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Awakening	By : AnNiE4 Category: Dragon Ball Z > AU - Alternate Universe Views: 1878 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own DBZ nor am I making any profit from writing this.

Chapter List
- 6
- 7
�Awakening�

Chapter 7

�What do you mean you CAN�T FIND
THEM!!� The King demanded as he ran his fingers
through his proud goatee. With a frustrated sigh he turned to his equally
anxious advisors behind him. For hours now it had been the same answer whenever
one of the scouts would return from combing the nearby terrain for any
indication as to where their wayward crown prince of Vegeta-sei
was. This game of cat and mouse would never do. It could go on forever at this
rate. They all knew one of Vegeta�s strength lay in not being detected until he
declared it otherwise.

The King was at a loss to explain his son reckless
behaviour. He wanted to prevent this highly embarrassing bit of information
from escaping the palace walls and to anyone keen to obtain it and use it
against the Royal crown. His son had put him in awkward position, and with Lady
Carlene and her father Onio it could get ugly. A
scandal such as this would spread like wildfire. The humiliation and the anger
that he had held so tightly behind his iron mask until now was starting to seep
through the cracks.

�I�m sorry M�lord,
but we just haven�t been able to pinpoint his location not even with our scouters on.�

�I don�t believe THIS!� The King roared
slamming his clenched fist down hard on the desk. Suddenly his head shot up
pinning the Captain in front of him. �What of the docks?�

�We did as you commanded. All vessels have been
denied access into our ports until further notice. All docks have being closed
and guards have been posted and doubled around the princes own private ship.�

�Then where?� The King mumbled to himself.
Head lowered as his mind raced on the whereabouts of his son who was quickly
going to find how upset his father was with his foolish folly. He would have
him brought back to him in iron Ki cuffs if that�s
what it takes.

It was then that Bardock
entered the room looking every bit as tired as the King. The king stood tall
shoulder straighten on seeing him and with a flick of a wrist everyone was
dismissed. Everyone except the General who remained.
If anyone was upset over this they kept it to themselves and wisely so. The
King was oddly fond of his long time comrade.

�Any word?� Bardock asked hopefully. The King shook his
head the negative.

�He�s too good at covering up his tracks.� King
Vegeta complained collapsing heavy into his chair as Bardock
came up behind him.

�I�m worried.�

Pinching his nose the king closed his eyes with
heavy sigh, �I know-I know...I�m not exactly pleased.�

Bardock choked back a laugh. He knew that to be true and he could hear his
friend all the way down hall barking orders. Sighing he went to move past
his King when Vegeta reached out and grab his wrist. �We need to talk.� He said
without looking up.

Bardock frowned but nodded and allowed himself to be lead around the chair
where he perched himself on the corner of the King�s desk. �I think, I know
what you want to talk about and I�ve been thinking it would be wise as well.�

The king frowned but nodded in understanding. They
understood each other and why the next thing he was to say had to be done. It
didn�t make it easy knowing how this was going to hurt his friend. It was just
another order that the younger male had to be dealt for the good of his king
and the Sayainjin Empire.

�I�m afraid my idiot son has done something
foolish. Especially if he has marked the boy like reported.
This can�t be good for any of us. Not when Lady Carlene awaits for word of her
soon to be mate in her private quarters. I can�t keep making up excuses for my
son Bardock. The empire needs a sovereign and a queen
that will bare an heir. I can�t have it marred with scandal. She comes from a
noble enough houses that would forge a strong alliance to this empire.�

�Surly you�re not concerned that we need her
household to strengthen the realm?� Bardock growled disgusted. He had never liked the woman and
trusted her even less.

Vegeta laughed, almost insulted. �No, but she is
from a fine stock and will carry my son�s child well. You know as I how many
heirs are lost. It�s a curse laid
upon us royals that we need the strongest to breed from. It�s for the Empire
that this union should go ahead.�

Bardock stood frowning and twisted his hand from the king�s grip. �You sound
like your father!� He all but spat in detest.

Sighing, the king rose to his feet. �Don�t you
think this is getting old Bardock?�He growled
with a hint of remorse.

�Not when you end up destroying your son�s life the
same way it was done to you those many moons ago. It�s history repeating
itself that what has caused this.� Bardock said
sighing with frustration. �I told you many months ago that this would lead to
nothing but sorrow! The only thing I didn�t count on was that it would involve MY family... AGAIN!� Bardock snapped. Turning
and stepping away he closed his eyes tightly, breathing heavy. Unmoving
in silence, his dark eyes a wash with so many feelings so many memories and
regrets.

�Listen to me- Bardock?� King
Vegeta stepped up behind him watching cautiously as he placed his hands on
either side of the taller Sayainjin�s arms. There was
tension in the solid biceps that he so loved to touch. Bardock
wasn�t that tall that he didn�t have to look too hard to see the hurt in the
other�s eyes. Bardock turned gradually with the kings
tender coaxing. �I need your help to find him. Do you have any idea as to
where he could have gone?�

Puzzled, �I don�t see why you would think I would?�

�Because I still can recall even when I was lost in
my grief after the death of my mate and Vegeta�s younger brother, that you
would keep an eye on him. You would bring him back every time he ran off. You
were the only one back then that could get through to him at all.�

�That was decades ago.� Bardock
argued.

�Maybe, but I�m grasping at straws here. I remember
you telling me about a place that he would retreat to.�

�What... you
think he�s hiding out in the caves at Razer peaks? Bardock
couldn�t believe what he was suggesting.

�He could be.� Vegeta frowned understanding the
other male�s scepticism.

�But surely the scouts have already checked them?� Bardock questioned baffled.

The king sighed and clenched his fist in annoyance,
�They have, but no one else knows those caves like you do.�

Turning away with his mind racing, �You would have
to be crazy to venture there.�� Bardock said turning back capturing the other�s eyes.

�Yes, but you did.� The King smirked while reminded
him.

Bardock frowned,
doubtful, �Only to retrieve the young prince. It was too dangerous for an adult let alone a child, a royal one at
that.� He explained defending his reasoning.

�And I�m asking as his father to do this for me once more.� Vegeta fixed his eyes on
the other for a moment. It was a silently plea, words unspoken with their eyes
doing all the talking for them.

His frown deepened seeing so many flaws in the
suggestion. He turned away breaking the king�s spell. �Those caves twist for
miles underground...� Turning back Bardock studied
the other�s face for any reaction.

�They are prone to cave-in.� He hated the idea that
Gohan was trapped down there with the prince. The whole area was unstable. All
it would need was for a loud sound and the place would be a death-trap caving
in on itself.

His dark eyes harden, impossible, �Ridiculous!� He
spat, �That�s ludicrous...� Bardock refused to
believe it. No sane adult would venture into the sandy wormholes hidden deep in
the dark beneath the lonely mountain peaks.

Impossible and disturbing thoughts flashed into his
mind making his eyes narrow with each alarming thought. He turned and stared
out through the large window that consumed the full length of the room with a
faraway look set in his eyes. �He wouldn�t?� He asked himself.

The king came up to stand beside him and stared out
to the horizon where their thoughts now resided. �I recall you telling me that
he went there whenever he was in turmoil. Whenever his emotions would surface
and he didn�t know how to handle himself. It was a
place you said where he would dance with death.� His eyes didn�t waver, �I know
my son Bardock, and I can tell you that everyone in
this palace now knows after the display today that my son is unstable... If he
has marked then there are strong emotions in-play here
that he�s never openly displayed before now.�

�You know as I do that he�s never fully recovered
from his captivity under Frieza�s hands.� The King
clenched his jaw swallowing the anger that knotted and nearly choked him
whenever he thought about it. �He�s emotionless for a better word, and if he�s
feeling something other than anger for your grandson? Then there�s definitely
more at work here than I�ve ever suspected. This is something that runs much
deeper than just the flesh.� The king gave a sideways glance to study the
other�s striking profile with something like concern and hint of the past.
�There�s definitely attraction there... affection of some sort, even love maybe.�

Bardock�s eyes snapped to his King�s and is eyebrows
knitted. �Love?� he growled sounding doubtful even a little cynical.

�I think so. I can�t be certain, but whatever the
case Vegeta doesn�t know how to fight it...�

�Fight it?� Bradock all
but growled, with his whole posture ridged with anger.

On the defensive, �You know what I mean, but
he can�t be allowed to proceed with this foolishness!� The king argued
turning to face the other male heatedly.

Sarcastically Bardock
couldn�t but help to smirk bitterly, �No-no... I guess he couldn�t,
especially being YOUR son!� He shot back abruptly turning ready to leave
when he was stopped once again by a strong grip and the King now standing in
front of him.

�You can�t GO!� Vegeta commanded eyes
ablaze. Knowing what Bardock had in mind.

�No?� Bardock raised a
questionable brow. He was all for seeing if the King�s hunch was right and get
his hands on the arrogant prince first.

Sighing, regretful even the King implored him
determinately, �I know it�s near the south side of the mountains edge. I
remember that much, but I need you to tell me exactly which entrance. I must
go. I�m the only one who can get him to see reason.�

�Like every other time?� Bardock
argued knowing how things had gone from bad to worse over the years.

�DAMN IT ...BARDOCK! This isn�t about YOU or ME!� The King bellowed going red in the face with the
effort. Bardock had that effect over him in the
recent years and he was riddled with regret.

It was Badock�s turn to
give as good as he got. They both faced off with the
same determined eyes fixed on the other. �You THINK I don�t know THIS!
That�s my GRANDSON out there with YOUR insane BASTARD who has
more than likely marked him!� He growled eyes flashing, �And you know what that MEANS... don�t YOU!� Bardock
bellowed his expression twisting darkly, menacing his eyes locked on the
others, �I could easily... KILL HIM!� Anyone else would have been dead
before completing that sentence but they both knew that it would never
eventuate.

�YES,�
The king hissed holding back, swallowing his fury, �...and that�s why I can�t allow
YOU to do this. Now, tell me! I�ll go.�

�On your own?� Barodck all but scoffed. �He�s grown too
strong for even you Geta.�

�Yes, but I�m still his father, and his King. He�ll
listen to me, I�ll MAKE him!� Eyes locked in desperation, �I�m the only one he
comes close to obeying anymore. I don�t want this to escalate any further. He�s
not thinking clearly it�s obvious.�

�He�s definitely NOT thinking at ALL!�
Bardock spat sarcastically. His chest rose and fell
with the effort it took to prevent himself from exiting the king�s office and
leaving to retrieve his grandson and probably destroying them both in the
process.

Sighing, �Bardock...�

Eyes narrowed, �No.� He understood the other all
too well. He knew that the king would never back down even if it meant getting
himself killed in the process of trying to retrieve his son. This was something
even Bardock would do for any one of his family
without a second thought.

�No, you won�t help me?� Stunned that the
other would deny him, �I don�t understand?� Vegeta frowned confused and
agitated.

Sighing, Bardock shook
his head, but he was still determined. �No, I won�t let you go on your own.
I�ll send some of my finest warriors with you. I�ll give them orders not to
interfere unless you order otherwise.� He quickly added in seeing the king�s
expression twist to argue the point.

There they stood. Both determined as the other only
until the King agreed did Bardock give him the
location to where the young prince used to escape all those years ago.

....

{Moments before}

�HEY! ...Is there ANYONE out there!�
Videl screamed not for the first time during the hours they found themselves
stuck in the cramped cell. It had been hours since Goku was taken.

�Give it up, all ready.� Al growled. �They
don�t care...�

Videl swung around to give him a piece of her mind
only to have Spooner grabbed her arm. He squeezed it gently but firmly shaking
his head asking her not too. Sympathetic eyes, Spooner stepped from Videl who
wanted nothing more than to release her frustration and anger out on the
smaller boy.

Lost in her worries and in a huff she turned her
back on them both. Ignoring her Spooner plonked himself beside the smaller boy.
Al shifted so his back was to him, not wanting to talk to anyone. This was
something the older boy understood. He closed his eyes and sat cross-legged
mirroring Al with his arms folded just sitting there offering his silent
support.

�I don�t like it!� Videl growled passing
once more. �What could it mean �We believe so�?�

�What do you DAMN well think?� Al spat as he
sprung to his feet so fast it was a blur. He advanced so quickly on her that
she found herself taking a few steps back just to keep balance as he stared her
down. Nose to nose they were both practically the same
height. �Something happened. That bastard must have TAKEN him!�
Al couldn�t help the strong feelings that were rushing to the surface it was
suffocating him. So many feeling, anger, guilt, even a spark
of jealousy that troubled him. He loathed what could be happening not that
they would be able to help anyway. His eyes narrowed as the images kept popping
into his already over creative mind.

�I gathered that MUCH!� Videl spat her face
twisted with rage.

�Hang on guys!� Spooner jumped to his feet finding
himself once again between them.

�I swear if YOU so as much as...� But before
Al could finish he was hushed. His eyes narrowed at the taller boy as Spooner�s
palm turned upright in Al�s face. It was dangerously finding itself close to being
bitten off if Spooner didn�t remove it with haste.

�Shhh....listen?
Someone�s coming?� Spooner turned his attention as the rest followed. All eyes
on the entrance as it opened and they found themselves concerned but slightly
relieved at seeing Commander Raditz enter. Their
relief was short term when two other warriors also entered moving to either
side of their commander, and whatever they were thinking was masked.

�Release them back to their parents.�

Shocked, was that it? After all these
hours and the night was nearly gone. They were to be just let out without
reprimand? Their mouths were ajar as they were ceremoniously ushered out of
their cell like children.

Videl frowned shrugging off the guard that had a
hold of her arm. �What a second!� She turned to face Raditz,
who towered over them watching as they passed him with a neutral expression. �Commander?�

�Your parents are waiting for you out in the great
hall.� Nothing in his expression or words gave anything away. He said nothing
more and with that they were escorted out.

�Our parents?� Spooner all but gulped, suddenly paling.

Raditz glanced back at him understanding all too well what Spooner was
concerned about, but he was struggling with his own emotions at the moment. The
King was at this moment in a conference with his father Bardock
and by the yelling things weren�t going so well. That and his younger brother Kakarrot still recovering in the
infirmary.

His sister in-law Chichi was causing more headaches
with her demands. Just to quieten her they had to let her into the infirmary to
see her mate. It troubled Raditz with the things she
was threatening even now with Goku unable to respond.

In the past she had threatened to take Gohan from
him and away from the planet Vegeta-sei. It was no
different now with her threats, although no-one was taking her threats
seriously. But the mere thought that she would do this to his brother angered
him. His family needed support not a wedge that would add more complications.
Her threats would undermine his brother�s sanity further.

Troubled and fear for Gohan weighed heavy on all
their shoulders. They knew he was alive Goku confirmed so before he was placed
into the rejuvenation tank. His younger brother was clinging to the thin
fleeting thread that was Gohan, that pulse that bound a Sayainjin
child to their parent, or sire in this case. It became apparent that Chichi had
no such connection with her son which didn�t surprise Raditz.
This was just another mystery when it came to human beings. He never quite
understood them. He watched motionless as he fulfilled his duty to see that his
nephew�s friends were safely reunited with their anxious parents.

It was his father the General who had
obtained permission to release them from the king. His father had a huge
influence over the king. He was feared by most because of it. Though at the
same time there were even rumours floating about that Bardock
was a spy for Frieza�s army in the past around
the time of the sudden disappearance and capture of the young prince. This was
squashed immediately by the King himself who threatened anyone that would imply
such a thing.

Raditz put a stop to his musing and returned to the task at hand. As they
moved through the underbelly of the fortress Videl had to occasionally skip a
few paces to catch up with his long authoritative strides.

�Commander? Is there any news?� She asked hopefully and ignoring the fact
that he wasn�t slowing his pace for her as he continued herding them through
the maze of corridors.

Choosing his words carefully, �He�s alive, and he
will be reunited with his family shortly.� He hoped that last bit would prove
to be right. He didn�t want them to walk away fearful for his nephew. If they
did they would probably just go off doing some stupid and look for him on their
own. That was something he couldn�t allow to happen. Better to stretch
the truth to keep them safe as Gohan would have wished it.

Not wishing to add anymore he quickened their pace,
very aware of the two warriors behind him looking at him with a perplexed
expression and probably wondering what information he hadn�t shared with them.
Videl on the other hand was too immersed with her own thoughts before glancing
back at the two boys behind her and seeing the same hopeful expression that she
was certain was plastered on her face.

�He�s alive.� She gushed but their new found
happiness turned bleak as they entered the great hall. Spooner and his friends
came face to face with their parents and suddenly felt very small. Radtiz with a few guards posted about the room at various
doors and opening watched on with vague interest at the commotion in the large
antechamber.

Raditz was waiting composed until they left and then he would see if anyone
has heard anything of Gohan whereabouts. The king didn�t want it to become
common knowledge that his wayward son has lost his senses like some common
teenager running on hormones. The royal family were beyond that and seen
as Gods by others.

He didn�t doubt that the King would have a good
many things to say on the prince return. Things were going to get very ugly
before they get any better, and with the amount of armed guards posted in the
infirmary surrounding his brother tank it seems everyone in the palace thought
the same.

Raditz was drawn away from his musing with the sound of tempers rising.

�Don�t you DARE! ...Not a single word Alvis!�
Da�son warned. Al�s shoulders quickly sunk with each
syllable that shot from his furious papa�s lips. This was an anger Al had not
seen in a long time.

An amused smile tugged upon Spooner�s lips. �Alivis?�

Al�s shot him a murderous glare before being
manhandled away. He�ll never hear the end of it as both his parents fussed over
him. Though Spooner had his own worries as his cocky grin quickly faded when
his sights turned to the great stairwell.

�Crap!� His heart sunk watching as a tall
standoffish male dressed as one of the high dignitaries of Vegeta-sei courts advanced.

Raditz nodded to the advisor as he passed. Knowing just how unpleased Aeres was over his son�s involvement in all of this mess. �Dulais!�

Spooner took a deep breath waiting for the inevitable.
He was sure he was about to be dragged over scorching lava by his furious
father. His tail nervously tightened around his waist. This was going to be a long night. He sighed and bit his bottom
lip. As his father approached he quickly straightened his shoulder as he was
sure to be scolded, dressed-down and humiliated in front of everyone.

Videl wasn�t faring much better with a tall
attractive female warrior in full armour. Her thick auburn mane
in a single braid and with her hands on her hips. She was not looking any more
impressed than anyone else there and burning her disapproval as her fiery eyes
fell onto her only child.

�I can
explain...� Videl rushed defensively knowing her mother must have been pulled
away from her patrol, and that wasn�t an encouraging sign. Videl doubted she
would be able to get a single word in anytime soon.

Raditz eyes turned to the stairs and spotted his father with another guard
emerging swiftly down them. He watched as the guard raced off and disappeared
through one of the many doors, no doubt to do his father�s bidding from the
looks of things.

Something BIG was
in progress. He could feel it in his bones.

Everyone who was military came to attention and
saluted while others bowed their heads out of respect. Without slowing his pace
Bardock ignored them all and waved his hand
signalling his son to follow leaving the parents to deal with the mess their
children found themselves in.

They both ignored the inquisitive stares that now
followed them as they quickly moved past them all and through the great doors.
They stepped out onto an open paved area above the spacious courtyard with its
uninterrupted view of the evening sky that lay out before them. They were
greeted with striking reddish and orange hue off in the far distance. The light
was just now beginning to fade around them. �What is it?�

�We think we have their whereabouts. We have to
work quickly. I need you to do something for me.� They moved swiftly with long
strides as they quickly descended down the solid wide stone stairs that
dominated the entrance to the palace.

�Anything...�

�I need you to gather what supplies you think you
might need for a long journey. Also clothes for yourself and
Gohan�s belongs. The King has granted you one of his fastest ships. It�s
being prepared as we speak.�

�What is going on? What journey?� Raditz frowned reaching out bringing them to standstill.
His face was suddenly stern with his father�s expression being twisted and
unreadable, but he could sense the turmoil that was there. �Is the King exiling Gohan?�

�Our King wants this problem resolved quickly. It would be best for Gohan to leave and the
sooner the better.� Bardock frowned averting his eyes
to the sunset before turning back to his eldest. �Take him as far away as you
can. Go to one of our remote outposts until you hear from us. The less contact
for a while the better. We don�t want anyone...�

Clenching his fist, �You mean that arrogant lizards breath!�
Raditz went to say more but was stopped with one
warning look from his father.

�Raditz!� Bardock warned. �Just promise me you will
never leave his side and help him. Stay low for a while.�

Frustrated, exhaling, �You know I will, but what of
you and Kakarrot?�

A sad smile tugged at his lips. �I�ll be taking Kakarrot with me until things cool down.�

�That might be forever.� Raditz
chuckled, but there was no real humour more frustration over the whole mess.
�What about his troublesome mate?�

�I don�t know.� Bardock
sighed pinching the bridge of his nose looking exhausted, and not for the first
time that day. �Maybe I could send her back home on the next ship just until
things settle.�

�She would LOVE that. She hates it here.
I�ve heard the arguments Kakarrot thinks he can hide
from us.�

�I know.� Badrock eyes
didn�t hide any of the anguish he felt. �She is causing a racket in the
infirmary as we speak. The doctors are threatened to have her thrown out.�

�I wish they would. She was threatening to smash
the tank while Kakarrot was still in there.� They
both shook their heads unable to understand the woman. �I don�t know what I�ll
do with her yet. Our priority is to get Gohan out of here, and fast!�

Raditz inquired, �Who�s being assigned to handle retrieve Gohan?� silently
annoyed that it wasn�t him.

Bardock smiled, �The King thought it would be best to keep our family away, and
the way I feel it would be wise. I don�t think any of us could hold back from
doing something we would regret later.�

�Who said anything about regretting? I would blast the bastard out of the sky as soon
as I lay eyes on him. Who�s to say what Kakarrot
would do once he�s out of rehab?�

�My point exactly, plus you know the prince is
stronger than you. And with the crazy affair it could make thing ten
times more dangerous than any normal day. He�s already killed enough of his own
warriors.�

Raditz�s eyes lowered they both felt the loss of comrades. �I know. I wished Kakarrot had gotten the bastard! He was close they say.�

�So I heard. It was lucky in many ways that he
didn�t. All we would�ve had the whole of Vegeta-sei
on us this very minute.�

He shrugged his shoulder unsure if he cared at this
point and looked up to meet his father�s eyes, �So who�s going after the
prince?�

�The King himself.�

Raditz� eyes nearly popped out of his head in amazement. �You�re kidding
me? Alone?�

�No... Of course not!�
Bardock frowned taking offence that he would support
such a thing. �I wouldn�t have permitted such an act. No. I assigned Rogue and
some of his warriors to guard him, but they have had strict instructions to
keep back. I�m sure Geta will be able to handle this.
He�s a force to be reckoned with when he puts his mind to something.� Bardock said with a faraway look about him.

Raditz shifted nervously he wasn�t too comfortable with how informal his
father was with the king sometimes. He would never ask either but he dare to
say that they were lovers at some point and the King still held a soft spot for
his father.

He clasped his father�s arm getting his attention,
�Trust me. I will do all I can for the brat.� Bardock
nodded clasped his hands on his son�s forearm in warrior�s gesture of good
faith.

�I know you will. Now go and prepare yourself. The
King will deliver Gohan to me and I�ll bring him down to you. It would be best
that we wait until nightfall. The fewer spectators the
better.� He said with a serious look. Looking very much the general he
was.

Stepping back saluting Raditz
rushed to do his father bidding leaving Bardock
turning to the fading sky facing west. He was locked onto the King�s Ki sensing his power beginning to spike.

�Don�t disappoint me Geta.
I want my grandson back... alive.� Bardock whispered
turning back to go inside and wait. He prayed he and his grandson would be
reunited and soon. He didn�t want to dwell on what the boy might have gone
through. He can only hope Raditz will keep a sharp
eye on him until he can start to regain his life as it was meant to be. One
thing was for certain. He would never be able to return to the easy going boy
he was before prince Vegeta laid eyes upon him. No, he would be in a world of
his own. Alone and lost in his troubles for some time hurting no doubt. Bardock could only hope he will be strong and sane enough
to return to them one day in the not too distant future.

He will be missed from his family and friends.

TBC
A/N: A BIG thanks goes to my editor Vegeta-sire ;)
Thanks for reading ;)
- 6
- 7
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