By Kiarene (6/3/2003)
In response to an ongoing drabble challenge on the SJS list. A random word from the dictionary is picked and the story must be no more than 500 words. Although we didn't have to, I thought it would be fun to set my drabble entries in a happy alternate universe, about chibi Prince Vegeta. Probably my first G-rated series *grins*
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"Go on in, princeling." Nappa patted his back gruffly. "Your father is waiting."
The four year old shuffled in sullenly, his tail curled despondently around his right thigh. His heart sank further when he saw his father's stern visage. His mother stood near the window, her annoyed look telling the young boy that he would get no sympathy from that quarter either. The heavy door behind him swung closed with an ominous muffled thud.
"Vegeta." The bearded king scowled angrily, towering over the small-sized chibi. "I have received yet another complaint from a visiting dignitary that you've been bullying his child and insulting their race."
"I wasn't bullying him." Vegeta mumbled crossly. "I was showing him my fighting skills. Can I help it if the Sarhonns are such a weak race? Would you rather I lost to him on purpose?"
The king crossed his arms, clearly not appeased. "One, you should not go around picking fights with the children of foreign visitors. We are supposed to be the hosts here and I'm tired of apologizing to the parents."
"Two, physical strength isn't everything." The tall monarch sighed, his anger dissipating. "And three, you need to learn respect for other races."
"But Father!" Vegeta protested. "You've always told me to be proud of our race! You told me stories about our heritage!"
"Yes, I know I did." The king shriveled under the glare from his mate. One that said 'It Was Your Fault'. "But being proud of our race doesn't mean being disrespectful of others."
Vegeta glowered at the carpet. "But they are so weak…"
"Vegeta!" The prince winced at his mother's strident voice. "There are other admirable traits in the other races."
"Your mother and I have talked it over and we've came to a decision. You will spend three weeks out of every eight visiting a foreign planet…"
"No! Don't send me away!" The king was interrupted when his son suddenly clung to his thigh, sobbing loudly. "I'm really sorry, I promise I will be good from now on!"
Both parents winced. The queen walked over as her mate picked up their trembling child. "Hush Vegeta. We're not sending you away."
"We just want you to learn about other races." She stroked her only son's hair softly.
"But why?" Vegeta sniffed, rubbing his nose on his father's shoulder. "I don't wanna go…"
"Vegeta. One day you will be a king." His father explained quietly. "You need to know about the other aliens we live with. You cannot be too provincial; only knowing of Saiyan culture."
"We want you to be learned and cosmopolitan." His mother smiled. "I'll come with you whenever I can."
"But…"
"You'll enjoy it, Vegeta." The king promised him. "And we have never lied to you."
Vegeta did not reply as he curled up within his father's arms, holding his shaking tail. Being the contrary, stubborn chibi that he was, he was determined not to enjoy himself.
But of course he did.
And that's another story.
(500 words)
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