Madness

Alternate- Dark 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!"