Monkey Moon part 8b

       "Re-evaluate my life. Some things must be viewed on a larger scale."

        "What, are you getting all mystic on me or something?"

        "I'm different now, I told you that. Don't expect that buffoon to return. I have my
        pride."

        Pride ... Chi Chi mused, wondering where she'd heard that before.

        "There's nothing different about you I can see, besides the bad attitude. That and
        your tail."

        Goku waved it in her face as a taunt. She slapped it away.

        "Wait a minute" she frowned, thinking. "Your tail..."

        "Hai, Chi Chi. Like it?"

        "It's thick and soft to the touch. So are newly washed towels. Do you have a point?"

        "Does it turn you on?"

        "It smells like spicy air freshener...or some kind of body oil. Hardly a reason to hop in
        the sack!"

        "Hn...I suppose it's different to a human..."

        "Stop it! I remember the conversation with Raditz about saiyan tails. That's why
        you're all screwed up!"

        "Are you serious?"

        "I'll have Piccolo chop it off-"

        He grabbed her. "Sometimes you're a real pain, Chi Chi. Saiyans are SUPPOSED to
        have tails!"

        "Not if it makes you act this way!"

        "I would have been this way if it weren't removed during my childhood."

        She paled again. "I can't believe this...maybe I'm the one dreaming here."

        "Besides, cutting it off won't work...I know how to regrow it now!"

        Chi Chi paused at that. "Wait, I thought only saiyan children could regrow their tails."

        "There are other ways" another smirk.

        She didn't like the implication. "How? What do you mean?"

        The romp with Nappa flashed through Goku's mind. "Nothing. It's quite fun, really.
        Now if you'll excuse me" he moved to leave again.

        "NO YOU DON'T, MISTER" she stopped him again.

        "Now what??"

        "Are you cheating on me? Is that what's behind all this?!"

        Goku roared with laughter. "So predictable! I should have known you'd jump to that
        conclusion."

        "Just answer the damn question."

        "No, I'm not...but there is something else I'd better mention. It's about sex."

        Her jaw dropped. "What the frack???"

        "There might be times when I'll need you. Please be available."

        "Available for what?"

        "Mating. Saiyans have a cycle that compels them to have sex."

        "This is all in your head!!" she blurted. "There was no problem with this before-"

        "Remember?" Goku waved his tail again. Chi Chi clamped her mouth shut.

        "Just a reminder. Like I was saying, stay nearby. Oh, and make certain no males
        touch you, even from casual contact like hugging. I'd hate to kill anybody."

        Chi Chi's lips moved, but no words came out.

        "I know it all seems strange...but I won't be too rational then. Another man's scent
        on you might trigger me the wrong way."

        "I wish I had a trigger" Chi Chi mumbled. "On a gun with a barrell."

        Goku pecked her on the head. "Meanwhile, don't worry about it. I'll let you know
        ahead of time so you can eat and gather your strength."

        A stream of curses left her lips at that. "What do you think I am, a brood sow? Go to
        hell, mister!!"

        He ignored her taunts. "I have no doubt you'll do well. Oh, one more thing...we'll need
        to be somewhere remote and secluded."

        "Go find a prostitute!" she yelled in frustration.

        "The rut isn't pretty, but it sure as hell is fun!"

        "You're talking like a damn animal! If that tail does this much to you I want no parts
        of it!"

        "We are what we are, Chi Chi."

        "Oh that's deep. I'll be sure to write it on the bathroom wall!" she snorted in disgust.

        Goku growled to himself. "Now I can understand why Vegeta was so angry when
        Nairobe cut his tail off."

        "That's his problem."

        "I wonder if his grew back the same way mine did."

        "I really don't give a rat's ass, Goku" Chi Chi pointed at his face. "This tail thing is an
        excuse, admit it! Do you want a divorce or something?"

        He looked her over. "There's no reason to get one."

        "That isn't what I asked!"

        "No, it isn't necessary. Our current arrangement is agreeable to me."

        "You...you bastard!!" she pummelled his chest in frustration. "I know I love you, I
        don't have to think about it!"

        "I've already said I love you and Gohan. What else do you need to hear?"

        "Something sane. Sometimes I get the impression you love your son more than
        me!" she paused at her own words.

        Goku glared at her. "This conversation is taking a bad turn, Chi Chi...I'm going in the
        woods to run for awhile."

        "You mentioned Gohan in the future, but not me. I'm your wife, for Kami's sake!"

        "You're overreacting again. This is exactly what I said has to stop. I'm tired of all the
        melodramatics."

        She smirked coldly. "Okay, Goku...I'll remember your words during the so called 'rut'
        you mentioned. You might find an empty bed!"

        He kissed her on the eyes. "Then I'd come looking for you."

        Chi Chi felt her blood freeze at the implication.

        ****

        Vegeta stretched languidly in the treetops and flexed his toes. It wasn't often he
        enjoyed the freedom of being barefoot. It made climbing so much easier. A soft thud
        landed at his side.

        "Ah, Raditz. Anxious for Kakarot, are we?"

        The burly saiyan squatted, tail lashing. His bare torso dripped from a recent swim.

        "Ai, milord prince...the full moon's tonight, eh?"

        "Very much so. In fact, according to this planet's calendar there will be three
        successive moon nights."

        "Delightful."

        "Where is Nappa?"

        "In the cave keep looking at those infernal 'soap operas'."

        "You really have to keep up with those every day. It's easy to get lost if you miss a
        week."

        "Hn, I suppose..."

        "Don't be concerned about your brother. The saiyan in him is awake now, and there's
        no turning back."

        "But what if he still refuses? After all, he's been surrounded by humans a long time-"

        "The sending went well, Raditz. Kakarot is past denial now."

        "That doesn't mean he'll join us."

        "Sometimes events take care of themselves. He's accepted being saiyan but has yet
        to embrace it fully. That will change."

        Raditz sat alongside his prince, leaning against the tree trunk. His eyes closed as a
        sinuous red-black tail coiled his own.

        "I always get what I want, Raditz."

        ****

        Goku spent the majority of the afternoon shadow boxing and running in his favorite
        spot, a remote glade about twenty miles from his home. He paused to take a break,
        stripping down to his shorts by a small stream. A thick tail shone like black velvet, the
        sun catching every blue highlight.

        He was being watched.

        Two relatively nosy but harmless neighbors followed him using a ki radar. Gerty and
        Millie crept along a long row of shrubs. Millie held a camera.

        "Psst...can you see from here? We're kind of far away!"

        "Yeah, barely. It's a good thing we've got the binoculars and telephoto lens!"

        "Good deal" the two young women edged closer, finding a strategic spot on a rock
        outcropping.

        "Hmm" the tall redhead tapped her camera. "We need a better angle...I'm getting
        straight sunlight with this shot."

        "Who cares, Millie? Shid, look at that!!" she pointed.

        Goku smiled to himself. He sensed and smelled the two women when they first
        arrived. A show was in order. The tall saiyan did an elaborate slow dance, stretching
        and bending while looping his tail in lazy circles.

        The short blonde had her mouth open in appreciation.

        "Quit slobbering, Gerty! It looks bad-"

        "Who gives a damn? I'd jump his bones in a minute!"

        "Saayyy...he's got a tail? What's that all about? Weird!'

        "They say Goku's in some kinda cult...he hangs with these guys that wear orange and
        fight a lot."

        "I think it's glued on, myself. Kinda cute, though...I wonder what it feels like?"

        Gerty smacked her lips. "I wonder what he feels like!"

        Millie pulled a roll of film from her jeans pocket. "We'll never know...the guy's
        married."

        "Oh, yeah...to that loudmouthed witch, Chi Chi. Geez, what'd he ever see in her?"

        Millie flipped tumbling red waves. "Especially with better prospects in the
        neighborhood" she batted eyelashes playfully.

        "Hah. Quit talking already and take some pictures before he leaves!"

        "On it" she started clicking. "Have mercy!!"

        "Wonder what he's like in bed?" Gerty snickered, peeping over the outcropping. "Look
        at that fat butt...WOO!!"

        "Shut up!!" Millie hissed. "You want him to hear?"

        "Oops" Gerty ducked down, covering her mouth.

        Millie smirked, taking another shot. "I'm a leg woman, myself. Love those thighs!"

        "Mmm...that thick hair...it's so pretty..."

        "Damn!!"

        "What's wrong, Millie? Camera lock up again?"

        The redhead banged the camera with her fist. "Must be on the fritz...the field's gone
        blank."

        "Did you take the cap off?"

        "Funny..."

        "Can I help you ladies with something?" a male voice sounded behind them. Millie and
        Gerty spun in shock.

        "Ah, uh...eee..." the two women pressed against a rock wall.

        Goku smiled at their expressions, wearing only black spandex shorts. "Nice day for a
        walk, hmm?"

        They both talked at once, blabbering over each other.

        "It was such a nice day, we were taking pictures, the woods are nice, how are you
        doing-"

        He raised a hand. "What's this, a camera?"

        "Well, ah...we thought we'd take some...nature shots" Millie winced.

        Gerty rolled her eyes.

        Goku chuckled. "Anything I can help with?"

        "Ah no...we were just walking along..."

        "This many miles away from the neighborhood? That's odd."

        "Well, we, uh, wanted to run some while we took pictures."

        Goku swished his tail. "You need to get the proper shoes, then. That or go barefoot."

        The women looked down. "We're wearing sneakers."

        "But those aren't for running. Maybe you should take them off" Goku teased.

        They flushed red. "Ah, maybe some other time" Gerty mumbled.

        A devil got ahold of Millie. "Can I take your picture, Goku?"

        "Should I pose?"

        "Just be your natural self" Gerty gave a toothy grin.

        "Okay" he reached to pull his shorts down.

        "WAIT!!" Gerty stopped him. "That isn't what I meant-"

        Goku laughed out loud. "I like you two. Don't think for a moment I didn't know you
        were watching me."

        "oh" they were subdued.

        "Not that I mind."

        Gerty stared behind him. "Is that thing real?"

        "Thing?"

        "Your tail? We thought maybe it was glued on or something."

        'No, it's real...would you like to touch it?"

        "Hmm" the two women shared a wicked gleam.

        Goku turned, waving it at them. Gerty "oohed," grabbing it gently. Slim fingers ran
        along the soft fur.

        "Oh, you've got to feel this, Millie. It's just like velvet!"

        "Glad you like it" Goku purred.

        "Amazing" the redhead stroked the fuzzy tip. "It's warm, too" a sudden fragrance
        filled the air.

        "Mmm" she ran it over her nose. "This is something different...you put cologne on or
        something?"

        "That's my own personal variety" Goku grinned smugly. "Most seem to appreciate it."

        "Nice. It's all spicy."

        "Would you ladies care to take a swim with me?" dark eyes blazed in invitation.

        They looked at each other, uncertain. "Well..."

        ****

        Another pair of eyes watched from a short distance away, narrowing suspiciously.
        Piccolo folded his arms in consternation, not certain of what he saw.

        What's Goku doing out here with those women? I'd better check it out...

        The namek flew like a shot towards his friend.

        ****

        Millie stared up suddenly. "Hey, who's the green guy?!"

        Goku looked up as well. "Green guy?"

        Gerty pointed. "The one flying this way. He looks kind of upset about something."

        Goku dismissed it. "Piccolo always looks that way. Hey, Piccolo!!" he waved
        excitedly.

        The namek landed among them. "Goku?"

        "Hey, what's going on?"

        Piccolo glanced at the two women. "I was about to ask you the same thing. I just left
        Chi Chi, she was pretty upset."

        Goku's face darkened a bit. "We had a disagreement. I came out here to relax a bit."

        Millie coughed.

        'Oh, excuse my manners, ladies. Piccolo, these are my neighbors, Millie and Gerty."

        Piccolo nodded. "Hello. You do seem familiar now."

        "You must be a friend of Goku's" Gerty eyed him closely.

        "Yes, well..."

        "We were about to go for a swim" Millie interrupted. "Would you care to join us."

        "I don't think that's a good idea" Piccolo said with meaning, staring at Goku. An
        uncomfortable silence fell between them all.

        Goku sighed. "He's right...I'll see you ladies later, hmm?"

        They were clearly disappointed. "Well...okay" Millie sniffed, turning to go. Gerty
        moved to her side.

        "We want a rain check, though!"

        Goku grinned, throwing his hands up. "Okay, you win."

        ****

        Piccolo levitated in a lotus position after the two left. "Now tell me what that was all
        about?"

        "Nothing. You spoke to Chi Chi?"

        "I stopped by to visit...she was pretty upset with you."

        Goku was silent a moment. "Did she go into any details?"

        "Somewhat. I see your tail is back."

        Goku sat on nearby boulders. "A recent development."

        "Does it really make such a difference in your behavior?" the namek was typically
        blunt.

        "Where'd that come from, Piccolo?"

        "I'm going by what Chi Chi said."

        "She exaggerates. I have a self awareness she can't deal with."

        The namek paused at the strangeness of his words. "Your ki is sharper, more
        defined."

        Goku was curious despite himself. "In what way?"

        "Before, it was just a general haze of all around power. Now I sense specific patterns
        that form a hard shield with many faces. It almost seems familiar..."

        "You've felt ki like that before?"

        Piccolo pursed his lips. "Yeah...whenever I'm around saiyans."

        "Is that supposed to be funny? I've always been a saiyan!"

        The namek observed him coolly. "I know that, but your aura wasn't like theirs until
        recently. Something's changed in you."

        Goku blinked, remembering his mother's words. They will see the difference.

        "There's no point in lying, Piccolo. You're right. I've experienced several dreams lately
        that have taken place inside myself."

        "A mindscape?"

        "If you prefer. In any case, I'm not the 'old' Goku. I'm done with being a buffoon."

        Piccolo watched him closely. "I sense it...I thought it an endearing quality."

        "An annoying one. I played a role I believed would make me human. That's over with
        now."

        "I've also felt that frustration."

        "Then you understand where I'm coming from."

        A pause. "Maybe. I saw those women stroking your tail."

        "So what?"

        "If there's something going on-"

        "Do nameks see conspiracy in every corner?"

        "Do I look like an idiot? I see you out in the woods with two attractive women..."

        "They followed me to take pictures."

        Green eyes went wide. "What? Those two are voyeurs?"

        "They're a bit strange, but harmless. I didn't come out here with them, Piccolo."

        "I see" the namek seemed relieved.

        "I invited them to a swim out of politeness..."

        "I'm not sure I believe that, Goku. I watched the three of you for some time."

        Goku growled. "You're good at 'watching,' aren't you? When do you ever
        participate?!"

        "Goku!!"

        "Always passing judgement...what precisely turns on a namek, Piccolo?"

        "Why are you talking this way?"

        "It's an honest question. I've just been wondering for some time now."

        Piccolo snorted. "You've changed...and not necessarily for the better."

        "We'll see...everyone said the same about you after merging with Kami."

        "That's different!"

        "Maybe. Look, let's not argue about it, okay?"

        "Fine. Will you come back with me?"

        Goku inhaled the fragrance of sweet honeysuckle. "No...you go ahead. I think I'll just
        enjoy this scenery awhile longer."

        "Suit yourself."

        ******