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Atavism	By : ctsama Category: Dragon Ball Z > Yaoi - Male/Male Views: 9192 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 3
Disclaimer: I do not own Dragonball, Dragonball Z, Dragonball Super, Resurrection 'F', or Battle of Gods or the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

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Pride of the Saiyans

“Turn around!” Goku shouted from behind the closed bathroom door.

“We don’t have time for this!”

“Just do it!”

Vegeta chafed at the delay, but sometimes it was easier to go along with Goku’s silliness than to argue with him. In truth it was all the waiting that was making him irritable. Whis had arrived on Sadla with Cabba two days ago and had been out of communication since a few hours ago. The simple message had been, ‘today. Be ready!’

An exact time would have been nice…

Grumbling, Vegeta turned away from the bathroom door where his mate was changing clothes. “Fine. I’m not looking.”

The door between them opened and Goku finally allowed him to turn around. “Well? What do you think?”

Vegeta felt like he couldn’t breathe for a moment. While he’d seen Goku in Saiyan armor before, this was something else entirely. His easy smile and jovial personality were offset now by the air of regal authority lent to him by the flowing robe and royal crest over his heart. And there was nothing remotely human about the aura of power that surrounded him, that ran through him. His resemblance to Bardock was striking.

In short, he looked…

//Perfect. You look… even better than I always thought you would.//

Goku smiled, pulling at his gloves for a moment while Vegeta smiled right back. “Well, it’s more comfortable than I thought it would be. Even the robe is really light! And it moves with me really easily.”

“What were you expecting, something stiff and heavy? Of course it’s comfortable, it’s the same battle armor everyone wears. Can’t fight in all that crap human monarchs wear-”

Vegeta suddenly stilled. The feel of bells tinkled at the edge of his awareness; Whis politely ringing a mental ‘doorbell.’ “It’s Whis,” he told Goku. “I think it’s time.”

//Whis? What is it?//

Poor Cabba had to talk until he was blue in the face but he followed your instructions to the letter. I’m not sure if his people really believe his fantastic tale but their king is too curious to ignore the possibility. He stayed true to his word, he didn’t tell them about your pregnancy. He’s going to have a fit when he finds out his Master is a king!

//He’ll get over it once he realizes how much I’m going to increase his standing. Good. Is anyone else able to sense god ki?//

No, no one has been able to see or sense me. I checked in with a like-minded contact amongst the Kais here. None of them have seen or heard from Champa for some months now. Beerus’ death seems to have unhinged him, finding the final Super Dragon Ball has consumed him.

That was enough to spike Vegeta’s nerves. //Does he know that it’s here? I will not leave Earth undefended if there’s even a chance that-//

No. There’s a certain trail of breadcrumbs that will lead him into conflict with some of the nastier Gods of Destruction. We’ll have time to finish our business here before they discover the deception.

//Crafty son of a bitch… okay, I’m impressed. And you never told me about a contact with the Universe 6 Kais.//

If I tell you all my secrets I’ll lose my air of mystery and I can’t bear the thought of you finding me less interesting. Let’s just say that Champa isn’t as hated here as Beerus was in Universe 7, but there are quite a few here who desperately want something better.

//...And you still think Kakarot and I are some part of that ‘something better?’//

Perhaps. Whatever happens, you have both exceeded any hopes I ever had. Now, let’s get to business! The King is holding that full court Cabba told us about, and he wasn’t exaggerating about the spectacle of it. The crowd here is unbelievable! The antechamber to the Great Hall is clear of people; Transmitting there will keep everyone guessing as to how you arrived. Will that do?

//Yes, that’s perfect. Give me a moment to wrangle the idiots.//

//Gohan. It’s time. Get here, now.//

*Be there in a minute!*

Vegeta opened his eyes to see Goku watching him eagerly. “Gohan is on the way.”

“And you’re still sure about him coming with us? If they react to him like Cabba did-”

“-Then we’ll be in good shape,” Vegeta responded impatiently. “What we have to offer the others isn’t just strength, it’s controlled strength. And that’s exactly what he is. Besides, you know how big of a role he has to play in this. The sooner they get to know him the better.”

Goku reached out, took Vegeta’s hands in his own. “This is it then. I’m ready if you are.”

Vegeta’s eyebrow lifted. //No you’re not. You were less stressed out facing Freeza for the first time. Why the hell are you so nervous? Your only part in this is to be yourself, the rest is on me.//

“That’s just it!” Goku burst out, throwing his arms in the air and beginning to pace. “I’ve messed up plenty just being myself. What if I say something stupid? What if I do something without thinking and screw the whole thing up!”

Vegeta just stared at him for a moment. ...Before beginning to laugh loudly.

“I’m being serious!” Goku spluttered, wounded.

“Of course you’re going to say stupid things and act without thinking. I did ask you to be yourself, did I not?”

I know you think I can charm the pants off of anything, but what if you’re wrong? I… I just don’t want to let you down.

Vegeta allowed himself a moment of gentleness, reassuring Goku by letting his mate feel his pride in him and winding his tail around his waist. “They can’t be harder to win over than I was.”

“True,” Goku chuckled. Goku’s attention perked up at a familiar presence just outside the door. “Gohan… Hey, could you…?”

Vegeta nodded tightly, feeling Gohan coming in the door. He reached out just in time to intercept and quell Goku’s moment of panic. It happened every time all three of them were together. The first time it had happened, Whis’ skill had been required to repair the damage Goku’s unexpected outburst had caused. It had happened so fast that all Vegeta remembered after Gohan’s sudden and unexpected appearance by Transmission was Goku shoving him behind his back in absolute terror and panic. Then there was a flash of light and an explosion of terrible energy that left only devastation as far as the eye could see. Thankfully the effect seemed to be diminishing each time they were all together and Gohan proved he was no threat to Vegeta.

I hate this. And it makes Gohan feel terrible. How much longer do you think I’ll keep freaking out like this?

//I barely had to do anything just now. Your reaction to him gets less intense every time. You’ll be able to handle it yourself in another time or two. Don’t be so hard on yourself. This has been hell for you, you think I don’t know that?//

Goku sighed in contentment as he did every time he felt such gentleness from his mate.

“Hello!” Gohan called, walking in the door. He smiled at his father and his King eagerly, almost as striking a figure in battle armor as Goku. Vegeta took a moment to appreciate the pure familiarity of having other Saiyans in uniform around him again. It made him feel more powerful than all the strength he’d gained over the years.

Goku grinned widely at his son. “So it takes Vegeta to get you out of Piccolo’s clothes?”

“Damned right. It’s about fucking time you two look like the Saiyan warriors you are. Now if we’re done with the chit-chat-”

“Not quite,” Gohan said, nervousness creeping into his tone. “Are you sure you want me to come along?”

“Oh for- I’ve had enough of both of your insecurities!” Vegeta growled. “We’ve been over and over this and I don’t expect either one of you to work miracles. Whis is ready for us. So can we do this, or would you two like some more time to have your little doubts?”

Goku apologized with a sheepish smile and Gohan gave a sarcastic salute. They both placed a gloved hand on each of Vegeta’s shoulders while he closed his eyes and focused his inner awareness. His connection to Whis would provide the target, as Goku and Gohan both described his ki as ‘too slippery’ for them to get such a long range lock-on.

//We’re ready.//

Whis acknowledged him and suddenly the strange combination of bells, strength, and wisdom he associated with the ancient being exploded in Vegeta’s mind. He paused to take a deep breath before the next step. He, Piccolo and Whis had worked on a less jarring, faster way to Transmit between Universes that didn’t rely on his bond with Goku. In theory their less-than-perfect yet workable method would be successful… but they’d never tried it before.

‘It has to work. We need a way to get back and forth between Universes without Whis having to ferry us.’ After a few seconds he reached out to bring Gohan and Goku into the connection, holding Whis’ location firmly in their minds.

Father and son both had power to spare and they directed it almost effortlessly. It swelled and swirled around Vegeta - he reveled in it for far shorter a time than it had taken that first time he and Goku had made Transmission between Universes happen.

He let the lock on Whis go and opened his eyes to see a heartfelt smile.

“Welcome to Universe 6, my friend. Are you ready to make an entrance?”

____________________________________________________________________________________
The throne room was a far brighter affair than the one Vegeta had known as a child, but it was just as large and daunting. As they walked the length of the long chamber Vegeta clenched his tail a little tighter around his belly; between it and his armor his baby bump wasn’t visible and he wanted to keep it that way for now.

The looks of shock and surprise on the faces of the gathered multitude were warranted. They’d nearly blown the hinges of the massive doors. It had been one hell of a first impression.

Vegeta’s eyes locked on those at the other end of the long chamber, and he didn’t waver. Goku at his side and Gohan a few steps behind, however, took the opportunity to look around them. After the initial shock wore off, the looks Vegeta received were appreciative or reverential, some even lustful. The respect in the gazes of those gathered was directed toward Goku and Gohan.

These guys think I’m King and you’re Consort, don’t they?

//Of course they do. I’m just a little child-bearer after all. I can’t even fight, might muss my hair.//

Come on, it’s not like that. You remember what Cabba said. Just ‘cause they don’t fight doesn’t mean they’re not crazy important.

Gohan spoke to Goku privately, trying hard to keep a straight face. *Somehow I don’t think Vegeta would fit in with their idea of what child-bearers are.* Goku snorted and managed somehow not to break into guffaws at the thought of a serene and peaceful Vegeta, Spiritual Leader of the People.

Vegeta was too focused on the figure who sat on the dais at the end of the chamber to even notice their amusement. Narrowed eyes and downturned lips told Vegeta he had his work cut out for him. He took in this other king’s pale skin and muscular physique, so large he dwarfed the throne in which he sat. A ponytail at the base of his neck barely contained the wild spikes of his hair, leaving every nuance of his harsh features plain to his subjects.

Goku’s excitement seemed to grow the closer they got to the throne. Woah, he’s almost as big as Nappa! Now that’s a King!

//My list of reasons to kick your ass just keeps getting longer and longer, Kakarot!//

A familiar face appeared in the crowd closest to the throne area. The bright smile on Cabba’s face at seeing them again faltered into confusion at their changes in clothes, then shock as he put it all together. Goku grinned back at him, giving him a quick wink. He looked to his teacher, his master over the past weeks hoping beyond reason for some explanation but Vegeta didn’t even notice him.

//Of course I see you. A change of clothes doesn’t change who we are, boy.//

Vegeta stopped a respectful distance from the other king, staying at the bottom of the few steps up the dais to the throne.

“Yasai, King of All Saiyans,” someone spoke from the line of councilors and generals fanned out on either side of the king.

*Oh, my turn!* “King Vegeta the Second, and his Consort Goku.”

Gohan’s non-specific introduction left out which one was which, but Yasai very deliberately addressed only the least physically intimidating of the group, much to the consternation of the court.

“King Vegeta. Cabba has told us much about you.” His deep voice boomed and Goku couldn’t help being impressed. His bright smile came quickly. Couldn’t fool him, that’s good, right?

//Yeah, at least we know we’re not dealing with an idiot. Well, another idiot.//

Hey!

*Hey!*

“It’s good to meet you, though I must admit this is quite a shock. You aren’t what I was expecting,” Yasai said flatly, clearly disappointed. “Cabba spoke so highly of your abilities that I was eager for this meeting… only to find that his youthful enthusiasm must have gotten the better of him.”

Vegeta fought the urge to smile. Sometimes he actually loved being underestimated. Blows to the body weren’t nearly as painful as blows to the pride.

“Maybe. Maybe not,” Vegeta shrugged.

“Well, you did come a long way. I might as well hear what you have to say. Cabba tells me you have a proposal of some kind, a trade that would benefit us both.”

One of his generals laughed nastily. “I should think his offer is clear from his coming here in heat. Using your charms to ensnare those of us with influence isn’t a bad plan, not by any stretch, though it is a little obvious. You look too small to even carry one of our children, but I’m sure you’ll find someone willing to try you.”

Vegeta let his contempt show, giving the speaker a look of utter hatred that actually wiped the grin from the general’s face. “I am not in heat. Nor will any of you lay a hand on me. I am mated,” he growled.

“Please,” drawled another, giving Vegeta a lingering look with which he was all too familiar. “Everyone knows that child-bearers don’t mate, this ‘consort’ business is clearly just a negotiation tactic. Playing hard to get isn’t necessary,” he smiled slyly, nudging one of the others. “Small or no, you will have plenty of interested suitors who can give you what you need-”

While there were a few snickers in the assembled crowd most appeared to be appalled by the remarks. And to his credit Yasai silenced the offenders with a look before Goku and Gohan could completely lose their tempers. //Whis.//

Whis quit his place among the crowd to shift himself to Vegeta’s side, remaining invisible to all but his own people. “Nasty pieces of work, aren’t they?”

//Those are the ones Cabba told us about, if I’m not mistaken. The ones who are trying to bring down the king, yes?//

“Yes, two of the three. The other is the real problem-”

//It’s that one.// Vegeta sent a picture of the grizzled and scarred older warrior farthest to the right. He chuckled at the right times, looked the part of the rest of Yasai’s retinue but his eyes were too sharp and measuring.

“Yes. One way or another the three of them find a way to challenge or interfere with Yasai in all areas of his rule.”

//I’m willing to bet that one is using the other two to destabilize Yasai; they seem too dumb to act wisely on their own. Once the people rise up against their King, the mastermind over there will use the opportunity to take out the competition before taking the throne for himself. I don’t like the underhanded back-biting, it isn’t necessary with our people. If Yasai needs taking out it could be done honorably through combat. Unless I find out the king has a harem full of children under the palace, I’ve already chosen a side.//

Whis smiled, savoring the moment. He was so used to leading Beerus to answers that it was a pleasure to serve someone with vision.

Vegeta crossed his arms and didn’t speak until he once again had the attention of everyone in the hall - and his words dripped with sarcasm when it came. “I’m sorry to have disappointed you. However, Cabba led me to believe your child-bearers were held in high regard. It seems we’re both disappointed.”

Yasai flushed at the reprimand, but managed to hold on to his composure. “We are simply… unaccustomed to your… standing.”

Gohan’s eyes narrowed. *That’s not the apology he owes you.*

//I know. But one way or another he’ll give it before this is all over.//

“I do have a proposal for you. If you would allow cooperation between us, give us some of your people to take back with us to our universe, I will give you something you lack. Real power.”

The king’s face drew into a scowl at the insult. Banking on the king’s pride was a gamble, but one Vegeta felt safe in making. And he knew he’d won when he saw the first hint of curiosity in his counterpart’s eyes. “We are one of the strongest races in our Universe. We use that strength to serve the greater good and to make our way here. What could you possibly offer us that we don’t already have?” he scoffed.

“You lock your child-bearers away out of fear, because you can’t protect them any other way. You’ve sworn to eradicate slavery and yet I’m told it survives because there are still those who don’t fear your strength.” Vegeta smirked to see Yasai’s jaw clenching in rage. “A demonstration, if you like.” At the king’s patronizing nod, Vegeta called Cabba by name. The boy stepped forward, wondering what would come next.

“I’ve been training this one during his time with us. Let him fight one of his superiors.”

A mocking murmur went through the crowd. Like his own people, advancement here was based on strength. At Cabba’s young age and ability, a superior officer would never lose to him.

The young man stepped forward, and through just a look Vegeta could see his excitement. //Who here has been an asshole to you? Someone tough.//

Cabba’s eyes lit up, then moved to settle on a scarred warrior, maybe twenty years his senior. He let Vegeta pick up some painful memories that surrounded this man.

He was a bully, jealous of Cabba’s strength and standing because he himself hadn’t been born with the same advantages. Insults, beatings falsely labeled as ‘training…’

Vegeta’s eyes narrowed. He would do nicely. “You. Come forward.”

He did so with a grin and a cocky swagger.

“Your daddy can’t save you this time,” he sneered, facing off against Cabba without further preamble. “I’m going to enjoy this.”

Cabba did something he’d never done before: he talked back. “Not half as much as I will.” A frisson of doubt crept up the challenger’s spine. Something about Cabba’s confident smile was unsettling, but he brushed it off and fell into a fighting stance.

And that was the last thing he would remember doing for a very long time. He was unconscious from the crack to his jaw before he had time to register Cabba’s movement.

He crumpled in a heap and Cabba looked down at him for a moment, allowing himself the well-earned satisfaction of seeing his bully beaten by his own hand.

Vegeta’s eyes didn’t leave the other king, who showed some surprise, but not much. The defeat had been impressive but Cabba’s speed was well known, even to the King. Going from incredibly fast to incredibly faster wasn’t going to do the trick, and Vegeta was counting on that. While guards cleared away the unconscious pile, sure enough Yasai insisted on a more impressive and telling demonstration. This time the first of the generals to scoff at Vegeta volunteered for the task. Cabba didn’t show it but Vegeta could feel how rattled he was by the choice of opponent. As he took his place Vegeta reassured him.

//I wouldn’t let this happen if I thought there was any chance you’d embarrass me. You’re stronger than you’ve ever been. I taught you to read power levels for a reason, so do it. ...Yes. You see it now. Húlu and Shēng hit harder than this guy and they’re what I’ve gotten you used to. It’s time to give your people a good show.//

Cabba waited for his opponent to move, and then stopped his attack short in dramatic fashion. He burst into his Super Saiyan form to the shock of everyone assembled including his opponent. This time Cabba slowed himself down enough to let him land a few hits, hits that the barrier of energy around him deflected harmlessly. Once he’d let his opponent’s impotence sink in for a few moments he finally moved so quickly his opponent didn’t even have time to react. The shit-talking asshole flew across the large room, hitting a wall and sliding down it with a groan. He crumpled to the ground and the king muttered, “Impossible. You’ve achieved this in less than a week? Such power…”

//Well done, boy. You’ve got him hooked. I’ll take it the rest of the way.//

Cabba let the transformation go but continued to glow under the praise. Yasai watched him for a moment, finally seeing the potential in what Vegeta was offering. When he looked back to Vegeta though, he was all business. “This form… you will give it to us?”

“I don’t know how many of you can achieve it; it’s not something everyone is capable of,” Vegeta cautioned. “But yes. I will teach you. That, and other techniques that will greatly increase your effectiveness in battle. …Assuming your warriors can survive my training,” he finished, hearing an elated Cabba snicker.

Yasai’s poker face wasn’t half bad, though he couldn’t completely hide his eagerness. But Vegeta knew that getting what he needed wouldn’t be that simple. “What you propose is… not impossible. But I have some concerns that need to be addressed. You profess to be so powerful, yet Cabba’s reports indicate that your race was almost completely wiped out, that there are only a handful of you left. Can you truly protect any of the people I give you when you couldn’t protect your own?”

Vegeta…

Goku’s wordless reassurance helped ease the guilt and self-directed hatred caused by the other king’s words.

//It’s his duty to ask. I knew it would come to this.//

“And aside from that, you are a child-bearer. One of your kind has never ruled here, and I question your competency-”

*Uh oh. Vegeta’s getting pissed. Dad…?*

It’s okay. At least, I think it’s okay…

“-as it will be too difficult for you to rule - even through your Consort - from safe seclusion. Unless he is willing to take responsibility for keeping you protected-”

“Hey… Um, I hate to interrupt but he doesn’t need my protection, or anyone else’s. I know things are different here but in our universe child-bearers have always been stronger than average fighters. He’s the one that trained Cabba, not me.”

Yasai rolled his eyes. “I appreciate your dedication to your… mate, but you’re clearly lying. I don’t care how different you say your universe is, child-bearers are simply not fighters. How can you not need to protect him?! He is far too tempting a target for those who would seek to profit from capturing him. Who will defend your people while you have your hands full safeguarding him? Please. Don’t insult my intelligence,” the king scoffed, clearly unwilling to believe that a child-bearer could also be a fighter.

...And so he missed the warning sparks of anger-generated energy beginning to crackle over Vegeta. Goku didn’t though. He and Gohan stepped away as they’d discussed beforehand, moving to the side of the chamber to give Vegeta room for what would come next.

Vegeta now stood alone in the center of the hall, and as he began to argue back against Yasai’s words Goku could already feel him altering the flow of power in his body, re-directing some of his energies to form a barrier around his unborn children.

//I’m going to enjoy this far more than I should.//
*********************************************************************************************************************************
Next: Will a clash of Kings lead to the honesty they both need?

Yasai: Japanese for vegetable because I’m so amazingly creative. Hah.

ZeoViolet: You’re awesome. I’d say more but I’m being yelled off the computer, lol!
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Atavism