Unexpected Fate

Desperate Prayer

Unexpected Fate

Chapter 34-Desperate Prayer

The first years of Goten's life passed by in a blur and Bardock saw how his grandson grew up in the midst of friends and family. Yet, there were days the cursed warrior admitted that the boy was too much like his son. In a sense, he almost believed that Goten was Kakarrot reincarnated, but knew that the boy differed heavily to his son.

For starters, while his son was terrified with needles, Goten tolerated it enough for the doctor to get the job done. Another notable difference was the fact that the child did not eat as much as he did and tended to stay close to home unless Trunks happened to stop by. Both boys themselves were a horrid pair and were considered the twin terrors.

While Trunks lead the way with the pranks, Goten trailed behind almost the doubter and hoping not to get punished if their latest trick happened to backfire on them. Bardock recalled that his son never did anything of the sort on him and seemed devoted towards others. Goten was only devoted to the ones he was close to and Bardock seemed to rank third on the boy's list after his elder brother and mother.

Yet, there were times that Goten tended to take after his son besides looks. The boy was kind and rather carefree-a reminder that shook the curse warrior's resolve slightly. Goten also enjoyed playing outside, which only managed to get him in trouble at times when he came home a mess and was scolded for his actions. Of course, Bardock couldn't blame the boy for going out of his way to have fun and had to sometimes make sure he did not get hurt or harm any animals due to his immense strength.

The final blow that eventually broke Bardock's resolve happened without warning.

_______

"Grandpa," the now six year old Goten questioned. The boy was visiting Bardock at his home since Chi-chi wanted to go shopping for Gohan's school items. Of course, the cursed warrior did not feel comfortable watching the boy and was in the other room preparing a snack.

"What is it Goten?" Bardock asked while he was pulling out the cream cheese from the refrigerator.

"Trunks said I don't have a taristo," Goten muttered in irritation. The word took Bardock by surprise and truthfully, he wished that he had heard wrong for once. "He won't even tell me what it means..."

"Goten, you have a taristo," Bardock answered while he closed the refrigerator door. "As for what it means, it means 'father' in Saiya-go."

"Wow... I didn't know taristo meant father..." Goten beamed happily at the new knowledge that he was blessed with. "I wish I knew Saiya-go so I can understand the other things he says with Uncle Vegeta..."

"M-maybe when you're older Goten," Bardock reasoned with the child. He pulled the entire box of crackers out of the cupboard and set it down in front of the boy. 'Why would he want to learn a nearly extinct language? He's too much like Kakarrot. I taught him eventually sure, but the last thing I want is to let any of Kakarrot's children learn any of it... and why is Prince Vegeta suddenly interested in teaching Trunks the language? Is he trying to bond with his son after what happened years ago?'

"Um... grandpa?" Goten asked.

"Yes?" Bardock saw the boy fidget and wondered what he had to say now.

"I know daddy's not here, but can I still call you taristo anyway?" The innocent question was something Bardock wasn't expecting. In fact, he had forgotten who he was speaking to at that moment.

"No, no you can't Kakarrot," Bardock spoke his son's name without realizing it. 'Kakarrot? Why did I say that name? This isn't Kakarrot, this is Goten you idiot! Why the hell did I even mention his name after all of this time?'