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Immortal Together
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A Dragon Ball Z Fan Fiction
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By: Hatti Lee*
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Also known as:
BelovedAnimosity,
Amalthea*, &
Saiyajin Peach
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Started: 2.22.4
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Author's Notes: Sorry it took so long to post this! I just started a new job and I have less and less free time. So, it may be a while until the next chapter as well. Sorry! *Ducks from flying objects!* No worries though... I promise to never let it take more than two weeks. ^_^
Warnings: IMPORTANT! This fic is yaoi, which means it contains male/male intimacy. Also, this fic contains incest, and is rated R for graphic sexual situations and violence as well as some language. If you're under age, go no further! If you're uncomfortable with any of this, I suggest you go elsewhere!
Disclaimer: Most obviously, I don't own Dragon Ball Z or it's characters. If I did, I wouldn't be here writing fan fiction!
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Chapter VI
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After several hours of waiting, night closing in, Vejita insisted Nappa and Raditz take leave and get some sleep. It took near threatening for them to give in and leave him be. The doctor had reported that Kakarotto was unconscious but stable. He wasn't doing any better, but he wasn't doing any worse either. They were currently running tests and what not, trying desperately to determine the cause. Seemed there had been similar illnesses recently, all of which had resulted in death.
Vejita didn't know it when morning came. Dark circles graced his tired eyes as he sat wide awake, tense. He didn't hear his father approach and nearly jumped out of his skin when the king placed a firm hand to his shoulder.
The prince swore, pulling from the touch, Kami... Don't sneak up on me like that.
The king let it slide, understanding the situation, I just heard. What happened?
Vejita sighed, I don't know.
The infirmary doors rattled as they came open, the doctor stepping out, Sire, I think we have something! The old man's eyes looked weary, his stance weak.
Vejita jumped to his feet, silently urging the man to come out with it.
We've been testing some of the bodies of those that have recently died of similar symptoms. It seems to be some new illness. We've been tracing it all night, and found it's source with a shipment of slaves that came in some months ago.
New slaves? That doesn't make sense. They're kept elsewhere and usually worked in the mines, far from the palace. How would the young prince have come into contact with it? The king questioned, his voice demanding.
The doctor stuttered, Well, it is contagious... Has anyone near the young prince died recently?
Vejita paled, The tutor.
The king whispered, stepping back.
The doctor cleared his throat, Try not to worry. We're working on a cure of some sort. He's strong, his body's fighting it.
The king nodded, taking hold of his son's shoulder, We have work to do now, Vejita. Don't look so helpless.
Vejita only nodded, unsure of all this. A cure? These doctors were barely capable of mending a broken bone properly. How could they possibly cure a new illness in time to save Kakarotto? He let the depressing train of thoughts slip away though. His father's words pressed in on him. He was right, there was work to do.
Together, they started for the throne room, entering noisily as they called guards, soldiers, and royals forward. Orders flew and in minutes, things were in action.
All the contaminated slaves were destroyed, burned alive. Other slaves were scurrying about the palace cleaning every room from floor to ceiling. Messengers were sent out, informing those who were anywhere near the illness to seek medical attention immediately. Turned out, the old tutor woman had had a generous soul. She'd been donating portions of her own rations to the new slaves. Stupid broad! Vejita grit his teeth, imagining the woman hugging and kissing his son hello and goodbye. No doubt, that had been how Kakarotto had contracted the illness.
In just hours, the whole matter was dealt with, and Vejita was back to waiting outside the infirmary. Nappa and Raditz joined him there, pacing and peering in just as he was. They had their meals brought to them as lunch approached, the prince's stomach thundering with forgotten hunger.
As he finished cleaning his plate, the doctor stepped out of the infirmary, his face gray with exhaustion, Sire, I'm... I'm afraid there's nothing we can do. He's still in stable condition, but try as I might... I can't see a way around this illness. We've got three more cases already, all of which are near death. I really don't know how he's lasting while they're not. I... I'm sorry.
Vejita felt as if he were outside his body, looking down on himself as well as the entire situation. The rage felt distant as he thrust his fist out, smashing the doctor's glasses against his face, blood pouring down his white coat. And then he was rushing back into his body, the violence a stress vent he wasn't going to miss out on, his body couldn't have all the fun. The anger hit him in waves and realization sank in. There was nothing they could do. Nothing! Kakarotto was going to die?! How the hell was he supposed to live without the boy? His boot slammed down again on the doctor's cracked skull. This time it gave, making a delightful, squishy sound as the matter within flattened under his heel.
Looking up, he saw that both Nappa and Raditz were speechless, their mouths hanging open, Go, tell my father. He ordered, watching as it took a moment for them to snap back into reality, a moment to tear their eyes from the bloody mess and the matter still clinging to his stained boot.
Once they'd scurried off, obviously fearful of the same fate, he entered the infirmary. The nurses looked at him oddly, his right leg drenched in blood, more splattered all across his body. They were all wearing little masks as they worked over bodies, some alive, some dead. One even offered him one, but he waved it off. He was immortal, illness could never touch him.
He eyed the cloth partition and started over, glad to see that Kakarotto was being kept to himself, away from all those bodies, away from all that death. He moved close and pulled up a stool. He felt his eyes water as he reached out, but he stopped, noticing his glove and the tiny red dot of blood on the palm. In a frenzy, he ripped both gloves off, tossing them to the floor. He reached out again then, gently pressing his clean, warm palms to the boy's cool cheeks. Surely that wasn't right.
Vejita smirked, remembering having had the very same thought years ago, when Kakarotto was an infant in his arms. His eyes watered further. Kami, there was no way he could let him go! He sat back, absorbing the sight, the beauty. Even in sickness he was a beautiful child. Skin as white as the sheets, hair as black as the night... Kami, he looked so much like his mother, the Goddess of Love.
The memory, the thought, the word ... It echoed through his head, and instantly reminded him of another goddess... The Goddess of Immortality! He leapt from his seat, rushing back to gently pat his son's hand in momentary farewell before turning again and sprinting from the room.
He nearly mowed the king down as he turned a corner. He'd planned on searching first the throne room then the king's personal quarters, a place he hadn't been allowed in years. None of that was necessary now. His father had been on his way to the infirmary, Nappa and Raditz with him. Vejita stepped back, his personal space demanding distance.
I just heard. The king said, his voice suggesting concern, but his features hard and emotionless.
I need to speak with you. Vejita said, his voice unknowingly hushed, He added, his eyes wide.
The king nodded, turning on his heel, heading back down the hall towards the throne room.
Nappa questioned. The question went ignored, however, as the prince hurried after his father, gesturing to the two soldiers to stay put.
Once in the brilliant lighting of the secluded throne room, Vejita approached his father, stepping close, looking up and directly into cold, distant eyes, I want to take Kakarotto to see her.
The king's brows furrowed but a second, realizing suddenly who his son was referring to, He said, shaking his head, Absolutely not.
Vejita narrowed his eyes, And why not?
He's ill... He could be made forever ill. The king hissed, closing in on his son, Speaking of the goddess... I've noticed you haven't aged in the years. What's different? It wasn't a question, more a crude demand.
Vejita smirked, I amended the request, asking for immortal youth rather than simply immortality.
Hmph, you always were vain. The king scoffed, shaking his head.
Did you not hear what you said though? The prince asked, his intensity returning, Could! He could be made ill forever. We won't know until we go and ask, and I'm willing to take him, considering it's his only chance.
Fine, if it's his only chance... But there's no way you're going.
Vejita straightened his posture, uncrossing his arms, hands in fists, I'm not asking.
Are you challenging me?! The king bellowed, his eyes wide.
The smirk returned to Vejita's lips, Don't be ridiculous, father. You've only seen half my strength. I've long since passed you up, and Kakarotto's well on his way.
I'm still king. The taller man growled, baring his teeth, And there's no way you're leaving. Two years with a king and no heir. You could very well return to nothing.
The prince pondered that for a moment, seriously considering it, then shrugged, Hai, it's dangerous, but to save Kakarotto's life, I'm willing to risk yours.
The king sighed, knowing already that he wasn't going to win this argument, It's not only me that would be at risk. The House of Vejita could be turned over.
Vejita only shrugged again, Something I'm willing to risk.
You're impossible! The king roared, turning then to pace before his throne. There wasn't anything he could do though. He could see in his son's eyes that the challenge had been based mostly on assumption. It was a bluff. The prince didn't know for sure that he was the strongest. No one had seen the king's abilities in decades. Only, the king knew that his son's bluff was fact. He also knew, that when it came to the young prince's life, his son would be willing to fight the undefeatable. Vejita truly loved his son, something the king honestly didn't understand.
Go then. Make haste. The king muttered finally, watching as relief flooded his son's eyes.
Vejita calmed, glad he wasn't going to have to fight his father, I'm taking Nappa and Raditz and leaving as soon as possible. He barely finished before passing through the throne room's side exit, hurrying again for the infirmary.
On his way he stopped a passing soldier, You there! He called, frightening the young Saiya-jin to no end. Go to the docks. Tell them to begin preparing my ship for a two year mission for four. When the you man didn't speak or move, the prince stepped closer, shouting, The soldier scampered off, and Vejita turned back to the direction he'd been headed.
Nappa and Raditz were waiting just outside the infirmary, looking puzzled and impatient, We're taking Kakarotto to see the Goddess of Immortality. The ship's being prepared. Go there, I'll be there with Kakarotto momentarily. Vejita spoke quickly yet clearly, not waiting for a reply once he was finished. He could hear their boots as they started away to gather their things and get to the ship while he passed through the swinging, double doors.
He spotted the yellow-skinned nurse and beckoned her over, I need you to find a slave, someone to place a change of mine and Kakarotto's royal attire aboard my ship.
She blinked, Why, Sire, I know where your quarters are, as well as the young prince's. Shall I do it?
He nodded, Fine, fine. Just hurry. She bowed deeply before running off, her soft, leather shoes padding against the solid floor.
He found Kakarotto just as he'd left him. Vejita had planned on simply lifting the boy in his arms and taking him, but that had been a rather moronic thought. First of all, there were a number of strange machines hooked up to his son, all of which he didn't understand let alone know how to remove. Secondly, he needed to know how to care for him, how to keep him alive until they reached their destination.
As these thoughts came to him, a young alien approached with a grim expression, I'm sorry, Sire. I wish there was something I could do.
Vejita looked the man up and down. He was obviously the new doctor. Tell me, what do all these machines do?
The doctor stepped closer, Well, he's got his intravenous nourishment here. He said, tapping a dangling bag of liquid with a single digit. He then gestured to one of the boxy gizmos, This one monitors breathing, this one pulse and heart rhythm, and this one brain waves.
Vejita nodded, So, they're not keeping him alive?
Oh no, Sire. They're just to observe his condition. When the readings become critically low and life threatening, an alarm sounds. The doctor explained, talking with his greenish, alien hands.
Vejita nodded again, So, what's keeping him alive?
His strength and will to survive. The illness is affecting him far slower than the others.
How long do you think he has? Vejita looked into the doctor's deep emerald eyes then, his expression grave.
The young man swallowed, I can't be certain... I'd say a matter of months.
Sweat broke out across the prince's forehead, Do you think he could last a year?
I... I don't know. It's possible. We've come up with an injection we call the Chikara Serum. It's hardly a cure, but we've noticed those that receive it daily live considerably longer. I believe the young prince could last year with the help of it.
Vejita nearly smiled. What good news! I need a years worth of those injections stored on my ship right away, and I need you to show me how to give one.
The doctor's eyes went wide, but once he realized the prince was serious, he called several nurses over and set them to work. One soon returned with several items. The doctor took them, and she scampered off to help several others in carrying boxes out of the room, presumably to the prince's ship.
The young man then showed Vejita the items he held. Two small glass bottles with rubber lids, one with a blue label, the other with a white label, and a shiny, new needle and syringe. Okay, first pull out twenty cc.'s, cubic centimeters, of Enerugi, the one with the white label. The doctor twisted the needle onto the syringe and jabbed the point into the white-labeled bottle, making sure Vejita could see as he pulled forth exactly twenty cc.'s, pulling the needle out once he was through. Don't worry about it spilling. The rubber seals back so there's no hole. He said, turning the bottle over to prove his point. Vejita marveled as it indeed didn't spill. the doctor went on, Pull out fifteen cc.'s of Seiryoka, the one with the blue label. It should come to thirty-five cc.'s all together. Okay, shake it up a bit and you're ready. He did just that, gently shaking the prepared injection.
You're going to be giving these for a while, so you're going to have to move around a lot. You can give it anywhere there's muscle, which shouldn't be a problem with the young prince. He said, chuckling, poking the needle into Kakarotto's upper arm. Always pull back to make sure you didn't hit a vein. It wouldn't be good to put all this straight into his blood. Then, just push in the plunger, and that's it.
Vejita nodded. That seemed simple enough. But what about the IV?
The doctor frowned, calling nurses over a moment later and giving them more instructions. You don't need to mess with the actual needle or anything, but the bag has to be changed several times a day. Since he's unconscious, he needs constant nourishment. When it's empty, just change it out like this. The doctor said, demonstrating.
Vejita nodded again, simple enough. Oh, but what about the other end?
The doctor chuckled, Yes, though unconscious, he still relieves himself. We use bed pads and replace them as needed, cleaning him thoroughly once a day. I guess you'll be needing those supplies as well. He said, calling for another nurse. The young woman that approached had an annoyed look on her face as she was given more instructions, but she nodded and moved to carrying them out.
That's everything then? Vejita asked after running through everything again.
The doctor nodded, Sounds like it.
Good. Get these things off him then.
Starting somewhat at the sudden demand, the young man quickly began removing the machines and their hook-ups. Once his son was free from everything except the IV, the bag hanging from a metal bracket mounted on the bed frame itself, Vejita moved to unlock the infirmary bed's wheels. Seconds later, he was wheeling Kakarotto down the corridor toward the docks. Soldiers watched with wide eyes as he passed, their glances lingering on the pale form of the young prince lying prone.
Vejita slowed as he neared the door marked DOCKS. He moved to tuck Kakarotto's blankets more securely about his body, ensuring that any sudden gusts wouldn't leave the boy nude and bare. The door slid open as he stepped before it, rolling the bed out behind him. The air was calm and warm outside. It seemed a small blessing.
A young Saiya-jin woman hurried over, Sire, the ship's still being readied.
He sighed, anger plain on his face, What's left? How much longer?
She stepped back, obviously afraid, There are some nurses on board putting away medical supplies. Everything else is done. I'd say... Um...
She was glancing at her watch, about to answer, when a young alien woman in a nurse's uniform approached, All done, Sire. You'll find everything you need in your quarters.
Vejita grinned, an expression that surprised both women not only with it's rarity, but also by the slight sadistic gleam to it. They quickly excused themselves, and the prince was chuckling as he started for the ship. He kept his grasp firm as he pushed the bed up the ramp, wheeling it towards the short corridor that would lead to his room.
Nappa and Raditz were standing in the control room, watching with leery eyes, Shall I... Shall I commence take off?
Vejita stopped halfway through the entry of the corridor, turning to look Nappa in the eyes, Ten minutes... Take off in ten minutes.
The bulky warrior answered, bowing his head ever so slightly as the prince disappeared down the hall. He and Raditz took their seats. Neither of them really wanted to go on this mission; however, it was better than a lot of things, and in truth, it would be nice to get away from the busy palace. Almost like a vacation.
The room was crowded with boxes and boxes of medical supplies, all of which had been secured for take off. There was a narrow, cot-like bed built into one wall. It was about sixty centimeters off the floor. Vejita scowled at it. That wouldn't do. Kakarotto could fall during turbulence. The floor seemed a better choice. Vejita hefted the thick, spring-less mattress from the bed and tossed it to the floor. He then threw down a sheet and a pillow. He'd have to find some extra blankets to recushion the cot-like bed for himself.
The boy was light in his arms, lifeless, limp. It was frightening. Vejita tried to ignore the sensation as he carefully lay his son on the pallet. He looked then to the stretched tube from Kakarotto's arm to the IV still attached to the infirmary bed. He glared at the thing as if it were consciously being a nuisance and must stop. Reaching up, he wrapped gloved fingers around the metal bracket, bracing the bed with his other hand. A quick, powerful yank and the metal snapped free from the bed. Luckily, two bars had snapped free with the arm. Vejita could balance it to stand, but there was no way it was going to stay like that. He glanced around for something heavy. Nothing.
Then he had an idea. He lifted the edge of the mattress and pushed the two bars beneath the solid weight. The IV bag hung sturdily from the metal arm. It would do once they were in space.
No for the infirmary bed. It couldn't stay in the room. It was a complicated mass of metal bars and brackets that would be unstable during take off and flight. Vejita roughly jiggled an obvious latch and the bed folded down into a wheeled stretcher. It was still dangerous though. Annoyed with the damned thing, Vejita snatched it up off the floor and hauled it into the small, nearby training room, tossing it in carelessly.
The computer began reading off instructions and expectations for take off in a feminine voice. The prince hurried back to Kakarotto's room, lying beside his son as countdown commenced. He didn't really hear any of it. That didn't matter though. He knew now what to expect. Since his first time some sixteen years ago, he'd been on a number of missions and what not. Vejita instead concentrated on his son, holding the IV in place and making sure the boy's head was secure on the pillow.
The engine sounded and whirred louder and louder. Everything shook as they rose off the ground. After a few moments, the ship jerked and they blasted out of the atmosphere. It took a total of no more than fifteen minutes, and the prince pulled back from his son, pleased everything was going so well. Now the only concern was Kakarotto lasting until they reached their destination.
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The first six months were a breeze. Vejita held to a routine. He woke each morning, had breakfast, then went to change Kakarotto's IV bag and bed pad if necessary. He trained or lounged until noon, eating a quick lunch, and then returning to Kakarotto to again change the IV bag and bed pad. At this time he also gave his son the day's shot. He was quite the expert now, capable of doing it all with his eyes closed. He changed the IV twice more in the evening in between training and what not. Before bed every night, he gave his son a sponge bath.
Nappa and Raditz watched as the prince went to the room he shared with the boy, wash pail in hand, I never thought he'd care for someone so well. Raditz mumbled, careful to keep his voice low.
Nappa chuckled, turning to gaze out the expansive window in the control room, If you only knew how he had it as a kid. I think maybe he's trying to do better by Kakarotto.
Raditz nodded, understanding the reasoning behind this, Yeah, but how bad could he have had it? I mean, he really pampers the kid.
Nappa scowled, The young prince is ill... What do you mean pamper?
The long-haired warrior quickly shook his head, raising his hands, No, no... I mean, even before. You know?
Nappa gave a quick nod, Vejita's mother died while he was still crawling. Since then he was always alone. Even after I was assigned to him, he kept himself distanced. All his life, all he's ever done was train.
Sounds like fun. Raditz grumbled, rolling his eyes, not understanding such a life.
The bulkier of the two warriors sighed, It's not so much that he enjoyed it... It's just, he never learned to trust anyone. The only way he could ever feel safe was to be strong enough to take care of himself.
Raditz whispered, suddenly seeing that everything his friend was saying made sense. It all fit the prince so well, and it was the most depressing thing he'd ever heard.
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Vejita dried his son with a soft towel, taking his time, running the cloth down long, sinewy limbs. Even under these conditions, the sight of the boy nude was nearly unbearable. How could one being hold so much beauty?
Vejita placed a finger to the light dusting of hair some centimeters below the boy's navel. It was soft and black and trailed downward like a sensual pathway. The prince allowed his finger to follow that path, resting his hand over Kakarotto's groin. He wanted nothing more than to be with his son. Yes, in that way.
The thought zapped him back into reality, and he snatched his hand away. Kami, what was he doing?! Here his son lie, sick and perhaps dying, and his mind was in the gutter! Shaking his head in the hopes to clear his mind, he moved to pull the blanket back over Kakarotto, careful not to knock over the makeshift IV stand.
He gave one last glance to the boy, then moved to put away the pail and turn out the lights, Good night, Kakarotto. He whispered.
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To be continued...
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