Author's Notes:

Remember: I'll be out of town next Sunday, so Chapter Twenty-Two will be posted on the following Monday instead. Sorry for the inconsistency.

Chapter Twenty-One:

Vegeta's knee smacked into the small, wooden desk for the third time in ten minutes, he being unaccustomed to its height. He cursed, more out of agitation than any actual pain. The prince was on edge, restlessly pacing the plain-looking, utilitarian office. He had been in here before, over five months ago, waiting of the exact same person- but for a very different reason. Gods, if I had any other options... He thought bitterly. But I don't. So he continued to pace.

He had tried everything in the past month. Everything. They had used every technology known to Saiyan kind, and some far beyond that. They kept quiet, paid money, did research, absolutely anything to get information as to why it wouldn't work... But to no avail. Kakarrot's collar remained undamaged, intact, and irremovably secured around his neck, much to Prince Vegeta's distress.

Vegeta was at the end of his rope, grasping at straws, trying with every ounce of his being to fulfill that one, seemingly simple wish. Every day brought the same results, the same disappointment, the same outcome. Not disappointment on his lover's part- none that he let show anyway. But the prince was devastated that he was unable to make that unspeakable, bare, heartbreaking joy a reality. The way Kakarrot had reacted... It nearly brought him to tears again just thinking about it. The young man deserved that sort of happiness all the time. It ached in him that he could not make it so.

When they had discovered they could not remove the bronze ring by manual methods, Vegeta had needed to dig deeper. He had to know more about the collar itself, what it was, what it signified, and if all collars reacted this way. Do they all sting to the touch? Where are they made? How do they appear to be seamless? If they are seamless, how are they secured?

Vegeta, hating himself intensely for it, had needed to ask the teenager about that time, about the collar, his masters, what it was like. The cruelty sickened him, the emotional abuse made him want to cry, and the stories made him want to kill. Especially that disgusting bastard, Cchini... Vegeta remembered bitterly. He made my love's life a living hell. He deserves to be dead by all rights. He sighed, finally plopping down exhaustedly into the chair behind the desk. But I am very grateful we didn't kill him... Even just for this.

Vegeta wanted to know how those old masters removed and replaced collars. According to Kakarrot, those who ran the home where he had grown up would do so to the other slaves once a year. When the slaves were bought, it was usually at a young age. Their life expectancy was low, as many had such insignificant power levels, they wouldn't survive past around twelve years. That meant that they were usually sold to work in a home around five... Until the day they died. It was sick, disgusting, wrong. Children with power that low were exceedingly rare, and they were exploited for whatever monetary value they had in those precious, short years they could live.

Kakarrot was an even rarer case. Sixteen, with a power lower than what he had been born with. That had never happened, as far as they knew. Even more unusual, Kakarrot had been sold from home to home. Most collared slaves stayed wherever they had been bought so that they could be easily found and have their collars replaced- that was part of the arrangement when one bought a slave. Kakarrot hadn't seen those masters that had raised him since he had left for his first home at five years old, so why was his collar the proper fit now- over eleven years later.

Bronze collars were reserved for those under thirty in ki. Those that weak rarely survived to adulthood at all. But Kararrot, through physical, emotional, verbal, and every type of abuse imaginable had survived- but with a power level so insignificant it was downright frightening. That was the amazing part, though. How had Kararrot survived all that trauma without ki to protect him? How had the abuse not made his energy stronger, as it happened with other Saiyans? Much was unanswered, and some unanswerable. However, Vegeta refused to give in. He would do this, make it happen, remove that terrible mark of his love's character.

The worst part about the collar was what it signified. That godsdamned strip of tarnished metal gave others power over Kakarrot. Power they didn't work for, didn't own, didn't deserve... But that was what they saw. It was very engrained within Saiyan nature to conquer the weak, and what could be weaker than one collared? There were two things in the palace that kept Kakarrot safe, not counting Vegeta and his personal guards. For one, the teenager's notorious fighting ability- and for another, Vegeta's crest. The example they had made of those two guards that had hurt the young man kept the other palace guard in check, as well as the palace staff. Even if one wishing Kakarrot harm had not heard the stories of those men's fates, though, they knew this: no one touched what belonged to Prince Vegeta.

Many at the palace were aware how fiercely protective the prince was of the young man, though they passed it off as him just being territorial. None of the other slaves or servants at the palace wore collars, which made Kakarrot stand out as being Vegeta's. It was a delicate balance they had to maintain. If any got too suspicious of how he treated his "servant", it might reach the king. To avoid this, Vegeta had needed to become more cold and cruel around others, especially to Kakarrot. His lover knew why, and played long well to his royal tantrums and outbursts, setting up all the delicate pieces for the public to view. It was hard, but it was necessary. Every time he screamed at his lover to get something done, or to do something faster, he was putting something else in place to save his life. That made it more bearable... But just barely.

A knock to the main door of the office snapped the prince's thoughts back to present. "Enter." He barked agitatedly.

The Lead Prison Guard stuck his head in. "Are you ready for him, sire?"

Determination in his eyes, Vegeta nodded. "Bring him in."

Neither Vegeta nor Kakarrot knew where the original slave masters, the farm, or his first home were... But they knew where Cchini was. The perverted old innkeeper had had the young man for four, long years. There was a great deal of difference between the size of a twelve-year-old and a sixteen-year-old, meaning that Kakarrot had to have had his collar changed at least once while he worked there. That was why Vegeta was there, waiting impatiently for that heavy, iron door to swing wide; for Nappa and Elry to return; for Cchini to be drug into the room.

~•~ POV Change ~•~

Kakarrot stretched with a long, wide yawn. It had been a tiring day, yesterday. Yet again, they had attempted to remove his collar, but it was still stuck, undamaged but for a few scuffs and the slight tarnish and patina of age. He wasn't upset about it. Kakarrot had lived with his collar all his life, he could deal with it for the rest. Vegeta, though, had been distraught.

The younger man had soothed his lover, cooing him to come back to bed when he got up and began pacing in the middle of the night. That was something Vegeta did rather a lot of lately. Not just at night, but all the time. While Kakarrot loved everything about his prince, and loved the idea of his collar being removed, part of him wished his lover had never thought of it. If it didn't come off, it didn't come off- there was nothing they could do about that. He just wished Vegeta would stop beating himself up about it.

Kakarrot had held him, cooing softly to calm his troubled mind. The prince had been having trouble sleeping, meaning that Kakarrot had been the "protector" as they called it, more often than not. He treasured those sweet, precious moments, where the smaller man was pressed up lovingly to his bulkier frame. Kakarrot was almost seventeen now, and had grown a great deal while at the palace. He was a full head taller than the prince, but nearing the end if his growth spurt. He likely wouldn't get any taller than he was now. It was a delicately balanced, perfect combination. Just how it should be.

With that thought in his mind to start the day, Kakarrot rolled onto his side, wanting to open his eyes to his lover's face. He was disappointed, however, to discover only a crumpled pillow where Vegeta's serene, sleeping features should have been. How did I not notice him leaving? I was holding him last night. He sighed. Maybe I was sleepier than I thought... With a sigh, he sat up, arms thrown up over his head in another stretch as he surveyed the window.

It was a fresh, warm, mid-spring day, rain falling in lighthearted torrents outside the glass. It was a warm shower, tapping calmingly against the palace, no doubt being the reason he had slept so late. The sun shone through the droplets, casting speckles of light to beautifully mar the room with dots, distorted by the water. A lovely sight to wake to, but still a little empty with Vegeta away.

"And so the sleeper awakens," A teasing, female voice answered from the doorway behind him.

Kakarrot cried out, jumping in fright before realizing to whom the voice belonged. "Chiva!" He scolded, falling back onto the bed with a thump, looking at her upside-down from the mattress. "You could've knocked."

"I've been in here for thirty minutes, kid. You're the one who decided to sleep in so late." She smirked, crossing her sleek arms over her chest.

Pouting, the teenager threw his arms up over his head, tilting his elbows and wrists relaxedly. "So, that's how long Master's been gone for?"

"It's just us, kid. No need for titles."

Letting out a sigh of relief, Kakarrot smiled. "So, that's how long Vegeta's been gone for?"

"About." She smiled, walking away from the doorframe and into the room.

"And that's why you're here, sister?"

Her grin widened at being addressed as such, leaning against a bedpost. "The prince had some urgent business to attend to and asked me and your brother to watch after you in his absence." Chiva answered.

"You make me sound like a troublemaker." Kakarrot grumbled.

"You are."

"Says who?"

"Raditz."

"And since when does he know what he's talking about?"

She laughed. "Well, he's my mate, isn't he? Must've done something right."

Kakarrot laughed with her, enjoying the light, private moment with his mate-sister. Turning back to seriousness, Chiva let her arms uncross.

"You'd better get up, Raditz is already in the gym."

Grumbling, the teenager grabbed a pillow, throwing it over his face. "Do I have to?"

"Kid, I've already waited half an hour for your lazy ass. Get up." She scolded playfully.

"Mrnnnnn..." He mumbled unintelligibly from beneath the covers.

"Alright," She muttered. "you leave me no choice." Smiling widely, with an almighty tug, she yanked at the white, springtime sheet.

The teenager squeaked, grabbing the material and holding on for dear life. "No, Chiva, stop!"

Humor leaving her face, she dropped the cloth like it had bitten her. "What's wrong? Are you hurt?" The woman asked with concern, moving over to the other side of the bed, where he was closer.

Blushing furiously, the young man scooted over to the headboard, grabbing a pillow and shoving it onto his lap. "No," He mumbled, extremely embarrassed. "I'm naked."

~•~ POV Change ~•~

Cchini had not faired very well in the half year of imprisonment. He had dropped a significant amount of weight, becoming nearly half as bulky as he had begun. The once innkeeper was scuffed and dirty, but Nappa and Elry had apparently given him the liberty of a bucket of water, cloth, and change of clothes before meeting the prince. Not that that could do much to six months of filth.

His long, black and silvered hair was now more grey than dark, still jaw-length, as a Saiyan's hair didn't grow unless it was cut. The stubble around his jaw had grown into a beard that didn't suit him all that well, making the lower half of his face seem too large. What muscle he had once had was now made all the more prevalent by the loss of weight, but not entirely substantial.

Cchini was dressed in thin, grey pants, with a black sash to show his much thinner waist. The old, red coat and fancy leather straps were gone. He didn't deserve them at his station. He was weak, tired, disgusting, fuming... But also Vegeta's only source of information.

Out of everything Cchini was clothed in, though, the best addition to the man's garb was the single, thick, dull ring of metal secured around his neck. Not of copper or bronze, but of old, tarnished pewter. A collar. A prisoner's collar. Fitting. Vegeta thought savagely. Very fitting.

"M'lord." Cchini bowed before the desk, snarling at the carpet. "How may such a lowly wretch as I be of service to you?"

Nappa and Elry stood to either side of him, eyes narrowed at the slimy innkeeper. Let's see if he cooperates...

"Do you know why you're here, Cchini?" Vegeta asked coldly.

"No, sire." He spat the last word, adding unnecessary emphasis. "Though, I'd hazard a guess that it has something to do with that little, collared slut."

Vegeta stood, tail bristling in anger. Nappa and Elry each grabbed a shoulder of the innkeeper, keeping him still while the prince prowled around the desk. "You're lucky to even be alive." He growled dangerously. "Hold your tongue."

"Oh, what an honor it is, to stay down in that putrid, filthy dungeon by my prince's mercy!" Cchini mocked, trying to jerk out of the guards' holds. "I should've killed that damn whore years ago!"

"Why you-" Vegeta was ready to pounce, to dispose of this disgusting waste of Saiyan life, when Elry surprised him.

A small, powerful fist slammed into the innkeeper's face, crushing his nose in one solid, heavy blow. Crimson splattered the floor, dotting the tile, carpet, and desk front alike with a spray of blood.

"Elry!" Nappa shouted, now having to hold Cchini up to keep him from crumpling to the ground.

Seething, she pulled her fist back again. "You bastard." She snarled, grabbing the grubby, pewter collar around his neck. "Don't you even d-"

I see... "Elry." Vegeta announced, cutting her off. He too was seething at Cchini's words, but suddenly understood what the man was doing, or attempting to do. "Let him go."

She stared at the bloody prisoner for a few seconds, not changing her position. Finally, glaring daggers at all three men, she reluctantly dropped her hold, grabbing a shoulder to again force him to kneel towards the desk. This is the exact reason I didn't bring Chiva and Raditz. Vegeta thought exasperatedly. Though they would likely have done much worse.

"Kakarrot inspires a great deal of loyalty, Cchini. I suggest you think twice before insulting him." The prince rumbled, remaining on the other side of the desk, closer to where the captive Saiyan was being restrained. "I could always call his brother."

The prisoner growled, fighting futilely to extricate his arms from the guards. "Please do. May as well finish off the lot of them!"

Elry made a move to hurt the man again, but was stopped by Vegeta's raised hand, ordering calm. He was so afraid to die before... I wonder what changed. "I'm not stupid, Cchini."

"Could've fooled m-" The female Saiyan's kick to his ribs made the innkeeper crumple, gasping for breath.

"Elry!" Vegeta reprimanded. "Need I ask you to leave the room?"

She blushed, whether from embarrassment or fury, he wasn't certain. "Sorry, sire." She replied, teeth grit. "Won't happen again."

~•~ POV Change ~•~

Kakarrot had had an excellent morning, despite the fact that Vegeta hadn't been there to enjoy it with them. Wish he didn't have business to attend to today. He pouted to himself, shoveling in forkful after forkful of food into his mouth.

After the three had finished training, they had gone back to the prince's chambers to wait for him, eating the already prepared lunch. I wonder what he had to leave for on such short notice. He thought. He should've been back by now.

The rain had intensified, splashing against the windowpanes in rough torrents, warm from the approaching summer. It had been getting hotter every day, the heat-season beginning to rear its ugly head. That time of year was always intense, but for the first time, Kakarrot was content with it. Maybe because I'll be sleeping indoors for it this year. He thought, smiling. Still, I wish Vegeta was here now. Looking up from his plate, Kakarrot turned to Chiva, sitting on his left.

"Do you know what Vegeta's doing today?"

"Nah, sorry kid." She shrugged. "He only called me and fuzzy over here this morning."

"Fuzzy?!" Raditz said indignantly from his side of the table.

Kakarrot snorted loudly, needing several hard thumps on the back to dislodge the grape that had decided to stubbornly go towards the wrong pipe.

"Yes, fuzzy." Chiva smirked coquettishly.

Raditz rolled his eyes, attempting to subtlety hide the blush spreading across his face. "No, we don't know what he's up to. All I know is that shortstuff woke me up early to wait in the training gym, and then didn't show up for another hour."

It was Chiva's turn to roll her eyes. "Shortstuff? That's the best you can come up with?"

In a childish display, Raditz crossed his arms, leaning his chair back onto its hind legs and stuck his tongue out at her. Chiva a giggled, mirroring him. Mature...

"Now, now, get along, you two." Kakarrot laughed, gathering the empty plates in the center of the table. The only one with any food left was Raditz, popping berries into his mouth by the handful.

"Hey, love, can you keep watch on the troublemaker while I go bathe?" Chiva asked, standing up from her seat. "I didn't get a chance at the gym."

Raditz shrugged. "Fine by me. Can you keep watch when you're done so I can do the same?"

Walking over to the other side of the table, Kakarrot's mate-sister pecked the long-haired man on the cheek, turning to the tall wooden door to answer with her back to them. "Alright." They could hear the smile in her voice as she left. "Be back soon, troublemaker, fuzzy."

The heavy, wooden chamber door swung shut behind her, the clink of keys on the other side telling the brothers that she had locked it.

"Quite the lady you've got there." The teenager giggled.

"Tch," The older man replied, averting his gaze.

Kakarrot smiled at his brother, still a little pink from the kiss Chiva had landed on him. The teenager loved the fact that they could express themselves around each other now, no heavy secrets to distract from their family bonds. Chiva especially loved being able to show even slight hints of intimacy around those other than Elry, and took advantage of every opportunity.

Kakarrot too liked being able to cuddle next to Vegeta on the plush anteroom couches, without fear of his brother's reaction. He felt very much like how he imagined a family was. Loved, by three excellent, wonderful, amazing people: his brother, his mate-sister, and his royal lover. It feels good, being among family. He laid his face atop his folded arms in the tabletop. Even Elry is part of that family. She doesn't know about me and Vegeta, but she helped Raditz and Chiva for years. He sighed. I should thank her for that sometime.

Even with how peaceful everything felt at the moment, Kakarrot felt an aching knot of worry in the pit of his stomach. Vegeta... His senses alert, Kakarrot felt a sensation not his own flood his being. He's angry... No, he's furious. Something's wrong.

~•~ POV Change ~•~

The prince had finally sent the guards from the room. Had he not, Elry would have continued to beat every inch of the innkeeper, and Nappa looked like he wouldn't mind holding him up for her to do it. The tall, dark, female guard had protested a great deal while leaving, but Nappa, who had done so before, just walked out and she reluctantly followed. Now it was only a grubby Cchini on his knees, and a furious Vegeta hovering above him.

"Is it really that bad down there?" He growled dangerously. "That you would rather die than go back?"

Cchini narrowed his eyes. "You have no idea. It's disgusting, no food, no light-"

"And far less cruel than what was done to Kakarrot." He snapped angrily. "You will not succeed in making me feel sorry for you."

"So what did you drag me out for, highness? Wanted to gloat before you kill me?" He spat. "I thought I may as well make my last moments worthwhile." The disgusting man snarled.

The shackles on his wrists clinked uselessly behind him. The blind, seething, bare hatred each man felt for the other was almost tangible in the unadorned room. This man is the reason Kakarrot has suffered so much... This man forced him to do things that scarred him physically and emotionally... He deserves to die. Vegeta felt his ki rising, but managed to gather it back under control. I have a purpose... I must finish that first.

After some deliberation, the prince answered. "No," Vegeta growled. "if anyone has the right to kill you, it is not me. I would not rob Kakarrot of his rightful vengeance."

"Oh, and so I can be thrown back into my lovely cell once I give you what you want? How kind. I don't care what you dragged me out for, you won't get it. And threatening to kill me wont help you either, highness."

Vegeta smirked cruelly, crossing his arms over his broad, muscled chest. "Is that so?" He growled. "But, who said anything about killing you? I am far more inventive than that." Time for my reputation to do its magic.

Cchini's eyes narrowed mistrustfully at him. "What do y-"

He was cut off by the prince's raised hand. His fingertip glowed with a concentrated spark of burning ki. "You know..." He said offhandedly. "There were two guards here that knew of Kakarrot from your inn. They attacked him in a hallway the last time I talked to you..." Vegeta's eyes grew dark, fury and hatred burning deeply within him. "Do you know what happened to them?"

Cchini watched the finger glow. It wasn't the kind of ki one used to kill... It was the kind one used to hurt. Something he knows damn well, as he's used it on Kakarrot. The prisoner swallowed. "No... I don't..."

He raised an eyebrow. "If I recall correctly, one ended up with his tail broken in half, caused by Kakarrot's sister."

Cchini flinched, eyes still not leaving the finger. His throat began to quiver just the slightest bit. You've broken Kakarrot's tail before too, you bastard.

"The other one ended up without a tail at all. Very painful, from what I hear."

Eyes widening, Cchini's mouth opened wordlessly. A little more than he bargained for, no? The prince thought cruelly. Death is quick, and sometimes even painless. I am not so inclined for mercy this day.

"Unless you tell me what I wish to know, you will discover first hand just how much that hurts. Then, you will be mercifully dumped back in your cell until you are ready to talk again. Then we will try again. I stop when you tell me."

Yellowish teeth chattered, mind inventing any number of sickening things to go along with Vegeta's threat. "What..." He gulped. "Wh-what do you want to know?"

Cruel smirk widening, Vegeta watched calmly as the ki danced across his fingertips. "Tell me everything you know about Kakarrot's collar."