"I don't like it..."
A youthful Prince Vegeta held the freshly delivered mission transfer order in his hands as similar thoughts raced through his mind until the second companion spoke.
"Are they trying to split us up, sire?" Raditz glanced between his superior and his Sovereign after the words fell from his lips as all three Saiyans tried to ascertain any unforeseen threats to the remainders of their race.
"I don't believe so..." A cautious pause interjected itself between the youngest's conclusion. "This says it's only temporary...Commander Whivpk is just requesting another first-class to accompany his squad for their next mission. If they were attempting to split us, this would have been a permanent transfer order for Nappa." The largest among the three growled softly in contempt as he folded his arms over the broad, hulking chest.
"I still don't like it." Raditz let a minutely mocking grin spread over his face.
"You never like any orders that don't come from our Prince." An arrogant smirk swiftly spread over the royal's expression as it preceded the glance over to his subordinate, deeply pleased at the level of unquestioning loyalty given their leader's very young age.
"And that really shouldn't surprise you Raditz...I shouldn't be helping other squads advance their standings when my duty lies with guarding my commander." Nappa turned to address Vegeta specifically. "I could go request a repeal if you think..." Before the first-class elite Saiyan could finish the suggestion, the royal was dismissing the idea with a shake of his head.
"I don't believe that will be necessary. We have no battle missions in cue so this down time will be a good chance to show the rest of these pathetic squads the strength of Saiyan might."
"Forgive me, your highness...but isn't the Ategia mission set for sometime this week?" Vegeta turned to the table by his side, quickly scribbling the Royal Crest onto the paperwork as a show of approval and handed it back to the vastly larger bodyguard.
"Yes, but it is unfortunately a diplomatic negotiation meeting. Frieza's intelligence has shared that the Ategians are not looking for a fight. Besides, I'll have Raditz at my side should anything arise." A sudden expression of shocked pride filled the long-haired warrior at the implied promotion. Only first-class Saiyans were allowed to serve duties to the royal family and from spending the last fifteen years as second-class, the change was more than welcome. Unable to control the grin threatening to spill over his face, Raditz bowed respectfully to accept his new calling.
"Always to serve you, Ouji-sama." Straightening back up, he caught the glare on Nappa's face...and he sure didn't need telepathy to catch that his superior wasn't pleased with Vegeta's decision. The prince nodded in reply.
"It's settled then. You both are dismissed."
Walking out of the common area that adjoined the underling's rooms, Nappa turned to grin threateningly at his companion.
"I hope you realize that if you fuck up in any way...he'll probably kill you." Raditz's eyes snapped over to the higher ranking Saiyan but immediately nodded in acceptance.
"Understood."
"Keep your fucking mouth shut, stay out of his way and learn from his example. You are only there to appear as his protection."
"Dully noted sir."
"Your pods are ready for your departure Prince Vegeta. Coordinates have already been set, and you'll arrive at Ategia in 52 hours. Sleep mode will commence approximately 5 minutes after lift off...are there any questions?" The sovereign and accompanying guard both answered negatively with a shake of their heads and settled into each pod. "Very well. Lift off sequence to begin in 45 seconds."
The hatch lowered and sealed out the vacuum of space with a sucking whoosh echoing throughout the tiny capsule. The customary tone of warning was heard, just before Raditz's body was slammed back into the seat back, the adrenaline of take-off making him grin in excitement.
He had begun to wonder if the other two Saiyans were ever going to fully trust him enough to escort the 17 year old Prince on missions, but he was now glad that his patience and perseverance was paying off. Another, deeper toned beep signaled the automation of sleep mode and as a yawn struck his senses, a deeper grin plastered itself across his face.
He'd never been with Vegeta on a diplomacy mission without the other Saiyan present and now the time spent alone should prove enlightening on the other's adolescent development. Raditz had been increasingly concerned over the sudden streak of blinding anger from the young prince and even though Nappa dismissed the idea as simple hormone imbalances due to his maturing age, he was far from convinced that this was normal. As another deep yawn accompanied the slow closing of his eyes, his heart held out a bit of hope that even a dim light may be shone on what the royal may be suffering from.
A loud blaring alarm sounded off in the limited air surrounding Raditz, fulfilling it's duty of awakening the occupant. A refreshing inhale was lead by a habitual attempt to stretch in the tiny pod. Looking to the control dashboard in front of him, their proximity to the destination was only a few minutes away.
"Raditz...are you awake?" The echo-ish sound to Vegeta's voice forced it's way through the speakers without warning. The newly promoted first-class Saiyan scrambled to hit the reply button.
"Yes sire, just now."
"Good. When we arrive, I want you to be as intimidating as possible, yet do not say anything unless I directly speak to you. This way, these Ategians will be more inclined to deal with me and hopefully this will end as Frieza wishes it to. I...er we need to stay in good standing with him so let's get this over with as quickly as possible."
"Of course sir."
Upon landing, the two foreign pods were customarily surrounded by half a dozen guards, each with a weapon-like staff but not held out threateningly. Fully playing up the intimidation factor, Vegeta was the first to emerge, followed by Raditz. As most of the Ategians stood at a height equal to the Prince, the indigenous inhabitants eyes widened when the older Saiyan stood up to his full stature, a clear foot over the royal.
"State your business, stranger!"
"I am an emissary from Lord Frieza of the Cold Empire. I am here to discuss the peaceful acquisition of your planet into the ownership of Lord Frieza specifically." The crowd fell silent until a single being arrogantly lashed out at the youthful messenger.
"You? You're just a child...do you even know how to spell half of those words you just said?" Raditz's eyes swiftly darted over in time to see his sovereign's jaw clench in anger, his own muscles flinched in preparation to protect Vegeta in the approaching retaliation. But it proved to be unnecessary as the younger forced his eyes closed in an effort to calm his rage.
"I understand." Slowly the prince's eyes opened to focus on the guard that issued the insulting statement, the tip of his tail tapping in agitation against his waist. "I'll return to Lord Frieza and describe how this planet's guards thought they were in the position of negotiating for their entire planet and that since no agreement was reached, Lord Frieza may begin his plans for the extermination you all."
"Well, I didn't mean that...I shouldn't have..."
"Then take me to the palace AT ONCE!" As quickly as if they had been ordered by their own King, the guards abruptly turned and began leading the two Saiyans to meet with their leader. As demanded of protocol, Raditz hung back to walk behind his prince, both from a respectful idea and to better guard the juvenile. It was amazing to see Vegeta's commanding personality thrown into action as no one better could have been born into the role. The way he could discipline a subordinate with a simple yet intense glare, the unyielding leadership skills he possessed at the immature age of seventeen...and for Raditz all of it boiled down to an extreme pride seated deeply in the young man walking ahead of him. The next obvious thought caused him to walk just a bit taller.
Vegeta would have no doubt been the greatest King their planet would have had the honor serving.
"This is completely unacceptable! Prince Vegeta, surely this is not only offer that Frieza is willing to give!" Vegeta crossed his arms as irritation creased his brow. He had been hoping that the diminishing King would simply accept the fate of his planet and sign the agreement, but that hope was fading fast. Now he would have to actually try and convince the other royal that it was in their best interest to cooperate.
"I am not here to negotiate any of the terms that Lord Frieza has put forth as acceptable for the acquisition of your world without bloodshed. I am to merely present the offer and report back whether or not you agree to the changing of leadership."
"Changing of leadership?! This plan practically exterminates our race! We were to be granted access to another world with the promise of a steady supply of Eenonium...we can't survive without it." The Ategian king shook his head just as his final answer was given. "You may tell Frieza that I can not accept this for the benefit of my people."
"King Reega, I should warn you that if you do not accept this, Lord Frieza will send a squad to wipe your people off the planet." The opposing leader sneered in contempt.
"What squad? Yours?" It was undeniable that the King had become a thorn in Vegeta's side as he simply could not resist letting an evil smirk slip across his lips.
"Hopefully." Reega started in surprise at the sadistically tinged grin on the other's face. "If it does come to that, I have no doubt that Lord Frieza will consider sending my squad as I already know the lay of the land. But, on the other hand, Lord Frieza did express to me the need for this to be an amiable agreement. He doesn't want the terrain harmed or..."
"I do not care what Frieza wants! I must do what is best for my people and if that means fighting until the last Ategian falls, then so be it. Surely you, also a distinguished leader can see where I'm coming from!" Vegeta squared out his jaw in preparation for the lie he was about to utter.
"I would do what it takes to ensure the safety of my people..."
"That is absolute calumny! I know well what you Saiyans are like...you primitive creatures enjoy fighting and relish the idea of toppling other worlds for that twisted tyrant!" Vegeta slammed his clenched fist down on the banquet hall table, a low growling coming from between bared teeth.
"Do not spout things you don't know anything about." Taken back a split moment by the threatening response in front of him, Reega picked up the documents and flung them back in Vegeta's direction.
"We're through here. Take this back to your master and tell him that Ategia prepares for war." Without waiting for a reply, the King swiftly turned and exited, leaving the messengers alone in the vast banquet hall.
For a few moments, the Saiyan prince sat emotionless...completely devoid of the mounting panic of failure that brewed inside. But all too soon, his fist smashed down onto the polished table top as a curse in their native language was thrown from between clenched teeth. Seemingly to have forgotten that his subordinate was standing behind him, Vegeta let his head fall forward as a sigh of frustration flowed from his nostrils. Only a brief second of despair was allowed until a relaxed hand swept up over his face and through the thinning mahogany bangs.
Attempting to not embarrass his sovereign with his presence, Raditz softly cleared his throat to try and bring the other back to the job at hand. Vegeta arose from the chair and turned to regard his escort. Although he tried vehemently, the young man couldn't make the expression of despondency disappear from his face before the elder took full notice of it.
"Sire?" Much to Raditz's concern, Vegeta didn't immediately respond as he normally would, rather his eyes refused to meet his subject's eyes as he glanced off into the air behind the taller, looking very much like a lost little boy. "Sire? What now?" The added words seemed to snap the adolescent back into reality and out of whatever was worrying him.
"We need to first make it off this rock unharmed then report back to Frieza that their ridiculous King wants a war."
"Unharmed? They don't see us as..." Vegeta was quick to correct the less-experienced in the ways of failed diplomacy.
"...Of course they see us as threats. Be on your guard...we just turned from peaceable emissaries to messengers of destruction. Let us hope they don't do anything foolish before we are allowed to leave."
"Lord Frieza, Prince Vegeta has just arrived with an update on the Ategia acquisition." The horned purple servant bowed respectfully as he announced the return of the favored mercenary.
"Ahh, thank you Pilc. Show him in." Pilc nodded and stepped aside to let the young royal and his escort into the throne room. Frieza clapped his hands together in anticipation as the two Saiyans approached. "Tell me Vegeta...did it go as smoothly as we had hoped?" Even from his position of standing behind his liege, Raditz clearly saw the hidden trepidation in the forthcoming answer.
"Not exactly, my lord." Uncertainty flooded over the overlord's face as a single eyebrow raised to question his protege.
"What do you mean...not exactly?"
"I presented your proposal to King Reega, yet he did not find the terms to be favorable. Since I was not given any other terms to negotiate with, Reega has flat out refused and wishes me to relay to you that Ategia prepares for a defensive war against your sector of the Cold Empire." A disappointed sigh escaped the ice-jin's chest.
"Just what did he 'disagree' with, exactly?"
"The main points of contention were the missing promised allotment of Eenonium and a transfer to another world." The thin, darkly colored lips of the martinet pressed together in a show of further irritation.
"And I suppose you just accepted his resistance? Did you even attempt to remind him of the consequences?"
"Of course sire. I reminded him that you would be taking the planet with or without his agreement numerous times and that it would be in his people's best interest to comply." Frieza sat in a blankly silent contemplation for a few tense moments then shifted his gaze over to the prince's escort.
"You...you're not the usual accompaniment for Vegeta...has the other Saiyan met with his untimely demise?" Raditz did his best to not blanch at being spoken to by the tyrant as his true master answered for him.
"Not to my knowledge...Nappa is currently assisting Commander Whivpk for a purging mission. Raditz accompanied me to Ategia." Frieza's eyebrow raised in contemplation as the tiniest of grins pulled at the corner of his amethyst lips.
"Tell me Saiyan...How would you sum up your prince's efforts in making this simple mission successful?" Even if Frieza had thrust his hand into Raditz's chest and wrapped those icy fingers around his still beating heart, the sensation of blood draining from beneath his ribcage would have felt no different.
"My Lord?"
"I'm asking you to recount your prince's effectiveness on this simple mission. Did he put forth a valiant effort to bring back an agreement on this proposal, or did he essentially accept defeat from the start, like so many of his other assignments?" Both Saiyans bristled at the accusation but somehow managed to keep their calm wits about them. Raditz briefly shifted his eyes to view Vegeta from the side and although the youth had his jaw clenched in barely contained rage, there was a very subtle expression of despair. Confused over what his commander could be so distraught from, a sudden slice of insight flooding into his understanding.
He's trying to either prove me disloyal or show the prince as not worthy of my loyalty...he's trying to make me doubt him in order to save my own hide.
"My Lord, I believe there was no way this mission could have been returned to you in a favorable manner. MY Prince tried numerous times to make the Ategian King reconsider, but to no avail." Frieza's cocky little smile quickly twisted into an uninterested frown.
"Very well then...We will take Ategia by force." Seeing the opportunity for a mission assignment, Vegeta takes a step forward and bows respectfully.
"My Lord, I wish to have my squad considered for the preliminary purging force as we already know the terrain, landmarks and armaments..."
"And I think I'll be hand that mission off to a squad that can actually bring me the results I wish for. I believe Commander Tuiop will be a superb choice, wouldn't you agree?" Even from the corner of his vision, Raditz fully noticed the apprehensive tension making the younger's body rigid.
"A-as you wish, Lord Frieza." An evilly smooth grin pulls at the ice-jin's lips once again as he takes in the reaction of his tormented pet.
"I do wonder...Vegeta, would you like to be the one that delivers the mission assignment to Tuiop?" Doing his best to not flinch at the mere mentioning of the ominous name.
"No thank you. I have better things to do with my time than play messenger." Frieza let his eyes shift between the two Saiyans, deep in contemplation over the ironic knowledge he possessed on the Saiyan Prince.
"Indeed. You both are dismissed."
The walk back to their quarters couldn't have been any more awkward and coldly tensioned even if the Ice-jin overlord had decided to accompany them. Raditz was dying to say something...anything...yet everything that popped into his head made him sound the brown-nosing half-wit he surely was not. But, to reassure his prince that he still held the utmost authoritative respect after Frieza's degrading ways...perhaps that was worth the cost of his own pride.
"Sire...I-would-hope-that-you'd-know-that..." As the words tumbled from his lips in a rushed scramble, Vegeta abruptly stopped and held up his hand as a signal to stop.
"I'll be returning to my room to rid myself of the Ategian dust that's settled in my hair. I don't believe that I'll be needing you to accompany me any further for the remainder of the evening." Taken back slightly by the comment, Raditz shoved his hand into the thick black mass and rubbed the back of his head in confusion.
"Oh...but I thought I was supposed to remain with you at all times because..." Once again, the diminutive younger man interrupted his subordinate, this time with much less venom than usual for being contradicted. But the fact remained that Nappa hardly ever left the vestige of the royal family's side, so why was it acceptable now?
"I'm very capable of taking care of myself, thank you. Besides, I'm sure you'd like to head to the mess hall...I'm not quite feeling like myself so I'll be calling it an early night." Nodding in complacency, Raditz held his alarm to himself at the Prince's demeanor exceptionally well.
"Alright...Whatever you think is best, Ouji-sama. Do you wish me to bring something back for you to eat?" Vegeta shook his head negatively.
"You're dismissed."
No more words were said between the Saiyans as the near adult turned to leave the other's presence. Thinking that there was more going on than what was plainly witnessed, Raditz watched the pride of their race disappear around a corner, headed towards their rooms. A heavily concerned sigh puffed out his lips in a small wheeze before turning back on his previous route to fill his empty stomach. He desperately wanted to find out what was troubling him, so much so in fact that it was starting to take a toll on his physical health...but...
...But he also realized it would be for the best not to anger the man emerging from adolescence. It was almost inexplicable and disturbing how his rage would flash into violence over the smallest conflicts. Raditz had even drummed up enough courage to bring up the issue with his next superior, yet Nappa failed to see any harm in it. Conversely, he was rather proud of the prince's increasingly volatile nature...speaking as if it were just as expected as Vegeta's thinning bangs to take on the recognized look of a male Royal.
Once his appetite had been sated, the first-class gradually made his way back to his room. Cursing under his breath, he now understood why his charge was so eager to rinse off the debris from their last mission...the fine powdery dirt coated his skin as it itched and stung at the same time. Even before reaching the barrier door that lead to the shared common room, Raditz had begun stripping off his customary armor to get at the discomfort. And just as he was about to growl with irritation over not being able to remove his garments quick enough, he stepped under the warm spray and thanked a few deities for their mercy as the accursed granules were rinsed away.
Unceremoniously, Raditz stepped out and began toweling off once he was absolutely sure that his skin was free of the dust. Letting the flexible fabric of his undergarments slid up his thighs, an odd sound prevented any further dressing. Shifting his head over to the sound's origin, he surmised that it was coming from beyond the door that joined the bathing room to the prince's private room. Lips pursed together as a flashing blush spilled over his cheeks...had he stumbled upon proof that the youth had indeed been so volatile from rampaging hormones? But just as quickly as the thought occurred, a hidden clue had his mind dismissing the bawdy idea.
There was no rhythmic motion to the sound, no cadence to suggest an encircled fist sliding over hard flesh in a repeated effort to gratify such a primal need. No, the sound was interrupted and jerky at best, making the freshly showered Saiyan twist his face in confusion. Raditz cocked his head to the side to further decipher the intonation just as another sound jarred his feet in moving toward the adjoining door, worry filling his being. A low, gasping moan with notes of agony laced throughout the varying tone.
Raditz slowly opened the door to find a darkened room, dimly lit only by the light shining in through the door frame at his side. Immediately, his focus was directed towards the bed where Vegeta lay dressed only in a pair of shorts, his misery highly apparent. A very fine sheen of sweat layered over his skin, but by the pricked up tiny hairs all along the visible part of his body, the moisture was causing a chill to settle over him. His tail lashed out and thumped angrily on the mattress as the prince twisted from side to side, trying to alleviate his pain.
"Sire?" The moniker was only a whisper, yet sounded so very loud to the prince's hearing, suddenly highly sensitive. His eyes snapped open to take in the sight of his subordinate witnessing his agony. "Are you alright?"