House of Vegeta Highlights

HOUSE OF VEGETA HIGHLIGHTS 12 Eye of the Storm


An exhausted prince walked slowly through the royal chambers. He'd finally gotten the chibis to sleep.

/My instincts scream the truth, those dampers be damned. And soon everyone will know./

He rubbed his eyes wearily. /Nothing is certain yet, though. And I never jump to conclusions./

"Vegeta?"

Startled, the prince turned. Bardock leaned against a nearby alcove, nearly blending into the shadows by candlelight. The thick shock of hair was tousled from sleep.

The ouji smiled wanly. "Ai, father. It's been a long night."

Bardock looked his son over closely. Vegeta's eyes were slightly puffy, his normally groomed hair dishevelled. The silk robe wrapping his taught form was wrinkled.

"I noticed. Your saba and I sensed you walking about the eastern chambers."

Vegeta approached him. "Nuru and Tezar are taking all of my energy. They miss their father."

"I know." Bardock draped an arm over the prince. "Come on, you need a break."

Vegeta yawned as he moved along. "Hn, is father still up?"

Bardock led the ouji down a velvet corridor. "Ai, and getting on my nerves. Maybe you can improve his mood."

****

The Ou was at a study desk, surprising them both. The powerful form flexed beneath a satin robe. He barely looked up as his family approached.

"It seems no one sleeps this night."

The bleary ouji nodded. "I need a drink." he ambled over to a small serving table.

"I'll take one of these." Bardock picked up a huge shot glass and poured. "A taste of Aldany grain is perfect for times like this."

The ouji snickered. "You call that bucket a 'taste'? If I didn't know better I'd swear you were trying to get wasted."

"I have my reasons." Bardock was cryptic.

Vegetaan glanced up again, putting down scribe and paper. "I'll second that."

The ouji blinked. "What, you too?"

"Of course. Bring me one of those, eh?"

"Let me know when there's enough." Vegeta poured into another large glass.

The Ou watched.

He kept pouring and looked up. "This enough?"

"No, keep going."

Frowning, the prince tilted the bottle up again. The Ou remained silent until the glass was full.

"That's perfect."

Vegeta brought him the glass carefully, so as not to spill it. "It may be but I think you've lost your mind. You realize this stuff is nearly 200 proof?"

The Ou kicked back in his office chair. "That's the way it goes, boy. Compared to the last couple of days, handling this stuff is nothing."

The prince filled his own glass halfway. "But why so much? It's pretty late, and there's no fight."

"No, but there will be."

"I don't understand."

The Ou pointed. "Sit. I've something to say."

Bardock settled over an ottoman, gulping his drink. "Don't get carried away, Vegetaan. We aren't sure yet."

Vegeta sat cautiously, wide awake now. "What is this?"

The Ou didn't answer immediately, responding to Bardock. "Bah. You sense it as well as I."

"It's circumstancial evidence, not proof. We'll know more in the morning."

"Who are you trying to convince?"

The ouji held up a hand. "Explain or I leave. It's late, and I'm too tired for bullshit."

"Insolent brat." the Ou snapped. "We were discussing Kakarot earlier."

"And?"

"You've noted the change in his scent recently?"

"Somewhat, but the dampers he wears throw my senses off."

"Before that!"

The prince thought hard. "I...things have been hectic, father. The war-"

"Fuck the war, Vegeta. In private moments, you noticed no difference? In his scent or body?"

The younger saiyan was annoyed. "That's personal, father. Kakarot is perfectly healthy!"

"I'll say." Bardock chimed in, eyes flashing over his drink. "You might say he's _bursting_ with health."

"And what's that supposed to mean?" the ouji rounded on him. "If the two of you have something to say, then just say it."

"Oh, I'll say it then." a new voice sounded. Everyone turned. Raditz made his entrance with Xenna in tow. The bright eyed chibi chirped at her family, cradled in her father's brawny arms.

"Saved by the bell." the ouji murmured.

Xenna was securely wrapped in a soft blanket, her trademark ponytail sticking up in a spray. Happy squeals made a brief diversion from the strange conversation.

Bardock held out his arms. "Give her to me, Raditz."

"She's been pretty restless lately." Raditz plopped her into Bardock's lap. Chunky arms wrapped his neck in a cuddle.

The Ou grinned. "Hn, a sight for tired eyes. Abresani, chibi!"

Xenna squealed in his direction before cuddling again. The ouji reached over and scratched the wild mop.

"Why's she up so late, Raditz?"

The burly saiyan took a seat with the others. "Hard to say. The last few days she's been fussy."

The Ou lifted an eyebrow in curiosity. "Oh? In what way?"

"Sometimes she eats everything, then refuses food. A couple of times I notice her just sitting and staring quietly."

"Does she stop moving?" Bardock stroked Xenna's tail.

Raditz ran a hand through his hair. "Yeah, it's strange. It's like she's looking for something that isn't there."

Bardock and Vegetaan looked at each other.

"What?" Raditz didn't understand.

The ouji appeared uncomfortable. "It's...something chibis do when they sense each other."

"Ah, that explains it then."

"Sabas have extra knowledge of these things." Bardock added.

"That follows. It's odd, though." Raditz frowned, thinking. "I can't recall her doing that around Nuru and Tezar."

"Because they're already born-" Bardock caught himself quickly. "What I mean to say is, there's a unique connection between chibis, newborns, and unborns."

"And still another between sabas and chibis." the Ou added pointedly, looking at the prince. "Even grown ones."

"I'll hear no more, father. Thanks for the drink, but I'll be going to bed now." he moved to rise.

"Stay where you are, Vegeta."

A laugh. "You can't order me."

"I just did." the Ou's eyes flashed dangerously.

The ouji stared back, his own orbs darkening to pits. "Challenge, father? It's been a long time."

Vegetaan steepled his fingers, smiling sharply. "Leave and you'll never know. Unless you're afraid!"

"I'm afraid of no one, father. Not even you!"

"It's kind of late to be fighting." Raditz commented, stretching his back. "Besides, I sense the real topic is being danced around here."

"That's for certain." Bardock rubbed his happy granddaughter on the back. "We'll have Kakarot back home soon enough, and that's all I care about right now."

"On that I agree." the ouji stood up. "Goodnight, everyone." he turned to go.

"A pity." the Ou taunted. "Perhaps you won't be up to the challenge after all."

"Don't push me, father."

"Ha! Or what, whelp. You plan to teach me a lesson?"

Vegeta smirked over his shoulder. "Maybe. You presume too much."

"Your arrogance will be your downfall, boy. Apparently you learned nothing from long ago."

The ouji turned back around. "I'm not sixteen anymore, either. Do you think me so easy to bait?"

"Hn! You call my bluff, then?"

A smirk. "Of course. Until I get serious."

Bardock kissed Xenna on the ear. "I'm really, really enjoying this pissing contest. But weren't we talking about Kakarot? Or not."

"I have no clue what anyone's talking about." Raditz rested his head on an elbow. "But I do know that Kakarot's condition is less and less of a mystery."

Not to be ignored, Xenna let loose an earsplitting screech. The adults nearly jumped.

The ouji rubbed his ears. "I never get used to that."

Raditz stared at his grinning daughter who poked her tongue out. "Who could? One chibi's enough to make me deaf."

The Ou swished his drink. "Vegeta, have you noticed similar behavior in the cubs? A strange restlessness followed by quiet?"

The ouji folded his arms, looking away. "You mean like Xenna? Yes, and I know where you're going with this."

Obsidian eyes were hard. "You know the truth, Vegeta."

Vegeta inhaled briefly, closing his eyes. "Ai, father. Kakarot's pregnant."

Everyone fell silent while Xenna clucked.

"Well." Raditz shrugged, grinning at his daughter. "You'll have another cousin, girl. It seems your ubes (uncles) have less control than jeslari in heat!"

"The timing of it couldn't be worse." Bardock growled.

"Don't you think I know that?" the ouji paced, agitated. "I don't understand how this happened!"

"What do you mean?" the Ou demanded.

"We used our contraception. This makes no sense-"

"Someone forgot." Bardock pulled Xenna's tail from his arm, unconvinced. "It wouldn't be the first time!"

"There's no way! We didnt plan this-"

"That seems to be the party line around here." the Ou was snide.

"Wait a minute, everybody." Raditz interrupted. "Shouldn't we wait for the body scan results? At least that will tell us how far along he is."

Vegetaan took a gulp of his drink. "I'd estimate between 2 or 3 months."

Raditz was taken aback. "How could you possibly know that?"

"He found out when he was 'feeling up' my mate." the prince snipped. "Don't you remember? When we returned to the chamber."

The burly saiyan picked up a bottle of Heffa and drank straight from it. "Now I remember. But I doubt Kakarot had any idea what saba was doing."

"He didn't." the Ou stated. "And I could feel movement."

"Impossible." the ouji blurted. "It's too soon for that!"

The king shook his head. "I know what I felt, Vegeta. Along his sides and back, there was thickness and motion."

Bardock was thinking. "He's definitely heavier. But how much is difficult to see under that shirt. I know he felt like a damned tank when I held him."

"I thought I was imagining things too." Raditz added. "Kakarot was never husky through the middle like that. But I noticed the weight."

"It's still not possible for a chibi to move so soon." the ouji was stubborn. "Not at full term, anyway."

"Unless it's early." Bardock surmised. "And early chibis are smaller."

Xenna shrieked again, arms waving wildly.

Raditz pinched his eyes shut. "Krukka, I'll be glad when she outgrows that!"

The Ou downed the rest of his wine. "I suppose there will be major adjustments for everyone."

"You're remarkably contained this time around, father." the ouji observed. "I half expected a long winded lecture."

A snort. "Oh, there's one coming. But I want you and that oversexed loon to hear it together."

Bardock laughed. "Priceless. Well, I'm going to bed." he stood to go, handing Xenna back to her father.

"What the hell are you laughing at?" an annoyed Ou asked.

"This situation. Kakarot goes into a facility for lunacy and ends up pregnant instead!"

Vegetaan glared at his mate. "Weren't you the one bitching about being a grandfather so young?"

Bardock stopped laughing. "Shit. It's not like _I_ can do anything about it. Talk to your horny assed cubs!"

"Why are they 'mine' all of a sudden?"

"Krukka, this is worse than the fight we had during hanare." Raditz was smug. "It is weird, though."

"I'm glad everyone thinks it's so damn funny." the ouji turned to leave, his patience at an end. "Goodnight, everyone. And go to hell in the meantime!" he stormed out.

Raditz bounced Xenna in his lap. "Your ube is pissed, girl. I think he got caught with his pants down!"

"Nasty brat." the Ou commented, tilting a bottle to his lips. "I wonder if he's pregnant, too."

****

Kakarot yawned blearily, having slept soundly through the night. He rolled to one side, easing the tightness in his belly.

/Vegeta's going to kill me. We'd talked about increasing our family, but not like this!/

He lay quietly under soft blankets, staring up at dimmed lighting panels. /I've got to get out of here. And get this stupid headband off-/

Muted voices were in the hallway nearby. Kakarot sat up and listened intently.

"I don't believe he's up yet."

"I don't care. I went through enough to get here!"

"Can we just look through the panel, doctor? Surely that won't disturb him!"

Kakarot bolted upright in bed. /Mother? She made it here!/ the young saiyan sprung to his feet, hitting the overhead light switch. He moved to the glass panel and banged.

From the exterior hallway Celipe and Rocco turned in surprise. Jedanuk moved to the intercomm. :Kakarot, you have more family members here to visit. Are you up to it?:

"Of course! Let them in."

Jedanuk released the door panels. Celipe had barely gotten inside when Kakarot gave her a huge hug. "Mosi, I'm glad to see you!"

Celipe beamed. "I came to see you, chibi."

Rocco chuckled, moving behind her. "Don't crush the lady, Kakarot. She's a friend of mine."

Kakarot eyed him in surprise. "Thanks for coming."

Rocco winked. "I've a soft spot, boy. But don't tell anyone or I'll break your neck."

Kakarot grinned back. Celipe felt her son over, eyeing him critically.

"Mosi-"

"Quiet." she turned to Jedanuk. "When will you release my son?"

The doctor snorted. "He can only be released by the royal family. There are more tests to be run on Kakarot's psi shields."

"What for?" Celipe demanded.

"I thought we covered this earlier. Your son must be stablized before we send him home. The circumstances of his seizures-"

"I know all about those, doctor. Who do you think you're talking to?"

"If you'll excuse me, I'll leave you to your visit." the haughty doctor headed out. "Kakarot, let the attendant know if you'd like something to eat."

Kakarot purred, lowering his eyes. "I'd much rather eat _you,_ doctor."

Celipe choked. Shocked, Jedanuk stalked out without responding, slamming the door panels shut.

Rocco burst out laughing. "I can't believe you said that!"

Celipe shook her head. "You're hopeless, Kaka."

The wild one shrugged. "She pisses me off. But enough about her, have a seat!" he reached for two side chairs, dragging them by the bed.

Rocco seated himself and looked around. "Not bad for a nuthouse. Almost resembles an apartment building in the Moours district."

Kakarot plopped on the bed. "Yes, a beautiful cage. Transparent force fields, open floor plans. A huge viewscreen with 300 channels. Large beds and clean floors. Paradise in screwball city!"

Rocco chuckled. "He's something else, Celipe."

Celipe glared at her son suddenly. "He certainly is!"

Kakarot appeared a bit sheepish. "Ah, what's wrong?"

The furious saiyan pointed at her son's midsection. "Care to explain? Or do I need to guess?"

Rocco noticed also. "Redatta! You weren't this thick the last time I saw you."

Kakarot sighed. "I'm...pregnant."

"Pregnant!" Rocco blurted in shock. "Your line is sabaii (child bearing?)"

"On my father's side." Kakarot answered quickly. "Mosi, it happened so quickly-"

"Idiot!!" Celipe shouted. "Do you ever slow down?" she stood suddenly, pacing the room.

Rocco watched her. "Celipe, this isn't doing any good. Cubs come when they come-"

"I don't want to hear it, Rocco." she turned to her son again. "You're barely adjusting to two cubs. And now another?"

"Not exactly-"

"How far along are you?"

"I don't know."

Celipe snorted angrily. "Do you know anything?!"

Kakarot folded his arms, annoyed. "I know there's more than one."

Both Celipe and Rocco paused. "What?" they echoed.

"There's more than one chibi."

Celipe was very still. "How many, Kakarot."

Another pause. "Three."

"Three!!" Celipe fell against Rocco.

"I know it sounds bad, but I swear we had no idea-"

"Are you completely and utterly insane?"

"Krukka, boy." even Rocco couldn't believe it. "That's a full pack in half a year!"

"Tell me about it." Kakarot brooded. "I was as surprised as anyone."

Celipe collapsed in her chair, taking it all in. "From the beginning, Kakarot. You had no idea of the changes in your body? I find that hard to believe!"

The young warrior rubbed his eyes. "I only recently remembered why I had the latest seizure."

"Jedanuk filled us in."

"She knows the effect, but not the cause. I had some kind of attack in the castle."

"An attack?" Rocco wondered. "Not like a seizure?"

"No. There was pain in my gut like you wouldn't believe. It was so bad I nearly passed out."

"What did you do?" Celipe asked.

"I made it to an isolated stairwell hoping the pain would pass. One minute I was stumbling on a flight and the next thing I knew father was holding me at the bottom of the stairs. He asked what was wrong but I couldn't respond. All my senses were scrambled. Vegeta arrived a minute later. They both insisted I get tested again. To avoid an argument I pretended to agree."


Celipe's eyes narrowed. "Bardock didn't believe you."

"No, he stayed close. They followed me up the stairs but I transmitted out."

"A stupid stunt, Kakarot."

"Maybe. I appeared at the palace to speak with the Ou. He was having a meal with two ancient councilors."

Rocco interrupted. "I don't get it. Why the Ou?"

"He's family." Kakarot replied smoothly. "And I sought out his advice, since I needed to get away. But the councilors wanted me dead! I could sense it in their thoughts."

"Dead!" Celipe nearly shouted. "What vendetta do they have against you?"

"None actively. They'd been speaking about how I should have been killed-" he caught himself. "Disposed of long ago because of my power."

"But it's common knowledge among the people you're a super saiyan." Rocco supplied. His eyes narrowed suspiciously. "Why would two royal councilors worry about a third class chibi?"

Kakarot chose his words carefully. "I didn't manifest the power right away. There was another reason."

Rocco looked at Celipe helplessly. "What's he getting at?"

Celipe lowered her voice. "I'll trust you with this, Rocco. Kakarot's a moon cub."

Rocco stared in amazement. "Now I understand. You've experienced difficulties?"

"Yeah, I'll leave it at that. Anyway, word got to the castle. You know how the king is about threats to his power." the young saiyan lied.

"That seems like a reasonable explanation." Rocco was thinking. He glanced at Celipe.

"That's all I'm saying on the matter, Rocco." Kakarot snapped. "I've got enough to deal with as it is."

"I'm not accusing." the dark saiyan turned to his lover. "Well there's one bright spot, Celipe."

Celipe snorted. "And what would that be?"

A shrug. "You'll have plenty of chikki to play with!"

"Hai, babies by the bundle! I'll order a truckload of pesto."

Kakarot looked away. "This visit isn't going the way I'd hoped."

Celipe relented, hugging him. "I'm sorry. This is just too much. How is the prince taking it?"

A chuckle. "He has to suspect my condition, at least. But the dampers interfere with bonds and instinct."

"In other words, he doesn't know the whole truth."

"Probably not."

Rocco rubbed his jaw. "I can only imagine how the royal house will react to the news."

****

"My thanks again, Raditz. You've been a tremendous help."

"Hn, no problem. Besides, I like taking care of my nephews." the burly saiyan paced the imperial chambers with Nuru in tow. The happy chibi burped against his uncle after a heavy meal. Vegeta sat on the bed feeding Tezar, who noisily gulped his pesto.

"They do much better with you around, I think. At least they eat more consistently."

Raditz held Nuru against his shoulder, patting. "When are we heading back to the facility?"

"In about an hour." Vegeta sighed, cradling Tezar. "I'm losing track of the days. It seems as if we were just there."

"The nights are short with so much happening."

"Too much, Raditz. I can admit to being overwhelmed."

Raditz sat next to his brother. "The prospect of another chibi at this time, you mean."

A nod. "Kakarot and I agreed to talk after the war about expanding our family. But this...as father said, the timing of it is bad."

"Krukka, Vegeta. What's the deal with your birth control? Didn't Glerunn warn you about the fertility issue?"

Both brothers paused as Tezar drained his bottle with hollow sucking sounds.

"All finished." Vegeta kissed the small forehead before rolling Tezar into his lap. "You're right, Radtiz. Maybe we need a stronger formulation. I'm at a loss for any explanation."

Raditz bounced Nuru. "I know better than anyone about unexpected cubs. But you two can handle it, Vegeta."

"The question is, can Kakarot?"

"Why not? He's devoted to the chibis-"

"That's not my meaning." Vegeta put Tezar over a shoulder, patting. The chibi burped seconds later. "Along with the physical changes come hormonal ones."

"Shit."

"You know where I'm going with this. Given Kakarot's personality, the idea of dealing with a hormone crazed loon is not one I relish."

"Hn! We could always keep him in the nuthouse."

"That's not funny, Radtiz."

"Sorry. Look, stop borrowing trouble. Kakarot may not be as erratic as you expect. What if this chibi actually calms him?"

The ouji cradled his sleepy son. "Our descii (parents) thought that would happen with Nuru and Tezar. Do you see any difference?"

Raditz glanced down at Nuru who happily chirped in his arms. "You have a point. But give it time, Vegeta. Another chibi might be the perfect tonic."

The prince was thinking. "He's more relaxed around the babies, at least. But it's going to take all of our time and energy now. Scheduling is going to be a nightmare."

"Work out something with the naa'ti."

"My cubs won't be raised by strangers, Raditz. I'm not like those idiotic socialites who refuse responsibility but always make claim."

Raditz nuzzled his playful nephew. "Use all your resources, brother. The naa'ti, your family. It can work with effort and patience."

The ouji managed a small smile. "Practical as always, Raditz."

The burly saiyan glanced at a wall clock. "Let's go see if our descii are ready for the return visit."

****

They caught up with Bardock and Vegetaan at the private transport bay.

The Ou snorted. "We were about to leave without you!"

The ouji huffed. "Patience, father. I took the chibis to the naa'ti."

Bardock nodded briefly. "Are they doing better?"

"Only with Raditz around."

"Hn." the Ou eyed his eldest with open curiosity. "Well, let's get going."

Raditz stepped inside the ship first. "Hopefully we won't be too early."

****

The royal clan arrived at Verduc two hours later. Jedanukk greeted them in her office.

"Hail, royals."

Everyone seated themselves. "Indeed." the Ou responded. "Kakarot is up, I trust?"

"Actually he's been up for hours. He had early visitors and breakfast."

Bardock blinked. "Visitors? Who else knows he's here?"

Jedanukk eyed her sheets. "A Celipe of the Sasse clan and Rocco of the Dooz clan are here."

Raditz smiled at the perplexed expressions. "Forget so soon? Mother knew."

"Krukka, you're right." Bardock remembered suddenly.

The Ou sniffed. "I knew she'd make an appearance. A minor surprise, however."

"Let's have a look." Jedanukk hit a panel button. Kakarot's room flashed on closed ciruit.

"So much for privacy." the ouji mumbled.

"Necessary, prince. Generally we don't intrude unless there's a problem. Ah, I see his guests are still here."

Over the closed circuit they saw Kakarot talking with Rocco while Celipe hugged him and stroked his hair.

Bardock watched the image intensely. "When is the body scan scheduled, doctor?"

"In an hour. You can visit him before then if you like."

"I'm going." The ouji was already headed out.

****

Celipe laughed. "I suppose I could convert some storage space upstairs into another room."

Kakarot grinned. "That's perfect, mosi. When the chibis arrive they'll all have a place to play and sleep!"

Rocco made a gesture. "Don't tell me, let me guess. You need help setting it up."

Celipe poked him. "You know a good contractor?"

A shrug. "I'll make some calls-"

"We seem to be late for the party." a regal voice stated. The elites had arrived, sweeping into the room.

Celipe and Rocco bowed quickly. "Hail, royals to the realm."

Kakarot sat on the edge of his bed. "This is a surprise. Everyone's early."

Bardock eyed his ex-wife as he spoke. "We wanted to see you before they did the body scan."

Celipe nodded in his direction. "Bardock."

Rocco edged alongside her, glaring. "We were sharing news. But it's Kakarots' show."

The ouji pressed past everyone, hugging his mate. "You'll be out of here soon."

Kakarot pulled back a bit, eyes dark with feeling. "We have to talk, Vegeta."

The prince was equally intense. "I know."

Raditz coughed, breaking the intensity. "So, little brother. Eager to write a final chapter to this story?"

The wild saiyan gave a sloopy grin. "More like a new edition."

"Do tell?"

Celipe punched the burly saiyan in the ear. "You didn't speak to me."

"Sorry mosi, I wasn't ignoring you." Raditz hugged her. He nodded briefly at Rocco.

Vegetaan abruptly moved in front of Bardock, blocking his line of sight. "I'm glad you're well, Celipe. I trust you've completely recovered from the poisoning?"

The pretty saiyan was flustered. "Ah, yes, my Ou. My health is solid. Unfortunately there seems to be no clue as to the culprits."

"They will be found." the king rounded on Kakarot. "And how fares our famous test subject?"

"Hungry as hell." Kakarot sat next to his prince. The ouji slipped an arm around tightly.

"Are you still having weakness?" Bardock wanted to know.

"As long as I don't overextend myself, I'm okay." Kakarot paused as if to say something else.

"Tell them, boy." Celipe insisted. "Especially your prince. He has a right to know!"

The ouji held up a hand. "Thank you, but I know Kakarot's pregnant. We all do."

Rocco blinked in surprise. "But...how? With these dampening fields-"

"Sometimes you find facts in plain sight." the prince smiled at his mate. "Right?"

Kakarot returned the warm smile. "Right. I knew you'd figure it out, Vegeta."

The Ou kept staring. "What else?"

Kakarot met his gaze. "I remember what happened the day of the seizure."

Raditz nodded. "We suspected it wasn't random. There was a trigger!"

The wild one sighed. "Yeah, well I...the pregnancy caused it."

The ouji was curious."Hn, not surprising. How did you get to the stairwell?"

"I had some downtime between training sessions at Yee, so I figured to hang around the castle for a few hours. Out of nowhere I had an attack. There was pain like you wouldn't believe, like my guts were spilling out. I made it to a stairway without being seen, hoping the attack would pass."

Bardock edged around the Ou. "And that's when I found you, after the seizure."

Kakarot looked down. "I knew what you were saying to me but I couldn't respond."

The ouji squeezed his mate's arm. "It doesn't matter now. The only thing we need to know is how far along you are."

"I don't know."

Rocco coughed. "I'm on the outside here, I know. But haven't you forgotten something, Kakarot?"

The wild saiyan glared. "I was working up to it-"

"What the hell is it now?" Bardock demanded. He glanced at Celipe who immediately looked away.

"Spill it, boy! You've told them something you haven't told us."

Kakarot looked at expectant faces. "There's more."

The ouji looked into his eyes. "Kakarot?"

Deep inhale. "I won't need a body scan. There's more than one chibi."

"Shit, it figures." Raditz mumbled, rolling his eyes.

Bardock stared down at his son in disbelief. "Twins again?"

Even the ouji's eyes went wide. "Is this true, Kakarot?"

"Not exactly, koi-"

"Kakarot!!"

"Ah, triplets?" the wild saiyan held up three fingers.

_"Three!!"_ Bardock bellowed in shock. "That's insane!"

The Ou turned purple, swearing. "Nsakaa! Seda'fe. Jeslari darbas di 'nascke! Onde'wi, abun ziy ne!"

The saiyans all cringed at the tirade. But the Ou wasn't finished.

"Braincracked moccos (morons)! Sex addled fools! What will it take to make you stop? A royal order of castration? Bedante!"

"That's...enough, I think." Kakarot managed, caught between anger and embarassment.

"Shut up. What are you going to say? That it wasn't planned, that you didn't expect it?"

The ouji found his voice. "Father, I know it seems like...I won't discuss it here!"

"Why discuss anything, Vegeta? It's the same story each time. Tell me, should I add a new wing to the castle for daycare? Or perhaps hire a squad of naati to work in shifts while you pump more out?"

"You can't speak to us this way-" Kakarot persisted.

"Shut up, I said. Simpletons! What will you do for an encore under red moon? Pop an even dozen?!"

Raditz nearly choked at the implication. "I don't think it was intentional."

"It hardly matters, Raditzsu. They debase the legacy of the line with this nonsense."

"I won't sit here and be insulted." the ouji felt anger cut into his haze. "You've said enough, father!"

"He has, but I haven't!" Bardock snapped, tail lashing.

"I'm not listening!" Kakarot glowered.

"Why not? You've got the time. Cradling that nest will take everything out of you!"

"You make it sound like-"

"A career as podo (wet nurse) will suit you both well. Eat, have cubs, be happy!"

"That's it!" Kakarot stood suddenly, grabbing his mate. He headed to the bathroom.

"Where the hell do you think you're going?" Bardock yelled.

"Away from you!" the wild saiyan shouted in response, dragging the ouji along. Vegeta shrugged insolently as the door slammed shut behind them.

****

The stunned saiyans fell to silence.

"I think." Rocco said slowly. "That I'm in the wrong place at the wrong time."

Celipe stared at the closed door. "Agreed. Kakarot won't be in the mood for visitors when he comes out."

"I could care less, woman." Bardock sparked at her. "He's out of control, and so is Vegeta. Ever since they mated this foolishness has gone on."

Celipe glared back. "What are you talking about? Five chibis are a lot, but-"

"Vegeta had a false alarm after the twins were born."

Celipe stared in amazement. "What? Kakarot never said anything about that!"

Bardock paced, circling her. "Ha! You might have had ten cubs to play with otherwise. But their luck ran out this time!"

Celipe rubbed her eyes. "Masakki. It's lunacy."

"Now you know." the Ou interrupted, once again stepping between Bardock and Celipe. His eyes drifted to the bathroom door. "And they can't hide out forever."

"But what about the tests?" Raditz wanted to know. "If they aren't needed, why not have Kakarot released?"

"I'm half tempted to keep him here. At least no one else will get pregnant!"

"No?" Raditz pointed at the door, smug. "What do you think they're doing in there?"

****

Kakarot nuzzled his prince affectionately. "Forgive me, Vegeta. I didn't know..."

Vegeta purred, eyes closed. "I'm equally at fault. It doesn't matter, Kaka. We'll get through this."

"Are you angry?"

"The timing of this isn't what I'd hoped for, but...no."

Soft kiss. "I"ve missed you. Really missed you."

The ouji loosed his tail, seeking another. Furry lengths coiled gently in a tangle.

"I see no reason for you to remain here." dark eyes were liquid on his mate.

Kakarot cuddled. "Then get me out of here. How are Nuru and Tezar?"

"A bit better with Raditz around. At least they're eating consistently again. But at nights they remain restless."

"Hn." Kakarot pulled up. "Vegeta, I need to ask you something. Do chibis talk?"

"What?"

"Last night the cubs spoke to me."

Vegeta sat on his mate's lap over the tub. "Go on."

"You don't seem surprised or shocked."

"It's fairly normal when they're developed enough. Now what did they 'say?' "

A pause. "It wasn't language per se, but feelings and impressions. They introduced themselves, I guess."

"Ah."

Kakarot cocked his head aside. "I don't recall you saying this about Nuru and Tezar."

The ouji sniffed. "I did, but you ignored me. You thought I was being 'cute and emotional'. Baka!"

"So this isn't unusual?"

"Not at all. It also tells me how far along you are."

"What would you estimate?"

"Hn." the ouji felt around his mate's midsection. "About 12 weeks. You're just starting to show, but I feel movement."

"Yeah, it feels weird, like my body is shifting and sliding around."

The prince kissed his significant other. "Get used to it." dark eyes reviewed the slightly rounded midsection. He poked the slit below the navel. It opened and protruded.

Kakarot gasped, snickering. "That tickles, Vegeta! Cut it out."

"Silly." the ouji grinned. "Kakarot, I'm going to try something. I know that headband throws up interference, but since I'm wearing a neutralizer this might work."

"What do you mean?"

"A 'conference call' with our new chibis. You up to it?"

"Sure. We need contact, right?"

"Ai, my mind willl be the conduit. Now concentrate and focus."

The wild one closed his eyes. /Like this?/

Vegeta leaned into him again, touching Kakarot's abdomen. /Yes. We can talk privately this way./

/Finally! I feel almost normal. These dampers drive me crazy./

/Now for the chibis./

/Start off, Vegeta. I'll listen./

A pause. /Little ones./

silence. movement.

/Little ones./

///we.///

/Hello. Do you know who I am?/

///know. part of, like other.///

/Yes./

///other and you, part of. make us!///

/Yes, I'm your father. You are well?/

///strong. warm one strong, we strong.///

/Your saba is very strong./

///you strong. others strong. like we, small.///

/True. You have strong brothers. Later you will see them./

///little strong, be small.///

/Hn. They are bigger, but still small./

a pause. ///feel other. warm one here.///

Kakarot laughed internally. /Yes, I'm here./

///both make. safe here.///

/We'll protect you. Don't worry./

///big ones make us. strong, make safe?///

/Very safe./ Vegeta added.

a pause. ///big ones feel good. love we?///

They answered as one. //Yes. You are ours, and we protect.//

///we love. happy.///

//It is good.//

///feel others like we, love. little. they feel.///

/You will love and play together soon. You and your brothers./ Vegeta said.

///big ones, protect. we belong. little ones like we belong. all belong.///

/A nest./ Kakarot said simply. /We want you to rest now, little ones./

///hungry.///

/Then, I will eat./

///hungry. rest yet?///

/Rest and I will eat. You will be full./

///warm one, food. other, protect. we safe. rest.///

/Rest now, little ones./ Vegeta soothed.

****

Celipe moved towards the door. "What's going on in there? They're mighty quiet."

"Too quiet." Bardock moved alongside. "I think-"

Rocco moved swiftly to Celipe's other side. "Excuse me. Maybe we should wait."

Bardock glared at the big saiyan. "Maybe you should mind your buisness!"

Raditz edged between them. "I guess they're having a little privacy together. It's been over a week, after all."

The Ou stood at a near distance, arms folded. "Perhaps. Rocco, if you would move aside? If everyone crowds the door they can't get out."

"Ai, my Ou." Rocco and Bardock continued their staring contest over Celipe.

"Move aside, I said!"

Rocco edged away, leaning against a wall. "They're adults. What's done is done."

Vegetaan snorted. "Say nothing of what you know here, Rocco. Your military history is known to me, and I respect that. Surely you know the necessity of discretion?"

"Of course. Anything else would be a breach."

"Well said." Vegetaan growled impatiently. "Do you hear anything, Bardock?"

The dark saiyan edged an ear closer. "Nothing. It's bizarre."

Celipe pulled at the knob. "This is ridiculous. Why are we standing here? Tell them-"

Bardock leaned into her, eyes flashing. "You're getting in my way, Celipe!"

Lovely features tightened in a snarl. "Stuff it. I don't care if you are with the royals. I hate showoffs!"

Raditz took a step forward. "I don't think this is a good idea-"

"Stay out of it, Raditzsu!" both parents yelled. The Ou wedged between his mate and ex-wife.

"You dare act this way in my presence, third class? Don't push your privilege too far!"

Celipe swallowed her fury. "I'm concerned for Kakarot. That's all I have to say." she rejoined a staring Rocco.

****

Inside the bathroom, the lovers were kissing passionately. Soft purrs resonated in broad chests.

"You're beautiful, Kaka." the ouji sighed.

Kakarot dragged wet lips across his ouji. "I want to taste you, Getta. You're so hot."

Busy hands roamed everywhere. "We'd better stop while we can." Vegeta straightened in his mates' lap.

Strong fingers squeezed a perfect ass. "Do you want to? You feel so good."

Vegeta kissed a fat tail. "Can you even feel everything with that headband?"

"No, but I can rely on memory."

The ouji traced the thin metal band under wild bangs. "Bedante. Screw memories. We'll get that device off. I want to feel and smell you properly."

"You can't?"

"All the guests here are fitted with neutralizers, but they only seem to screen off the worst effects. I still feel strange in this facility."

A sigh. "I can't even taste or smell food."

"But you can feel when I touch you?"

"I feel the warmth and pressure, but not the sensation. Shit!"

Vegeta nipped an ear. "We'll wait, then. I'll make it up to you at the castle."

Tongues tangled again briefly. "Oh, yeah. Wear that little...string outfit, Getta."

"Humping bastard. Pregnant, and still hopeless!"

Kakarot kept rubbing against his prince. "Maybe I'll get you pregnant, too."

"Don't even joke about that. They'd throw us out on our asses!"

Thick arms squeezed the prince tight. "Probably. I've never seen them so pissed."

The ouji paused. "We'd better slow this down, Kaka. By declaration of Querdai (Ou's choice) I could be stripped of my title and birthright."

"That isn't possible. You'd still be prince-"

"In blood only. Useless in ruling the realm. There would already be heirs, so what would my purpose be? I'd have no time for official duties or office."

Kakarot frowned. "What happens to your title then?"

"It would...by first right of blood go to Raditzsu."

The wild one stared in amazement. "We'd better not tell him that. He might get ideas."

The ouji sighed, turning a little. "I'm not sure how father would handle it. Remember, Raditz is not legally recognized as royal much less heir."

"I see your point. Well, that's a problem for another day."

"Only if we keep dropping chibis." the prince smirked, patting his mate's stomach again. "Three, hn?"

Kakarot grinned. "Yeah."

A shrug. "What's another pot of pesto, more or less?"

"Love my prince!" Kakarot grabbed his mate again, kissing. Heavy tails thumped the floor.

****

Raditz blinked, hearing the noise from the other side. "Does everyone hear that?"

Celipe likewise stared. "Do we have to break down that door? Krukka, what are they doing!"

Bardock edged up. "I know what they'd better _not_ be doing!"

The Ou made a decision, flashing past. "Enough. We aren't waiting all day-"

Just then Jedanuk entered, doorpanels swooshing open. At her side were two attendants.

"I granted the maximum visitation time before the tests, Ou." she explained. Sharp eyes looked around in confusion. "What happened to Kakarot?"

Vegetaan pointed. "In there with the prince. I was about to break the door down."

The physician heard thumping sounds. "What's going on in there, or should I even ask?"

"Screw that." Raditz lost all patience. "I'll drag Kakarot out on his ass-"

Jedanuk had a similar thought. "Excuse me, everyone." she crowded through, banging on the door.

"Kakarot! It's time for the tests."

****

The scene inside the bathroom continued uninterrupted. Kakarot and Vegeta made up for lost time, tasting each other thoroughly. Loud thumping vibrated the door as Jedanuk struck it again.

Annoyed, Vegeta shouted over his shoulder. "Fuck off, doctor!!"

Kakarot snickered. "I can't believe you said that, Getta."

The ouji nipped kisses along a smooth throat. "I'm beginning to see why you can't stand her."

****

Jedanuk blinked. "Did he just tell me to-"

"Fuck off, doctor." the Ou finished. "Never mind. I'll rip the door open myself!"

Before the king could do so, the door swung wide. A smug ouji pulled a smiling Kakarot into the room.

"Fools." Bardock growled. "What are you smiling about?"

Kakarot shrugged. "Don't get excited, father. We were just talking."

"And discussing the new family plan." the prince added, laughing.

"There's nothing funny about this situation, Vegeta." the Ou reminded them.

"I know." the prince pretended to be serious. "Do you know how hard it is to make out in a bathroom?"

Raditz reared his head back in laughter.

"Bedarse." Celipe muttered under her breath. "Sheer stupidity." Rocco smiled at her.

Jedanuk blinked, staring around at everyone. "What's going on?"

Kakarot appeared bored. "I won't need the tests, doctor. There's a reason why I'm here."

"I'm fully aware of that. Are you? We need to-"

"I'm pregnant with triplets. That's why I had the seizure."

The doctor's jaw fell open. "That's impossible."

Kakarot grinned at his prince. "Don't think so. Anyway, I rememered what caused the latest seizure. It was pain caused by the chibis."

Jedanuk's face darkened in anger. "If that's true, why didn't you say so earlier? It would have saved us all a great deal of time!"

"I didn't know before. You can scan me if you like, but all you'll discover are babies."

The med swore under her breath. Bardock stared at her. "Well, doctor? Is there any reason for my son to remain here?"

"On his word alone, without documentation? I doubt it, Regent Bardock. The test will proceed."

Kakarot shrugged. "I could say no, but what the hell? It's your time to waste."

"He will be released afterward." the Ou stated finally.

Jedanuk protested. "But, King Vegeta-"

"I've seen and heard enough. While I respect your qualifications, there is no further need to keep the prince-ke here. But as you said, there must be documention."

"Of course." Jednanuk snapped, turning to Kakarot again. "If you would follow me, please. We're going to the sixth floor."

Kakarot stretched carefully. "Fine. Then get me a ticket out of hotel happy."

****

The testing was anticlimactic. Kakarot lay on a circular table under multicolored lights. Whizzing noises erupted from an overhead cylindrical projection. The object spun slowly in a wide arc around the saiyan warrior. His family watched nearby, somewhat disinterested. There was no real mystery to solve.

Jedanuk stared at a side panel. "Hn. It appears you're right, Kakarot. The scanner has a visual of three chibis."

"A visual?" the Ou was intrigued. "They're developed enough for that?"

The doctor squinted closely. "Ai, and there's movement."

"I want to see!" Kakarot yelled from the table.

"We all want to." Bardock added, intrigued. "I wouldn't have thought it possible right now."

The ouji moved to his mates' side. "A preview, Kakarot. How about a movie, hn?"

"I'll turn the panel around so everyone can see." the med flipped the viewscreen. Against a dark background were dim outlines of small chibis. They curled closely together, tails looped like fish hooks.

"Amazing." Raditz commented first. "They barely seem to have room."

"That image is deceptive, Radtiz." the Ou commented, fascination in his voice. "They're fine."

"Their arms and legs are moving!" Celipe shouted happily.

Even Bardock had to grin. "Too early to tell the sexes, though. Not that it matters."

Vegeta held Kakarot's hand. "Hn, teeny brats. They'll have fun playing with their brothers."

Kakarot yawned, sitting up on the table. "Are you satisfied, doctor? Can I be released from here?"

Jedanuk had an odd expression. "Yes, well, there's the necessary paperwork-"

"Let's do it, then. Bring a stylus so I can sign a release form!"

The med was silent a moment before speaking again. "I still think caution is called for, Kakarot."

He growled at her. "Bring the paperwork! I'm blowing this joint."

Redfaced, Jedanuk turned to go. "Very well. This is against my better judgement."

"It's out of your hands now." Vegetaan intervened. "Now process Kakarot so he can go home."

Spinning on her heels, Jedanuk exited without another word.

Celipe watched her go. "I don't like that slargg. Something about her bothers me."

Raditz folded his arms at the door. "She does have a shitty attitude. But who cares? Kakarot's going home where he belongs."

"True enough." The ouji held his mate's hand. "There's much to plan."

Bardock squeezed his son's shoulder. "What about this?" he tapped at Kakarot's headband. "It has to come off before they release you."

The wild one closed his eyes briefly. "I'll be glad to be rid of it. The thing's driving me crazy."

"Where are your clothes?"

"In the closet over there." Kakarot nodded.

Celipe went to get them. "Best to be prepared for when she gets back."

****

The doctor reappeared with a small stack of papers a short while later. "This is against protocol, you realize."

Kakarot adjusted the sash on his shirt. "I'm not concerned with that. You have your tests, doctor. Now quit stalling!"

"Make sure there's nothing in fine print about organ donations." Raditz cracked. "Assuming they haven't removed something already!"

Jedanuk looked at him. "That's unecessary. Kakarot should remain here awhile longer-"

"You're trying my patience." the Ou interrupted.

"And mine." Celipe added. "I think you enjoy having a test subject!"

Kakarot scribbled on the release forms. "It doesn't matter, mother. I am now officially out of here!"

The ouji stood by his mate. "Remove the headband, doctor."

Jedanuk pressed a button on a palm device. "Jokko has the stasis set."

"Stasis set?" Bardock wondered.

"The controller. A frequency releases the band."

Wide doors swooshed open suddenly. The thin desk assistant entered carrying a small cylinder.

"Doctor? You wish to remove Kakarot's device?"

Jedanuk nodded, noting eyes on her everywhere. "He's been released Jokko. Use frequency 12AZ. Metherz 66."

Jokko stood in front of Kakarot, tapping the band with the cylinder. A brief, high pitched buzz was heard before the band fell off, clanking to the floor.

"Do you need me for anything else, doctor?"

"No, you can go. Thank you."

Jokko left quickly, staring in confusion at the turn of events.

"Ha!" Kakarot smirked, rubbing his ears. "This is more like it." A long tail straightened and stretched.

"Are you alright?" Bardock wanted to know.

"Hai, father. Head aches a little, but nothing I can't handle."

The Ou patted his back. "Well done. We'll head back to the castle."

Kakarot smiled and turned, hugging Celipe. "Thanks for coming. You have transport?"

Celipe laughed. "No, I flew here. What do you think, cub?"

He kissed her cheek. "We'll talk later."

"Count on it."

Bardock coughed loudly. "You need rest, boy. And food."

The ouji slipped an arm around his mate. "Ai. We'll provide plenty at the castle."

Kakarot went silent a moment, glaring at Jedanuk. "I can't say it's been fun, doctor. Don't plan to see me again."

Jedanuk smirked. "You never know. But for the time being there's no reason for concern. Hail, prince-ke. Enjoy your freedom."

The Ou glared at her. "Beware, woman. If that's a veiled threat-"

"Why would I threaten the royal clan, my king? I'm not suicidal!"

"No, only foolish." the ouji snapped. He pulled his mate along. "Come, Kakarot. Back to where you belong!"

****

Celipe and Rocco said their goodbyes at the platform, leaving the royals.

"Well, so much for that." the big saiyan commented as they climbed aboard their transport.

Celipe sat next to him and buckled in. "Meaning what? Kakarot's free, and that's all I care about."

Rocco punched the controls as the small ship airlifted from the bay. "Really?"

The pretty saiyan blinked. "What's that supposed to mean-"

Rocco growled, flashing his teeth. "I saw you looking at him!"

"What? Looking at who?"

"Bardock! Stop pretending, Celipe."

"I looked at him because I have eyes, and he was standing in the room!" Celipe snapped back. "Stop being ridiculous."

Rocco jerked the controls. "Oh? He found every opportunity to stand near you. I saw him staring at your boobs!"

"There's only one boob around here. I didn't do anything!"

"Then why did he keep looking at you?"

"Maybe he thinks I'm hot!" Celipe flipped her tail, grinning nastily. "How should I know? If you want to find out so badly, just ask him!"

The ship lurched as it flew away from Varduc. "I should break his fucking neck." Rocco snarled. "He's got the damn king, and a soft life in the castle. What else does he need?"

"Why ask me? I'm tired of arguing about this."

"You still have feelings for him. I could smell it!"

"Bullshit!"

"I see what I see, Celipe."

"Then get help! I'm sick of your damn jealousy, Rocco."

Rocco snorted. "Is that so? Maybe I need to find someone else!"

"Good. The bars are full of river trash. Roll with a fat slargg and make yourself happy!"

Sharp teeth shone. "Works for me, slakka. I'll drop you off at home!"

"Fine, asshole."

"Fine!!"

Their ship roared off into the atmosphere.

****

Raditz finally ran out of patience. The ride home to the castle took nearly two hours, and he tired of the show.

"Are you two finished?"

"Hmm?" Kakarot and Vegeta looked at him boredly. They'd been wrapped around each other during the entire flight.

"You heard him." Bardock growled, sipping a drink. "Go in the back. It's been a long week, and I don't feel like watching you screw."

"Who's screwing?" Kakarot pulled out of a kiss. "And since when did you become a prig, father?"

"I'm not. You've got a nest now, and two chibis waiting at home. Enough is enough!"

"Hn!" the annoyed ouji moved off, untangling his tail. He stood and reached for a wine bottle. "Do as you say, not as you do, Pandrae? I find that amusing."

"He's right." the Ou quipped from an overstuffed chair. "I'm ready to toss you both through the escape hatch!"

Vegeta drank from the bottle. "This is a time of celebration, I think. You're going to be grandfathers again, so stop complaining!"

"I'll stop when _you_ stop." the Ou retorted. "Krukka, I may as well be talking to myself!"

"We'll see Glerunn about the fertility problem, saba." Kakarot reassured. "Believe it or not, we aren't trying to repopulate the planet."

Radtiz snickered nearby, relaxed over a small couch. "You've got a head start. The castle will be buzzing for weeks! I can imagine the look on Nappa's face when he finds out."

Bardock rolled his eyes. "That's all we need. I'll never hear the end of it."

"Who cares, father?" Kakarot rubbed his stomach, sniffing the air. "I could eat three boars. Or a roast hukka pig!"

The ouji settled next to his mate again. "I'll have the servants prepare all your favorites when we get to the castle."

Kakarot nuzzled the thick flame of hair. "You're so beautiful-"

"Break it up, I said!" the Ou snapped. "Or I'll sit between you."

"We don't need a babysitter, saba."

"I think you do. Your hormones reek, Kakarot. I'd almost forgotten how much you stink."

That earned the king an angry glare. "What's your point?"

"The point is your control will be poor during the gestation. I'll trust Vegeta's judgement to keep you calm."

"I am calm." a snarl.

The ouji coiled tails playfully. "Don't let him get to you. Relax, we're almost home."

****

Everyone went their separate ways once they arrived at the castle. Raditz contacted Humoz who'd returned from a brief trip offplanet. The Ou and his regent retired to their private chambers. Kakarot and his prince did the same.

The king sat at his dresser combing thick, silken strands of hair. Purple satin robes flowed from his form, puddling on the floor. Bardock stretched across their huge bed, rubbing aromatic oil over rippling muscle. His tail swept lazily in the air.

The king paused, turning around from the dresser. "Bardock, I need to discuss something with you."

The dark saiyan oiled his tail slowly, crossing his legs. "Hn? You sound serious."

"I am. It concerns that ragtail of yours."

Shadowed eyes sparked in anger. "Are you talking about Celipe again?"

"Ai!"

"She isn't mine, Vegetaan. Not any more!"

"No? I saw you looking at her!"

"What?!""

The king folded his arms. "You heard me. Hn, I can believe why you married the slakka!"

Bardock flashed sharp teeth. "Will you ever get over this?"

"Get over the fact you stared at her boobs?"

Bardock snorted. "They're kind of hard to miss-"

"That isn't the point. Even Rocco could see it!"

The saiyan commander wrapped a fur sheet around his middle. "I don't give a quoon's ass what Rocco sees. Celipe and I raised Kakarot. Do you expect me to just ignore her?"

"Bah. The loose witch wiggled her ass in front of you."

"Am I so weak, Vegeta? I never touched her, held her close. Now knock it off!"

"Years of divorce haven't changed anything!"

"Years of jealousy are pissing me off." Bardock retorted, sliding under the sheets. "Do I have to listen to this crap forever?"

Vegetaan combed his hair vigorously. "I'm not a fool, Baro. I smell your scent around her! The slakka waves her tail, and you soften."

Bardock struggled for words, shaking his head. "She didn't wave her tail. Are you making this up as you go along?"

"Rocco was ready to fight."

"So was I. I don't care!"

The king paused, setting down the brush. "If I thought you were interested-"

Bardock lifted a thick thigh, tail curling. "Come to bed, my king." he purred, sooty lashes lowering. "Enough nonsense for one night."

Vegetaan was captured by the sight. "Don't distract me-"

Bardock musked lightly, his tail vibrating in the air. "Come to bed, I said." the dark warrior licked a finger, tracing it over his nipples. "Fuck me." another purr, as a heavy tail waved in invitation.

Vegetaan rose to his feet and pounced, primal growls rolling in his throat. Purple robes fanned over his mate as he mounted perfect flesh.

****

Kakarot settled comfortably in a small sitting room adjacent to their private chambers. Vegeta entered with two very excited and loud bundles.

A grin. "I do believe someone is anxious to see you, Kakarot."

Kakarot beamed. Nuru and Tezar shrieked and kicked, chunky arms waving in greeting.

"Ab'bresan, chibis! Your father missed you."

The ouji plopped their cubs in his lap. They wrapped and cuddled, squalling.

"Hn!" Kakarot winced at the noise. "Screaming meemies." he kissed the babies affectionately.

The ouji shouted over their noise. "Ai, it's been like this for nearly two weeks."

Kakarot yelled also. "They've made noise like this?"

"When they weren't refusing food. It's a good thing Raditz helped out. I barely got any sleep."

The adults paused as the chibis went into another round of earsplitting screams.

"Krukka. Vegeta, where's the food? I'm starving."

"Obloo is bringing up a service table. Everything is high calorie and nutritious."

Kakarot bounced the cubs to quiet them. "Does everyone know already?"

"I don't know what you mean about 'everyone' but the staff has been informed about your condition. Many offer their congratulations to the royal family."

"Hn."

"Glerunn doesn't know yet, of course."

Kakarot put the babies on the bed, rubbing their stomachs. "Lecture number four coming up."

The ouji laughed, sitting at a small table. "I'm prepared for it. Unfortunately there's nothing to be done about castle gossip. The media will want to know soon enough."

"They can wait." both parents halted again at earsplitting squalls. Kakarot couldn't take any more, flopping over the babies to smother their noise. The chibis snarled at being squashed. Spitting, Tezar attempted to crawl out from under his father before Vegeta sat on his head.

"I plan to make a formal announcement to the press next week." the ouji continued without interruption. "This time we'll do it right."

Kakarot nodded, ignoring his squirming sons. "I always felt bad about Nuru and Tezar's birth ceremony. Everything was so rushed."

Vegeta rubbed noses. "It came out well, though. And this time I'll participate in the rhuntek!"

Kakarot grinned. "I think I'm in."

"Only if you're strong enough, Kakarot. Giving birth leaves you tremendously weak."

"Worse than now?"

"Hn, you have no idea. After Nuru and Tezar I thought to be in the rhuntek, but it was too taxing. My strength was maxed out."

Kakarot kissed his hand. "I remember you mentioned it."

"It's even worse with a multiple birth, but you'll get through it." nip on an ear.

A loud yawn. "Speaking of energy, I'm really tired."

"You'll need plenty of rest. Our schedule will be insane fairly soon."

"Hn, I can believe it." both parents stared down. Nuru and Tezar had managed to squeeze out from underneath, hissing and spitting. Wild spikes were smashed flat on small heads. Laughing, their parents scooped them up.

"Much quieter." Vegeta smiled while cradling Tezar, who snapped with needle teeth. "But pissed."

Kakarot smirked as Nuru tried biting his fingers. "Ai, they're mad at us. But soon they'll have brothers or sisters to play with!"

"Hn, they might be all boys again."

"I disagree. I think we'll have a daughter. Or maybe all girls!"

The ouji tilted his head. "Well, that's not likely. Our line leans more towards male births."

Kakarot grinned suddenly. "You never know. After all, we have 'doubled genes' so anything's possible."

A pause. "You know about that?"

Laughter. "Come on, Vegeta. Jedanuk went over my genetic history with me before she told everyone else. And some things I already knew."

The ouji bounced Tezar, eyeing his mate suspiciously. "And what exactly do you 'know'?"

Dark eyes sparked evilly. "Like the fact that our parents are half brothers."

"What!"

"Surprised? You should be. I keep telling everyone don't doubt my hypersense. Besides, I tasted their blood."

"But when?"

"When I was a chibi." Kakarot freed one hand, drawing an invisible line from his forehead to his nose. "Primal memories. I'd bitten both saba and father. Could taste the relationship in their blood. As my perceptions developed my other senses told me the same."

Vegeta clapped a hand to his head. "Krukka. And Raditz and I thought to break the news eventually."

"You and Raditz wouldn't know that way because you hadn't tasted both."

The ouji nodded blankly. "I knew the truth through my senses, though I never tasted Bardock. Raditz never tasted saba."

"He didn't have the chance since he was sent to mother after birth."

Vegeta was puzzled. "But why the pretense, Kakarot? If you already knew?"

A snicker. "I like seeing our descii (parents) twist in the wind a bit. Pissing them off is just for fun. Call it my own personal 'revenge' for all the idiotic secrets they stuck us with!"

The ouji kissed him hard, smirking. "Hn, you're evil. But I like it."

Kakarot purred gently. "I know more than that, too. Remember the night of hanare?"

A grunt. "Hai, and spending a week in purple soup healing from a stupid fight."

The wild one tilted his head back, sniffing. "That interesting smell father gets when his power jumps. What does it remind you of?"

The ouji couldn't stop grinning. "Stinker. Of course you'd know."

"Sweet and fiery, ozone. Warm and bright. All energy, no personal scent."

The prince laughed out loud.

"Do we have another super saiyan in the family?" Kakarot asked innocently.

Vegeta pressed his face against Tezar to control his laughing. "Now what will you do?"

Kakarot appeared to consider. "Maybe I'll mess with him some more about it. Get him to transform. I doubt he'd fight me in my delicate condition!" he cracked up.

"If anyone asks I'll swear we didn't have this conversation."

Another kiss. "I knew I could count on you."

****

The Ou lapped a river of cream from the crack of a perfect ass.

"Hn, I do good work. You tricked me."

A sated Bardock sprawled on his stomach, legs splayed. "Horny bastard. You damn near killed me."

Sharp teeth nipped the curves of a golden backside. "Then don't tempt me, slut. Maybe I should have you whipped."

Bardock growled, tail flapping everywhere. "I'm already whipped. But payback is due."

Vegetaan crawled over him, flopping heavily. "Hn, you make a silky bed warmer."

"I'm good at a lot of things!" Bardock rolled over suddenly, tumbling his king aside. He grabbed a dark red tail, nipping it.

"No more bullshit about Celipe. Hear me?"

The Ou sighed blissfully. "At least for now."

"Good. There's more important things to discuss, anyway."

"Such as?"

Bardock leaned up on an elbow over his king. Wild locks shaded deep eyes. "Forget so soon? There's a nest on the way!"

The Ou cursed. "Ai, courtesy of the oversexed idiots. I may have them spayed in their sleep!"

Bardock reared back in laughter. "Come on, Vegu. Can we really talk? Our own past-"

"Never included five chibis in half a year. Krukka, this has to be a record for the central archives!"

The dark saiyan stretched against the bedpost, soft candlelight molding handsome features. "I know, they're ridiculous. But is it really so bad? They've done remarkably well with Nuru and Tezar."

"Ai, but they're new to this, Bardock. And now three more? It's insane. Public scrutiny will be off the charts. Raising so many chibis will put a strain on Vegeta's ability to perform his public duties as heir ascendant."

Bardock sipped from a small goblet. "I hadn't considered that."

"I'd never do it willingly, of course. But if it becomes necessary I'll invoke Querdai."

Shock. "You wouldn't!"

"Not without fallout on both sides. Raditz would have to publically and legally made next in line."

Bardock lay against his king, thinking. "No. It wouldn't work like that, for several reasons. With tension from the war running high, the controversy might destroy your rule."

Vegetaan sighed. "I know. But maybe I'm anticipating trouble for no reason. Still, the fools brought this on themselves. If they wanted a larger family they should have waited."

"I don't think these were planned either."

"No, they never are. Not with those two."

Bardock smirked. "Glerunn's gonna tear them a new one. He doesn't know yet?"

"Not the final results, although Jedanuk will probably send the data to the castle this week."

"I admit I'm concerned with so many babies so close together."

"And then there's the issue of Kakarot."

Bardock sighed. "Vegeta, please. No more talk about his 'issues'."

The Ou cuddled up, sniffing a golden neck. "For the first time, I have to say this. He will have problems off and on, Bardock. We may have to accept that."

His mate stiffened. "I...resist that idea."

"We have no choice, Baro. To deny the truth is sheer stupidity. I'm not saying he can't control his mind or be trained if it becomes necessary. But we need to look at all sides here."

"Maybe. Kakarot has always been adaptable, if nothing else. And he refuses to accept defeat."

"We'll have to rely on those traits to get him through. And support."

"I still think you're overreacting. Since his adulthood the incidents have been few and far between."

"Hn. That's a plus, then. And maybe all these chibis will calm him down."

"Have the other two? We've said these things before."

The Ou chuckled. "Ai, but five squalling cubs will drain anyone. He'll know the difference."

A pause. "It's not all bad, you know. More chikki to play with, eh?"

Vegeta closed his eyes briefly, nestling back. "A nest. All perfect and plump, I think."

Bardock grinned, pulling a fur blanket up over them. "With shiny eyes and fat tails. Maybe even girls, ne?"

The Ou smiled at the thought. "I'd be surprised. As you know the Vegeta line tends toward male births. But anything is possible I suppose."

His sleepy mate yawned. "Things are going to get busy. We'll have to start planning the birth ceremony."

"It will be less formal, since Nuru and Tezar are first in line. But you're right, there's much to do. We'll go over the name list with Farsukk and Widla."

"We'll need a large selection, since we don't know the sexes."

"True."

Bardock slopped another kiss on his king. "I look forward to another rhuntek. There's a few bastards I want to hit, especially after that fiasco at the castle."

Vegeta stroked his face tenderly. "You sound like our loon. Why am I not shocked?"

Bardock held him close and turned off the lamps. "I'll be a real loon in the arena."

****

The ouji smiled. His exhausted mate snored loudly on their huge bed, out like a light. Nuru and Tezar were pressed against his midsection, trilling quietly in sleep. It was the first time in nearly two weeks they rested so soundly.

The prince was pleased, knowing the chibis sensed their new siblings. It had a calming effect on all of them. A gentle hand brushed a heavy lock of hair from Kakarot's eyes.

/Hn, he's so cute like this./

Sidling into bed beside his large family, the ouji likewise turned off the lamps.

"Mine." he purred happily.

THE END