Immortal Together
By: Amalthea AKA Hatti Lee
Started: 2.22.4
Author's notes: Hey, I got this chapter up fairly early, huh? I'm so proud of myself! Anyway, once again I'm too lazy to reread this and correct grammar mistakes and what not, please forgive me and overlook any such errors. Sorry! Okay… Enjoy! Be sure to review! Thanks!
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 XXII
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 loss. 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? He watched as his father proceeded then to kick the criminal's head with it's gaping mouth out into the crowd. This rung a brief ripple of laughter in the people, cause Kakarotto to grimace. Who were these people he called his own? They were horrid, murderous fiends! He tried to ignore their chanting as he looked down at his grandfather's head. His eyes watered up again. How many times had he cried today? He didn't even know. It was silly really. He was surely the second strongest warrior on the entire planet, and here he was crying. So what if he was strong? Wasn't it normal to weep over another's death? He'd never kill anyone. How could he even think of such a thing. It saddened him to death to think his father had just done so.
Kakarotto lifted the severed head and moved to place it as it should be against the stump of his grandfather's neck. He knew the king was dead, but in the back of his mind, he pretended that even this wound would heal, that maybe it just took some time. He knew better though, and his tears didn't slow.
"We want you as our king!" The cry was more like a fierce growl, full of anger. Kakarotto lifted his head, pulled back into reality. His father was standing, facing the crowd, Nappa and Tekita on one side, Raditz and Ritsu on the other.
Kakarotto waited for his father's refusal but didn't hear it. How long had he been thinking? How long had this argument been going on? Had there been this many people surrounding them before? It seemed like the crowd had grown. Perhaps the loyal soldiers hiding about had come out?
It seemed Vejita was considering the position, considering something. With a confused expression, Kakarotto approached, glancing back once more to his fallen grandfather before turning his full attention to the crown and the argument.
Nappa leaned in, "What are you going to do?"
"You'd be a fabulous king!" Ritsu exclaimed.
Tekita nodded in agreement, a victorious smile pulling at his lips.
Vejita was scowling, looking out, but not really looking at anything, just thinking. Was this what he wanted? Could he do this?
"I think you should accept the crown. It's as it should be, as your father wished." Raditz said, arms crossed.
The people murmured amongst themselves, considerably quiet, waiting.
"No!" Kakarotto protested, pushing himself to the center, stepping up beside his father.
"What?" Vejita questioned, coming to himself, looking at his son, the boy's skin pale and beautiful and clear of all injuries.
"You can't be king. It's too horrible. What kind of way of life is this?" Kakarotto fought the tears, allowing anger to take hold rather than sorrow.
"Kakarotto…" Vejita sighed, "Someone has to do."
Kakarotto shook his head like a child, refusing to listen. It wasn't far from the truth, though his form was still that of a fifteen-year-old, he'd turned nineteen this year, still a child to many. "No!" He protests again, "I don't want you to become a monster. I can't stand all of this killing!"
"But it's over." Ritsu said, confused and concerned, her love still strong for this gorgeous boy.
Vejita remained silent for a few moments. Everyone was on tiptoes, waiting. Vejita sighed, shaking his head, "As you wish." He said at last in answer to his son. He turned then to the crowd, "I can't accept your offer!"
"It's because of the young prince!" Someone shouted.
"He's a siren after all! Look at him!" Shouted someone else.
The cries continued, growing louder until they all mingled into a mass of roars. Raditz turned to the princes, he seemed so sad for an instant. It faded quickly though, anger emerging, "Perhaps they're right… You are a siren after all, Kakarotto."
"What? A what?" The boy looked to the others, confused by this word.
Raditz shook his head, "I think it was the Goddess of Love's intention to bring the Saiya-jin race down using you as her means, a seed of seduction in our midst." He looked up, "And it worked, didn't it? You snared us all, even Vejita."
"What are you talking about? We're friends." Kakarotto said, stepping back, sensing danger in this person that he still considered his friend, just as he said.
A chuckle bubbled up from Raditz, "When the king fell, Vejita was supposed to take over, but he's tainted now, isn't he? Draigon was a fool. He was never going to be king. I see now that it will have to be me."
Their eyes all went wide, "It was you?" Nappa asked, astonished.
With a flick of his wrist, a simple gesture really, bulky warriors quickly came forward, none of them hesitating as the brushed passed the others in order to take hold of Prince Vejita.
"What now? What the fuck all this?" Vejita barked, unprepared, stunned.
Kakarotto shook his head, eyes all but popping from his skull. He could see what was happening! He could see it and no one else did! Raditz was building energy, enough to create a swift attack, a killing attack, no different than raising the executioner's ax. The crowd's angry voices seemed to flood his ears, affecting his sanity. Things seemed to be moving in slow motion. He had to do something!
He stepped before his father, a solemn smile upon his lovely face and his fine features, "I'm sorry, Raditz." The boy whispered, summoning his strength in an instant, lifting his arm, and as he'd never done before, fired a fatal blow to his oldest friend's chest. The ki blast went right through the long-haired warrior, disintegrating his heart, killing him quickly and, hopefully, without pain.
Silence rang out, everyone standing still, finally seeing what was happening and what would have taken place had the young prince not interfered. The warriors holding Vejita stood back, in awe.
Kakarotto was ashamed of the tears that started yet again this evening, pouring warmly down his cheeks. That's right… It was late. He looked up at the sky, and frighteningly red sky, so deep and dark like blood. A loud sob spilled from him. He choked it back midway, fighting the urge to wail. What right had he to cry? He'd done the killing. He'd ended his friend's life, he couldn't mourn it now. The pain welled within him, and unable to hold it any longer, the sob broke free, echoing in the silence.
They all stood back, staring. They could nearly see the emotion swirling about the boy. It seemed the boy had done an impossible thing, moving with never-before-seen speed, god-like speed. How had he powered up so quickly? Few had even seen what had happened, merely putting two and two together with the obvious aftermath. Had time stopped?
Ritsu took a hesitant step forward, "Kaka-" She was interrupted, however, by Vejita outstretched arm.
Kakarotto's knees gave, and he crumpled to the floor, continuing down until his forehead was pressed against the wood. His body shook with angry sobs.
Vejita stepped passed the woman, approaching his son, looking down at the boy tenderly, "Kakarotto?"
The boy looked up, taking the offered hand. Pulled to his feet, he wrapped his arms about his father, the embrace returned. He tried to calm himself, to restrain his emotions. It was hard, but he managed it just enough. He released his father and turned to the people. They continued to stare. He cleared his throat before speaking, "What kind of a people are we?" He was speaking very loud, but it was enough due to the silence. His words carried to all their ears. Kakarotto shook his head, his eyes downcast, "Go home. All of you, go home."
Surprisingly, the crowd began shuffling, dispersing. Vejita watched as the entire royal street cleared in a matter of minutes. He looked to his emotionally broken son, "Let's go."
Kakarotto pulled from his father, "Where?" He asked, hearing the strangeness of the anger in his voice.
Vejita let his arms drop to his sides, "Inside."
The boy shook his head, wiping at his eyes with the backs of his hands, so like a child, "What about them?"
Vejita glanced back at Nappa, Tekita, and Ritsu. They were all that remained now in the dark street, still standing upon the makeshift platform, "They'll come with us."
"No!" Kakarotto yelled, his voice grating, "Them!" He pointed to the bleeding corpses, one by one. Draigon's headless body lying strangely on the street not too far away, his head further out, a bump in the road. The executioner's body lie on the platform, slightly twisted, his head no where in sight. Had it rolled off the back of the platform in the chaos? The king's body lie as it would in sleep, his severed head there as Kakarotto had lain it. And Raditz' body, sprawled out, raw meat gleaming from the massive hole in his chest, the blood still spreading, eyes open, staring at nothing, mouth gaping. Kakarotto looked away from it, squeezing his eyes shut.
Vejita sighed, "They'll be disposed of like all Saiya-jin, burned in the crematorium. Come on, let's go inside. I'll send some one to collect them."
Kakarotto wanted to object, to say he wanted to stay and help with the moving of their bodies. He wanted to carry Raditz' body down the streets. He wanted to place it in the furnace, and yet, he couldn't. He didn't have the energy, and he was afraid, a coward. Finally, he nodded, taking his father's hand and allowing himself to be led inside, the others following close behind.
They hadn't noticed on their way out from the dungeon, but it appeared the loyal soldiers had put up quite a fight with the rebels. There weren't any bodies to be seen, the mess obviously having been cleaned up, but there were still bloodstains. Not to mention the damage, dents, chips, and cracks in the walls, as well as massive blackened areas from fire and explosion.
They stop just outside the throne room. From the sound of things, it seemed loyal soldiers and royals were gathered there.
"I hate to do this to you," Vejita said, speaking to Nappa, "But I have other things on my mind." He glanced at Kakarotto held now in his arms.
Nappa nodded. It was strange to see. The boy was some fifteen centimeters taller than his father, appearing weak and defeated in the short, apparently stronger, man's arms. Nappa gestured with a wave of his hand that it was no problem, that they should go on.
"Are you sure?" Vejita questioned, quirking an eyebrow, knowing the royals to be fairly rowdy at times.
"I've accompanied you to your morning obligations enough to know a thing or two." Nappa answered, a smile pulling at his lips causing his thin mustache to twitch.
Tekita stood straight, "I'll help him."
Vejita nodded, turning then to Ritsu, "And you… Could you see to the dead?"
She nodded, a slight smile brightening her exhausted expression.
"Right." Vejita said, nodding before turning and starting for his and Kakarotto's room.
………………………………...
The room was dark even after the lights had been turned on. Vejita suspected it was more the mood than the lighting. He'd never seen Kakarotto so depressed. It reminded him of long ago times when his son had seen him murder a soldier in the training hall. Even then the boy hadn't been this bad though. Things had just happened moments ago. Perhaps it would pass if he gave it a little time.
Thinking of nothing but comforting his lover, Vejita stripped down. Kakarotto lie on the bed, his booted feet hanging off the edge. Vejita approached, pulling said boots off gently. That left the boy in nothing more than a tattered pair of gi pants. These were a little more difficult to remove, but he accomplished his task with little hassle. He was, after all, well practiced.
With them both in the nude, Vejita climbed up into bed, pulling the boy close. He'd expected more tears but nothing of the sort happened. His son lie quiet and still, hardly returning the embrace. Vejita repositioned, spooning his lover, his arms wrapped snuggly about the boy, a blanket pulled carelessly over them.
"Are you okay?" Vejita asked, resting his head against his lover's. He got no answer. Worried, he ran his hands over his son's stomach in a soothing manner. Still no response, verbal or physical.
He just needed time, Vejita decided. It was too much for the boy. For now, all he could provide was comfort and support. What they both needed this moment was sleep. Reaching up to a nearby convenience switch, Vejita emptied the room of light. He nuzzled his son's neck, kissing the smooth skin chastely before whispering into the boy's ear, "I love you."
Kakarotto stared out into the darkness, easily making out their furniture and what not with his Saiya-jin eyes. He'd heard his father but answering seemed impossible. Yes, what he wanted right now was sleep. He couldn't think about everything that had happened anymore.
………………………………...
"Has he improved?" Ritsu asked, trotting along like a teenager.
Vejita didn't bother answering. He remembered now why he disliked this woman before.
Nappa shook his head, answering for him, "Still the same."
Ritsu sighed.
Vejita ignored her.
Things had much improved in the following weeks. Every remaining rebel they could find was executed without question. The palace was repaired. A simple, but proper ceremony was held for the late king, the ashes dispersed over the palace and along the royal street as was tradition. Small missions were resumed, trivial meetings and requirements picked up again. The people were still uneasy without a king but few were worried, assuming Vejita would announce himself king soon enough since he'd fallen into the role. Only one thing remained unimproved: Kakarotto.
"Not a word?" Ritsu asked, slowing her pace as they reached the training hall, their destination.
Nappa shook his head again.
Vejita growled, glaring at the two before stepping out onto the new, smooth tile. He busied himself with a kata he'd long ago memorized, something that allowed his mind to wander.
It was true, Kakarotto hadn't spoken a word since the rebellion. He ate very little, he wouldn't at all if it wasn't for Vejita's insisting. He hardly slept, though he lie in bed all day, never getting up or dressing or showering. The boy would be wasting away if it wasn't for his immortality.
………………………………...
Nappa and Tekita stood back, watching with worry in their eyes.
Kakarotto sat against the headboard of the bed, just Vejita had positioned him, completely motionless, staring blankly forward.
Vejita attempted again to slip his son some nourishment. He reached forward and opened the boy's pliant mouth with one hand, using the other to deposit a morsel of meat. He waited a moment, the whispered, "You have to chew." The order was followed, and the process was repeated.
After the sixth bite, however, Kakarotto refused to comply, turning his head to the side.
"You have to eat." Vejita growled, annoyed.
Kakarotto merely shook his head and slumped back down in bed.
Vejita stood, frustrated. He threw the bowl to the floor, meat and rice scattering, the dish shattering, "What else am I supposed to do!"
No response.
"Tell me what the fuck I'm supposed to do for you, Kakarotto!" Vejita roared, leaning over his son, feeling helpless and thus angry.
The boy turned his head, looking at his father with empty eyes, "There's nothing." The words were slight, a whisper at best and somewhat raspy from weeks of silence.
Vejita forgot his anger for an instant, so shocked he was, "Kami, Kakarotto!" He exclaimed, pulling the boy into a fierce hug. He pulled back then, having finally registered his son's words, "What do you mean there's nothing? What's wrong with you?"
Kakarotto's eyes misted over, "I don't want to cry."
Vejita frowned, "Why are you sad? I know the king is dead, but there was nothing we could do. We defeated the rebels, that was his revenge. We won. The entire planet is ours."
Nappa and Tekita remained silent, watchful, feeling sorry for the boy, but thankful he was speaking.
Kakarotto shook his head, "I hate this place."
Pressing his forehead to his son's, Vejita whispered, "Do you want to leave?"
The tears started to spill then, little wet paths streaming down pale cheeks. Kakarotto reached forward with more movement than he'd displayed in days, clutching onto his father's clothed chest, pressing his face into the material as he broke out in desperate sobs. The sounds were horrid, choking, enough to force Nappa and Tekita to look away.
"Kami, Kakarotto…" Vejita said through a sigh, pulling his son into his lap as he sat, patting the boy's back.
"I killed him." Kakarotto cried, "Raditz was my friend." He seemed to collapse then, slumping against his father, balling like a new born.
Pulling back, Vejita looked the boy in the eyes, those big, black eyes, "You did it to protect me. There was no other way."
Kakarotto swallowed, calming somewhat, sniffing, "Did you mean it?"
Vejita was thrown off, "What?"
"When you asked me if I wanted ta leave…"
The prince smiled, a real smile, "Hai, I meant it." He answered, wiping at his son's tears, they'd slowed to a near stop.
Kakarotto smiled as well, an expression he'd nearly forgotten, "I do, I want to leave. Take me away from all this."
"As you wish." Vejita whispered, kissing his son full on the lips, something he hadn't done in a while.
Nappa and Tekita were still in shock from the entire display, but the kiss pulled them from their staring. It was time to leave the princes alone. They exited the room, closing the door behind them. Neither had expected the boy to start speaking, and it happened so easily, just as easy as it had been for him to stop speaking. Strange.
Even stranger was the idea of the two leaving Planet Vejita. Were they serious? Were they going to leave…forever? Neither thought on it much as they retired to their own rooms for the night, it was too much to stress over. Besides, there wasn't much they could do about it.
………………………………...
Vejita ran his fingers over his son's nude body, lingering on the soft skin of his stomach. They'd done away with their clothes quickly, yearning for the warmth of skin to skin contact.
Kakarotto watched as his father hovered over him, hands roaming over every bit of him with an almost rough touch. They made love face to face, taking plenty of time for foreplay and preparations. Kakarotto had missed this feeling, the sweat beading up, slicking their skin, the wet sounds of their bodies coming together time and again, the burning pleasure that consumed his entire being. Kami, how long had it been?
There came that beautiful sound again. Vejita was in ecstasy from the mere sound of his son's angelic voice moaning, begging. He watched through half-lidded eyes as the boy tossed his head from side to side, a clear sign that he was nearing climax. Vejita slowed the pace, dragging it out, making it last. He raked his teeth over fair skin, gripping the boy's firm muscles as he relished their ongoing act.
The room had become warm, the strong scent of sex heavy in the air. Vejita bent his son's legs back further, knees to shoulders, driving harder. He growled in delight at the feel of the boy's fingernails biting into the flesh of his thighs.
Kakarotto threw his head back as he came, his mouth open in a strangled, half-silent cry. With only several more thrusts, his father joined him, groaning his pleasure through clenched teeth, their bodies pressed tightly together as he came, sending his seed deep within. Kakarotto sighed as his father withdrew, the grip removed from his thighs, allowing his legs to stretch out.
Vejita fell to the side, rolling onto his back as he caught his breath. Kakarotto immediately cuddled up against him, causing the prince to smile with pride. He pleased his son so well, brought him back from depression, made him cry out in ecstasy.
"When?" Kakarotto whispered, a little sad but mostly happy.
It took Vejita a moment to realize what the boy was talking about, "Soon. We have to get a ship ready and choose a destination. I don't think it'd be wise to select a planet that knows of the Saiya-jin."
Kakarotto nodded, glad to hear that it was real, that his father really meant it, that it wasn't just a means to bring him from his sorrow.
Little else was said, sleep finding the two Saiya-jin and whisking them away to a peaceful, quiet, dreamless place where they simply held one another.
………………………………...
Nappa and Tekita had spoken, both having a good idea what all this was about, though neither said a word to anyone else about it. It'd be their hides! They stood silent one either side of the princes, Ritsu there with them standing before a room packed with royals and elite warriors, as many as the throne room could hold, all those most loyal.
"I have an announcement!" Vejita called out, the room quickly quieting. The prince looked to his son's smiling face before turning back to his audience.
Everyone was glad to see this day come. Finally, an official king! Though many still unaccepted the obvious relationship, they tolerated it, knowing it best to keep their mouths shut in order to avoid Vejita's wrath. It was strange to see them standing side by side, holding hands, Vejita completely serious, the boy calm with his innocent smile.
Vejita swallowed, hoping for the best, "As I said before, I cannot become the new king."
Talk started at once, murmurs amongst the crowd, royals turning to one another in disbelief.
"Quiet!" Nappa shouted in his booming voice.
Vejita sighed, "Instead, I leave, taking my mate with me. You all know his nature, he simply isn't made for the Saiya-jin way of life. And perhaps I am weak, for I can't live without him."
"Who will rule?" An older man called out, hands cupping his mouth.
Vejita raised a hand for silence. He spoke once the room had quieted again, "I leave my best man in my stead. He will make an excellent king and already has a son who will make an excellent future king." Vejita gesture to the men on either side of he and Kakarotto, "Nappa and his son, Tekita."
The room went wild again, and Vejita let them have a moment while he turned to his best friend, "You do accept, don't you?"
Nappa felt like a living statue. He could see and hear, but he couldn't move or speak, so shocked he was, "What… What on…"
Vejita smirked, slapping a hand to the bulky warrior's back, "Come on, say something."
Nappa chuckled, "I… I'd be honored, but… Do you really think I'm capable?"
Vejita's smirk grew into a grin, one of those all-knowing, nearly sadistic grins, "Of course!" He turned again to the room, "Well, what say you?" He called out.
Hesitantly, the room responded, soon enough all of them calling out hoorays. Several men yelled out the number of years they'd known Nappa or the number of years he'd served the House of Vejita. It seemed everyone was pretty pleased with the idea. Vejita smirked, nodding his thanks.
He turned to go, but a voice called, "Where will you and Kakarotto go?"
"And when?" Called another.
"Soon." Vejita answered over his shoulder, continuing on out of the room, Kakarotto in tow. He stopped when Nappa and Tekita moved to follow as well, "No, you two have to stay. You have many things to discuss with this room. These are all the most loyal of royals and warriors. Take their advice and make good decisions. You have lots of work to do."
They left the two with wide eyes and open mouths, hesitant and confused. Vejita chuckled as he and Kakarotto started down the corridor completely alone. He hoped they were indeed capable.
………………………………...
The ship they selected wasn't Vejita's personal ship but another, built for speed. They'd reach their destination in less than a year, which was impressive considering the vast distance. It had been some work finding the little planet, but it was perfect, located in a solar system that knew absolutely nothing of the Saiya-jin. A small team of scientists had done this research happily for of them, all of them aliens of unheard of species. Vejita was hesitant to touch their strange bodies, but Kakarotto hugged them happily when they'd finally made the discovery. Vejita smirked at the memory. Yes, his son was returning to himself more and more with each day.
Everything they could possibly need was loaded onto the ship. From food and water to clothing and medical supplies. They'd even discovered that the little planet dealt in a common form of currency, gold. They loaded plenty into a massive chest and stowed it away onboard.
Everything was set.
The night before their departure, they hardly slept, up all night talking about the possibilities. Vejita was glad to see his son so excited.
An impressive crowd had formed at the docks. All those within the palace stood about, watching on, and outside the gates, the streets beyond the docks were flooded with people as far as the eye could see. Had the entire planet come to see them off? They bid them all farewell with hearty waves which were returned with cheers and cries of good-bye.
Kakarotto hugged Nappa, Tekita, and Ritsu, promising each he'd never forget them.
"It's good to see him so happy." Nappa said as Vejita approached him.
The prince nodded, "That's why we have to go. His happiness means more to me than this place. I will miss you though, old friend." He embraced the bulky warrior, the man who'd served as something like a father to him all his life.
"I'm not that old!" Nappa answered through a laugh, patting Vejita's back.
Vejita nodded as he pulled back. He turned to Tekita then, shaking the man's hand, realizing suddenly that while Tekita appeared older, Vejita was in fact the senior of the two. He laughed, pulling him into a quick hug as well.
"I wish you didn't have to go." Ritsu mumbled, kicking at the floor, gaze downcast.
Kakarotto laughed, "Don't worry. I want to."
She looked up, "I know." She didn't smile.
Kakarotto frowned, then smiled, realizing why his friend was sad, "You'll find someone just for you, Ritsu! Don't worry!"
She laughed then, "Hai, hai… I'll always love you though, okay?"
They hugged, a warm farewell, "Okay." Kakarotto answered, pulling back to find that his father was done saying goodbye and was waiting for him patiently.
Kakarotto leaned forward and planted a chaste kiss to Ritsu's cheek before rushing over to do the same for Nappa and Tekita, "I'm gonna miss you guy!"
The two men laughed, wishing the boy well and watching as he hurried to join Vejita. With a final wave, they boarded the ship, their forms disappearing as the ramp-like door lifted and closed.
The engines roared to life. Nappa prayed their journey was safe. The transmitter had been removed to ensure no Saiya-jin ever went looking for the happy couple.
Ritsu touched her cheek as she watched the ship lift off. That was so like Kakarotto, to kiss her so innocently before dashing off, leaving her stunned and a little sad but mostly happy for him. The wind gusted about them all as the ship finally blasted off, quickly exiting the atmosphere, a mere shining dot in mere seconds. A tear trickled down the cheek he'd kissed. "I miss him already." She whispered.
Nappa smiled, "This was how it should have been from the start. Kakarotto was never really suited for this kind of life, and now that I think about it, neither was Vejita."
"Do you think the Goddess of Love failed?" Tekita asked, curious.
Nappa shook his head, "I don't agree with what Raditz said. I don't think she meant to bring down the Saiya-jin race. In fact, I don't think this had anything to do with the Saiya-jin. I think Kakarotto was a gift unto Vejita. This was always about them." Nappa's smile spread into a grin, "No, she didn't fail at all."
To be continued…
You thought that was the last chapter, didn't you? Nope, one more. I hope I didn't rush there towards the end of this chapter! Was it good? Let me know! Thanks!