A/N~ OMG!!! Ten reviews!! I'm so friggin' happy people!! Ok, now that most of the stupid stuff is over, the story's about to get good. Hehehehe, I love knowing what's gonna happen when other people don't. It's the best part about being an author. Once again, this isn't the world's most interesting chapter, but it serves its purpose and gives you a lot of vital information for later in the story. Also, tomorrow (Monday) is volleyball tryouts for school, so if you would be so kind as to pray for me I'd be completely in your debt. Thanks
Disclaimer: I like pie. I don't own any. But I like it nonetheless. Same thing applies to DBZ.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The Deception of a Whisper
Chapter 6: The Maboroshi's Trial
Gohan did nothing to show that he had heard or understood the command as Plinet kept at his side, a streak of worry beginning to etch itself into his mind as Gohan continued to do nothing except stare back at the larger man who had forced his face before his own.
The brutish man clenched his fists tightly at his sides as he repeated his order, "Get out."
To this Gohan did reply, allowing the malice in his voice to stamp his decision, "No."
For a moment, the other just stood there in shock at his clear disobedience. "What?"
"No," Gohan repeated, the malice leaving his voice to make it sound simple.
"How dare you defy me you runt!" the bigger Saiyan protested as he took a wary step back, his movements mimicked by his friends behind him. "Do you even know who I am?"
Gohan thoughtfully folded his arms and took on as innocent a look as he could. "No, should I?"
The other Saiyan growled deep in his throat. "I'm Hodeg the elite!!"
"Oh," Gohan stated simply.
The appointed Hodeg took a haughty stance, arms carefully crossed over his chest and a secure smirk bested upon his face. "That's right, I'm an elite, and so are my men, Trobez and Lenic." He motioned behind himself to a bald, fat Saiyan and another with a haircut that resembled a pineapple and a sturdier appeal.
Gohan quickly glanced over the both of them before returning his gaze to the threat before him, obviously the ring leader of the act, who was also sturdy yet bulky in mass with his own array of short, neat spikes upon his head cropped barely above the skin.
"Oh."
"And who are you clowns?" Hodeg inquired, the smug grin still on his face.
Gohan reciprocated the smirk, but before he could answer, Corrit stepped in.
"I'm Corrit, second class, these are my friends Peasn, second class, Corporal Plinet, first class, and this," he grinned motioning towards Gohan. "This is Captain Son Gohan, first class,"
The smug expression faded from the man's face at the news as he scowled for a moment before it seemed the brute had a brief epiphany and resumed his former, superior stance. "Captain Gohan, eh?" he snickered.
Gohan nodded.
"Yeah, I remember hearing something about you and how you cowered out of that battle on Pluneo," Hodeg smirked.
A vengeful scowl overtook Gohan at the comment as he hurried to defend himself, "What the hell are you talking about?"
"A friend of mine told me about how you fled with your battalion once the ambush was sprung and how you and your men took off with your tails between your legs in retreat as your comrades were massacred. Just pups aren't ya?"
Gohan grit his teeth in anger at the accusation. "That isn't even remotely close to the truth!" he spit, his energetic aura spilling around himself in distaste. "I noticed the trap we were being led straight into before it happened and tried to warn Nappa about it, but he wouldn't listen, so I did what I knew had to be done."
"And what was that?" the elite laughed followed by his henchmen. "High tail it outta there before you got any hair plucked off your head?"
"No!" he protested. "I detached my battalion from the rest of the group and headed off the outlook. We weren't even that far when the ambush sprang and we were able to determine where the back of the force was and attacked. We succeeded in destroying the resistance, but…. we were too late…. the rest of the fleet had been destroyed. Not even everyone in my battalion survived, so if you want to go an…"
"Did you ever stop to think that maybe Nappa's fleet would have made it if you hadn't left a…."
"Then we all would have died!" Gohan yelled, sneering in utter malevolence for the man before him.
"At least you would have died with honor, in battle!!"
"Where's the honor in dying an ignorant death? And besides, the mission was for king and empire, not some silly dignity trip that would land me and my men dead!" Gohan seethed in fury at Hodeg's accusation. He knew what happened and what would have happened had he not retrieved his battalion. It was bull headed Saiyans such as this that killed thousands of the king's forces needlessly and it irked him beyond belief.
The elite's seemed satisphied with his rationalization as they silently stood, light sneers still intact. Then, without a word, Hodeg took another step back, looked at his men with a synchronized nod, left as though nothing had even happened leaving the others to just blankly stare at their backs.
"What what that all about?" Peasn softly asked still watching the retreating figures as they moved towards the exit.
"I don't know," Gohan said, a deep rasp echoing in his throat like he was trying to rid himself of a bad taste in his mouth.
~*~
It was Gohan's official first day as a guard in the Throne Room, and oh what a first day it would be. The Colonel had forgotten to inform him of the fact that his first day would be dealing with a court case concerning treachery and a brief of contract, which was a very high infidelity on Vegetasei. He had almost punched his father when he was given the news as they flew to the palace that morning but refrained when he figured that the older man probably had many things on his mind and had unintentionally forgotten to give him the news.
Vegetasei was experiencing many crises at the given moment as the Saiyans reformed their growing empire, trying to keep it under control while being so far away from some galaxies that they had conquered. Some areas of their empire had formed alliances with one another to try and overthrow the compressive rule Vegetasei had on their planet. Although the republic was yet to be completely defeated, there had been some close instances where freedom had almost been reached by the opposing forces.
Then there were the dealings of the prince who seemed almost too hungry for blood in some cases while showing astounding mercy in others. He was literally driving the king insane with his constant stunts on other planets. There was even a silly rumor surfacing lately among the inhabitants of Vegetasei that he sometimes even took prisoners from other worlds just to hold as universal specimens in the prisoner barracks.
He followed his father through the grand doors into the Throne Room feeling his breath catch a second time as he took it all in quickly before departing from behind the Colonel towards an empty post just off from the side of the entry doors. Without another thought, forced habit kicked in and he completely straightened his form allowing his feet to spread so that they were parallel to his broad shoulders, hands clasped behind his back, and his chin set up high on his neck to characterize his noble blood and breed.
Earlier he had glanced towards the actual thrones and noticed that three of them were occupied, the only one left empty being the authorized seat of an unborn princess or one day, if fate should have it, the prince's mate. As much as he would have like to, he refused to allow his eyes to travel back to the royal family for fear of breaking his visual discretion code, so he faced ahead watching the faint dust storm wisp inaudibly outside beyond the wall of surveillance glass. The crimson folly of particles danced in a strange and entertaining manner for the young captain as he silently stood and watched it until his mindless reverie was interrupted by the metallic tapping of boots on the hard, cold floor snapping his attention to the delegates currently entering the room.
Although he was not permitted to freely stare at royalty without suitable cause, these aliens were fair game to his scrutiny. There were four of these tall, skinny creatures whose skin seemed to glow a tainted gold beneath their bronze, tube-like armor and orange suits. In long, quick strides, they made their way before the king well aware of the many sets of eyes positioned directly upon them as they knelt and waited to be spoken to by the king himself.
The king took his queue and stood, followed shortly thereafter by the prince. In a deep, gruff voice he issued, "Are you the ambassadors of Kyakudo?"
One of the Kyakudoans made a clicking sound to address the king who gave a low growl in obvious distaste.
"Do not mock me by using a dialect in my court other than Saiyano or I shall cancel the trial and reprimand you and your planet without any further prosecution as I see fit," the king snarled.
"Our sincerest apologies, your highness. We are the Kyakudoan ambassadors."
"So I see," the king huffed crossing his arms securely over his chest and stiffening his stance in agitation. "Your people have been accused of treachery towards the crown and furthermore failing to abide by our contract for a merciful levy on your worthless planet. Knowing the allegations placed upon you, how do you plead?"
"No contest, your highness," the same alien softly spoke, still leaning on his one knee for support on the floor at the king's feet.
"Are you aware of the consequences impending upon your race should I find you guilty?" the king asked, almost in annoyance.
The Kyakudoans were silent for a moment in hushed contemplation before answering, "Yes, we are well aware."
"Then surely you do realize that pleading no contest in this tribunal will do you no good. You will either be sentenced as guilty or not as guilty."
"'Not as guilty', your highness?" the alien stuttered. "I'm afraid I don't understand."
To this the king smirked. "It's quite simple really. You first pleaded no contest knowing the consequences if you lost this hearing instead of plainly saying innocent which would have been the only choice that could keep you from complete harm. By saying no contest in this instance you have just told me that you do wear some sort of culpability towards your accusation and are therefore guilty to some degree. Am I not right?"
Silence.
"Oh," the king stated in a tone that bordered friendly, but rose in a static hiss. "So you don't deny you're alliance with the Bengonin Rebellion? You shouldn't. We already have proof from Malthasia and Pluneo that directly links to Kyakudo and that you are part of the rebellion and are so here by proclaimed guilty towards that account. Then there is one last major issue…" King Vegeta paused taking a single step forward and glanced behind himself at the prince whose glare was lethally narrowed on the criminals before him.
"Your people destroyed part of Vegetasei's royal palace and killed some of our officers as well as endangered the life of one of our protected reserves."
"Your highness, those men…."
"But do you know what really vexes me?" the king seethed taking a few more steps towards the aliens. "The fact that you have the audacity to try and cover up your mistakes after you waged a battle in my own palace, my own HOME!! You have no idea what disrespect you have shown Vegetasei in the past few days, and furthermore the disgrace and fate you have lain upon your very planet…"
"But your highness…" the alien desperately tried to plead followed closely by the others in his group as the king continued his judgment.
"As punishment for your wrongs, I cannot find anything more fitting than this: I hear-by order the complete annihilation of the planet Kyakudo as soon as possible."
"Your highness, please reconsider!" the yellow creatures begged in utter horror.
"Why?" King Vegeta growled, disgusted with the weak display before him. "I don't think you deserve a second chance."
"We were never able to explain our case, your highness. Besides," the lead Kyakudoan bargained franticly; "Where would we and our people go? We would be loners in space and would probably end up doing your empire more harm than good."
"Is that a threat?" came a low, provocative voice from behind the king.
"I believe it was," the king smirked in agreement.
Out from behind the chilled air of his father's dead shadow, stepped a more youthful copy of the prototypic form of a Vegetasei king. He stood beside his father for a moment completely mimicking the older man's stance down to his sinful smirk, only a few inches of heighth, a fold of black, pointy bangs, and a reckless gleam differentiating the two proud men from one another. The youngest of the pair continued forward flashing his pearly canines at the wary beings below.
"Your highnesses, no, I implore you that it was not a threat at all I was just…"
"Don't bother, your planet will be nonexistent fairly soon and your yapping won't help," the prince smirked continuing to stride slowly and menacingly towards the kneeling aliens.
"But our people!" one alien cried out in desperation; "Where will we go?"
"No where," the prince simply stated.
"But…. why?"
A sadistic chuckle quickly filled the room as the prince raised his hand aiming it at the alarmed aliens. "Well, who's going to tell them they need to go?"
All heads in the room perked up as a ki ball was sent hurtling towards one of the Kyakudoans leaving a neat hole through the golden warrior's body. Two of the others stood from their kneeling position in a panic and tried in vain to break the distance between themselves and the door as two more attacks gave them the same fate as their previously fallen comrade.
Only one remained, the unappointed leader of the small pack, scrambling from his kneeling position only to find himself quickly back pedaling as fast as he could to hopelessly evade the oncoming prince as the Saiyan's strong, gloved fingers forcibly wrapped themselves around the weaker alien's scrawny throat breaking off the utility of the trachea and placing excruciating pressure on the spinal nerves. Within only a few moments the Kyakudoan quit his exertive struggle for freedom as his body slowly lost control of itself and fell limply to the floor, no longer supported by the prince's grasp.
The king sighed in annoyance motioning towards the door. "Send her in."
A short hiss was heard as the huge doors to the Throne Room slowly opened and three figures stepped into the room, but two stopped shortly beyond the front exterior of the room leaving the third to walk by its lonesome self up to the throne and perform a bowed curtsey waiting to be reprieved. A swift hand gesture allowed it to stand upright waiting for the king to speak.
Gohan didn't notice this though as he carefully examined one of the guards that had escorted the plaintiff into the Throne Room. He was a slightly shorter guard with a thick mustache, which he occasionally twitched side to side. He recognized him. He knew he recognized him, but just couldn't place from where. Darn it, where did he know that guy? He continued to wrack his brain for information unable to avert his attention from the man. Darn it. Darn it. Darn it. Darn it. Darn it? Da-rhn it. Da-rhb it. Darbin!
That was it. This man was Darbin from the bar and one of the guards the prince had taken earlier from the congregation room. But what was it that he had wanted with Darbin that would bring the lowly soldier here? It was then that his attention was directed to the front of the room where the king was addressing a short figure clothed in a dark, black cloak. He saw the prince step up to it, a wryly grin upon his features as his father followed close behind.
"As a protected participant of the Saiyan monarchy," the king addressed folding his arms stiffly across his chest; "justice has been served in your favor in accordance of Vegetasei law. Should you feel that you are not yet justified in contrast to what has earlier been dealt to you, you are permitted to seek vengeance in your own terms as long as it abides by the law. If you have nothing more to discuss with us, you are free to leave the court now, or, should you want to, you may sit in the pit and listen to other prosecutions."
The figure gave a slight shake of its head.
"Very well, you are dismissed," the king stated, turning his back on the figure to walk back up to his throne next to his shorthaired queen.
The prince however watched with what could be taken as amusement as the figure gave a deep curtsy and turned to leave as well. He followed after it and then headed it off giving a quick order to a few guards standing off to the side to remove two of the limp bodies from floor that were slightly blocking its path. The figure halted and examined the damage as if it had just noticed the stained floor before turning its attention to the prince standing beside it. He gave a smug grin taking a short step closer and extended his gloved hand towards the hood, the back of his hand facing what would be the creature's cheek in an affectionate gesture. However before contact could be made, the figure snapped its head quickly away from the opposing hand refusing the contact.
With a short grunt, the prince retracted his hand saying in a disappointed voice, "That's right, I almost forgot."
He took a wide step backwards and bent slightly at the waist in a small bow taking one last look at the cloaked being before retreating back to his place beside the king, watching as the mysterious cloak left the Throne Room followed closely by its two guards.
King Vegeta watched his son in great amusement allowing a smirk to cover his face without trying to hide it. When his son saw his expression, a deep scowl scarred the heir's idiom causing a low chuckle to rise from the elder royal's throat.
"Feisty isn't she?" the king mocked.
An irritated growl was his only answer as the prince took his place at his father's side.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
A/N~ Hahahahahahaha, most people have already figured out the basic scheme of this fic I think. Oh well. I'm still gonna write it. Ummmmmm…. I'm feeling much more confident now about my fic, but still, REVIEW!!!!! Please?
