House of Vegeta Highlights

HOUSE OF VEGETA HIGHLIGHTS 7

"AAWOOOOO!!!"

Bardock frowned, his sleep disturbed. Low candleglow outlined the
royal chambers in deep shadow.

"RAURRGGGHH!!!"

At his side, a sleepy Ou snored lightly. Bardock edged up slowly,
mindful of the chibis. The small ones purred in repose, tucked in
tight.

"EERARUUGHH!!"

Growling, Bardock listened attentively. "What foolishness." he
murmured.

Sharp teeth glistened as Vegeta Ou yawned to
wakefulness. "Foolishness?"

Bardock pointed in the dark. "Hai. Listen."

Both saiyans fell silent as the unmistakable sounds of roaring filled
the hallways.

The King stared hard at nothing. "That's Kakarot."

Bardock was worried now. "Didn't Glerunn's draught and medication
settle him?"

Vegeta slipped a robe over his shoulders, standing. "We'd better
investigate."

Bardock cradled the sleeping chibis. "Summon the naa'ti, Vegeta. I
don't want to wake the babies."

The Ou pulled a green cord. "Done."

****

Two concerned elders walked the eastern corridors. Guards chatted in
clusters, curious at the noisy uproar.

Vegeta Ou had no patience for their curiosity. "Clear out and return
to your stations!" he bellowed.

Several bowed and scattered, returning to their posts. Another watch
commander approached cautiously, pulling his moustache.

"Eventide, o King. The oujian Kakarot appears to be in distress. The
retch fever has-"

"I know this, Gerbodd. Is it so fascinating that everyone must leave
their station to observe?"

The commander coughed. "Not exactly, but restraining him has proven
difficult."

Bardock stepped up, irritated. "Where is the prince?"

Gerbodd pointed down another hallway. "Follow the noise, Regent
Bardock."

****

They came upon a bizarre scene. Kakarot hung from a high chandelier
by his tail, howling and fuzzy. An exasperated ouji glared up at his
ill mate, accompanied by Glerunn and two assistants.

Bardock took up the gauntlet. "What is this?!" he yelled to be heard.

Vegeta no Ouji turned. "We hoped to coax him down, but I may have to
fly up."

The King rounded on Glerunn. "Well, physician?"

Glerunn stared up at his patient. "I'll need to make an adjustment on
the sedative for his metabolism. I forgot Kakarot isn't through his
first majority yet."

The prince spun. "Well if I'm not, he certainly wouldn't be!" he
snapped. "Krukka, it's hard to believe you've practiced medicine for
a century!!"

Glerunn motioned to his assistants. "Be silent, young one."

"You dare-"

The Ou pulled him aside. "Enough, this won't accomplish anything.
Glerunn, what do you plan?"

The grizzled physician held out a small pipe. "This."

The ouji was incredulous. "A blow gun?!"

"Just use the damn thing already!!" Bardock shouted, holding his ears.

Glerunn spoke to his assistants. "Isexx, Berduc. When he falls, catch
him and wrap."

"Ai, Glerunn." the two younger saiyans unfolded packets of material.
Glerunn placed a small pellet inside a dart.

The ouji cursed. "Is that necessary?!"

Bardock grabbed him. "Do you feel like wrestling Kakarot until his
fever breaks? Be quiet and let Glerunn do what's needed."

The prince shook his head, watching his mate howl nonstop. "But-"

The Ou was stern. "Vegeta."

Yanking himself free, the ouji glared in silence. Glerunn pointed the
blow gun and fired. With a bloodchilling shriek Kakarot dropped like
a stone, landing into a soft tent of material. The assistants quickly
wrapped him in a cocoon, holding him safely.

"Be careful!!" the ouji shouted again.

"He'll be fine, prince." Glerunn reassured. He reached in his bag
again, pulling out another giant pill. This one was green.

Even the Ou stared. "Krukka, that's worse than worm medicine."

Bardock closed on the group as they restrained his son. "What's that
for?"

Glerunn stuffed a pill between Kakarot's teeth again. "It will help
him rest, for one thing. Part of the problem is his metabolism. It's
causing the fever to come in bursts."

The Ou glanced down. "But when will it break?"

"I'd venture the next sixteen hours or so...he'll be weak enough when
it does."

The ouji pointed. "Wait. Look!!"

Hairy Kakarot crunched the huge pill in anger, growling. Suddenly, he
shifted. Red eyes turned dark. The shaggy mop and tail turned normal.

Bardock grinned, scratching behind his son's ear. "Well, that's a
start."

The attendants held their patient firm in his restraining coat.
Kakarot blinked in weary confusion.

"What's going on? Why the hell am I wrapped up like a cooking boar?"

The ouji laughed, bending down to hug him. "You're sick, don't you
remember?"

"Sick..."

"Ai, the retch fever. It's been going around."

Kakarot leered at him. "Hn. Well, I've got another kind of fever. Get
rid of everybody so we can go someplace dark!"

Bardock rolled his eyes. The king coughed. "Well, he certainly sounds
like himself again."

The ouji sat back. "Fool. Go to sleep, you need rest."

Kakarot licked his lips. "No I don't!"

The attendants laughed. Glerunn shushed them. "Enough, take him to
the med chambers. He must be isolated until the fever breaks."

A cursing Kakarot was carried away, resembling an oversized cocoon.
The others watched until they disappeared down a long corridor.

Glerunn held out a needle. "Now, for the rest-"

"The rest of what?!" Bardock backed away. He wasn't fast enough.
Glerunn jabbed his arm, getting the ouji and king next before they
could react.

"Hedradda!!" the King yelled, holding his arm. "Are you insane?!"

Glerunn smirked, pocketing his syringe. "You've been exposed. As
royal physician, my duty is the preservation of royal health. So be
it."

The ouji grumbled, likewise rubbing his poked arm. "I won't vouch for
YOUR health, physician. What a stupid stunt!!"

The grizzled saiyan held his head high with typical saiyan
arrogance. "My duty is plain. File a formal complaint prince...after
your mate recovers!!"

The ouji spluttered in shock. "Shiksha k'degge..."

The Ou glared. "Return to your duties, Glerunn. I'll hear no more."

A deep bow. "As you command."

****

Bardock watched him go. "Hn...he's got gall. Why do you put up with
that, Vegeta?"

"I make allowances since he saved my father several times."

"Oh? You never told me that." the ouji was curious.

"I told you many things, cub. More times you ignored me!"

Bardock rubbed his jaw. "What did he do?"

"When Gedok was often wounded in war, Glerunn would heal him almost
miraculously."

The dark commander snarled. "That still doesn't mean I appreciate
being stabbed like a puffed meat pudding."

The Ou laughed. "You make a good pudding. Come, let's go have a
drink!"

"I'd just as soon fight." the ouji snapped, still glaring at the
direction Glerunn departed.

Bardock chuckled. "That's hardly fair. Fighting an old doctor, boy?
The guards would never let you live it down."

The ouji patted his bathrobe down. "Let them talk, then. We'll see
how smug Glerunn is with his nose pointed the wrong way!"

"Enough" Bardock cuffed his son playfully. "Fight later. For now, the
halls are quiet and it's late. Besides, I feel mellow."

The ouji still growled, tail puffed. "He stuck me."

The Ou scratched behind his son's ears. "Krukka, what high bloods.
Quite a batch we have, eh, Bardock?"

Bardock smoothed the ouji's tail. "Agreed. Perhaps more than one
loon, even."

The prince sniffed, composing himself. "_I_ am not a loon. Go tell it
to Kakarot."

The Ou put an arm around his mate and son as they headed down a
hallway. "Well, at least he has an excuse!"

****

The ouji had calmed nearly an hour later. Mellow from conversation
and drink, he gathered the chibis and headed to bed.

Not that Nuru and Tezar were ready for sleep. They clucked and
chirped nonstop. In vain Vegeta tried to quiet them, bouncing and
playing. It all proved futile.

"Krukka, what crazy cubs. You miss your father, eh?"

Screeches filled his ears. Vegeta rolled his children into fur
blankets, placing them on their huge bed. He plopped alongside,
fluffing a pillow before resting his head.

Bardock poked his head inside heavy curtains. "Hn...I told you not to
disturb the chibis once they're sleeping."

The prince covered his ears, shouting over happy shrieks. "Ai, and
now they'll be awake all night. I'm beginning to regret taking them
from the naa'ti (nursekeepers)."

Bardock grinned, scratching thick little mops. "No you don't. After
all, what's parenthood without noise?"

Both adults nearly jumped as Tezar let loose a bloodcurdling screech.

The elder winced. "Of course, I could be wrong."

Vegeta smiled slyly. "Wouldn't you like to spend a quiet evening with
your chikki?"

"Don't give me that, Vegeta. First of all it's the middle of the
night. Second, I don't know about the 'quiet' part."

"They'll run out of energy soon enough."

Bardock waved, smiling. "Maybe by dawn. In any case, I'm going to
sleep. I hate to keep a bedwarmer waiting."

The ouji was smug. "I'm certain father wouldn't like being called a
bedwarmer."

Bardock winked on his way out. "All right, then. A heater!"

Vegeta laughed at the mental image. "That's terrible."

His elder stood in the doorway, grinning. "Don't worry. I plan to get
good use out of him."

The chibis started another round of high pitched squeals. Bardock
purred gently at them before leaving.

Vegeta sighed at his noisy children, cradling them into bed. "The
joys of parenthood."

THE END

HOUSE OF VEGETA HIGHLIGHTS 8

"Vegeta, I'm hungry."

"Hn." Vegeta no Ouji, prince of all saiyans entered his private
chambers. Dark eyes sparkled on his recovering mate. In a smooth,
gliding motion he sat on the bed, purple robes flowing everywhere.

"Well, this is a clear sign you're getting better."

Kakarot blinked wearily. He was haggard from the retch fever. "I
still feel terrible."

A golden hand palmed his forehead. "That's no wonder. You've been
sick nearly a week."

Kakarot turned his face into the warmth. "That long? Strange, I've
lost track of time."

Silken lips pecked his nose. "It doesn't matter. You've lost some
weight, though... Glerunn has recommended high calorie meals for the
next few days."

The wild head nuzzled. "I could eat three boars."

Powerful arms clutched close. "We'll start with fishgut soup."

****

The Ou walked in a few moments later, smiling. The ouji fed his
hungry mate soup from a large spoon.

"More."

"Greedy."

Laughing, the king approached, tweaking Kakarot's ear.

"And so, my fine one...on the road to recovery, are we?"

A gulp before answering. "Ai, saba. It's amazing how empty you can
get after a week. Rook juice can't fill a stomach."

"Nothing can fill that stomach." another voice replied. They all
turned. Raditz strutted in, a plump bundle in his arms.

Everyone smiled. Xenna chirped excitedly at her uncle, straining to
reach him.

Kakarot withdrew a bit. "I'm not still contagious, am I?"

The ouji reassured him. "No, you're fine. In fact Glerunn wanted you
to have visitors this week."

Raditz dropped Xenna into his brother's arms. "Even small ones."

Kakarot chuckled as his affectionate niece cuddled, wrapping chunky
arms around his neck. He nosed her fragrant hair.

"So, ibiske (little flower). Come to see your ube retch and howl, eh?"

A happy squeal in response. Kakarot scratched Xenna's thick
mop. "Say, Raditz. You look a little beat up. Take another foray down
on the Rim?"

The shaggy saiyan stared down at his dented armor. "No big deal. A
bunch of Ruuks (outlaws) attacked my regiment down on the docks."

The ouji sniffed at his appearance. "Hn, you look like a refugee from
a garbage bin."

Even the Ou chimed in. "Roll in dirt somewhere else, boy. Or I'll
have the guards wash you by force next time!"

Raditz flushed, embarrassed. "I wouldn't have come looking like this
normally, but I wanted to stop by before the next raid."

"Have a care with your words, Raditzsu." another voice. They all
turned as Bardock entered, his jaw set.

"I breached no security, father."

"Remember, ears are everywhere. Give out nothing that implies a
mission." he approached the bed.

Raditz plopped down. "Aren't you exaggerating?"

The Ou folded his arms, thinking. "Maybe not. There is talk of cells
roaming about."

Kakarot yawned wearily. "Political intrigue. Beautiful." he cradled
Xenna close.

Bardock smirked. "That can wait. How fares our famous loon?" he
tugged his son's ear.

"Weak, father. I still feel strange" a pause. "Where are Nuru and
Tezar?"

"At the nursery-"

"Then that's where I'm going!" a determined Kakarot bounded up
suddenly, still clutching Xenna.

The ouji moved to restrain him. "What do you think you're doing??"

"I'm going to the nursery, Vegeta. Now stand aside!" Kakarot took a
step, nearly toppling.

The Ou grabbed him before he fell. "Fool! The virus is still in your
blood. Now get back into bed!"

Kakarot weaved in his arms. "No. I want to see my sons."

In one smooth motion Raditz body slammed his brother over the bed.
Xenna screeched in delight, not bothered in the least at being
squashed. Cable like arms held Kakarot in a tight grip.

"Now you listen to me. No trips to the nursery just now!"

A growl. "But I-"

"Quiet!!" Raditz bellowed. "The shape you're in, you'll stumble and
fall before you get there."

Kakarot squirmed pointlessly. "I'm not a weakling. Release me!"

"Give it up, Kakarot. I'm not moving and neither are you."

Cursing, the younger saiyan lay still momentarily. "You'll pay for
this, Raditzsu."

"Don't make threats you can't cash in on."

The Ou coughed. "Enough, both of you." he sniffed, briefly placing a
hand on Kakarot's forehead.

"More recovery is in order, cub. I don't like your scent. Besides, we
can bring the babies here."

Dark eyes flashed in protest. "But saba, I-"

"We'll call the naa'ti (nursekeepers) right now. Now calm down!"
Bardock edged toward the bed. He ruffled the fur on Kakarot's tail.

Raditz stood, releasing his brother. "Good. Then I'll take Xenna with
me."

"I doubt that." the ouji chimed in.

"Excuse me?"

The prince snorted. "Xenna isn't going anywhere."

Raditz growled at him. "You may be prince, but no one dictates where
my cub goes."

As if to emphasize the point, Raditz tried pulling Xenna from
Kakarot's arms. The chibi hissed and spat, her tail winding into a
fuzzy ball. When Raditz turned her over she promptly rolled back into
Kakarot's arms.

The Ou and Bardock watched in amusement. Raditz pulled and pulled.
Xenna wasn't having any of it, clinging to Kakarot like a vine. Small
arms wrapped around a corded neck.

The ouji laughed out loud. "Told you! Kakarot's sick, she won't leave
him."

Raditz cursed. "I don't believe this. Crazy cub!!"

Bardock suppressed a grin. "It would seem you've lost this battle,
boy. The princess makes final decisions here."

Kakarot sighed blissfully, clutching his affectionate niece. "She can
stay with me, Raditz."

"Really? I don't remember saying so!!"

The Ou held his own laughter in check. "Don't be so stiff, boy. She
wants to stay here, and it will do your brother some good."

An annoyed Raditz watched his brother purr, holding his daughter in a
crushing embrace. Xenna nibbled her uncle's ear.

"She feels good." Kakarot was content. "I think-"

"She isn't a pillow, Kakarot!! Stop squeezing."

Another sigh. "Sorry." he fell back into bed. Xenna chirped over him,
her tail wiggling happilly. Bardock pulled the covers up over them.

"Come on, let's clear out. Kakarot needs rest."

****

The royal family still debated in a nearby hall outside their
chambers. Raditz was still complaining.

"He doesn't have to squash her so much."

"Some squash is good." The prince protested. "Shut up. I told you she
wouldn't leave!!"

"I should crack both your skulls together." Bardock told
them. "Kakarot's recovery is more important than your bickering.
There's a war on the horizon!"

"Ai, soon enough." the Ou replied moodily. "Soon we will need a
family conference."

The prince watched him closely. "The house will return intact,
father."

Dark eyes surveyed the ouji and Raditz. "I worry for all my brood."

Bardock moved to the king's side. "They are stronger than any,
Vegeta. Trust me in this."

The Ou peeked between heavy curtains. "I do. The brain and blood are
often at odds."

Raditz thumped his chest. "Well do I know, saba. But remember, our
power is second to none. War or no, victory is assured."

The prince growled defiantly, tail lashing. "Ai, no changeling can
withstand our might. Frieza is soup as we speak!"

The Ou glanced at them, smiling. "The madness of youth and strength."

"You aren't that old." Raditz commented.

"No, but I've seen more war than most. It ages one's perspective."

Bardock coiled tails with his mate. "You're the best looking bag of
bones I've ever laid eyes on!"

****

Their banter was interrupted. Glerunn approached the group, serene.

"How fares my patient, Ou?"

The king continued to peer through heavy curtains. "Restless, though
he attempts sleep. Can you give him a drought?"

Glerunn stood at his side, also peeping. "Not advisable at this time."

"Why not?" Bardock demanded.

"His sleep should be natural. Go get Nuru and Tezar."

Raditz blinked. "Whatever for?"

"It will aid in his recovery."

The prince likewise didn't understand. "What's that got to do with
anything? Besides, Xenna's already with him."

Glerunn sighed. "Younglings. Always asking questions!"

"Explain, physician." the ouji wouldn't be put off.

"Chibis make excellent medicine. Their warmth and sound stimulates
healing in adults."

"But the cubs make too much noise." Raditz protested.

"Not with a sick adult. Go get the babies and see."

Bardock chuckled. "I'm surprised you didn't know this, Raditz."

"How could I? I've never been sick around Xenna."

Bardock clapped a hand on his son's shoulder. "You're about to get an
education."

****

Edora brought the young princelings into the chamber. They shrieked
and yowled at seeing their father. Kakarot smiled wearily at them
from bed, still holding Xenna close. The princess patted her uncle's
midsection with a fuzzy tail, clucking.

Vegeta no ouji took their sons from the nurse. "De'scaba, cubs. See
your father? He needs help."

Earsplitting squalls filled the air. Xenna joined in on the fun,
screeching at her cousins.

Bardock held his ears. "Krukka, put them on the bed already!!"

"Ai, father." the ouji winced, his ears in pain. Even Kakarot cringed
at the noise.

Raditz couldn't hear himself think over the din. "This racket's
supposed to help?!" he shouted.

"Only for a moment, Raditz!" the Ou shouted back. "Watch now."

Nuru and Tezar crawled to Kakarot, cuddling and clinging. Screams
turned to happy purrs. The wild one sighed, nuzzling his brood. Xenna
squashed inbetween, not to be outdone.

Raditz stared. "I still don't see-"

"Quiet." the Ou commanded. "Kakarot, how do you feel?"

A yawn. "Sleepy...the chibis smell good."

"Yes, I know. Now stop smelling them and relax!"

Kakarot stifled a snore. "Ai, saba." he slid beneath thick blankets.
Seconds later he was out, surrounded by warm cubs. They encircled him
like a living bracelet, purring and trilling. Wisps of wild hair
poked over the blankets.

Even the ouji gawked. "I suppose there's nothing left to do but
leave."

****

The family relaxed in an ajoining sitting room. Discussion turned to
war.

"The delegations will be here next week." the Ou stated, sipping wine.

"I look forward to all hostilities, father." the ouji was proud. "The
castle will be brimming with activity and plots."

Bardock was silent a moment, cradling his glass. "There are
reports...of espionage agents in our midst."

Everyone looked sharply at him.

"Explain!" the Ou demanded. "Why did you keep this?!"

"The report is due for presentation tomorrow, Vegeta. One of our
light ships scouted suspicious activity along the asteroid belt
again."

"Stinking spies!!" the prince snapped in anger. "More chicanery."

Raditz glared, dark eyes flashing. "How suspicious?"

Bardock was grim. "Saiyans have been captured along the belt cusp in
the fourth sector. They were seen planting thermonuclear bombs on
nearby planetoids."

Everyone stared in open shock. Bardock continued.

"These cells are presently being held offplanet-"

"Impossible." Raditz shook his head. "No saiyan would betray his own
kind, regardless of reward."

"Wait." the Ou held out a hand. "What facility holds these agents,
Bardock?"

"Gerris. They're being held under maximum security."

"Hn" the Ou pulled his goatee, thinking.

"This makes no sense." the prince thought aloud. "Suddenly saiyan
agents are betraying their own? It can't be, unless-" he paused,
amazed at a turn of thought.

Raditz nodded, incredulous. "They aren't really saiyan. A
possibility, father?"

"Surgically altered beings have been moles before." the Ou
stated. "This isn't good...there could be any number of cells in our
midst as we speak."

"Then we'll root them out and grind their bones to paste." the ouji
snarled. "I despise traitors...and false ones are worse!"

"Well said, prince." Bardock agreed. "Meanwhile, preparedness is the
key. Fortunately these spies were found out early. Several regiments
are already briefed on their existence."

"I want the details of that briefing." the Ou told him.

"Nappa has the file discs. There's much to plan."

"Agreed."

Everyone fell silent, lost in private thoughts. Raditz brought up an
unpleasant topic.

"About the chibis. When the war starts-"

"Not now, Raditz. Please." the prince didn't want to hear it.

****

The royal family retreated to their various bedchambers. The ouji
decided to take a last peek at his mate before retiring himself. He
couldn't help but smile. In a pile lay Kakarot, literally covered
with chibis. A thick tail sweeped lazily through a tangle of
blankets and fur.

The prince was pleased. Kakarot's face was less flushed, his
breathing more regular. Blissful purrs rumbled from the sleeping
saiyan. The chibis added their own soft music to peaceful slumber,
trilling quietly.

Kakarot's eyes opened suddenly, much to Vegeta's surprise.

"Vegeta." he coughed, lids heavy.

The prince glided to his mate's side, glancing down. "Shh. Go back to
sleep."

A bleary Kakarot grinned crookedly. "Join us, koi. Besides, my bones
are still cold."

Soft chuckle. "I can't believe that. The babies are plastered all
over you."

A fat tail tip coiled the ouji's wrist. "Well, maybe I need a bigger
heat pad. Come on, slide in."

Laughing, the prince sidled in. He pressed against his family.

"I can't get any closer, Kakarot. The chibis won't let me."

A yawn. "No problem...I'm too exhausted to do anything."

"Fool. That isn't what I meant!"

A snicker. "I know-"

The babies woke briefly, hissing. Small tails frizzed to twice their
normal size.

Kakarot lay still. /They want us to be quiet./

Vegeta nodded, settling in. /Not a bad idea. You need rest to
recover./

"Hn" the wild head slid beneath thick blankets. Seconds later heavy
snores filled the air.

Vegeta watched his family, thinking. /I must treasure these moments.
They will grow increasingly rare as the war approaches./

With a small sigh, prince Vegeta no ouji turned off the lamps.

THE END