In Your Dreams

Chapter 1

In Your Dreams: Chapter 1

Another dream about Kakarotto. This one was more intense than the others; clearer to his mind's eye. The younger Saiyajin was calling out to him, asking for help.

Vegeta ran his fingers through his hair as he drew in a deep breath. He stared up at the dark ceiling above him and listened to the chirp of the crickets outside his window. It was the middle of the night and thanks to another haunting dream about Kakarotto, he was wide awake.

It had been six years now since the other Saiyajin had left with the dragon. At first he'd been angry that his rival and sparring partner had once again disappeared and left him to live out a boring life alone amongst humans, but it wasn't long before that anger gave way to sadness. Yes, he was sad about the other man's departure from this world. He wasn't the only one, of course. Everyone who had known Kakarotto was upset, but, as the Earth saying goes, ''Out of sight, out of mind''. They all moved on.

He had not.

Not long after Kakarotto had left, Vegeta began to see the younger man in his dreams. At first they were just small glimpses of him; a tail disappearing around a corner, a lopsided smile, the flash of black eyes. But then as time went on and the years began to pass, the prince's dreams became increasingly disturbing. He began to see Kakarotto, the younger version who had left with the dragon, caged and calling out for help. Sometimes he'd find himself in a cold, sterile looking room surrounded by men in white coats. These humans were always speaking in low voices and looking down at clipboards as they scurried about. He could never hear what they were saying, but he knew who they were talking about.

Kakarotto.

The younger Saiyajin was the focus of the men in lab coats. They were studying him, testing him. Often he'd find himself frustrated with his inability to help Kakarotto as he watched the humans stick him with needles, making him scream and thrash about as he was held still with restraints that had been strapped around his wrists and ankles.

Shouldn't he be able to manipulate his dreams? Shouldn't he be able to destroy these humans and save Kakarotto?
He thought so, but he couldn't. Each time he'd rush forward to help his hands would pass right through the younger Saiyajin like vapor. All he could do was watch.

He watched for the next several years. Watched as Kakarotto's 12 year old form grew into that of a teenagers, as his body was subjected to test after test, as he cried, as he lashed out in anger, as he steadily began to give in, as the will to fight disappeared. And worst of all he'd watch as Kakarotto's eyes seemed to meet his own, as if they were really in the same room, and he'd silently beg for help.

''Morning Vegeta.''

''Hn.''

Bulma looked up from her morning paper and watched as her former lover shuffled past her and poured himself a hot cup of coffee. He had dark circles under his eyes and his skin seemed pale. She waited until he took a seat across from her before she spoke.

''You don't look so good. Another bad night?''

She was aware that the prince wasn't sleeping well. His insomnia began shortly after Goku left, but the past couple of years it seemed like he never slept. Bulma had even resorted to offering him tranquilizers in order to force him into a deep slumber, and much to her surprise, the Saiyajin had agreed. Unfortunately, a forced sleep was not a restful one.

''Hn.''

Bulma sighed. ''Vegeta, maybe if you would tell me what's bothering you I could help.''