What you are referring to as 'sucking up' is, actually seen as common courtesy across the galaxy

Oh, yeah! It's me again. Sick at home for the day, so I decided to write another chappy. J Read and enjoy. And pls rev. makes me feel like ppl are actually bothering reading my stuff. And that happens to be a real swell feeling.

-15-

Form the "Kong-fu king".

A rich boy fancies himself the kung-fu king; he has two master-trainers, and beats them up daily. It's too easy. The two whimper at him every time, grovelling at his feet, telling him how good he is. Bored, the young man goes to the tea-house, as is his want, just to pick a fight. –Behind his back, the trainers fix him one, one he can't loose. And he does win. But, as he sits, lavishing in his victory, an actor from the road-show comes in. the young man knows the actor; has seen his play. The actor usually plays a woman, and has a habit of putting on the pansy habits of one for one even outside of his role.

Not being much of a gentleman, the rich boy makes fun of the actor, but the man hardly reacts.

The young man laughs, saying that the actor probably fears the 'kung fu king', but this offends the actor. "Kung fu king? Foei! You know nothing about kung fu and should stop saying that you do."

Angered, the kung fu king attacks. At first the actor just side-steppes him nimbly, like he was never even there, but he finally tires, and easily evading the onslaught of punches, he sweeps the man, making him drop to the floor. Then, he pays his bills and quietly leaves.

Angered, the young man returns to his trainers. He informs them they are fired. "And now, I'm going to beat you up, you no-good trainers!"

The two trainers look at each other, and then shrug. "Well, since we've lost our job already, we might as well get some pay-back for those beatings you gave us."

And the two trainers continue to show him just how far away the young man really is from earning the title 'kung fu king'….

The hand that feeds me, chapter15

What you are referring to as 'sucking up' is, actually seen as common courtesy across the galaxy.

It is not something shameful or cowardly. In fact, most courts use this way of interacting throughout their daily lives... Even kings speak this way, and not only to those at their own level or placed over them. Rather, they tend to be especially polite to those placed directly under them. Try it; it's a game. You do know what a game is, don't you? Memory, patty cake, story telling; that kind of thing?

You should try it; not much else to do when you're locked in that room of yours.

Come on, just give it a go! I'm sure you'll like the reaction. It's just this once, after all. Then you can go right back to pulling your nose up on the lot of them. How does that sound?

Like bullshit.

Vegeta turned the next corridor at a steady pace, the two guards flanking him on either side right in step with him. Chesire had been talking into him long and hard, but he still hadn't decided if he would follow her advice.

It's not like I'm asking to be nice or anything. Just polite. And you don't even have to be polite to everyone. Just Freeza.

Vegeta had pointed out that were was no 'just' about that; in fact, he would much rather be polite to a Hyptogecal sentient fungus, after it had slept in Vegeta's own bed and accidentally sprayed him with it's spores in panic. Still, the picture Chesire had sketched him was enough to make him reconsider his standing point. Coming to a halt, the prince frowned at the door in front of him.

He's upset, Vegeta. Really upset.

I don't think he wants to kill you but accidents have been know to happen, and Freeza isn't the type to remorse his actions. Want to take a guess what will happen then? Your father finds out, he confronts our little 'lizard-friend'. Do you think he will like what Freeza has to say? There's going to be war. Bloody war. And this will be one you Saiyi-jins can't even hope to win, for all your power and luck. At the end, there won't be even one of your monkey-tailed warriors left. Is it worth that? Is five minutes of swallowing your tongue worth that much?

The guards waited silently, having moved to the sides. They weren't about to go in if they didn't have to. Vegeta managed not to sneer at them. Cowards. Everywhere he looked. Every creature, every living thing; everywhere he turned they were there, sniffling, crawling, scraping. Everywhere. And now that cat had the audacity to ask that he pretended to be one of them.

Just for a few minutes. Just look guilty and smile. It's easy. Everyone does it. It's just pretence anyway. I heard you put on quite a show for the guards back there. Heard you scared those classmates of yours near to death. Why can't you do this one little thing? I took a big chance coming here for you. If I'm found out my fur will be hung out to dry for sure. Why can't you just do this little thing? Do this little thing for me?

Vegeta gritted his teeth and activated the doors. What Chesire didn't seem to realise was there was a big difference between pretending to be more then you were, and pretending to be something you didn't want to be.

Well, curtain's up. At least give it a try…

The little Saiyi-jin prince strode in confidently before he remembered to measure his paces. Did a bad thing, did a bad thing…

The really silly part was, he didn't feel like he'd done a bad thing at all. Vegeta tried to remember what he should feel like, trying to remember a comparable situation from his past to measure this 'guilt thing' by. His mind came up blank.

All right; so he really was a spoiled brat. Truth is, he never had done something wrong –couldn't think of anything that would even be seen as wrong. If he ever broke things or hurt people, his servants pointed out that he was truly becoming stronger every day. If he skipped training, his father would insist that he'd at least show up the next day... other then that, what kind of bad thing could he ever possibly do?

He was prince Vegeta, ascendant to the throne, and the next promised golden one.

Coming to a halt ten steps away from the throne, he took in his surroundings. The grand hall was empty, save the throne's occupant and that Zarbon fellow at his side. The man looked different from usual, though; stiffer in his stance with a slight shine of perspiration. He looked... scared. Freeza, lounging back in his throne with an heir of boredom seemed to be the cause of the blue warrior's unease.

And not without cause: Vegeta tasted the atmosphere in the room and realised Chesire was right. Accidents were bound to happen, any time. Nothing and no one was save. Even Zarbon feared for his live, and the blue warrior was said to be real close to Freeza. Dead silence filled the room, only a rhythmic tapping sound breaking the nothing. Even the great window Freeza usually looked out onto was black and dead, all stars obscured from sight. The only movement, the only source of sound was Freeza's tail, flicking agitatedly.

Tick, tick, tick to the side of the throne.

It was a gesture Saiyi-jins knew the meaning of almost instinctively, and surprisingly enough it made Vegeta's decision easier; he relented. Just for a little while. Goad him; make him trust you.

Closing and reopening his hands at his sides, Vegeta kneeled down, though a bit stiffly as he racked his mind for the exact gesture. One hand to the floor, the other to his heart. He's seen it done a thousand times, but had never thought he'd need to reproduce it. Surprisingly even himself, Vegeta managed to make his voice sound good-humoured, almost pleasant. "You sent for me, Lord Freeza?"

Tick, tick,. --. Nothing.

After a moment that seemed to stretch eternally long Vegeta risked a glance up. He was rewarded with a look of complete puzzlement on Freeza's face. The pink creature wiped it away quickly to a parental scowl though. All the same, Vegeta smiled his most innocent smile. Maybe this won't be so bad.

"Yes, Vegeta. I'm very upset with you. You just keep causing trouble, and I can't indulge any longer. Honestly."

The horned lizard stood, crossing it's arms behind it's back, looking strict.

"After all I do for you, you have to go out of your way and kill -Kill, Vegeta!- two of my best students. And after my last warning too!"

Vegeta racked his mind again, trying to remember the expression those trading merchants on his home-planet used when they had been caught bending the rules of their treaties. All within a blink of an eye that stricken, aggrieved look was plastered on his face. "But master Freeza! You said not to attack those placed over me. Surely, neither of them was put over me at that moment?"

Vegeta had to fight to keep from smirking at the bewildered expression on the ugly lizard's face. It stood arms still at it's back but forgotten, practically gaping at him. A growl from the side got both their attention. Zarbon scowled at him angrily.

"Look here, monkey. I don't know what you're game is but-."

Vegeta's head snapped up, hissing at the blue warrior with his teeth bared. "You fucking keep out of this, girly-man. I don't recall lord Freeza asking you anything."

The two of them were interrupted by a chuckle. As they both turned to look at the pink creature, Freeza's mirth exploded to the fullest, into an almost hysterical laughter. Vegeta began to feel uncomfortable, wondering if the game was up. He slowly stood, watching the tyrant warily. It finally managed to clam itself far enough to speak. "Oooh! That was good. For a minute, dear Vegeta, I thought someone had snatched away my little prince and replaced him with a bad replica."

Vegeta smiled thinly at the thing, hoping it didn't know how close to the truth that was. Freeza just waved a hand, rubbing his eyes with the other before plopping back in his throne. "But what do you suggest I do now, little prince? Those boys you killed were both princes in their own right. It is quite likely this will result into a full-scale war, on both counts."

Diplomacy. With some difficulty, Vegeta inclined his head.

"I'm ever so sorry Maser Freeza. If I'd know how important they were to you, I would have considered my actions more carefully."

"No you wouldn't." Zarbon snorted.

Damn that bastard! As if this wasn't hard enough for Vegeta as it was! Luckily, Freeza himself saved him from answering.

"Well, never mind that now, boy. I'm awfully curious as to how you managed it in the first place, though. Are you aware that you fighting level almost doubled? Pray, do tell how you managed that."

Vegeta stared a moment. Truth was, he didn't know. But if I did know, I wouldn't tell you, you sick little lizard!

He opted for the truth, if only the first half of it. But -realising this was enough- added: "If it would please his lordship, I can go down to the labs and make those so-called scientists find out."

Freeza leaned back in his chair, smiling a pleased smile. "Well, that's alright. I'm sure it was just a growth-spurt or something; it's nothing worth getting yourself dissected over. And don't worry too much about those boys, though I am going to have to punish you. And…" The creature looked a little sterner, though it didn't seem capable of totally washing that smile off its face. "I trust you won't let this happen again."

Vegeta just gave a curt bow, trying to hide his own grin. Easy as shooting babies "Of course, lord Freeza."

Freeza looked even more pleased, if that was at all possible. One day, Freeza. When your back is turned

"Well, then. I suppose one week in your room will leave you suitably culled." Well, Chesire had prepared him to expect that much, at least.

It could be worse…Much, much worse. The prince still didn't like it, but he gritted his teeth and gave another short bow. "Yes, thank you, lord Freeza." Then swallowed, hoping the creature hadn't felt the acid behind the words.

Surprisingly enough, this time it was Zarbon that came to his rescue. "A week?" the warrior chocked. "The boy kills the sons of two of our most important business-partners and all he gets is a week in his room?"

Vegeta just eyed him coolly, knowing he didn't have to respond. Freeza would do that for him. A part of his mind was sickened of how easy this game came to him, but right now he had more important things to worry about.

"You have a problem with my decision, Zarbon?" the little tyrant spoke, its voice all the more threatening for its calmness.

Zarbon sputtered. "N- well, eh. The boy is out of control. He's misbehaving and doesn't even feel remorse. He's, well, he is bad!"

Freeza looked up at his laky sideways, his expression unreadable. Finally, he spoke.

"Vegeta, please come here."

Kami! Now what? He'd much rather not. This was as close as he could get to the little ice-jin without feeling physically ill. But this seemed a particularly poor time to point that out. So, bit by tiny bit, he found his feet moving him closer.

"Closer." It beckoned again, as he came to a stop.

Finally, he stood but inches from the throne, Vegeta's legs almost brushing the thing's claw-like feet where they dangled from the too-large throne.

The hell does it want from me?

Then, he knew as the creature reached out to his head.

Ah, no! Don't touch me! Don't touch the hair!

But it was too late; Vegeta had to fight down a wince as the ugly monster ruffled his hair affectionately.

Might as well shave my head now. I'll never get rid of that touch.

"There, there." It cooed, before grabbing a fistful from the back and yanking Vegeta's head back hard, directing his gaze at Zarbon. The contrast between its vice-like grip and its soothing, easy voice was an indication of how unstable the little lizard really was.

"Look into those eyes, Zarbon. Look into those eyes and tell me again. How can this sweet boy possibly be bad?"

Vegeta was lucid, but he didn't try to pull away. Instead, knowing Freeza couldn't see his face now, he directed all his anger at the unfortunate henchmen in one icy glare. And your turn will come too, you pansy little man! Soon, your head will be on a golden plate.

Zarbon didn't say anything, just started at the boy, frozen with a strange apprehension. He wasn't psychic; he couldn't see the future, but the message in that look was a promise so sure even the cynic Zarbon was didn't doubt it was the truth.

Your head on a golden plate, served to a golden monkey.

Zarbon stared after the boy a long time; at the doors that had closed behind him. He finally managed to shake his premonition, dismissing it as un-important.

"He doesn't know." The warrior stated.

-"hmmmm?" Zarbon looked to the side, at the little creature on the throne. Freeza seemed to be in a trance as well. Though one entirely different from the one Zarbon had felt. A soft, happy smile touched his lips and his eyes were dreamy, far away. Zarbon cocked his head, but didn't dare voice his worry. Instead, he just cleared up his comment. "The monkey prince doesn't know. How his power-level managed to increase like that."

It was quiet for another while, until Zarbon began to wonder if Freeza had heard him or not, then "Yes, our little prince is just full of surprises today, isn't he."

The green-haired warrior ingnored the queasiness he felt and continued. "Perhaps that idea of putting the scientists to work on him…-"

-"Isn't he just the best-mannered monkey you've ever seen?" Freeza interrupted, like he hadn't spoken at all. Zarbon chocked, but hitched right in. "Of course he is. He's the first monkey we've met with any manners at all."

-"And such a good, good boy!"

Zarbon was really beginning to worry now. True enough, he was glad Freeza was no longer mad, but this was taking matter a little too far. "Sir, may I remind you you said the monkeys were a liability?" Zarbon almost sighed in relieve as Freeza seemed to pull back from what ever mad make-believe word he had retreated to.

"They are Zarbon. I must get rid of them one day, but surely not our little prince. He's not like the rest, surely." Freeza grinned a little. "Do you think maybe his mother slept around a bit? With something a bit more pleasant then a Saiyi-jin I mean?"

Zarbon snorted, feigning amusement. "An infidel monkey. Now there's something I won't believe until I see it."

Freeza sighed. "I guess you're right. Must be a mutation then And such a sweet boy."

Zarbon cleared his voice "You don't think, that maybe" how to put this? "He was acting?"

Slowly those blood red eyes turned on him, first cold, but suddenly blazing with fire. "Don't be ridiculous! Monkeys don't know how to act!"

Stepping back a little, Zarbon swallowed, opting to stay quiet. Opting not to mention they didn't usually have any common courtesy either.