A Marriage of Convenience
Diplomacy, Queen Serenity reflected, was one of the most fickle things in the galaxy. During the last ten years, Earth, the traditional Ally of the Moon Kingdom had grown distrustful and jealous of their neighbours. Powers that were hostile to the Moon Kingdom were using their dark powers to strike at their Allies and bring down their enemies, manipulating their basic emotions and thoughts. Queen Serenity sighed as she sat upon her throne, thinking of this dilemma. With the rise of the Dark Kingdom in the Southern Quadrant of the Galaxy, the Moon couldn't afford to be alone now.
This was the reason behind this meeting really. Queen Serenity had invited an old (damn near ancient) friend to consult over the present situation and hopefully advise her about what to do. The Throne Room which the Queen sat in was a huge, brilliantly decorated room full of richness and splendour. The doors at the end stood as tall as a house and were made of thick pure silver inscribed with the names of every Monarch to rule over the Moon Kingdom. Queen Serenity's Throne was also silver in colour, gilded and decorated with the pomp becoming to a Queen. Between the Throne and doors, the floor bare, showing the gleaming stone that made up the room itself a scarlet red carpet from the doors directly to the Throne.
As Queen Serenity reflected upon her troubles, the huge doors at the end of the Throne Room opened wide and a page called out through the now open space "Kami of Namek!" Queen Serenity looked up instantly and smiled as she saw the familiar green figure walking through the doorway complete with his walking stick and robe. The doors shut behind him; Queen Serenity wanted this to be a private interview "Your Majesty." Kami said smiling after the doors closed "It does me good to see you so well."
Queen Serenity rose from her throne and rushed to meet Kami along the path "As it does me my good friend." She clasped his free hands with hers and took Kami over to the Throne "Come, you must tell me what you've been up to since I last saw." She said in a way which reminded Kami of the Queen's young daughter.
"While I would love to talk about old times, I'm afraid I'm more curious about why you wanted me here so urgently." Kami said firmly but not unkindly.
Pausing for a moment before giving a small, sad smile Serenity answered "Always one for business first aren't you Kami?" She sighed sadly before going back to her Throne and sitting on it "I take it you've heard about the latest problems with Earth?"
Nodding slowly Kami breathed out at the response, the latest collapse of any talks between Earth and the Moon Kingdom had soon become widely known "There's some dark influence there if you want my opinion. The Dark Kingdom has powerful magic able to serve their own evil ends. My advice is to seek out and destroy these sorcerers before anymore damage is done."
Queen Serenity gave a small laugh that lacked any sort of humour "You think I haven't tried? Some of my greatest warriors have perished trying to flush out the sorcerers who make the Dark Kingdom so powerful." Her face darkened "There is one named Babidi who is the greatest and most evil of them. I believe he may be the one who is behind the hatred felt by those of Earth against us."
A sign of revulsion crossed Kami's face at hearing the name of the sorcerer "I have heard of Babidi also and I'm not surprised that he would be behind the destroying of the friendship between Earth and the Moon. His power is such that it is said he can manipulate even the strongest of wills if they have darkness in their hearts."
The news was nothing surprising to Queen Serenity "My Mages and I came to the same conclusion. We had always thought the envy Earth had felt for the Moon's accomplishments was nothing to worry about." A bitter smile crossed the Queen's face "I wish it was otherwise. Together we may have crushed the Dark Kingdom and its evil influence. But their power grows daily and without Earth, our task has become much more difficult."
Considering the problem, Kami tapped his staff idly before a solution came to mind "There... May be another way to gain strength over the Dark Kingdom. Although I fear you may not agree to it."
Queen Serenity sighed "At this point, I'm willing to try anything. We cannot tackle the Dark Kingdom alone, not without losing too many lives."
"Then Ally with the Saiyans." Kami said immediately "The sooner the better."
The look on revulsion and disgust on Queen Serenity's face was almost comical, if not the situation was so dire "WHAT??!" She screamed, for once forgetting all about her dignity.
Keeping calm, Kami spoke in a soothing voice to bring Serenity's mind away from the rage he knew she would be feeling "Think about it, the Saiyans are the most powerful race in the galaxy, they loath the Dark Kingdom and with their war against the Freezing Empire, they too would be glad of any Allies they can get."
Managing to put her face back to its normal composed countenance, Serenity took a deep breath "You forget one thing Kami." She said with a bitter tone "We were allied to the Saiyans once before, and they betrayed us and the Central Quadrant was almost lost as a result."
Kami nodded, acknowledging this fact "That was five centuries ago. Surely you don't think that one mistake can define an entire race?"
Queen Serenity opened her mouth to answer but closed it and looked thoughtful for a moment "I suppose not… But regardless of that, the enmity between the Saiyan Empire and Moon Kingdom is too deep for any amends to be made." Serenity allowed a small smirk "Unless you know of some miracle to perform that would drop the hatred between our peoples."
"There is no miracle that I can think of but you can make a gesture that will show the Saiyans you are in fact serious about an alliance." Queen Serenity nodded at Kami, wanting him to continue "The Saiyan Empire at this time has been at war with the Freezing Empire for ten years now and the tide has only just started to turn in their favour. If you offer them a marriage…"
Kami was stopped short by another screech from Queen Serenity "WHAT!!!!??" The old Namek flinched as his exceedingly good hearing suffered under the outburst "ARE YOU INSANE?! I'D NEVER MARRY…"
A bright sphere of energy quickly appeared in Kami's hand to grab the Queen's attention. It had the effect desired and Serenity stopped short in surprise as the sight of Kami summoning up the energy caught her by surprise "Your Majesty please." Kami said in a strained voice as he allowed the energy to dissipate, its job done "Forget all your prejudices about Saiyans and just listen to me."
Serenity took a deep breath and for the second time, regained her composure "I'm sorry about that Kami, but even the thought of marrying one of the Saiyan Royal Family…" Kami was forced to concede this point. The Vegeta ruling family only had one male left of marrying status, and he wasn't the most eligible male in the Galaxy.
"Our thoughts on Prince Vegeta notwithstanding I was considering another family of Saiyans who are of equal prestige. The family of the Ascended Saiyan…"
The title brought some memories back to Serenity's mind "I've heard of him. The one who killed Emperor Freeza is he not? But he's married to an Earth woman and has a son who is almost Serena's… age…" A horrible thought clutched onto Queen Serenity's brain and refused to let go. But it looked like Kami had been leading up to it all this while "No." She said, firmer than Gibraltar.
Kami didn't even bother to ask, knowing that Serenity had followed his thought pattern "Are you willing to sacrifice your people because of your hatred?"
The glare Serenity gave the old Namek would have struck him dead if possible "Am I willing to sacrifice my daughter because I feel threatened?"
Sighing sadly, Kami tried to reason with the Queen "Serenity." He said and the Queen took instant notice, Kami only ever said her name when he was deathly serious "As we speak, the Dark Kingdom grows in power and influence as it encroaches on the rightful territory of the Moon Kingdom. You cannot meet this threat by yourself and who can you possibly turn to? Earth has forsaken you, my own people have shut themselves off from the rest of the Galaxy, the Confederation of Planets is your Ally but their strength relies upon yours, the crimes of the Freezing Empire match those of the Dark Kingdom. The Moon Kingdom must Ally with the Saiyans in order to survive."
The reluctance in which Serenity accepted this truth was doubled by her refusal to admit that the Moon Kingdom needed the Saiyans, making give one outburst "I cannot hand over my daughter to those… those… savages!"
The insult finally stretched Kami's patience to breaking point and he practically barked "Serenity! Listen to yourself! Do not let hatred and prejudice blind you now of all times! I have met the Ascended Saiyan and he is a good, decent and honourable man! His son is equal to him and is by no means a savage!" The two looked at each other in a battle of wills that was interrupted by a furious pounding on the doors at the opposite end of the Throne Room.
A messenger appeared in the doorway as the doors opened, rushing through before stooping before the Throne and placing himself on one knee, he was clothed in the traditional Moon Military uniform "Your… Your Majesty!" He gasped, his face was red and flushed, he had obviously run a great deal in order to get here.
The tone almost made Serenity forget about her argument with Kami as she rose to her feet "What is it?" She asked, fearing the worst.
The messenger took a deep breath and got the message out in a single breath "We have received word from our forces in the Southern Quadrant. The Dark Kingdom attacked our battle fleet stationed there, almost wiping them out, only the Crescent escaped with most of its crew."
It took a long pause before the news sank in and Serenity collapsed onto her Throne "Summon my generals." She said weakly "Tell them I'll see them in the War Chamber in five minutes." The messenger nodded and left running, the doors closing behind him. Queen Serenity stayed on the Throne, her face unreadable. After several drawn out moments she muttered "Our entire Southern Fleet... Destroyed..." She said in a hollow voice. Never before had Kami seen the Queen look so helpless.
Putting a comforting hand upon her shoulder, Kami said "This highlights my point Serenity. Send word to the Saiyans immediately and offer them the Alliance. I'm sure Serena will be able to stay on the Moon but the son of Kakarott will have to come here as a token of good faith."
For a long moment, Queen Serenity sat on her Throne, trying to think of what to do. At last she rose from her throne and nodded at Kami "It shall be done." Queen Serenity then started to walk determinedly down the path from her Throne to the doors "For the first time in five centuries, a Saiyan shall walk upon the Moon."
XxX
The Throne Room of Emperor Vegeta was a clear contrast to Queen Serenity's grand spaces. The Throne was the same sort of design of a large armchair only made out of iron and thin. The design of the Throne Room itself was small and Spartan with only a table in the middle which held a map of the Galaxy covered with notes detailing each conflict and power stuck on with pins. Currently, Emperor Vegeta was standing over the map, looking at it with a fierce scowl of concentration upon his face.
Emperor Vegeta looked pretty much like his more headstrong son only with a few grey hairs and a thick beard that almost obscured his mouth. Despite the looks, the Emperor was a much more diplomatic person than his son. He knew when to push his advantage and he knew when to retreat. It was this characteristic in particular which had made him a formidable force in Universal politics as well as on the battlefield and despite the ever waging war with the Freezing Empire; the Saiyans were held with some regard by the rest of the Galaxy.
"Except one in power in particular…" The Emperor thought, considering how for the last five hundred years, the Moon Kingdom had been sworn opponents of the Saiyans "We did what we needed to in order to survive and they call it betrayal." The Emperor thought sadly, he was not proud of what the Saiyans did all those years ago but he wasn't prepared to admit that they had been entirely wrong in their decision…
The double doors (Made of thick wood from the Saiyan's home planet) at the end of the Throne Room swung open and two of the strongest Saiyans in the Universe walked through. They were the father and son duo Bardock and Kakarott, the Ascended Saiyan and his father. Emperor Vegeta remained silent as both reached him and gave a salute, considering his two finest Generals silently.
After the traditional signs of fealty were made, it was Kakarott, ever curious regarding why he was away from battle who spoke first "You asked to see us your Majesty?"
"Yes Kakarott, I have news concerning our diplomatic relationship with the Moon Kingdom."
Bardock, his face lined from age and battle differing him from his son, nodded in understanding while his son looked blank. Inwardly, Emperor Vegeta cried for the sake of his people "He probably got as far as concerning but I think 'diplomatic' pushed him too far." Vegeta translated it "The Moon Kingdom wishes to be our Ally once more."
The news made Kakarott brighten instantly "Really? That's great news! Will they invite us to a big banquet?"
"Only if they want us to eat their entire food supply." Bardock sniggered, playing on the reputation of the Moon Kingdom of being small eaters. He turned serious and turned away from his son to the Emperor "But your Majesty, why did you summon us away from the battlefield? The forces of the Freezing Empire are rallying around Prince Coola; we need to be there in order to direct the attack."
"Because the Moon Kingdom has made an offer that's almost impossible to refuse." He leaned forward towards his two strongest Generals in his Throne as his eyes gleamed "The Moon Kingdom believes that we would have refused the Alliance because of the events of the Great War five hundred years ago. Personally, I would have been glad to accept the Alliance regardless of conditions but they have offered us a way into their inner circle of power."
Suddenly interrupting, Kakarott started to ask "Couldn't we just find this circle and borrow it for a…" He was cut off by a glare from the Emperor who wished (Not for the first time) that someone who was able to recognise a metaphor had become the Ascended Saiyan. Kakarott was his strongest warrior, the one who had personally killed Emperor Freeza in battle and a deeply honourable man. But by the Stars themselves, he was as dumb as a rock in some areas.
"That was a metaphor Kakarott." The Emperor said wearily "I meant that we are able to place one of our own amongst the ruling family of the Moon Kingdom." Just in case Kakarott still didn't get it, Vegeta quickly added "They have offered to seal our Alliance with a marriage pact."
Kakarott once again brightened but before he could say a word, Emperor Vegeta waved him into silence "The marriage proposal is between Princess Serena and your son, Gohan." The name was said with more than an element of distaste.
The reaction between the two Saiyans was quite equal, both men letting their jaw drop in surprise but rallied Kakarott was the first to rally "But Gohan's just a boy! He couldn't possibly get married!"
Emperor Vegeta shrugged "Age is immaterial; they're not expecting any children from the union quite yet, it is a way to guarantee that we will abide by the Alliance. Gohan needs to marry the Princess in order to cement our Alliance and try to gain some sway over the Central Quadrant."
A sudden flush of anger crossed Kakrott's face at the words "Your Majesty, I have served you and the Empire loyally for my entire life." He walked up to the Emperor and stared him right in the eyes "But I will not sacrifice my son's happiness for anything." And with that, he turned and walked out without saying another word.
Vegeta sighed in annoyance and turned to Bardock "Will he stand by what he says?"
Knowing his son well enough, Bardock shook his head "He pampers the boy whenever he can but I'll see to it he comes round to our point of view." Bardock paused and chuckled "It'll be his wife that'll be the difficult part."
Emperor Vegeta gave a small smile, he knew just as much as anyone who'd met Kakarott's wife that she was the difficult one out of the two. With that thought, Emperor Vegeta frowned "A human wife." He muttered "What he was thinking I have no idea."
Bardock said felt silent at those words, the Emperor merely expressing what he himself had thought for many years "She... She makes a loyal wife." Was all he could give as a response.
Emperor Vegeta found himself didn't even appear to consider the answer before his thoughts turned to Kakarott's child, his lips curling into a sneer "The boy however… He's weak and an embarrassment. Quite frankly, I was somewhat relieved when the Moon Kingdom requested him. Such a person has no right to be a Saiyan."
Bardock found himself nodding a slow assent at the words of the Emperor. Despite everything he could do, Gohan remained weak for a Saiyan, barely able to fight with anyone else at his age.A nasty little voice in Bardock's mind that had always stated what he truly felt said "No matter how hard he tries, he's no Warrior and definitely no Saiyan."
Emperor Vegeta turned to his general "Can you be certain that you can change Kakarott's mind?"
A smile was given in reply "It'll be tough but I think that the boy will be glad to go. He's never fit into our society and the Moon Kingdom may accept him." Bardock gave a sneer "His mother got him to study outside of the Five Stations. Wanted him to become a scientist on Earth rather than a true warrior."
"Oh by the Kai…" Emperor Vegeta muttered and shook his head "Go now Bardock. The sooner the boy goes to the Moon Kingdom, the better." When Bardock left the Throne Room, Emperor Vegeta allowed himself a small smile as he considered the implications of the marriage "For the first time in five centuries, a Saiyan shall walk upon the Moon… Even if he is a half breed weakling."
To be continued…
Well here's the first chapter of my SM/DBZ fanfic. This won't be major G/S but it will have a few fluffy moments between the two. R&R! And for those reading through again and noticing a few changes, I'm currently rewriting certain parts of the story to tidy it up and make it easier to read while perhaps closing up a plot hole or two. Maybe this'll finally get me an entry on TV Tropes :p. Anyway, hope you enjoy the old with the new!