone but me.” 

The flash of his smile, more feral than affectionate, was blocked by the door closing behind him. Self-consciously Bulma put a hand to her chest, pushing the neckline closer to her skin as if a pervert would be on the ceiling just to gawk down her front. But she committed his suggestion to memory, anyway.

[bahnloopi]

What advice would you offer anyone trying to make an AU that is wholly additive like your Sento Saiyans (as opposed to ones that focus on altering events like so many do)? Anything to try and avoid or lean into (e.g your Sento Saiyans lacking a SSJ form and the culture that builds because they all have access to emotion-driven forms in Oozaru)?

**LONG THREAD

First, kinda have half a brain to say "fuck all" to canon. The AU will be a sandbox you craft of your own while "using" canon material as your "non-canon" if that makes sense. I included canon character (Goku, Vegeta, Whis, etc) as chess pieces for the world I craft around them. I myself know this is not canon, not true to any part of Super or the establish status quo. I just have to be mindful of characterizations. I fight the "canon police" on the daily who try and lecture me on "this wouldn't happen" or "why make this because blah blah blah and this happens instead" because I'm practically disrupting all established norms. I just don't give a fuck and decide to do it anyway because it's fun.

Second, I'd have to know more on what direction you're trying to go. Are you trying to make a fan race or anything OC x Canon related? I could better answer with a bit more info.

If it's a fan race, my best suggestion is doing your homework on at least most of the established DBverse so that way you have substance on what you're trying to do and it'd make sense for where it may be inserted in (og DB, Z, GT, or Super). This applies with my earlier statement because you will have people that will want to ask you questions and you'll have to have some consistency or you'll create (too many) plot holes.

Lastly, the reason for me NOT having Sentos inherit super forms naturally is because:

A: I'm kinda tired of the recolors. I love super forms, don't get me wrong, but every Saiyan type does Super Saiyan. I want Sento Saiyans to work like Ikari/Wrathful Broly where he still looked like his base but still has that power buff. The only exception is the Legendary, Orran, where he gets both Oozaru AND the Legendary form.

B: For them it'll be a "deception tactic" where you'll think they look weak visually but they still have that power boost of the super form under the surface. The hair won't change colors but the eyes will. Sentos will learn the super form (properties) and not change into the form itself if that makes sense.

I'm playing a mind-game. "What? Saiyans that can't go SSJ? How does that work? That's what Saiyans do." Nah. That's called creativity. I call it the "Rock Lee" effect. They don't have to rely on being flashy or ki-driven to box. They're different. It's how you create skills and unique abilities that could stand in the same lane as SSJ but on a different branch. It's not to replace the forms, but how to bend them in different directions. Add different ways to utilize forms or transformations.

Sorry this is so long but my goal is to technically break the status quo and start looking at other ways to mold an established factor so that way new things can keep the air fresh and creativity flows freely. Research and think on it. DB is a giant sandbox that a lot of the fanbase tends to box themselves into corners and won't venture out because they believe it's cringe or taboo. There's a lot you can do if you have the mind for it. Toriyama himself can't remember SSJ2 even existed, you'll be fine.

[besttropeveershowdown]

The Best Trope Ever Showdown: Round 2, Side C

Reformed, but Not Tamed

They're not Evil anymore. But like, they're also not Nice really. Still a jerk about it. (No TVTropes page submitted)

Propaganda:

All the coolness of a redeemed villain but without losing the spicy villain jerk charisma they had before. Often called The Vegeta. Get to have your cake and eat it too.

who doesn't love a villain kinda sorta turning good but being annoyed about it the whole time

We all love it when the bad guy joins the Plucky Team of Heroes because it is a) hilarious or b) reaaaaally interesting character dynamics, and "reformed but not tamed" is the superior way to achieve this. You get all the fun of having the bad guy join the team WITHOUT having to sand down everything that MAKES the bad guy interesting. In this house, we like a "domestication" arc more than a "redemption" arc. He's still an awful little shithead, but now he's OUR awful little shithead.

King and Lionheart

Named for the Of Monsters and Men song, this trope is about one person who is in some kind of position of power or centrality (not necessarily a king, but could be) and a person who stands by them either in the form of a protector, trusted advisor, or friend. A key component of this trope is the power difference in the eyes of the world (where one has social status and the other does not), but where that power difference does not exist away from the world owing to the love/trust they have in each other. It's a trope defined by loyalty, trust, and love that exists in spite of the class/status divide between them

Propaganda:

It's about the trust, it's about the yearning, it's about the "I would die for you," it's about the mutual love, it's about the way they see each other as absolute equals even when the world does not IT'S ABOUT THE FEALTY

[n3rdb0x]

(( okay so i promise i was going to talk about.... the sparking zero gohan what-if which means it's going under a read more cause there's MANY MANY spoilers like please god if you have sparking zero check it out. If you click readmore and spoil urself i am not liable for damages.

So I did do some of the other gohan what-ifs and I think most of them are just... "GOHAN LOCKED IN AND SAVED THE DAY GOOD JOB!!!" as a slide for basically beating it VERY FAST, a reoccurring thing with what-ifs. The REAL one that matters happens during Resurrection of Frieza annnd....

HOLY SHIT I CANT BELIEVE HOW PEAK THE FIGHT IS WHEN YOU SUCCEED. Forcing that lil bitch to go to his final form as you fight him ssj2 and he gets more and more mad as you put up more of a fight until you go Ultimate and he goes Golden and god damn. I especially loved when he was all, "I will not be beaten by a THIRD SAIYAN!!!". Killing him was such a good moment like the fact that you beat his little ass before Goku and Vegeta shows up is NICE!!! I also love Gohan's realization that as always he hates fighting but he has this innate need to protect his friends and family.

Then they skip the Gohan v Hit fight that apparently happens in the Uni 6 v Uni 7 fight which... damn. But boy did I get hyped as fuck when Trunks dropped in and the mfing reveal that Zamasu took Gohan's body was *CHEF KISS*. I really hope we get that skin as an alternate cause Kyle Herbert did a damn good job with that voice, I think I remember joking like "please dont be british again"

It was also fun when Gohan Black transformed and was like "WHAT DO YOU THINK OF MY NEW FORM" and tbh... i didn't... it wasn't that different u lil bich. I mean it was clearly like Ultimate Rose but it IS very funny how it doesn't change a lot. I think mostly auras and maybe hair slightly??

But man that was such a cool ass what-if and I'm tempted to do an AU for it someday...maybe. At the very least I'm glad that the writers clearly understood Gohan and wrote him well, unlike certain others *COUGH COUGH* YOU DONT HAVE TO REWRITE THE SAME FUCKING STORY WITH GOHAN EVERYTIME HE IS RELEVANT U MFERS

[astral-mariner]

Hopefully this isn’t too stalker-y, but I’ve noticed you say a couple times that you don’t ship Kakavege the same way as most of the fandom. Would you be willing to talk about how you see the pairing and how it’s different from the “default”? Obviously no pressure if you don’t want to talk about it, but I love seeing different interpretations of their relationship (whatever form it may take)

Not too stalker-y! If anything, I'm flattered that anyone would be interested in what I might think about stuff, haha. That said, all of the following is just my personal headcanon. There are lots of fun and valid interpretations of this pairing, and mine is but one of them.

First to clarify: When I'm thinking of the "default" (which is, of course, a very loose term, as the fandom and the shippers are obviously not monolithic at all!), what I have in mind is how Vegeta is constantly put in a submissive and/or bottom role where he gets his absolute shit wrecked and gets all sobbing and unraveled. And while Vegeta getting his shit wrecked is definitely up my alley (lol), I feel like the journey to get to that shit-wrecking doesn't vibe with how I personally interpret each character.

I think a great deal of it has to do with the fact that I don't see Goku as a very sexual person. I think he's very sensual in that he loves physical activities like fighting, eating, etc., but that like, sexual DRIVE just isn't there in the same way that it is for fighting. He probably has a libido, sure, but there's a difference between having a physical urge and being preoccupied with sexual desire. He doesn't really think about sex in the moment unless it's happening to him. In canon, he's often shown to be oblivious or not to understand things involving sex. Not because he's stupid or he can't pick up on things (because he definitely does and even plays dumb to mess with people for fun!), but because he's just on a different wavelength. Things that occur to "normal" people just don't occur to him.

And to me, all of that doesn't really line up with his being characterized as a dominant top most of the time, lol. Someone who exerts his desire upon someone else. (Which is not to say you can't have a submissive-leaning top---you definitely can; I think that is *cough* how Vegeta is with Bulma *cough*.) Now there are definitely situations where I can see Goku entering this headspace, though. Namely, say, if Vegeta nurtured that feral side of Goku's saiyan nature and encouraged him to get in touch with and act upon it. Exerting it on others.

Which brings me to Vegeta's characterization. I don't see him as particularly nurturing, lol. He sees Goku as a rival---someone he wants to tear down, not someone he wants to build up. He's obsessed with and angry at Goku for besting him. And I feel like one of Vegeta's responses to this would be to dominate him in any way he feels that he can. Unravel and defeat him. Even if it's just a pathetic attempt to feel superior or to shove down his real feelings and longings. (Because I think, deep down, Vegeta longs to let go of his NEED to fill a particular role, play the prince, be the best---it's a cage for him, and laying down his desperate desire for power and reveling in weakness would be freeing.)

On top of this, Vegeta strikes me as a person with far more dark, sexual energy. He's repressed as fuck, of course, but he's just BRIMMING with pent up feelings and desires. It even comes out when he fights. When he's dominating someone in battle, he gets really into it. He gets really intimate and personal about it. And considering his past, he's seen some fucking shit out in space. He's not innocent or oblivious even if he is a prude who tried to stay above it all. He knows what sex is, he knows what sexual desire is, he knows what sexual violence is, and he feels all of it intensely even if he doesn't let himself act on it (probably plays into why he's so ANGRY and frustrated all the time, lol). Not to mention the fact that Vegeta wouldn't have to stop and explain to Goku how to fuck him, lol; he'd just fuck him himself and show him what's what (or even sexually dominate him by bottoming from the top, so to speak).

All in all, in my mind, Vegeta would be far more likely to exert sexuality onto Goku vs. the other way around. Act his desires out on Goku. Dominate him in one of the few ways he can. Even though it's pathetic! And perhaps not even what he truly wants (to let go and have his responsibility/power stripped from him). But it's what he would do, and what he'd tell himself he wanted.

All that said, this leads to a "default" dynamic where Vegeta is more sexually dominant than Goku is. Which is against the more common fan interpretation. "Kakavege" is definitely more popular than "Vegekaka." (Even though I personally don't like when people get obsessed with who bottoms or tops... I'm a queer man, I'm messy as fuck, and I like when my ships are messy and complex like me, haha).

Even so, as I mentioned somewhere else before, there are definitely still situations where I can imagine Goku topping and/or being more dominant. Particularly in AUs where he's a lot less innocent and didn't get conked on the head, lmao. I LOVE when Goku snaps and goes feral like he did when he first transformed, though. I also LOVE when Vegeta lets go of his pride and gets his shit wrecked. But I feel like not a lot of people get either character to those places in a way that satisfies me personally when they write the pairing. Takes into account all the little subtleties and complexities of their characters. So it results in me being very picky with my shipping content for the pairing.

And THEN, on top of everything else, there's the issue of the imbalance in their feelings for each other. Vegeta feels far more intensely about Goku than Goku does about Vegeta. Vegeta is fucking obsessed. Whereas Goku has lots of rivals, and Vegeta might be one of his favorites, and he might even have a special bond with him as a saiyan, someone who understands him in a way the others might not, but he's not obsessed with Vegeta. Vegeta is always going to be angsting about what is effectively a situation of unrequited love. The pairing, at least to me, is an extremely angsty and doomed one for that reason. Vegeta just wants so desperately to be noticed and cared about the way he cares about Goku (see: the Majin Stunt). And a lot of people write the ship to be a lot less angsty than this. But I'm all about the angst, lol.

Vegeta really is the more "emotional" of the two despite insisting how little he cares for anyone or anything. Despite Goku wearing his heart on his sleeve more. Or being outwardly affectionate and comfortable sharing his feelings. Vegeta feels for Kakarot deeply even if he doesn't express it outright. Whereas Goku may love Vegeta as he loves everyone---his general love for life and everyone he meets kind of way. But it's not the intense, dark, emotional, romantic obsession that Vegeta has. The two characters are extremely different despite being two sides of the saiyan coin and sharing many important things in common.

I hope that sheds a BIT of light on how I see them? There is so much nuance to these characters. I love hearing other people's thoughts too. There are lots of really cool and interesting reads on them that are different than mine. Thanks for the ask!