House of Vegeta

A/U

HOUSE OF VEGETA pt.23: The wisdom of Celipe

Kakarot nuzzled his affectionate niece in the castle parlor. Xenna
greedily ate pesto from his fingertips.

"Hn, you certainly eat like your cusi (cousins). I think we have
another bottomless pit here!"

"Don't feed her too much, Kakarot." Raditz fretted nearby, looking
for her stuffed lizard toy. "I don't want my daughter fat."

Kakarot was incredulous. "Fat?! As much energy as she burns off?
You're crazy, Raditz. Cubs need food, and lots of it. Besides, she's
only eaten one bowl of pesto."

"And one bottle of formula." Raditz added.

"That's not too bad. Have you forgotten how much Nuru and Tezar eat?"

Raditz pulled the toy out from underneath a small table. "Maybe
so...where are they?"

"Vegeta has them. It's a rare slow day for our crown prince."

"Sometimes I'm glad I wasn't officially named the heir...royal duties
seem to impede a lot on your private life."

Kakarot purred at Xenna, who clucked and coiled her fat tail. "Maybe,
but it's incredibly exciting...there's always something going on
politically, and you catch all the gossip."

Radtiz sat across from him. "Good stuff, huh?"

"Almost as good as your daughter being left at the palace."

Raditz sighed. "I can only imagine what they're saying about that."

"You don't want to know. Saba has a plan, but he won't reveal it to
me."

"It better be good, or we'll all be out in the streets."

Kakarot laughed. "Hardly. Idle talk and gossip never ran out any
ruler!"

Raditz poked a finger at his chibi. "I called mother and gave her
news. I think she passed out on me."

"She wants to see the baby right away, I'll bet."

"Of course. I plan to take Xenna there later today."

Kakarot thought a moment. "Do you have any idea who the mother is?"

A sigh. "No, at least no one that fits in the right time frame."

"Hn, not good. Let's eat before we go."

"Always thinking of that belly, eh, little brother?"

"Hell, we can stuff like blorggs if we want. Royalty should always be
well fed!"

Raditz roared with mirth. "Fool...you may be royal, but you're third
class to the core!"

"So are you. We weren't raised like Vegeta, Raditz."

"True. When I was younger, I used to imagine what I'd look like as
king."

Kakarot cradled a sleepy Xenna. "No kidding?"

Raditz chuckled at the memory. "Yeah...I'd wrap myself in bedsheets
and pretend to give orders to imaginary subjects."

"That's silly."

"Tell me about it." Raditz grew serious. "I really hope I don't mess
up with her, Kakarot. This is all new to me."

"I'm hardly an expert, but I can only say you have to follow your
heart."

Raditz ruffled the jagged mop. "Sometimes little brother, you make a
whole lot of sense."

Kakarot grinned. "I have my moments."

****

They continued their discussion in the helipod. Xenna sat quietly in
her high seat, looking out the back window.

"I'm thinking mother could be helpful in evaluating Xenna, Kakarot.
After all she does do genetic testing for the medical institutes."

The younger saiyan nodded. "I know where you're going...it could be
some time before you locate the mother."

"Her ki level is somewhat low, which makes me wonder."

"She's perfectly happy and healthy, Raditz. What's meant to be will
be."

"I won't lie to you, Kakarot. My pride will be wounded if her mother
turns out to be ragtail."

"Is that Xenna's fault? She's a pretty chibi."

A slow smile. "She is that. No doubt she'll keep her cusi (cousins)
in line."

"They'll spoil her rotten with attention. I thought we'd never get
them unhooked the other day."

"Hn, not to mention doting ubes (uncles)."

Kakarot peeked back at Xenna. "Well, it is fun having a girl around!"

****

They arrived at their old home an hour later, as luxurious dwellings
gave way to tight squalor. Curious eyes were on them, as neighbors
peered in curiosity at the baby.

Kakarot glanced at the nosy crowd. "Some things never change around
here."

Raditz nodded, picking Xenna up. "Ai, nobody ever minds their own
buisness."

"Huloooo, boys!!" a stumpy saiyan bellowed, waddling their way. He
was trailed by another group of neighbors.

Kakarot whispered in his brother's ear. "It's your show...I've got
nothing to do with this mess."

Raditz snorted as the crowd approached. "Kisama..."

"Got a new chibi, eh?"

Hai, Entokk. Her name is Xenna."

The thickset saiyan grinned. "A pretty thing...how old is she?"

"Seven months..."

That elicited snide comments and murmurs. Raditz glared.

"If you don't mind, we'd like to go inside."

Berta laughed, a longtime neighbor. "I remember when you used to tear
up my yard, boy. So where's the mother?"

Raditz turned away from them all as he headed inside. "None of your
buisness...don't you people have anything else to do?"

Another neighbor piped up. "Ai, he won't answer. The cub looks elite,
though. Celipe's boys always were fast-"

"Give it a rest, will you?" Kakarot growled, pushing his brother
forward. The group hooted and howled.

"How many does this make?"

"Hey Kakarot...where are your chibis?"

"Hell, which litter? He's probably got-"

The front door swung open. The crowd quieted as Celipe glared, her
dishevelled mop of hair everywhere. She was wearing a bathrobe.

"You slarggs get the hell off my front...or I'll drill some fifty
millimeter shells in your asses."

Saiyans were always surly when threatened, and the mob was no
different. Mumbling and cursing, they shuffled off. Kakarot and
Raditz watched in stunned silence.

Celipe pointed past the door. "Well, what are you gawking at. Get
your tails inside!"

"Adieru" they mumbled meekly, slipping past her. Xenna clicked her
tongue in approval.

****

They exchanged hugs.

"Now give me that baby!!" Celipe all but snatched Xenna from Raditz.

Kakarot's tail puffed. "Who's been here, mother? You aren't alone."

Celipe snorted. "No, I'm not. I don't recall asking your permission."

Radtiz glanced up the stairs. "Why mosi, do you have a new friend?"

Celipe walked through the living room with a clucking Xenna. "Put
your noses on ice, both of you. Didn't you bring a diaper bag?"

Raditz slapped his forehead as they entered the dining room. "Kuso, I
knew there was something I forgot!!"

"Idiot." Celipe glanced at the bundle she held. "What a pretty chibi.
Granddouja says hello, chikki."

Xenna burped, her small tongue poking out. Kakarot grinned. "Isn't
she cute?"

"Ai. And now my wayward son can explain what happened." she glanced
sideways at Raditz.

The burly saiyan flushed. "It all happened so fast, mother-"

"It usually does with you two."

Xenna burped again. Celipe put her over a shoulder, patting. "This
chibi is empty...when did you last feed her?!"

"Feed her?!" Raditz stammered. "She just ate earlier this morning!"

Even Kakarot laughed at that. "I tried to tell him."

Celipe shook her head, nuzzling the baby. "It's a good thing I have
leftover bottles and formula...a grandmother is always prepared!"

Raditz patted his stomach. "I could do with something to eat myself."

****

Celipe made a makeshift pallet from a small mattress and blankets.
Xenna curled her toes, happily sucking away at her bottle. The adults
laughed at her gusto as they ate at the dining room table.

"That certainly brings back memories." Celipe grinned.

Raditz nodded. "Hai, I remember how Nuru and Tezar ate everything in
front of them...they seem to eat even more here."

"True. But I was referring to another pair of chibis!"

Raditz laughed. "Oh, I get it. Kakarot was worse!"

"Not by much. You were the fattest cub I'd ever seen, Raditz."

Kakarot cracked up. His older sibling glared. "Oh, shut up."

Celipe chuckled. "Not pudgy, just heavy...I nearly threw my back out
once picking you up the wrong way."

"He's not heavy...he's my brother!" Kakarot exploded again at his bad
joke.

Raditz smirked. "Fool."

"Quiet, Kakarot." Celipe pointed a finger as she sipped haffa. "You
ate enough for three chibis...that appetite was frightening to see.
One time you polished off four bowls of pesto at one sitting. Your
father was sick of going to the store."

"I wasn't...ah...that greedy?"

"Greedy and silly. You were always catching your tail in everything.
When you were about three, I took you downstairs while I was doing
the wash. I set you in a spare laundry basket while I was busy
separating clothes. Before I could turn around you'd already climbed
the cleaning unit and jammed your tail inside!"

Raditz laughed then, holding his sides.

"Then there was the time you wrapped your tail around the chandelier.
I thought your father would have a stroke when he saw you hanging
from the ceiling."

Kakarot folded his arms, annoyed. "It isn't that funny. Pass me the
maous brains!"

****

Raditz yawned, his belly full. "Mosi, that roast snake was delicious!
Not to mention the glazed liver stew with potatoes. I can barely
move."

Celipe pointed at more plates. "Don't forget dessert...your brother's
started on it already."

Kakarot chomped on sweetcakes between hot cups of haffa. "Hn, it's
nice to come home sometimes."

Raditz glanced over at his sleepy daughter, smiling. "Someone's
knocked out."

Celipe peeped at the drowsy infant. "Ai, she'll sleep well. Are you
staying overnight?"

Kakarot eyed her sideways. "Only if you tell us who's upstairs-"

"Kakarot!"

"Well...what about it?" Raditz wanted to know. "Whoever it is doesn't
seem too anxious to come down. We've been here for hours."

"Why do you need to know? He's a friend-"

"Friend, huh?" Raditz winked at his brother. "Sure, mother. What's
going on?"

"His name is Rocco-"

"What does he do?" Kakarot demanded.

"Surveillance." she said shortly, annoyed. "Now why all the
questions?"

"We're curious. Besides, you haven't asked about father."

Dark eyes sparked in suppressed anger. "Why should I, Raditz? He has
his life, I have mine!"

"But I thought you two were getting along!" Kakarot said in
disbelief. "Don't you even care?"

"Care? About what? The fact that he wrapped around our Ou for
years?!" her voice was strained. "He only comes through to help
maintain the house. Don't read anything into it!!"

Raditz sipped his steaming haffa. "I see...and this 'Rocco' character-
"

"He's there for me and treats me well."

The conversation halted at a sound. Quiet feet padded downstairs to
startled eyes. A handsome saiyan with a trim goatee smiled at
everyone.

"I heard my name mentioned, and thought I'd say hello."

Celipe stood suddenly, adjusting her robe. "Rocco! I thought you were
sleeping-"

"Who can sleep with all this noise?" a smirk at the two young
men. "Let me guess...your sons?"

"Hai...Raditz and Kakarot."

Rocco nodded at the two, who glared back. "It's nice to have one's
children visit."

"Come join us...we were eating dessert, but there's leftover snake
and liver stew in the kitchen."

Rocco glided into a chair. "I'll just have some hot haffa for now.
These sweetcakes look good."

"They are." Kakarot said shortly. Rocco inclined his head.

"Forgive my manners, ouijan...your status as a royal is often
confusing."

"Only for the simple minded." Kakarot retorted. Celipe glared at him.

Raditz coughed. "We understand you do surveillance?"

Rocco nodded, biting into a cake. "Hai, I've done several
reconiassance missions for the King. Have you ever heard of the
twilight mission?"

The two young men looked surprised. "Who hasn't?" Kakarot
replied. "How were you involved?"

"I was captain. We cleared out over six hundred of Frieza's race."

"Amazing." Raditz agreed. "Your methods are taught in the military
academies everywhere."

Rocco smiled slightly. "I set a high standard for myself. Hopefully
others will follow." he peered over at the pallet.

"Hn, that's a beauty. Who's chibi, eh?"

Celipe grinned. "That's my other chikki, Xenna."

"My daughter." Raditz added, puffing his chest.

Rocco nodded. "She's lovely, well formed. So how many does that make?"

"Three, including my cubs." Kakarot stated. "Nuru and Tezar are with
the prince."

"Indeed." Rocco still observed the sleeping Xenna.

****

They talked well into the night. Eventually Celipe and Rocco
retreated upstairs.

Kakarot eyed them sideways as they went up. "So what do you think?"

Raditz observed also. "If he treats her well I have no objection.
Father has his mate, and mother deserves to be happy."

Kakarot sighed. "I suppose. It just seems weird."

"No weirder than a chibi showing up on the palace doorsteps."

Kakarot glanced at his sleeping niece, who curled in a ball on her
pallet. "True. You still have no idea who the mother is?"

"I've racked my brain."

"Maybe you were drunk-"

Raditz growled as he ate another sweetcake. "Don't even go there!"

"Why not, if you don't know? It could be anybody!"

"I don't get in bed with just anybody!"

A sigh. "Well, you'd better figure it out. Saba's right...the mother
could show up and cause trouble."

Raditz gulped his tenth cup of haffa. "I'll worry about that later.
Let's turn back the clock, little brother!"

Kakarot blinked. "What the hell are you talking about?"

Raditz stood, grabbing another tray of sweetcakes. "Get a bucket of
ice and chips. We'll chill out downstairs!"

Kakarot beamed. "You're on. I'll bring down a can of fried skins too."

"Sounds good." Raditz scooped up his sleeping daughter with his free
arm.

****

In typical saiyan fashion, they made a sloppy mess in the rec room.
The two brothers watched movies on the large viewscreen, crunching
away on snacks and gulping beer and liquor.

Xenna curled contentedly between the two, making them her own
personal pallet. Bright eyes opened at the noisy pair.

Kakarot bit another sweetcake. "See, you woke her up with your
eating!"

"Me? You're the one who sounds like a garbage disposal!"

Raditz leaned back on fur throw pillows. "Ai, the original saiyan
pit. Krukka, sometimes I think you have a tapeworm."

"Your feet stink."

"Better my feet than your backside!"

Xenna screeched, enjoying the loud argument. Her stubby tail coiled
like a spring.

Raditz pulled it straight. "Shut up, Kakarot. The movie's just
getting to the good part."

"Hn, your daughter likes wild night life. It's three o'clock in the
morning!"

"Well, it is the weekend."

Kakarot tickled the little nose. "You'll have lots of boyfriends,
Xenna."

The chibi chirped, squashing into him. Tiny sharp nails hooked his
skin.

"Ouch! Crazy cub."

They stretched in lazy silence. Deep shadows and stark contrast
danced across their features from the viewscreen. Xenna slipped into
her father's lap quietly. Soon an all too familiar perfume filled the
air.

Raditz looked down in dismay at his lap. "No...not again!!"

Kakarot laughed his head off. "Now you're officially a father!"

****

Celipe padded downstairs at dawn. Weak sunrays filtered through the
hallway as she adjusted her robe.

_Hn, those yabas drank most of my liquor._

Hands on hips, she stared at her mess of a rec room. Food, beer cans
and empty liquor bottles were everywhere. The viewscreen blared early
morning programming.

Kakarot and Raditz were out cold, sprawled in a tangle over large
throw pillows. Xenna sat across them both, bright eyes shining as she
purred. Smashed food covered her sleepsuit.

Celipe couldn't help but laugh at the ridiculous sight. Reaching
across her sons, she picked up Xenna.

"Come on, chikki. Grandouja will give you a nice bubble bath. Would
you like that?"

Xenna squealed, stubby legs kicking. Celipe held her close.

"I'll take that as a yes."

She glared at the two prone figures on the floor. "Assholes. I hope
they have a good hangover."

Xenna clucked in agreement. Laughing, Celipe took her upstairs.

****

Raditz woke up, seeing three Kakarots. The maned saiyan clutched his
reeling head.

"Kisama...someone just shoot me now."

"Shut the damn noise up." Kakarot complained, rubbing his temples. He
pushed himself to a seated position on the floor.

"This place is a mess."

A thought suddenly struck Raditz. "Xenna! She's gone, Kakarot!!"

"No, she's not. Mosi probably has her."

The burly saiyan staggered to his feet. "You'd better hope so!!"

****

Xenna was doing very well, thank you. Squeaky clean and powdered
down, she sat quietly in a high chair chewing a rubber ball. Celipe
had combed the spiky mop into a little ponytail.

A somewhat hung over pair of saiyans staggered upstairs into the
kitchen. They were greeted by a round of shrieks and squeals from
Xenna.

"Kami!!" Kakarot held his spinning head. "I just blew out an eardrum."

"Hai, give her a bottle or something!" Raditz complained, rubbing his
ears.

Celipe laughed at their pained expressions. "No less than you
deserve. Sit down before you fall down."

They plopped heavily at the kitchen table. Raditz pulled his daughter
from the highchair.

"Hn" he sniffed his powdered chibi. "Little flower!"

Xenna clucked, cuddling. Kakarot laughed. "Looks like Xenna's ready
to start her day!"

Rocco grinned from his spot at the table. "Hai, she had a bath and
two bottles already."

Celipe stirred a pot over the stove. "Not that her drunken father and
uncle would know."

Raditz winced. "Where did you find her?"

"Sitting on the two of you. She had food all over her sleepsuit."

Kakarot nearly laughed. "Speaking of which...isn't that Nuru's uni
suit she's wearing?"

Celipe spooned thick paste into bowls. "Like I told you, I'm always
prepared for chikki."

Xenna stretched for her uncle next, clicking. Pointed nails hooked
his shirt.

"Hn, you need a trim, girl." he pulled her from Raditz, inhaling the
soft skin.

"You've smelled her enough." Raditz was annoyed. "Rub a nose on your
own cubs!"

"Ai, but she's different-"

Celipe slammed bowls in front of everybody. "Quiet, all of you. Eat!!"

Rocco snickered. "You heard her, boys. Better get started."

Raditz made a face. "Housebroken, eh, Rocco?"

"Better than being broken, boy. You'll learn someday."

****

They ate a relaxed breakfast. Xenna crawled about the kitchen floor,
squeezing between legs under the table. Her rubber ball bounced
everywhere.

Celipe chomped on suda grain. "There will be much to discuss later."
she said pointedly to Raditz.

The burly saiyan was sullen. "Hai, I know."

Rocco glanced over at Kakarot. "So, how are things at the palace? I
understand a prime delegation will be in this region next week."

Kakarot thought a moment. "Ai, excitement over the upcoming war
reaches fever pitch among elite commanders. The very best will argue
and debate, as usual."

"No doubt-"

Kakarot and Raditz turned abruptly, sensing someone.

"Were you expecting more company, mother?"

Celipe looked up also. "Shimatta-"

Quiet footsteps entered through the side parlor.

"You!"

"Hn??" a perplexed Bardock stood stock still at the entranceway.
Seconds later his eyes fell on Rocco. The two saiyans started
growling, their tails puffing up.

"That's enough!" Celipe snapped, her own tail lashing now. Raditz and
Kakarot watched warily.

"Here again...early?" Bardock snarled, moving at the table.

Rocco stood. "Not that it's any of your buisness, Bardock. You blew
your chance!"

"There's a chibi in here." Raditz reminded them all.

That halted Bardock a moment. Glancing down, he smiled at Xenna.

"Abre'dedu, chikki...gedare thinks you're prettier every day."

Xenna squealed, crawling his way. Bardock scooped her up, cuddling.

Celipe took advantage of the moment. "No fighting in here. The first
one who messes up my kitchen gets a broken tail!!"

The males were silent and sullen. Celipe caught sight of her
youngest, who looked ready to spring.

"I see you, Kakarot. Keep your place there!!"

"But-"

"Quiet! Or you'll be the first cracktail on the block."

Bardock sighed. "I didn't come to fight, Celipe. I'd heard the boys
stopped by, and figured they'd have one of the chikki."

"Hmpf! Then remember why you're here. I wish you and Rocco would get
along."

Rocco glared, his tail still up and stiff. "That seems unlikely given
the circumstances."

"Agreed." Bardock growled again. He smiled coldly at the other
saiyan. "Of course we just might...outside!"

"Your call." Rocco rejoined.

Raditz stood between them. "Father, enough. Fight him later, if you
want to. We've got other things to worry about." he glanced at Xenna.

Bardock blinked in surprise, his anger temporarily forgotten. "What?
Is something wrong with the cub?"

"No, but some loose ends need to be tied up."

Rocco observed them oddly. "How very curious."

"It's family buisness, Rocco." Kakarot snapped. "Keep your nose out
of it."

Rocco snorted in amusement. "Don't get your cock in a knot, boy. Your
mother is my only concern here anyway." he pecked Celipe on the cheek.

"I'll go upstairs and change. Big day and all."

Celipe blinked at him. "You don't have to leave."

"Yes I do. Not unless you plan on redoing your house, or breaking all
our tails."

****

Bardock kissed the burbling chibi. "Hn, she smells good. Ibiske
(flower petal)."

"You never said that about us." Kakarot sniffed.

"Because you stank most of the time, boy. By the time the two of you
started growing I wanted to hose you down."

Raditz laughed bitterly. "That bad, eh?"

"Ai, worse than swamp moads. Speaking of which..." he glanced down
the hallway.

Celipe was offended. "That's enough, Bardock."

"Hn, does he do anything else all weekend?"

"At least he's around all weekend!"

Kakarot called cease. "I think you both need to cool off. Leave the
past behind!"

His parents stared before exploding into laughter.

"Now that's a good one...Kakarot calling for cool heads!" Celipe
cracked up.

Raditz glanced at his brother. "You're full of surprises, Kakarot."

The wild one folded his arms, grinning. "Always."

****

Celipe and Rocco said their warm goodbyes at the doorway. Back in the
kitchen, a sullen Bardock cursed. Raditz admonished him.

"Father, knock it off...Xenna's looking at you."

It was true. Xenna stopped chirping and stared at her angry
grandfather. Pudgy little hands pulled at his lips.

"I think she's trying to make you smile." Kakarot observed.

"Hn" Bardock managed to mumble. He couldn't help but smile at the
bright little face.

"All right, chikki. You win...now sit still, eh?"

Xenna chirped again, curling happily in his lap.

"I shouldn't have to come to this stink every weekend!"

Raditz rolled his eyes. "Enough, already. Mother has her rights!"

"Besides, you haven't been together for years." Kakarot added.

"We were bonded. Just because we aren't together-"

"Not your territory, father. Deal with it!"

"Wrong, boy. My name's on this house, too."

"Then let the current arrangement hold." Raditz shot. "You went and
had your life...now let mother have hers!"

Stunned to silence, Bardock gawked. "You dare be so insolent?"

"You deserve it. This isn't a one way deal."

Kakarot was incredulous. "Are you saying you still have feelings for
mother?"

Bardock spluttered. "I...this isn't about my relationship with her."

"Bull. You loved each other once!"

"That was a long time ago, Kakarot. Too much has happened, and
neither of us want to go back."

"Fine. But at least understand she should be happy too. As happy as
you are with saba!!"

Bardock turned beet red. "Enough. You've made your point."

Kakarot folded his arms smugly. "Good. Thought so."

"You're asking to get popped, boy." Bardock gave a slow grin. "Even
if you happen to be right."

Raditz chuckled. "You missed your calling, little brother. Maybe you
should have been a marriage counselor!"

****

Celipe reappeared in the kitchen a short while later. Bardock was
still somewhat sullen.

"That took long enough." he complained.

"You used to know." she snapped back.

Raditz rolled his eyes. "You two are hopeless. Besides, we've got
other things to discuss."

"Wrong, Raditz. You have something to explain." Celipe dropped at the
table. "Now how is it that Xenna just appeared at the castle steps?"

"I don't know, I swear! Servants at the castle found her."

Celipe's eyes were hard now. "You got away with that recklessness
before, with that fat rim pig. This time the results are different."

Raditz rubbed his head in frustration. "I haven't been able to figure
out who the mother could be...at least anyone within the last few
months."

"I still say you were drunk." Kakarot insisted.

"I refuse to believe that, Kakarot."

"But it's entirely possible." Bardock interjected. "We can't dismiss
any possibility."

"There's been no circumstance..." Raditz frowned at a memory.

"Are you certain? Anyplace you've been, or-"

"I was temporarily stationed away from the barracks during that time
frame, but there was nothing special going on."

"What about jungle run?" Kakarot smirked.

"What about it!!"

"Well, you were out with everyone, eh?"

"No I wasn't. Stop bringing that up!"

"Leave off of that for now." Bardock held up a hand. "The mother will
be a problem later, but the most immeditate concern is Xenna's
rating."

"That's where you come in, mother." Raditz nodded.

Celipe blinked. "I do lab work, not the actual testing..."

"But could you evaluate her?"

"Hn" Celipe looked down. Xenna clucked, sitting quietly beneath the
kitchen table.

"I suppose, but it wouldn't be official or necessarily accurate-"

"Your own opinion, then." Raditz suggested.

Celipe tapped her chin in thought. "Based on general observations,
I've noticed a few things. She's exceptionally calm, and has a higher
rate of motor skills for her age than any elite cub I've seen.
Conversely, her ki wavelength is unusually low for an elite. Her
bones are solid, but her tail has some...irregularities."

"She doesn't have any kinks!" Radtiz shouted, offended.

Celipe placed a hand on his shoulder. "Calm yourself, Raditz. You
asked my opinion, and I'm giving it."

"Go on." the burly saiyan sulked.

"It's highly unlikely her mother is elite-"

"I don't lay with any ragtails!!"

"Raditz!!" Bardock barked. "Enough. She says nothing you haven't
suspected yourself!"

Dark eyes followed the chibi. "Ai, father."

"Xenna almost sounds like a contradiction, based on what you said."
Kakarot observed.

Celipe sipped some haffa. "She has enough elite in her to 'pass' as
it were...but her bones say otherwise."

Bardock sighed. "Hai, her tail feels rough. But at least it's thick."

"I noticed that also." Celipe continued. "Her temperament isn't that
of an elite, either. Highly bred saiyans are moody or high strung.
Their chibis don't develop as quickly as the lower class, but by the
fifth year they soon overtake the lower class in skill and ability."

"My daughter isn't a low bred!!" Raditz nearly shouted again.

Celipe smiled sadly. "All low breds aren't so bad."

Radtiz was striken. "I...I'm sorry, mother, I didn't mean any
offense..."

"That was in poor taste, brother." Kakarot chided him.

"I know. That just kind of came out without thinking."

"Your reaction also proves my point, son." Celipe noted. "I can even
use a comparison with Kakarot's chibis."

"How so?" Kakarot wondered.

"First, let me clear up something. I never said Xenna's mother was
ragtail. She could even be second class, which is more likely.
There's no way she would be as well formed with a third class mother."

Raditz calmed a little. "Even so, I can't remember who it might be."

"That can keep for now. As far as comparisons go, Nuru and Tezar are
typical elite. At five months, their motor skills are average at best-
"

"I don't like this evaluation." Kakarot growled.

Celipe ruffled his hair. "Loon. I know my profession!"

The wild one couldn't help but smile. "At least you don't have to be
so brutally honest!"

Bardock whuffed. "Hn, Xenna's coloring is a bit different also."

Celipe agreed. "Hai, her hair and tail are most nearly blackish
brown. When I bathed her earlier I watched for undertones."

Raditz squinted at his daughter. "I noticed it, and yet didn't see."

"A father loves first." Bardock was serene.

Radtiz smiled at the double meaning. "Adieru."

"She has the protection of Vegeta, Raditz. Never forget that."
Bardock's tone was fierce.

Raditz was silent a moment. "I understand. But she has elite in her,
so I suppose I shouldn't worry."

Celipe pointed at her ex-mate. "Your father is a reverse example. He
was presumed third class, but had elite characteristics."

"Celipe." Bardock warned.

The saucy saiyan flipped her hand in a casual gesture. "Hn, and wired
like one, too. Always so touchy."

"That has nothing to do with it here. The subject is Xenna, not me."

"True. But ratings and parentage are not always obvious, no?"

That earned her open stares. Celipe laughed at their reaction.

"The three of you are something else...I wish I had a digital of your
faces!"

"Your sense of humor escapes me sometimes." Bardock finally said.

She eyed him. "Den'rarde su cedunde (Still handsome and sexy)."

Kakarot gawked at her. "Mother!!"

Bardock shook his head. "She's playing again. Enough, woman!"

Raditz suddenly let out an earsplitting screech, leaping from his
chair.

"What ails you, boy?!" Bardock demanded.

Raditz hopped up and down, rubbing his tail. "She bit me!!"

Bardock only laughed. "Now you know what I went through!"

Kakarot picked up his clucking niece, who looked around innocently.
Dark eyes shone as she curled quietly in her uncle's lap, wrapping
her tail around his forearm.

"Raditz, you don't wave your tail around a chibi. Believe me, Vegeta
and I found out the hard way."

Raditz dropped heavily in his chair, still massaging his wounded
appendage. "I get the point. Kami, those teeth are like needles!"

"Ah, the joys of parenthood." Celipe grinned.

****

The brothers prepared to leave. Celipe looked over both her sons
closely.

"Listen to me, both of you. I've never been more proud. Both of you
are intelligent and handsome, and have graced me with fine chikki."

The young men blushed. "Adieru, mother."

Bardock stood in the hallway, arms folded as he leaned against the
wall. "Go on, both of you...I'll see you later at the palace."

Kakarot eyed him suspiciously. "Hn, staying for cake, father?"

"Insolent cub." Celipe snipped.

Black eyes burned like flint. "You aren't too old to have that nose
broken, boy. Now get going!"

Radtiz adjusted the canvas papoose that held Xenna. "This is a nice
pouch you rigged, mother."

Celipe kissed the baby. "I told you before, a grandmother is always
prepared." She looked at her eldest seriously a moment.

"Raditz...don't worry. Xenna is a beautiful chibi, and she'll do
well. If you want specific tests for her, I can arrange it."

"I'd appreciate that, mother."

"Now beat it, like your father said."

****

They arrived at the castle hours later. Xenna was viewed as a
curiosity by many onlookers as the brothers made their way through
the great halls.

"Don't mind them, Raditz. These lip flappers just like to gossip."
Kakarot advised.

The burly saiyan glared about. "Not at the expense of my daughter.
She'll rule all their asses someday."

Kakarot coughed. Raditz grinned.

"Yeah, yeah, I know. AND Nuru and Tezar."

"Much better."

"So there you are!!" a familiar voice rung out. Kakarot and Raditz
turned. The ouji strutted their way, his silvery cape billowing.
Nervous attendants skittered at his side.

"Away with you! I would speak with the oujian!" he waved them off.
They scattered like seeds.

A smirk. "So, my errant family decides to return. And with my pretty
vii (niece), as well!"

Xenna squeaked in her pouch, fat legs kicking.

"I'm glad to see you too, booky."

Raditz looked about. "Vegeta, is it wise to-"

The ouji motioned him to silence. "Come on, this way. These corridors
are sound deadened."

"I missed you." Kakarot purred.

Vegeta glanced over his shoulder smugly. "Later, koi...you made me
wait a night...now it's your turn!"

Raditz was curious. "Where are we going, Vegeta?"

Another smirk. "You'll see."

****

They entered the private nursery. Nuru and Tezar crawled and rolled
about, shrieking in greeting when their parents arrived.

Kakarot went to them immediately, scooping them up. "Dedarde, chibis.
Tosi says hello!"

They clung like vines, chirping wildly. Xenna turned in her pouch at
the sound of their voices.

"Now give me that baby!" Vegeta plucked her out of the papoose. He
nuzzled Xenna affectionately. A fat tail coiled his arm.

"Hn, little flower bud. Would you like to see your present?"

Xenna poked her tongue out, grinning. Raditz looked around the room
as Kakarot plopped his cubs down on soft carpet.

"This place is loaded with toys, Vegeta. What did you get her?"

"You'll see." the ouji turned. Nuru and Tezar looked up, seeing
Xenna. The three chibis screeched at each other in greeting.

Kakarot held his ears. "Kre'daddka!!"

Vegeta winced as the babies shrieked like banshees. "Hai, my hearing
won't hold up to this for long!" he plopped Xenna down near her
cousins. They immediately tumbled into each other, squalling a blood
chilling pitch.

"That racket's enough to wake the dead!" Raditz complained, holding
his ears also. "Where's that gift? Maybe it will quiet them down!"

"Hai!" the prince went into a side closet, dragging out a giant
stuffed scorpion. It had eyes of black buttons, and bright red fur.

"Jeudune (incredible)." Kakarot stared.

Raditz had to smile. "Oh, they'll love that!"

Vegeta chirruped at the cubs. They immediately screeched again,
clambering over the huge toy and rolling wildly.

The ouji was pleased, hands on hips. "I knew she'd like it."

"You're spoiling her, Vegeta."

Vegeta pulled a silken cord in the corner. "A princess should always
be spoiled. Now a quiet meal is in order."

Kakarot smacked his lips. "Agreed...the private parlor?"

"Of course. But first I'll have Tobokk and Asoli stay with the cubs.
They'll need pesto soon anyway."

****

The three brothers ate in good company. Raditz filled Vegeta in on
recent events.

Vegeta cracked a bone. "Hn, so Xenna's genetics could be a concern."

Radtiz gulped lizard eye soup. "Ai, it's possible her mother is
second class. The bones in her tail are somewhat rough, as well you
know."

"I noticed. But if necessary, we can arrange to have the proper
documents created to say otherwise. No elite in polite society feels
another's tail anyway."

"Hasn't there been enough of that?" Kakarot disagreed.

Raditz shook his head. "No, Vegeta's right. I want my daughter
protected. Would you have her go through the same chaos we did
growing up?"

A sigh. "No...I don't have an alternative, but it still bothers me."

"She's of the Vegeta line, and I won't see her denied."

The ouji approved. "Well said, Raditz. Once the war is done, the
three of us will review the secret archives."

Kakarot poked at his fish heads. "The ones revealing royal
bloodlines..."

"Hai, koi. Thousands of years back. And I suspect a final secret even
the two of you are unaware of."

"Tell us!"

A yawn. "In due time. By the time you see the records, it may become
clear anyway."

Raditz sipped his wine. "More secrets? Do all royals read like a
mystery novel?"

Vegeta nearly laughed. "Oh, there's drama and twists all right...and
since I was raised as royal, the hidden information is neither
shocking nor unexpected."

Kakarot eyed his kin warily. "I'm almost afraid to ask now."

"Actually, you should be proud...blood in a saiyan is everything, not
to mention bones."

"I want your bones right now."

"Hentai. Do you think of nothing else?"

"Plenty, but we weren't together last night."

"Do I need to hear this?" Raditz complained. "Eat, both of you."

Vegeta and Kakarot eyed each other hotly over the table. "That comes
later."


****

It was a night of _hanare,_ or family relaxation. In customary
tradition, everyone would eat and sleep together, sharing
companionship as an affirmation of blood.

In the imperial chambers, no excess was deemed unusual. Vaulted
ceilings were adorned with classic artwork centuries old, depicting
ancestral battle scenes. Thick, insulated walls were covered with
velvet and brocade, emphasizing stately quiet. Furnishings were
emblazioned with wild color, symbolizing the fiery passion of an
ancient race.

The brothers stretched in luxurious comfort, clad in soft velveteen
robes emblazoned with the seal of Vegeta. Their burbling chibis
tumbled and rolled across the giant bed they all lay upon. Bright
round faces lit with squeals as the cubs disappeared under folds of
fur.

Vegeta sipped his wine, red candleglow dancing on his dark
features. "I've longed for this day...when we would all be
acknowledged as brothers."

Raditz looked about, his high cheekbones shaded in stark
contrast. "Should this be said here? If servants are about-"

Kakarot turned sleepy eyes in his direction, mellow from food and
liquor. "No, it's all right...these chambers are secluded. It feels
good to be done with secrets."

Raditz leaned back into satin pillows. "Ai, true enough. Although it
was a poor secret kept from me."

Dark eyes blinked. "I don't understand...are you saying you knew all
along?!"

"Didn't you?"

"I...never dwelled on it..."

"That doesn't answer the question, Kakarot. And I'm pressed to
believe your instincts never led you."

Vegeta sighed, watching the chibis play between them. "He speaks
true. Our relationship was never typical, even before we acknowledged
kinship."

Kakarot propped himself up, thinking. "Maybe on some level I did
know...but felt it perverse in some way."

Raditz almost laughed. "Perversity for a saiyan is a stretch, to say
the least...watch your tail, Kakarot!!"

"Hn?" Kakarot flipped up the furry coil before it got chomped. A
disappointed Nuru rattled a thin growl.

Kakarot rolled the cranky chibi over his hip into his lap. "Trying to
bite me, eh?"

Nuru spat in reply. Kakarot cuffed his son playfully, sending him
rolling into the other cubs.

"Tosi says go over there a bit. Bite a blanket!"

Tezar and Xenna yowled happily as Nuru bounced off them. Seconds
later the three were a squalling blur once again, spinning under
thick blankets.

The adults laughed at their noisy antics. They savored wines and
brandies from golden goblets on crystal trays. Silver bowls were
filled with meaty delicacies and sweetbreads.

Vegeta's eyes nearly closed. "Hn, this is living...I wonder how
ragtails spend their free time?"

"Taking oil baths and sliding through alleys." Raditz snorted. "They
used to call it ass glossing. The idiots would race through the
streets butt bare, covered in oil!"

Kakarot laughed at the memory. "Ai, we had neighbors who were into
that...they'd drink and fight afterward."

Vegeta lifted an eyebrow. "Sounds like you participated."

"Hell yeah...it beat thinking about living in squalor. You came up
with diversions to make living in slums tolerable."

The ouji stretched out, staring at the ceiling. "And now look where
you are."

"It does seem almost like a fantasy."

Raditz cradled in a sleepy Tezar. "Reality, brother. This is where
we've always belonged, and none will deny us."

Kakarot tickled Xenna's nose. "I know...it feels good to truly belong
somewhere, not being seen as changeling."

Vegeta was curious, plumping pillows behind him. "How so, Kakarot?
Father raised you well, considering your station."

"You wouldn't understand this, koi...your life was dictated by a
single lifestyle. We were shuttled back and forth between low slums
and palace elite."

"Chaotic, to say the least. Not to mention confusing for any child."
Raditz commented. Tezar nestled in masses of hair, nearly asleep. Fat
little fingers clutched thick strands.

Vegeta was silent a moment. "I often wondered how I might be
different had I been raised as third class."

Kakarot pulled his tail teasingly. "It wouldn't work, you're too
regal."

"Flatterer. No, I mean seriously."

"You'd take everything too personally, Vegeta...I imagine you'd spend
all your time fighting."

"That doesn't sound too bad. I'd raze every neighborhood."

Raditz laughed at that. "Ai, that would work, up to a point. But
third class always fight in packs, and vendettas are endless."

Vegeta shrugged indifferently, soothing Nuru to sleep. "Bah. I've
enough power to counteract any such foolishness."

Kakarot and Raditz smirked knowingly. The eldest brother chuckled.

"You may be prince, but we know how their minds work. You couldn't
watch everybody all the time...short of killing them in herds, you
wouldn't stop them all. And then you'd have _oneri_ (blood revenge)
on your hands."

Vegeta snorted. "You think I'd be too soft? Since when?!"

"It's not about being soft. Even the mightiest can fall to cunning,
Vegeta. Surely our saba has taught you that."

The prince was silent a moment. "Perhaps. Still, it's difficult to
imagine ragtails overpowering me in some sinister manner."

"Is the Ou overconfident? A ruler doesn't last by blind arrogance."

Kakarot shifted his tail away from a curious Xenna. "Hai, I remember
all the security precautions about the palace. Even as a cub I
wondered at it all. The secrecy seemed strange and excessive. Third
class saiyans always do everything in the open."

Vegeta canted his head to one side. "And would you trade that life
for this one?"

A pause. "There are certain simple pleasures to enjoy, but for the
most part no. There's no romance in being poor and miserable, always
fighting with no hope of life being better."

Dark eyes surveyed the other saiyan. "And you, Raditz?"

The finely boned face tilted upward. "I sensed all along my true
heritage lay elsewhere, Vegeta. But I could never prove it, and was
mocked at school because of my belief."

Kakarot perked up at that. "You never told me..."

"I was older, and despised showing any weakness to you. But my very
appearance inspired jealousy. Third class but not a ragtail!"

Vegeta put his nose up a bit also. "Surely not. Conformation and
bones always speak true!"

Kakarot rolled his eyes. "Ai, you're both arrogant like royals."

"It isn't arrogance if you have the breeding, little brother." Raditz
sniffed. "I've told you that many times."

"More than I care to remember."

"You sound like father, Kakarot." Vegeta chimed in. "He treats
breeding like a skin you put on and take off."

The youngest brother stretched languidly against fur and satin. His
bright eyed niece squashed against him.

"Ijke" he tugged Xenna's little pony tail. "Stop wiggling, vii."

Raditz poured himself another drink. "Father was raised as third
class, but his demeanor was always different. Because of that I knew
we were something else."

"He has a charisma." Vegeta noted. "It's what drew me to him
initially...when I was too young to understand what was going on."

"Blood tells in the end, Vegeta." Kakarot stated. "I resisted the
notion we could be related, but some part of me knew all along."

"And?"

A slow smile. "And I didn't care...I only knew how I felt about you."

"Typical wild luni." Raditz yawned, flashing perfect points. "Heat
boils your brain, but admittedly you have no delusions."

"I won't apologize for being a moon cub, Raditz. My instincts are
always true to form, regardless of trickery or deception. I merely
follow them."

Vegeta stared, placing a sleeping Nuru at his side. "What say you?"

A pause. "I think back to when I met the Ou. We discussed this,
Vegeta."

The prince nodded, tucking fur around his snoring chibi. "Hai, you
told me your first impression. Your ability to see hidden truths has
always impressed me, Kakarot."

Wild black eyes sparked in stark truth. "I couldn't understand the
way he'd look at me, as if I were special."

"Understandable." Raditz stated. Tezar slept contentedly in arms like
cables.

The wild one continued. "I was told I got loose as chibi oozaru, and
ate some of the flowers in the royal garden. But instead of being
angry, saba just smiled and kissed me."

"Hn, he always had a soft spot for you. At times I was jealous,
though I was too young to understand why."

"It doesn't matter, koi. I didn't 'get it' either, but I could feel
something else going on."

"As did I." Raditz admitted. "I too felt a strange warmth,
a 'connection', around saba I couldn't explain. His kindness
perplexed me, since seemingly we had no history or common ground.
Little did I suspect the truth until later."

Kakarot moved his tail away from Xenna again. "Later? What happened?"

Raditz glanced down at his sleeping nephew. "Some things said about
the castle made me wonder. I loved sneaking around and overhearing
conversations."

"Something the servants said?" Vegeta wondered.

Dark features lit with a wolfish grin. "Ai, I'd heard hushed whispers
about ovees (bastard royals) and secret loves. Servants often said I
favored the king. Many times I'd enter a room only to clear it
immediately afterwards."

"Servants can be most annoying at times." Vegeta stated.

Kakarot snorted. "I went through that also. You'd think we had some
sort of disease."

Raditz nearly laughed. "A disease of royal blood, and those fools
knew it. Anyway, I roamed about the royal farmhouse, and strange
noises captured my attention."

Kakarot snickered. "I know where you're going..."

"Quiet! Anyway, as you know the farmlands at the castle outskirts are
huge. But the sounds were unmistakable."

Vegeta's eyes nearly popped. "Hold, are you saying that-"

"I snuck about the rafters, catching odd scent. It wasn't that of
farm animals either, but it affected me strangely. I stole a look..."

"Krukka!" Vegeta exclaimed. "I know this movie."

"Oh? The scent became stronger as I scaled the upper loft. The noises
I heard were clearly sounds of passion. Most of the farm animals had
fled outside from the racket."

The ouji's expression was indescribable. Kakarot cracked up.

"You should see yourself, Vegeta! How'd you think we got here, a
handshake?!"

"Shut up, fool! I want to hear this..."

Raditz continued. "Anyway, I peeped up the loft. Father and saba were
going at it, nearly breaking a cross beam. They used saba's robes as
bedcover in the hay."

Kakarot made a ridiculous face. "Can you imagine trying to get those
robes cleaned in secret?!"

"Idiot! Let me finish. I was confused by the affect their scent had
on me."

"You were still years away from first rut." Vegeta managed.

"True, but I was old enough to be influenced. I tried to hide, but
they sensed me."

Kakarot was enthralled. "What happened then? Were they angry?"

Dark eyes glazed in memory. "No. They just looked at me and...smiled.
Before I could do anything, they went back at it."

"And you watched?" Vegeta was incredulous.

"Only for a bit. I was too flustered, and nearly hit my head on a
wall brace. I all but toppled from the loft and ran from the barn."

"Must have been a hell of a thing to see." Kakarot surmised.

Raditz grinned slowly. "Father talked to me later about it briefly,
and said they couldn't love openly."

Vegeta rubbed his eyes. "I'm getting a headache."

"I may have been young, but I had sense enough to know there was more
between them than affection."

"Us, for starters." Kakarot commented. "Vegeta, you look a little
pale."

"I was thinking of the time frame. You weren't much older than Xenna,
and I was a toddler. Kami, they couldn't keep their hands off each
other!"

Raditz roared with mirth. "Now who does that sound like, eh?"

Button black eyes popped open. Kakarot sighed.

"Loudmouthed fool. Now Nuru and Tezar are awake!"

Raditz glanced down at his burbling nephew. "So I see."

Nuru rolled over, bright eyes peeping. He crawled across the bed as
the others watched.

Kakarot lashed his tail in annoyance, moving it away from Xenna yet
another time.

The ouji laughed then. "It's funny...we were lectured about not
having control, and it seems as if they were just as bad!"

"If not worse." Raditz added, smirking. "Can you imagine the two of
them sneaking around? And on the palace grounds, yet!"

Kakarot sniffed indignantly. "I can imagine most anything at this
point. What a mental scene! Saba rolling in a barn over his own
robes...not very kingly!"

The wild one gave a sick laugh, but it was short lived. His
persistent niece finally hit paydirt, sinking needle teeth into his
tail.

Nuru and Tezar screeched gleefully as their father howled. Vegeta and
Raditz likewise couldn't help but laugh as Kakarot rolled around
holding his wounded tail.

"I'm glad everyone thinks it's so damn funny!!"

Xenna pushed up to a sitting position and chirped at him. Kakarot
shook a finger at her.

"You be quiet, too. I oughta throw you in a cooking pot!"

****

The Ou glided into the room awhile later, seeing his entire brood
asleep. Each adult held a snoring chibi.

Small smile. "Hn, peace and quiet finally. All that talking, and they
finally wore themselves out."

Bardock appeared silently at his side. "I didn't think Raditz
remembered seeing us together."

"We weren't exactly quiet, koi."

"You made more noise than I did!"

"With all that growling I could hardly tell. Enough, you'll wake up
the chibis!"

Bardock smirked. "Too late." he pointed. Shiny eyes trained in their
direction, tongues clicking.

The Ou adjusted his robes. "Well, that's done it. They won't sleep
for hours now!"

Bardock climbed across the huge bed. "At least they're
settled...'idi'e naza, chikki!"

The chibis chirped in response, straining in the arms of their
parents. Bardock laughed softly.

"Well, what are you waiting for, Vegeta. There's plenty of room here!"

The Ou sniffed. "Don't rush me, a king must have dignity."

"Give it a rest. Climb over here already!"

Vegeta clambered over his slumbering cubs. "Madness...I see they've
been drinking prime stock from the winery."

Bardock reached across Vegeta, nibbling an entrail from a silver
bowl. "Sweetmeats and breads, too. At least there's some left for us."

The Ou squinted. "Pass me that bowl. I haven't eaten in nearly two
hours!"

"Hn, I see the little ones come this way."

The elders smiled as the three chibis squeezed free from their
parents and crawled over. Happy purrs rolled in small throats.

"I think they want some." Bardock grinned, stretching out. Xenna
plopped across his legs.

The Ou watched in amusement as Nuru nipped his toes. "Silly
chikki...you're as bad as your saba was. Always biting people's feet!"

Bardock chuckled. "Ai, it's like seeing Vegeta all over again...save
for Kakarot's coloring."

Not to be outdone, Tezar scuttled over, sticking his face in a bowl.
The Ou picked him up by the tail and dropped him by his sibling.

Bardock had enough presence of mind to wrap his tail securely about
the waist. A disappointed Xenna spat.

"Little mostri (monster). I know your plan! Here, bite this instead."
he fed her a small entrail. The chibi ate greedily.

Vegeta Ou sipped brandy from a crystal goblet. "That won't work, you
know." he nodded at the other cubs who showed great interest.

Bardock waved another entrail. "Gedac'se, chikki...come taste!"

Nuru and Tezar practically fell over each other biting the entrail.
The Ou rubbed the thick little mops.

"Not too much, Bardock...you know organ meats are rich for their
systems right now."

"A little won't hurt. Besides, it's my right to spoil them."

The Ou chomped a sweetbread, propping himself up near Kakarot. "Hn, a
night like this is long overdue for all of us."

"There are still secrets, koi." Bardock's voice held a hint of
warning.

Vegeta gathered in their chikki. "We'll deal with that when
necessary."

Bardock sighed. "A plague on royal secrecy...sometimes I'm glad I
came up third class."

"You never were, Bardock-"

The dark saiyan shushed his mate quickly. Hard eyes were on them both.

"Don't stop on account of me." Kakarot said suspiciously, watching
them closely.

His parents paused a moment. The Ou grinned slyly. "Go back to sleep,
this conversation doesn't concern you."

"On the contrary saba, this talk fascinates me. Maybe I should wake
up Vegeta and Raditz. I'm certain they'd like to hear it, too!"

"You'll do nothing of the kind. Stay your place, boy!"

The wild one sat up slowly, sniffing. "No wonder the chibis keep
biting. You stink."

"You aren't a drop of perfume either."

Another sniff. "And you clearly rolled before coming in here."

Bardock made a fist. "Put that nose on ice, loon. It won't look good
pointed in the wrong direction!"

"Ai, go smell something else." the Ou agreed. "This is a quiet family
evening, not an alley fight. But my crown's never too tight to oblige
a foulmouthed cub!"

The wild one glowered. "I can't help it. It's the first thing I
noticed before I woke up."

"Oh? I seem to recall Xenna biting you also."

A pause. "What are the other secrets?"

The Ou looked about blandly."Secrets? What secrets?"

Kakarot huffed, rolling on his side. "Fine, if that's the way you
want to be. I'm going to sleep!"

"An excellent suggestion."

The chibis started growling. Kakarot grinned smugly, wrapping fur
about himself.

"Sleep with one eye open, and watch your tails!"

The Ou curled next to Bardock. "Insolent cub."

****

Quiet kisses permeated the candlelit chamber.

"Bardock, enough. It took forever to calm the chibis again."

The dark warrior purred, stretching against his mate. "Maybe they're
calm, but I'm not. One more kiss!"

The Ou gave him a sticky one. "Now sleep! I've been bitten enough for
one evening, and now's not the time to relive the past!"

Bardock sighed, rolling to his side. "Ai, I spent enough nights
watching my tail with these big ones. Celipe had to muzzle Kakarot
more than once, and Raditz wasn't much better."

"Not surprising. It's a miracle I have any toes left, no thanks to
that one." the Ou pointed at the sleeping prince.

Bardock pulled his king into a tight embrace. "I'll sleep...for now.
But I want some later."

Vegeta purred contentedly. "Greedy hentai. I sometimes wonder if
you're a moon baby too!"

Dark eyes were lidded. "Kakarot's more like me than even he
knows...but I never was a hothead."

"My trait, I'm afraid." Vegeta Ou admitted. "He and Vegeta share my
impulsiveness, it seems. Raditz gets his cunning and ferocity from
you."

"We always related well in that aspect. I must admit he was always
the most level headed cub."

"Vegeta's temperamental and fiery. Typical high bred, eh?"

"True, but Raditz shares impatience and a short fuse. Kakarot on the
other hand..."

Vegeta Ou thought a moment. "Still explosive and high strung. I
haven't ruled out having him examined again."

Bardock's eyes narrowed. "Why at this stage? He's an adult." it was
nearly a whisper.

"Ai, but my concerns remain about his stability...if only we'd stayed
inside during that jungle moon in Ardwett!"

Bardock glanced at his near image, solidly asleep nearby. "We share
fault in that, koi. But I never regretted the result."

A sigh. "Nor I. Maybe I worry needlessly. I make allowances because
of his birth, but still there are times when-"

"You want to brain him. I know...if he tells me I'm not super saiyan
once more-"

The Ou shushed him hurriedly. "Do you want them to hear?!"

"I'll keep the promise, koi...but sometimes he tempts me!"

The king nestled against his mate snugly. "Ai, promises held and
kept."

Bardock rubbed cheeks, nuzzling. "I still believe they must be told
the rest of it, Vegeta. Would you have them find out from the
archives?"

Vegeta clamped a hand over his mouth. "Quiet, I say!" he hissed. "All
things in their own time."

And barely three feet away a wide awake ouji smiled in secret, his
back to them both. Powerful arms cradled Tezar gently in piles of fur.

/One already knows./

With a blissful sigh, Vegeta no Ouji drifted to dreamless sleep.

THE END