"Call to the front, the one named Vegeta." King Bardock said, tapping his heavily ringed fingers on the armrest of his throne. Raditz sat smugly on his lap, with a small crown fit snugly around his hair.
The tiny vagrant boy shuffled forward on his knees, lowering his gaze respectfully as he came forward.
"Now, child. Tell the court why you are here today." Queen Gine huffed, from where she stood adjacent to the throne, her nose held high up in the air.
"I swear, you've made a mistake!" The vagrant whimpered, looking back to his scruffy parents who also knelt down respectfully. Prince Raditz smirked as he hopped down from Bardock's knee.
"Repeat that again, low level?" He sneered, his hands on his hips as Vegeta put his brow to the cool marble and whimpered.
"I'm terribly sorry, Your Highness!" Vegeta grovelled, and kissed Raditz's foot.
"That's better. Now, tell me, what are you?"
He said sternly, pulling Vegeta up by his black, spiky mane. The boy sobbed, tears streaking through the dirt on his cheeks.
"A low level! Scum! Coward!" He cried, and Raditz smirked, placing his boot on his face.
"Clean my boots, scum." He snickered-
-BANG- -BANG- -BANG-!
Then the boy's tongue came out and he grimaced, gulping as he was about to-
"Wake up! It's time to eat!"
-BANG-! -BANG-! -BANG-!
Raditz cracked his eyes open and wailed in distress, and he was just getting to the best part of the dream! Gine banged on the pot one more time, like she did every morning, it was almost as if she just liked banging on that pot!
"Raaaaaditz!~" She called from the kitchen, and he could almost hear her raising that dreaded spoon one more time.
"RADITZ! GET UP!" Bardock bellowed, then there was a clatter and sounds of a skirmish.
"Hey!"
"Stop bangin' that stupid pot!"
"Give it back, Bardock!" Gine whined, then there was a husky chuckle.
"You want it so bad, come get it!"
Raditz grumbled as he sat up on the cot, scratching one hand through his shaggy mop, blinking wearily.
"I can't reach that high and you know it!" Gine whimpered, then Bardock laughed.
"Sure I do, that's why it's funny!"
Raditz shook his head as he stood and smirked. He was glad his parents were in a good mood this morning, it was much better than how dissatisfied his father had been with him last night. Bardock could be stern, at times even a right jerk, but more often than not, when he was at home with Gine or with his team he was good-humored and even an instigator of his own mischief.
He opened the door and blinked at the light of candles as he came into the small kitchen, rubbing his eyes. He noticed the sky was a dark maroon shade, and groaned. Like usual, his mother woke very early to make breakfast for them. After eating, she would then drop Raditz off at the nursery and check on Kakarot before going to the castle to make the royal breakfast.
Today didn't seem much different, as Raditz pulled up a chair and licked his lips as she dished him out his breakfast. It was of course, eggs and fried rutter spuds. No meat, Raditz pouted.
"Hey, don't look so eager!" Bardock teased, with a mouthful of his own food.
"No swine-ish strips?" He pouted.
Gine frowned as she scraped the last bit onto his plate, "Ah, sorry Raditz. None today."
"Couldn't you just ask the King to borrow some?" He said naïvely, taking his fork and stuffing some food in his cheek. He chewed as Gine kissed him on the forehead before sitting down besides Bardock.
"It doesn't work that way, sweetie." She said simply, before starting to eat her own portion. Bardock stabbed his fork into his rutters and rolled his eyes at Raditz.
"If that was the case, don't you think we'd just borrow a better house?"
Raditz blinked, looking around himself. What's wrong with our house? It was small, but warm. He loved to be home with his parents when he could.
"Well, it's certainly no Castle Vege-" Bardock began, but was interrupted by Gine poking him in the arm with her fork.
"Alright, just eat you two. I can't waste much time." Gine warned before Bardock went off on Raditz about all the issues with it, and why he was foolish for thinking that people could just borrow whatever they wanted without expecting some type of payment. Raditz looked down at his meal and sighed, then ate, still faintly wishing he had some nice greasy swine-ish to go with it.
...
He crossed his arms and huffed as he looked down at the small thing sleeping in the birth pod, while his mother knelt down to stroke the glass and talk to Kakarot.
"Aw, who's a cute widdle baby?" Gine cooed, making Raditz gag and stick his tongue out obnoxiously. He shook his head shamefully at the blatant show of affection. "Raditz, come say hi to your baby brother. Quickly now, we don't have all day. He needs to bond with you." She urged, pulling him close so that he could look inside the glass. Raditz placed his hands on it and gulped, watching the small infant with black spiky hair sleeping peacefully.
"Uh.. hello Kakarot. Er... Fine day we're having. Oh wait, I mean, how's the weather down there? You aren't...uh, wearing much so you must be cold.. hehe." He said nervously, watching as a small bubble formed from the baby's nostril, until it enlarged and popped.
"Eww!" He shouted, and peeled himself away. "Babies are disgusting!" He spat, frizzing up his tail. Gine and the den mothers laughed, with a knowing look in their eyes.
"It wasn't much long ago that you were a baby, Raditz. You were so adorable!" Gine cooed, that sparkly look still glittering in her large brown eyes. Raditz grimaced, crossing his arms.
"Don't remind me! I'd hate to remember sitting in my own stool all day while these vile women chatter aimlessly!" He snarled, making the den mothers gasp. Gine gasped as well, and made a quick apology to them, before grabbing him by the ear firmly, tugging him by his plain brown tunic to sit down on the small mat where he typically waited for hours, until either he escaped or one of his parents came to fetch him.
"Now, you sit here and behave! Your father must attend a very important meeting with the Elite Council today, then he will return to pick you up for training. Now, please behave and do not leave the nursery." She said sternly, and Raditz at last relented, nodding. She kissed him quickly on the temple, then waved goodbye, before closing the door behind her.
Yeah, sure. I'm sure father will return whenever it's convenient for him.
"Oh Raditz, what will we ever do with you?" One of the girls said teasingly, Sarethi, that was her name. She was grinning down at him, her hands on her hips. He raised one brow and looked at her, daring her from beneath his furrowed brow.
"Upsie daisy!" She said, and picked him right up! Raditz growled aloud as the woman swung him back and forth in her arms, cradling him as if he were an infant!
"Coochie coochie coo!" The other one squealed, and pinched his cheek. Raditz squalled out in protest, kicking his feet.
"Enough! I'm not an infant!" He growled, lashing his arms around threateningly. He felt the wind knocked out of him as Sarethi crushed him to the plate armour on her chest and purred, then the other began grooming his hair with her fingers.
"Well, you said we don't pay enough attention to you! So, we're paying attention to you, Raditz!" Daznya said, laughing as she yanked a good chunk of knotted hair from his mane.
"Ouch! Hey, stop that you b-bitch!" He screamed, and kicked himself free, knocking her onto her back, and shoving off Serethi's chest violently. Raditz flew up in the air, panting.
"Excuse me?! What did you just call me!?" She growled, and backhanded him across the cheek. Raditz fell, then rolled back up onto his feet.
"A bitch! That's what you are!" He yelled, unafraid of their threats as they snarled and chased him around in circles, threatening to spank him once they caught him. But he was too fast, as Raditz flew towards the window at a breakneck pace, before slamming into it and feeling his entire body jolt with electricity.
He fell to the floor, stunned as he slowly recovered from the intense zap inflicted on him. "Hehe, we put up barriers for brats like you! It won't be our hides if you escape and cause trouble again!" Daznya snarled, then turned on her heel and simply left him there, feeling like a sizzled steak.
Well, isn't this just great? Raditz thought, before passing out.
Gine hurried along, full of her usual spunk as she deftly flipped large strips of swine-ish meat strips with a pair of tongs, then turned to the other side of the hot stone hearth and began cracking eggs and letting them fry. She wiped one arm across her perspiring forehead and puffed out a steamy breath, before bending down to add more heat to the fire with the bellows. She pulled a closed pan out of the fire and opened the lid with a potholder, sniffing the sweet scent of fresh baked breakfast rolls.
Gine set them on the table to cool, before a kitchen wench came in and admired her work. She watched as Gine twirled around in her dark green dress, and pink pinafore apron, before taking a flat scraper and flipping over each egg with skill.
"You may take that tray out, Kalabrylea." She said quickly, before twisting and cracking black pepper onto the contents.
"Oh, aye Miss Gine. Sorry, so sorry!" She said hurriedly, picking up the tray then yelping when the hot edges burnt her fingertips. Gine looked back quickly, then handed her a potholder, and Kalabrylea thanked her gratefully over and over before taking the tray out.
Gine picked up the swine-ish with tongs and laid them on parchment to drain, before attending to the eggs again. She felt the presence of another maid behind her again, and sighed.
"Please make sure to watch that Kalabrylea does not drop the hot swine-ish, we cannot afford any more pay deductions!" Gine snapped, and began plating the eggs quickly.
"I won't, Miss Gine. I promise to be more careful." She said meekly, before Gine turned around and saw that it was in fact her she was talking to.
"Kalabrylea! My apologies!" She said, gasping. The kitchen wench shook her head side to side, her almond eyes sorrowful as she lowered her face in shame.
"It's my fault... I'm distracted, worried for my little one. I fear I will never be allowed to see him again." She said, then covered her face and began to cry. Gine frowned with sympathy and wrapped her arms around the taller woman's waist; feeling helpless to soothe her pain.
"Surely there is some way, dear? Can the father do nothing?" She said soothingly as she stroked her back. Kalabrylea shook her head of long, braided black hair with random spikes sticking out, and sniffled.
"Paragus is ashamed of me, I fear he cannot be bothered to escort me to the royal nursery, and I cannot be permitted to go there without him. So, my little Broly is all alone... without his mother's affection, he will be denied proper socialization skills." She said sorrowfully, and took the tray of swine-ish and Gine carried the eggs towards the transfer box, where they set them and watched as the door closed quickly, then beeped and a light turned green once it was deemed safe to eat, then a maid came and placed the trays on the table.
"Here, help me squeeze the juice." Gine said and handed her a bunch of Xenoba fruit. They began wringing out the juice into a filter and Gine sighed, "I would be heartbroken if I couldn't see my little Kakarot anymore. But I'm sure he will be a strong child. All mothers must face separation one day if our children are to become strong warriors." She said, before lifting the filter and pouring the juice into a pitcher.
"You're right, Gine. I just hope I can see him once more before then." She said, and Gine agreed, as they toted the royal breakfast to the dining hall.
There was a rustling of fabric then two metallic clicks as the handmaiden added the final touch to King Vegeta's appearance; his red and blue cloak draped over his red and white royal armour. He nodded once to her, before she curtseyed and scampered out of the room quietly. He looked his appearance over in the mirror quickly, his own hard ebony eyes glaring back at him.
King Vegeta sighed and turned his head to look over at the luxurious canopy bed where Queen Vasenya still lay, her long, wild black mane spread across the grand bedspread as she cradled young Tarble in her arms. He walked to the edge of the bed, almost hesitantly; as if just his soft footsteps would disturb her and the child.
He looked over his mate and the newborn prince with flickering eyes revealing a whisper of emotion, then rested one hand on her shoulder.
"Vasenya. It's time to awaken." He rasped in a voice as soft as possible, then watched as her eyes opened, still puffy from her sorrowful cries the night before. The infant stirred just a small amount, then his tiny hand wrapped around his tail and brought it to his mouth to nurse on it, then when finding his tail wasn't suitable, he began to wail.
The Queen sat up quickly, her black spiky curls like a curtain around her and the child as she brought him to her exposed breast to suckle. King Vegeta smiled, then leaned over and kissed her brow.
"Darling... We shan't dine without your presence." He said softly, then the Queen stood, and pulled the strap of her night dress up to cover her chest.
"I'm ready." She said, and the King paused, looking her up and down with a great amount of scrutiny.
"You cannot be clothed in nary a wraith of a cloth before my Elites." He said in a gravelling voice, his eyes narrowing as his fist clenched at his side.
"If they look upon me with lust, cut out their eyes. You're their King, if they disobey you, then they do not deserve a seat at our table." She said haughtily, and began to turn from him.
"Wife. You will listen to my orders." He growled, and she continued to walk, barefoot, with only the sheer red nightdress she wore grazing over her exposed toes. Even eying an ankle, a knee of the Queen was permissible for the penalty of death.
King Vegeta growled in disbelief and tore the cloak from his shoulder pads, quickly unsnapping it, before covering her in it and clasping the rings around her chest. Vasenya looked up from her arms where Tarble rested comfortably in question, seemingly finally out of her daze.
"Vegeta...?"
But, her husband only stormed out of the room, and she fingered the silky fabric around her in awe, before holding it to her cheek and sobbing.
"This is bullshit, what the hell do we need to be here so goddamned early?" Nappa grumbled, as he scratched at his britches, and twitched his tail impatiently.
"Oi, cram it, Nappa! You'll get to eat, isn't that enough incentive?" Zorn whispered back sharply, straightening the blue cloak over his red and black battle armour nervously.
"You'd best respect our Queen in her time of need. Keep your offensive lips sealed." Candor growled back, from where he stood stiffly, his chin to his chest as his slate grey eyes focused in on the large doorway to the dining room.
"Candor, you always have had a soft spot for our Queen." The fourth elite said with a wink, her feminine voice contrasting starkly with the male's. All their heads turned as she spoke, with a smug grin.
"I am only doing my duty. I would never disrespect the royal family. " He said back coldly, baring his teeth. The female purred softly, lacing her fingers through her own reddish-black hair.
"I have no judgments, I only call it as I see it. Queen Vasenya is a very comely female." She snickered, her short, spiky mane laid atop her shoulders, where she wore segmented armour common for female soldiers, with a scarlet orange cloak, and a black shoulder pad that jutted out from one side.
Zenaya was the only female Royal Elite to ever be appointed to the King and Queen, but she was more than suitable for the job as she looked at her hand and admired her long, dagger-shaped nails good for slashing, painted the same color as her cloak.
"Keep your feeble thoughts to yourself, Zenaya. You only see things the way you prefer. That does not mean you are correct in your assumptions." Candor said back spitefully, tearing his eyes from her and training them dutifully back on the door.
"...Word is some of the lower classes will have a seat at the conference. I can't imagine why." Nappa said with a snort, crossing his arms.
"Shh! The door!" Zorn hissed, then shoved Nappa in the back to make him stand up straight.
"They're ready to see you now." The butler said, as he bowed his head and opened the door, and the elites walked through.
They came up to the long dining table and waited to be seated, Nappa looked upon the feast and licked his lips, earning another subtle jab from Zorn. They bowed before King Vegeta, each getting on one knee in unison.
"It's my greatest pleasure to be dining with our Majesty, the King and Queen. Congratulations on bearing another princeling, Queen Vasenya." Zorn said obediently, and Vegeta nodded, acknowledging him. Vasenya only blinked in his direction, clutching the child closer.
"You may stand."
The Elites stood quickly, and waited for him to take his chair at the head of the table.
"Be seated." He said, and took a sip from a goblet before him. Queen Vasenya sat beside him, with Tarble in her lap, and Prince Vegeta beside his father.
The Elites pulled out their chairs, then looked at the food before them, waiting to be eaten only by the King's command.
"Dine quickly, then we will discuss the present matters." He said briskly, knowing saiyans could not very well carry on conversation with food under their noses.
"There!" Gine giggled, after polishing Bardock's armour with a kitchen rag with a small amount of swine-ish grease on it for extra shine. He looked down at himself dubiously, sniffing his shoulder pad.
"A sight of a soldier!" Ankja said, and grinned as she showed him his reflection in a kitchen pot.
"Hmm." He simply grunted, not convinced. He licked the back of his hand and attempted to smooth back the stubborn bangs falling over his brow, before they fell again and he gave up on trying to fix them. Gine better arranged his hair with the prongs of a fork as he knelt down and growled at her in warning.
"It's such a great honor! My mate, dining at the king's table!" Gine said excitedly, Her tail wagging in sheer joy. Bardock smirked and wrapped one arm around her shoulders.
"Let's hope, Gine. I've never been called to council before..." He said, suspiciously, and she flapped her hand dismissively.
"Don't worry! King Vegeta is kinder than he looks!" Gine said, her tail crossing behind her back as she told the small fib, hoping to help raise her mate's confidence.
This caused Bardock to snort with disbelief, "Suuure, he would be kind to a pretty female bringing him food, but a purger? I didn't think he even bothered to communicate with the lower-classes that keep his kingdom running for the Colds." Bardock sneered, and Gine shushed him with her finger and looked around. Ankja looked behind her and closed the back door, clasping her dirt-encrusted gardener's hands to her front nervously.
"I heard that the Queen is a complete wreck knowing that Tarble is leaving today..." She whispered inconspicuously.
"The poor woman... to have her child come out too weak and docile to defend himself..." Gine said sadly, her eyes on the floor.
"Tch. That woman is a cold-hearted bi-"
"Bardock..? Your presence is requested in the dining hall." A nameless maid said, peeking around the corner of the kitchen. His back stiffened with anticipation, his tail prickling. He looked to Gine and she patted his scarred cheek sweetly, before giving him a kiss for good luck. He waved goodbye to her and Anjka with one hand as he walked away to follow the maid.
I sure hope he's feeling generous today. He thought to himself, clenching his sweating fists to his sides as he followed the girl. She led him to a dark corridor, where a familiar man sat on the bench in wait. He stood quickly, eying Bardock with narrowed eyes. Bardock pounded his right fist over his heart and bent at the waist, bowing.
"Commander Paragus." He said in respect, and straightened, waiting to hear the Saiyan salute back on Paragus's armour, but there was none. Paragus crossed his arms and eyed him with disdain.
"Why in the seven hells would they send you?" He said, and Bardock rose his brows in disbelief, which quickly simmered down into anger. The insufferable man then turned about quickly with a snap of his white half-body cloak, and chuckled to himself bitterly.
Bardock grit his teeth and tried his hardest not to explode in anger as the doors swung open. All eyes fell onto him, sensing his angered aura as Paragus stepped forth immediately to the end of the table and knelt in respect. Bardock shook his head vigorously to shake off the feeling and stepped forth, doing the same.
"Commander Paragus. Welcome, have a seat." Nappa said, gesturing to the chairs at the very end of the table as King Vegeta blotted his mouth with a silk napkin.
"Good day, General Nappa. Your Majesty?" Paragus said, hesitating to sit in order to avoid disrespect, then King Vegeta waved his hand dismissively, and he sat down quickly.
So he does have manners. He just uses them when he deems necessary. Bardock thought, clenching his fist.
"Good day, your Majesty and her Highness. It's a pleasure." Paragus said politely, and the King nodded to him. Bardock stood still, waiting to be seated, noting the way Queen Vasenya opened her red cloak and fed the Prince from her breast openly before everyone and tore his eyes away in shock, pretending to not have noticed, instead staring at the floor.
"You may be seated. Bardock, is it...?" The Queen said, pulling Vegeta's cape that she wore closed, with a smirk.
"Yes, Thank you, Your Highness." He said, and pulled out the lone chair on the opposite side of the Elites. The table showed signs of them having dined, but nothing was left for him or Paragus as he looked it over quickly, then watched King Vegeta with a rapt gaze as he sipped from his goblet with a musing hum. Bardock observed the Prince beside him, who mimicked his father's movements.
"You've all been gathered here today because you have each shown you possess exceptional talents, each with your own distinct skill set. I'm sure you recognize the Royal Elites?" King Vegeta gestured with a flattened palm, and eyed Bardock specifically.
He nodded in earnest, "It's an honor. I'm pleased to meet you all."
The Elites looked at him and nodded, he met the eyes of Nappa and the man's brows furrowed slightly on him with slow recognition, then his eyes darted dutifully back to King Vegeta. Bardock gulped, feeling his tail writhing nervously around his waist.
"Commander Paragus, you have shown great leadership during our efforts to reclaim planets in the galactic field. Bardock, your team has successfully claimed new planets where others have failed to return from in the past. You and your team are a valuable asset to our cause." He said, and Bardock had to quell his surprise, wrapping his tail against the back post of the chair.
"...Now, enough formalities. The reason why you've been brought here is because Planet Vegeta needs more men like you to keep our empire at its best. That is why, I want only the best men on hand when duty demands. Bardock shall be appointed to his own squadron, and each of his men, their own. Paragus, you will be instrumental in this as well. You will now be Second in Command, Bardock." He said with an even tone.
Bardock pounded one fist on the table in disbelief, standing up abruptly. His mouth opened in offense but he hesitated to shout at the king, even though he was outraged. In turn, Paragus stood and let his chair make a loud screech as it was pushed out behind him.
"You can't be serious! He's Third-Class! I will not have him walk on my heels, he does not deserve to take this position!" He shouted in offense, and the Elites all stood in unison and eyed him in particular. Their ki brimming beneath their skin in preparation for battle.
"I don't want to be Second in Command! Your Majesty, please, reconsider! My team is only successful because we work together, to separate us would mean-!"
"Enough. Take your seats or be escorted out, then relieved. Effective immediately." Vegeta growled lowly, and Bardock and Paragus sat back down, begrudgingly. The Elites powered down, the guard in a blue cloak hesitant to lower his defense of the king.
"Zorn. Be seated." He said sternly, and Zorn nodded, with a long exhale as he trained his eyes on Paragus.
"I'm still hungry, mother. When can I go?" Prince Vegeta asked her in a low hiss, cupping his hand over his mouth. She smiled and attended to Tarble on her arm as he began to stir, soothing him by brushing her fingers through his hair.
"I do believe we have a treat in store, so please be patient. It shall lighten the mood of the room to have a sweet." Vasenya said kindly, and rocked Tarble in her arms.
The children were becoming more restless, and Bardock vaguely wondered about his own for a moment as there was a creak of the door opening, and they turned to see Gine and the kitchen maid, Kalabrylea toting in covered dishes. Bardock straightened his back and pulled himself together for his mate, as the table was quickly cleared by scullery maids for the dessert.
He turned his gaze back on the table, glancing at Paragus a moment. The other saiyan growled softly and lowered his eyes onto the table, as the women came closer to place the glass platters on the dining table. Bardock eyed Gine out of his peripheral as she set her platter down, and lifted the ornamental lid to display the delicate contents within, which was a towering cake, with her favorite small embellishments of carrots and radishes on the sides. Bardock couldn't help but smile; knowing that it was his favorite carrot cake she made at home, here on the royal dining table.
"Oh my, how charming! The children will love such an adorable centerpiece. Look, Tarble!" Queen Vasenya cooed, and let him take a fistful of the cake that Gine cut for him. He smashed it onto his cheeks and cooed happily, causing a smattering of soft laughter throughout the room.
The other maid hung back, hesitant to bring her dish to the front. King Vegeta cleared his throat, subtly showing his impatience as Prince Vegeta stood and pointed at the woman.
"You, wench! What's that you've got!? I don't want nasty old carrot cake! I don't see why anyone would want a vegetable cake!" He shouted, earning a shake of his father's head. The Queen looked away from Tarble a moment, and the demure kitchen maid stepped forward to set down her platter, not before Tarble cooed loudly and threw a large wad of frosting on the smooth polished floor. As fate would have it, Kalabrylea just happened to plant her foot directly on it. Her feet flew out from beneath her, and she fell face-first down into the equally as lovely cake she had made, this one with fruit filling. There were gasps throughout the room as Tarble giggled happily, and Vegeta pouted.
"Stupid klutz! Great, now the cake is ruined by her filthy face!"
Gine rushed to her side to help her up, and wiped the frosting from her face with her apron. As the frosting came off, Queen Vasenya hummed with a mischievous tune.
"Goodness, the girl child has the look of a 'dashmi courtesan... yet, so fair-skinned. Where do you hail from, wench child...?"
Kalabrylea's eyes widened and she clasped her hands together in thanks for the backhanded compliment, staying on her knees respectfully as she addressed the Queen.
"My... My name is Kalabrylea. I am from the Blue City of North Vradashmi. My many thanks, your loveliness! Only the Queen is the most beautiful!" She said in reverence, then a snort was heard from the end of the table, and the girl gasped as she recognized Paragus. She lowered her eyes in shame, flinching back as he stood up, briskly.
The others looked on, some smirking with amusement as Paragus pulled Kalabrylea roughly to her feet. He wrapped one hand around her braid and tugged until she managed to stand, falling weakly against him. He huffed and held himself away, grimacing as he looked her over. Paragus took one hand and flattened it on her stomach, then brought it back to click a button on his scouter. His brows rose, then he twisted his mouth around thoughtfully, before completing his odd examination of her. He wrenched his hand away, seeing now that she was no longer carrying his child.
"I- I'll help her, Commander, thank you... we really should be going, so that council can go on..." Gine said nervously, reaching for the other girl's shoulder.
Then, Kalabrylea thrust herself against Paragus suddenly and began to wail, digging her nails in and making jarring scrapes against his armour as his hand tightened on the braid.
"Paragus please, please let me see him!" She yelped, as he yanked her thick plaited locks, he watched with suspicion as Gine came closer, carefully. The commander dropped Kalabrylea, turning away briskly and straightening out his cloak.
"He doesn't belong to you anymore." He simply said, before leaving her there.
Tarble began to cry once again, and Vasenya stood, quickly ushered out by King Vegeta to tend to him in private.
"Council is complete, you shall answer to the Elites for your orders. Now. We really must be going. Have this mess cleaned up before mid-day dining, Gine."
"Yes, Your Majesty. My apologies." She said humbly, and looked at the remainder of the cake, downtrodden. The royals left the room, before Bardock could even begin to speak his part once again. Nappa walked over and served himself a large slice of cake, hanging back a moment as the other Elites returned to their positions.
"Fine looking cake, dear." Bardock said, and Gine gave him a small smile, holding Kalabrylea's hand as the girl began to weep uncontrollably due to Paragus's clear refusal to even acknowledge her, let alone allow her to visit their child.
"Shh, you don't need that... foolish male." She whispered, and tried to calm her so that she could clean up her mess, which she was partially covered in.
"I... I ruined everything! The meeting, Paragus, now he will surely scorn me..." She sobbed, and Bardock made a sound of disdain.
"Don't fall all apart over a man like him, girl. He's just not your kind of mate. He has too much pride and not enough heart." He said spitefully, spitting out the words.
"But, we've a young child..." She murmured, her tears slowly trickling down her cheeks.
"Exactly. He liked you enough to make a brat, but not enough to mark you? That's a shameful way to treat a woman." He growled, and Gine hugged him around the waist, tugging Kalabrylea with her unknowingly in her excitement.
"Oh Bardock, you are so kind!" She said, then rubbed her cheek on his breastplate and purred approvingly. Bardock placed one hand on Gine's back, then scratched the back of his head, befuddled as the other woman joined in on hugging him enthusiastically.
"Really, I'm just stating the obvious. I can't believe I'll have to work with him now. I'm not happy, although it's a promotion, I can't believe they're splitting up the team..." He said, his voice becoming hollow as he held the two women. Gine looked up and her mouth fell open, "There has to be some way we can change the King's mind!"
"Nah, that's alright...I've got a promotion, we should be happy with what we can get." Bardock said, moving back out of the embrace. There was a low chuckle, then they turned to see the large elite sitting at the table, licking his fingers clean of frosting. Nappa stood and approached Bardock, squinting one eye slightly as he discreetly viewed his power level through his blue scouter.
"You're the one from yesterday. I guess King Vegeta must've heard about you. That's a high compliment from his majesty, promoting a third-class to commanding officer. You'd be wise to take it. Besides... " He lingered, raising one brow and looking to see that they were in fact, alone.
"You don't need to worry about that stick in the mud, Paragus. I'll deal with him. And you'll still see your team." He grunted, crossing his arms.
Bardock nodded, appreciatively. "Thanks, General. I'm.. honored to be a part of your army. When can I begin my first command...?"
"Ah, not just this moment. Say, I can get some leave from duty if you can be at the training field in 20. Oh, and... Bring that hardy little runt from before with you."
He said with a smirk, and Bardock nodded to him eagerly, pounding his fist on his breast. Nappa didn't hesitate to return the salute, before turning towards the royal chambers.
"By the way, you should be proud to have a mate who can cook such delicious things. Not all Saiyan women can cook, let alone converse at the King's table." He said with a rough chuckle, and Gine gasped, her hands to her pinkened cheeks, flattered by his compliment. "T-thank you, General!"
Nappa nodded, walking out of the room and Gine didn't waste any time running to Bardock and hugging him enthusiastically.
"You hear that, our little Raditz, training with the General of the Saiyan Army! You better promise me he doesn't get hurt!" She said, looking up. Bardock smirked, and rubbed his nose with one finger.
"I can't promise he won't get hurt, but I promise he'll come home this time, I'll put the boy in line." He said with a chuckle, and Gine kissed him on the cheek.
"Oh, alright then. I've really gotta help Kalabrylea clean up this mess."
"See ya." Bardock said with a smile, and showed himself out.
He wasn't quite sure about how he felt about his new promotion, but it was a start towards getting his family back on their feet, and that was all that mattered.
The world around him had become a black wasteland as Raditz slowly became aware of his unconscious state, and a dull spiking pain that shot from the back of his eye to the center of his skull. He groaned, stirring to life once again. The last images he remembered were unpleasant; being coddled like a baby, then shortly after, flying into the window and slamming his head against the electrified barrier that the den mothers had set. He cracked his eyes open, then squeezed them shut again when he saw what was above him.
"He's waking up!"
"Shit! Look at the shiner on him! What'll we do?!" They hissed back and forth in conspiring voices, discussing ways to hide the bruise from Bardock as Raditz began to fully regain consciousness.
"We'll tell him he ran into a table playing with us!"
"Yeah, but how do we know the little brat won't just-"
"Shh! Let me handle this, Daznya." Sarethi whispered, and pulled Raditz's head onto her lap.
"Ugh... Where's my Papa? What... what did you do...?" The boy muttered, his one working eye half-lidded as he stirred to life.
"Hush, hush Raditz. You're ok. You had a little spill. Your Papa will be here any minute, can you remember what happened..?" She said lowly, darting her eyes back at the door as Daznya stood on lookout for Bardock. Raditz felt bitter acid at the back of his throat and gulped, rolling off the despicable woman's lap.
"I remember... I flew into the window and fell." He said with a low growl, backing away from her and towards the table.
"Yes, we have to keep the window closed for your safety, so that you can't escape and get hurt!" Sarethi said, getting down on her knees to be on his level, as Raditz crawled farther back beneath the table.
Sarethi laced her fingers together anxiously, feeling nervous as the child hidden in the shadows growled at her threateningly.
"I was shocked by something and passed out. Just you wait until my Papa finds out." He growled, clenching his fists to hold back the rage bubbling up inside of him. He thought perhaps he could bite through the woman's jugular with his teeth if she got close enough, but he wasn't quite confident he could manage that right now with how sluggish he felt.
The Saiyan woman's eyes suddenly lit up as her pupils shrunk to pinpricks and she slashed the air before him with one arm and attempted to scratch and grab for him, as Raditz scurried back, his heart racing wildly in his chest.
"Quick! He's coming!" Daznya hissed, and Sarethi flipped over the table in her rage, and stormed over, yanking Raditz up roughly by his tail.
"I'll make you shut up!"
He whirled around, struggling, attempting to get out of her grip before she squeezed the base of his tail and he went limp.
...
Bardock flew down quickly, holding Raditz's armour under one arm with a grin across his face, as he landed before the nursery. He pushed on the door and found it locked, so he knocked, the end of his tail twitching impatiently as he heard the low, muffled whispers of the den mother's inside. He growled, and knocked again. He wasn't missing training with the Elite, just because some hard-of-hearing female couldn't open the door. Bardock twisted the handle and busted the latch, kicking in the door. When he came inside, he looked around at the nursery, seeing naught but random toys strewn about the floor, and the faint green glow of the birth pods. He strolled over and observed Kakarot sleeping for a moment, before wandering into the adjacent room.
"Hey, it's Bardock here to get my boy Raditz...? You there?" He called, and looked around. He exhaled sharply then was about to turn back, when he heard the sound of the den mother's footsteps behind him. He turned, seeing Daznya holding Raditz slumped over her shoulder, an odd expression on her face.
"Sorry. It was Raditz's nap time." She said, and carefully handed him to his father. Bardock furrowed his brows and held up his son, then lifted his slumped over head to better see his face. There was a faint swelling around his eye, but nothing major.
"How did he get injured?" He growled, then held him against his breastplate, examining the boy's tail. The fur was ruffled, and there was a small bald patch and a bleeding scratch where Sarethi had snatched him up. Daznya's eyes widened as she noticed it, then looked up to Bardock in fear.
"Where's the other one, Sarethi?" He said, looking around the room as the den mother began backing away slowly, looking around herself for some type of escape.
"Err... She's with the children, sleeping..." She mumbled, then flinched as Bardock stepped forward.
"Well, hurry up and fetch her. I'm in a hurry." He snarled, and the girl quickly flew out of the room. Bardock ruffled one hand through Raditz's hair to wake him up, frowning.
"Look, boy. I've got your armour. I've got a real surprise for you, so snap to it." He said, and Raditz groaned, opening his eyes a small crack.
"Papa... my... eye hurts." He whimpered, and Bardock observed with anger how Raditz could barely even open one eye. He growled, then set him down on the floor, along with his armour.
"Stay here." He said firmly, and Raditz plopped on the floor, looking up with confusion.
"Why...?" He asked, then gulped as Bardock stormed out of the room. He reached for the armour and slid it over his head with a grunt as he popped through, then put his bracers and boots on and stood, shaking his hair out from where it had become lodged.
Why's papa taking so long...? He wondered, then peeked around the room and saw Bardock returning with a grim expression, and backed up quickly, putting on an innocent look. He stared up at his father, then was startled as he knelt before him and rubbed both hands on his own face and sighed heavily.
"Papa...?" He said, tilting his head. Then, Raditz froze when Bardock dropped his hands, and showed how his eyes were bloodshot, his face still reddened by his anger.
"I was wrong. You don't deserve this. You'll come training with me. You don't need to be in this place." He said, then stood quickly, storming into the other room, where he picked up Kakarot's birth pod and held it under his arm, as Raditz followed him in question.
"Hey! You can't take that! You don't know how to care for him!" A woman cried, and Raditz turned to see Sarethi running after them, with one eye swollen shut, and a crinkled tail. He gulped, knowing his father must have punished her.
"I don't trust you with my sons. Go back to being a street whore." He growled, and slammed the door behind him. Bardock took flight towards home, and Raditz followed, unable to contain his giddy laughter.
"That was great, Papa! We're really taking Kakarot home!?" He said, flying next to him and watching as the small infant inside stirred from the motion.
"Yep. Next time boy, you'd better stand up for yourself. I can't fight all your battles." Bardock said, and Raditz nodded eagerly, excited to be free from the den mother's at last, and now he could train with his father!
"Ok! I will!" He said happily, and wrapped his tail around Bardock's, climbing onto his back and smiling from cheek to cheek, his one good eye upturned with a happy tear in the corner.
"...Vasenya." King Vegeta beckoned as he followed her down to the royal nursery. She kept walking, her face upturned as she carried Tarble protectively in her arms, Zenaya and Candor walking side by side before her.
The tall Saiyan daubed in maroon unlocked the door, then was stopped by the green toad-like alien that worked alongside Planthorr; surveying the birth pods.
"Ah, ah. All scouters off before entering the nursery. They interfere with the devices."
Candor looked to Zenaya and she shrugged, removing her yellow scouter and handing it to the alien. He removed his as well, and the entourage entered the room, King Vegeta and Prince Vegeta following as the guards held the door for him.
"...That means you as well, Your Highness."
"Pardon? I don't wear a scouter." He huffed, taken aback. The scientist twiddled his webbed digits together nervously, backing away. The raven-haired elite female came closer, her hands on her hips.
"Is there a problem, Malaka?"
"Well, yes...We cannot have any interference with the machine...if his h-highness has any such devices on his person, it could harm the infants..."
The King snorted, and pushed past him.
"Perhaps you order around others on whatever planet you are from, or your lab on Planet Frieza, but here on Planet Vegeta, one does not make demands of their superiors." He said with a regal air, and walked past the stunned scientist.
"Who does he think he is, father? What a foul-smelling creature. Do not insult the King. He should have your head for that." The child retorted, and followed his father into the nursery.
Zenaya laughed, and flicked the stubby toad on his nose. He fell back, squealing in pain, nearly backing into the large control panel.
"King Vegeta is a Super-Elite, you fool. Do you really think he needs a scouter?" She said slyly, then turned away, whipping her scarlet cloak out behind her with her tail.
"Vasenya? The pod will be leaving soon to escort Prince Tarble, remember...?" King Vegeta said softly, as he approached her. She stood staring into the birth pod, cradling Tarble against her shoulder as she observed the infant inside, curled into the fetal position, with his umbilical cord pumping nutrients into his belly.
"Yes. I know, darling. He wanted to say goodbye to his friend, here..." She said in a hollow voice, and moved Tarble so that he could press his hands to the glass. King Vegeta placed one arm around his wife, furrowing his brows as the child cooed at the sleeping infant in the pod.
"I implore you, be careful, My Queen. We shouldn't wake the child while he is still developing." Planthorr said in an urgent whisper, walking around the back of the pod.
"Why? Children wake naturally in the womb, from what I've heard." She said with petulance, not moving the child's hands from the glass. Tarble burbled, making spit bubbles on his lips as he looked on contentedly into the pod. Broly stirred just slightly, his nearly transparent eyelids moving up to look out at them. He looked at the Saiyans around him curiously, his small mouth parting as he observed them with weary eyes heavy with sleep.
"The poor child, he must be cold. Make sure the pod temperature is warm enough for him." Vasenya said, and tapped her fingernails on the glass.
"Yes, M'lady." Planthorr nodded, and adjusted the temperature slightly. The small infant's tail moved around in the water as he observed them, his black eyes taking in his own reflection on the glass, and the shadows moving around outside.
"Can you believe that bore Paragus has a child?" Zenaya snorted lowly to Candor, and he snorted back, crossing his arms.
"Any male can make offspring." He stated bluntly, rolling his eyes at her.
"Oh that's right, even stiffs like you." She snickered, and sauntered away, going to fiddle with the control panel. Her tight black bodysuit rose high on her hips as she swished her tail side to side, and Candor growled, tearing his eyes away.
"Don't touch that! Those controls are sensitive!" Malaka shouted, and wrestled with her for a lever. The Elite easily overpowered him, and pulled the lever.
"Zenaya!" King Vegeta snapped, and she quickly scurried back.
"Sorry, so sorry King! Hehe!" She giggled, and returned to her post.
Planthorr ran to assist Malaka in returning things to normal, but not before the lever that was pulled performed its purpose.
Suddenly, the green-lit room changed to soft pink and blue as the water's illuminating lights changed, and soft music began to play. Tarble cooed softly as the ancient Saiyan lullaby began to play for the infants, and he watched the dancing lights along with Broly, who was silently admiring the soothing light show.
King Vegeta smiled and held Vasenya closer to him as she pulled back and wrapped their son in the red cloak, her sheer red nightgown sensual on his eyes as it was revealed.
"It's the song that we played for Vegeta..." He said gently, and opened one hand to pull the prince to stand between them, stroking his white gloved hand through his hair.
"This is the last time we will all be a family... darling, Tarble. I hope you remember that we loved you very much." She said softly, then began to weep. The infants fell to a gentle slumber as the music played on, and King Vegeta kissed the queen on the throat where a red mark glowed in the darkness. Candor rumbled from behind them softly, his eyes becoming crimson as the Queen allowed the kiss and leaned into it.
"We're ready for him now. The pod is set for take-off." A soldier said from the open door as the lullaby faded, and the lever switched back down, returning the room to its eerie green shade.
"Are you ready, dear...?" The King said carefully, and she nodded, as Zenaya walked over and took the child from her arms. "Shh, cute baby..." She said, and allowed the queen to kiss him on the head before turning around. Vasenya stifled a sob, putting her hand to her mouth as the king held her.
"It's alright. He will be safe where he's going. The people there are peaceful, like him they bear no aggressive tendencies. He'll be happy there." He said, and she nodded quickly, wiping her tears.
"Let's go. I'd like to watch him fly away." She said with a broken voice, and he nodded, assisting her out of the room as she trailed her fingertips across the pod holding the stranger's baby.
The training field came into view as Bardock made his smooth landing and walked towards Nappa, who stood with his hands on his hips, surveying his surroundings.
"You're late." He said, with a gruff voice.
"I had a bit of trouble with the wenches at the nursery on the way. But he's old enough now he doesn't need to be coddled." Bardock said with an easy laugh, and Raditz peeked his head up over his father's shoulder to look up at the large man standing taller than his father. He gave a great booming laugh, and leaned over to get a good look at Raditz. Raditz backed away, his tail puffing up as he hid behind Bardock's spiky hair.
"Oh, y'hear that kid? No more playtime! Now, you wanna play with the men? We aren't as soft and sweet as wenches!" He teased, and Bardock laughed at that.
"Come on, Raditz. Hop off." He said, and used his tail to pry him off his back. Raditz ducked behind his father's leg as he moved into a fighting stance, then Bardock kicked his leg until Raditz rolled off between him and Nappa. He opened his eyes and the big man reached down, and yanked him up by his arm and plopped him down to stand on the grass beside him.
"Watch and learn, kiddo! You're next!" He said with a hearty laugh, and propelled towards Bardock. Raditz plopped onto his bottom as the two exchanged blows, sparring so that Nappa could ascertain where Bardock was lacking, and Bardock could learn by fighting. Raditz tried his best to pay attention although they moved fast, and before he knew it he was intently focused in on each move, he found both his father and Nappa's fighting styles impressive, but he couldn't help but root for his father against the other man.
They at last parted ways, both panting as they jumped back from one another. Bardock wiped sweat from his brow with his sleeve, and Nappa stood back, not seeming affected at all.
"I can tell that you put a lot of power into your arms and legs, but you should also be using the strength from your core, your center of gravity is very important in..."
The large man seemed to ramble on for a while, and Raditz sighed, laying on his stomach with his cheeks in his hands. He watched as his father listened intently, then demonstrated kicks and punches with more power behind them.
"Here, kid. You ride on my back again so you can get a front seat." Bardock said, and grabbed him with his tail.
"Wh-what?! Papa, no! I can't!" He whimpered, and Nappa scolded him with a yank on his tail from behind. Raditz yelped, then retracted it and wrapped it around himself.
"Tail about waist at all times, soldier. Eyes front, you better be paying attention!" He said sternly, and Raditz nodded quickly, this time clutching his father's armour so tightly he could feel the metal indenting from his fingertips.
"Alright Bardock, now this time using your core strength, having a whelp on your back will help remind you to keep your center straight as we spar."
Bardock nodded to Nappa, and looked back to Raditz with a smirk.
"Hold on tight, okay?" He said, and Raditz nodded, taking a deep breath as the sky around him became only streaks of color, and his father and the elite traded blows across the field, but Raditz never once squeezed his eyes shut as he watched his father's fists flying, and felt the ki rising up again in Bardock's body as he and Nappa's fight got more intense, this time with ki blasts.
Raditz's heart-rate accelerated as he shared in the thrill of battle, and he surrounded himself in his own ki, feeling it flowing throughout his body as his father fought hand-to-hand with the Saiyan Elite, never stopping to take a breath nor flinching when he was hit; Bardock truly was a Elite at heart, Raditz marvelled. His father was the strongest man in the world, by his standards.
My papa is truly the best. He's my hero. Raditz thought to himself and hugged his father around his neck, closing his eyes as they were bathed in the blue light of his blows as he sparred with Nappa, his fists either colliding with the hard opposing flesh, or being blocked. Raditz rumbled quietly as he felt calmed by the thrill of battle, and Bardock did as well, his blows becoming more precise and well-timed, until he knocked Nappa back and took the chance to hit him with a large attack that blinded Raditz with it's heavenly white glow, then left his eyes flashing with ruby red color as it faded, and Nappa laughed from where he sat on the ground, his battle armour steaming.
"Uh, my bad. You ok?" Bardock said, and gave Nappa a hand. The big man simply grinned, and rustled the hair on Raditz's head with one hand.
"Don't apologize, I haven't had a good fight like that in a long time! Say, I think the boy is ready!" He said with a sideways smile, and Bardock looked at Raditz and his jaw dropped as he checked his power level.
"Raditz, you did it! You feel that?"
"Feel what, Papa?" He said innocently, tilting his head.
"You made an explosive blast, that was us together!" Bardock said happily and pulled Raditz off from his back, holding him up proudly and grinning. Raditz felt his cheeks redden with embarrassment, but he also felt so proud of himself he was near bursting with a fit of giggles.
Nappa laughed and patted Bardock hard on the back, then eyed Raditz closer, clicking his scouter.
"450, not bad for a little runt. I think he singed the hair off my balls!" He snickered, and Bardock joined in laughing, leaving Raditz puzzled. Bardock set Raditz down and patted him on the rear, nudging him closer to Nappa.
"Alright, come at me, kiddo!" He said, and Raditz gulped as he flew up into the air and balled up his fists; this was his biggest challenge yet, but he had his father not far behind him, and that spurred him on into battle. He dove headfirst into the air, pummeling Nappa in the stomach with his fists, then flying around him rapidly like a buzzing fly, as Nappa spun around and grabbed for him. Raditz latched into his arm and bit down, causing the big man to laugh as he shook him off.
"Kick, Raditz! Remember to use your legs!" Bardock shouted, and Raditz nodded, swinging out his legs and kicking Nappa in the jaw, as he simply allowed it before knocking him away with the back of his hand. Raditz dropped to the ground from the small motion, and growled, feeling each hair on his body bristle.
"That's it, get mad!" Nappa teased, and swiped at him with his tail. Raditz dodged the tail; knowing even just the swipe of an adult's tail would send him flying if he wasn't careful. Instead, he dipped down beneath and flew for the apex of his legs, where he punched and sent Nappa up into the air a few inches, yowling in pain.
"Goddamnit, kid! No below the belt blows!" Nappa growled, clutching his crotch with both hands.
"Don't fight dirty, Raditz. We aren't savages." Bardock scolded, and Raditz frowned. "Sorry, I didn't know." He said, and Nappa brushed it off.
"Ah, it's ok. Come at me again kid, show me what you learned from your pops!" He growled enthusiastically, and Raditz nodded, flying back towards him. He brought forth that energy again and felt it flow from his center, and to his palms, then surged it forth into two single pink orbs, which flew towards Nappa then dissipated on his leg with little effect.
"Ouch!" He bluffed, and Raditz grinned.
"Oh, ya got me! You got me good, kid!" Nappa joked, and fell down, dramatically clutching his leg.
"Ha!" Raditz cheered, and lunged forth, attacking the downed man with all his heart, until all around him were ruby blasts that concealed the object he was hitting, until Raditz felt lightheaded from the overuse of ki and collapsed on the ground. Nappa was resting beside him, propped up on one elbow with his eyes closed, snoring. Raditz's hits really had no effect, but it was good to let him think he was doing some actual damage.
Bardock squatted down and brushed Raditz's hair off his face, smiling. You did well enough for now, kid. One day you'll be big and strong. I just wish you could stay this way forever.
He quietly mused, then looked up at the sky as a lone pod streaked across the sky, where Tarble was making his journey across the galaxy.
But those are just pipe dreams, I'm afraid. In this world you must be strong to survive. No matter how small, each man must hold his own.
Bardock thought, then picked Raditz up carefully and held him in his arms, and watched as he twitched in his sleep, hoping that whatever dreams he had, were happy.
