Disclaimer and Warnings: Mentions Mpreg, Heats, violence, swearing, and Alpha Dominated Society!
Timelines and ages are slightly different. Different world from the original DBZ world.
Since I'm making up a lot of terms here I thought I'd drop some definitions.
Suitors:An Alpha who is courting a Omega. During the courting phase they are Suitors, after the pair has mated they are referred to as Mates.
Pillage: When a crew goes off to claim planets in the name of Vegeta-sei. A first Pillage and how well a crew does on pillages is a status mark.
Ranks of the Saiyan Warriors: (from lowest to highest)
Third Class
Second Class
First Class- Also known as Elites
Captains
High Council:The High Council is a level between Captains and the King. They advise the King on troublesome planets and which troops should go to what planets. There are Six Council members total. Generally the position is passed down from generation to generation, unless circumstances dictate otherwise.
In This Chapter: The long awaited reunion and the King's decision.
Alpha Royal
Chapter Nineteen: Fathers and Sons
The docking bay was empty, only himself,a single dockhand, and numerous space pod shells stood in the large space. Vegeta frowned as he watched the small alien dart about, trying to prepare for the large ship that would soon be landing. A Carrier usually meant a large crew to welcome home and maintenance to be held. It was a tall order for a single alien, but Vegeta couldn't have anyone else present.
He heard the dockhand give a loud squawk of warning before the entire area began to shake. From above a white ship descended down from the sky, it's thrusters working hard to slow the ships speed. The wind kicked up around them, shifting the King's hair while he watched in silence as the Carrier settled into its personal holding area. Unlike the smaller space pods, the Carrier's large body had to be held in place by metallic grips.
"They're here," the dockhand mumbled, grabbing for a nearby clipboard. He read it over quickly, out loud for the King's convenience. "Ship #3A462, taken out by Captain Squral and crew. They-"
"Mark them as present then look at the ship." Vegeta interrupted.
"But Sire, shouldn't I check the crew's vitals?"
"No need." The engine was powering down. Steam and exhaust smoke filled the area around them. Soon the doors would be opening. "Look at the ship and report any findings to me and me only. Understood?"
"Yes Sire."
He left the rest to the dockhand, moving towards the front of the ship where the door was beginning to slowly descend. Vegeta positioned himself in front of it and prepared himself for the arrival of his son. He thought he was prepared to set eyes on Trunks after his son's first pillage. But when the door came down the first body that stepped into the door way wasn't alone. Kakorot's youngest stood beside Trunks, both wearing grim expressions, but otherwise whole and unhurt.
Vegeta sniffed the air, smelled for himself that the brat really was an Omega. And that wasn't all. His scent was different, it was-
Surprise hit Vegeta full force at the realization. His eyes watched the two like a hawk, just to be sure. The look on Trunks' face was enough to confirm his suspicion.
Interesting. His lips twitched, the longer he smelled the brat's scent the clearer it was. Things had changed but he could make it work in his advantage.
In the dead of night the Palace was a completely different place. There were no servants around and no wandering elites, Goku was grateful of that fact. It meant no one was around to see his rage. Small sparks of energy fizzled around his clutched fists as he strolled down the halls, if he looked in a mirror he would have seen his eyes flashing aqua before the color could be blinked away.
Vegeta had gone too far this time.
He had thought they were finally past the odd power struggle that stood between them. For weeks he'd been a confidant for the King as they planned out their next move, searching for the traitor among them. And yet, Vegeta couldn't even tell him when their sons arrived on planet. Had sent a third-class warrior to deliver the news along with a request to meet in the throne room.
It was insulting. Vegeta knew how anxious he'd been waiting for news about the Goten. Time had drifted too slowly for Goku who already hated being in the palace. For the first time in years he found himself feeling angry and anxious- two feelings he had no experience dealing with. They kept his stomach in knots, drove him insane. And yet…
That all drifted away when he opened the large doors of the throne room. Not even a breath passed before his eyes spotted the one thing that could soothe his temper. Standing in the center, barely recognizable in an Elite's armor was Goten.
His hair had grown past his ears in a shaggy cut. Next to Trunks there was a noticeable difference in height between the two boys, but Goten held himself tall and proud. Even under the scrutinizing look of the King.
At Goku's entrance all eyes moved to greet him. It was a small audience. Just himself, Vegeta, Bulma, and their children. A look of guilt was clearly written across Goten's face when their eyes met. A wave of unfamiliarity hit Goku when he saw the expression. It had been too long since they'd been in the same room together. To him Goten was should still be a little boy, one with chubby cheeks always stuck in a smile. Now a stranger stood in front of him.
Beside Goten was the Prince, his eyes a perfect combination of his parents. Bulma's bright blue with Vegeta's sharpness making for an icy stare. And right now Trunks was directing it at him. Without a word he took Goten's hand in his own.
The gesture caught Goku's eye. What?
Before he could dissect the strange movement Vegeta's voice called out to him. "Kakorot, so nice of you to join us. I was just about to tell your son what we have planned for him."
We, as if Goku had any idea what kind of punishment Vegeta was about to dish out. He frowned, "I wouldn't have been late if you had told me when my son first arrived."
His irritation was clear, making Vegeta's smirk even sharper. The King was clearly enjoying the new found power. "Then you should have kept a better eye on him."
The boys exchanged a look, but it was Bulma who brought them back to the task at hand. She cleared her throat loudly in warning. Even Vegeta couldn't drag out the gloating against his wife's irritation.
With a dramatic sweep of his cape Vegeta turned his attention back onto the two younger Saiyans. Goten and Trunks immediately came to attention, the movement more instinct rather then politeness. Their bodies as well as their minds knew the seriousness of the situation.
In the years he'd spent by Vegeta's side Goku had seen full grown elites tremble under the King's dark gaze. Yet the boys seemed unmovable. Their fists clenched at their sides as if they were about to walk into a fight for their lives. Even Goten, a Omega, managed to hide his nerves. Goku studied his son with a proud smile. An Omega standing against the King with no fear.
"Son Goten," Vegeta's eyes rested on the youngest boy, "Because of you the Prince and his crew fended off an assassination attempt and Borgessa is now under Saiyan rule. But you have also lied to your King about your identity and have gone against our laws. My son, your Prince, has pleaded for you to be pardoned."
He has? Goku blinked in surprise and noticed that Trunks hadn't let go of Goten's hand, even in front of the King. Something twisted Goku's stomach at the sight.
Vegeta continued, "Given the current circumstances I have decided to let you live." A sigh of relief filled the room, Bulma gave her husband a grateful smile. But the King hadn't finished, "You have done well for yourself Omega, but now you must prove your loyalty to the royal line. Your secrets have given us the upper hand. So we'll use it to our advantage. Son Goten, you'll continue to be take your suppressants and be a Elite until things are handled."
The smile Bulma had been wearing disappeared in a look of outrage, a look Goku himself wore. The word punishment ringing in his ears. "Vegeta-" he began.
Trunks cut him off, "Father. You can't be serious! It's too dangerous!"
Vegeta smiled, pleased by the reaction. "Think son. We can't reveal that Goten is an Omega, not now. It will look poorly on our Family if the news got out we were tricked by an Omega and let him live. Our enemies would take advantage of the situation as soon as they smelled blood in the water. We'd all be dead within a week."
He was right of course, Vegeta always had a knack for navigating political situations.
"It's best that we go about the same as normal. No one will mention what went on on Borgessa. It will make the enemy nervous. Goten, you'll return to training with the rest of the Prince's crew and keep your eyes open for anything suspicious. Understood?"
Goten didn't hesitate in his answer. "Yes Your Majesty."
Goku starred at his son's back, trying to decipher what the boy was feeling, but the body standing in front of him was a statue. He couldn't read anything.
Trunks stepped forward, his body tense. "Father, let's reconsider this. There must be another way. I-"
"I've made my decision Trunks." Vegeta snapped, putting an end to the Prince's argument. Without pause Vegeta's gaze moved to Goku, expecting the next line of objections. "What about you Kakorot? You want to try and sway me?"
Goten tensed at question and turned to look at his father. His eyes unsure and awaiting judgment.
Goku frowned, "It doesn't matter. Clearly you've made your choice."
"Good to see you finally see sense," Vegeta preened. "Now, make sure your brat doesn't leave his quarters for at least two days. We need to get rid of his scent and start laying our first traps."
"Done," It was the best excuse to leave that they were going to get. Already Bulma was whispering harsh words into Vegeta's ear. Goku took the opportunity to finally approach his son.
Now he could get a clear glimpse of Goten's face, the features identical to his own from their dark eyebrows to the wide grin decorating the boy's face. Goten was smiling, not at all nervous about the task the King had asked of him.
"That went well." Goten said, turning to Trunks. His tail uncurling from the formal position around his waist.
Trunks didn't look nearly as happy. "Are you kidding?"
Goten's mouth was already open on it's retort when Goku interrupted. "Goten," he kept his voice calm, jovial even as he searched for the right thing to say. A hand patted Goten's shoulder and stayed there, "You've grown son."
Goten paled as he turned to his father, his mouth working to get words out. "D-Dad..."
He hated what he saw on Goten's face. Had just watched his son stand proud in front of the King and yet look at his own father with unease. Goku sighed wearily realizing the true amount of damage he'd done to his son, to his family. "Let's get you back to our quarters. Gohan will be happy to see you, and I think there is a lot we need to talk about."
Now that he was closer, Goku could smell the unique scent that was undoubtedly Omega, but there was more to it then that. Goten once smelled like the forest around their home, the smell of fresh soil and grass ingrained in him. Now there was a different smell, one muddied by something else.
By the way Trunks glared at his fatherly touch, Goku knew immediately what it was. But the Prince was already moving, pushing his body between father and son in a protective stance. "Sorry Goku, but my mate will be coming back to the royal quarters with me. You can talk to him there if you want."
"M-Mate?" The word was like a slap to the face, but it made perfect sense. He saw the way the two stood by each other, the way Trunks had jumped to Goten's defense. He'd been naive thinking it was just concern for a crewmate.
When he turned towards the throne he found his outcry had won the attention of both King and Queen. Bulma wore a soft apologetic smile and Vegeta's face was void of emotion. They both knew.
The small burning sensation in his stomach made sense now. Anger had always been a slow growing thing for him, but today it was itch that demanded to be scratched. After months of dealing with Vegeta, after years of trying to protect his son, he had failed. And the young Alpha in front of him dared to talk to him like he was the bad guy.
Trunks had a lot of his father in him.
Goten's eyes widened. "T-Trunks! Geez, don't you think we should talk about this before you decide where I stay?"
The hard anger on Trunks' face fell at the Omega's words, transforming into weary annoyance, "We shouldn't have to talk about it, we're mated now. You'll stay with me."
It was the wrong thing to say. Determination flashed in coal black eyes, "I have some things I need to talk to my family about, and I'd like you to be there."
The Prince almost looked like he was pouting as his eye glanced back at his parents. "My dad is going to want to speak with me alone, I'm sure of it."
"Oh," A crestfallen look befell Goten, "Then I guess you should talk to him. We can meet up this evening and talk about where we're going to be sleeping tonight."
Trunks didn't look thrilled by the idea but quietly grumbled in agreement. As if on cue Vegeta and Bulma broke out of their conversation, the Queen wearing her hands on her hips in a defiant stance and Vegeta snapping at the air in agitation. "Boy," the King bellowed, "I'd like a word."
"Right on cue," Trunks sighed throwing Goten a desperate look, "We should have escaped when we had the chance. I blame you."
Goten laughed uneasily as his mate strolled up to the Throne. His eyes lingered on the other boy until it was clear the royal family was in the midst of their own close hold conversations.
Vegeta managed to keep his voice into a low growling whisper that was undetectable, but Goku knew that wouldn't last long. He nudged his son gently, breaking the saddened look on Goten's face. "Come on, let's go see your brother."
Goten immediately regretted his decision to go with his father as they strolled down the halls of the palace in silence. An awkward tension hung between them as he waited for the other man to speak, fully expecting a lecture as they walked, but Goku remained quiet.
It had been years since they'd last been together and during that time they'd only exchanged a few polite words of concern. "How's school? Are you taking care of your grandfather? Stay out of trouble."
Goten had always been the one to prod for conversation, begging his father to train him, asking about missions and other planets only to receive the vaguest replies. Even then he'd come to realize that his father just didn't know what to say to him.
Now the same awkwardness hung over them, proving that somethings would never change.
It was a relief when they finally arrived to the small condo. He had always known his family had quarters in the palace but there had been no need to visit it when no one had been home. Now though, when the door opened the first sight Goten saw was his brother anxiously pacing the foyer.
Gohan looked up at the door, eyes wide in surprise as they fixed on the younger saiyan. "Goten," he murmured in disbelief. Goten couldn't even muster his own greeting before his brother's arms were wrapped around him in a tight hug. He felt Gohan's breath against his neck, one single sigh of relief. "Kami kiddo, don't scare us like that again."
"Sorry," his voice muffled against Gohan's loose gi, sounding small. Something burned at his eyes that he quickly chased away. It hadn't hit him just how much he'd missed his brother.
Goku walked past them, towards the living area where Goten could see his grandfather waiting. Nerves suddenly clogged his throat at the sight. For the first time in years their entire family was together. From across the room Bardock held his gaze and offered a nod of the head. It was a small movement but one that reassured Goten there were no hard feelings between them.
When Gohan pulled back his ink black eyes quickly looked over Goten's small body, checking for any significant changes. He didn't bother being subtle about the protective gesture. It was just like old times, when Goten would come back from the forest covered in dirt and scratches his brother had always been the one to bandage him up. It could be tiresome at times but months without seeing his brother meant he was willing to let it go this once.
Gohan was frowning when he'd finished, his fingers combing down Goten's long hair. "You've changed a bit, smell different too. Are you alright?"
"Never been better," Goten answered with a grin. He saw a relieved smile pull at Gohan's lips at the answer. "I can't wait to tell you about everything."
"Boys," Goku called from the living room, "Come here. It's time we talked."
Gohan patted Goten on the arm and steered him through the small condo. Together they sat on the couch while the two older Saiyans stood, arms crossed over their chests already deep in conversation as Goku explained everything that had happened in with the King.
"He's alive, that's what matters." Bardock said.
"For now, but Vegeta's playing a dangerous game. I don't like the fact that Goten will be rejoining the Elites." Goku's eyes narrowed at the idea and turned to look at his two sons.
The look sent of wave of agitation through Goten. He was quick to jump in to his own defense, "I don't mind. He did have a point dad, people will wonder what happened to me if I just disappear." He forced a smile, "I've kind of made a name for myself."
Bardock snorted, "Well you'll be needing this if you want to join them." He reached behind his back and pulled out a familiar capsule of pills. The suppressants were placed meaningfully in front of Goten. "Take your suppressants now."
Goten did so quietly, the sooner he took the pills the sooner he could get rid of his scent and get back to his crew. He'd noticed Gohan kept sniffing the air tentatively, looking unsure as he did so.
His father's look of disapproval didn't budge. "This isn't a game son. Pretending to be an Alpha was beyond dangerous. You could have died."
Goten sighed. Injured, died, or worse- he'd heard before, It was getting old. "But I didn't. Everything worked out."
"Worked out? Is that what you think?" Somehow his father's voice never dipped into the anger that boiled under his words. "This is a serious situation we're in Goten. Ice-jins and assassination attempts are enough to worry about without my son being on the Prince's crew." Goku ran his hand over his face, looking frustrated.
"But I can help! You must have heard how strong I've become."
Gohan nudged his brother gently, urging him not to push his luck and Goten swallowed a thick feeling of disappointment. It wasn't difficult to see the strain his family had been under while he'd been way. There were new aging lines on his grandfather's face and even Gohan looked a little pale. His father had changed the most though. For the first time since he could remember it seemed like Goku was actually listening to him. And each time Goten spoke up a look of solemn pain flickered across his father's eyes.
"You're also mated." Goku finally answered, his voice growing deadly serious and quiet. It was worse than if he'd been yelling.
Gohan and Bardock blinked in surprise, processing the new information. The same shock rippled through Goten as well. Shock that his father would resort to that as a reason for belittling him. "Bull," he snarled angrily, "Don't you dare use that as an excuse."
"It's not. You're mated to the Prince which makes you a prime target now for those who want to hurt him. This is what I've been trying to protect you from for years." There was sincerity in the words, Goten could hear it, and it only served to make him madder.
"Protect me? You treated me like a dirty little secret because you didn't want to deal with me." He held his breath after the words left him. Finally, he'd said it- thoughts and feelings that had been welling up in him for years. It felt good for a brief shining second before he saw the look on his father's face.
Sadness. Not at the words but at the fact that Goku didn't dare deny that it was the truth. "And that was my mistake," his father admitted.
For a brief second it felt good to see the look on the older Saiyan's face and then the feeling grew bitter. Goten hung his head down, eyes cast on the floor as he tried to ignore the strong ache in his chest. His voice came out small when he spoke, "I'm just as strong as those Alpha's downstairs. Trunks knows it, my crew knows, even the King knows it. Why don't you trust me?"
"Goten…" his father sighed, "I do trust you."
A hollow laugh shook the Omega's small frame. He heard that line as well, knew exactly what was coming next, "-It's just other people you don't trust. Right?"
"Well... yeah," Goku answered as if it was the simplest explanation the world. Goten looked up, a sharp retort on the tip of his tongue when he realized his father was standing right in front of him. The same unsure smile on his face that he had when they'd been in the throne room. His father's large hand came down and landed on the top of his head in a fond pat.
"You're my son and being an Omega means you're vulnerable in different ways then if you'd been an Alpha. I've heard exactly how strong you've become from your grandfather and Bulma. I worry about you but that don't mean I don't trust you."
Goten was speechless. He hadn't known exactly what he'd be walking back to when he came home but this wasn't it. He gave his brother a quick look and saw the tentative smile on his face. This was really happening. "I can handle myself you know." He mumbled, turning black eyes back to his dad.
Goku nodded, "I know that. Only my son could go on a Pillage and save the Royal Prince." His father looked liked he wanted to say more and after a beat he did, "I'm proud of you Goten. Your mother would be too if she were here."
"Dad..." His voice cracked on the word and he swiped at his eyes before any water could gather there.
How long had he waited to hear those words? How long had he struggled and fought for this moment? It wasn't perfect. His father hadn't promised to not baby him, but maybe that was the instincts of a parent playing out. It was a step in the right direction and Goten would take it. He was going to change everyone's minds about Omegas- a little bit t a time. Even his father.
"Don't think you're getting out of this that easily though." Bardock said gruffly, "Your father and I did not approve of your new mate."
"Who said you get to say in that approval?" Goku asked.
"I was the one who raised him, of course I get a say!"
Gohan hummed his agreement as a blush darkened Goten's cheeks. "I'll have to talk to Trunks. Make sure his intentions are in the right place."
"You do not."Goten shot his brother a stern look, "The decision to mate was mutual."
"It's a little late for that now." Bardock shot the Omega an accusing look, one that wasn't nearly as stern as ones given in the past.
Goku rubbed his neck sheepishly. "I guess if I had to pick anyone Trunks is nice enough. He's definitely... protective of Goten."
Gohan heaved a deep sigh of relief as Goten stared at their father, noticing the discomfort that had settled into the other man's stance. Without a doubt the fact that his son was mated made Goku uncomfortable. His father had always been odd when it came to such topics and usually his grandfather had to be the one who stepped in and talked to Goten about things like mating and the ways of Alphas.
Somethings never changed it seemed, but it was heartening to hear that his father didn't hold a grudge against his mate. At least not now. "Does that mean I can go see Trunks now?"
It was mildly enjoyable seeing his father fight down a look of discomfort. "Tomorrow, Alright Goten? It's late."
He gave an unsure smile that Goten couldn't bring himself to deny. His father was trying and it was the least he could do. "Sure dad. I can wait."
Trunks had never been in his father's private quarters. He'd seen the dark colored doors at the end of the Royal Wing since he was a child. When light flickered from the cracks he knew it was occupied and would camp out in front of the doors waiting for an invitation in. His mother always found him there, sleepy and bored before she'd gently usher him to bed. A few times he did fall asleep only to wake up and find the lights from inside had gone out and the room abandoned.
Now, as a adult the door still looked formidable. His stomach clenched on nerves as he watched his father silently push them open. The low creak of the wood and the slight strain on the King's face proved this was no average room. But the inside didn't look anything extravagant. It was an average size room, small compared to Trunks' own quarters. The walls were as black as space with dashes of purple and white that shimmered in mid-air. Starring at it, Trunks realized the walls had built in holograms, ones that showed glimpses of the known universe. A distant sun hung in the corner of the room, bathing it in a dim light. When Vegeta flicked his hand artfully the sun moved closer, giving them more light and shifting the colors on the walls.
"Have a seat," his father said gruffly, nodding towards the two throne like chairs in the middle of the room. They were made of a deep red metal with golden cushions. As Trunks sat down he was surprised by how comfortable the chair was. Dimly, he wondered if the Vegeta-sei throne felt the same way.
"I have to congratulate you on a job well done." Vegeta said standing by a small bookshelf. It lit up at his touch and Trunks watched him take out two glasses filled with a cooper colored liquid.
When his father offered the drink to him he took it, mumbling a polite, "Thank you." It would be a lie to say he wasn't in awe of the mysterious room or the fact that his father had brought him into it, but even more so- he was in awe that it was just him and his father.
He couldn't ever remember a time when it was just the two of them.
Trunks sipped his drink, felt the bitter taste of liquor against his tongue and swallowed it for courage at what he was about to face.
"I was only a little older then you when my father invited me into this room." Vegeta fell into the chair across from him, twirling his glass aimlessly.
Trunks perked at the compliment, "Thank you sir."
His father smirked at the term and downed his glass in three large gulps. "Once I proved myself, my father decided to share his burdens of ruling with me. It was during that conversation that I volunteered to go to Earth."
"Where mom's from?" Trunks tried to take a swig of his drink but the bitterness made it difficult. He'd always considered himself a veteran drinker but couldn't figure out what the substance was.
His father nodded, "It was a troublesome planet but it had good resources." Vegeta raised his hand and moved his fingers to shift the hologram around them. Colors and lights zoomed around the walls for a second before stopping. A blue green sphere decorated the wall near them. It was a beautiful planet, one Trunks had never seen before but could instantly identify. Earth. "We'd already sent out a third class to take care of it. Kill the population and take everything valuable the planet had to offer, but Kakorot was won over by it's people. Your mother and his wife talked him into fighting against his King."
Trunks knew his parent's history together wasn't pretty. Many on the planet still considered his mother a traitor, and him just an extension of her plots. He heard it all before. "Was Earth really worth it all?" Trunks asked, starring at the small planet, "I know we were still under Freiza's empire at the time but..."
His father's laugh interrupted him. "It wasn't Earth we were after. It was a resourceful planet, yes. Almost priceless on the galactic market, but there was something else there that Freiza wanted."
Vegeta carefully set his drink on the clear glass table that sat between them. Without a second glance at his son he began to trace his finger along the glass, leaving a neon orange light imprinted where he touched. Trunks could only watch in silent wonder as his father carefully draw out the code. He'd foolishly thought the furniture had been a table at first but now he saw noticed the dimness of the glass. Fisheye, It was one of the strongest materials in the southern galaxy, often underestimated because of the close resemblance to glass.
At his father's touch the Fisheye opened and a compartment rose to the surface. A single small orb sat on display to the room. It was the color of fire under the dim light, orange mixed with a three small red spots.
"This is what Freiza was after," his father announced gruffly, "This is what your mother put her life on the line to protect."
"What is it?" Trunks asked. He reached out tentatively to touch the orb, when his father didn't stop him he carefully picked it up. It easily fit into the palm of his hand with a height that surprised.
"A dragonball," Vegeta answered, "Earth had seven of them, together these things have the power to grant any wish."
"What?" Trunks nearly dropped the gem in his astonishment. His reaction won a smirk out of the King.
He racked his head trying to remember if he'd ever heard of such a thing, but in all the years he studied their race's past the word dragonball never came up. Not even when he read about the rebellion against Freiza. "So this was the reason we went to Earth?"
"They're also the reason why we decided to cut ties with Freiza. I wasn't about to hand over immortality to that overgrown lizard." Vegeta answered, "So I worked with your mother and Kakorot to outsmart him. It was a necessary evil at the time, but then..."
"Freiza blew up earth." Trunks finished quietly. He knew that part of the story well enough. It was the final blow between the fragile relationship between Ice-jins and Saiyans that threw them into war for years.
"He wasn't pleased that we were plotting behind his back. Would rather see the dragonballs destroyed then in Saiyan hands."
"But you have this dragonball." Trunks said, his thumb smoothing over the three small red spots across the orb. As he looked closer they appeared to be three small stars dappled across the orange backdrop.
Vegeta face beamed with self pride. "We managed to save the dragonballs of course and for the past twenty five years they've been safely kept from Ice-jin hands. And I intend to keep it that way." Suddenly the King's voice dipped down, his eyes grew serious. "Recently we've lost three of them."
"What?" Trunks did a quick calculation in his head. Something stood out to him, something that was far to close to be a coincidence. "The three lost planets?"
When his father nodded, his stomach twisted in fear. For once he wasn't pleased about being right. Now the urgency of the missing planets made sense. Missing planets, missing dragonballs, and now- the Icejins.
"But what about Borgessa?" It was the only thing that didn't fit. Had he left a dragonball behind? Why hadn't his father warned him before he left?
"We were planning on placing one of the balls there, but that plan won't be working out. We're switching strategies. Now that we know its the Icejins behind the disappearances and that there is a traitor among us, we need to go on the offense."
Trunks nodded in agreement, "Goten and I believe the traitor may be on the council. If we can identify them quickly we can get additional information out of them."
"You and Kakorot's brat huh?" his father mused. Trunks tried to place if the words were meant to be approval or if the King was still in shock about their recent relationship. "You might be right. We'll call a council meeting tomorrow and begin smoking the rat out."
Tomorrow seemed to be to soon, without a proper plan prepared what was his father hoping to accomplish? Trunks shook his head and tried not to let the disapproval show on his face. For years both his parents had been keeping secrets from him in order to protect their Empire. His father might be brash at times but he'd proven that for the sake of his planet he was a master strategist.
When Vegeta held out his hand for the dragonball Trunks handed it over with one last question, "Where are the others?"
"Safe." His father answered placing the ball back on its pedestal before it sank back underneath the Fisheye glass. "Kakorot has one of course, and the Namekian Leader Piccolo has the other. Your mother has the third somewhere even I don't know about."
Interesting. Trunks templed his fingers as he tried to come up with their next move. Clearly Vegeta already had a plan in mind, otherwise he wouldn't have spared Goten's life so easily. But the thought that the plan might involve his mate unnerved him. It simply wouldn't do.
"I think that's enough for tonight." Vegeta waved a dismissive hand, indicating that his son should take his leave. "Go get some sleep. You'll be needing it."
Without a word he stood and gave a respectful bow to the King. He was ready to leave. It felt like years since he'd seen Goten, when it had only been a few hours. Still, that was a few hours more then all the time combined in the space ship. Before he left though, his father's voice called out to him. "Mating with Kakorot's son was a smart move. Good job."
The words froze him. He couldn't remember the last time his father had uttered encouraged him, but the joy he felt was twisted by the underlining implication. He didn't dare turn to look at his father, he didn't want the man might see the anger in his eyes.
"I'm sure you thought marrying my mother was a smart move at the time too right?" He said, "And how did that work out for you?"
He was exhausted, yawning loudly as he walked down the Royal Wing. He almost didn't even notice his mother peaking out of the one of the rooms, didn't even realize it was his own room until she called out to him. "Trunks, honey- where are you going?"
Trunks stared at her; his mother was already dressed for bed, wearing a gentle smile. "Mom? What are you doing in my room?"
"I was waiting for you of course! Is it so strange that a mother would want to wish her only son good night?"
"Not at all," A blush threatened to touch the Prince's cheeks at the words. Eighteen and his mother still checked in on him. Earthling affection had always felt like a splash a cold water after spending hours with gruff Saiyans. "But I need to go get Goten and let his family know there will be a Council meeting tomorrow."
"It's late Trunks," his mother pouted, "I'm sure Goku and everyone are asleep by now. You can see him in the morning once you've gotten some sleep."
Morning? He hated the thought. "But-"
Bulma shook her head before changing tactics and draging him into his room. "I'll let Gohan and Goku know first thing in the morning. I promise. But right now you need to get some sleep. It's been a long day for all of us." Under her breath she mumbled, "A long couple months for some."
Once in his own room, under the bright lights and the clean interior he could see the tired lines across his mother's face. The worry she'd been trying to hide from everyone for who knew how long. Two steaming cups of tea sat on the coffee table. He sighed, suddenly feeling even more worn. "You know I can't say no to you."
"I won't keep you long." his mother promised, as she quickly grabbed both drinks and handed one over to him. The tea was made exactly how he liked it and compared to the bitter liquid his father had offered him, it went down like warm honey. Delicious.
His entire body relaxed as his drank, the ache of stress slowly seeping into his muscles. Sleep suddenly sounded like a good idea, it wouldn't be long before he collapsed completely.
"So I'm sure your father told you a few things," Bulma gave him an expectant stare and Trunks nodded.
"It's a lot to think about. Especially with everything going on right now."
Something flashed across his mother's face that gave him pause. Something that looked a lot like regret. "I'm sorry Trunks," she said suddenly, "Your father wanted to tell you everything when we sent you to Borgessa but I talked him out of it. I can't help but think that maybe if you'd known sooner about everything we could have prevented this mess."
"Mom," Trunks cut in quickly. "Don't worry about it. I think this thing has been brewing for a long time. There's no way knowing about the dragonballs would have stopped Squral or even the Ice-jins."
Bulma nodded slowly, her worry ceasing at his words. "I'm just glad you made it back in one piece. We were all worried while you were gone. Even your father."
That was debatable, but Trunks smiled despite himself and nodded. The tea was working its magic, he was ready for sleep. Luckily his mother picked up on his silence. She smiled, smoothing his hair out of his face, "I'll let you get some rest. Maybe now I can get a full nights sleep since you're back."
"You should." Trunks laughed, not at all surprised that his mother had been up worrying about him. She gave his cheek a quick peck and left the room. After she was gone he downed the rest of his drink and collapsed on the nearby bed.
Pulling off his clothes was too much of a chore when a headache was brimming against the edge of his mind. There was so much to think about, but not enough energy. At least when he woke up he'd be able to see Goten again. Trunks mumbled the command for the lights to go off and tried to sleep. Despite his exhaustion it was a light sleep, he'd been trained to wake up at any shift in the room.
So when something tapped against the glass of his window, his eyes snapped open. His body was buszzng with energy even before he knew what was happening, and then he heard it again. The soft shuffle of something outside his window.
It was trying to get in.
Keeping his body low, Trunks moved off the bed and towards the window. The blinds were closed but a shadow was cast against them under Vegeta-sei's bright moon. It was a small figure, and vaguely familiar. When Trunks reached out his sense to feel the person's ki, he found they weren't even trying to hide their presence. Realization hit him hard when he touched the invader's ki. Trunks jumped up and raised the blinds to see Goten fidgeting with the window.
Dark eyes snapped up and a sheepish grin was flashed his way. "Er- Hi."
"Goten," Trunks sighed in relief, quickly lifting the window. The younger boy slinked in as quietly as a cat. "What are you doing here? I thought you'd be asleep."
"Couldn't sleep." Goten shrugged as he blinked into the darkness of Trunks' room. "Couldn't wait to see you either. It's... weird being apart."
Trunks couldn't agree more, and it made him happy to know he wasn't the only one uneasy about the distance between them. "And how did you find my window out of everyone elses?"
Goten grinned, "I'm actually pretty surprised as well. I snuck out and flew around where I knew the Royal Wing was. Those guards you have outside really need to be reevaluated, they weren't looking for air intruders at all." He seemed awfully chipper about finding a fault in the Saiyan Royal Guard, but Trunks took note of the security gap. Now, more then ever, they needed to be diligent in their safety.
Goten was still talking, a smile plastered on his face. "I tried following your ki but the castle walls block that. So then I tried to sniff you out, and I must have really good senses because this window was the first one I tried." He brushed his fingers against his nose to prove his point.
He must have been more tired then he thought as laughter shook Trunks from the belly up. "I'm not even going to ask what you would have done if the room wasn't mine."
"I would have found you." Goten frowned, he seemed certain of this fact, and Trunks didn't doubt him.
The Prince grabbed his friend around the waist and led him to the bed, talking as he did so. "You smell different." It was one of the first things he noticed after the initial shock of seeing the black haired boy in the window. The addictive smell he'd come to know and love was faded, covered by an invisible force.
"Yeah, I took my suppressants as soon as I got back." Goten admitted, "A couple days and no one will know the difference between Alpha and Omega again."
The idea wasn't as appealing to Trunks. He liked Goten's Omega scent, liked the idea that others could tell he was mated even more. Once Goten's scent went away he'd be out with the other Elites again. Trunks silently cursed his father for coming up with such a dangerous plan, the only way to avoid endangering his mate was to find the traitor on the council- and fast.
In the meantime, he inhaled Goten's scent, committing it to memory before it disappeared. "How was your talk with your family?"
The body next to him sagged. "Not the way I expected. Dad, he apologized. I never thought I'd see that in my life." Goten twisted in Trunks' arms so they faced each other. "It's good I think, but I'm a little worried. Things are falling together too easily."
His arms flexed protectively around the other body remembering his father's conversation. "I agree, it feels like the calm before a storm."
Concern clouded Goten's eyes, "Did your dad say something?"
"I guess you could say that." Trunks said before going into detail about all he'd learned. Goten listened quietly in his arms, nodding his head occasionally at the explanations, his eyes growing impossibly wide at when Trunks mentioned the dragonballs and their power. When Trunks finished talking sleep was the farthest thing from their mind. In the darkness Trunks saw the spark in his lover's eyes that meant Goten was thinking the situation over hard.
"The traitor must be trying to get find the rest dragonballs." Goten said.
"I think so too, but my dad said they were a closely guarded secret. Only a few people knew about the planets and no one else knows where the other dragonballs are" Trunks scratched his head, trying to think, "and why spend the energy trying to kill me?"
"Maybe they're trying to weaken our forces before the battle?"
"It makes no sense. Even if they had killed me that would have meant they'd blow their cover."
A thought suddenly struck Goten, one that made him suck in a gasp.
Trunks perked up immediately, "What is it?"
"Unless it doesn't matter to them that their cover is blown." Goten said slowly, "but that could only mean they know where all the dragonballs are…"
"…And they are about to get them." Trunks finished in horror.
Author's Note: I'm blown away by everyone's lovely feedback and reviews! Sorry this took sooo long, but as you can see it is one of the longest chapters I've written and a lot happens in it. Honestly, Goku and Goten both gave me a lot of trouble. Goku especially since we so rarely see him angry (or anything but happy.) I hope the reunions between fathers and sons was everything you guys hoped it would be. I wrote and rewrote it trying to make it perfect. And now that I'm finally done with it I'm going to go hide under a pile of blankets before starting the next chapter.
Please review- I love hearing what you guys think.