Immortal Together

By: Amalthea AKA Hatti Lee

Started: 2.22.4

Author's notes: Ah! Took me forever! But this is a long one, so be happy! Actually, I see the end of this fic very near at hand. I'm sure you can guess at the ending. Oh, and please be forgiving of any grammar or spelling errors, I haven't proof read this. So sorry! Please enjoy! And please review!

Disclaimer: I don't own Dragon Ball Z or its characters. So, no suing, okay?

Warnings: This fic contains homosexuality as well as incest. Does that not interest you? Then go no further. Also, this fic is rated R for sexual content , language, and violence. Please do not proceed if you're not of age.

Chapter XXI

Raditz stood at the back of the room. They'd had to change locations since the rebel number had so increased. They now gathered in an old weapons storage facility ever-so-near the palace. It was large and hadn't been used in years, still it was rather crowded. Raditz hadn't expected this. He should have.

With the knowledge of the princes' ridiculous relationship, the small mob had multiplied. They all hated the king and his new ideas of governing, and the weakness obvious now in their beloved Prince Vejita drove the mob over the edge.

Raditz listened now as plans to overthrow the House of Vejita were made. It was the perfect opportunity really. It seemed Draigon, the leader of this murderous bunch, had all this planned from the beginning. He knew it would come to punishment. He knew Prince Vejita would have to spend a bit of time in the dungeons, and that was all they needed. For if there were any chance this rebellion should fail, it would be Prince Vejita who'd stop it. With him safe behind bars however, their plans would go unspoiled.

Draigon railed on and on, eventually working the entire mass into a frenzy. Raditz couldn't help but feel a bit ashamed, responsible. He agreed, the king's plans were surely going to ruin their way of life, but he couldn't help thinking about young Kakarotto. The boy had warmed up to him so quickly, laughed at his jokes and whined at his teasing. It was a friendship he was having trouble forgetting.

Near morning, it was all decided. Two nights from now they'd meet here and be ready. They were going to separate, half the forces attacking the front entrance while the other half snuck in through the docks using Raditz' as a key, talking their way passed guards. With all the attention on the front, they'd make quick work of those few remaining loyal soldiers. Once the king was captured and they were in control, other plans would be made. It was already decided that Draigon would be the new king. Mow if only he didn't feel so… Raditz shook it off. No. This had to be done.

………………………………...

Nappa was surprised at the relative calm in the room. Everyone seemed to be patiently enduring their state. Vejita, his anger having finally cooled, sat quietly, holding Kakarotto in his arms half the time. The boy had finally stopped crying, but anyone could see the light was missing from his eyes. Tekita, as always, seemed ever watchful, ready for anything. Nappa was proud of his son, impressed that such a warrior had come from him.

He guessed they wouldn't be so calm if all this wasn't a ruse. In their few moments of brief conversation, it was something they always mentioned. Yes, no more than a couple of months. Just enough time to prove to the public that they'd been punished. Then everything would be back to normal. No more filthy floor and sloppy food and rude guards.

They didn't talk about the possibilities of separation once they were released. Vejita would fight it, but he and Kakarotto were bound to be split up. And none of them talked about the dark bruises on the boy, and how they weren't fading. If anything, Kakarotto seemed worse from his injuries; sore, tired, aching. The worry shone in Vejita's eyes.

It was late. Who knew how many nights it had been. Two, three? Nappa wasn't sure. His idle thoughts were interrupted by a loud, rolling thunder. He thought it odd. The planet had only very brief rain seasons and now was not the time for them. It seemed to dawn on all of them at the same time. Rebellion!

Vejita jumped to his feet, Kakarotto falling to the side, quite confused, "The idiot!" Vejita roared, racing to the door and peering out the tiny, barred window.

Nappa and Tekita followed suit, trying to look out past the prince, "What are we going to do?" Nappa questioned, unashamed of the evident worry and fear in his voice.

"What is it?" Kakarotto asked, climbing to his feet, using the wall for support.

Vejita slammed his fist into the bars. They creaked, but didn't budge, blood spurting from his busted knuckles, "We can't be in here!" He growled.

Kakarotto stumbled over to the door, taking his father's injured hand, "Stop, you're hurt."

"What are we going to do?" Tekita said, echoing his father's earlier question as he pressed his face to small window, trying in vain to see around the corner.

"How the fuck should I know!" Vejita spat, his face contorted with rage, "That idiot! That fucking idiot." He dropped to his knees then, trying not to think about the small number of remaining loyal soldiers or how weak his father had become over the years.

Kakarotto knelt as well. Fear gripped his heart, but at the same time, he remained hopeful, optimistic. Surely the king could handle it. The king was fierce when he had to be, Kakarotto had seen it. Things would work out. They had to. He clung to his father, trying not to act the child. His tears were the last thing he wanted his father worrying about.

They remained at the door, listening. It lasted for hours, the rolling thunder. They all knew it to be explosions now. Why was it lasting so long? How large had the rebel army grown?

At last things seemed to die down, more and more time separating each boom. Voices could be heard, shouting, jesting. Had victory come at last? Vejita watched through their small window, knowing now that these voices were approaching, coming closer and closer. And then they came into sight and his blood began to boil.

A large, burly Saiya-jin with a mass of unruly shit-brown hair was shoving the beaten and battered king along. Many warriors accompanied them, laughing and sneering at the sight of the defeated king.

Vejita took hold of the bars and yelled out, "What the hell is going on!"

"Ah, Prince Vejita, so good to see you behind those bars. I'm Draigon, the new king!" It was said through a cruel grin, followed by a ridiculous laugh.

Vejita growled, feeling all his anger gather. He thought about his beloved, injured Kakarotto. He looked on at his broken father, and he thought about the nights he'd spent sleeping on the stinking, filthy floor of the damned dungeon! He barred his teeth and grunted as he used power from an unknown source to bend the bars. They creaked and moaned and he watched with satisfaction as the king's capture's smiles fell away, awe upon their stunned faces.

"You think you've won?" Vejita growled, thinking again of Kakarotto, how he had to protect his lover, his mate.

"That's enough!" Draigon shouted, pulling a weapon from his belt and fast approaching the door.

It happened before anyone had a chance to think. The small gun had fired it's deadly energy beam right into the prince's chest. Vejita fell back, blood pooling. Kakarotto screamed, clambering to cover the wound, to apply pressure. Draigon was shouting something about standing back, for all of them to move back, but Kakarotto didn't hear it. He concentrated on this wound, this blood. Kami, no! No such weapon would normally have this kind of effect on his father, but they were in this damned dungeon, their power suppressed. He saw out of the corner of his eye Nappa and Tekita stepping back against the far wall, he saw the light spilling in as the door opened, figures being thrown in. He ignored it.

Thank goodness! Upon closer inspection he could see that the shot had been fired more into Vejita's shoulder were no vital organs rested. It was a fairly clean wound, the blast hadn't hit any bones. If only it'd stop bleeding! The door was slammed, and Kakarotto was glad for it. He wanted the bastards to leave them alone for the time being, allow them to gather their strength and wits before hitting them with yet another blow.

Vejita's still form lie in the middle of the room, somewhat near the door. Kakarotto wanted to move him to a corner, but didn't dare. The blood had slowed, he didn't want to reopen the wound. Gently, he ripped the material from his father's shoulder, better inspecting the hole.

Vejita groaned, blinking. He'd slipped into darkness for an instant. What had happened? He moved to sit up.

"No, be still. You're hurt." Kakarotto whispered, a firm hand pressing against his chest, holding him down.

That's right. He'd been shot with a damned gun! Draigon, that coward! No Saiya-jin used such weapons! He turned his head to see Nappa and Tekita looking on with wide eyes as well as a his father and two strange warriors.

"What the hell happened?" He ground out, his anger flaring again.

The king shook his head, wiping at the trail of blood that had leaked down his cheek from a shallow wound, "It was planned. The information about you and Kakarotto, it was leaked on purpose. They attacked as soon as they knew you were safely locked in the dungeon."

"The bastards!" Vejita hissed, shifting slightly in his anger. A sharp pain shot through his shoulder, nothing really, but enough to make him flinch.

"Be still!" Kakarotto insisted.

"But how did they find out at all?" Tekita asked, "No one knew. The secret was kept rather well."

"Ritsu?" Nappa suggested.

The king shook his head again, "No, she helped in your search. She was loyal and remained so. In fact, I have no idea what became of her. Perhaps she's doing something now, planning something."

Vejita scoffed at the very idea, "She's only one woman, and that's if she's even alive."

Kakarotto's eyes teared up, "Don't talk like that." He managed, taking Vejita's face between his hands and speaking into the older man's eyes, "She's our friend, remember?"

The king ignored the intimate gesture, "Surely there's someone out there planning something. We have to think this through. Perhaps one of these guards will cooperate and see what we have going for us, who's left alive, who's willing to fight. We must figure this out. We must restore the House of Vejita!"

"That's enough!" Kakarotto shouted finally, "Can't you see he's hurt?" He turned to Nappa then, "What should I do about this?"

Nappa swallowed, trying his best to ignore the obvious anger in the king's red face. He nodded and moved closer to the fallen prince, "It doesn't look so bad. It's a lucky shot, should heal even without the help of immortality."

"What are you talking about?" The king questioned, puzzled and still angered.

"We heal like everyone else in here." Kakarotto said, pointing to the wound on the king's cheek that still remained.

This shocked the older man, worry finally creeping into his eyes.

"It's just," Nappa said, staring down at the prince's wound, "This room's so dirty. Hopefully it doesn't get infected."

Vejita reached up, touching his son's worried face, startling the boy, "Don't worry about that. I'll be fine. Here, help me sit up."

Kakarotto nodded, helping his father move to the nearest wall in order to lean against it. Vejita watched as his injured son flinched with the task. How weak they all were now. Things didn't look good. He pushed the anger from his mind as the boy settled against him, cuddling close, wrapping sinewy arms about his waist.

The king looked about him. The room was disgusting, a far corner having obviously been selected for the restroom. He didn't want to sit down, yet his legs were so tired. He could see the two soldiers looking about, no doubt thinking the same thing. However, Kakarotto and Vejita seemed almost comfortable in the filth. Even Nappa and Tekita were plopped down in it, sitting near their princes.

Finally giving in, The king sat against the wall opposite his son and grandson, the two soldiers mimicking his actions. Nappa and Tekita seemed in the healthiest condition. He and the soldiers were next, battered and bruised, but on a whole, well enough, still capable of fighting. His son seemed well except for his fresh shoulder wound, which would cause some serious problems if it was indeed true that they weren't healing as they should in this dungeon. Kakarotto seemed the worst off, bruises ordaining his pale skin wherever visible. The boy seemed out of breath, no doubt there was some serious damage to his ribs. Where any other bones broken? He watched as the princes embraced, more than slightly unnerved. It just wasn't right, and technically, it the cause to all this.

With annoyance in his tone, the king asked of his son, "So, what do you plan to do?"

Vejita smirked, "Let me rest, father. Let me think."

"Don't you mean, 'Let me hold my lover?' "

"Hai, that's just what I mean. Let me hold my lover." Vejita couldn't help but enjoy his father's annoyance. He needed this though. He needed to calm down and simply feel Kakarotto's warmth against him. He couldn't think with so much rage.

"Is there really time for this?" The king growled.

Vejita sighed, "Okay, okay… There's no way we're getting out of this cell. The only way we're getting out of here is if someone opens that door."

"Our meals…" Said one of the soldiers yet introduced.

Nappa shook his head, "They feed us through that slot, if they feed us."

"Right. Why waste food on condemned men?" Vejita said through a near chuckle, "I remember instructing a young soldier on this not long ago concerning a rebel prisoner."

Kakarotto leaned close, covering his ears, "I don't want hear." He whispered.

Vejita tightened his hold on the boy, continuing with what he was saying, "So, unless they open that door, we're sure to die in here."

The king punched the floor, frustration getting the better of him, "So we're dead."

Nappa spoke up, "That Draigon guy was pretty boastful . He'll be back down here I'm sure."

Vejita nodded, "Hai, I doubt he's the type to simply let us rot in here. He'll want to kill us himself, even if it's with that weapon through the window. He'll be back, just so he can claim he killed the entire House of Vejita himself."

"Right." Tekita murmured, "We'll have to convince him to open the door then, but how?"

No one answered, everyone lost in their thoughts. The seconds ticked by in slow motion…

"If only there were something he wanted, something we had that he wanted…" Nappa whispered, thinking to himself.

They thought on many different plans ideas throughout the night, talking until they were too exhausted to do so. No one came, no food was served. When they awoke, everything was still the same, the single bulb flickering now and then above them.

Two days must have past, their stomachs empty and aching. A heat had begun to build in Vejita. He could feel it all over.

"You're hot." Kakarotto whispered, reaching out to place his bare hands to his father's forehead and neck. He reached out to uncover the wound, to look at it, but Vejita pulled away.

"Let me see." Kakarotto said, his voice soft but stern.

Vejita relented and allowed his son to look. It wasn't pretty. The wound was trying to scab, but was filled with retched, yellow puss, the flesh about it bright red. It ached like nothing else he'd ever felt, a deep, burning pain.

Kakarotto gasped, "It's… It's infected, isn't it?"

Nappa moved in to look, grimacing at the foul lesion, "Yeah." He mumbled leaning back against the wall. The prince must have known, how could he not? No doubt he kept silent to avoid worrying the boy.

"Lean up." Kakarotto insisted, tapping his father's shoulder, "I want to look at tha back."

Vejita did as he was told, wondering himself what the back was like.

Kakarotto sighed, "It's not as bad, but… What are we going to do?"

Nappa shrugged, "It has to be cleaned out. We don't have anything."

Kakarotto felt near panic. He couldn't allow something so insignificant bring his lover further pain. They weren't going to die! They had to endure! He looked around, thinking, thinking… Deciding, he pulled his gi shirt up and over his head. It wasn't clean, but it would have to do. Mostly it was blood stains. He'd lied on the floor, but it hadn't stained his clothes. It had to do!

He peeled the partially formed scab away, not knowing if that was right. He had to clean it right? He couldn't if it tried to heal over with the infection inside. His father took a deep breath now and then, but on the whole remained still and silent. Once the scab was gone he began dabbing at the wound with his shirt. He soon realized that while he was soaking up some of the mess, it wasn't really coming out.

"This is gonna hurt, okay?" He said, proceeding then to mash and squeeze, forcing the puss to gush out with a fresh flow of blood. He continued to do so until the blood appeared pure and red. He then did the same to the back at the exit hole. Vejita remained silent throughout, only breathing heavily, slight sweat beading along his forehead. The pain was horrible, but no doubt he suffered much worse.

Within hours, Vejita felt his fever fading and let Kakarotto know so. The boy was quite pleased, smiling, half his face still deep indigo. Now with his shirt off, they could all see that his chest and sides were severely bruised as well. It looked more painful than Vejita's wound. How had the boy been moving around so these past few days, caring for the injured prince?

The king was rather impressed. While he and the others had little hope, he could see clearly that his grandson was filled to the brim with optimism. Who amongst them would have gone through such lengths to try and clean such a wound? Especially when they had no means and the infection would no doubt build up again in a day or so? And the boy's on injuries… Kami! He could see now that Kakarotto, despite the bruises, was indeed an attractive boy, slim yet muscular. He watched as they resumed their positions, sitting close to one another, holding each other.

Vejita felt infinitely better and was having trouble keeping his eyes off his son's half nude body. Kami, how long had it been since they'd been together? It was no time for such thoughts, but they came to him none-the-less. The rage was just beneath the skin, he was saving for when that damned Draigon showed his face again. Until then… He ran his fingertips from his son's hip up to his armpit, watching as the boy's pink nipples stood erect. Kami!

Vejita looked to Nappa and Tekita who sat so near, "Some space, please." He whispered, adding the please for good measure. He didn't want to be questioned, he wasn't going to fuck the boy! He just wanted to touch a little.

Tekita rose without a thought, moving to sit near the king along with Nappa. They could still easily see both the princes, but they looked elsewhere, or closed their eyes altogether.

Vejita leaned over, pressing his lips to the boy's neck, tasting salty skin with a flick of his tongue, meanwhile running his down again from the boys shoulder to his hip, using said hip to pull his son closer.

Kakarotto didn't fight it, but couldn't help questioning, "Now? Here?"

Vejita licked his son's ear, tracing the shell, "Just a little. I want to feel something good."

Kakarotto nodded, turning his head so that their lips collided in a slow, wet kiss. He reached beneath the torn bits of his father's shirt, smoothing his palms over Vejita's chest on down to his stomach and around to his sides, dipping just his fingertips into the top his father's pants.

The king had stared warily at Nappa and Tekita as they moved to sit near him, but realized why in a matter of seconds. Good grief, where they going to fuck? It was the slowest sex act he'd ever witnessed. It turned out to be hardly more than kissing and groping, but Kami! For hours they licked and nipped and caressed, obviously knowing one another's preferences. Did Saiya-jin even behave so gently, so lovingly? Where they not his son and grandson in an incestuous relationship, the king would approve of a the match. Only, they were royals, princes. The high bred didn't pair with others of the same sex. It ended with the two drifting to sleep in one another's arms.

"They love each other, don't they?" The king said, speaking quietly.

Nappa decided to answer after a moment of silence and no one else speaking up. He nodded, "Hai, for a long time, if not from birth. I think maybe the Goddess of Love intended it."

The king was puzzled by this, "What are you talking about? What goddess?"

Nappa hadn't realized, "You don't know? About Kakarotto's mother?"

"Some strange woman of royal blood, nothing more." The king answered, honestly remembering little more. What had this to do with anything?
Nappa shook his head, "No, she was Bi, the Goddess of Love. Even the Goddess of Immortality confirmed it. Kakarotto is something divine. I think the Goddess of Love created him to teach the Saiya-jin something of love."

The king didn't know whether or not to laugh. Was the fool serious? Was it possible? If the Goddess of Immortality confirmed it… Kami! Why hadn't anyone told him? Would he have believed anyway? Did he now?

Kakarotto chose that moment to groan in his sleep and shift to a more comfortable position, causing Vejita to tighten his embrace on the boy.

"This love is bringing down the Saiya-jin." The king whispered, knowing it to be true.

A loud clattering interrupted their conversation, waking the princes. Footsteps could be heard approaching. The king stood, along with the two soldiers that had been thrown in with him.

A face appeared at the window, Draigon, "And the princes find comfort in one another's arms, huh?" Laughter then as other warriors peered in.

Vejita didn't move, simply sitting, an arm about Kakarotto's waist.

Draigon's face appeared again at the window, "Okay, now all of you, move back! Do as I say or the king's dead!" He yelled aiming his gun through the window.

None of them moved as the door was unlocked, opened, that damned gun pointed skillfully at the king's head, a fatal shot despite immortality. Warriors rushed in and began securing each of them, binding them with strange metal chains and cuffs.

"What's the meaning of this?" The king demanded, struggling halfheartedly.

Draigon laughed, shaking his head, "Now, now… I'll tell you only after you come with me."

Vejita didn't speak a word. So, they were going to be taken out of the dungeon? How long would it take for their wounds to begin healing? The fools, they were bringing doom down on themselves!

The warriors didn't bother securing the two anonymous soldiers, Draigon pointing his gun and doing them in with a single shot to the forehead for each of them. Kakarotto screamed and yelled and cursed and struggled. Kami, Vejita almost couldn't take it.

"That's enough, Young Prince." Draigon said through a cruel grin, "So like a woman. I'd take you for myself if you weren't hated so as a siren." He lifted the boy's chin with his big, meaty palms, turning his head from side to side, appraising his beauty. "Too bad really." He said, letting go and stepping back, still tsking.

Vejita grit his teeth, fighting the rage. Not yet, not yet. Once they were out of this dungeon, once their strength began returning. Then he'd power up to his maximum, something he hadn't done in years. The fat fool will be nothing more than a grease stain on the palace stone!

The five of them were led surrounded by warriors through the dungeon hall and up the stairs and down the corridors and out the main entrance of the palace. Vejita watched his son's slight limp, urging his strength to hurry with it's return. Only, it didn't return. Nothing was happening. He looked to the wound upon his father's cheek, still there. He clenched his fists in frustration, feeling a sharp pinch from his restraints. That was it! There was something to the bands about their wrists. He'd heard of such devices, but never bothered. He was the strongest on the planet, he didn't have so many worries to need such instruments. Now, however, he was faced with a dilemma.

The were walking out onto the very street now. The suns were beginning to set, the sky was darkening, a fearful red color. There were Saiya-jin everywhere, many of them warriors in battle dress. Their were torches flaring here and there, and in the center of the mass of people, there was a platform. Vejita knew what this was, knew as surely as the king knew. This was to be a public execution! Only Kakarotto remained innocent, looking about in a confused manner.

They were all of them pushed and shoved, voices screaming various slurs. The mob pushed and shoved, hands gouging and sneaking punches. It wasn't so much hate as it was bloodlust. These people had been worked into a frenzy!

"Papa! What's going on!" Kakarotto yelled, trying to keep with the group, to keep from being separated.

Eventually they were pushed up onto the platform, a wooden thing freshly built, sap still leaking from the newly cut boards. Vejita looped his bound arms over his son, holding him close, daring anyone to try and pry him away. His glare was venomous, still capable of instilling fear. Nappa and Tekita stuck close by as trying to protect the princes as body shields if nothing else.

It was the king who was snatched up, pulled from the group. They moved to help, to surround him, go with him, but they were surrounded by warriors, separated from the king.

Draigon climbed up onto the platform, his large stomach sliding over the floor as he pulled himself up to stand, "King Vejita, it seems your time has come." He said through that same triumphant grin.

The crowd roared and Draigon raised his hands high in the air. It made Vejita sick. From the distance, he could see a large warrior approaching, taller than most. He came right up the platform, people giving way, letting him pass. It wasn't until Draigon moved out of the way that Vejita saw the massive ax this man carried. It was insanely huge. Where had such a thing come from? No doubt a historic item kept somewhere for it's traditional value. He didn't have to guess what this ax was going to be used for. In fact, he didn't even get time to think about it.

With a signal from Draigon, everyone stood back from the king except the tall warrior, and with swift, seemingly practiced motion, the warrior whirled around lopping the king's head off in one deft movement. It thudded to the wooden flooring, eyes still open, seeming to look out, to still live. Blood spewed from the king's body as it crumpled to the floor.

Kakarotto didn't scream or struggle as expected. He stared with wide eyes, tears running like waterfalls. Vejita tried in vain to cover the boy's eyes, but his restraints wouldn't allow it. He didn't think about his dead father, the dead king. He didn't think about the growing pull of blood or the way Draigon sloshed his booted feet through it. He steadied himself by concentrating on Kakarotto. He had to save his son, he had to do something!

Kakarotto stared on despite his father's attempts to shield him from the horror of the Saiya-jin way of life. He knew this was what these people wanted. He could see it in their eyes as he looked out. Their eyes glittered with excitement. There lie his grandfather, the head severed, looking up at him.

"It's okay. You tried ta do your best for them." He said, speaking to the head.

Draigon looked his way, having caught his fragile words, "What's this?" The repulsive man questioned, stepping closer, kicking the head at Kakarotto's feet, "Are you losing your sanity, boy?"

Kakarotto didn't cringe, didn't pull away. He allowed his grandfather's head to rest against his feet. He looked up then, "You're a coward." He whispered.

Without a second thought, Draigon slapped him with a big meaty hand, nearly knocking him to the floor if it weren't for Vejita's support. This angered the prince to no end. Vejita's rage was held in check by such fragile means, he could feel the damn break, feel the adrenaline rush. He released Kakarotto and launched onto Draigon, wailing with what strength he still possessed, using his restraints, pounding the harsh metal against the idiot's skull. They tumbled to the floor and in seconds, warriors were yanking him back, pinning him down. Someone had a sword and was holding it's sharp point to his throat. Vejita bared his teeth, glaring at his captors.

Kakarotto turned to the crowd, scanning, scanning, "Isn't there anyone who'll help us?" He cried, tugging like a child at his chains, twisting his wrists at odd angles.

He was answered with rude comments and vulgar shouts.

"Don't you see, boy," Draigon said, spitting at Kakarotto before continuing, "No one wants your pansy ass around anymore. The Saiya-jin need true leaders, strong to the core."

He wasn't one to condone such mean-spirited violence, but he'd had just enough. Kakarotto leapt at Draigon just as his father had moments ago. He kicked and punched and even bit, his teeth tearing, blood spilling. He could hear Nappa and Tekita joining the struggle. It was like an all out wrestling match, they were largely outnumbered, but continued to fight. Kakarotto saw Vejita stomp a warriors ankle, breaking it with a resounding snap. Nappa was charging a warrior, knocking the unbalanced fool off the platform and clear into the crowd. Tekita was using his chained wrists as a weapon, smashing the metal into another warrior's chin. They were doing rather well. Kakarotto turned back to Draigon, kneeing the horrid man in the groin before crawling away.

They fought and fought, but were finally outnumbered, each of them pinned down by several warriors. Draigon climbed to his feet, spitting blood. The crowd had grown considerably quiet. With a simple gesture, Draigon had ordered the man with the ax to proceed.

Kakarotto wriggled, using everything he could, but it wasn't enough. They were going to die. His friends, his lover. He screamed, "It's not right! We just love each other! What's wrong with that! What's wrong with loving someone!"

"Nothing." Came his answer, a familiar, raspy voice from the crowd. "Nothing's wrong with being in love."

Kakarotto strained against his captors, looking out. His eyes lit up at the fast approaching form, "Raditz!" And there, behind the long-haired warrior, "Ritsu!"

"What's the meaning of this?" Draigon demanded as the two mounted the platform.

"You've done enough." Raditz growled, obviously capable of instilling fear.

"Ritsu, hurry, get these things off us!" Kakarotto pleaded, looking to his restraints. She quickly complied, hurrying around the confused soldiers that continued holding him, only not as fiercely. She made quick work of it, smashing the metal in her fists once she'd pulled it free.

Kakarotto sat up, instantly rushing to his father. In seconds, they were free. He could feel the energy coursing through him, the severe aches in his body fading. Kami! He looked to Vejita to see the ugly wound cleverly close up, leaving not a blemish.

Draigon was losing it, screaming and demanding they be captured, only no one moved to follow his orders.

"You're not suited to be king." Nappa said, watching the pig's eyes widen, the whites unusually visible.

Vejita stalked over to the man with the ax and yanked it from him. It looked a bit odd, him carrying such a large weapon, but he didn't hold it for long. In a matter of moments he'd approached Draigon, spun, swung, and decapitated Draigon. He then tossed the as into the crowd, roaring, "This is what'd have as king! This coward!" He kicked the lifeless, headless body until it tumbled from the platform, blood still spewing.

"You raving fools had murdered the best king you'll ever have!"

Someone cried out, "Be our king, Prince Vejita!"

Another voice, "We choose you!"

They worked themselves into chanting his name, rushing forward to crowd the platform.

Vejita shook his head, gesturing for silence with big waves of his arms, "I'll have none of it! I and my lover take my leave of all of you!"

Kakarotto was at a lose. What did this mean? Were they going to live out there lives in the palace still? Were they going to move into a remote section of the country?

To be continued…

Ah! Took me forever! But this is a long one, so be happy! Actually, I see the end of this fic very near at hand. I'm sure you can guess at the ending. Oh, and please be forgiving of any grammar or spelling errors, I haven't proof read this. So sorry! Please enjoy! And please review!