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A/U
HOUSE OF VEGETA: The Ou's Choice pt.21
They stood by the thousands, third class waiting to be inducted to the military academy. All came from suspect backgrounds and breeding.
Each year a few select joined the Ou's elite commando squads.
The King himself often inspected those most likely to advance by trial. Rigorous training weeded out the weak. Mental aptitude was as important as physical prowess. Among the third class, nearly seventy percent fell out. Second class warriors rated better, with a success rate of about sixty five percent.
Many of the failures were poorly formed, in both body and mind.
Primarily these were assigned to reserve armies known as "Yenuke"
Often used as cannon fodder, reserves regularly received the most dangerous missions and assignments. They accepted their fate in true saiyan fashion, more concerned with fighting than staying alive. High mortality rates were offset by sheer numbers.
There was considerable controversy about a young third class with unusual formation by name of Bardock. Medical teams examined him repeatedly, perplexed at the inconsistencies with familiy records.
Suspicion among the other third class was that an ovee (bastard royal) was planted in their midst, to spy.
Vegeta Ou was intrigued by the rumors and wild talk. Like any saiyan worth his tail, he decided to investigate the matter personally.
Normally royal duties kept him away from such minor concerns, but some instinct pushed him to investigate. He needed the diversion.
There was pressure from relatives and counsellors alike for him to mate Inshei. He despised the thought of being tied to her. Inshei's clan contained both royal and trash ancestry. Vegeta wanted no part of a ragged heritage. Following the death of his parents, the young royal was pressed into kingship at an early age. The responsibilites nearly destroyed his childhood and crushed his spirit. Adding insult to injury was the fact that he'd been bartered to Inshei's line to mate with some day.
By the time he was twenty, Vegeta decided it would be a cold day in hell before he'd raise cubs with her. Old Queen Ruda wasn't pleased,
and held a session with the parliament in order to force his hand. He was given a choice: mate his chosen Queen, or forfeit rulership of his line.
It was an impossible situation, but Vegeta had his pride. Grudgingly he married Inshei, to the delight of elites everywhere. But behind closed doors, they had no true bond.
Vegeta often wondered if all kings were pressed into taking an unwanted mate to bed. The secret archives could only tell of cubs and matings, both legitimate and otherwise. They couldn't tell of passion and love, which he didn't share with his queen.
"You brood again, husband. Why?"
Vegeta stared at his goblet of wine. "Nothing, Inshei. I was merely thinking."
The raven tressed Queen approached him. "About?"
"Have you heard news of a militia recruit named Bardock?"
Inshei sat on an ottoman across from her king. Pleated satin robes cascaded across her svelte form.
"Hn...you refer to that strange third class that everyone is buzzing about? Aye. What of him?"
"I'm curious to meet him."
"Whatever for? Such minor matters don't concern us. There are channels."
"I'm aware of that, woman!" Vegeta snapped impatiently. "I just love a good mystery, you know that."
Inshei sighed, looking her husband over. Vegeta was strikingly handsome, powerfully built. She wondered often at his coldness and hard edge.
He is king too soon...it makes him bitter.
Eyes of flint were on her. "Stop staring, Queen. It's a rude habit you have."
"Bluntness and lack of tact is yours. Why should some unknown third class concern you? They breed by the herd."
"That may be true, but what I hear rankles me. They say he looks elite, despite his classification. I would see it."
Inshei sipped her drink. "That makes no sense...either he was misclassified, or the rumors are a hoax."
"The story even made planetary news..."
"Why is it that big a deal? So someone made a mistake!"
The Ou leaned forward. "This one is different, I can smell it."
"How? You've never even seen him!"
Vegeta frowned in thought. "I can't explain it...just a sense,
really. Have you heard anything about his description?"
Inshei laughed. "Hai, the courtisans were babbling last week in the conference area. They say he's quite a specimen."
The Ou snorted. "I'm surprised you didn't investigate."
Inshei flipped her hand casually. "Perhaps I should...if he's half as fine as they say, I may sample his charms. Perhaps he'd make a good bed slave."
"At my displeasure, woman." Vegeta flashed sharp teeth.
"Why should that matter? You barely touch me unless it's rut season,
Vegeta. My blood burns hot as any!"
"I am aware of that. I've told you numerous times I care nothing about your playthings, but you'll not take a third class to bed!!"
"You and your damnnable pride!"
"So be it. Is the queen so pressed and desperate that she'd take a third class over an elite?"
"Would the king waste fine manhood avoiding me? You make no sense,
Vegeta!"
"Hn, we'll see. In any case, I plan to investigate this 'Bardock'
situation."
Inshei downed her drink. "As you will...we'll discuss the matter of cubs soon."
Vegeta stared at her. "Where'd that come from?"
The Queen gave a devilish smile. "Oh, not that routine again. You can't avoid me forever, my Ou. Sooner or later one of your rare nightime visits to my chamber will bear fruit."
The king cringed. It was his greatest fear, in truth. "So you say,
Inshei. There's plenty of time for that. Meanwhile, I would see that third class and find out what the uproar is."
Inshei thought a moment. "Do me a small favor, then. Bring him into the castle, for private review. I would see him also."
"No ideas, woman!"
A smirk. "Surely, my king isn't jealous of an unknown warrior?"
Strangely Vegeta found that he was, but not for the reasons Inshei believed. "You're an odd one, my queen."
"Look who's talking."
It was the buzz of the castle. Elites clustered and gathered everywhere, as curiosity peaked about Bardock. Even various commanders and generals were about, impressed by reports of the warrior's fighting ability and keen mind.
Nappa was one. He stood in the great conference hall with friends and cronies. One of the latter, Yukuu, spoke first.
"I love a good mystery, Nappa. They say this boy looks elite."
Nappa pulled his chin in thought. "Mistakes have been made in power ratings, but I certainly can't see how a ragtail would pass for royal."
Yukuu nodded in agreement. "Ai, it makes no sense. Rumor has it his coloring and conformation are anything but third class."
"Not to mention his fighting prowess." another commander piped up,
Herii. She was lanky and lean by saiyan standards, with chiseled features. "The word is he rated beyond level seven."
"Impossible!!" Nappa countered. "Only the best elites are in that category-"
"True enough. But hold, see what occurs down the hallway!"
The trio turned at the noise. A mob gathered throughout the castle in every corridor, as if in great processional. Burly imperial guards sliced through the crowd, encircling one lone warrior. Murmurs were heard above the commotion and excitement.
Yukuu strained to see, stretching his thick neck. "Shall we go take a look, everyone?"
Bardock couldn't believe all the fuss made over his appearance.
Masses of elites stared and whispered as he was escorted through the castle. Distracted by their attention, he nearly walked head on into a massive bald warrior.
A warrior named Nappa who eyed him sternly. "What madness is this?
Are you Bardock, boy?!"
Bardock was sullen, sick of their staring. "Hai, loud fool. Who the hell are you?"
A heavy hand struck his face. "Whelp! You truly are ragtail, despite your looks. Only an idiot knows nothing of the Ou's imperial generals!!"
Bardock staggered to his feet, straining against his chains. "Bloated blorgg...you wouldn't last a day in the jakkube!"
"I don't live in ragged alleys and catacombs, boy. Not that it would make any difference."
One of the guards poked Bardock with a stun pole. "General, this one is to be examined by the Ou himself. We must proceed."
Nappa grunted, moving aside. "As you will, soldier...take this brat to the king for a good beating!!"
The crowd roared in approval as Bardock was led away.
Dark eyes flashed back in defiance. Someday...
Vegeta couldn't say why, but he was nervous. Resplendant in gold and maroon armor, he paced about his personal chambers.
Inshei sighed, watching him. "Stop moving, husband. You're driving me crazy with that endless pacing!"
"It's taking entirely too long for him to arrive." Vegeta paid her no attention.
Inshei frowned. "Is there more to this than what you're saying? This lone warrior has you that concerned?"
"Not necessarily."
"Then what? Have you met before?"
"No-"
They fell silent as a servant glided into the chamber. "Royals, the guards bring the ragtail Bardock into the parlor."
Vegeta nodded. "Excellent. Inshei?" he extended an arm to her.
The queen took his hand, grinning. "Well at least we'll solve the mystery once and for all."
Bardock tried to keep his pulse rate down. He stared at the rich opulence of the castle, amazed at how elites lived.
Incredible...I never knew it was like this...
Nervously he shuffled his feet, wondering why the king himself wanted to meet. It was crazy. The young warrior was so preoccupied he never noticed the royals as they entered the parlor.
A guard poked him. "Fool! Bow before your king!!"
"Oh!!" startled, Bardock spun and dropped to a knee. "Apologies, O king and queen. How may humble Bardock serve thee?"
Vegeta and Inshei could only stare in shock. The Queen found her voice first.
"What insanity is this? Guards, remove those chains immediately!!"
They moved to comply. "As you command, o Queen."
The heavy metal restraints fell to the floor with a thud. Vegeta stalked forward, staring hard now.
"You...are third class?!"
Bardock lowered his eyes. "Hai, my king..."
The Ou looked him over closely. Bardock was lovely by any standard.
The wild mop of velvety black hair was streaked with blue highlights,
a perfect match for the thick tail. The golden body was well muscled and finely porportioned, a rival to any elite known.
"Stand up." the Ou commanded, stunned by the warrior's appearance.
Bardock complied, keeping his eyes down.
"No, look at me."
Bardock did so, chin tilted up slightly. The Ou noted the defiant stance in wonder.
Kami, what is this? He's so...
Bardock likewise couldn't stop staring at his king. He's even more impressive up close...
Inshei coughed, breaking the spell. "So, this is the mystery ragtail.
Tell me, Bardock. Is there royalty in your line?"
"I...don't know for certain, my queen. My mother's side is rumored to have some super saiyan ancestry."
"What??" both Inshei and Vegeta echoed.
"She was of the Fabreani clan. My father was Cooii."
Inshei's keen eyes narrowed. "You weren't adopted?"
Bardock didn't dare laugh. "No, milady. I was tested as third class."
She snorted. "I don't believe that for a minute, boy. But we'll get to the root of this mystery, sooner or later."
Meanwhile Vegeta continued to stare during the exchange, his mind wandering from kingly thoughts. A warm tickle teased the base of his skull down to his tail bone.
Something about him...I...know...
"Vegeta."
"Hn, Inshei?"
The queen nodded at Bardock, who likewise was staring wide eyed. "What to do with this one, eh?"
The Ou shook his head clear. "I would speak with him privately.
Guards, you are dismissed!!"
The burly imperials nodded and retreated. Inshei watched them go.
"Secrets, husband?"
"Hardly...leave us a bit, my queen. I'll inform you later."
Inshei sniffed, trailing robes as she exited. "It wouldn't be the first time."
The two stood as statues in silence. Vegeta felt his breath hitch at Bardock's rich scent. Impulsively, he reached forward and stroked the thick hair. The warrior didn't move.
"My king..."
"Silence" a wide palm slid across the finely boned face. Sensitive fingers traced the handsome features, resting on a small facial scar.
"How did you get that?"
Bardock flushed, looking away briefly. "When I was fourteen, some classmates jumped me."
"And?!" the Ou was impatient, still holding the smooth cheek.
Bardock closed his eyes. "They called me an ovee, and said that I'd get screwed the way royals screwed them."
Vegeta was silent a moment. "I see..."
"I was forced down but fought back. Somebody slashed at me with a zakke blade."
"Hn, it gives you character. Not distracting in any way."
Bardock heaved at the memory. "I thought about having it fixed, but I don't run from the past."
"Commendable. And what of your attackers?"
"I nearly sent two to hell. The third had fractured ribs."
Vegeta saw a wildness in those eyes, a near match for his own. "Well done. I hear you're an excellent fighter."
Small smile. "I rate well, my king."
"No doubt" Vegeta eyed him slowly, walking around the warrior in circles. Bardock stood stiffly.
"Relax, Bardock. No harm will come to you here."
"It's not that, milord. I...everyone keeps staring at me!!"
"Struck by your beauty, methinks. How old are you?"
Bardock flushed at the compliment. "Nineteen, next month."
"Indeed" Vegeta breathed, stroking strong shoulders gently. Hard living has made him somewhat lean, but with proper diet and training this one...will be marvelous.
Bardock cocked his head. "Is my king displeased?"
Vegeta ran his hands across the fine chest, feeling heat radiate from velvety soft skin.
"By no means, Bardock. Would you like to train for my private commando core?"
Dark eyes lit with fire. "Ai, my king!"
A smile. "Good. I'll make the arrangements." slow eyes danced low.
Bardock returned the look, entranced.
"If...I may be so bold, milord?"
"What is it you wish?"
Bardock felt the blood pound in his head. "You...seem somewhat young to be king..."
"I am fully capable."
A bow. "No offense. You just seem younger in person."
Vegeta grinned, inhaling Bardock's delicious scent once more. "Move your provisions into the royal barracks, starting tomorrow."
"Hai!! I'll do you proud, milord."
Dark eyes sparkled. "I believe you." Vegeta ran his hands over that body again, settling at the base of Bardock's tail.
The warrior immediately stiffened again. The Ou grinned, stroking the thick appendage slowly. Bardock shivered, closing his eyes.
"Like that?"
"I...ah..."
Expert hands ruffled shiny black fur against the grain. Bardock arched and moaned against his king. Vegeta pulled the heavy appendage straight, feeling along the fine bones.
"Jislani (perfection)!" he breathed to himself. There was not the slightest roughness or kink anywhere.
Bardock purred, eyes slitted. Full lips parted in bliss as Vegeta massaged his tail. He dropped to his knees abruptly, turning to face his king.
"How may I serve thee?" the voice was silk under velvet eyes.
The Ou was lost in those deep pools, his emotions suddenly in turmoil. White hot excitement hammered his veins. On impulse, he pulled the strange warrior into a kiss. Tails wrapped around as they embraced.
And in a nearby alcove, an enraged Inshei glared at the scene in red rage.
THE END
Next: House of Vegeta: Another Chibi! More Chaos