A Rebel\'s Heart

A week had passed since Bardock's encounter with the king, with whom he'd stayed every night. Whatever had started between them was just too addicting to stop, and they settled into what could almost be called a routine, except of course for their nights. Bardock now shamelessly submitted to his royal and was rewarded by the most stunning ecstasy he'd ever known. Though the king had no trouble finding bedmates, a true companion worthy of his trust was exceptional, and he was not willing to let go of Bardock anytime soon.

One afternoon after lunch Bardock had his day off, which he spent with his royal in his luxurious sitting room, speaking with him on intimate terms, unknown to the rest of the palace. The king's hand was entangled in Bardock's hair and he was about to roughly pull him foreward for a heated kiss when there was an insistant ring at the door. Glancing with irritation at the scanner, King Vegeta recognized his son and grudgingly typed his code so that the door slid open, putting a decent distance between Bardock and himself.

"What do you want, Vegeta?" the king snapped impatiently, "Did the guards not inform you that I'm unavailable?" He fixed a stern glare at the young prince.

"Excuse me, Father, but I was looking for Bardock and was told he's here," he explained impatiently, "Bardock, Raditz and Nappa are away on mission - and are very late returning - and you promised to spar with me today." He fixed Bardock with a dark, reproachful stare.

"Vegeta, I do have the right to the company of my own people," the king informed his small son hautily, "This is aside from your regular training. Why can your sparring not wait a few hours?"

"I told you," the young prince said crossly, "The faster I pass my combat exam, the faster I can gain the field and rid us of those damned Rinajin." He looked expectantly at Bardock, who chuckled.

"It's true, Majesty, I did promise him to spar this afternoon." He smiled in amusement at the fierce expression that contradicted the small, angelic face of young Vegeta, who was like a son to him.

"Alright," the king ceded, "He may join you in two hours. But henceforth I expect more decorum on your part," he commanded sternly.

"Yes, Father." Vegeta bowed curtly and left them and his father shook his head. For the last week the prince had been grounded to his quarters after a close and unscrupulous run-in with the Rinajin in which he'd been lucky to escape with his life, and had left him in shock with severe nightmares for several nights. Now the young prince was furious at being so indignantly subject to display of weakness and was now obsessed with the idea of eliminating their enemies. The Saiyan people shared his ambition and his father was proud to see his warrior spirit virtually explode. This was at once the source of his concern.

Sensing this, Bardock inquired, "What is your worry, Sire? I've noticed for the past week. You know that you can tell me."

The king heaved a sigh, rubbing his temples. "We aren't the only ones to have noticed my son's sudden ferocity. Frieza also noticed and is determined to meet him, which I'm trying my damndest to put off."

Bardock nodded. He needn't say more. Frieza would make of him not a true Saiyan, but a monster. "I share your concern," he said quietly.

Suddenly they were interrupted by the guards signaling an emergency at the door, an alarm sounding from the medical wing. Quickly King Vegeta punched in his code and the guards rushed in and knelt. "Excuse us, Majesty. Raditz and Nappa have returned from Feron-sei in critical condition. They're being transferred to healing tanks as we speak. We don't know the reason, but just before losing consciousness they requested your presence, claiming it's urgent."

Exchanging alarmed glances, the king and Bardock stood up. "Take us there now," the king ordered. Seeing Bardock's taut, pale face, he squeezed his arm.

They ran down the long, chilly corridor toward the medical wing, the alarm getting louder, and were directed to where Raditz and Nappa were being quickly undressed and prepared for the healing tanks. They were joined by the young prince, who pushed past them and entered before they could stop him.

Recognizing Prince Vegeta, the medic in charge who'd healed the boy he'd rescued quickly covered Raditz's left wrist, but not before Vegeta saw his bloody wound and guessed. His face turned pale but his large dark eyes blazed with rage. Bardock hurried to Raditz's side to check his pulse, which was faint, and looked demandingly at the medic.

"Get them into the tanks," the medic ordered the team, then said to the king and Bardock, "It's their only chance."
*
TBC...