A/U, rated PG. this is the sequel to Love and Blood.
Disclaimer: Don't own any of the characters. They belong to Toriyama, Toei, FUNImation. (Wish I owned Goku, tho'. Or Vejita. Yum!)
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Part 1
Sire, it's done. The planet is yours. Kakarot placed his fist against his breast and bowed, dropping to one knee.
Vejita regarded his protege with a raised eyebrow and a half-smile on his handsome face. The warrior standing before him was in tatters, blood dripping from wounds, his face grim. He had come immediately from the campaign, not stopping to wash his own wounds. Kakarot was no longer a young man, but a battle-hardened warrior, and he had the scars to show for it. His large well-muscled body was a perfectly tuned fighting machine, and Vejita couldn't help but be impressed in spite of himself.
Excellent. At ease, general.
Kakarot stood at ease and gazed at the monarch unwaveringly. Blood dripped into his eyes from a head wound and he blinked it away.
Vejita smirked again. Kakarot wouldn't wipe it away until he was given permission.
Kakarot, go to the rejuve chamber and get yourself fixed up before you ruin my floor.
General Kakarot bowed again and, walking backwards three steps before standing straight, he turned to leave.
He stopped, turning back. Yes, sire?
Join me for dinner tonight. I want to hear about it.
The Saiyan general's face remained set, but his eyes burned with fire.
Yes, sire.
Vejita pulled on his lower lip. He watched the broad back of the departing warrior, his confident walk, the powerful physique accentuated by the tight Saiyan armor.
When did we get so formal with each other, Kakarot? he muttered to himself, then smiled. That will change soon, my general. Very soon.
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Kakarot pulled on his clean uniform and boots and sat on the edge of his cot. Dinner with the king! It had been a long time since he'd been alone with Vejita. After his triumphant return, the people had carried the prince straight to the throne and Kakarot was whisked away to the barracks. Then duty claimed the new king, and Kakarot had been sent to do battle. It wasn't long before he had made a name for himself, and among the soldiers he was treated with more respect than he felt he deserved. And he had become something of a legend, with stories of his battles reaching hyperbolic proportions.
By the end of the year, Vejita made him a captain. By the end of the following year, he was a general. And he was still the only man capable of becoming super Saiyan. Kakarot hungered for an opponent worthy of his skills.
His reverie was broken as Nappa stuck his head into Kakarot's room.
Hey, general! Nappa cried.
Hey, general. Kakarot couldn't help grinning at the giant.
We're going to the pub for a brew. Wanna come?
Not tonight, Nappa. Got a dinner date.
Nappa waggled his eyebrows, making Kakarot laugh.
No, better than that. Dinner with the king.
Nappa grinned evily. I knew that.
Huh. Didn't you know your life is an open book? Everyone knows where you are and what you're doing. You're a celebrity!
Kakarot blushed and looked at the floor.
Well, when the king is through with you, come over to the pub. I don't plan on leaving until they have to carry me home!
Then I better come. They're gonna need help.
Very funny. Nappa raised his hand in salute and left.
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Kakarot had shown remarkable restraint while dining with the king. The royal cooks had fully expected to see the general's legendary appetite in action, but were disappointed when he matched the king's eating mouthful for mouthful, though just barely.
Vejita was regarding his general now with amusement, looking at him over the rim of his goblet. Kakarot was relating the details of the campaign on Teba with unbridled enthusiasm.
Sire, you should have been there! The Tebans are real warriors, fighting like hellcats! We brought the best of them back, the survivors. I'm sure we can integrate them into our army and they'll be a real asset.
Vejita was silent, continuing to gaze at the warrior. He placed his goblet on the table and ran his finger along the rim. A steward suddenly appeared at his elbow and filled the goblet, then disappeared just as quickly.
Vejita's face was strangely expressionless. Then he leaned forward and nearly whispered, Aren't you bored, Kakarot?
Bored, sire? No... His eyebrows drew down.
In a flurry of motion, King Vejita slammed his fist on the table, making the dishes, silverware and Kakarot jump.
Well, I am! he snarled. The servants wisely disappeared.
Vejita nearly leaned all the way across the table.
We don't need any more planets, Kakarot, he hissed. Our people have been moved into their new homes, Vejita-sei is not so crowded anymore.
Just as suddenly, Vejita slumped back into his chair, brooding.
Where's the fun in conquering planets that are no match for us? For you?
Kakarot looked at his lap. Then he raised his eyes to gaze at his king. For a long moment, they both just stared at each other.
He hesitated, and Vejita waited, scowling.
Are you...do you...? Kakarot took a deep breath. Do you have...a...sparring partner?
Vejita laughed, a loud bark. No, general. You're the only one on this pathetic planet who can give me a challenge. And you know it.
Kakarot frowned.
Vejita got up and walked around the table where he leaned up against it next to his general. He folded his arms, crossed one foot over the other, and looked down on the warrior. He smiled darkly.
I have a proposition for you. No, stay seated. Vejita put his hand on the general's shoulder. It's come to my attention that there is a planet with warriors worthy of our attention.
Kakarot looked up at his king, heart racing. Then, at the monarch's next words, the super Saiyan general's heart leapt into his throat.
It's called Earth.
(continued)
