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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.

Chapter List
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Diplomacy

Yasai continued his dismissive tirade, much to the enjoyment of a select few of his generals. Vegeta’s fists clenched at his sides as he harnessed the power of both his own anger and the guilt Yasai’s words had brought on.

Are you sure I can’t do this part? It’s really hard to listen to them talking about you like this.

*I second that. I’d be happy to handle this too.*

//No, it has to be me, King to King. Otherwise he’ll lose face and this will all be for nothing. …But I am enjoying your bloodlust. By all means, keep it up.//

“Well?” Yasai finally demanded. “How are you going to keep my people from being destroyed as your own were?”

“We were not then as we are now,” Vegeta growled back, head held high. “My mate was the first in a thousand years to achieve this Super Saiyan state, and with it he was able to defeat the being that wiped us out. Since then we have all accomplished it, becoming immeasurably stronger. And if you wish to test that strength…”

Vegeta burst into his second form, causing some genuine fear in those assembled as flashes of lightning crackled around him. “By all means, come and test me.” The king hesitated and Vegeta’s smirk grew. “Unless you’re afraid of a weak little child-bearer after all.”

The king proved to be a true Saiyan, all thought of anything other than the battle lost to his outrage at being mocked. He accepted the challenge, stalking off his throne to meet his counterpart in battle on the throne room floor. Goku and Gohan noticed the guards in the hall organizing not to stop or interfere with the fight, but to push back and protect those among them who were obviously not fighters.

*That’s pretty great, I like these guys! …Let’s hope the architecture holds when our King loses it.*

Goku chuckled. It’ll be fine, Vegeta doesn’t lose himself when he gets pissed off the way he used to. ...I just hope Yasai has the same restraint.

The king’s power was impressive; with a roar he powered up and launched a barrage of energy attacks that would have utterly devastated most opponents.

Vegeta didn’t bother attacking and he barely even defended himself, brushing off the furious energy attacks as though they were nothing. Once the dust cleared leaving an unfazed and smirking Vegeta, the king’s rage took hold in a physical attack.

But again, he found himself outmatched by his opponent. After a few minutes of having his hits blocked or harmlessly absorbed Yasai began to tire… and maybe, Goku thought, a little well-earned embarrassment and frustration were setting in as well.

Vegeta might not have thought much of Nappa, but he did appreciate the guy’s sense of theatrics. Once he’d had enough of Yasai’s frustrated rage he swept two fingers toward the high ceiling in a narrow Exploding Wave and it erupted around him.

Yasai stumbled backward but just before it would have swallowed him the attack dissipated straight upward - but not before Vegeta blew a hole clear through the palace roof. The stunned and clearly outclassed ruler stared at the open sky for an extended time, getting his breath back as bits of formerly ornate masonry rained down on them.

Vegeta’s smile widened by a fraction, slow and deliberate when the king turned back to him, returning to his base form. “I trust that answers any questions you have about my strength. If you want me to actually fight back I suggest we take this somewhere less expensive to repair.”

Yasai cleared his throat, giving himself a moment to regain his composure. Vegeta’s effortless defense and precision in his attack had driven home the truth of the situation. Assuming Vegeta had a child-bearer’s battle weakness how much stronger were the rest of them? Surely they were powerful enough to take what they wanted.

This negotiation was simply a show - but one of good faith.

Yasai’s gaze turned calculating as he considered Vegeta. Trusting him even a little was a huge risk to both his planet and position, and yet his instincts demanded that he try. Thankfully this Vegeta seemed to know the game; even in the face of such a total defeat, the only thing that saved Yasai from the shame of it was Vegeta’s equal rank. It left him room to maneuver.

“No, your demonstration was more than sufficient, and I… regret any offense I have caused. I suppose your consort did attempt to warn me,” he said with a wry smile.

“I’m just glad he lost his temper with somebody other than me this time. I’m still healing up from the last time!” Goku’s joke as he rejoined his mate broke the tension in the room and everyone seemed to relax once more.

“I think it’s clear now that we could greatly benefit from an alliance with you. So,” the king asked, spreading his hands in an offertory gesture. “What would you have of us in return for this power? Surely it’s not our fighters you’re after.”

That last was said with more than a little humor and Vegeta touched Goku and Gohan to get their sense of the man. Sure enough they were more than pleased with his change in attitude.

I think this is how Yasai really is. Maybe he was all grumpy before because of King stuff.

*Like some other people we know.*

//I’m beginning to regret bringing you two!//

“I have a planet, I have resources. Strength I have as well; it’s manpower we lack. We need skilled hands to build the future of the Saiyan race in my universe, scientists, doctors… For my part I can guarantee they’ll have everything they want or need, and will be well protected.”

“How will I know? Surely you don’t expect me to give you my people and hope for the best.”

“I never intended this to be a one-way mission. We have ways of traveling that are far faster and more efficient than space travel. We can bring people and materials back and forth when needed. You have my word that I will protect your people as my own, and when my children are old enough I hope you will do the same for them.”

“Well. How am I to say no to that?” Yasai murmured, more than a little awe tinging his voice. “Come. We have much to discuss.”

Yasai turned to lead them out of the hall but one of his councilors cleared his throat quite loudly. The king stopped, rolled his eyes and mumbled, “Right, right. Protocol.” He turned and in a booming voice he declared an end to the day’s audience.

Murmurs of surprise gave way to excited chatter as people cleared the aisle for their King and his new guests. Yasai strode down the center of the great room and they took his lead, all three of them once again falling into perfect step.

It wasn’t every day Yasai’s people saw their king neutralized so effortlessly. The fact that it had been a child-bearer was extremely confusing, and many of the gazes Vegeta now received reflected that confusion.

//They have no idea what to make of me.//

True. And at this point, that’s only to our benefit. Shall I continue skulking about? I must say, I quite enjoy being your spymaster. …Though I’m a little concerned as to what that says of me…

//It just says that you’re even more mysterious and interesting than anyone thought, so I wouldn’t worry too much about it. Just stay with us for now. If I need a little dramatic flair, you’re just the person I’ll need.//

My forte, how exciting!

Goku and Gohan had their own conversation going. They were less concerned with the confusion than they were with those who were not confused in the least.

*I don’t like how some of these people are looking at him.*

Me neither. But when Cabba first came he thought Vegeta was in heat; they’re just having the same reaction. He says they’ll get used to his scent after a while, but this is going to happen in the meantime.

*Besides that they’ve never seen a child-bearer as strong as he is and that makes him pretty exotic. And… well, I’ll just say it, please don’t be angry. They’re like us; that kind of power is a turn-on. It may be longer than you want before that stops.*

Goku sighed, wishing once more that Vegeta would wear one of the armbands that Cabba spoke of, one that would tell all that he was spoken for. He looked around, seeing quite a few people wearing such bands, from luxurious fabric to ornate metal.

He was so busy watching the crowd’s reaction to his mate that he failed to see their reactions to him and his son. Vegeta wasn’t the only recipient of those slow smiles, appreciative looks and outright leers. One of the bolder onlookers didn’t move back as much as the rest, letting her ample breasts brush Goku’s arm.

“Oh, excuse me,” she grinned as he passed, looking not at all apologetic. Gohan was getting the same treatment and he chuckled.

Well, it looks like we’ve got our own fan club to deal with. Ugh. Videl is gonna love this. She’ll be calling me ‘Mr. Hot Shit’ for weeks.

It only registered amusement to Gohan, but Goku wanted the emboldened admirers to stop. These people didn’t see him and Vegeta as a bonded pair and it bothered him to no end. He didn’t want to disturb Vegeta for something so trivial so he just tried not to think about it. Vegeta’s voice startled him when it came.

Walk faster, catch up to me. Hold out your left hand and whatever you do, just… try to control yourself.

Puzzled, Goku did so only to nearly stop in his tracks when whispers and gasps of shock rose around them.

He was about to ask for an explanation only to stop in shock when the soft fur of Vegeta’s tail wound its way around his wrist and forearm. Without thinking, he closed his hand lightly around it and having that softness in his hand felt as natural as fighting, making him wonder if this had been a common show of affection between mates when their race was younger. Goku swallowed hard, unable to keep up with Vegeta and Yasai’s continuing conversation as he felt he might float away.

But his mind began to race after a few moments of giddiness. Was Vegeta just showing off his tail for effect? Was this just part of the plan to impress these people? He had to know…

Vegeta? Um… why are you-

The answer enfolded him in a swirl of possessiveness that made his gut kick. //Because you like it. Because I’m never going to be so wrapped up in this that you’ll have to wait. Because I need to feel your heat against me, not some cold, dead trinket. Because you sure as fuck don’t have to deal with advances you don’t want. And most of all, because you are Mine.//

Vegeta managed to mentally slap him just before Goku could follow through on his desire to pick him up and twirl him around in a tight hug - before shoving him against a wall and having his way with him. That amused - and aroused - voice in his head made him shiver imperceptibly.

//Just walk, Kakarot. You can jump me once we’re alone.//

_____________________________________________________________________________________
The King with quick strides led them through the winding hallways of the vast palace complex, regaling them with stories of his family and history as he went. During a bit of a confusing explanation about Goku’s two names a few of Yasai’s council - including one of the two obvious troublemakers - intercepted Yasai, objecting to a meeting taking place between the two Kings without them. Yasai gave Vegeta a withering smile, sharing a quick joke about the joys of command before making short work of their arguments.

He brought them to a receiving room with a large table laden with food. Gohan tucked into it with gusto, and Yasai - after seeing their genuine enthusiasm - joined in, matching them plate for plate.

Vegeta’s mind was racing and despite being famished and exhausted from overdoing it in his fight with Yasai, Goku had to prod him into eating. He was slightly more reserved in his gorging, using their lack of attention to talk more with Whis.

“I’m having rooms prepared for you here,” Yasai said after his curious servants had cleared the stacks of empty dishes. “Come and go as you please, of course.”

“Me and Vegeta will take you up on it, but we want Gohan to stay with Cabba, if that’s okay.”

“Just in case I’m putting on a show for you, eh?” Yasai asked with a knowing smile. I’m sure I would do the same in your place. I can have Gohan taken to him as soon as you wish.”

Gohan’s smile dropped into a frown. “ You’re still sure about this?”

//I need information, things I might not find out unless I can get the ‘unofficial’ story. Stay open as much as possible. If you see or sense anything strange going on I want to hear it immediately.//

*It’s like we thought though. I intimidate a lot of them and eventually someone’s going to test me. What do you want me to do when I get into trouble?*

//Flex your muscles.// Vegeta turned for a moment, looking him in the eye. //I’d make you stay here where I could keep an eye on you if I didn’t trust your judgment.//

Gohan swallowed, nodding tightly. He’d wanted Vegeta’s trust back, and now that he had it he was determined to hold onto it. *Whatever you need done, I’ll do it, no matter what.*

Yasai tapped his fingers almost nervously on the stone table top, clearing his throat to draw Vegeta’s attention back to him. “If I may, I have something of some sensitivity that I’d like to discuss with you.”

Vegeta’s eyebrow quirked. “Those asshole generals of yours. They’re fine pieces of work.”

His answer startled a short bark of laughter out of Yasai. “I’d ask you how you knew that, but frankly, right now I don’t care. It is as you say, and they’re giving me one hell of a headache.”

“Why don’t you just get rid of them?” Goku shrugged. “We can read power levels, so we know you’re stronger than the strongest of them, even if they think they’re hiding it. Beat them up and kick ‘em out the front door. Or put them someplace where they can’t cause any trouble.”

Yasai snorted. “They’d be no trouble at all if I could put them in the grave. But they have proven to be far better at political maneuvering than I am. Despite their disgraceful performance today they’re quite well liked, though for the life of me I can’t figure out how those two idiots are doing it. They’re strong, but they’re far from clever-”

“There’s a third, using them from the shadows,” Vegeta explained. He described the third conspirator and Yasai’s eyes slowly narrowed.

“Sava. I should have known. One of my former Captains tried to warn me about him but at the time I didn’t believe him… Gods, the more I think about it the more sense it makes. He’s too often in the right place at the right times, so sly… Damn him, and damn me for not seeing it!”

Gohan shook his head. “I don’t understand. What are they doing that you can’t just stop them?”

“They’re simply too popular for me to take out; opposing them would lose me crucial support in resources controlled by those loyal to them. Wherever there’s a victory, somehow they manage to make sure the people see it as their credit alone. Never mind that I’m the tactician or decision-maker… or even on the front lines. But whenever there’s a loss, hell,” he huffed, throwing up his hands. “They manage to land all of that shit at my feet. Ah… sorry. I’ve never been much of a diplomat.”

Goku blinked, then chuckled. “If you think that was bad, you should spend some time with Vegeta. He swears worse than that every day before breakfast!” They both laughed and Vegeta watched in amazement as Yasai fell further under his mate’s spell. While he was thinking about plots and plans, politics and contingencies Goku was just… making a new friend.

Goku caught the course of his thoughts and the part of him that wasn’t pleased beyond measure was confused. I thought you hated it when I did that.

//Only because it got you into trouble. Now that I’m here to protect you I don’t mind so much.//

“I would agree to this arrangement between us, but my word won’t do you much good right now. I’ll get so much pushback from the council and generals that I won’t be able to give you all of what you need. Unless…” He stopped and met Vegeta’s eyes, studying him for a moment before taking a deep breath. “I don’t like asking for help. Maybe you can relate.”

Goku snorted, glaring at his mate. “You have no idea...”

“Then I’ll just say it. If you can help me stabilize my position here, help me to oust these troublemakers I will give you everything you’re asking for and more.”

“So what will that take?”

“A miracle, and a big one,” Yasai snorted. “I need my people’s faith back. Most importantly, I need my miracle accomplished without the knowledge of Sava or any of his cronies or spies. Unfortunately, I can’t see a way to do that. But you, an outsider?” Yasai pushed himself up, eyes almost feverish as he leaned across the table. “You may be the only hope I’ve got of keeping control here. If you can help me… you’ll have all you want from us and more.”

Goku could feel Vegeta pulling away as he did when he was speaking mentally to Whis. Once the conversation drew to a close the end of Vegeta’s tail began absently twitching back and forth beside him as it did when he was in deep thought. Goku almost giggled at seeing Yasai’s eyes pulled to its back and forth path, lulled into near hypnosis by it.

//I know what we have to do, Kakarot. But you’re not going to like any of it.//

Just tell me you’ll let me protect you, and that you’re doing what’s best for us.

//I will, and I am.//

“What if I could find out where the threat to your child-bearers was coming from. If I did that and shared credit for it with you… Would that give you enough of a boost in good will to do what you have to?”

“Yes!” Yasai fairly roared, slamming his palms on the table. “Give me that and I can get rid of Sava and the lot of them. And then I can make such an example out of them that political leverage never gets in the way of a good ruler for a long time.”

“If I do this, any of your child-bearers who don’t want to live apart anymore won’t have to. I want your word that you’ll allow them to move freely again if they wish.”

Yasai’s relief surprised Vegeta. “That’s an easy one. I want them back with the people, always have. But it was too dangerous.” He sighed, falling into his seat again, rubbing his beard and considering. “I’ll level with you. No one knows this - and I expect you to keep it that way - but the threat to our child-bearers has only gotten worse over time. It’s been an easy secret to keep because our enemies have changed tactics, going for stealth rather than brute force. Three have been taken since the raid, the last less than ten years ago, and the attempts have been ongoing.”

“Why keep it a secret?” Goku asked. “Tell everyone. A planet-wide neighborhood watch made up of Saiyans is going to make anyone think twice!”

“It’s not so simple. We kept this from the public because I believe we’ve been betrayed by someone inside the palace, another Saiyan who helped the kidnappers smuggle him off planet. It’s why the investigation has to be done in secret. I just haven’t known who I could trust.”

“And you know there’s an insider exactly how?”

“Because one of the victims… somehow he was able to reach out to me even though we didn’t have a mating bond. I felt it when he was taken. He knew his attacker.”

Goku’s heart clenched. “He could still be alive! Maybe we can find him-”

“No. He’s long dead. I know because I… I felt him die,” Yasai finished quietly. “There was nothing I could do, and I’ve never forgiven myself.”

It was a helpless feeling that Goku recognized instantly. He’d felt it himself those times Vegeta had been in danger and he’d been unable to help. “You loved him.”

“Yes. We cared deeply for each other. I would have mated him had we been free to do so. I’ve never… ah, I’ve never told anyone else these things. I’m not even sure why I’m telling you, except to say that if you are able to bring me the person that took him from me, I would be forever in your debt. But how would you do this?” he asked, wanting badly to believe Vegeta could deliver. “You can’t know enough about our universe to accomplish this, and I’m afraid I don’t have much information for you to go on-”

“We have our own resources. You’ve been honest with us, now it’s our turn. Do you know about the Gods of Creation and Destruction in your universe? Have you met any of them?”

“I know of them, and I’ve never had the displeasure of meeting any of them, though my father came to power at the age of eleven because of our God of Destruction,” Yasai mused. “He showed up here with a servant, and my great-grandfather didn’t know who he was or what he expected of us. The god took offense to his less-than-welcoming attitude and murdered him in front of his son for not offering the proper deference. Then he laughed, expressed his disappointment in our weakness and he’s never returned. Why? Do you know your gods?”

“Yes. And so do you. Whis?”

“At your service!” Though Whis had been standing next to Vegeta since the beginning of their conversation, he popped into Yasai’s awareness so suddenly that Yasai jumped to his feet. His heart pounded in terror for his people; his own father had described the god’s servant so well he recognized Whis as another such servant. “Don’t be too alarmed. I’d rather sample your cuisine than blow up your world,” Whis smiled.

“But if he is the servant, then-” Yasai turned to Goku, who he’d been having such a good time with only moments before. Had he truly been sitting, cursing and making jokes with gods?

Goku nodded and smiled before closing his eyes in concentration as he controlled his transformation. Even the small fraction of the god energy he used shook the ground. Gohan and Whis shared a quick smile at Yasai’s shock and bewilderment, but Vegeta only had eyes for his mate. Though the dark, chaotic energy of destruction swirled around him, Goku was radiant.

//It gets me so fucking hot when you do that.//

Goku glowed a little brighter under the desirous praise.

“Despite what your people believe and practice, in my universe child-bearers have always taken mates, and Kakarot is mine. We share the job description as one. The Universe 7 Gods of Destruction are pleased to make your acquaintance.”

Yasai’s eyes darted around the room, looking from one pair of eyes to the next as he considered his doom…

…or his unbelievable luck.

He made himself relax, taking several deep breaths to calm himself, reminding himself that if Vegeta wanted something other than willing and beneficial cooperation between them he could have taken it by now. Champa’s shadow was long, but it didn’t seem to extend to Universe 7’s gods. “And how,” he breathed quietly, “do you plan to deliver my enemies to me?”

“That’s the easy part. I dangle some juicy bait. I wasn’t lying earlier, I’m truly not in heat. It’s why Kakarot holds all the power between us right now.” Yasai’s eyes widened in understanding and excitement while two other pairs of eyes narrowed in disbelief and growing alarm. “A pregnant child-bearing Royal would fetch the highest price possible, wouldn’t you say?”

*************************************************************************************************************************
Apologies for being a few days late, I've been on the road and for some reason it's difficult to get public wifi sources to connect to sites with 'adult' in the title... =)

Next: Vegeta’s plan to use himself as bait in a trafficking ring faces serious opposition. Will Goku crash the risky mission before it can get off the ground?

CasSava - Starchy root vegetable that is toxic (contains cyanide) if consumed raw.
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Atavism