DB series Story collection

Point of No return- last chapter

"Well, what have we here?" Vegeta finally asked out loud, locking eyes with Raditz. "You were all going on a little vacation, and I wasn't invited?"

"You said you didn't want to come," Raditz countered. When he saw the way Vegeta's eyes darkened with rising anger, Raditz gave a brief nod of respect and quickly spoke before he earned any retaliation. "Apologies, Vegeta. I just thought you said-"

"I said to let me know when you would be leaving, didn't I?" Vegeta interrupted.

"Well, we're leaving now to Namek, so now you know," Goku cut in before Raditz could answer, immediately drawing Vegeta's attention. Though he was speaking with his usual kind tone, Goku's right hand was clenched into a tight fist out of instinct, his senses on full alert. "Is there anything else you needed, Vegeta?"

"Now that you ask, there is indeed something I need," Vegeta responded in a mockingly kind voice. He pushed himself off the wall, walking past them until he slowly started circling the space pod Bulma had been looking at. He examined it carefully. The prince put one gloved hand on the pod, and without looking up, he casually asked, "Do I have your word, Kakarot, that you will do this mission as you claim and wish my son back to life?"

Goku and Raditz exchanged a brief look, before the younger brother answered, "We're going to do our best, Vegeta. If we only get one wish, then we're wishing for Piccolo back to restore the Earth's Dragon Balls."

"The woman already mentioned that, and after some thought, I think that would make the most sense. But the question is, how can I trust that you will do as you say, hmm?" Vegeta casually asked, continuing to circle the space pod. It was in much better condition than the abandoned space pod he had found. Vegeta finally looked back at Goku, distrust darkening his features. "How do I know you're not going to wish for ultimate strength in order to defeat me?"

"My concern right now is wishing everyone back that we've lost," Goku seriously informed him. "All the innocent people that have died here, and all of our friends. We're bringing them all back. Trunks is your son but he's also Bulma's son and my friend. We're going to wish him back, I guarantee it."

Vegeta was silent as he studied the younger Saiyan in front of him, casually drumming his fingers on top of the space pod while he contemplated what to do. Bulma, Raditz, and Gohan were both anxiously looking back and forth between them. The air was tense for time that seemed much longer than it was, until Vegeta finally gave a conceding nod.

"Your intentions are true, Kakarot, but the problem is that I'm not sure I trust you to follow through when you're finally asked to make any wish you want. Speaking like this is fine here on your home planet, but when the time comes, will you stand by your words in the face of that temptation?"

"Yes," Goku asserted with a nod. "I will."

"I'm not sure I believe that," Vegeta sneered. "I think I need a stronger guarantee than your word."

Goku awkwardly scratched the back of his head, frowning in puzzlement. "Um, sure, like what?"

Vegeta's dark eyes shifted to Bulma briefly, making the heiress shrink back a little behind Goku. The prince then looked over in Gohan's direction. Goku didn't like that one bit, nor did he like the scheming smirk that spread over Vegeta's face.

"Your son will stay here on this planet while you travel to Namek with your brother," Vegeta announced, looking back up at Goku with a smug look. "I will be listening to these communication devices this woman made. You do as you say, and all will be well. You don't do as you say and interfere with bringing my son back, and neither of us will have a son anymore-"

In a flash, Goku was right in front of the prince, but Vegeta was faster. Goku barely had time to pull back the punch he'd been aiming for Vegeta's jaw, when the prince reappeared right behind Gohan. Goku spun back towards him, his jaw tight with hot fury when Vegeta just laughed.