House of Vegeta Chronicles

A/U

HOUSE OF VEGETA CHRONICLES 5

Prince Vegeta was but hours returned from a purge on a small
backwater world called Gennui 8. The razing was uneventful and
predictable. Vegeta did quick, clean work.

After submitting his report to Frieza, he spent the required evening
aboard the alien's ship in 'celebration'. Vegeta hated having to go
through the routine, but he was obligated to his people...

_It was always the same. Frieza tied him down, stroked him._

_"You're so lovely, Prince. We're so good together...and your father
is most cooperative. I couldn't ask for a better...pet!_

_He snarled in defiance. The touches revolted, disgusted him. A
saiyan of his power shouldn't have to submit, and yet..._

In his personal chambers he heaved in humiliation and personal
anguish. Tears ran unbidden down proud features. Barely twenty,
Vegeta felt the weight of obligation wearing him down, crushing his
resolve. Despite outward appearances, he had his breaking point.

But he was held in a familiar embrace, one most welcome and
comforting. A burly saiyan of some refinement spoke encouragement in
his ear.

"Vegeta, listen to me."

The huge flame of hair was still tucked against a broad shoulder as
they sat closely.

"Ai, Radtiz...it seems I can always talk with you."

The maned saiyan smiled. "Things are difficult on this turn, ne?"

White gloves wiped tears away as Vegeta straightened. "Sometimes I
can't deal with it all, Raditzsu. I feel like I'm blowing apart-" he
heaved again.

Raditz crushed him close. "You've endured much for the sake of our
people, Vegeta. A lesser saiyan would have broken long ago."

"Sometimes father is harsh."

"By necessity, but you can deal with it. I've seen your versatility
in handling situations."

"Not so good with Frieza, I'm afraid."

The older saiyan touched the proud forehead. "Vegeta, you have super
saiyan potential. On the day you achieve your destiny I have no doubt
Frieza will pay."

Dark eyes were hopeful. "Do you think so? I want to fight him, and
yet I'm not strong enough. Not yet."

"You will be. And for what it's worth, I would be at your side when
the worm dies."

A slow grin. "I see...to pick up the pieces left by your prince?"

"Ha! Maybe I'll join in the fun."

A shiver. "I want his head on a stick for what he's done-"

Raditz grabbed him tight. "I know he's touched you! I'll string his
guts in the castle halls for that, Vegeta."

Vegeta felt warm, eyeing his companion with an odd mixture of awe and
respect. Raditz and he always shared a peculiar bond that defied the
classifications of their society. And the large saiyan's appearance
was anything but ordinary. How was he third class?

Equally dark features stared back, impressively handsome. "What? Am I
growing horns or something?"

Vegeta nearly frowned, thinking. "Strange...I constantly marvel at
how well we get along. It's as if I can 'read' you sometimes."

Raditz looked away briefly. "Prince, a saiyan's instincts are ever
true. There may be more between us than we know."

The ouji blinked in shock. "What say you?!"

"Do I seem strange? A contradiction?"

Vegeta stared hard, thinking. "There is...a seeming to you, Raditz.
You remind me of someone else, but I can't put a finger on it."

Raditz returned the intense gaze. "Anyone you know?"

"The way you carry yourself, your demeanor..." Vegeta shook his head
quickly. "Never mind...it makes no sense in any case."

"No, it doesn't-"

"You don't look third class either, which is also peculiar. And then
there is a resemblance." gloved fingers traced the distinctive
hairline.

Raditz chose his words carefully. "If I confessed my instincts to
you, would you have me beheaded?"

The ouji removed his hand, smirking. "Only if you're disrespectful or
outrageous."

A deep breath. "My words will seem insane, but hear me out."

Vegeta was very still now. "Go on."

"Over the years both Kakarot and myself have been in and out of the
palace. I've often wondered why."

The ouji shrugged. "It's fairly common for special guests to stay
here...the place is certainly big enough."

"Ai, but why were we here for long stays?"

Vegeta stared again. "Didn't your father explain why?"

"Not to my satisfaction. Other cubs stayed in the palace, true, but
they were elite by classification...and none stayed up to a year like
we did!"

The Ouji looked off into space, collecting mental images across the
years. Two 'third class' cubs in the palace...rumors and innuendo in
elite circles about their preferred status...his father's vague
explanations...

Red anger flared. "What do you imply, Raditz?!"

The maned saiyan turned on the bed, folding his arms. The chiseled
jaw jutted.

"Hn! If Kakarot and I had favored status, it was never explained.
There are few possibilities."

Dark eyes narrowed on him. "Your father has favor with mine-"

A smirk. "Ha! Just how much, my prince?"

"You dare?!!"

"I'm no shikshei trash, despite classification. Do I seem that way?"

Vegeta could only gawk. "You've lost your mind."

Raditz pointed to himself. "Do I look third class? Does Kakarot?!"

Dark eyes were enormous now. "Kakarot-"

"Ai, you've always asked me about him, sensed his mood..."

"Coincidence! He was in the palace a great deal."

"Have the servants said nothing in secret? Do you know all the
rumors?!"

The Ouji jutted his jaw as well, now. "Hai. Should anyone of
intelligence believe every wagging tongue?"

"I also know that our appearance at the castle always coincided with
the breakup of our parents. Whenever things got rocky, we were sent
here."

The prince gasped at the implication. "Raditzu, I don't want you
repeating this to anyone else!"

"Does this mean I won't be beheaded?"

The royal heir folded his arms in consternation. "No. I need to
think." he paused.

"How is Kakarot, by the way? I sense things aren't well with him."

Raditz stared at him before answering. "Not well at all. He's having
a terrible time with his first rut."

"Kami knows I remember that!"

"Ai, he rubs against everybody. Mother had him hospitalized when he
became mentally unstable." the deep voice fell.

Vegeta shook him. "What?"

A nod. "He was treated at a main facility in the downtown districts.
For his own safety Kakarot was restrained and medicated."

The ouji felt an odd, protective anger. "How dare they-"

A large hand clapped his shoulder. "It was necessary, Vegeta...it had
gotten so bad my little brother couldn't function. His brain
chemistry was unbalanced, making him psychotic."

"That's terrible."

"His behavior has complications. Kakarot's a moon cub."

Stone cold shock. "Is Bardock mad?! He could be broken if that gets
out."

Raditz appeared weary. "I trust you with this information, Vegeta.
Much of Kakarot's erratic behavior can be contributed to-"

"I know the implications of being conceived under moon!"

Dark eyes were on the prince hard. "Do you realize what you said
earlier?"

"About what?!" the ouji was impatient.

"You said you sensed Kakarot's situation-"

"It was a figure of speech!"

Raditz stood. "Vegeta, I'll take my leave now, with your permission."

The shorter saiyan also stood, folding his arms. "Yes, you may go. I
need time alone now, to think."

"Just consider the possibilities, my prince. If my words don't seem
too outrageous, I think we need to talk more."

Dark eyes were oddly warm as Vegeta glanced up. "I appreciate your
time, Raditz. Go now."

With a haughty air the burly saiyan walked out, head high. His stride
was anything but typical.

Vegeta stared after him, trying to make sense of the conversation.
Dark eyes narrowed in thought.

_The way he walks, his profile...and the attitude..._

Realization hit him like a meteor.

_FATHER?!!_

"No...it can't be!!" he hissed to himself.

Turning on his heel Prince Vegeta no Ouji headed for the royal
archives, determined to find the truth.

THE END