House of Vegeta Highlights

A/U

HOUSE OF VEGETA HIGHLIGHTS 4

Kakarot was training several new students at the academy. Normally he
relished his job, but not today. He had a terrible sense of
foreboding.

Absently he watched saiyans of every description go through their
stretching exercises. His heart was heavy.

/What's wrong with me? I feel off.../

"Kakarot!!"

So preoccupied was the saiyan he didn't notice his brother
approaching with speed. Raditz all but raced his way, his massive
mane wild in the air.

"Raditz?!" Kakarot stared. "I thought you were on manuevers..."

The burly saiyan waved him off quickly. "Kakarot, we've got a family
emergency."

Cold fear gripped the younger saiyan. "What? Who. When?! Tell me-"

Raditz shook him. "Quiet, I say! We need to get to the Talmarr Med
Hospital right away."

Dark eyes were wild. "The chibis?! Vegeta!!"

"Kakarot-"

"No wait, I would have sensed that!!" his shouts halted the class
session as everyone stared.

Raditz gripped his arm. "Will you stop it!"

Kakarot nodded at his students. "Take a recess, I've got an
emergency."

****

They were barely inside Kakarot's office before he started yelling.

"So tell me!" he bellowed, tail lashing.

A sigh. "Kakarot...mother's in the hospital. She's very sick-"

"WHAT HAPPENED."

"Calm yourself, dammit! Remember the recent reports about viral
contaminants being planted-"

"At random locations!"

"Right. Another phase of Frieza's attack. She was exposed three days
ago-"

"I'll kill him." Kakarot snarled, pushing past his brother. Raditz
grabbed him.

"Fool! There's no time for that. We've got to get to the hospital!"

Kakarot wilted. "Is she dying, Raditz?"

"I...only know she's sick. The symptoms incubate over a period of
several hours."

"But if she-"

"We'll ask the doctors for specifics." he pulled his brother down a
hallway.

****

They raced like lunatics through the facility. Other saiyans
concerned for sick friends and family were shouting, fighting or
pacing in various waiting areas. Raditz and Kakarot stalked to an
information center. A hassled looking attendant sat at the front
counter.

"Hey!" Raditz shouted as they walked up.

The saiyan sniffed at them. He had a thin, bony face. "You got a
name?"

The burly saiyan glowered. "Yeah. We're here to see one of the viral
victims. Her name's Celipe of the Sasse Clan."

"Hn!" the saiyan attendant flipped through pages. "Ah, yes. One of
the accelerated cases-"

"What the hell does that mean!" Kakarot edged up, angry.

"You family?"

"We're her sons." Raditz replied impatiently. "Who's her doctor?"

The attendant looked down again momentarily. "Gotok. She's in room
115-A6."

"Where's her doctor?!" Kakarot demanded.

"He's in surgery right now. I can arrange a brief appointment for you
when he gets out."

Raditz nodded. "Thanks."

Kakarot was already moving. "This way!!"

****

As they approached Celipe's room, a familiar scent wafted nearby.

Raditz perked up. "Father's been here, Kakarot!"

The wild one looked about. "Recently, too. I think-"

Before either of them could speak further, Bardock appeared around a
bend in the hall. He motioned to them.

"Come on, I can answer your questions."

****

They sat in a nearby lobby. Bardock explained Celipe's condition in
detail.

"But she will recover?!" Kakarot asked nervously.

Bardock rested his head in his hands. "Ai, but the next fourteen
hours are critical."

Raditz was silent a moment. "Have you been here long?"

"Two hours I think."

The younger saiyans watched him. Bardock's expression darkened,
taking on a look of murderous fury. Both Kakarot and Raditz knew that
look. It meant someone would die painfully by revenge.

Kakarot found his voice. "You still care."

Bardock stood off, clenching his fists. "Frieza has another blood
debt to pay."

Raditz moved to his side. "Not alone, father. When the war is done, I
will personally string his guts in the castle halls. I've sworn this
already to our prince."

That distracted Bardock momentarily. "Why Vegeta?"

"He...a personal conversation."

Bardock growled. "I'll have that worm's head on a stick."

Kakarot embraced him. "She's strong, father. There's no way a virus
will defeat her."

The elder's tail puffed, twitching nervously. Raditz completed the
embrace, circling both.

/We'll all fight./

They continued to hold Bardock, sensing the tension. In truth, he was
about to explode.

"Sit down." Kakarot pulled gently. Silently, his father nodded,
dropping down in a soft chair. Raditz put a comforting hand on his
shoulder.

"Still a surprise after all these years, father."

"True. I never...expected to still feel this way. Not after
everything that's happened."

Kakarot coiled tails. "You were married a long time. Passion doesn't
die because you lead separate lives."

Bardock looked down, as if defeated. "I think about the things we
argued about. Why we broke up in the first place. And you know what?
None of that seems important now."

"We'll get through this, father. You aren't alone."

Dark eyes shone in gratitude. "No, never. I am...so very proud of you
both."

They hugged him again. Bardock endured their affection as long as he
could before pushing off. His voice was gruff again.

"Fools. You're here to see your mother, not hold my hand."

****

In quiet dread they went inside Celipe's room, wondering what to
expect. The third class saiyan lay quietly in her bed, eyes closed.
She was pale and thin, with dark circles under the normally
expressive eyes. Wild brown locks lay everywhere in a crazed tangle.

In silence they kissed her. Raditz swept his tail across her face
gently. Kakarot repeated the gesture before they sat on both sides of
the bed.

Celipe cracked a grin, eyes opening slowly. "Hn, I know that stink
anywhere." her voice was weak. "Hetani, my cubs."

Raditz nuzzled, fighting his emotions. "Mother, we're here."

"Hn" Celipe pursed her lips. "Thirsty."

Kakarot gave her a cup to sip from. Celipe gulped, draining it dry.

The wild one smiled. "Better?"

Sharp teeth flashed. "I will be when the worm dies. My assistant got
poisoned, too."

"Any deaths? We'll avenge them." Kakarot swore.

"No deaths...yet. But some at my facility are critical. Even worse
than me."

Raditz brushed her hair gently. "You have a fever. Have they given
you anything?"

"Ai, medications everywhere. Your father was here."

"We know. He's still out in the lobby."

Celipe looked distant, thinking. "First the gamma attacks, now viral
sicknesses. Geslani' krdaa! Stinking amphibian...I'll have his eyes
for an appetizer!!"

Kakarot forced a smile. "Sounds good, mother. Save seconds for us. We
plan to have liver sandwiches from him and Cooler."

"I nearly forgot about his brother. But who is worse?"

Raditz arranged Celipe's blankets. "Hard to say. Frieza's more petty,
but Cooler is on the vindictive side."

"Doesn't matter. They'll both burn."

Kakarot and Raditz fell silent, watching. Celipe drifted off before
speaking again.

"Your father looked...delicious today. Maybe we should have stayed
together."

Raditz and Kakarot looked at each other.

Celipe giggled. "Ai, maybe."

"Mother." Raditz looked at her sternly. "What about Rocco? Besides,
you can't go back. Too much has happened."

Kakarot nodded in agreement. "Maybe years ago, but not now."

Celipe sighed. "I know what you aren't trying to say."

Raditz watched her oddly. "Besides, we thought you and Rocco were
close."

"We are...why did I forget that?"

Kakarot kissed her hand. "Don't worry about it."

Celipe laughed now. "Must be the fever...or the medicine. Still, I
could give the Ou a run for his money!"

Kakarot looked worriedly at his brother. "I don't doubt that, but you
should concentrate on getting better."

"I will be as soon as these suckers give me some meat. I'm sick of
eating pesto."

"Krukka, they give you that?!" Raditz wondered.

"Ai. Now how are those pretty chibis?"

A grin. "Fat, loud and happy."

"Delightful. You'll have to bring them over soon."

"Hai, mosi. How long do you expect to be here?"

Celipe turned over slightly. "They tell me a week. Fever hasn't
broken yet, so I'm being monitored."

"You'll probably have an avalanche of visitors." Kakarot smiled again.

"Hn. Let's see, your uncle Yubloo called, swearing death to Frieza's
legions. Your grandparents plan to set fire to Cooler's tail
personally. And of course your cousins Nuvv, Xasa and Creida have
their poisons ready. I expect them all to come crashing in later."

Her sons laughed at that. "Well enough." Raditz agreed.

****

Celipe nearly drifted off again. The brothers rose to leave quietly.

"Someone will pay, Raditz."

"We've gone over that ground, Kakarot. A blood debt was called long
ago. You state the obvious!"

Kakarot bristled, his tail puffing to huge porportions. "Why wait for
the war. Shikkura, I'll go after the bastard right now!!"

Before Raditz could speak or move, the room crackled with energy. A
golden glow suffused the room as Kakarot burst into super saiyan. A
banshee shriek followed as the powerful saiyan raised his fists in
rage. Raditz glared at his brother.

"Asshole! This isn't helping-"

Shockingly, Celipe opened her eyes again. Her gaze was vague, unaware.

"Bardock?"

The question shocked both sons to silence. They approached her bed
again.

Raditz blinked. "Mother, what did you say?"

Celipe turned and stared at Kakarot, reaching up to touch his
cheek. "Be careful, Bardock. Too much is at stake, even for revenge."

Aqua eyes stared in confusion. "Mother, I don't understand?"

"Damn...overbred fool. Don't let hot blood destroy the secret. In
time...they can know. Not now!"

Kakarot was desperate now, holding her hands. "It's me, mosi. Not
father!"

Celipe stared at his golden hair, rambling on as if he hadn't
spoken. "Hn, I remember. Like the first time...and others. I knew
even before you told me. Still pissed at the Ou, eh? Udran'u, idiot.
You deserve it!!"

Raditz was worried now. "Kakarot, perhaps we should call an intern."

The golden saiyan shook his head. "Something's strange here..."

"No, go on." Celipe waved weakly. "I need to sleep now. Watch over
our cubs, Bardock. You'll know when the time is right."

She promptly fell asleep, snoring loudly. Kakarot powered down,
amazed.

Raditz stood at his side. "Let's go."

His brother could only nod. He paused to kiss Celipe again.

"We'll be back, mosi."

****

Their faces were closed as they entered the hallway. Bardock was
glaring at another saiyan as he passed by. It was Rocco, Celipe's
lover.

The tall saiyan nodded briefly. Bardock snarled in response.

"I think we'd better get over there." Raditz increased his pace.

Kakarot nearly blocked the saiyan's path. "Rocco. How goes it?"

"I'm here to see your mother. How is she?"

"Sleeping." Raditz stated shortly as Bardock approached. The hairs on
his neck stood up in warning.

"Why weren't you here before?!"

Rocco turned, snarling. "Since when do I answer to you?"

/Trouble/ Kakarot glanced at Raditz. His brother nodded in response.

Bardock faced Rocco. "Took you long enough to get here."

Rocco smirked, standing nose to nose. "I just got back from a purge,
Bardock. Celipe's sick, so pardon if I don't have time for bullshit."

Bardock launched himself. The pair crashed into a wall, knocking over
a guerney and medical supplies. Raditz and Kakarot chased after them,
pulling them apart.

"Bedande!!" Raditz roared. "Knock it off, both of you!"

"Get off of me, Raditzsu!!" Bardock roared. "I'm gonna tattoo my foot
on his ass."

"You and what blowhole army?!" Rocco struggled in Kakarot's grip.

"This is a hospital, in case you both forgot." Raditz hissed. "Take
this crap outside!"

Kakarot sniffed, grinning. "Maybe we should do a little skull
session."

"Hell to pay." Bardock snapped in response. "Let me go, Raditz! I
won't say it again."

"Only if you quit acting like a river ragtail." his son responded
ferally. Sharp teeth gleamed in challenge.

Bardock jerked free. He pointed a finger at Rocco. "You always show
up when it's convenient. I oughta-"

"Be careful what you say." the other saiyan responded. "Fancy trash
is still trash, Bardock. At least I didn't sleep my way to the
castle!!"

The rest was a blur. Rocco got elbowed in the mouth before he could
move. All four saiyans collided in thunderous noise, flesh striking
flesh. They crashed against walls, knocked over more medical
supplies. Tables and chairs were broken in the lobby. Bodies rolled
wildly as clothing was torn. Saiyans scattered and cheered the wild
scuffle. A few curious patients poked their heads into the hallway at
the din.

They never noticed hospital security coming with stun poles. One by
one they were struck, screeching before falling out. A thickly
muscled officer stood over the unconscious group. She shook her head
in disgust.

"Morons. Take these idiots to the detention center."

****

Vegeta Ou couldn't believe what he was hearing. A messenger
interrupted his quiet meal near the castle conference room.

"Say again, Yaundo? Are you certain of this?!"

The young saiyan nodded, his green armor glistening. "Aye, o King.
Passing strange, but true. Regent Bardock, Ouijan Kakarot and Yandu
Raditz were jailed by medical security at the OOnis barracks."

"Whatever for?!" Vegeta Ou put down a bone, staring.

"Brawling, father." another voice. The king and messenger turned.
Vegeta no Ouji parted a nearby curtain partition, entering the small
dining area.

"You know of this, Vegeta?"

"A little. But my information is sketchy."

The Ou frowned. "Hn. Have a seat. Continue, Yaundo. I would hear
more."

The page bowed in acknowledgment of his prince before
continuing. "Both my lords may be unaware of this, but the Regent and
his sons were visiting a ragtail by name of Celipe. She is of the
Sasse Clan."

The Ou snorted. "I know of her." his voice dripped with
disdain. "Continue."

"She is recovering from one of the recent viral attacks. Another
visitor appeared and a fight started shortly after. They were
dispatched to a holding cell for disrupting a hospital."

The ouji blinked in stupefication. "Krukka. What nonsense!!"

The Ou thought a minute. "Who was the visitor?"

"Rocco."

Vegeta Ou tapped fingers on the table. "What truck has he with a
ragtail?"

"Difficult to say, o King. But Regent Bardock knows him also."

The ouji shrugged. "A mystery to be certain, father. Presumably bail
will be high."

Vegeta Ou still couldnt believe his ears. "A military officer of his
renown running with..." dark eyes went wide.

The ouji caught his expression. "You don't think-"

"I do. Too'saundaxx (mother of all bullshit)!!"

Yaundo bowed in agreement. "That is all the information I have. If my
lords have no further requirements?"

The king waved him to exit. "Yes, you may go. Contact Luyburs. Have
her get our legal team over to OOnis."

Yaundo clacked his heels together formally. "As you command."

****

Four tattered and bruised saiyans shared a holding cell. There was a
considerable amount of tension. Rocco leaned against a separate wall,
glaring at the others.

"Hn! That energy would be better spent on the war."

Bardock answered first. "Don't lecture me about war, Rocco. Shut your
face!"

Kakarot edged up, eyes wild. "I think we need another fight."

"Ha!!" Raditz moved forward also, tail uncurling his waist.

Rocco pointed at them all. "I've got friends in circles as well you
know."

"So what?" Kakarot wasn't impressed. "Father has his own _Goderri._"

"Hn. My friends have said unusual things about you three. So I became
curious and pursued the rumors."

Raditz thought that over. Rage colored his vision suddenly. "That
better not be the reason you hooked up with mother!"

"What?!" Kakarot looked ready to spring.

Bardock started to move when Rocco spoke again. "I love Celipe. This
has nothing to do with her."

"Liar." Bardock growled.

"No. You think no one else could love her?"

"I didn't say that!"

"You insult her and belittle me, Bardock. A mutual friend introduced
us."

"And do we know this 'mutual friend?' Radtiz asked.

"Why does that matter, boy? We're all adults here."

Bardock turned his back. "Just stay over there. I don't feel like
hearing about your happy life."

"She's entitled." Rocco shot. "What the hell do you expect, Bardock?
Getting pissed at me won't change the fact that she's moved on."

The dark saiyan spun. "You...don't know what you're talking about."

"No? Then why are we at each other so much?"

Kakarot watched them. "He has a point, father."

"Did I ask your opinion, loon?"

"You're getting it anyway. Rocco cares about mother. I for one am
glad she's happy."

"Agreed." Raditz added.

Bardock rounded on his sons. "Whose side are you on, anyway?"

"In this case mosi." Raditz replied. "What did you expect her to do?"

"That isn't the point, Raditz."

"What is?" his eldest challenged. "You two had split. Life goes on!"

"So it was all my fault? You don't know the half of it, boy."

Raditz plopped on a bench. "I know more than enough. Besides,
mother's beautiful. Why shouldn't she have someone?"

Rocco clapped his hands together, smug. "Damn right. Give it up,
Bardock. You can't have her, and you can't let her go."

"Don't get too full of yourself." Kakarot warned.

Rocco looked him over. "We should be friends, Kakarot. Not fighting
like common street trash."

Dark eyes returned the stare. "I haven't decided, but for now I'll
reserve judgement. In any case, you can stop checking me out."

"Ha! Delightful brat."

Bardock moved off. "You think you've got me all figured out, Rocco.
Don't flatter yourself."

"I read people well, Bardock. But I can understand your feelings."

"I'll tell you nothing."

Rocco moved at him slowly. Raditz got in front, holding out a hand.

"Enough, Rocco. We aren't enemies, but don't make the situation
worse."

A nod. "Understood."

They all turned at motion coming their way.

****

Four well dressed saiyans stood at the holding cell. All wore
multilayered purple robes. Silver sashes were accented by red cord.

Bardock stepped forward, curious. "You are?"

A short, thin saiyan answered. He had a sharply angular face. "Ah,
Regent Bardock. I am Oblut, and my associates are Bera, Wuinn, and
Jekk. We've posted bail for you and your sons."

Kakarot stared at their dress before realization hit. "They're the
king's legal team, father."

Raditz nodded in satisfaction. "Our Ou frees his own."

"But what about me?" Rocco wanted to know.

Bardock laughed. "What about you? Do you honestly think the king
would post _your_ bail?"

"No, but-"

Oblut turned his ample nose up. "Hardly, Rocco of the Dooz clan. You
will make your own arrangements."

Rocco stared in surprise. "You already know-"

"We have dossiers on everyone."

"When can we get out?" Kakarot wanted to know.

Another lawyer answered, Bera. She was average in height and build
with braided spikes cascading down.

"Soon, ouijan. We but await the final processing of your paperwork."

Bardock sighed. "I know that nightmare."

****

Vegeta no ouji had finally finished his own paperwork for the day.
With an annoyed sigh, he stood and stretched, tail ruffling.

"Arrgh. I hate it!!"

Another regal form glided into his private office. The Ou grinned at
his heir, handsome in red velvet.

"Still complaining after all these years, cub? How to be king without
policy and politics, eh?"

The ouji smirked back. "Hn. You know I always hated hours of
scribble, father. But I'm more interested in our family's adventure."

The Ou poured brandy from a crystal decanter. "A perfect tale for
dinner. I myself can't wait to hear about their foolishness."

"Celipe's name still circulates where father is concerned."

"I'd rather not think about that ragtail, Vegeta."

Dark eyes went wide with surprise. "Surely you aren't jealous of a
third class?!"

Vegeta Ou huffed, plopping into a plush chair abruptly. "The woman
shared Bardock's life and bed, not to mention his heart. The
knowledge still rankles me."

The ouji glided gracefully to his side. "He had to live a life,
father. Did you expect him to be on call like an obedient murde
(pleasure slave)?"

"That was unecessary, Vegeta."

"My apologies, father. Still, for the realm's security he needed the
benefit of a separate life."

The Ou gulped his drink. "Vegeta the King knows that, but-"

His son watched him closely. "Vegeta the lover wanted him selfishly."

Black eyes glinted darkly. "He was ever mine, boy. Even before
Raditz."

The prince was smug again. "One might say you were 'made' for each
other."

Vegeta Ou stared, incredulous. "What...did you say?"

The ouji looked away quickly. "Nothing. Everyone should be arriving
soon."

The king grabbed his arm. "Don't play me, boy."

"I'm not, father. You take everything too literally."

Vegeta Ou frowned, thinking. "What do you know?"

The prince tilted his head high. "Remember our night of hanare
(family celebration)? I told you secrets are held on both sides."

"You riddle me?"

"No. But I don't need to do anything about what I suspect. Time will
root it out."

"Huh" the King folded his arms. "And this secret you insist still
exists?"

"It does, or you would have told us."

"You're a politician, Vegeta. That wasn't my question."

The ouji poured himself a drink at that. "Before the chibis were born
I told you I reviewed the family archives."

The Ou went pale.

"You still react the same, even now."

Vegeta Ou gathered himself. "You surpised me, that's all."

The ouji eyed his father critically. "We still dance around this. No
matter, circumstance and fate will tell."

"Is this your own private obsession?"

The prince laughed richly. "Oh, father. Have you forgotten Kakarot?!"

A grunt. "On any level, that's impossible. What about your brother?"

"That day in the garden, when we had a family argument. Do you
remember?"

"We've had plenty of those."

"Ai, but Kakarot smelled something about father."

The Ou licked his lips. "Stinks good to me."

"Krukka" the prince hissed in exasperation. "I don't mean that!
Kakarot senses a power about father."

"His ki rates exceptionally high, Vegeta. You know this. He was
misclassified as third class."

"Raditz agrees with us. He described it as a 'space around', an aura."

The Ou growled. "You're definitely brothers. Maybe I squeezed too
hard when you popped out."

The prince persisted. "Remember Kakarot's description? Like a hazy
sweetness to the air...especially when father's angry!"

"Kakarot feels the need to smell everything. So this is your great
secret?"

"You tell me."

"Energy fields are known to take on physical characteristics, Vegeta.
Your point?"

"Ai, all kinds of phenomena, father. Including the transformation of
saiyans!"

The King was suddenly quiet. "I've more than one loon, it seems."

Vegeta pointed a finger. "Denials change nothing! There can be only
one explanation-"

Before he could finish a servant entered. The Ou sighed in relief.

"What is it, Xobol?"

The elderly saiyan bowed slightly. "The royal family is arrived."

The King adjusted his robes as he stood. "Come, Vegeta. Enough of
this bizarre conversation. Our family awaits."

The ouji followed him out, smiling darkly. /Oh, I have you now,
father./

****

Battered saiyans sat sprawled about the great hall. Vegeta Ou laughed
at his bruised family.

"Glsani!! I've seen bums in backwaters better looking. I suppose you
haven't been rummaging in garbage cans!"

The ouji stared at their remnants of clothing, grinning. "Ai, a
ragged group to be certain. Third class upraising, perhaps?"

"Everyone's a comedian." Raditz groused, his face mottled with
bruises. "It isn't like we had time to tidy up."

The king went to his mate. "And so...you come home to me in this
condition, eh?" fingers combed through a mop of wild hair.

Bardock smirked. "I'm sure you'll make it all better."

Vegeta no ouji examined his own mate. "This eye is ridiculous,
Kakarot." he touched the swollen orb, nearly purple.

Kakarot laughed. "Ha! You should've seen Rocco. I think his tail got
cracked."

"You'll frighten our cubs with that thing."

Kakarot waved him off. "C'rdarse. They'll love it!"

"Speaking of which, where _are_ the chibis?" Raditz asked, sitting
gingerly.

"In the royal nursery." the Ou answered. "They had a nap an hour ago."

Bardock growled. "I'm starved. All that damn fighting got my appetite
up."

The Ou looked his family over again. "We'll eat soon enough. But
first things first."

Kakarot shrugged. "What's that?"

A sniff. "No family of mine is going about the castle like tattered
trash. Take the side access corridors to our private baths. I'll have
a meal prepared in the meantime."

Bardock rolled his eyes. "We're warriors, Vegeta! It isn't as if-"

"You've more pride than that, Bardock. And it isn't as if you're
arrived from a great battle. Care to tell Nappa and his cronies what
happened?

Bardock fell silent.

The Ou pointed. "I thought so. That way."

Grumbling and cursing low, they exited. The ouji laughed, shaking his
head.

"Hn! Hilarious...the guards already toss rumors about."

The king chuckled, throwing an arm around his son's shoulders. "I can
imagine. Come, let's go get the babies."

****

Celipe was feeling and looking more like herself. Sitting at her
bedside was Rocco. She stared at his disheveled appearance.

"Krukka. What the hell happened to you?!"

A kiss. "That all you have to say, woman? I come straight over here
after sharing a cell with those idiots on OOnis."

Celipe blinked, staring. "OOnis?! That's a detention center for
hospitals."

Rocco tucked the blankets over her. "From here."

Celipe thought that over. "Who were you fighting, and why?"

"A bunch of idiots."

Dark eyes roamed lower, seeing a noticeable bend in his tail. She
grabbed the wounded appendage in stunned surprise. The last four
inches of length were pointed in the wrong direction.

"Rocco, your tail!" she kissed it. "Who did this?"

The saiyan warrior laughed darkly. "Your stupid son!!"

"Which stupid son?"

"The loudmouthed one with an attitude."

Eye roll. "Kakarot."

"Bastard bit it during the fight. Luckily, it isn't broken."

Celipe still held his tail skeptically. "No?"

"No, a medic here already examined it. Severe sprain only. Hurts like
hell."

"I can imagine."

"They're making a splint for me now. I can go pick it up later."

"Hn" Celipe held her arms out. "Come here...fool!"

Rocco purred, squashing her back into bed. "Hu'zaei. I gave a few
love taps of my own!"

****

The others cleaned and dressed for dinner. Vegeta didn't press for
formalities, allowing everyone a more casual attire of dress satin
robes. 'Casual' in the castle was a matter of opinion.

Bardock matched his king's royal purple. The ouji, Kakarot and Raditz
wore flaming red, a stark complement to golden skin. The chibis wore
bright blue unisuits with corded sleeves. Xenna's hair ribbon bloomed
around her ponytail like a flower. The chibis were placed in a nearby
playpen, haven eaten already. Small saiyan stomachs knew no timetable.

The Ou passed a plate of barbequed fish livers. "Now let's have that
story. Who wants to begin?"

Raditz stuffed a liver in his mouth. "Asb furbur."

The king eyed him disapprovingly. "Appetite is good, but you aren't a
ragtail. Now speak clearly!"

A gulp. "Ask father. He started the whole thing."

Bardock stared. "Thanks for nothing!"

"Well, it's true."

"What about the good stuff?" the ouji wanted to know. "Was Celipe
wearing a skimpy hospital gown?"

Bardock growled at him. "Krukka, you freaky fool. She's my ex-wife.
And the mother of my children!"

"Oh, drag THAT up again." the Ou groused. "You always had a
fascination with that ragtail."

"Fascination? We were married, you royal skank."

"You dare?"

"That's my mother you're talking about, saba." Kakarot said quietly,
glaring.

"I knew you were going to get off the subject!" Bardock pointed at
the king. "Stop digging up old shit. You want to know about the fight
or not?"

"I know it was over that ragtail." the Ou sniffed, cracking a bone.

"Her name's Celipe!"

"Alright then, Celipe. Now what happened!!"

"Rocco started a fight when he arrived at the hospital."

The ouji was incredulous. "Just like that?"

Bardock swallowed a blue egg. "Not exactly. He took cheap shots."

"About the past, no doubt." the ouji surmised.

"Ai, cub. The fool got in my face once too often. I've tolerated him
up till now-"

"Under any other circumstances the two of you would be friends." the
Ou interrupted.

"I know about his military exploits! Why the hell couldn't he fall in
love with someone else's ex-wife?!"

"Trouble." Raditz grinned, chewing a boiled owl.

Vegeta Ou snatched a piece of fruit from a bowl. "So you still want
her? Is that it?!"

Kakarot watched them in fascination, back and forth...

"I'm with you, aren't I?!" Bardock bellowed. "Unlike some people, I'm
not into lies and secrets. Or is that a privilege of kings?!"

The ouji chose that moment to watch the ceiling.

"Let's see." Raditz sipped a cup of hot haffa. "What's that
expression? Those that don't learn from the past are bound to repeat
it?"

"Shut up!!" the Ou and Bardock yelled simultaneously.

Kakarot sniffed, looking up from his plate. "Hn."

"Clamp it, Kakarot." Bardock warned.

"The air sparks again. That same nasty secret, the one nobody will
speak of."

The Ou glanced in his direction. "Hit your head during the fight
again?"

"Repeatedly." Raditz grinned, ignoring his brother's death stare. "It
was hard to tell in all the chaos."

"Rocco nearly ripped your cock out by the root."

Raditz snickered over his plate. "But mine ain't the one he wanted."

The Ou stared. "Say what?"

"Rocco was checking out Kakarot!!" Raditz laughed out loud.

The ouji nearly stood. "He dares?"

Kakarot waved it off. "Sit down, Vegeta-"

"Did you encourage him?!" an accusing finger.

"Hell no. Quit being crazy!!"

"Before the fight started Kakarot kept bumping into him." Raditz
agitated.

"I refuse to believe that!" the ouji shouted.

"Ask him-"

"Dumb, lying fucker!" Kakarot snapped.

Bardock nearly fell out his chair in hysteria. "Krukka, what
stupidity!"

"Oh?" the ouji rounded on him. "And if father swished his tail at
everything that moved, would YOU be laughing?"

"I thought we were talking about the fight-" Kakarot attempted.

"Who the hell are you calling loose, boy?!" the Ou yelled. "How
ridiculous would I look flirting right and left. I'm the king!!"

The ouji shook his head. "I wasn't calling you anything. And
Kakarot's a moon cub, so we all know what that means."

Kakarot snorted. "Yeah, that I've got a crackbrain mate. Do you
believe everything you hear?"

"Oh? Like when you got drunk downtown at club Moslo?"

Kakarot flushed. "You just had to bring that up!!"

Vegeta no ouji plopped down in his seat. "Hai, and had nearly half
the customers all over you."

"Yeah? I seem to remember a real hot assed prince who chased me
because I was a 'different' third class-"

"Who chased who?!"

Bardock cursed. "Who tried to repopulate the planet alone?"

Kakarot eyed him. "You can't talk!"

"You wouldn't be here, else!!" the Ou shot.

"We know what went on back in the day, saba. And maybe even now!"

Raditz pointed at his brother. "Damn, all that from a moon night? It
HAD to be an accident!"

Kakarot purred dangerously, his tail low. "You're about to _be_ an
accident, Raditz. Still not super saiyan, but adequate."

The maned saiyan snarled. "You and Vegeta think that's hot shit. But
one of these days-"

"The world's full of surprises." Bardock said cryptically.

"Oh, like your secret, father?" the ouji reminded him. "I rather
relish surprises!"

Bardock examined his fists. "Like the speed of these hands when I
reward foulmouthed cubs."

"Ai, foulmouthed cubs with brainlock." the Ou added. "Secrets my ass!"

"One and the same, eh, saba?" Kakarot grinned. "I wanna hear some
wild stories."

The Ou removed his crown and cape, cracking his knuckles. "Come on,
then." sharp teeth flashed.

Everyone fell silent, surprised. Kakarot blinked. "Ah?"

"You heard me. My crown's not too tight to oblige."

Kakarot sat still a moment. "But-"

"I don't need to be a super saiyan. But you're welcome to find out
the hard way!"

Bardock laughed.

"It isn't funny." the ouji chided. "You need to sit down, father."

"Princes don't order kings. I may pop you next." the Ou added.

A smirk. "Challenge, father. It's been a long time!"

Raditz paused a moment. "Weren't we supposed to be talking about what
happened earlier?"

A chair crashed over his head. Bardock grabbed Kakarot suddenly,
toppling them both over. The ouji charged his king. All five
combatants collided over the table, tipping it over. Heavy marble and
table settings hit the floor with deafening noise.

The chibis watched the scuffle from their vantage point in the
playpen. Plates were tossed, food thrown. Fists thudded heavily
against solid flesh. Bodies tumbled everywhere with speed.

Not that the babies minded. They screeched in delight, enjoying the
chaos. No saiyan chibi could be happier. So they shrieked and
squalled, adding their own noise to the disruption. It was a perfect
family dinner.


THE END