Nowhere: 1

Nowhere: 29

Bulma had set up one of the older model ships in the yard for them to use. Goku had spent enough time in cramped quarters on the way to and from Namek that he wasn’t sure how anyone could opt for it for months at a time. Sure, the gravity simulator was handy, but to encounter the same view day after day, hour after hour was boring. Vegeta had done a lot of space travel though, and maybe he was accustomed to the unavoidable tedium.

“What are we doing here?” the prince asked after the door shut behind them.

“Oh, right,” Goku had been so eager it had made him hasty. He’d asked for Vegeta to follow him and the older man had simply complied. The easy acceptance and the anticipation caused him to forget to explain himself. He was glad his companion wasn’t upset at his thoughtlessness. “Bulma and I figured the best course of action would be to see where you’re at in your training,” the Earth-raised Saiyan divulged, “So whenever you’re comfortable feel free to start.”

With that, he slid into an open, ready, battle stance.

And the prince stared at him blankly. “Uh,” he hesitantly began, “What exactly do you think I’ve been training?”

Goku’s head cocked to one side while his face scrunched in displeasure. “Martial arts,” he answered plainly, but with obvious unease.

“Okay,” Vegeta’s retort was full of doubt, “So what, you want me to punch you or something?”

“Whatever you want to do,” the hero affirmed. He felt pretty much the way the shorter man sounded.

The prince strolled up to him, pulled back, and swung. It was heartbreakingly easy to parry. In fact, the flippant way in which Goku brushed off the attack seemed to surprise the elder. Vegeta’s expression quickly switched from scepticism to a much more intense mixture between curiosity and umbrage. He attempted several more times. The prince muttered curses after each was either evaded entirely or redirected harmlessly.

“There’s no need to hold back,” Goku charily spoke while trying to suppress the knot of dread that was slowly expanding like a superabsorbent polymer submerged in fresh water.

“Fuck you,” his friend snarled. At least that seemed like a normal response. The spike of anger was enough to give him focus without completely blinding him. But it wasn’t enough. The muscle memory was there, but that would never suffice against a powerful opponent. Especially when he could not utilize his chi.

It was pointless to continue, and Goku didn’t wish to drag out the unpleasant experience for either of them. “That’s enough,” he said mournfully.

Vegeta folded his arms, his entire countenance rigid. His anger had obviously simmered instead of abated.

Goku attempted to rectify what could be perceived as a slight, “That was a good try.”

“Don’t fucking patronize me,” the brunet snapped back, “That was a shit performance and we both know it.”

The taller man rubbed the back of his neck, expressing his anxiety, but he still strived for de-escalation, “We thought this might happen. It’s okay. We’re going to fix it.”

“Whatever,” Vegeta huffed, walking brusquely out of the capsule and towards the main complex.

Goku followed at a reasonable distance and kept quiet as to not accidentally antagonise the other. Their footsteps sounded heavy, monstrous in the empty hall. It felt surreal to him that the prince was in such a condition.

“Goku,” Bulma’s voice called out from behind them and he stopped to look back at her. Vegeta, however, trudged on ahead, and after a moment’s deliberation he let him go without a word. The taller Saiyan headed over to her, all the while not hiding his grim expression. She remained impassive when he shook his head and gave her the bad news, “His body remembers, but he doesn’t.”

They were both aware of how dangerous that type of liability would be. Instinct alone could not compensate for experience and control. Relying on a gambit was not prudent and only guaranteed lethal consequences not in their favor.

The scientist spoke softly, “I figured as much. Here.” She withdrew the dragon radar from her coat pocket.

Goku took it while passing along an observation, “He probably wants to be alone right now.”

“Trust me,” her lips finally conveyed some mirth, “I’m familiar with Vegeta’s moods.”

He clicked the button at the top to turn it on and get his first goal, “I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

“I’m counting on it.”