Here's chapter 3! Thanks to Ryo-chan wolfgirl, Chimera prime, Laania and Animeartsisters for all the reviews on chapter 2.
Disclaimer: I do not own DBZ or any of its' characters. Akira Toriyama does!
...
Daiz sighed as he thought about a world that hadn't entered his thoughts for years. The desert world of Kabocha, his homeworld. A place where he had never truly belonged. But he had promised the little half-Saiyan that he would tell him of how he ended up serving Turles. The former prince of Kabocha always kept his word.
"Well, Brat. Kabocha was once the home of fierce desert warriors. The warrior-kings of Kabocha were known throughout the galaxy as worthy adversaries but times changed and many of the old traditions were no longer kept. Training for war was no longer seen as necessary. Years of peacetime made the future kings lazy and unwilling to be forged into the living weapons their ancestors once were..."
"Prince Daiz! Prince Daiz! Your Highness, please stop ignoring me. I know you can hear me! Your father wishes to see you immediately!" the elderly servant called out.
He was addressing a young dark green- haired youth whose hair was styled in the tradition of male Kabocha royalty. Close cropped on the top and a long ponytail in the back. The silver earrings that brushed his shoulders also identified him as a prince. He wore a short tan leather tunic and black knee-high boots.
Prince Daiz scowled as he stopped sparring with another young man "Are you sure he wishes to see me, Kashios? Can he actually spend a moment with me and not my dear brother?"
The wizened old servant tugged at his shaggy white beard and sighed,"I'm well aware of the favor your father has for your brother, Your Highness. But he IS calling for you and his time grows short. Do make your peace with him while you can."
...
Prince Daiz walked into the richly appointed bedroom of his father, King Arnaiz. The walls were decorated with thousands of tiny tiles that made colorful mosaics illustrating past Kabochan royalty. Heavy drapes of crimson velvet kept out the blazing sun of the desert planet. Polished gray and cream marble composed the floors that were accented with rare Halosean carpets.
The frail body of the aged king lay in a great golden bed. A crimson spread was tucked around him up to his chin. An exasperated sigh came from the monarch as he took in the sight of his youngest son.
"Just look at you! You're a prince of Kabocha, a member of the legendary Pukinpa Dynasty! But you're reeking of sweat and dressed as a common soldier! And where is your crown?"
"I was told to come immediately, Father. I wasn't aware that I was to be perfumed and in royal garb," Diaz huffed.
"Insolent pup! You will speak to me with respect, I'm still King of Kabocha!" his sire growled.
"See, Father? I AM the proper choice to rule in your stead," whined a high-pitched male voice.
The voice belonged to Prince Gazaiz, older brother to Daiz at least on his father's side. Daiz was tall and muscular while Gazaiz was short statured and beginning to put some considerable girth around his waistline. The elder prince wore resplendent robes of crimson and gold. A heavy gold crown encrusted with rubies designated him as the Crown Prince.
"Father, Daiz has no sense of royal bearing and protocol. He spends all his time hunting or brawling with commoners. We'd be the laughingstock of the Three Sectors if he were to assume the throne," Gazaiz sniffed.
"Have you forgotten the warrior-kings of Kabocha? It would do YOU some good to get a workout in now and then. Perhaps you'd even be able to see your toes once more!" Daiz snorted.
"Don't YOU forget that your brother is the future king. You will address him with the proper respect," King Arnaiz declared.
The aged ruler shook his head as he looked over his two sons. Both wore their dark-green hair in the tradition of young Kabochan royals and had the light skin typical of their race. But the similarities ended there, Prince Gazaiz was three feet shorter than his younger sibling and not nearly as powerfully built. The elder prince preferred activities in the royal court rather than hunting or anything to do with his planet's military force.
And why should he be concerned with the army? Kabocha had enjoyed a reign of peace for some sixty years now. They had made no enemies there was no reason to expect things to change.
Prince Daiz was tall, well-muscled and strong. His mother had been Queen Armala, once a warrior princess of planet Targia. No doubt, Daiz had inherited his mother's fighting spirit. The young queen had been killed in a hunting accident when Daiz was still but a child. King Arnaiz had thought her deserving of her fate for going after a Knoza-bear but did not reveal his thoughts to the grieving three-year-old prince.
Gazaiz had not gotten along well with Daiz's mother, she was the complete opposite of his mother. Queen Narquisza was the epitome of royal grace and elegance, she wouldn't have so much as dared to dream of sparring or hunting. A strange virus had taken the life of the queen when Gazaiz was five years of age.
As much as the king hated to admit it, his favored son could stand to push himself away from the royal table a bit. One couldn't miss the obvious bulge in Gazaiz's middle and his chin was beginning to sag. Young women adored Daiz but openly showed their distaste for the elder prince.
"Gazaiz,my son. Upon assuming the throne, you must immediately began the search for a suitable queen. There must be an heir as soon as possible to be sure the royal line is continued in case the unthinkable should occur..." King Aznair began to instruct his chosen heir.
"T-the un-unthinkable, Father?" the Crown Prince interrupted.
"Yes, In case you just fall over dead one morning or your food is poisoned. Maybe the nobles will stage a coup or an assassin will slip into your room late one night," Daiz suggested with a smirk.
"P-poison? A-assassins?" Gazaiz choked in horror.
"Daiz! Don't taunt your brother so!" the Kabochan monarch scolded.
"Sadly, your brother is partially correct, Gazaiz. Unfortunate events do occur so you must have an heir and you must also father at least one more child in the event the first does not survive for whatever reason," Aznair warned.
"As if one brat wasn't bad enough!" the elder price groaned.
"You'll have more responsibilities than throwing celebrations and having the kitchen staff keeping your plate filled. And by the way, my condolences to the bride, whoever the poor girl turns out to be!" Daiz snickered.
"THAT IS ENOUGH, DAIZ!" the king barked.
" You're just jealous! I WILL BE KING!" Gazaiz snapped.
"I don't care! I just feel pity for our people when YOU rule over them," the youngest prince of Kabocha declared.
"He will also rule over you, Daiz. It's best not to make an enemy of your own brother," King Aznair advised.
"Father, I truly wonder what my fate is to be once you are gone. My brother has never cared a whit for me and it wouldn't be a surprise if he chose to dispose of me," the warrior-prince said flatly.
"You dare to question the honor of the Crown Prince? You've spent too much time with common soldiers!" Gazaiz growled.
"That is a most serious accusation, Daiz. I am ashamed that you believe that your brother would be capable of such a heinous act," the king sighed.
"You are blind where Gazaiz is concerned, Father. You always have been," Daiz said softly.
"Nonsense!" the Kabochan king insisted. Certainly, the two young princes were never close but the king couldn't fathom the idea of his eldest harming his younger sibling in any way.
A ragged breath came from the frail monarch, Daiz dropped to his knees beside the bed and seized his father's left hand. Gazaiz hesitated for a moment and then took the king's right hand but he did not kneel.
"Kneel to your King! " Daiz snarled.
The Crown Prince bristled at the command but knelt at his sire's side. One more breath rasped through the aged king. Then King Aznair of Kabocha was no more.
...
Prince Daiz sighed as he slowly walked away from his father's grave. It was still hard to believe that a full day had gone by since his father's passing. The Crown Prince had wasted no time declaring his coronation before the mourning period was even over for the deceased monarch.
Daiz had no wish to see his father's crown on his brother's head but he would have to face him sooner or later so he might as well get it over with.
...
King Gazaiz sighed with pleasure as he leaned back into the throne made of a single gigantic ruby. He was king at last! The former prince had actually worried how much longer his late father was going to survive. He wanted the throne while he was still young enough to enjoy it!
The new monarch curled his lip up in disgust as he caught sight of his younger brother approaching him. He had to decide what to do with his annoying sibling. A cruel smile crossed his face as a solution suddenly came to mind.
"You couldn't wait for the mourning period, Gazaiz? Were you so eager to take over Father's position as king?" the young prince spat angrily.
"I merely assumed my royal duties to protect my kingdom. Guards! You will seize Prince Daiz immediately!" Gazaiz ordered.
"WHAT?" Daiz demanded.
The palace guards stepped forward and grabbed Diaz around his wrists, forcing them behind his back. They were quite aware of the warrior- prince's fighting skill but also knew they were bound by law to obey the new king.
"What are you doing , Gazaiz?" Daiz demanded.
"THAT'S KING GAZAIZ!" the former prince shouted.
A smirk crossed the new monarch's face," Prince Daiz, you are hereby condemned of treason against your king. I clearly heard you threaten to have me poisoned, attacked by assassins or overthrown by my own royal court."
"I DID NO SUCH THING!" Prince Daiz roared.
King Gazaiz continued, "Since you are a prince of Kabocha, you will not be sentenced to death. You will be contained in the royal dungeon for the remainder of your existence."
"I warned Father that you'd do something like this!" Daiz snarled.
"Did you really think that the old fool would listen to any talk against me?" Gazaiz taunted.
Daiz moved in a blur of speed quickly freeing himself from the guards' grasp.
"DON'T LET HIM ESCAPE!" the newly-crowned king of Kabocha bellowed.
It was child's play for the well-trained prince to fight his way out of the palace. He flew towards the Kabochan mountains. He'd be safe there until he decided what to do next.
...
Daiz had only managed a few hours of fitful sleep in the cave he'd found when something seemed to shake the very mountains themselves. There was a loud roar and the earth shook once more under his feet.
Stepping out of the cave and looking towards the city his father once ruled, the young prince gasped in horror. Smoke billowed to the sky and flames were rapidly consuming the great wall surrounding the city. Daiz took to the sky, he gave no thought to being in danger himself. His people needed him.
Daiz landed just outside the palace, citizens of the city were screaming and running in all directions. They were trying to escape the strange beings that had landed on their planet. The newcomers had attacked as soon as they touched down on Kabocha's surface.
Rushing into the throne room, the young prince saw his elder brother huddled into a quivering mass as he sat upon his throne. Daiz shook his head in absolute disgust.
"Call out the army! It's your place as king to command them!" Daiz urged the shivering monarch.
"I-I'M N-NOT GOING OUT THERE!" Gazaiz screeched. "I know. I'll go to the treasury! I'll be safe there!"
The so-called king of Kabocha hurried from the throne room as fast as his legs would carry him. He was completely oblivious to the destruction and mayhem going on outside the palace.
Daiz ran back outside the palace, he saw a face he recognized and called out "Commander Quanos! We need to mobilize the army immediately!"
The grizzled commander looked at the young prince with disdain,"Only the king can give that order."
"Your "king" is hiding like a coward! I am the Prince of Kabocha and I demand that you rally the army!" Daiz barked.
"I DON'T HAVE TO ACCEPT YOUR COMMANDS, 'PRINCE'! " Commander Quanos scoffed as he simply walked away.
The prince couldn't believe this was happening, Kabocha was going to be taken by invaders and NO ONE CARED!
A small squad of soldiers suddenly appeared, they were fighting off a group of reptilian beings in blue and silver armor. Daiz smiled as he recognized the Kabochan warriors and he quickly joined the fray. In no time at all, the reptiles were defeated and their bodies lay scattered about.
Daiz addressed one of the Kabochans, "Maleus, What's going on here?"
The young soldier bowed to the prince before speaking, "Your Highness, Several ships landed and the strangest creatures came out of them. They began attacking everyone in sight and gave no reason for doing so. Commander Quanos refused to sound the alarm without the king's order even though we begged him to do so."
"Our dear "king" is hiding in the treasury!" Daiz spat angrily.
Daiz looked at the young men that stood with him. There was Maleus, a strong Kabochan that he had the pleasure of sparring with many times. Anar the archer, he was capable of firing a half-dozen laser arrows at a time. Kegia, a skilled martial artist that could wield his ki in the shape of a blade. And finally, Pareus, a skilled fighter in any medium.
"Men, We are all there is to defend Kabocha. Will you stand with me?" Daiz asked.
"Aye!" the warriors all spoke as one man.
"Prince Daiz, With all due respect. You do know we don't have a prayer against them," Maleus declared.
"Perhaps not. But we must try! If we fail, we die like men with honor, " the young prince insisted.
The warriors heartily agreed and the small team began their unlikely defense against the horde of invading lifeforms.
...
Meanwhile, Gazaiz lay huddled under a golden table in the royal Kabochan treasury. He gasped as he heard the heavy doors forced open. Beings such as he had never seen the like of were seizing the priceless treasures and carrying them away. King Gazaiz was outraged. How dare these monsters help themselves to his inheritance!
"You put that back, immediately!" Gazaiz demanded imperiously as he crawled out from his hiding place.
The three blue-skinned elephantine creatures ignored his command and continued to pilfer the treasury.
"I am King Gazaiz! You will obey my command!" the Kabochan monarch ordered.
"They are under MY command,'Your Majesty' ," a cold voice declared.
The Kabochan ruler felt his blood turn to ice as the speaker came into view. It was a tall, dark-skinned being in black and silver armor with short, spiky black hair and a furry brown tail was wrapped around his waist. Gazaiz knew he was looking into the soulless onyx eyes of ...a Saiyan!
"Is this ALL there is? I'm quite disappointed. These few baubles are hardly worth wasting my time coming here," the Saiyan mused.
"See here! You arrogant..."
A red-skinned fish being in blue and black armor rushed up to the Saiyan, "Master Turles, All but the West Gate is under our control. It seems a small force of Kabochans have rallied there to defend it."
Turles? The Kabochan monarch blanched with horror as he recognized that name.
"I'll be there shortly after I decide what to do with this one," Turles smirked.
Gazaiz swallowed hard, his fate was sealed. The notorious Turles, pirate scourge of the galaxy was known for his extreme cruelty.
The king backed away " Y-You're really T-Turles?"
"Yes. I see my reputation proceeds me. Sadly yours' is unwarranted, I don't see a warrior-king just an annoying overfed toad!" Turles snarled.
A ki-blast obliterated the hapless king before he could even scream.
...
Daiz stood over the bodies of his fallen comrades, he would fight until he took his last breath. It probably wouldn't be long in coming as another wave of the alien invaders surged forth.
Turles watched as the young Kabochan warrior fought against his men. The odds were clearly stacked against him but the lone soldier fought on. A genuine smile crossed the Saiyan's face, so valiant a fighter deserved to live.
"ENOUGH!" Turles commanded. His men stopped fighting and turned to him as they awaited his orders.
The badly wounded Kabocha prince fought to stay on his feet as he observed the obvious leader of the force that attacked his home-world.
"Who are you?" Turles called out.
"I AM DAIZ, PRINCE OF KABOCHA!"
Turles smirked," I came looking for a warrior-king but instead I find a prince that is more than worthy of that title. I wish to spare your life, I could use someone with your courage and skills."
Daiz looked at the invading force's commander,he was a Saiyan to be sure. Saiyans didn't make a practice of handing out praise. He must have truly impressed the dark-skinned Saiyan male.
The prince then turned his eyes downward to his fallen comrades. They were the only ones that he had mattered to outside of his mother. If he gave up his life, his race would end with him. Would they think him a coward if he chose to live? He had served a father he could never please, fought for an ungrateful people that worshiped his brother. It was time for him to actually live.
"If you want me to go with you, I must ask for these four brave souls to have a decent burial first," Diaz insisted.
"Done. I would expect no less of you," Turles affirmed.
...
"Wow!" was all Gohan could say.
"Now you'd best get to sleep before the commander gets back, " Daiz warned.
"Thanks for the story, Daiz!" the little half Saiyan yawned as he crawled onto his bunk.
"Good-night, Brat!" Daiz said as he walked out of the room.
...
The former prince peeked into Gohan's room. Gohan was fast asleep, a half-smile on his innocent face. Daiz sighed, the boy wouldn't be innocent for long as Turles would soon force him into pirating.
...
Gohan stepped into his new boots and walked about in amazement. He'd never felt anything so soft and comfortable.
Daiz wondered why the boy kept looking at his boots," Do the boots not fit, Kid?"
"Oh, They fit just fine. I've never had boots that felt this good!" Gohan chortled.
"I've told you when you're with Turles only the best of everything will do. Now get out here before the commander comes for you!" Daiz warned.
Gohan flew to his morning assignment.
...
The son of Goku closed the thick crimson book he was reading with a sigh. He'd finished reading the book and he watched the stars and planets whiz by as Turles had them going to Kami only knew where.
"No way! Are you really finished readin' that book, Brat?" Daiz asked with a look of surprise.
"Yes, Sir!" Gohan affirmed.
"I suppose you'll need something to do, Brat," Turles announced as he rose from his seat.
The dark-skinned Saiyan dropped a pair of filthy black boots next to Gohan "Clean and polish those!"
"Yes, Master Turles!" Gohan spoke up quickly. He took the container of what seemed to be polish and went to clean the dirt off the boots first.
Daiz wondered if the six-year-old even knew how to polish boots.
Gohan grinned to himself, his mother was always worried about his personal appearance the few times he ventured away from home. Clean polished shoes were a must!
Turles snatched a boot away from Gohan when he brought them back. Daiz's jaw dropped, Turles raised an eyebrow in surprise at the youngster's work. The Saiyan pirate could see his reflection in the brilliantly polished leather.
"Excellent work!"
Setting the boots down, the commander ordered the boy to follow him.
'Surely he's not going to punish him, the kid did a heck of a job!' Daiz thought to himself.
Turles opened a door and gestured for Gohan to step inside the room. One look at the magnificent bed it contained and Gohan knew they were in the Saiyan's personal quarters. A wall shelf held a great stack of books, the infamous pirate pointed to the shelf.
"When you have no duties to perform, you are welcome to come here and get any book you choose to read. I will trust that nothing else in this room will be disturbed. If you violate my trust, not only will you never see another of these books but you will be most severely punished. Understood, Brat?" Turles demanded.
"Yes, Commander!" Gohan agreed.
The six-year-old chose a thick green book. A half-smile lit Turles's face. " Legends Of The Saiyan Race" was the book chosen by the boy.
Daiz scratched his head as Turles returned to his seat and the boy engrossed himself in another huge book.
"Planet Arshath will be the next world to be planted with the Tree of Might," the Saiyan male announced.
"I'll get the seed ready, Master Turles," he dark green -haired pirate affirmed.
"Oh, Daiz. You won't be planting the seed...the brat will..."
...
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daughterofrisingsun