House of Vegeta Chronicles

A/U

HOV CHRONICLES 16

Humoz walked solemnly about the great castle halls, accompanied by
his parents. In silence he mulled the strange dinner invitation from
his prince. He felt jittery, nervous.

A thick finger poked his side. "What's your problem, cub?"

"Ah...ha?"

Edlakk shook his head at his son. He was thickly built, a solid
second class of the Segg clan. His heavy, dark brown beard was
clipped and shaped severely. The elder donned his best dress armor
for the occasion.

"Stop stumbling along, boy...it's not as if you've never been in the
castle before!"

Humoz sighed, observing endless saiyans milling about. Military and
elite alike frequented the massive halls at virtually all hours.

Gora stared in wonderment at the activity. "The castle is amazing."
her voice was hushed. "See the tapestries and paintings everywhere?
Not to mention the beautiful sculptures."

Edlakk winked at her. "Almost as lovely as you, my dear. Blue taffeta
goes best with your tail."

Gora grinned, flirting. "Watch your own tail. I might bite later!"

"Will you two cut it out?" Humoz growled. "What if some elites hear
you?"

Gora laughed, jewels sparkling in her braided hair. "Afraid we'll
bring down the property values, boy? I doubt our Ou agrees with you,
else he wouldn't have invited us to dinner!"

"But why? I don't get it."

The slim saiyan shrugged bronzed shoulders. "Who cares? We'll be the
envy of everyone in the neighborhood. Perhaps the last few months
will be well worth it, if-"

"Gora" Edlakk hissed, motioning her to silence.

Humoz was crestfallen. "Is that what you think, mother?"

She moved to embrace her son. "You're too sensitive, boy. I meant
nothing. This is a time of celebration, not regret."

"I regret many things."

Gora shook her stubborn offspring. "Still mooning over that ovee?"

"That's enough. And keep your voice down!!"

"Huuh" Edlakk snorted. "We know the rumors, boy."

Humoz shook his head fiercely. "So? What of them-"

"Admittedly, it would be status-"

"Is that it?" the younger saiyan hissed, looking about
nervously. "Are we trash that gropes for every favor?"

Gora sniffed, smiling at passerby. "Hardly. But consider the future,
boy. Your rash decision could prove costly in the end."

Humoz sulked as they walked the castle. "I brought no shame to our
clan."

"Then do the right thing!" Edlakk hissed.

"I did!!"

"You know what I mean. Did you even _think_ this through?"

Gora rounded on her son also. "Hot blood makes weak brains. Do you
keep up the news?"

Humoz sighed. "As much as I can without arousing suspicion."

Edlakk gripped his son's arm briefly. "We know what this cost you.
Never think we aren't on your side."

"Hai" Gora agreed, squeezing Humoz on the hand.

The young warrior smiled slightly. "It's hard being rational about
this-"

Edlakk glanced down an ornate hallway, seeing traffic part. "Hold. It
seems our hosts arrive."

Servants, officers and courtesans alike parted and bowed. An
elaborately dressed entourage walked the great halls, blaring horns.

"STAND ASIDE, ALL. VEGETA OU AND HIS ROYAL CLAN GREET THEIR GUESTS."

Humoz, Gora and Endlokk bowed as their king approached, Bardock at
his side. Directly behind them were the Ouji and Kakarot, while
Raditz brought up the rear.

A hush fell over everyone.

Humoz found his voice. "As _ukrei_ (heir) of my family, I thank our
rulers for this gracious invitation."

The Ou waved at them majestically. "Come, attend us to the royal
dining area. A feast is prepared."

The second class saiyan family glanced nervously at the royals.

"I...ah...must also extend my appreciation." Edlakk stammered.

The Ou smirked. "Be at ease, Edlakk. You are my guests. Now come!"

****

In silence they walked down another hallway.

Raditz glided alongside his brothers, keeping his voice low. "You two
are behind this...I don't know what game-"

"No game." the Ouji hissed back. "Quiet, before father hears you."

Radtiz started to say something but paused as Bardock glanced
backward. He glared at Kakarot next.

/This stinks with your name./

Kakarot glanced at him casually. /Go to hell./

/I'll kick your ass there myself!!/

The Ouji growled quietly. /Enough, you two!!/

****

The group seated themselves at a polished, red marble table. It was
fancifully decorated with expensive linens and gold plates. A water
fountain graced the center, full of submerged gemstones. Brocaded
velvet covered the walls in deep purple, and muted green cords
matched additional panels for privacy.

Gora and Edlakk stared openmouthed at the opulence. Bardock could
only smile at their reaction. It was much the same for him when a
young Ou captured a certain third class warrior so long ago...

"Milords, this is beautiful beyond compare." Gora breathed, glancing
about.

"Ai, such class." Edlakk breathed. "Tales pale in comparison."

The Ou laughed richly. "I'm glad you appreciate the decor."

"Ah, my Ou...I have a question?" A nervous Humoz swallowed. "We're
surely honored, but why..."

"Why were you invited to dinner? Your prince was the source."

A confused Humoz glanced at the Ouji. "But my clan? Surely, this is a
surprise!"

Vegeta no Ouji enjoyed his discomfort. "Be seated, all of you." he
waved generously.

Edlakk and Gora glanced at each other before sitting. Raditz moved
beside Humoz to their left. The imperial guard spared his friend an
appreciative glance.

/Yakke. You look marvelous with those braids, a warlord./

Raditz stared straight ahead at everyone. /Hn. What's going on?/

/Don't have a clue. We were practically summoned./

Bardock noted the silent exchange. "You two seem distracted. Perhaps
a well prepared meal will force your attention."

The Ou clapped his hands together. "Attend." he said simply. Servants
appeared from nowhere with wines, fruits and sweetmeats. Ceramic
bowls and plates were set everywhere.

Gora eyed the platters hungrily. "Truly a feast for the gods. I could
eat a dozen hervu ears!"

Kakarot observed the food settings. "Hai, serca (madam). Enjoy
yourself, there's plenty for all."

Gora smiled. "Ai, handsome one. Well do I remember you, Kakarot."

The dark saiyain blinked in surprise. "You do?"

Gora snickered. "Hn, assuredly. Everytime I saw you with Raditz, you
were eating a bone. Of course you were all legs and arms at the time!"

Kakarot laughed. "I guess it seemed that way."

The Ou coughed. "Now, then. Would our guests care to grace the food?"

"Allow me, my Ou." Edlakk stood formally. He held out a hand.

"Up the liver and down the gut, with a frown gag it down!!"

The saiyans dug in without preamble.

****

An awkward silence hung in the air after the first courses were
eaten. Raditz made an attempt at casual conversation.

"Ah, delicious. But where are the chibis?"

Bardock glanced at Kakarot and Prince Vegeta. "A good question. I
suspect the naa'ti (nursekeepers) have them."

Raditz was curious. "Why didn't they eat with us?"

His elder shrugged. "Someone else knows better than me."

"What's that supposed to mean, father?"

"It means you haven't finished those fish livers yet." the Ou
interrupted. "And don't forget to try the creamed worms."

Humoz grinned. "The Ou humors us like children."

The Ouji grabbed a bowl of worms in white custard sauce. "Even so,
Humoz. Parents always regard their own as cubs, hn?"

The young officer stared at his prince. "Ah, yes. I think I know what
you mean-"

"Once claimed always claimed." Kakarot shrugged. "No matter the
circumstance."

Gora appeared uncomfortable. "Your point, ouijan?"

"I'd like to know myself." Bardock snorted. "This is-"

"Pass the candy snake skins!" the Ouji nearly shouted. "It's a crime
to let them get cold."

Raditz glanced at Humoz. "Not to change the subject, but why are the
naa'ti keeping the cubs? I would've thought-"

Edlakk coughed loudly. "How are our local politicians handling the
war?"

That earned him several stares. Gora waved her hands nervously.

"My mate is abrupt at times. But we hear talk of escalation. Is it
so?"

The Ouji smirked, folding his arms. "Indeed...but much information is
classified in elite circles. The necessity of secrets, I'm afraid."

The second class saiyans nodded in confusion.

"Everything will be revealed eventually." Kakarot piped up,
immediately stuffing his face again.

"Word is that Frieza's inital attacks have been contained." Edlakk
continued. "Not that my son shares intelligence data!"

"He should share more." the Ouji said shortly, sticking a bone in his
mouth.

Humoz blinked. "That's a mighty bizarre statement, prince-"

"Whatever." Kakarot again. "Imperial officers are pretty selective in
what they reveal, anyway."

"What the hell does that mean, Kakarot?!" Raditz demanded.

The Ouji held out another bowl. "Have some toasted deer tails."

"Frieza will fall." Gora stated resolutely. "What sane being thinks
to captivate saiyans? A folly for which he'll pay dearly!"

"Agreed, mother." Humoz nodded. "I for one feel quite confident about
the war."

The Ou stared. "Not an uncommon belief among the young." he glanced
about meaningfully.

"Of course we'll do our own share of fighting, Ou." Edlakk
grunted. "I've an old score to settle with that worm!"

Bardock showed keen interest. "Do tell."

****

The conversation settled on politics and war for quite some time.
Raditz felt mellow, his belly full of food. A furry coil captured his
calf under the table.

/Cut it out!/

Humoz gave a sly smile. /You're too freaking sexy. Let's blow this
scene and go somewhere dark./

The maned saiyan growled softly. /Horny bastard. Go hump a rock!/

Humoz snickered. /I plan to!!/

Kakarot glanced over at them. "Something wrong? You two seem busy."

Raditz glared back. "Nothing, loon. How's your food?"

The wild one glanced down at his empty plate. "Damn good. But the
main course is coming up!"

"What are you babbling about?" the Ou blinked. "We're on the fifth
course now!"

"Ah, but there's still dessert, father." the Ouji was smug.

"Eh?"

"Just desserts, you might say!"

"I don't get it." Edlokk shrugged. Gora rolled her eyes.

The Ouji waved them off. "You're our guests. Be at ease, we've a
surprise coming up. Wrapped in a neat package, no less!"

"Have you all been drinking?" the Ou demanded.

Humoz glanced sidelong at Raditz. /What the hell is going on here?/

"Damned if I know." the maned saiyan murmured. "But it still stinks."

"Agreed!!" Bardock bellowed suddenly, overhearing. "The body of a
royal and the brains of an ass."

The Ou laughed.

"There's no impropriety here!" the Ouji nearly shouted.

"What are we in the middle of?" Gora wondered, looking askance at her
husband.

"A family argument?" Edlokk supplied.

Humoz began to rise formally. "Perhaps we should leave the royal
family to their own affairs. We thank you for your hospitality-"

Kakarot yanked him back down. "Bedante. Stay where you are."

"Are you insane, Kakarot?!" Humoz snarled.

"Stay a bit. You've got a lot to say-"

"I'm about to say something in a minute." the Ou warned, clearly
annoyed. "Before I fry a few backsides."

"Grab Humoz again and you'll deal with me, Kakarot." Raditz warned,
tail puffing.

"Oh, so it's like that, huh? Well if you two want to be alone-"

"ENOUGH!" Vegeta Ou roared. "Idiots. Were you all raised in a barn?!
None disgrace their heritage to my face."

"I've about had it as well." Bardock said shortly, growling at the
youngsters.

"Hn, a good fight might remedy the problem." Edlokk snarled also. "I
sense insult to my kin-"

"There will be none here." the Ou informed him. "You're invited
guests."

Kakarot stood abruptly, cracking his knuckles. "One at a time or all
together!!"

Bardock nearly jerked him backwards. "Krukka. Estande, fool!!"

Kakarot fell into his chair, cursing. "Hell, we've eaten already. Why
not??"

Raditz lifted a fist. "Get up again!"

The Ouji pointed a finger. "You don't have a clue, Raditzsu!"

"You wanna fight too, Vegeta? Works for me!!"

"Against a super saiyan?!"

"I'm sick of hearing that shit-"

A loud roar silenced everyone. The Ou crashed a fist over the marble
table, cracking it.

"Misbegotten imbeciles!! You display this ignorance in public? I've
seen funky ragtails with more class."

The younger saiyans fell to silence, sullen.

Gora sniffed haughtilly. "Inbreds." she murmured. Edlokk smirked.

"What was that?!" the Ou demanded.

"Nothing, my king. The children are spirited today, no?"

"Spirited and stupid." Bardock commented.

"Tis no excuse." the Ou added. "Perhaps the ublani wine is too strong-
"

The ouji clapped his hands together suddenly. "All will be revealed.
Verdis, bring the chibis!!"

"Chibis?" Humoz paled.

"Yeah, chibis." Kakarot snorted. "What's wrong, you have a problem
with cubs?"

"Kakarot." Bardock warned again.

"Don't bother, father. My fist will do enough in a minute." Raditz
snarled again.

The Ou stared at the prince. "Why are you summoning Verdis, of all
people?"

The ouji waved casually. "Well, she assisted the naa'ti
(nursekeepers) today."

"So?"

"She requested care duties for today. She hadn't seen the babies
since they were born."

The Ou sat back carefully, his expression blank. "The whole castle is
crazy."

Further conversation halted at a sound. A lanky saiyan in
multilayered robes glided into the room, her arms full. Bright faces
peeped about as shiny eyes blinked. Three chibis chirped happily.

Gora and Edlokk went white with shock. It didn't go unnoticed by the
others. Bardock turned to the second class.

"What is it-"

Humoz leaped up, covering his face awkwardly. "If you all would
excuse me!"

Raditz gawked at him. "Humoz, what the hell?"

"Nothing! I've got to-"

Verdis stood in confusion, holding her bundles. "Was I in error?" she
glanced at the ouji.

The prince frowned. "No, I summoned you."

Humoz stooped over, putting both hands over his face. His parents
shook their heads in dismay.

Kakarot laughed. "And they call _me_ a loon!"

Raditz grabbed his companion by the arm. "What are you doing. Have
you lost your mind?!"

"Raditz, let me go!!" Humoz hissed. Too late. One bright face in
particular looked his way.

Xenna started screaming.

****

Bardock glanced from Humoz to his granddaughter. "Krukka!" dark eyes
went wide in comprehension.

Xenna's cries set off Nuru and Tezar. They started shrieking also,
rattling the adults to the core.

"Should I put them down?" Verdis asked nervously. "I can't explain
why they're acting this way!"

"Ask HIM" the ouji pointed in accusation, his handsome features
pinched in anger.

Xenna wouldn't stop. Like a banshee she squalled, kicking and
stretching for Humoz.

Raditz was stunned momentarily. "Give her to me!!"

Kakarot plucked Nuru and Tezar from Verdis' arms. "C'rdani. Shh,
cubs!!" he bounced them to quiet.

Humoz started to move again, his forearm over his face now. "My
apologies, Ou. I must leave-"

"The hell you will!!" Bardock bounded to his feet, grabbing Humoz. He
slammed the younger saiyan back into his seat.

Gora and Edlokk were next to attempt a quick exit. "With apologies
for our son, we respectfully ask-"

"STAY WHERE YOU ARE." the Ou bellowed, his voice rattling every plate
on the table.

Another crash. Five burly saiyan guards burst into the chamber, stun
poles at the ready. One spoke.

"Is everything alright in here, Ou?" a gravelly voiced saiyan barked.

Vegeta Ou shouted above the chibi's din. "Aye, Pungg. Go back. This
is a family dispute!"

The thickset saiyan grunted, nodding for his group to exit. Cavernous
doors boomed shut behind them.

The Ou rounded on the others. "I want explanations. NOW."

Raditz blinked. "Family dispute?!" he stared at Humoz, who seemed to
shrink before his eyes.

The Ouji rubbed Nuru to calm, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "The
ENTIRE family, you might say! Ask Humoz, father. Then let him tell
Raditz!!"

Verdis stood in the center of the floor, looking for somewhere to
go. "Ah, if I'm no longer needed-"

The King waved her off. "Begone. What follows isn't for your ears
anyway."

****

There was a beat of silence as Xenna nearly exhausted herself with
cries. In vain Raditz tried to calm her. He looked worriedly at
everyone.

"She doesn't smell sick, but I don't know what to do!!"

Humoz couldn't take anymore. "I do. Give her to me." his voice
dropped in defeat.

Stunned, Raditz handed her over. The chibi clung to Humoz like a
vine, snuffling and hiccuping. Plump little hands clutched and held
close.

"Xenna." Humoz murmured, burying his face in her hair.

Raditz sat openmouthed. "What?"

Kakarot glanced at his mate. /It's true! We were right./

Small nod in response. /Aye, koi. Now what will Raditz do?/

Gora and Edlakk hung their heads in silence. Humoz kissed Xenna
wildly, tasting her tears. The chibi purred quietly, coiling her tail.

The Ou's face clouded in anger. "Explain. All of you!!"

Edlakk found his voice. "I...it's my fault, my king. I pressured my
son into giving the chibi away-"

"Are you insane?!"

A sigh. "Maybe...we knew with the war coming up prospects might not
be good for a single parent."

"And keeping the truth from me was better?!" Raditz roared. "Where
the hell do you get off? What right-"

Gora glared, her eyes glittering and damp. "You know nothing of our
situation at the time, Raditz. We would've gladly taken the chibi
while Humoz needed help-"

"I was there!!"

"You were off planet at the time. And it was my understanding the two
of you were in another one of your breakups!!"

Raditz turned to Humoz. "You still had no right to keep her from me!"

"I know. We need to talk."

Raditz growled again. "Damn straight."

Bardock snarled next. "Hn! You've much to answer for, Humoz."

The ouji chimed in next. "How DARE you abandon your own cub!!"

"I didn't abandon her!!" Humoz shouted, his voice cracking. "I love
her. I just thought...she'd be cared for better at the palace. My
head wasn't on straight."

Kakarot snorted. "And it is now? Or will you change your mind again?!"

Humoz clutched his daughter. "Never. I can't!"

Gora plucked up the now quiet Xenna, cuddling. "We're equally at
fault. Humoz didn't even know if Raditz would accept her. He was so
adamant about his freedom."

Raditz took pause at that. "Maybe, but I'd never reject my own cub.
It's a poor excuse."

Humoz looked away. "I regret not telling you-"

"I should break your fucking neck!!"

The Ou watched the exchange long enough, holding his own anger in
check. "I could have you all beheaded for this." he said evenly.

The second class saiyans wilted.

Edlokk managed to speak. "Spare us, Ou...we love our chikki. Don't
deny her!"

Vegeta Ou continued, glaring at Humoz. "That stunt you
pulled...leaving Xenna at the castle steps. It was risky and stupid."

"I didn't know what else to do." Humoz breathed.

"Coward!!" Kakarot yelled, tail puffed. "Were you that afraid?"

"Yeah, Kakarot. I was. How could I assume support from Raditz?"

"You could have asked, asshole!" Kakarot rose from his seat.

The Ou glanced his way. "Sit, loon. No fighting unless I say." he
watched the prince next. "And no revenge, either."

The ouji started up, teeth flashing. "But-"

"But nothing, Vegeta. I know you!"

Edlokk kissed Xenna. "What happens now?"

"I decide whether to let you walk out of here."

"Humoz is mine, Ou." Raditz closed his jaws with a snap.

Regal features tightened as the king nodded. "As you will, Raditzsu."

Gora spoke up next. "We still want to see her!"

"You demand, second class?"

"No. I beg leniency here. For myself, my husband and son."

Edlokk fumed. "Woman, you can't-"

The Ou rose from his seat regally, robes fanning out. "Begone. I'll
make my decision by next week." he snapped his fingers. Guards burst
into the dining chamber, looking for a fight.

"Escort these from the castle. Take the short route."

The heavyset Pungg grinned at his charge, waving more guards in.

"We'll take out the trash, King."

****

Raditz held out a hand. "A boon, my King."

Vegeta Ou turned. "Raditz?"

"Allow Humoz to remain an hour or so. I would speak before I wring
his neck."

Humoz sighed. "Raditz-"

"Quiet." Bardock barked. "I'm sick of your damned whining. You think
a chibi is disruptive? What the hell do you think Raditz went
through?"

"I didn't think-"

"No shit. You damned near turned his life upside down as well!"

"Don't howl at my son." Edlokk snapped. "He made a mistake he
regrets!"

"You're on the way out, Edlokk. And unless your ki has suddenly
multiplied, I suggest you shut your face."

Kakarot leered, his tail lashing nervously. "A good thought,
father...maybe we should help the guards!"

The ouji stood next, his tail also coiling. "Why wait? I say-"

"Both of you sit before I have you sedated!" the Ou bellowed. They
watched in silence as Edlokk and Gora were herded out. Humoz stood,
watching them go.

"Don't worry, ejalke (parents) we'll work this out."

"You'd better!" Edlokk grunted as he was shoved through golden doors.

****

"Insolent second class." the ouji sniffed, plopping down. "They think
beyond their station, yet have more breeding than ragtails."

"Maybe I should've kept Xenna." Humoz growled.

"Being her saba buys you some leeway, but don't push it."

"Don't mistake me, prince. Leaving Xenna was wrong, but there isn't a
saiyan alive I fear."

Eyebrows went up at that. Raditz felt an odd surge of pride, despite
his anger.

Kakarot still stood at the table, smirking. "So. You've raised a
notch in my estimation. Still don't have a chance, but what the hell!"

"If that's an invitation, I'm more than capable."

"You'll last for awhile, anyway." Bardock stated. "You and Raditzsu,
get out. Xenna stays here with us!"

"Ai, leave." the Ou gathered a chirping Nuru up. "Looking at you
annoys me right now. Resolve your affairs."

Raditz stood abruptly, grabbing Humoz. "Let's go."

****

The night was a quiet counterpoint to an otherwise chaotic day.
Conversation played out in two private chambers. In one, the heir
ascendant and his mate discussed the day's events.

Kakarot and Vegeta sprawled in the plush comfort of their huge bed.
Nuru and Tezar played on piles of satin cushions, tumbling off and
climbing over their parents. All wore matching pajamas with the seal
of Vegeta emblazoned on silk sleeves.

Vegeta yawned sleepily. "A wild day, koi."

Kakarot nuzzled affectionately, burying his nose against a musky
neck. "Too wild, Vegeta. It's a shame we couldn't get a decent fight."

The ouji nipped his mate's ear. "Hn, I suspect Raditz has that taken
care of right now. He was seriously pissed at Humoz."

"With good reason. Leaving your own cub is deplorable."

"I think he had reasons, however misguided."

"They were bad ones, Vegeta. And he underestimates Raditz."

The ouji peeped at their own cubs as they slipped under layers of
fur. "Fear and insecurity can ruin any saiyan, Kakarot. I doubt Humoz
even had confidence in himself to raise Xenna."

"His parents were in on it, too."

"Hardly blameless. Still, they were concerned for their brood. I
can't condemn them for that at least."

Kakarot sat up slowly, his tousled mop shading dark features. His
pajama shirt hung loosely off a bronzed shoulder. "What's to be done
about their visitation rights?"

Vegeta waved his tail high. "I believe father will be fair."

"If it were your decision to make, what would you do?"

"Beat the shit out of Humoz then let him visit his daughter."

Kakarot smiled, plopping over his mate. "I thought so."

The ouji sighed blissfully. "Hopefully Raditz and Humoz can reach
agreement. Xenna needs both parents."

Kakarot scooped up the chibis, squashing them all together. "This is
definitely...what it's all about!"

The pair suckled kisses while their babies growled at being squeezed.

****

In the eastern chambers the progenitors of Vegetaseii's first family
also curled lazily together. Bronzed forms wrapped in a fur cocoon
near a fireplace. A bright eyed Xenna lay comfortably between them,
snug and warm. Plump jaws munched quietly on a large bone.

"Hn."

"Say it, Bardock."

"I would protect her from the world, Vegeta. You know that."

The Ou laughed gently. His eyes were warm on Xenna. "Ai, the world
and a universe."

Bardock tickled the small nose. Xenna whuffed, yawning.

"Someone's sleepy."

Needle teeth knawed his finger. The dark saiyan smiled at his
granddaughter.

The Ou settled back a bit, observing. "You're in a rare mood
tonight."

"How so?"

"I rarely see you so...unguarded."

"Several things ran through my mind today. Mostly about the past."

The Ou was curious now. "Xenna's situation?"

Bardock's eyes clouded. "I was thinking about the obstacles we went
through with our cubs."

"We overcame them all."

"So many disastrous turns, though. Raditz wasn't the only one who
wanted to snap Humoz' neck."

Vegeta growled to himself. "Ai, to be young and stupid. Live for the
moment, let blood run high."

Bardock nuzzled Xenna, who chirped. "We're hardly in a postion to
talk, Vegeta...I seem to remember a lot of running and rolling
myself."

The Ou licked a golden throat. "Hn...even so. A howl here and there,
maybe..."

"I wonder where those two are."

"Which two?"

Bardock punched his mate in the arm. "Raditz and Humoz!"

Thick brows knitted. "They'd better be talking, Bardock. One chibi
from this madness is enough!"

Bardock yawned, stretching back into piles of fur. "That noise seems
familiar, too. Our children have a propensity for impulsiveness."

"I plan to do a bloodline check on Humoz."

"What for? He's second class, and a prime commando."

The Ou rolled Xenna into his lap. "Now that his family is tied to
ours it becomes critical. I want no defects or kinks!"

"But Xenna is fine!"

"Ai, even though the bones in her tail are rough. But if another cub
comes along..."

"Ah, I see."

Vegeta clutched his head. "At this rate, we'll need a tournament to
determine the future ruler of Vegetaseii. Krukka, I'm getting a
headache!!"

Bardock laughed. "Aren't you getting ahead of yourself?"

"Are you naive enough to think they'll stop at one?"

A shrug. "I wouldn't know. I doubt if they do either."

The Ou coiled tails under fur. "Must ALL of our cubs drop babies like
rain? They roll and scream, never planning anything!"

"No, not like us." Bardock teased, rubbing Xenna's tummy. The chibi
burbled happily.

"If you're referring to-"

"I can't help but feel for Humoz a little." Bardock was thoughtful,
gazing into the fire.

"What say you?"

Dark eyes narrowed on his mate. "I remember a royal skank who tricked
me with lies and deceit."

Vegeta Ou stared in indignation. "How dare you. Didn't I reveal all
our cubs?"

A snort. "Only by dropping them in my lap! I was always last to know."

"That isn't fair."

"Kingly perogative, I believe you said. Bullshit!"

"Will you ever let that go?!"

"Does any saiyan let ANYTHING go?!" Bardock looked his mate over
briefly. "Is that all?"

"All what!"

"We don't have another cub out there somewhere, hm?"

"Idiot."

"Just checking" Bardock flopped over Xenna. The chibi snarled thinly.

"Stop squashing our granddaughter, Bardock."

Bardock ignored the squirming cub. "A little squash doesn't hurt. How
do you think I kept Kakarot still when he was small?"

The Ou chuckled at a memory. "One time Vegeta nearly got all my toes
at once. I was so fed up I sat on his head."

Bardock leered. "That would be enough to keep _me_ quiet!"

"Hentai. He fell asleep soon after."

"Like his niece." Bardock glanced down. Xenna purred, tucked under
tightly. Bright eyes drooped in sleep.

The Ou pressed in as well. "Madness all around."

Bardock sighed. "What do you plan to do about Humoz?"

Vegeta paused. "I'll give him time to solve his problems. I suspect
Raditz is giving him more than he can handle right now."

"Remember what I said, koi...I know where he's coming from."

"You like him, don't you?"

"He impresses me and is fearless. Besides, I like his stink."

A growl. "For yourself, Bardock?!"

Sticky kiss. "Go to sleep, king. Your brains are turning to mush."

The Ou snuggled in, closing his eyes. "Good looking boy, I must
admit. Raditz chose well."

"Even if he won't admit it. I know he denies their bond."

Another yawn. "Useless. Blood will out."

"We should know better than any."

Xenna blinked momentarily, growling again. Laughing, her grandsires
kissed sleepy eyes, enclosing her in warmth.

"I think she wants us to be quiet." Vegeta grinned, eyes sparkling.

"Done." Bardock smiled, pulling the covers over them all.


THE END