Madness

Chapter Thirteen

The dark was suffocating. No one on the Lookout could breathe. It was a thick air that filled their lungs and didn't come back out. "We've got to get out of here," Bulma coughed. "We've got to get to the surface; it might be better down there."

"But that thing and Vegeta are down there," said Piccolo. "I, for one, do not want to know what's going on between them."

Goku remained silent. He stared out into the dark, breathing as softly as he could. It was time. He didn't care what Vegeta had said. He had to go find him. Something in his gut urged him to seek out his mate. He didn't know why. All he knew was that something terrible was about to happen. And... if it was about to end... he just wanted to see Vegeta one last time, even if it was in such a horrible state as this.

"Goku?" asked Dende softly.

Goku snarled and shot away into the thick blackness. He heard everyone cry out his name, and Piccolo even tried to follow him, but quickly lost him in the dark. The Saiyan sped down as quickly as he could. He couldn't see at all. The full moon shone, but it's light did not reach the earth's surface. Dark hands held the Earth gently, whispering an evil lullaby. The planet itself was dying. It was falling asleep in the dark even as Goku raced blindly across the sky in search of the one he loved most.

Little one... Are you alright? You seem so weary and worn. Come rest in the night, and when you wake up, all will be well once more.

That whispery laugh fell from Vegeta's mouth again, rising out of his throat like a breeze. His eyes shone red in the dark. Oh, the hunger burned. The dark blanketed him, almost blocking the moon. It was right in front of him now. Shadows of all the evil that had plagued the Earth in its last days danced around them. The air itself rang with their voices. Vegeta couldn't tell if it was music or screams. It was beautiful though, and it filled his soul to overflowing. The darkness touched him now, easing the cold his body felt.

He couldn't find him. He couldn't find him. Goku continued to search frantically. "Vegeta!" he cried. "Vegeta! Where are you!? Come back!" Deep in his mind, he felt a growing excitement and desire. It had found Vegeta, and Vegeta was ready for whatever it had to offer. "Vegeta, please! Wait! Just- wait, please! Not yet! Don't let it end yet! Please! Hold on!"

Little one... What is it you desire? I sense a great need in you, but it is not for rest. Tell me, and I shall grant it. You may have everything. This power is yours and yours alone. I have searched so long for you. Do you know who I am?

No... I do not. But I feel as if I should.

I know that it is not exactly a sound, but can your hear me? Does it sound at all familiar?

Yes. That's why I'm so confused. What are you? And why has this happened? I want to know.

Breaths. Inhaling the darkness. It was rejuvenating. Vegeta felt more awake than he'd ever felt before in this moment.

I don't think those are the questions you should be asking. Why, or how, isn't that important. There was no reason, really. It just was. What. Who. That is what's important. And as for when, well, the answer will always be eternity, no matter what the question is. Inside every spirit is what is known as life. Most beings imagine that life is bright, brighter and whiter than anything else in existence and beyond. That's not true. Life is dark. Like the Universe between the stars. But it is bright. Yes, the darkness can be bright.

Close. And warm. It made... more sense now. Bright darkness. Black life. Somehow it sounded even more beautiful than the more basic explanation of life.

Tell me more... please.

Goku could literally see the glowing mass of darkness. He must be there! He flew as fast as he could. "Vegeta!"

Vegeta turned away from the figure standing before him. He growled softly, confused. Kakarrot? No, I- I told you to leave...

He is coming for you?

Yes... I told Him to go somewhere safe.

And is it not safe here with me? It sounded amused. Besides, we're not finished talking yet, are we? It smiled gently.

Goku halted at the edge. It was so quiet. He could literally hear his own heart, even though it was surprisingly calm. He landed and slowly walked forward into the dark. "Vegeta?"

I would hurry, little one.

YOU haven't told me who YOU are. Vegeta narrowed his eyes. I'm guessing from the way YOU spoke of it before, YOU're some kind of life energy. Now who are YOU?

The darkness itself smiled.

"Vegeta?"

I'm a little disappointed. I expected you to guess the moment this all began. Little one... I am You. You are Me. We are the Darkness. This so-called "illness" that has ended almost all life on Your planet is You. This torture that weakens Your body is You. Have You so easily forgotten? This power that I hold is Yours. You are infinity, eternity. You are You. You are Him. You are Darkness. You are Death. You are Life. You are the sickness. You are a cure. You are no one... and everyone. You are the Multiverse itself. I know it doesn't make sense to You, but it will... It will...

Really...?

Hm. Yes.

Goku could see them. He could see Vegeta and this... thing, standing face-to-face. It was beautiful and hideous at the same time. Vegeta looked very calm, although a bit confused. "Vegeta! Get away from that thing! Vegeta!"

They looked his way for a moment, then back at each other.

I would hurry, little one. What is it You desire?

I... I want to join with YOU. The way I have with Him.

The dark form tilted its head. But... that will break the bond.

Yes, I... I know. But I want this! Do it!

Goku saw the darkness draw closer to his mate. Time seemed to move at a snail's pace. He saw the flash of Vegeta's bloody teeth, and black fangs reaching out to... his left shoulder. "Vegeta!" Goku screamed, scrabbling forward. What was he doing!? What was he doing!? "Vegeta! Vegeta, no! No!"

White light flashed from the wound on the creature's shoulder, and black blood sprayed from Vegeta's. Goku felt what remained of the link shatter and die, and his heart felt as if it was ripped in two. He hit the ground as if he'd been thrown and writhed in both mental and physical agony. The darkness around him screamed with a billion voices. He looked up just in time to see Vegeta stagger a step back, then launch forward with talons raised. He thrust them up into the creature's throat, then pulled it partly over his shoulder before twisting his arm and slamming it to the ground. The long claws were shoved clear through the beast's head, and light poured out of it. The screams grew even louder. All of the shadows were sucked into the main form and it imploded on itself and vanished in a burst of light.

Goku was thrown back several feet, blinded. He tumbled across the ground and eventually came to a stop. He gasped. The pain was gone. Goku stumbled to his feet and saw Vegeta standing where he'd been the whole time. He was staring at the ground a few feet in front of him, silent and motionless. Everything that had happened to him during the four months of disease seemed to have been reversed. He looked perfectly healthy once more. "Vegeta!" he called.

Vegeta fell to his knees, then fully hit the ground.

Goku raced forward. "Vegeta!" He dropped to the ground beside him, scooping him up in his arms. "Vegeta, can you hear me!? Wake up! Vegeta!?"

Some of the others landed with them, dashing over. Goku didn't see them, didn't hear them. There was no link. He was alone. His mind was empty, with no sign of his other half. "Vegeta!? Vegeta!? You've gotta wake up! Please! Can you hear me!? Vegeta!" Unknowingly he exploded into his mastered God transformation. He clung to the fallen Prince almost hard enough to shatter him. He couldn't breathe. He couldn't think. His heart pounded like it would explode.

It was over.

Vegeta had won.