tampered | Log; Complete

Log; Complete

When; Backdated to the afternoon of September 27th (during the No Inner monologue curse)
Rating; PG-13 (just to be safe)
Characters; Goku (

ovar_9000) and Vegeta (

killer_veggie)
Summary; After this conversation, Vegeta demands that Goku give him the answers that he has every right to know.
Log;

Not too long after the conversation that had revived the topic he'd been studiously avoiding ever since returning to the City, Goku touched down on the beach. He'd flown there, opting to take the slower, more scenic route. He could have gone by Instant Transmission, but he'd wanted the time to think, to figure out what he would say to Vegeta before he got there.

Unfortunately, he still didn't know what he was going to say, and even if he had, the curse that was affecting him would probably make any rehearsed speech a moot point anyhow. Under normal circumstances, it wouldn't have mattered that much since Goku tended to say whatever was on his mind anyway. In this case, though, he really wished he could filter his thoughts, especially since he had no idea how Vegeta would react (hence the reason for the fairly remote location).

There was no backing out of this now, though, so he just plopped down on the sand Indian-style, his chin resting on the palm of his hand as he stared out across the sea, breathing in the salty air smell while the waves lapped gently at the shore. He wouldn't have long to wait and knew it, but for now, he just wanted to take what peace he could from the rhythmic cadence of water against the sand before the inevitable confrontation took place.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

There was no wait, no idea of playing with the suspense factor. He was in the air as soon as he could move, flying towards Kakarot's energy. He could sense him long before he could see him, seeing as he didn't have the handy instant transmission that the other did. No, he flew because he was forced- if he had the choice, he would've taken the fastest route.

Unlike the other Saiyan, he wasn't debating the possibilities as he flew. He just wanted to know the truth. Vegeta was all too aware of the fact that the other had been far too apprehensive, avoiding his questions at every turn. Or giving the bare minimum. When the fact was, he deserved to know. If it concerned him, there was no need for secrecy. Or so he felt. Nevermind that he had met his own son from the future without being told. He had discovered that little fact on his own. But this? There was no way he would ever find out on his own, unless he managed to escape from the City.

Again, Kakarot chose a remote location to meet him at. He smirked, scoffing inwardly. Did he expect him to explode at a moment's notice? Maybe, but not quite. Frustration and impatience had him on edge. He could feel his power thrilling within his limbs, and only rarely did he allow himself to release it. But there was no way he was going to loose control over whatever it was Kakarot had to reveal.

Finally, he descended and landed on the beach mere feet away from the other Saiyan. He stared, quirking a brow at his... despondent expression.

He almost laughed.

"Let's not play games this time, Kakarot," he said finally. "I don't care how terrible it is, tell me what happens in the future."

Despondent? If Goku had known that was the word Vegeta had chosen to describe his expression, he would have disagreed with it. He wasn't despondent--far from it, in fact. He was just tired--tired of this situation, tired of keeping secrets, and tired of this stupid curse. Well, no more. If Vegeta wanted to know, Goku would tell him. It wasn't like he could really stop himself, short of knocking himself out.

Damn City.

He stood, then, face serious, his fists clenched as he faced the other Saiyan and looked him straight in the eye. He hadn't wanted to do this. Maybe he'd been stupid to think that he could keep it a secret in the first place. He honestly didn't know, but right now it didn't matter.

"All right."

The words were spoken calmly, his voice steady, mind made up. He started from the beginning and left nothing out: Spopovitch and Yamu's abnormal strength and resilience, being enlisted by the Supreme Kai to stop the resurrection of Majin Buu, the appearance of the wizard Babidi and Dabura, the battles in the bowels of Babidi's ship, and finally how Vegeta himself had been ensnared by the wizard's evil magic. He spoke of the destruction at the stadium of the World Martial Arts Tournament and the ultimatum Vegeta had given--to have one final bout between them, to finally settle the score. The subsequent battle had been brutal, and they'd pulled out all the stops against each other, only to realize they were evenly matched.

Throughout the narrative, Goku had managed to keep whatever he'd felt at the time out of his voice for the most part, trying to remain serious but neutral. However, when he neared the end of this part of the tale, some of what he'd felt then came rushing back again. He'd been angry--very much so, in fact. More than anything, though, he felt swamped again by disbelief and (this was harder to pick up on) disappointment. Why had Vegeta let himself fall so far? Goku still didn't understand it, and honestly, he didn't think he ever would.

"We were dead even, fighting as ascended Super Saiyans. I couldn't believe it, that after seven years apart, we could still fight on the same level." His fingers curled tighter against his palms, the nails digging into the flesh there. "It was all your plan from the start. You told me then, that after watching my fight with Babidi's monster that you realized that you would never be able to catch up to my power level by training alone. So you let yourself fall under Babidi's control, knowing that the power boost you received from his magic would close the gap between us. You wanted him to 'set you free' from 'these petty attachments', you said, so you could go back to the way you were before--that you liked yourself better that way."

A pause as he collected himself, his eyes intent on the other Saiyan's, gaugeing his reaction to all of this.

"I didn't believe you, and I told you I didn't. The battle continued until the energy lost as a result of our fight allowed Majin Buu to be revived. His power was overwhelming--you felt it as well, and after a little while I thought I managed to convince you to go with me and help take care of him." His jaw tightened, but he didn't falter. "I turned my back for just a moment to pull out the last Senzu bean. The next thing I knew, something slammed into the back of my neck. When I finally came to, both yours and Gohan's energy signals had completely disappeared. I found out later that Gohan was killed by Majin Buu and that you had sacrificed yourself in an attempt to destroy him--an attempt that failed."

He looked at Vegeta, no longer angry or indignant, just...solemn. Not "despondent," just stating the facts as they were and accepting the hand he'd been dealt.

"That's what happens in the future, Vegeta. No games."

Edited 2008-09-29 05:46 (UTC)

He listened as Goku spoke, and as he did a grin appeared. A darkened sort of amusement lingered in his eyes, overriding his aloofness- and sometimes carefully hidden shock. Not until he spoke of their fight, being an equal match to the other did he grin. And as he finished Vegeta began to laugh- darkly, crudely. It was hardly amusing. It was a disaster, one he had only yet to face. But he understood it. He was gripped by that same need to defeat the other Saiyan, only he had yet to act! Of course he understood it. But more than that he accepted it, readily so. There was no ignoring the fact that his emotions were more than simple acceptance- conflictions riddled his mind as easily as other. But there was a sort of conviction.

To defeat his rival, he would do anything.

"I see," he said as his laughter faded into silence.

"Well then, Kakarot. Why didn't you simply tell me earlier? Were you afraid?" He grinned, mocking him. "Afraid that I would accept this future, because in essence I understand it perfectly. And I’m not talking about that ridiculous network. You could have come to me in person, or I to you, and yet you avoided it. Why? And this battle of ours- my choice. Why would you question it, how could you? It makes perfect sense! This battle between you and I- giving myself to that magician to further my strength. If I was able I would do without it, fight you and beat you with my own power I would. But I am not a fool to think that would be possible, not when in our world you had but a day to live. One day to walk the earth again, and I planned to fight you on that day- one way or another!"

But suddenly his expression darkened, his fingers clenching into fists against his will. His teeth ground together violently, and he felt his control slipping away bit by bit. "I'm a murderer, Kakarot. No matter what I’ve done, that fact will never change. And I will never run away from it. Why should I? It's my nature- it is what I will be always. And I would choose to destroy all in my life to win, to be the victor! Even things I could almost admit to caring for, things I could say I was willing to die for. I would destroy it all, give it all away for one thing."

A shock of power and Vegeta was facing him- pointing one finger at him as if to accuse him for every crime he had ever committed against his very blood; every failure and every loss. And he was. He sneered, and he felt sick as all his feelings came pouring into existence. And again and again one feeling overrode everything else: failure. To lose again and again to one single being, to be thwarted and mocked by his very existence. It made him sick.

It was no surprise to him he would choose to sell his mind and his body to destroy that one thing.

"You know what it is, Kakarot. I don't care about monsters and magicians- my only will is to defeat you! But maybe that will change, I don't know. I have yet to see this future with my own two eyes, but when I do I will face it. Even if I become the vilest creature on the planet, even if I let it be destroyed when I could have tried to stop it. So be it! In the end it doesn't matter, not to me. Not ever!"

[ooc; I am the master of tl;dr. 8| Or rather, Vegeta and his big mouth are.]

He fell silent, his expression stony, unchanged as Vegeta began to laugh. It wasn't really unexpected; he hadn't expected Vegeta to be shocked or horrified by future events that had yet to come to pass for him. But as the other Saiyan spoke, as shameless and arrogant as the day Goku had first laid eyes on him, Goku began to feel it again--that same, burning emotion that seemed to lodge itself in his chest, twisting and strangling violently about as it sought some outlet for the fury. He couldn't speak, the thoughts necessary for such an action having deserted him. Somewhere inside him, though, what Vegeta was saying did register, and only one word came to mind.

Selfish.

After everything Goku had just said, Vegeta (as usual) had entirely missed the point. Whatever had caused him to sacrifice himself to defeat Majin Buu obviously wasn't present now. He was the same old Vegeta, so caught up in himself and his foolish pride that he couldn't see the value of what was right in front of him! And even worse, it wasn't because he didn't have the ability to see it--he just refused point-blank to acknowledge what he really had. He was willfully blind.

And it was going to stop. Right. Now.

Pissed as he rarely was, Goku's fingers closed around the accusatory hand, locking it in an iron vise, his own power surging in response to what he'd felt from Vegeta just a moment ago. There would be no more hedging around the issue or dodging questions on his part. He'd had enough.

"There hasn't been a day in my life that I've been afraid of you, Vegeta. I've only ever respected you as a fighter and rival, even though you've done terrible things and made choices hurtful to yourself and those around you. So no, Vegeta, I wasn't afraid to tell you the truth. I just didn't want to because I knew what you'd say, and I was right."

His grip tightened on the other's hand, not bothering to hide his anger anymore.

"You call me a fool and an idiot, but you're the one who's the fool. After everything I just said, you still don't get it. You weren't running away from that fact that you've killed and murdered--you were running away from everything else. You're so caught up in that arrogant pride of yours that you don't see the value of what's right in front of you, and it's not even because you can't. You just don't want to."

He shoved the other away now, aware that the curse was making him say a hell of a lot more than he would have normally, but at this point, he just didn't care. Vegeta needed to hear this.

"Wake up, Vegeta! This isn't about you and me. It never was! Sure, you gained more power and the opportunity to fight on an even level with me, but at the end of the day, what does it matter if everything else is gone? You say you don't care, that it doesn't matter one way or another to you what happens to others, but that's a lie and you know it! Because even after all the spells and Babidi's influence that reawakened the so-called evil in your heart, you still made the ultimate sacrifice to destroy an enemy who wasn't even the one you say you'd give away everything for just to win. Stop lying to yourself, and grow up."

Edited 2008-09-30 00:32 (UTC)

His features twisted derisively at his grip- solid and fierce with anger. And his eyes glared with everything of poison- mocking and hateful -at the other. Sometimes he reacted, growling in the back of his mind where a monster lay trapped inside. He would flinch, grit his teeth, but never look away. Never more than that. He would not show him, anyone weakness. Even if he called him a liar, and even if some ways it was true. There were things he was willing to sacrifice- especially those he considered a weakness. Dulling his worth as a warrior, however shallow it had become. He would not become worthless.

“Do not touch me, Kakarot,” he said, his rough voice all but a growl. “And do not think that you can treat me like a child! It matters to me, you imbecile. My existence- my very being is based on my worth as a warrior. What am I if not that? I cannot live a peaceful existence on any planet, no matter what the cause. It is a fact of who I am, not a lie!”

The curse was forcing out words he never meant to say, and tearing those he meant to pieces. He scowled, anger sparking more than just turmoil in his mind- his body reacted, energy spiking instinctively. He wasn’t losing control. Vegeta wouldn’t let himself lose control. But every moment that passed he was closer and closer to disregarding the blatant facts.

“I will not let myself fade to some- some mediocrity. Not for you or for anyone else!”

But something he said did hit home. Vegeta’s features twisted, brow furrowing as he frowned. What does it matter if everything else is gone. It didn’t. If he- no, he wouldn’t think about it. Wouldn’t consider those petty things, those weaknesses! Not now, when that curse urged him to blurt everything that came to his mind. Even now, he was all but ready to restrain himself to keep from blurting out something he didn’t want to.

“And so what if I do care, Kakarot,” he said, finally. “But what does it matter if I am reduced to nothing but a worm!? I will not let myself fade, I won’t let myself die- not as some weakling ruled by his attachments. Never! And if you won’t accept that, it’s your own blasted fault- not mine!”

Goku stepped back, giving the other space to fume and whatever the hell he wanted to do. He knew he'd pissed Vegeta off and that it probably wasn't the best idea, especially in a place like this where people were crammed into a relatively small space. Still, he'd been compelled to say those things, not only because of the curse but also because he'd wanted to say them. He wanted Vegeta to understand--to realize that having "attachments" wasn't a weakness and that it certainly didn't hinder one's ability to be a great fighter.

But as Vegeta responded, his answers far more honest than he'd probably wanted them to be, Goku felt whatever anger that had been lingering fade away, bleeding into the salted atmosphere. It clung to his skin for all of a minute before a brief gust of wind swirled about them both, taking the film of negativity with it, gone but not forgotten.

He couldn't see. Or maybe he could. Goku wasn't really sure at this point. Vegeta knew he cared, but he didn't want to because he thought it somehow interfered with what he saw as his only purpose in life: to fight and keep on fighting. Goku sort of understood that--after all, he'd been training in the Other World for the past seven years--but some of what Vegeta said was just confusing. He'd said he couldn't live peacefully on a planet and that he didn't want "to fade to some mediocrity," but then, what had he been doing for the last seven years if not that? He could have left and pursued his life as a warrior elsewhere. After all, there was no way Vegeta could have known that he'd have one more opportunity to fight his sworn rival again seven years after he'd died. So why? Why had he stayed?

"Vegeta... Having attachments does not make you a weakling. If that were true, I never would've made it as far as I have. It's not a hindrance to me--at least not in the sense you're thinking of. I know you don't agree so I won't argue the issue, but- I'm trying to understand you, and I don't. If you were that determined not 'to fade to some mediocrity', why did you stay on Earth at all? I know you stuck around after I got back from the battle with Frieza because of me, but after that, for all you knew, I was never coming back. You could have left, but you didn't. Why?"

The compulsion to answer was strong- too strong. His eyes closed, teeth gritting as the curse compelled him in ways that had him all too angry. "Don't you dare, Kakarot," he finally spat, arms trembling. "We're talking about the future, not the past! Try to 'understand' me to your heart's content. But you won't be hearing the answer from me. Besides, it's-" Finally he had to, literally clamping one hand over his mouth to prevent himself from saying anything else. After a moment of silent frustration, he lowered his arm- glaring spitefully at Goku.

"It's none of your concern," he snapped finally, dodging what he had originally intended to say. Damned city, damned curses! To not even be able control what he said was ridiculous, but it wasn’t something he could avoid. Half of what he had said during their meeting he would have said willingly enough- as for the other half, it left him more than a little angry.

If he didn’t take out his anger on Kakarot, though, he would certainly be taking it out on something- or someone -else.

“Are we done here, then?” he asked, still glaring. “I’m not going to answer your question- so don’t even try asking again. And if this isn’t going to end in a fight I’m going to find some other way to get rid of my frustrations.”

If there was one thing Goku knew how to do, it was how to take a hint. He still wanted to know, of course, but he also knew when it was best to just let something go. So he simply nodded solemnly, respecting the other's right to privacy. As for the rest...well. He couldn't really say he disliked the idea of having a sparring match. It'd been a while since he'd had one, after all, and it would probably help them both at the moment. Of course, there was also the fact that it would probably be better if Vegeta didn't take out his 'frustrations' on something else (he had to bite his tongue to keep from saying that), so...

"I think I like the first option better. Can't have you running around blowing things up that never did anything to you, now can we?"

His tone was surprisingly light, given what had just transpired. It didn't feel forced at all to him, though, the small smile tugging at his lips remarkably genuine as he took his stance.

"Besides, I'd like to think that trying to beat me to a pulp is more fun than anything else you could be doing right now." A pause, and then: "So. How about it?"

Edited 2008-09-30 02:42 (UTC)

Vegeta was lucky. No, both of them were. As things stood they could have ended up at each others throats in much more than just a friendly game. And that wouldn't have ended well. Even Vegeta could see that it would have been pointless to truly fight the other Saiyan, besides using him as an outlet. A spar was definitely an idea he favored over a battle to the death. It was all the same to him, even beating him in a game. Maybe one day he would face him in a life or death struggle- and maybe he had no control over when, if ever, they would in fact leave the city. But he did know he didn’t want to die in the rotten city, and never be allowed to leave again.

His demeanor changed at Goku’s suggestion. It was true; the thought of fighting- even sparring -much more satisfying than taking out his frustrations on some inanimate object. No one else would be able to match his strength. Not without killing themselves trying, at least. Vegeta tried to ignore the reasons for his unsettled state, instead focusing on his opponent as he copied his stance. He was grinning, now, eager and ready to fight. His body all but trembled with anticipation. Being stuck in the city with nothing to do but train on a few rare occasions did nothing good for his body. It was like a regression, and he needed to fight.

"Fine then, Kakarot,” he began. “You're right, beating your face into the dirt will be more satisfying than anything else I could do in this idiotic place."

He grinned, chuckling darkly. "Do you have any rules, then? I have a feeling you wouldn't want us to destroy this place entirely, after all," he said, smirking. “Or each other, for that matter.”

Goku smiled at Vegeta's response. He really was something, wasn't he? It was a shame that their fight back home had been overshadowed by Majin Buu's resurrection because honestly, if it hadn't been for that, Goku would've had a damn good time.

"You'll have to catch me first."

He blinked. "Rules? What rul- Oh, right!" He straightened, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly. "Yeah, it'd probably be better if we didn't blow the whole place up!" He folded his arms over his chest then, his chin tilted upward, his expression thought. "Hmmm...let's see here..."

He wanted this to be somewhat challenging (it wouldn't be any fun if it wasn't), but they also had to be safe about this. It was just a matter of striking a proper balance between the two.

An idea came to him then, and Goku brightened considerably and smacked his fist against his palm, pleased with what he'd come up with.

"OK, how about this: Rule #1 - No transforming into a Super Saiyan. We're just sparring so there's no need for something like that. Rule #2 - No energy beams. I know we're pretty far out, but there's no point in taking any chances. Besides, the old fashioned way is more fun. Rule #3 - Everything outside of the beach and the ocean is off limits so no flying over the City and freaking out the populace. And finally, Rule #4 - After the initial take-off, if your feet or any part of your body touch the ground or water, you lose the fight. The same applies if you go out of bounds."

And here Goku resumed his stance, calm, confident, and smiling.

"So. You think you can handle that, or should I add some more rules?"

Edited 2008-09-30 18:18 (UTC)

It wasn’t as if Vegeta had forgotten what had only just transpired- or even that he was moving past it. But there was no use about thinking about it to some degree, even though he was sure when they were done with their fight his thoughts would inevitably turn back it. His future. But there was some part of him that didn’t care, that simply ignored it; because he had no faith in fixed, unchanging destinies.

Vegeta straightened as Goku did, crossing his arms, smirking in amusement and withheld eagerness. There was no denying it; the thought of a fight was overriding all else at that point. It was nature, instinct. In his blood was the urge to fight, and he would follow it. Rules weren’t something he would have cared to employ- but it certainly gave the idea that this was going to be a challenge. If he followed them, that is, he thought and his smirk grew.

The rules were set. Vegeta grinned, excitement turning his features fierce. “Very well then, Kakarot. That’s more than enough- almost too much, if you ask me. But fine. I'll stay within your boundaries, and I won't turn Super Saiyan. But you can be sure Kakarot, I will be sending you into the ocean before we're done.” He grinned, exultant at the thought.

He settled back into his readied stance and laughed. “Let’s get started then, Kakarot. And don’t you dare hold back!”

Much like Vegeta, Goku also had not forgotten what had just transpired. However, the fact that it had been a burden--one that had now been lifted, simply because he no longer had the secret of Vegeta's future hanging over his head--helped him disconnect from it more readily than he would have otherwise. Of course, it also helped that he was in no small way looking forward to a good spar (good sparring partners were hard to come by, after all). He'd think about all of this later, maybe. For now, though, he was going to have fun with this.

He smirked. "Oh yeah? We'll see who dunks who, in the end." He shifted slightly, his opening move already clear in his mind. "Don't worry, Vegeta. I won't."

The banter finished, his plan in place, Goku waited for all of seven seconds...and disappeared! Materializing behind Vegeta, upside down no less, he smacked the other Saiyan's shoulder (more like a tap, really) with a grin before speeding away. Backwards.

"YOU'RE IT, VEGETA!"

Edited 2008-10-01 00:10 (UTC)

"KAKAROT- You CHILD! Come back and fight me like a man!"

None-the-less, Vegeta was in the air in a split second- flying after his so very playful opponent. A ‘child’ was not far from what Goku seemed to be at that very moment, starting what was supposed to be a fight in what was only a ridiculous fashion. But even then, he didn’t turn to anger- instead his excitement grew, in hopes of retaliation. And not with a childish pat on the shoulder.

He closed the distance quickly. Idea’s whirled through his mind, and while simply punching the fool in the face was a pleasant idea- he had a better one. The instant he was close enough he reached- and grabbed the front of Goku's shirt. He grinned. Turning, Goku's shirt still gripped firmly in his hand, he flung him with all his might towards the water below.

And casually lifting one hand, his energy surged to life in his palm. “Dodge this, Kakarot!” He yelled, and fired.

[ooc; CHEATERRRR. :D]

Now this--THIS was fun. Goku grinned as the other gave chase, only barely managing to keep himself from sticking out his tongue or something juvenile like that. Instead, he just kept going (still backwards and upside down), calling out to Vegeta as he went, "What was that, Vegeta? You'll have to get closer, I can't hear you!"

Unfortunately for Goku, he was a little bit too caught up in the fun of the chase for his own good. He expected a punch and was prepared for it, but instead, Vegeta grabbed him and (amidst much flailing on Goku's part) sent him plummeting towards the ocean, an energy beam hot on his tail.

"VEGETA!" he yelled, only barely managing to right himself and scoot out of the way as the water beneath exploded on impact. Careful not to get splashed, Goku flew back up, the picture of righteous indignation as he voiced his complaint. "No fair! I said no energy beams, remember??"

Vegeta was laughing as Goku fell. The expression on his face- it was priceless! He couldn’t help the temptation to break the rules- a fight without turning Super Saiyan was one thing, but without the added threat of an energy beam? That was useless. Besides, the fool was asking for it- playing as if it was a child’s game. To wipe that grin off his face for even one second earned Vegeta more than a little bit of satisfaction.

“Oh really?” He taunted, though hardly playing innocent as Goku reappeared. “I guess I forgot. But what does it matter, it's more fun this way, Kakarot! After all, you wanted to play, so let’s play!”

He readied his stance again- waiting for some sort of retaliation from the other Saiyan. Again he waited for the first move, and hoped it didn’t begin with him teleporting around like some idiot. That should have been a rule, but it was too late. Besides, he wouldn’t have been surprised if Goku broke it at some point.

But who was he to talk.

"Hmph!"

Goku glowered at the other Saiyan, arms folded over his chest, trying his very best to look put out and annoyed...which...wasn't actually working very well, come to think of it. OK fine, so it was more fun with energy beams. However, that didn't mean Goku was going to break his own rules.

Not yet, anyway.

"Fine. If you want to play like that..."

He raised his hand, energy gathering at his fingertips as he prepared to fire- a feint- only to dart forward at the last moment and land a blow square on Vegeta's jaw.

He was smirking, amused by Goku’s pouting. It was half-hearted, at best, and did nothing to fool him. Any Saiyan was the sort that was going to choose a challenge rather than the easy path. Even if Goku hardly counted as a true Saiyan. Sooner or later he would break his own rule- and he hoped it was sooner, rather than later.

“Come then,” he said, gesturing for him to begin.

Vegeta tensed in anticipation for the coming beam- ready to dodge as soon as it was fired. And then- he cursed. The punch was a shock, the force of it enough to send him flying. If he let it. Instead he spun around, using the excess force of the blow as an aid. He grabbed Goku's still outstretched arm with one hand and with his other arm- rammed his elbow straight into his ribs. Once, twice- and then he released him, only to follow up with one last punch to the gut.

He almost smirked, about to make a comment when Vegeta's fingers latched around his arm, too late to pull away the other Saiyan jabbed his elbow hard against his ribs. Goku grunted- once, twice- saw the last blow coming, but didn't bother to avoid it, taking it in-stride with a not-so-subtle 'OOF!' It hurt, but despite the force of the hit, he still managed a smile.

"Eh heh heh..." He raised his head, flat-out grinning now. "Gotcha."

Then, in one swift motion, he brought up his other hand, the energy warming his palm as he broke his own rule and blasted Vegeta at point-blank range. It wouldn't do any real damage, of course--just enough to make sure Vegeta felt the sting.

Edited 2008-10-02 22:23 (UTC)

There was a moment of grim satisfaction as the blows landed- but then, wide eyed surprise. He grunted as the blast rammed into him- but realized the power it held was little. Almost nonexistent. Vegeta allowed himself to be forced back by the force of the blast. In the end, it did little more than singe his clothing.

Smirking, for a split second seemed to judge the distance between. He lifted his hand and fired a return blast. The bright light flared and blazed towards Goku- but the instant it left his palm Vegeta was moving, circling around for another attack. He fired again. The blasts were low-level, and easy to dodge. But he'd be waiting for him when he did.

"So maybe those 'rules' were useless after all, Kakarot," Vegeta called, sensing and watching for his every movement. And as soon as he caught sight of him again, he was flying at him. He launched himself towards his foe, and allowed the fight to degrade into a wild brawl in which he could feel nothing but the sharp pain of fist on flesh, and the ferocious grin on his lips.

Goku watched Vegeta back away, well aware that the other Saiyan would counter effective immediately, especially since he hadn't put much power into the blast. Whatever Vegeta thought this was, Goku was here to have fun and getting (or inflicting) bruises and burns was not on the top of his to-do list. So he dodged Vegeta's retaliatory blasts, bouncing a few back if they got too close.

He smirked. "We'll see how useless they are when you're eating sand, Vegeta!"

Then, moments after he had spoken, the two collided, a tangled whirl of fists and legs as the two clashed over the open ocean. Shockwaves rolled the waters back, each blow resounding explosively in his ears, but Goku was too caught up in the thrill of it to care. The battle wasn't nearly as intense as the last one he'd had with Vegeta, but it was definitely enough to get the old heart pumping.

He wasn't sure how long they were at it, but eventually, the initial burst of fisticuffs subsided, and the two began to grapple, each trying to out-do the other in a contest of brute strength. They were fairly evenly matched, but a quick knee straight to Vegeta's gut helped Goku gain the upper hand. Following up with a crushing blow to the face, Goku gave chase as Vegeta plummeted to the waves below, determined to win the game.

Edited 2008-10-03 07:03 (UTC)

There is nothing of loss and confusion as he fights. It is where he belongs, and every blow, every blast is taken with a surge of excitement and pride. A warrior must be detached, he thinks, even as his lips stretch in that wild grin and he thinks he’s laughing- deep and dark and terrible. As if he was only mocking himself. But it wasn’t so. It was a game, and he took it in stride. It was not a struggle- a moment of strife in which he was fighting to survive. It was feeling his muscles stretch, his bones shudder- his energy spike and soar in turn with each blow. It was being who he was.

He was grinning, even as they were locked against each other- struggling to gain the upper hand. And then- a strike, the air leaving his lungs and for a split second he is blind and then- he was falling. Vegeta grit his teeth, as the pain faded from his body- so quickly it seemed as if it was never even there. He fell towards the ocean, but suddenly, his blood was hot in his veins and he was no longer falling. He stopped, and swore he could feel the ocean surging at his back.

He lifted a hand, and sent a blast directly into Goku’s path. “Enjoy your swim, Kakarot!” he yells, as the feeling of victory soars inside him. A small victory, but a victory none-the-less. He darts easily out of the way, and watches as the ball of energy explodes before its impact.

A bright flash of light- used simply for disorientating -and hopefully his opponent would be swimming with the fishes.

He was sure he had Vegeta right where he wanted him so Goku didn't think to slow down- not until it was too late anyway. The blast was heading straight for him, too much power for him to block at this speed. He screeched to a halt, but it was too little too late as the energy ball hit and combusted, sending a flailing (both physically and verbally) Goku plunging into the ocean below.

He floundered about under water for all of half a minute before finally surfacing, drenched and more than a little singed, but for the most part unharmed.

"BLEH!" he sputtered, spitting out some sea water. "Nasty!" Then, remembering his opponent, he turned and glowered at him. "No fair! What'd you have do that for?!"

Edited 2008-10-03 22:33 (UTC)

"Not fair?" He scoffed. "Hah! Don't be a sore loser, Kakarot. I think you and I both know that I won this little skirmish fair and square."

Vegeta smirked from where he hovered, maybe a few yards from the water itself. His arms were crossed; his body showed little more wear and tear than a few singes and bruises- and he knew that they'd fade quickly enough.

As he had watched Goku fall, he had thought it was more ridiculous than amusing. Flailing about like a brainless oaf. But then, that did describe Goku in general. Or at least ridiculous did. Pouting as if they hadn't just exchanged blows like the fighters they were, just because he had to take a little dip in the ocean. His smirk grew to a grin, amused as he was by the entire situation.

"So then, what's my prize? Besides seeing you flounder about like an idiot. Or if you really think that wasn’t ‘fair’ I can just throw you into the ocean myself. The result will be the same, either way.”

[ooc; EDIT? WHAT EDIT. 8| AND ALMOST DOOOONE GO GO GO.]

Edited 2008-10-03 23:45 (UTC)

"Ha-CHOO!" Goku sniffed and rubbed his nose, his face fixed in a pout. "I am not a sore loser! You could've done this closer to shore, you know! Now I'm gonna catch a cold!"

He sneezed again, not the least bit amused by the situation. Yes, he would admit that Vegeta had won fair and square, but he would have preferred a dunk in the sand over a dunk in the ocean. Then, at least, he wouldn't have been cold.

And Vegeta just couldn't keep from rubbing it in, could he? Normally, it wouldn't have bothered him, but in this case, Vegeta was just...well...asking for it.

And he was going to get it, too.

"A prize, huh? I got one for ya. Right...here!"

As soon as the word 'here' left his mouth, an energy blast shot out from his right hand and hit the waves under Vegeta's feet, causing it to erupt and drench the other Saiyan in an equally unpleasant layer of salt water.

He was going to kill him.

Water exploded from beneath him- and in an instant he was engulfed.

"K-Kakarot?!” He sputtered as soon as the water had fallen back into the sea. “YOU FOOL, WHAT WAS THAT FOR?" Teeth bared in a snarl, Vegeta glared at the other saiyan- both of his hands clenched into fists. He was positively drenched. Any ‘composure’ he had was utterly demolished the moment the other saiyan fired- too quick for him to dodge but not for him not to realize what he was doing.

Honestly, the idiot!

“Unless you want me to drown you, right here and now,” he growled, hovering a bit closer to Goku. “I suggest you don’t do that ever again!”

“Now- are we done here or not?!”

Edited 2008-10-04 00:38 (UTC)

It was Goku's turn to smirk, but he refrained, covering his amusement with a sneeze. Payback was very, very sweet. Just the look on Vegeta's face right now was more than enough to compensate for losing the game.

"As long as you don't do it to me again, I'd say we're pretty even, Vegeta." He smiled. "And yeah, I'd say we're pretty much done here. That is, unless you want to go another round."

Edited 2008-10-04 00:59 (UTC)

“Not likely,” he scoffed, glared. “If I did, I doubt I’d bother holding back.”

He sneered at his own bedraggled state, and Goku’s smiling face. It was a tempting thought to wipe it off with his own attack- but Vegeta had just about had enough of their encounter. Frowning, he absentmindedly lifted a hand to wipe the salt-water from his face before turning back to Goku.

“Alright then,” he said, managing a small smirk. “I’ll see you later, Kakarot.”

He powered up, the water surging beneath him in response. And without even a second glance he turned and flew back to land, and away from their airborne battleground.

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