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Uncertainty and Pride	By : TristaML Category: Dragon Ball Z > Yaoi - Male/Male Views: 1864 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own DBZ or anything of the sort and I make no money from writing this piece of fanfiction

Chapter List
- 4
- 5
- 6
Enjoy :)

Chapter 5
               Raditz just happened to be walking by when he overheard who he was almost certain to be Rori and a few others talking about something, but he wasn’t sure he’d heard them correctly, and if it weren’t for what he thought he heard he wouldn’t be so interested in stopping.
               He shouldn’t even be out and about at the moment, for what he actually had been doing was against the rules, but in his heart he couldn’t have cared less about such things since he was truly happy, even in sneaking around. He had a secret lover at the castle which he hid from nearly everyone’s knowledge, including the King’s, and if the only way they could see one another was to rendezvous in the wee hours of the morning he would do it forever and a day, as long as he could be with him in between. It took a lot out of him, sometimes, to pretend that he wasn’t tired, and to stay alert and mindful of his duties, but he found the love he shared with the other well worth the worst of days he’s spent under the sun.
               Here, now, he was torn, and although he was not one for spying, it generally leads to nothing but needless conflict; in this particular instance it couldn’t be helped. He knew, from living in the castle for so long, that any time before four in the morning a pin drop could be heard if they listened for it. Raditz could also tell by their hushed voices and by the location within the castle walls that this was most likely something that has been ongoing. The door to the room the four Saiyans were in was ajar, and although their meeting looked secret, it most certainly was not. Someone didn’t do their job of securing them inside, that much he knew, and he was not accustomed to going against his gut, especially not since he couldn’t deny that he may have heard confirmation of what was only to be a faint and desperate whisper.
               Raditz’s heart pounded as he approached the room quietly, his mind made up. He listened to every word as he drew nearer, though he could only catch a few at a time until he got close enough, for they were muttering inside.
               “I still think it’s pathetic,” said one.
               “Watch your mouth,” spoke Rori.
               “You think soon, then?” asked another.
               “Yeah, sooner rather than later, I’d say. At the next full moon, but don’t hold me to that, we may require more time,” Rori explained.
               By this time Raditz could peer into the hole and see the four men sitting comfortably at a table making plans and arrangements for something Raditz wished to refuse that he’d heard, and he was most unwilling to be convinced of anything just yet.
               “I’m concerned about a lot of different things, Rori,” another man said, “King’s got a lot of powerful people on his side.”
               “Oh yeah, like who, besides that freak Kakarot?” the fourth man asked.
               “Like Bardock, that scientist guy, the guy who also happens to be Kakarot’s father.”
               “Oh yeah.”
“Hmm, he’s Raditz’s father, too, that brownnoser, but come on! Who is he to you and me?”
               “I’ve heard things…”
               Rori finally stopped their needless bickering, they were getting louder, and he said, hushing them, “There’s no way he’s as powerful as the former King… Like I said… We’ll have to wait for a full moon. Without it, we won’t get anywhere.”
               “That’s quite a while away!” one man rolled his eyes.
Another said, annoyed, “I don’t understand what happened between you and King Vegeta, anyways. I thought you said it was a sure thing?”
               “Will you just shut the fuck up, already?” Rori threatened, and all the other men eased back. Rori sensed something amiss and claimed, “We gotta get out of here… We’re done for now. Go back to wherever you came from, and don’t mention a damn thing to anybody else yet, got it? Don’t say a damn word- not until our plans have been finalized- and nothing is final as of now.”
               With that the men all began to stand up, each mumbling something under their breaths as Raditz ran away and turned around the corner soundlessly. Each of the men filed out of the room, one after the other, each a minute after the other one, and each going in a different direction as they escaped, until Rori was the last to come out, alone.
               Raditz didn’t know what came over him. His pride and his honor overcame his brain and before he knew it he was tailing him, calling his name, and asking him to stop.
               Rori turned and his tail swooped out from behind him in instant agitation. “What do you want?” he growled and on his face Raditz saw the distrust of him, and of his prior secrecy. He could tell that Rori was internally questioning why he was being stopped, but unwilling to give himself away.
               Raditz was not afraid of him in the least, though unwise as he may be, and he replied, “I couldn’t help but overhear your plans.”
               Rori was not interested in trifling with him, and he immediately began to consider getting rid of him and whether or not that would be a good idea. He said nothing in response. He didn’t even attempt a denial.
               Raditz, however, wanted a confession from him. He wanted to be sure before he went on the attack. He asked him, “So what, I wonder, was your initial plan? Did you think you could make the King fall in love with you so that you wouldn’t have to try to overthrow him?”
               At that Rori stirred, for he knew that Raditz had indeed heard what they were speaking of, and he knew that he could not let him walk away. He smirked, though, and replied, “If it weren’t for your little brother it never would have come down to such drastic measures, but, and believe you me, my following has been begging for this for years, and in spite of what trouble you think telling the King may cause, an uprising is already underway. I have been leading these people, behind the curtains, for many, many years, and there are more who would bow to me than to the deranged lunatic you follow so recklessly.”
               Raditz rage took over him, his sight turned to blood, and he wanted Rori’s, and whether he could manage it or not, he was certainly going to try.

               The King, alone again during the course of the morning, got out of bed as he usually does, strictly at 4:45am and angrily went for another shower, a normal one this time. He was pent up and he needed it warm for his sore muscles.
He didn’t mind or wonder at his being alone, in fact, he preferred it if his lovers left directly after their rendezvous, it helps him sleep easier knowing that he is alone. No intercourse had ever brought him that much comfort.
Besides, his dreams as of late have been… controversial. He dreamt about Kakarot again last night and he didn’t know what to think of it. He heard him speaking of things he’s never said to him before and the images are so clear and the desire between them is so palpable. Vegeta couldn’t even convince himself it was all one-sided. He knew that something about the man, something aside from his obvious allure, was setting off an alarm in his head, like he knows him or something, but he’s certainly never met him before. He would know.
He couldn’t be without the opportunity to see him, especially today, after such a pleasant spar yesterday. He knew in his heart that he was just infatuated with the idea of the young man’s youth and ferocity and the idea that he might be able to become a Super Saiyan. Still, there are other qualities in him which Vegeta could not so easily understand, what with the way he talked so openly and kindly to him that night, the night that he kissed him.
Doesn’t he know that’s against the rules? You can’t just touch royalty!
Although, with the passing of time the absurdity of the moment and the fact that Vegeta had to admit that he’d allowed it to happen, it still occurred to him that the uneasy feelings have lessened very much, while the thrill of seeing Kakarot himself has not dulled in the least.
He figured he ought to find out if the third-class is well or not first thing, and then perhaps they can continue their training, though something a little different may be in order this time, something other than destroying his expensive training rooms. (Not that the money is an issue, only that he doesn’t like having to wait to train.) Still, he couldn’t think of exactly what to do in the meantime if he isn’t well to keep his momentum going, or what to do about Kakarot in any case, and although taking out his frustrations on him was quickly becoming his favorite thing to do, he figured that isn’t how he ought to be acting. He is King, after all, and people are constantly watching and judging everything he does.
Not that he cares. Vegeta knew the truth about himself. He knew that he lost something to Frieza he will never get back. He wasn’t sure which characteristic it was, exactly, his whole “prince-hood” seemed stripped from his being. The only visible wound was a black hole which had been punctured into his heart and was currently in the slow-going process of sucking in his very soul day by day, hour by hour.
Vegeta felt like a spectator in the sport called Life. He was just a man, brooding and weighed down by his perspective, and he could not be tempted to join either team, good or evil, for now, though he suspected the worst of himself, and knew not how to combat it. He knew that his father wanted more for him than his insistence on wallowing in loathing and turning to the darker side of things. What parent could want for such reckless hate in their child? Surely none would. Vegeta, however, was not embarrassed to admit that he wished for chaos, and he was only hesitant, for he was a man of timing, so he would wait until the right moment to strike, and he would wait for years if he had to.
Alas, his time is coming sooner than he thought, and he cannot ignore his responsibilities, nor his passions, or the desire to fulfill quests all his own and no longer be subjected to anyone else’s prowess or concerns. He knows, now that the bastard is out on the loose, that he has only one choice and only one chance, and that in the end he would rather be the one deciding what was best for himself, all other games of Life put aside. These were the normal constants of the Kings inner thoughts.
               Darkness was coming over his heart, and it hung thickly over him more so than usual this morning, but he was so used its weight that the foreboding in it didn’t occur to him in the least. Upon dressing, he headed solemnly towards the regeneration tanks. It was his intention to check on the young man (just so he could find out if he was training alone or not today, nothing more) and he noticed Kakarot was not in the tank, but he was standing outside of one, looking inside with tensed shoulders, and to the King’s greater surprise, the man he saw inside was Raditz.
               “Commander!” The King spoke, shocked, and he came closer to see the extent of the damage. Kakarot growled upon seeing the King but he did bow. Still, he did not hide the anger in his eyes and he tried to leave. King Vegeta grabbed him by the arm and demanded to know what happened.
               “You ought to know, your Highness,” Kakarot countered, clearly upset, but as he looked into the other’s eyes he saw that the King was not happy about seeing Raditz in such a condition.
               King Vegeta’s grip on his arm held strong but it was unsteady, and he replied, in a calm and yet firm voice, “I have no idea what you’re talking about! What’s going on?” None of his men should ever be in a regeneration tank unless…
               “Rori,” the third-class grimaced as his eyes beheld Raditz. In his voice there was a snarling noise which made even Vegeta wince.
               “Rori?” the King questioned him, wholly disbelieving. He let go of his arm and wondered aloud, glancing at Raditz’s pitiful shape, “Rori did this?” His Commander was worse off than he could remember seeing him in so long and Vegeta knew immediately that this was no mere training or practice error. The damage that he did to him could have killed him if someone hadn’t stepped in. He briefly wondered what had happened, but as his thoughts whirred on the topic he glanced back at Kakarot, who seemed to be dealing with his personal alarm as well. Kakarot put out his chin dejectedly and turned from him, back to his brother, and the King looked down and noticed the tip of his tail twitching in distress.
Vegeta answered, suddenly certain, and he pulled Kakarot back around for his attention, “You fool, it’s you; it’s you he’s trying to hurt!”
               Kakarot’s emotional state was becoming more unstable as he said, “Me? Why is he doing this? Besides! What am I supposed to do, fight off your lover? I did nothing to warrant this!”
               A guard came into the room abruptly and apologized for interrupting, although the scene of the two before him made him stop in curiosity for a moment. Still at length he spoke, and he even stuttered, immediately going on to inform the King of new circumstances surrounding the very man they were just discussing: “It’s R-Rori, your Majesty; h-he’s fighting Bardock! They’re outside of the castle wall now, just out the left wing!”
               King Vegeta ran to the exit, pushing the man out of the way. Kakarot thanked him and followed the King closely as he took off as quick as he could within the castle walls.
               The scene on the way to the battle was a blur, but all attention mounted as they came upon the two fighters, and it was clear as they went shot for shot, that one of them would surely die.
               King Vegeta stood beside Kakarot but for the moment. He took long strides forwards and his power began to rise, and he roared, pushing away any nearby spectators, and halting the battle before them with his awesome power. Kakarot watched him in fascination and Bardock saw him wearily out of the corner of his eye, momentarily distracted from the man he was fighting. Rori, however, was determined in his aggression to deal the final blow and he went in for the kill. Bardock turned back to him at the last moment and put up his defenses. The King’s interference was impeccable and all went white with a flash of power.
               It wasn’t long afterwards that the aftermath could be understood amidst the dust and soon the viewers could clearly recognize only one man still soaring high above the ground, and that man was the King. Kakarot, who saw the whole thing, ran to his father upon spotting him on the ground many yards away and focused on nothing else. The spectators stood astonished, and when the King, alone, returned to the ground, they all planted their faces on the floor, and dared not look up for some time.
               Rori was gone.
               King Vegeta went to Bardock as Kakarot lifted him off the ground with a more serious look on his face than he thought the young man could pull off. It was something less of anger, and more of concern and plight. The King was distraught, and he did his best to hide it, but even Kakarot, in his elated thoughts and personal feelings, noticed the stress in the lines on his face, and the gentleness with which he was speaking to him:
               The King said, “Go, now, to the healing tanks, find Planthor, he will take care of him.”
               Kakarot took off faster and more powerful than the wind.
               King Vegeta remained among the men, who all stood up upon his beckoning, and he explained himself, “There is no excuse for Rori’s mistakes. This is not the first time, nor would it have been the last, that he let his pride get the better of him. Mark my words, I stand by my actions without remorse, and I will hear no accusations of wrong doing. I, alone, am aware of the situation with better perception, greater power, and clearer understanding than any of you. There are some things which shall always remain the business of the Royal House, and it is by that supposition which you must understand me. Rori was a good man, with mixed up priorities, and he shall be missed. Alas for his death! Which, had he not attacked and attempted to kill a man of greater renown, would not have come about so soon.” He walked away calmly, until he was out of sight of the men who watched the murder, but he really wished to disappear altogether. Still, no amount of hiding was going to bring him refuge.

               Bardock awoke inside the regeneration tank and felt a wave of shock as the memory of how he got there came rushing back to him. Could it be that King Vegeta really killed Rori in his defense? Or was his retaliation for Raditz? Such a turn of the tides he never expected, and he certainly never saw it coming. He mused for a moment on how even seeing the future doesn’t include life’s little surprises. All he could manage at the moment was gratefulness that the King even stepped in. Had he been the one to kill Rori, it would be a twist on his life entirely, which is why he struggled for so long against him. King Vegeta must know that Bardock had the power, just not the will.
               If only Rori hadn’t thought it was a good idea to go after him. Bardock, however pissed about Raditz’s poor condition when he heard about the fight (of course he came running), was not going to retaliate against Rori or even initiate any quarrel, in order to lay low. Rori, however, was acting a bit wayward.
He had heard in his thoughts the jealousy he felt towards Kakarot, the anger towards the King, his personal goals and beliefs which were very much engrossed in power and respect, as well as the shock of power which Raditz had hidden all these years. All of those things were tearing him up inside, but the true catalyst remained unknown. Still, what a sad way to go out; does the mean justify the end? Bardock couldn’t be so sure.
               Bardock wondered why, why did King Vegeta step in and kill him? He couldn’t come up with a good enough reason and it struck him as odd. The King killed a man who has been his closest companion for many years now. There was even a point in time when Bardock had supposed him to be very much in love. Well, shows how much he knows, and the surprise of it all could not easily be forgotten.
               He quickly supposed that he wasn’t the only one who felt that way, and that there will be speculation and curiosities on the subject for quite some time, but the gratitude which now followed in burden to his King could not be ignored or downplayed in the least. He only wondered what he could do for him in return for sparing him from a less than desirable outcome. He has truly saved his life.
               Bardock thought and thought on his situation, still very tired, before finally opening his eyes to the world beyond the water-filled pod he was currently residing in. There stood Raditz and he smiled at him, touching his hand to the glass upon seeing that he was awake. He held up a sign and it read, “We have a lot to talk about.”
               Bardock smiled behind the breathing mask and nodded at his eldest son, happy to see him doing better. He wondered what could be on his mind and if he wasn’t so tired, he would have found out, out right, but he nodded off to sleep moments later.
               Raditz remained in his room until he woke up. Kakarot and the King both stopped by at different times, and each of them peered inside intently, but went away quickly and without much to say. Raditz was grateful for their silence and quickly turned on the draining sequence for the tank and waited patiently for it to end so that his father could come out of it.
               Bardock greeted his son warmly but he was given no time to talk to him in private because a servant who was watching his progress immediately came into the room and told him to remain inside the cell room until news could be brought to the King of his recovery. Raditz stayed and waited, too, unwilling to part with him.
               “Father!” Kakarot squealed upon entering the room and ran to him, crushing him in his strong-armed hug.
               Bardock, who was a little weary of his youngest son’s attachment, hugged him back anyways.
               The door opened again, and the King stepped inside, commanding attention and somehow creating silence amongst the family, but there was something different about the stoic look on his face in this meeting. King Vegeta went straight up to Bardock as Kakarot stepped away and they all bowed. Bardock saw the expression on his face and understood him, and his thoughts were perceived in a clear way, and they read, ‘A life, for a life. We’re now even. But… I thought that we were going to lose you and I can’t bear the thought. Wish that you wouldn’t have told me, now I think about it daily. It’s too soon to say good bye to your sons.’
               At that Bardock was moved very deeply, and his King’s reasoning finally made complete sense, and he did the unthinkable, and reached out to hold onto the King, wrapping his arms around his armor, and pulling him into a consoling embrace. King Vegeta clung to him, and the pain on his face was hidden in Bardock’s shoulder as Bardock’s gentleness towards him tried to get him to understand that he felt his sorrow. The hug was shorter than either would have liked but as Bardock pulled away, he gave his King a tight squeeze on his biceps, though his mouth still pouted in gloom. They had an understanding the likes of which confused and surprised both Raditz and Kakarot, who watched it all without a word on their lips.
               Finally the King said to him quietly, “You don’t have to worry about your part of the fight. I’ve explained enough about the situation to quell any curious questions being thrown your way.”
               Bardock nodded, and considered what that meant, and wondered where to go from here, but he was hungry, and nothing but eating and speaking to his sons seemed more important. He only said, “Thank you, your Highness,” and bowed, before turning to the other two.
               King Vegeta turned to them as well and looked upon Raditz first. With a cold detachment which was very unlike the reality of his emotions he asked him, “Do you require a holiday?”
               “No, my Lord,” Raditz replied, and though he was shaky, he was tough, and Vegeta knew this, and hadn’t expected him to take him up on the offer.
               The King nodded at him and turned to Kakarot, and said, “You and I will talk later,” and Kakarot couldn’t place the look in his eyes, even though he was looking at him, he seemed to be considering everything else but him.
               “Yes, your Highness…” he replied, almost in question, but said no more as the King left them promptly.
               “Well!” Bardock chuckled and said to Kakarot, “I guess we’re officially not the new guys in the castle, anymore.”
               Raditz smirked at him but didn’t reply.
               Kakarot was surprised by his silence at the moment, and he realized that it’s been a long time since he’s lived with Raditz, and he had nearly forgotten what it was like to see him in such a different mood and he couldn’t make out his emotions at the moment.
               Bardock hummed in response as Raditz glared at Kakarot and then turned his gaze to stare now at nothing, and his brother, with a look of apprehension and scrutiny, avoided eye contact with either of them. Bardock said, seeing a quarrel arising between them if he didn’t step in, “I’m too hungry to discuss anything with you boys right now. Let’s get something to eat and talk then.”
               Raditz and Kakarot followed him out of the room and towards one of the dining halls. The family was greeted wearily, and anything Bardock asked for was brought promptly to them. They ate till their hearts were content and their stomachs were full, and then some. Kakarot confessed, as his sat uncomfortably with them, that he had better go and mumbled something about plans with a friend later and with that he was off.
Raditz was glad for it since he had some private things he wished to discuss with his father. Bardock, who wondered at where Kakarot could be going, ignored that for now, and offered that they take a walk to a more secluded area. He knew that Raditz needed some time with him and he was happy to give it to him and curious about what he might have to say.
So Raditz led to the way to the gardens which were often unoccupied. From there he opened up to him and said, plainly, “I’m the one that started the fight.”
“Raditz!” Bardock replied in amazement, “But why?”
Raditz shook his head, and although it seemed that there was much on his mind, he only answered, “He said some things which he should not have said.”
Bardock’s stupor was one of curiosity and concern for what kind of remark was so out of line to cause his usually friendly and neutral child to behave so… needlessly. Then again, Raditz was of the Prince’s guard, and he’s been through a thing or two, and Bardock knew his son to be a savage, when it was necessary, taking after his father, of course.
Raditz only frowned and he explained himself partially, “I will not go into much detail. I will only say that I think you can understand that I would not have acted lightly had it been anything else that was said... Alas, I did not think…well, I did not think it through. In spite of what was done to me, I wanted to apologize for what was done to you. I am sorry.”
Bardock only stared at him with the utmost interest in what he was saying, and Raditz was keen on sharing, so his silence was well rewarded as his son went on speaking:
“Rori did tell me something while we fought that I would like to tell you and that is that he was, among other things, very jealous of Kakarot.” Bardock gave no implication that he knew what Raditz could be talking about, so Raditz added, concern on his face, “I don’t know where there would be any merit for his reasoning, for I have not seen any such an attraction on the King’s side, and besides, Kakarot is just a third-class fighter, however… I am still startled that he went after you, father, you, of any of us. What was he thinking?” Raditz, of course, wanted to know what his father had been told by Rori in their fight, just to see if his father could be a confidant on this… situation. Also, he was in near shock. All the things which lead up to their predicament seemed such a stretch.
Bardock mulled over where Raditz was coming from before he answered, undecidedly, “Rori could have been lashing out about other things, things which we don’t know the details of. He was probably upset with the King for some reason.” Rori hadn’t said much during their battle. All conversation was one-sided, with Bardock asking questions and getting no reply.
Raditz sighed, but was impressed with how close his intuition was, and he confessed, though he hid the whole truth from him, “This is all Kakarot’s fault, and mine.” He hung his head in shame for a moment before opening up by saying, “If I hadn’t talked about him so much, and he hadn’t avoided the King for so long, then maybe his Highness wouldn’t have been so keen on meeting him. King Vegeta has been bringing up Kakarot’s name for years now, both as a joke, I think, and in seriousness and curiosity. Rori would have never paid him any attention under any other circumstances.
“Rori was… nervous about his moving in and I think he didn’t like how much time our King began to invest in him. Rori was always a little testy, and a lot conceited about his place here, but surely the King wouldn’t have killed him for any senseless reason.” As he spoke to his father he began to wonder if he should tell him the truth, or if he should keep it secret. He realized, also, that he hadn’t even spent enough time with himself to discover his true feelings on the circumstances. At least he could recognize his brash behavior, even if he could do nothing to stop it.
Bardock smirked, seeing that Raditz was not himself, and he said, “Your thinking is not completely sound. You are too hard on yourself. Why should you regret speaking fondly of your kin? And do you honestly think that our King would act on whims and something more of a fleeting partiality or with the intellectual musings of a thoughtful and wise leader?” Raditz’s face turned at that, but he could make no reply. Bardock added, “My son, do you think it’s silly that Rori, an elite fighter, felt threatened by a third-class whom the King has, apparently, some type of an infatuation with?” Bardock asked, carefully wording the question.
Raditz scrunched his nose at him and answered, “I don’t know about any infatuation…” Then he added, a little quieter and a little more serious, “Anyways, you and the King seem to have a little bit more of a relationship than the simple acquaintance I always thought you shared.”
Bardock replied, “He and I have some history, Raditz, from what seems like a lifetime ago. It’s similar to the understanding that the two of you share. Did you ever consider that perhaps he lashed out on your behalf, as well as mine and Kakarot’s? I’m certain that he did, because his like for you is obvious, and always has been, but Rori never felt threatened by you, because you were in the Prince’s life before they ever met.”
Raditz considered what his father was saying and couldn’t deny his sound reasoning. Still, he was concerned about many things and he wondered, “Why is he so taken with Kakarot, training him, just like you’ve always done? If it’s only his power he’s after. I don’t understand the point? They can’t go on pushing themselves like that. It’s peacetime on Planet Vegeta, is it not?”
Bardock replied, “It is, for a time, but we don’t know when that time will be up, and the King must be prepared for anything. So must I do my part to see to it that we preserve our way of life, even in times of peace or don’t you remember the war-ways we followed? It wasn’t that long ago, son, that we were fighters for hire. It’s in our blood. King Vegeta has never let go of that animosity, and it keeps him sharp and it keeps him cunning. Even should he wish to let go of his own demons, he feels that he needs them, that he alone should bear that burden, for the greater good of our own kind. As for your brother, well, you know he loves the thrill of a fight just like any other Saiyan.”
Raditz only held his composure for another thirty seconds before he burst forth into tears. Bardock was stunned by the sight as his son began to rant in between soft sobs. He cried, “Kakarot’s so simple! But the King! He’s always been so determined! His mental fortress is great, but it’s not indestructible! I see the tears he’s never wept! I see the heartache he ignores! I feel it, too! I miss the late King! He was like a protector to us all! He alone wished for the light in his only son’s eyes to return, but it never did! At least, he doesn’t show it to the world! Alas for my King, alas for his happiness. He’s not ready to enter into a mergament, and no one else could understand his dilemma! There’s been such troubles and tales at the castle that I dare not speak of.”
Bardock smiled at his son and soothed him with a kind voice and a thoughtful reply as he said, “I am impressed with you, my son, for you do see the truth in King Vegeta’s heart, and the reasoning which he lives by. It’s by your understanding of him, which only you can have, that he is comforted, and it means more to him than you think.” As an afterthought he added, “I’ve never seen you shed tears like this. What could be the matter? I haven’t heard of anything strange going on?”
Raditz answered, clearly nostalgic, and without telling him everything he said, “I was supposed to be his protector, but I have not the strength to defend him, only an ear to hear him by, and a voice to support him with. So, I am angry, father, Kakarot has more means to suit him with, and I am confused, confused about this place, and my place in it, and troubled about the signs that have been shown and the things Saiyans are saying,” at that he took in a shaky breath and began to regain his composure. He laughed a little before adding, with a distinct alteration in his eyes, “I am happy that you’re alright. I have my own life to live, after all, and I have a lot to think about and a lot that must no longer go on ignored.” He dried his eyes and apologized for being so weak, to which Bardock would hear nothing of, but Bardock could not stop him from going, and so he left on his own path through the shrubbery to sort out his emotions.
Bardock was surprised to say the least. It was clear to him, now, that Raditz, among having intelligence well hidden, is also more tenderhearted for the King with brotherly regard than he’d ever supposed, and his respect for him is clear and will never waver. He wondered what could be going on to make his strong-willed and charismatic son so stressed, and he wondered how thick the web they’ve weaved is, and if it will be enough to support them when everything else starts crumbling away.

Kakarot waited and waited for the King to summon him but he never did, and he began to think he never would. Two days after the incident Kakarot couldn’t wait any longer. He ran around for at least two hours asking every guard and servant where the King was, without regard for the fact that it wasn’t his business. He couldn’t wait until the King called on him to talk; he needed to do it now.
The truth of the matter was that although Kakarot didn’t agree with the decision that his King made, he practically saw it coming with the look in his eyes when he told him Rori hurt Raditz. He knew enough about the other Vegeta to know that he would cut his losses if and when he found an unbearable fault in his partner, lover or not.
Kakarot found while his thoughts wouldn’t quell- which seemed a now permanent thing- he was beside himself and couldn’t bear to be alone. If he couldn’t talk to the King about all the things he wanted to share with him, then he would discuss with him whatever the King had in mind, and that conversation, whichever it turned out to be, could not wait. He was desperate for Vegeta to remember him and although he didn’t want to cause a fight between them, he refused to wait until Vegeta was good and ready for a talk. If he stands on the sidelines he knows it might never happen.
Finally, after enough persistence, someone told him where to go, and he entered the room without hesitation, clearly interrupting the King in his meditation, where four other high-class Saiyans stood around. Two of them balked at him as he entered without warning or introduction, the other two looked at him with earnest inquisition.
“Your Highness,” Kakarot spoke, but he stopped there.
King Vegeta didn’t even open his eyes, but he smirked upon hearing his voice and he answered, “Come in and sit down quietly, Kakarot,” and he dismissed everyone else. They all bowed and left without reply, of course, but their stares did not go unnoticed by the young fighter. Vegeta added as they were walking out, “We have much to discuss.”
Kakarot nervously walked over to him and sat down about a yard away. He got into the same position the King was sitting in, prepared to meditate with him if that’s what he wished and he said nothing. The King still hasn’t opened his eyes.
King Vegeta had expected Kakarot to find him for some reason and it amused him to no end that he sought him out without an invitation. He certainly has balls and Vegeta kind of likes that he has no regard for protocol, nor does he have much patience. The King, however, was not exactly in the mood to talk and he was in no position to say what he means at the moment. Too many thoughts were going through his head; too many things which have to be considered. Two days is not enough time to sort it all out, although he did have a very interesting visit in the course of the morning from at least two of his good friends, whose pieces of the story put aside all doubt as to whether or not he acted justly towards Rori.
They sat in silence for a while and Kakarot was able to fall into a comfortable self-reflection, anyways, not bothered by his King’s desire to remain silent for the moment, just happy to be accepted as respectable company for the time being. They cleared their minds and fed off the energy the universe was willing to send them, and Kakarot felt more at ease than he could remember feeling in a long time. He felt more like his happy-go-lucky self, and soon he was breathing in perfect harmony with his King, who sat near to him, letting the rush of soothing his thoughts take over him. Kakarot figured it was because he’s gotten use to his King’s silence after their training, and sitting together like this has become quite a normal thing.
Vegeta finally opened his eyes and looked upon Kakarot’s figure, which was still, save for light breathing and a heartbeat which he could hear, and finally he spoke to him, his voice low and deep as he said, “It’s not your fault, you know.” He didn’t know what else to say, really.
Kakarot opened his eyes to find that he was being stared at, and he replied with sharpness on his tongue, “I know that. I never did anything to him, and if somehow something was done mistakenly, it certainly couldn’t have justified such a reaction.”
The King chuckled at that. He was unaware of the fact that Raditz had started the fight, or even of the circumstances which brought it on, for he was much more adept to thinking that the only scheme, or the more likely one, is usually the most accurate one (Kakarot defeated Rori, Rori was jealous and wanted revenge. Power hungry. Case closed). So he said, just as uninformed as Kakarot and ninety-nine percent certain of his course of action, “Rori was indeed irrational; He had it coming,” and he closed his eyes again, and the topic of Rori was dropped for now.
Kakarot frowned, but he didn’t expect anything less from a man of such extreme nature, and he didn’t see arguing with him changing anything, anyways. However, and moreover, he knew Vegeta was struggling with this otherwise he never would have needed time alone in the first place.
Kakarot couldn’t handle the quiet between them any longer. The King had said that he wanted to talk, and he was desperate to find out if the King remembered him at all, and so he wondered out loud, “You had something else you want to discuss with me?”
King Vegeta smirked and said, “Yes and no,” but remained still and withheld any other information for some time. Kakarot sighed, to which the King finally opened his eyes again, and he said to the young man, “You know, you ought to be thanking me.”
“Thanking you?!” Kakarot replied, and the anger from earlier returned to his eyes as he said, “There are many ways that fight could have gone and many things to consider when you take into account that Rori lashed out without reason and on my brother, a party which had nothing to do with any quarrel he might have had with me. Besides, my father could have killed him if he wanted to and you know it.”
The King grew very serious and stared unceasingly into Kakarot’s eyes. The younger man was so firm and intense, even in his innocent ignorance, and the King considered Raditz’s poor position the other day, which he hated to see, and found that was angrily answering, “Yes, Bardock would have killed him, but then he would have taken blame from many who would scrutinize him for a poor judgement call. I saved him both in life and by pulling all the attention onto myself. Why do you think he didn’t act in the first place?” He humphed heatedly and added, “I didn’t suppose you would consider that, anyways.” Suddenly he wondered to himself why he even explained some of his reasons at all.
Kakarot put out his bottom lip in a pout and replied, “That’s not all there is to it and that doesn’t excuse Rori’s actions, or your own,” at a glare from the King Kakarot added, “I’ve heard what everyone has been saying.”
King Vegeta could no longer linger in the peacefulness of his meditation at that remark, and he broke free of his form, stretching out a little, and asked, his scrutinizing eyes on him, “What exactly have you heard?”
Kakarot hesitated but answered, “That you have other lovers and that Rori never liked that you couldn’t be exclusive with him. I don’t see why he had to attack my family, though. He should have just tried to fight me! What happened to talking things out first?! Then he would have found his anger to be mostly unwarranted, as anger is most of the time.”
“Hn, as I said, had he been a man of more value, he would have also been a man of more sense, for you cannot have one without the other,” The King replied, but he didn’t know what else to say. Kakarot was the one who kissed him…Is that all he thinks this is about? A jealous lover? Perhaps that’s all he should think this is about.
Kakarot continued, more convinced of his own understanding, and he shrugged a little as he said, “Your innocence doesn’t exactly pan out here, either. I know there’s got to be more to it. He was pressuring you, wasn’t he? He wanted you to be exclusively with him.”
The King growled at being told such a thing by someone he barely knows, but inside he was enthralled by just how bold Kakarot really is. He asked with some humor in his voice, “Where are you getting your information?”
“Here and there,” Kakarot replied, and although he was stoic, whirling emotions could be detected in his demeanor. “Intuition and perception helps, though. From what I’ve come to understand, he wanted you to think more of him and you couldn’t have cared less. In fact, I think you care far too much for your freedom to allow anyone to attempt to chain you down, and I think that you used this as a good excuse to be rid of your problem. I’m sure there’s more to it, but…”
King Vegeta stared at him inquisitively, surprised by his insight, and admitted, in truth, “I had thought about it many times before, for many reasons which are needless for you to know, and yes I knew of the outcome. Saiyans will see me as cruel and hardened, and they will fear me before they will ever learn to respect me. I’ve realized, though, that it’s too late to save my name from blasphemy. They already see me as a monster, and so a monster I shall forever be, regardless of sound reasoning or their knowledge on the given subject. You see, I will have my Kingdom, and I will keep it protected at all costs and, therefore, it doesn’t matter that they will never truly understand.”
Kakarot heard every word with his acute senses, and thought hard on the implications of them. He could hear the other Vegeta’s speeches in his mind, and he considered him, and how Rori’s death could not be changed. The King’s determination was second to none, but Kakarot’s diplomatic reply was, “You’re not the cruel leader you believe yourself to be. You can do both, Vegeta. You can rule with an iron fist and a gentle heart. You deserve peace and the Saiyans deserve their place amongst the races of the universe.”
After hearing him out in fascination, the King growled harshly, “How dare you address me so informally!?” Vegeta stared at him wide-eyed, balling up his fist, but he had no desire to strike him. Something about him struck Vegeta with several strange feelings which he couldn’t describe with any certainty.
Kakarot blushed and apologized profusely while he stared at him with attentiveness and tried to get him to realize who he is but it wasn’t working. King Vegeta shook his head and stood up from the ground quickly. Kakarot mirrored him, stepping just a little bit closer as the King stood his ground against him.
Kakarot peered into his eyes, and on his Majesty’s face there was such passion and attractiveness, that he felt compelled to explain himself. He put a hand out and attempted to grab onto his King’s gloved one, but the King hissed at him, his voice quiet but stern, and in his mannerisms Kakarot could see a little panic.
“Don’t you dare try to touch me or kiss me in public! Anyone could walk in at any moment! It’s enough that I allowed you to do it in private! You certainly caught me off guard that night!” Immediately he thought, ‘Why tell him that?’ and he felt embarrassed, which only made him angrier.
They had never mentioned it before, but Kakarot had been hoping for an opportunity and could see that King Vegeta wasn’t completely mad, so he boldly replied, speaking more exclusively to him, the way he knew the other Vegeta couldn’t resist, “Would you rather I find you in a more private setting so that any similar situation might arise again? Then we can get to know and, I think, enjoy the company of one another in a more relaxed manner.” As the King stared into his eyes, slowly digesting what he so shamelessly suggested, his cheeks flushed red and no words came out of his mouth. Kakarot whispered, desperate, “Don’t you know who I am? Don’t you see? Don’t you remember anything?”
King Vegeta shook his head, confused at his question, and ignoring the first suggestion, he replied, “What do you mean who you are? Remember what? I haven’t the slightest idea what you could be talking about.”
Kakarot leaned forward, but stopped himself, and whispered, “Never mind.” He bowed and left quickly, his head for once hanging low.
The King watched him leave, unable to stop him. He stood some time in silence, trying to piece together what the hell was going on and why he couldn’t make any sense of it, or stop it from happening. Why does he want to follow after Kakarot like some obsessive fool? What did he mean?
He thought of Rori and a headache came rushing over him. He will be greatly missed. This loss is his own fault- his own doing. If his father were here none of this would have ever happened. The King held onto his head for a moment, before dashing to his own chambers, where he felt what he really needed right now was to sleep, for a month.
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Uncertainty and Pride