Monkey Moon part 1b

        Goku paced about his empty home, his heart full of dread and anticipation. Vegeta's
        arrival was something he could process, but Raditz being alive was something he was
        totally unprepared for.

        What do I say to him? I don't even know how I feel! I hate what he did...if he
        threatens my family again I'll kill him. But he's my family, too. I don't...want to kill my
        own brother.

        "DAMMIT!!" a ki powered fist smashed a hole in the dining room wall. "Why this? Why
        now?!"

        The saiyan crumpled to the floor, his soul raging in confusion.

        ****

        "Approaching Chikkyuu, Oujii-sama" Nappa stated, staring at the viewscreen. The
        blue green world loomed large against the backdrop of interstellar space.

        Vegeta nodded in satisfaction. "Excellent. We'll maintain a low profile. No doubt that
        clod group of ningen defenders and meddlesome namek will be about."

        Raditz lifted an eyebrow. "Namek? The one called Piccolo?"

        "Yes. He seemed quite close to Kakrarot's son" Vegeta paused with a grin. "Your
        nephew."

        Raditz growled. "More proof of my brother's confusion. He defends earthers and
        allows a namek to care for his son!"

        Nappa nodded. "Aye, the boy is mad. But is he truly as strong as you say,
        Vegeta?"

        "Yes. All the more reason for him to be claimed. No saiyan of such strength should be
        separated from his own kind."

        Nappa pulled his chin in thought. "I would see it for myself, although admittedly I
        didn't fare well against him last time" a wicked grin spread over his lips. "A nice
        looking lebchen, ne?"

        Raditz glanced at him sideways, not liking the tone. "You're not thinking-"

        Nappa pulled at the elastic fabric beneath his armor. "Of course. After all, Jungle Run is
        this week. My true body is certain to please his eye, unlike that bloated form I wore
        when we last battled."

        "I warned you about enhancement drugs, Nappa" Vegeta snapped. "Besides distorting
        your body, they made you psychotic and irrational."

        "True" Nappa admitted. "At the time I believed the drugs would enhance my power."

        "Did they?" Raditz was curious.

        "Yes, but falsely. The drugs merely sent my own hormones into overload, causing a
        temporary surge in ki. Once the effect wore off, my power levels actually dropped,
        leaving me exhausted."

        "Like running on your own reserves" Raditz concluded.

        "Hai, I'm done with enhancements. A commander such as myself shouldn't sully
        himself with chemistry."

        Vegeta glanced at tablets in his hand. "I was able to replicate the capsule technology
        that Bulma woman employed on earth...we can use these to set up provisions."

        Nappa observed earth on the viewscreen. "I'll find a remote location."

        "Good. Make certain it's heavily forested, with nearby water bodies."

        ****

        The z warriors were on alert from their various posts around the world. Thanks to the
        psychic link King Kai provided they could communicate thousands of miles in an
        instant.

        Piccolo started from his vantage point in the Himalayas. /Everyone, can you hear
        me?/

        Krillen answered first. /Yeah, it's quiet here at the equator. No news./

        Tien was next, in the Australian region. /Same here./

        Goku spoke from the north pole. /Hey, guys. Lots of ice but no Vegeta./

        Yamcha responded from the tip of Africa. /Not a pip of ki...they must be hiding!/

        The namek grunted. /I don't like this...they should be here already!/

        Goku paused before responding. /Stay on it, everybody...we need to find them
        before they find us!/

        /Agreed/ they all replied before closing the link down.

        ****

        "This continental land mass is perfect!" Nappa was jubilant. "It resembles our
        homeworld on a smaller scale" the saiyan commander stared through lush jungle
        teeming with life.

        "The ningens call this South America, I believe" Vegeta responded, nodding his
        approval. "You chose well, Nappa."

        "The cloaking device worked like a charm" Raditz plucked at a passion fruit. "Our
        arrival was completely concealed."

        Vegeta palmed the capsules in his hand. "We'll use that location over there" he
        pointed at a mountainous cave wall surrounded by wild growth and trees. A waterfall
        cascaded about a hundred yards away.

        The sayians sniffed the air, their tails ruffling in sensuous delight. Brightly colored birds
        floated through the murky forest everywhere. Deep sunlight scattered through the
        dense jungle growth, creating bright shadow patterns. Thick heat and humidity
        emphasized the primevial scent of soil, green growth and water.

        Nappa stretched, his arms upraised. "Ahh...delicious! I look forward to Jungle Run!"

        Raditz eyed the tall trees covered with vines. "Impressive...but what about the moon
        cycle?"

        Vegeta kicked a pebble absently. "We'll be here long enough to take advantage of
        that as well. We have plenty of provisions."

        Nappa jerked a thumb. "Nice waterfall. C'mon, Raditz, let's take a dive. I feel gritty
        from our long trip."

        The maned saiyan grunted in agreement. "I could use a dip myself."

        Vegeta stalked to the cave opening. "Go on, both of you. Later we'll form a strategy"
        he tossed the capsules inside. They expanded into furniture and bedding.

        Nappa pulled off his armor. "What are you going to do in the meantime, Vegeta?"

        A smirk. "Go for a little walk."

        ****

        "I don't believe this!!" Krillen shouted to himself as he flew over Mongolia. "That ki...it
        can't be...him?! "

        There was a similar reaction in other parts of the world. From their vantage points of
        observation, the z warriors all sensed a tremendous power surge.

        Piccolo sent a message through the psychic link. /Everyone, listen. I'm picking up
        Vegeta's ki, and it's enormous!/

        The others responded quickly. /He's stronger than before!/ Yamcha answered first.

        Krillen cut in. /Amazing! His power level is beyond super saiyan! It's.../

        /If we can't detect their movements, we're in deep trouble./ Tien added.

        The namek concentrated a moment. /Unless I'm mistaken, he's inside South City
        already!/

        /Than that's where we'll be/ Goku cut in.

        /Goku, his power level is.../

        A pause. /I know, Piccolo. He's ascended./

        The link closed to heavy silence.

        ****

        Vegeta caused quite a stir as he strode about the city in full regalia. Stares and gapes
        followed his every move.

        Regal features eyed the humans with disdain. Idiots .

        A lanky man with a laptop shuffled his way. "Um...ah...excuse me, sir? Are you one of
        the political delegates from overseas?"

        A dark brow lifted. "What are you babbling about?"

        The man extended a handshake, which was ignored. He stuttered nervously. "Ah,
        well. My name is Peter Ignancio, and I'm a correspondent to the House of
        Representatives. There's a political convention in town and by the way you're
        dressed...I just assumed you were here as a delegate."

        Vegeta found it amusing. "Indeed. Let's just say I'm here visiting, little man. You
        needn't concern yourself further" he pushed Ignancio aside. The man nearly dropped
        his laptop, glaring.

        "Are all internationals such jerks?!"

        The ouji didn't respond as he stalked off, cape billowing in the breeze.

        ****

        The z warriors converged over South City an hour later. Vegeta was still wandering
        about aimlessly, his ki a beacon they could all detect.

        Piccolo shook his head as they flew in formation. "I don't get this...first they arrive in
        secret, and now Vegeta stays in plain sight."

        Krillen agreed. "Yeah, it's like he wants us to find him!"

        Yamcha frowned. "But what's his game? I can't sense the other saiyans."

        "I'm more concerned with his new power level. It makes him more of a threat than
        ever" Goku pointed out.

        Tien glanced at the streets below. "He's not far off. Less than a mile now."

        Goku gave a strange smile. "Then let's not disappoint him!"

        Piccolo stared at him oddly.

        ****

        Vegeta sat calmly on a park bench next to a water fountain. The z warriors landed in
        front of him with a flourish. Krillen moved forward first.

        "All right, Vegeta. What's the deal? Why did you return to earth?"

        The ouji glanced at him casually. "Hn, a poor greeting from old friends."

        "Friends" Tien snorted. "I doubt that. If you've come to take over-"

        Yamcha took in his appearance. "Hey, guys. Look at how he's dressed!"

        They all paused. Goku stood in front of his friends. "Vegeta, I know you've ascended.
        I can sense it!"

        Vegeta stretched to his full height, his mood serious for the first time. "Shall I show
        you?"

        "Wait!!" Piccolo held out a hand. "Don't trust him, Goku! He's-"

        "Oh, DO be quiet" Vegeta waved him off. "Kakarot knows I merely wish to
        demonstrate."

        Goku nodded grimly. "Go ahead."

        The prince flashed his golden aura effortlessly. Thick golden spikes stood, growing stiff
        and rigid as a white glow encased them.

        "Ascended saiyan" Goku murmured, impressed. "I see you've been training, Vegeta."

        Vegeta was smug. "Of course. Did you think I'd let a third class soldier leave me in the
        dust?"

        Tien squinted from the golden glow. "You still haven't told us why you're here!"

        Vegeta powered down to this normal state. "Don't concern yourself with this mudball,
        I have no interest."

        Piccolo didn't believe him. "Bull! If this is some trick of yours Vegeta, I swear you'll
        pay!"

        The ouji spread his arms. "Have I come dressed for war?"

        They stared at his raiment. "It does seem pretty fancy" Krillen finally agreed. "But
        why? What stunt are you trying to pull?"

        "You didn't come all this way just to visit" Goku added.

        Dark eyes sparkled with hidden joy. "Oh, but I have, Kakarot. You see, I left a
        precious commodity behind from my last visit. I intend to take it with me this time."

        "What commodity?"

        A sly smile. "I'm no threat, not this time. This is all merely a vacation for me-"

        Goku gritted his teeth. "Oh? Raditz and Nappa aren't included?!"

        The mask fell briefly before sliding in place once more. "How do you know about
        them?"

        "We have our sources!" Piccolo interrupted. "Were you planning on telling us?"

        Another secretive smile. "Of course. In my own time."

        "What are you planning!" Tien couldn't take anymore.

        Vegeta brushed at his cape. "I told you, nothing. Even saiyans need down time."

        "You expect us to believe that?"

        "The results will speak for themselves. Ningens are too jumpy. I could have blown up
        this dirtball a day ago had I so wished."

        Goku felt an inner turmoil heat his blood. "Any threats will be opposed, Vegeta.
        Remember that."

        The handsome faced tilted at him. "Aren't you curious about Raditz?"

        "No!!"

        "Don't let him bait you" Piccolo warned.

        "He won't-"

        "Raditz is most anxious to see you, Kakarot" Vegeta interrupted.

        Goku ignored the strange knot in his belly. "I don't care, Vegeta. Earth is my home."

        "Got that right" Krillen added. "So pack up your little group of merry soldiers and beat
        it" he pointed at the sky.

        "Clamp it, Baldy. I'm in a gracious mood, so this is your lucky day."

        "Is this legit, Vegeta?" Goku wanted to know. "You really have no designs on the
        earth this time?"

        "My word is my bond, Kakarot" dark eyes surveyed him slowly. "And for what it's
        worth...your brother regrets the past. Would you have him leave without even
        speaking?"

        Goku fidgeted slightly, dark eyes wavering. "I'm only concerned with friends and
        family."

        "He is both. And more."

        Piccolo didn't like the direction of the conversation. "Don't listen to him, Goku."

        "He knows where I stand. Vegeta, we'll be watching you."

        The ouji bowed slightly. "I hope to be entertaining" he abruptly turned and flew off.
        The z warriors watched him go.

        "I don't like this" Tien shook his head in dismay. "He's planning something."

        Yamcha stared at the skies also. "I'm more worried about the so called 'possession'
        he's here to claim. What could it be?"

        Goku scarcely heard their words. He stared into space, lost in thought.

        Piccolo watched him silently.

        ****