Disclaimer and Warnings: Mentions Mpreg, Heats, violence, swearing, and Alpha Dominated Society!
Timelines and ages are slightly different. Different world from the original DBZ world.
Since I'm making up a lot of terms here I thought I'd drop some definitions.
Suitors:An Alpha who is courting a Omega. During the courting phase they are Suitors, after the pair has mated they are referred to as Mates.
Pillage: When a crew goes off to claim planets in the name of Vegeta-sei. A first Pillage and how well a crew does on pillages is a status mark.
Ranks of the Saiyan Warriors: (from lowest to highest)
Third Class
Second Class
First Class- Also known as Elites
Captains
High Council:The High Council is a level between Captains and the King. They advise the King on troublesome planets and which troops should go to what planets. There are Six Council members total. Generally the position is passed down from generation to generation, unless circumstances dictate otherwise.
In This Chapter: Goku and Vegeta aren't speaking to each other and more problems arise!
Alpha Royal
Chapter Eightteen: Secrets Make Trouble
The knock on the door startled the room into movement, but Gohan was quicker, already at the door by the time Goku picked himself off the couch. His lungs held his breath for a painful moment as the door opened. It wasn't Vegeta standing in the doorway, instead there was a glimpse was tan skin, a dark battle suit, and hair identical to his own.
Bardock.
From across the room their eyes met and his father whispered something into Gohan's ear. The teen nodded before leaving the condo without another word.
So that was how it was going to be. Goku's body tensed as he watched his father strut across the clean carpet. His boots left patches of dirt and leaves into the floor. Small souvenirs from a place Goku once called home.
"Nice digs," Bardock said. His face was stoic as he took in the large living room and kitchen. "Much nicer then the hellhole you left me to take care of."
"You could visit." Goku answered, frowning at his father's word choice for his small cottage. "There's plenty of room."
A harsh bark of laughter caught him by surprise. "You of all people know I couldn't do that." Bardock sounded disgruntled and rather he meant to or not, he managed to land another hard punch of guilt against his son. "Your brothers wanted to be here but Turles is the only one on the planet and he's recovering from a recent mission."
Goku shrugged, "I'm sure they're both disappointed." For years they had been merciless about teasing him and maybe jealous about his position with the King. It had been a long time since he'd last seen either of his brothers though. Turles, his twin, had gone off for a two year mission and just recently gotten back. Radditz lived the life their father once did, taking third class missions until his body collapsed. Then he'd rest up and do it all over again.
It occurred to Goku that wanderlust must run in his family's blood. The only time he didn't feel the itch to be in a space pod had been when Chichi was alive.
Bardock gave him a firm cuff to the head. "This is a family crisis and your brothers would be here if they could. Remember that." His dark eyes gave a cold stare, "Family always comes first even before missions. You boys seem to have forgotten that."
Shame washed over Goku like when he'd been a boy. He glared at his father rather than back down. They held each other's stare for a long moment, a silent battle of dominance raging between the two of them. "Do you know why I have three sons?" Bardock asked suddenly, the question effectively throwing off Goku's anger.
He stuttered, unsure what to say. "Because..."
"Three," Bardock repeated, "It was a damn litter, but how were we suppose to know about twins. One Saiyan child is enough but three was absolute hell for me. Your mother though, she loved it."
Oh... He didn't know what to say. They hadn't talked about his mother in decades. She'd died just before Goku went to Earth. He and his brothers had already been grown and living their lives when she'd died in an explosion. Decades would pass without even a whisper of her name and now she was back. Filling the room like a ghost as Bardock talked. "She lived for you boys. It gave her purpose, but three Alpha children was a lot of work for a Omega. So I had to spend more and more time at home to help raise you."
He hadn't known that. Sure, Goku remembered his father coming back from missions more then other fathers. He figured it had been because of his higher rank. Not because he chose to.
"Me and Gene, we raised you boys together. And I think you're stronger because of it." Bardock scratched his head and stared at his muddy boots. "I have a theory that when that wife of yours was alive, you were at your strongest as well. Am I wrong?" Dark eyes searched for the answer on Goku's face, when the younger Alpha didn't answer Bardock managed a small smile. "Don't under estimate the power of family."
It was the most earth-like thing Goku had ever heard his father say, and it was jarring. There was truth in Bardock's words, truth that threatened to crush him with their weight and guilt. Years ago, on Earth, he'd felt like he had something to protect. Even when Earth was gone that feeling didn't go away. He'd had Chichi to take care of as they settled down on Vegeta-sei, then he had Gohan, and finally Goten.
Family, Goku would be lying if he didn't think about them every time he'd been near death, and somehow he'd always managed to come out alive. Were they really the reason he had so much power compared to other third-class saiyans? The reason he'd managed to become a Super Saiyan?
Satisfied with the impact of his confession a Bardock gently nudged his son's shoulder, bringing Goku out of his thoughts. "You look like crap boy."
The tension seeped out of Goku's body at the words. It was easy to find comfort in them when he'd been hearing the same comment from his father since being a cub. He collapsed back against the couch and sighed, "It's been a long couple of days."
"Any word form the King?"
"No, he's giving me the silent treatment."
"You?" Bardock looked smug, "Turles really will be mad he missed this. The King's most loyal friend shoved into the corner."
Goku shrugged, "He's mad I didn't tell him about Goten."
"Well you should have. Out of anyone he should have known." Bardock answered, "There's a lot of protection that can come from knowing a King."
"There's a lot of danger too." Goku thought about Gohan, who hadn't been shown an ounce of protection from Vegeta when he'd come to the Academy.
His father didn't argue the point. "True, so we're pretty much at his mercy then?" There was a deep sigh, "Crap. Do we at least have any news about him?"
"Nothing. There hasn't been a word since he left with the Prince's crew two months ago."
"Well that's not nothing." Bardock said then raised a brow at his son's confused look. "You didn't tell me Goten managed to get on the Prince's crew."
"Yeah," Goku rubbed his neck sheepishly, "Bulma said he and Trunks get along really well."
"The bratty Prince? He's as pickier than his father about the company he keeps... more so maybe." Bardock added with a meaningful look.
"Hey!"
"My point is if Goten's on that crew he must have proven something while everyone thought he was an Alpha. You have a son who's done something no other Omega in the world could pull off. Be proud of that."
Proud? He was proud, but it was difficult to filter the emotion from the fear that rattled his bones. Goten was his son, his young, sheltered, Omega son who was half way across the galaxy with a group of Elite Alphas. If they found out his secret they could kill him on the spot. Pride wouldn't help Goten then.
His son would be gone before Goku could ever tell him how proud his was. He couldn't even remember the last time he said I love you.
"Don't look like that Kakorot," Bardock sighed, "You can tell him when he gets back. No matter what the King decides, you will tell Goten that he's made us proud."
There wasn't any need for the threatening tone Bardock used. Goku already vowed he would. "You're terrible at pep talks. You know that?"
"I'm a fighter, not a motivational speaker," his father frowned.
Goku shook his head, laughing softly under his breathe. Despite the tension his father brought into the room, he did feel better. Finally, he was starting to think ahead. Looking forward to the moment when Goten would return so he could tell his son everything he'd come to realize.
"Before I forget, Goten left a note before he left." he grabbed the crumbled paper from the coffee table and passed it. "I'm sorry about blaming you earlier. I guess I was just upset."
The hard edges of his father's face softened as he took the letter and read in silence. When he was finished his fingers carefully folded it and refused to give the paper back. "Apology accepted."
Gohan breathed a heavy sigh, "I can't believe they're still doing this."
"Believe it," Bulma huffed cupping a steamy mug of tea close to her body while looking at the younger boy. Her tea had been the saving grace of keeping away the migraines for the past couple days that Vegeta refused to speak with Goku. At the moment Gohan looked like he was in desperate need for the same thing. "We're the unfortunate middle men in all of this. It's just the nature of the beast when dealing with those two."
They were in her private parlor, a gourmet kitchen made from gleaming minerals and soft cushions. It had the basic layout of a Earth kitchen but the Saiyans had given it a more royal flare. Despite herself, she liked it.
Gohan hummed in agreement as he pulled himself up. "I suppose, but when do you think Vegeta's going to get over this? It's been days." His large black eyes fixed Bulma with a pleading look, "Dad's acting stir crazy."
Bulma shrugged, "I honestly thought he would have forgiven him by now. He's talking to me again. But do you really think its bad that he's making your father sweat just a little bit?"
"I suppose so." The Saiyan pushed his cup of tea away and barely touched the sweets she'd laid out. A bad sign.
"I know your father Gohan and I know Vegeta. They'll work it out eventually. But right now they both need a good kick in the ass." She laughed, "Anyway, I'm not here to talk about Vegeta. Tell me what happened on Namek, how is everything?"
Gohan visibly brightened at the subject. "Everything is fine so far. Piccolo is doing a great job leading the tribes."
"Aren't you still worried about the disappearing planets?" Bulma asked, "Namek is likely to be next."
"I know," as quickly as it appeared Gohan's smile was gone. Over the years it became a rare sight as the Saiyan culture chipped away at the young boy Bulma once knew. When he smiled Gohan took after his mother, a small quirk of the lips instead of his father's outright grin. That was something Goten had hands down. "Volem, Terriet, and Calos, all were in charge of different dragonballs when they went missing. It can't be a coincidence." His hands clenched in frustration while his foot did a nerves jig against the couch. "I think it's time I ask Piccolo to bring the Dragonball here."
"Vegeta will want the same thing." Bulma sipped at her mug, "but I don't agree. All the dragonballs in one place sounds like bad news. Remember what happened to Earth?"
"I doubt it," Gohan argued calmly, "Scattered they just aren't as well protected. I know the plan was to hide your dragonball in Borgessa's tunnels but things aren't getting better any time soon. Piccolo mentioned he would be willing to make the trip if we need him. Namekian ships are a lot faster than ours so he could be here in no time."
She hummed, conceding the point. Logically the plan made sense but it was easy to see how Gohan's worry pushed for the plan. "I'll let Vegeta know. He might see it your way. We don't need Borgessa just to hide the dragonball. It has a lot of open land that someone will want for farming. We can always sell it."
Gohan's lips quirked up, "Why Bulma, you're starting to talk like a Saiyan."
"Well I am the Queen. Besides I know my husband. He likes to keep his valuables close," she said. Learning how to think like a Saiyan, act like a Saiyan, and stand her ground against the Saiyans had been her cross to bear for eighteen years. She'd picked it up easy and sometimes it was difficult to keep herself in check. When Chichi had been alive, at least there was a constant reminder for her to keep her humanity.
As brilliant as their idea had been to hide the dragonballs all those years ago it seemed nothing was safe forever. three out of the seven balls had been discovered and now there were only four. She wished disappearing planets were the worst of their problems, but with someone collecting the dragonballs Bulma's gut told her to brace for the worst.
It felt like some bizarre form of PTSD, a repeat of her time on Earth when the Saiyan's first arrived looking for the magical orange orbs. The dragonballs, it was always about the dragonballs.
There were secrets woven into secrets in Bulma's life. The dragonballs were just the beginning of them and Goten was the latest. Lies, lies, and more lies. It didn't even stop with her own son.
Her migraine threatened to return and she forced herself to take a large gulp of tea. "I'll tell Vegeta you're plan and everything you have reported from Namek, and in the meantime I need you to pass something along to your father."
Gohan's brows drew down in confusion, "What is it?"
"Tell him he needs to keep an eye on the four star ball."
Goku had had enough. He tried giving Vegeta his space, tried to be patient as the King continued to throw a tantrum and ignore him for weeks, but he was done.
He walked with purpose down the Gravity Chamber Hall. The few Elites who recognized him quickly smothered their smiles and jumped out of the way at first sight. His aura was flaring out in his irritation. He'd never been good at hiding his emotions and that included anger. Though, Goku couldn't remember the last time he'd been truly angry.
Maybe it was just those few weeks ago when he'd found out about Goten's deceit. There were still parts of the condo that had cracks in it. Even Gohan had given him a look of disapproval. God, had it really been just weeks ago? It felt likes years.
Truthfully, he hadn't got much sleep in the past month. He kept having dreams, nightmares really. Of a planet as bright as a sapphire blowing up, of Chichi's last smile to him, of his youngest son alone and dying. The guilt was eating away at him.
Which was why he needed answers.
The Gravity Hall was one of the nearest passages to the Royal Quarters. Goku knew the moment he stepped into the King and Queen's private wing. The atmosphere was completely different. He no longer saw young elites scampering about, even the servants were advised to be invisible when they had to work in the Wing. It was dark, cold… lonely.
Room after room lined the hallway, all grand he imagined, but untouched. And to his immediate right was the largest of the rooms. The King's personal Gravity Chamber. With two double doors made of pure metal and gold encrusted V's decorating each side, it was a formidable room to look at.
Goku had been to the room before, he'd trained with Vegeta in it numerous times. When he walked up to the control panel, it beep in positive recognition and didn't think twice about letting him in.
Stepping into the room, he was almost immediately crushed under the gravity's pressure. The air was as dense as water and did little to fill his lungs when he sucked in a breath. Vegeta had the place set on at least 250x normal gravity. It took a moment for Goku's body to adjust. In the meantime, he caught sight of the Saiyan King jumping from corner to corner of the spacious room as he avoided a AI's attack.
Vegeta was drenched in sweat, his face red from hours of exertion and concentration. Goku almost felt bad about ruining the moment.
Cupping his hands to his mouth he called across the room, "Vegeta! We need to talk."
Vegeta didn't look up. The AI shot a rapid fire onslaught of ki blasts and he was focused on handling them. With his bare hands he batted the blasts away. One to the left wall, another to the right, a third blast was sent back and blew the face off the AI, and the fourth hit the floor centimeters from Goku's foot.
The room grew quiet as the AI powered down and Vegeta lowered himself to the ground. His eyes narrowed on Goku with a firm warning. "Kakorot," he said, voice clipped and abrupt. His King voice, also known as his pissed off voice. "You know better than to interrupt one of my sessions."
"I'm sorry but this couldn't wait," Goku said.
Vegeta's eyes widened the tiniest bit at Goku's own curt tone. A sneer pulled at his lips, "You're angry. Good, if you want we could spar together. I've been wanting to punch your face in."
"I'd be lying if I said I didn't feel the same right now." Goku crossed his arms over his chest and refused to move into a fighting position. The sneer of amusement stayed on the King's face when he noticed.
"You don't want to fight?"
"I want to talk."
"Talk?" barked Vegeta, "I bet you do. You want to talk about your lying retch of a son? You want to beg me to spare his life?"
Goku felt his knuckles whiten at the harsh words. "I just need an answer from you Vegeta. It's cruel to keep us in the dark like this."
"You don't get to demand answers from me Kakorot. I'll tell you when I make up my mind."
"So you haven't made up your mind?" Hope flared at the thought and it must have shown because Vegeta looked even more irritated then he did before.
"It's between banishment or execution, Kakorot. Don't get your hopes up."
Goku closed his eyes and swallowed. "I didn't want to do this but if you harm my son Vegeta, I'll leave the Council."
Vegeta laughed, "You? Don't try bluffing Kakorot. You're a terrible liar. It's very noble of you to try and help your son but I see right through it. You can't live without fighting, without the freedom being on my Council has given you. You left your brat before for this life and you'll do it again."
The air squeezed out of Goku's lungs at the words. At the truth in them. God, what had happened to him.
There'd been a time his position on the Council had felt stifling. When the job required him to be away from his family. His boys… his wife. But after Chichi's death his humanity had died with her. The part of him that clung to fond memories of Earth and after Earth. Kami, Chichi would hate who'd he'd become.
A real Saiyan warrior.
His anger flared out in his defense. Pushing his aura onto Vegeta in a vicious lashing. The King flinched but quickly regained his composer. "We've known each other a long time Vegeta. I'm asking you first as a friend to do me a favor and spare my son. After that I'm done talking and we'll start fighting. You know how that will end."
It was a cruel thing to do. Throwing his strength at Vegeta. The Saiyan always reacted like a rabid dog when reminded of the sliver of difference between their powers. Remembering that a third class Saiyan warrior from nowhere special was and always had been stronger then him.
As expected Vegeta snapped, his eyes became wild and his jaw cracked from how hard it clenched. "You…" he growled, low and deadly.
A fight then.
Suddenly a sharp alarm erupted in the room, giving two loud bursts of noise and quickly ruining the tension. Vegeta cursed under his breath, not nearly as surprised as Goku at the interruption before a large hologram appeared from the control panel. In the shimmering light Bulma glared down at them. "Vegeta what are you still doing in that room. I told you to give it a rest three hours ago." She blinked, taking note of Goku's presence with mild shock. "And Goku's with you? Have you two finally made up?"
Vegeta growled, "Dammit woman, what do you want?"
"Don't you snap at me." Bulma shot back, her eyes still taking in the scene of before her. Understanding pulled her mouth down into a deeper scowl but she said nothing more about Goku's presence. She turned her nose up in a show of annoyance, "I was just calling to let you know you need to come down to the docking bay ASAP. You too Goku."
"What? Why?" The tension drained out of his body, leaving behind nothing but a cold chill. His heart hammered against his chest as Bulma confirmed his worst fears.
"Two space pods just landed. It's two of Trunks' crewmates. Just two of them."
Bulma was waiting for them at the docks. Her hands shoved deep into the pocket of her lab coat and foot tapping impatiently. She was frowning, a bad sign that set Goku's nerves on fire. He was still panting from the sprint to the docks but managed to get a single word out. "Goten?"
Bulma shook her head, "Don't know the details yet. It's two of their crew mates. Leta and Beet."
Vegeta growled, struggling to control as his breathing as well. He hadn't been desperate to see his son, but more concerned about reaching the docks before Goku. "Where are they?"
"Your Majesty!" two young voices said in unison. In the far end of the docks the two bodies came at attention, and Vegeta stalked towards his prey, Bulma and Goku trailing behind.
The two young Saiyan's looked uncomfortable. It must have been a long flight and no doubt their muscles were still stiff, but Vegeta didn't release them from the stance. "And you are?" Vegeta growled, looking at the two elites as if they were nothing more then strangers in a crowd. Vegeta never had been good with names. After years of knowing each other he still referred refused to call Goku anything but Kakorot.
"Leta sir, and this is Beet," The female replied quickly when it appeared her partner was too stunned to get any word in.
"What are you two doing here? Where's my son?" The King asked giving each of them a menacing look.
"Sir," Leta said after a moment of hesitation. "I think we should speak in private."
Bulma sucked in a gasp, "Is it Trunks? Is he…"
Vegeta's glare intensified and the girl grimaced, realizing her mistake. "No no, nothing like that. The Prince is fine." She said quickly. Her dark eyes found Goku, staring at him for a long moment as if she'd seen a ghost before adding, "Goten is also fine. Kind of. We just… need to speak in private."
Air filled Goku's lungs easier knowing Goten was alright, but still… Two out of a five member crew had returned early from a mission. Everyone may be alright but that didn't mean the mission had gone well. He sneaked a glance at the pods docked at the bay, the docking analysts were crowded against two escape pods by the look of things. But that didn't make sense, where would the crew find escape pods on a planet like Borgessa?
Vegeta must have come to the same conclusion. With a silent scowl the King nodded and began to stalk towards the throne room. "Follow me," He said over his shoulder. Bulma and Goku fell in step behind him and the two younger Saiyans trailed at the end.
Leta and Beet whispered quietly among themselves as they walked, the two shared a closeness Goku had only seen in very senior Elites. He was reminded how young they were when they saw the throne room. The Beet's mouth hung in open awe as they took in the grand room. Very few Saiyans ever saw the inside of the King's throne room, even those on the Prince's crew weren't guaranteed to even be in the King's presence.
Vegeta stood beside his throne, crossing his arms and throwing a menacing pose. "Well, talk."
"Your Majesty," Leta bowed. "We managed to reach Planet Borgessa as planned. The inhabitants fought back but were defeated within two days."
"Two days," Goku repeated, "No that can't be right. We've sent at least two scouting parties there before and none returned. Even for an experienced crew it should have taken a couple weeks."
Vegeta smirked, "Don't act so surprised Kakorot. You know the strength my son possess."
"Er… yes Sire," Leta cleared her throat, "but even Prince Trunks suspected something was wrong. We didn't expect the planet to fall so easily. Three days after our battle a crew of Saiyans arrived."
The humor quickly left Vegeta's face. "Saiyans? Was it the missing scouts?"
"No Sir. They were from Vegeta-sei. A group of Elites lead by Squral."
Goku perked at the name and Bulma shot him a concerned look. There were very few people in the palace that he openly didn't get along with. Squral was one of them. The bad blood ran so deep he could sometimes feel it chilling his veins.
Before Vegeta could shrug off their concern the female saiyan continued, "Sire. Squral was under orders to kill us."
"What?" Bulma screeched, "That brute! Vegeta, how many times have I warned you to watch him? I can't believe the gall he had-"
"Quiet woman," Vegeta snarled. His voice shook with its rage and Bulma's mouth closed with an audible click. His command rattled against the walls of the throne room seconds after he barked it. Then things grew too quiet.
Goku watched his friend closely. Noticed the ways his eyes had widened and his fingers twitched. When Vegeta spoke again, his tone had lost its demanding edge. "Clearly you survived this attempt."
"Yes Sire," Beet finally spoke up. "The Prince and Goten managed to win."
Beside him, Bulma sighed loudly in relief and flashed a small smile. One Goku couldn't help but return.
Vegeta stroked his chin, "So, someone thought they could assassinate the Prince and his crew."
The two crew members looked at each other, their eyes urging the other to speak up. Beet eventually gave in, "There's more."
"More?" Bulma closed her eyes at the news, "I don't think my heart can take much more worrying."
"Our own space pods were destroyed so we decided to use Squral's ship to return home." Beet continued, "It was there we discovered… I discovered Squral had been in communication with someone here in the Palace." Vegeta cursed, "and a Icejin Carrier."
Everything grew quiet. From across the room Goku met Vegeta's gaze. He saw the brief flicker of fear in the King's eyes. Fear that quickly retreated to anger. "Leave," Vegeta bit out, "Don't breathe a word of this to anyone."
The two crewmates hastily bowed and retreated out of the room, their faces pale. When the door slammed shut behind them Vegeta mustered out another curse, slamming his hand against the pristine throne. The metal of the chair dented at the weight, making a low whine like an injured animal. "I'm going to kill him. That brat, he should have delivered this message to me personally. What was he thinking?"
What indeed? Even Goku had to admit the move was strange. He knew Trunks, knew the Prince took his role seriously. If he decided to stay behind there must had been a dire reason.
A light touch brushed against his elbow causing Goku to look down. Bulma smiled up at him, her face soft in apology. "I think you should go. Vegeta wouldn't want you to see him like this."
"Like this?" he repeated.
Bulma gave him a firmer look. She managed to somehow keep her voice firm while talking just above a whisper, "He's the King Goku. He doesn't want you to see him worried."
Worried? About the Icejins? No, Vegeta's angry voice echoed back in his ear, still cursing the Prince's ignorance.
He was worried about his son.
Bulma was right, he didn't need to stay. It suddenly felt like he'd intruded on a private moment between the husband and wife. But the reassuring smile she gave him told otherwise.
He left the room without a word, there would be a time to talk to Vegeta about the Ice-jins later. It couldn't be a coincidence. The dragonballs disappearing and now an attack on the Prince.
His own worry for Goten began to build, but he knew what would ease it.
Goku found the two young crewmates not far from the throne room, whispering among themselves. They barely even noticed him until he tapped the male on the shoulder.
The teen yelped, "I'm sorry. I'm sorry, we're leaving I promise."
"Idiot," Leta shook her head, "It's not one of the guards. It's just Goten's dad."
Beet's eyes widened as he looked at Goku, a hue of pink touched his cheeks as he mumbled another apology. "I'm sorry sir."
They looked like two dogs who had survived the fighting pit. Their bodies were still tense despite being back on Vegeta-sei. It was normal for Elites to return from their first mission wary of the world or seeking more blood. It all depended on how well the first mission went, and from what Leta told them- they'd been threw hell. The guarded look etched on their faces also told Goku they were fully aware of the danger that still lurked in the palace, especially for a member of the Prince's crew.
Goku tried to put on a friendly smile, "Don't apologize, you did nothing wrong. I was kicked out by the King too if it makes you feel better." Apparently it did. Relief sagged across their faces, until Goku uttered his next words. "What I wanted to ask you about was Goten."
"Oh," Their faces fell, "We mentioned he was fine didn't we?"
"Technically, you added kind of." Beet told his partner before she nudged him in the gut. He winced, "Goku's fine. Better then fine. He really helped us with the fight."
"Yeah Yeah," Leta agreed quickly, "Essential to the team, that's our Goten."
It was a relief to finally hear about Goten, Goku couldn't stop the smile from breaking out across his face. "That's good to hear."
Beet shot his crew mate a anxious look. The young elite wore his heart on his sleeve it seemed, so someone who knew him intimately would be able to read his thoughts in a second. Leta frowned, "Don't even think about it. We've passed the message Trunks asked us to."
"But he's Goten's dad he should know."
Goku stalled at the low pleading tone he heard in Beet's voice. His worry returned ten times more painful after the false relief had set in. "What is it?"
Leta gave a heavy sigh that indicated she wouldn't fight anymore on the topic. Beet's lips twitched as if they wanted to smile in victory but something kept him tempered. He was completely stoic when he said, "We know about Goten's secret."
"You what?" Goku's mind flew into a frenzy, distracted by a million questions and unsure which one needed his immediate concern. "How- How did this happen? You said he was alright? Is he even coming home?" Anger mixed with accusation in the last question, causing the two Elites to flinch.
Leta scowled at her crewmate, "I told you now wasn't the time."
Beet ignored her. "We weren't lying, Goten's fne. The Prince is taking care of him right now," he said calmly trying to reassure the raging father. "They'll be arriving a few weeks behind us. I just thought you should know." Beet's eyes flickered to the throne room down the hall as his voice dipped, "Does… Does the King know?"
Goku sighed, running his hand over his face as he tried to calm himself. "Yes, he knows."
The crewmates cursed. Leta crossed her arms over her chest, a frustrated look was set in her dark eyes. "So what happens now?"
"Now?" Goku repeated, he was unsure himself. Casually he glanced up and down the hallway, saw no guards in sight, no one who could have seen the returned crew members or over hear their conversation. "Now I'm going to escort you down to a room in the private wing. I think there's one available right across from my own. I want you two to tell me everything that's happened in the past couple months." Surprise flickered across the two young faces and despite his worry Goku laughed. "It's the only place where I know we won't be spied on, plus you'll have to wait there until Trunks gets back. The King ordered you two not to talk to anyone, right?"
They had no choice but to nod their heads in agreement and Goku lead the way.
A few weeks, they said, Goten would be arriving on Planet in a few weeks. That meant he still had time to convince Vegeta to spare his son's life, it was all the hope he needed. A few weeks was going to feel like a lifetime.
Along the palace hall leading to the King's throne room, a small device recorded everything spoken. The owner of the technology was unable to place his instrument inside the King's throne room but it hardly seemed to matter. Outside worked just fine. Outside he heard all the grumblings of those who left the throne room. He overheard council members plot and even the Queen herself murmur soft worries, but out of all the conversations he'd heard the latest one was one of the most interesting.
Three voices spoke in unguarded ignorance, one was unmistakably Kakorot, asking a collection of strange questions. The voices that answered had close hold information about the Prince's latest mission. Information even the device's owner had yet to receive.
Alive, the Prince was alive and so was his damn crew. It put a wrench in his plans but thanks to his technology there was time to fix that. More importantly was a piece of information he had yet to be aware of.
Kakorot's young son had a secret.
Pragus hummed to himself, leaning deep into his seat as he contemplated the odds that he could use this to his benefit. He'd always suspected there was more to the boy, considering the effort Kakorot had gone into hiding his son from everyone. The King included. Something like this could be his chance to turn the tides against the King's favorite council member.
He glanced to his left where a small monitor revealed the Southern Galaxy in all it's splendor. Yes, there was still time to prepare but the end would come soon enough.
It was time to great serious about his work.
Author's Note: Thank you so much for the reviews, follows, and favorites! You've all been really encouraging and awesome. It means a lot to me that you take to time to leave a review so please keep doing so! As always I apologize for the mistakes in this chapter and I hope you all enjoyed it!
