A/N: To my anon review Skyler – the answer as to whether this will include the events Vegeta went through at 18 in "In the Shadows" is: most likely not. While there are a couple elements that I may dip back there for, in general that fic is its own beast, and I would like this fic to stand alone. However, there's no reason why Vegeta's backstory in that fic can't coexist with this one once this fic is finished…and, well, never say never, right? ;)
Thank you all so much for the support. All feedback is always welcomed, positive or negative! This fic has probably challenged me the most in coming up with several new OCs to flesh out the story and the world here, so it's fun to work on. Thanks again for reading, and as always I hope you like.
There was a flash of bright light as their surroundings vanished with Kynton's teleportation. Vegeta squinted as the light cleared, raising his hand up to his eyes. They were in the midst of a futuristic city, with dark and sleek buildings that curved and stretched so tall Vegeta could not see the end of them as they vanished into the dark purple sky above them. There were yellow lights that flickered up the buildings like fire, though after a moment, Vegeta realized they were digital displays overlaid on the buildings that adapted every few seconds, providing information in a language he couldn't understand. Darting through the buildings overhead were air vehicles with blue lights underneath them, littering the sky with rapid movement; some moved so fast they were just streaks of light in the sky, while others moved more leisurely at different altitudes. Different alien species moved about on the ground, and mixed in with them were holographic aliens that would hover over the hands of the locals, as Kynton had summoned Felsin.
"This is Halo City, the heart of Pilaz," Kynton explained from behind the two teenaged soldiers who had been taking in their surroundings. Jhainer and Vegeta both looked back at Kynton, their eyes widening in surprise at the sight of him.
The shadows gone now, they could see the sorcerer king in full – his body was tall and lean, covered in a tough black exoskeleton that was accentuated by lines of pulsing blue light that ran across his entire body. The black exoskeleton went from head to toe, but only covered the right half of Kynton's head. The left half showed a man with ragged red skin, worn like leather, with white hair sticking straight up. His good eye not covered by the exoskeleton was black with a bright lavender pupil. He gripped a silver staff that was nearly as tall as him, with an orange orb at the top. There was a matching simple silver band that settled around his head, with an orange gem in the middle – no doubt, the crown of a king.
"I'm guessing that exoskeleton is due to some damage you took in battle?" Vegeta arrogantly concluded after giving him a once over. He scoffed with disdain. "Not an invincible sorcerer, are you?"
Kynton's gaze shifted over to the young prince, his black lavender eye moving in sync with the digital exoskeleton eye, which had inverted colors. His mismatched eyes looked menacing together, but Vegeta easily held his gaze.
"I was badly burned during a certain battle twenty years ago, yes. The Pilazians helped repair my body with their technology, since I helped defeat an enemy we had in common. We have been working together ever since." He paused, before adding, "And no one is invincible, young prince. Else, we would not be here, now would we?"
"Will you be the one to challenge Frieza then, Kynton?" Jhainer asked curiously, his blue tail waving behind him. "I imagine your new body must be stronger than before. Are you strong enough to defeat him? Is that the plan?"
Kynton smiled; though his actual features on his red skin almost looked warm, the smile that morphed on the exoskeleton side of his face looked chilling.
"We will speak business tomorrow, when we have all our associates gathered. You will have your questions answered at that time. Come now. I will show you both to the palace, where you can rest for this evening."
Kynton tapped his staff on the ground twice, making both young soldiers look down. The ground looked like clear glass that showed their reflections clearly. Upon Kynton's move, the floor under the three of them morphed into a square metal slab, then levitated them all upwards into the sky alongside one of the tall sleek buildings.
"You could have simply teleported us all the way," Vegeta growled in irritation. Despite his words, he stepped to the edge of the slab. They were skyrocketing up into the air at an intense speed, but he was not afraid as he crossed his arms over his chest. He peered over the edge so he could gaze upon the size of the city. It was massive, a city one could easily get lost in for a lifetime. Jhainer curiously came to stand next to him, peering down as well.
"Indeed," Kynton agreed, before smirking. "But I like the scenic route. Besides, this way will help your bodies adapt to the altitude."
"Look," Jhainer quietly whispered to Vegeta, pointing towards the north side of the city. "They are racing down there."
"Illegal racing," Kynton growled behind them, making both teenagers look back at him. "Don't even think about it."
Jhainer and Vegeta passed each other a weighted look, before they both turned hard stares back at Kynton.
"We only take orders from one tyrant, we do not take orders from the likes of you," Vegeta growled back. Jhainer bared his teeth threateningly, silently backing up Vegeta's words.
Kynton took a deep breath to maintain his patience, glaring at both of them. "That side of the city is dangerous, even for two of Frieza's soldiers. If something happens to either of you, you will draw unnecessary attention here that will jeopardize our mission. Steer clear of that part of the city. Also, let me be frank: if we are prepared to challenge Frieza, then the two of you are no threat in comparison. I suggest neither of you test me. Are we clear with each other?"
The two teenagers looked back at each other for a moment. Finally, Jhainer turned back to Kynton and scowled at him as the slab started to slow its ascent. "The air is light here," he stated. Vegeta nodded his agreement. Though Jhainer's voice was neutral and guarded, Kynton saw through to what he was actually saying.
"Yes, the atmosphere is lighter up here as we are on the rings that circulate the entire planet, and now we are going even above that. There is still enough for you both to breathe, but not as much as you are both used to, I am sure. This will help," Kynton said, tossing them each a small cube. "Eat this, and it will recalibrate you to be comfortable here at these altitudes, now and for the rest of your lives."
Vegeta suspiciously eyed the cube in his hand with a scowl. It looked like an ice cube, but it was warm. He looked over at Jhainer who took it with minimal hesitation. Vegeta watched him carefully, but when the Trikan did not die from poison, and in fact released a deep breath of relief, the young prince tossed his into his mouth. The cube immediately evaporated, and Vegeta sighed with relief as comfort returned to his chest. Though he was in no danger previously due to his Saiyan genetics, being rendered more easily short of breath would be a hindrance if he had to fight at this altitude. As a warrior, it was necessary to always be prepared.
Looking down as the slab slowed to a stop, Vegeta could no longer see the city – now there were only soft white and blue light below them. He and Jhainer both turned as Kynton stepped off the slab, which was next to a massive marble expanse that seemed to have no end. Both teenagers immediately followed after Kynton, walking behind him into what looked like some kind of aerial palace. Light pulsed through the blue marble floor in soft and sleek golden hues, and large elegant glass columns stretched further up until they disappeared into the sky. It was open air, and from this altitude, the purple hues of the sky were prominent.
Vegeta was well-traveled through space, but he begrudgingly admitted to himself that this ranked highly in terms of luxury and view. He trailed Jhainer who trailed Kynton, his dark eyes drifting upwards to the magnificent view of the stars as he instinctively searched for where Planet Vegeta would have been. He was unaware that Jhainer just ahead of him was doing the same, instinctively looking for Planet Trika.
"This is the home I have made for myself here," Kynton explained. "I have had a good relationship with the Pilazians for quite some time now. Our planets did business often after defeating our mutual enemy twenty years ago. Now, of course, we have another mutual enemy in our sights."
"Where are you from then?" Jhainer asked.
"It is of no consequence. My planet was destroyed by Frieza fifteen years ago, to prevent any of us from learning enough magic to defeat him one day," Kynton answered. Though the young soldiers walking behind him could not see his face, they could hear the hatred in his voice. "I was king, but I was off-planet with my daughter, so we survived. Though to my knowledge, Frieza is not aware of our survival. Speaking of…"
Kynton stopped walking, then turned to the teenagers behind him as he smiled his half-warm, half-chilling smile. Both young soldiers stopped walking as well, and their gaze settled forward along the newcomer approaching them.
"Jhainer, Vegeta. Please meet my lovely daughter, Princess Kyanna. You will not find another sorcerer in the universe more skilled, nor a princess more beautiful."
The young woman bowed her head in politeness, then straightened again with a guarded smile. Her skin was a smooth, soft red, her long white hair half pulled up behind her head and flowing far down her back, soft as feathers. Her skin was black around the eyes and tailed off at the ends in a pointed way that accentuated her eyes and made them look sharper. Unlike her father, her eyes were white with soft lavender pupils. She was dressed in an elegant robe that was white as snow, a simple but more feminine crown nestled on her head that matched her father's – silver with an orange orb in the middle.
"Pleasure to meet you, Jhainer," she greeted the young Trikan soldier politely. He bowed his head respectfully.
"Likewise, Princess."
Her gaze shifted to the prince standing next to Jhainer, her smile growing curious as she studied him. "And I take it you are Vegeta. I hear you are a prince, is that true?"
Vegeta said nothing as he stared at her. She was not the first princess he had ever met in his travels; oh, he had ruthlessly slaughtered many a royal family before during his purges. But this was no purge, and she was no ordinary princess. He found her to be absolutely gorgeous, with such soft features – the hair, the eyes – his dark eyes drank her in and he found himself momentarily silenced and unable to respond.
Jhainer elbowed him hard in the ribs, making Vegeta blink. His eyes settled on Kynton first, who was scowling pointedly at him, before he looked back at the princess.
"Yes, I am Prince Vegeta of the Saiyans," he replied, his voice proud.
"A real prince. It's not often I have such a pleasure. It is wonderful to meet you, Prince Vegeta," Kyanna said, her tone and eyes slightly mischievous.
"Likewise," he breathed.
"The princess will take you both to eat, then show you to your quarters," Kynton informed them. "Tomorrow, we will meet with Felsin and the others who will help us with the resistance, and go over our strategy."
"Where is Felsin?" Jhainer demanded. "I thought he was meeting us."
"No, he and I still have work to do this evening. Others are still arriving, as you two did. This is why we will discuss in the morning. We have time – we requested through the diplomatic channels that you both be given several days to complete your mission. Have patience." Kynton turned and went over to his daughter, leaning down to touch his forehead against the top of her head. "Take care of our guests, Kyanna. Make sure they are comfortable."
"Of course, Father," she politely replied.
With that, Kynton turned and walked back over in the direction they came, back to the slab still hovering. Jhainer watched him over his shoulder, but Vegeta's dark eyes never strayed from the princess. Kyanna looked back at him and studied him in return, a burning mixture of curiosity and challenge in her lavender eyes. Vegeta crossed his arms over his chest, his tail uncurling from his waist. It flicked behind him with his rising interest as he blatantly let his eyes wander down her body. When he finally looked back up, the mischievous look was back on Kyanna's face as she turned and gave him her back.
"Let us go. I imagine you are both hungry," the princess said, as she began walking away.
"Oh, I am definitely hungry," Vegeta suggestively replied, earning an exasperated look from Jhainer as both soldiers fell into step with each other, following her.
"Would you knock it off, Vegeta?" the Trikan whispered harshly to the Saiyan next to him.
"What?" Vegeta defensively asked. "A man can't be hungry now?"
Jhainer just shook his head, and sighed. He mumbled something about how he didn't know how Nappa and Raditz put up with him as they turned and maneuvered deeper into the palace. They entered another open-aired space, where the marble was now black. The golden light hues still pulsed beneath them, and though there were no walls, this portion they were under had a glass ceiling.
The smell of food finally distracted Vegeta enough to look away from the princess he was ogling from behind. He and Jhainer looked to where the marble ended – there was a levitating white marble slab running along the edge of the palace. On the slab was a massive spread of different food items, and both soldiers practically salivated at the sight.
Kyanna turned, and gestured to the spread. "This is for you both. Please, eat as much as you like, until you have your fill. The servants can bring you more, if this is not enough."
Despite their ravenous hunger, neither soldier moved, both highly suspicious. Vegeta felt like the smell alone was going to kill him from how tempting it was; he could not even remember the last time his stomach was full. Likely he had not had such a luxury since he lived on his home planet. Still, his distrust won in the end as he stood his ground, his dark gaze shifting from the delicious spread to the princess before them. Jhainer also tore his eyes away and looked back at Kyanna, trying to read her true intentions.
The princess laughed at their suspicion. "If we wanted you both dead, we would have just shot down your space vehicles. We have more important things to do than bring you both this far just to kill you here."
Still, they hesitated. Finally, after some moments, Jhainer stepped forward, accepting her explanation. Vegeta scowled as he watched Jhainer approach the food spread and tentatively pick up a round orange fruit. The Trikan bit into it, juice running down his chin.
Kyanna moved behind Vegeta, whispering behind him, "Distrustful, are we, Prince Vegeta?"
"Tch," he scoffed, forcing his tail to wrap again around his waist so it would not be near her. His crossed arms tightened over his chest from her proximity. "Only the weak trust easily."
"So you are not keen to place your trust in us – yet, we are meant to trust you?"
"Your father already interrogated me with his honesty gadget trick. I couldn't help but notice that he did not subject himself to the same treatment. Thus, he knows our intentions, but we do not know his." Vegeta paused, looking over his shoulder at her. "Or yours, for that matter."
Kyanna smiled, and he noticed her face seemed to darken as she did, like she knew something that he did not. "Well, perhaps I have not decided my intentions with you yet, Prince Vegeta," she mused, slowly running one finger down the back of his silver armor, under his black cape.
Vegeta's heart started pounding as he quickly looked ahead again and away from her, eyes widening as he came to the shocking realization that perhaps the princess was actually interested in him too. He had only recently started becoming interested in women, his hormones only igniting that interest over the last half year or so. However, his interest thus far had only ever been met with fear in response, and thus had never actually led to anything. The slave girl Aradeen was the most forward he had ever been with anyone, and that had not gone far at all. The slave girl was something of a side project for him to win over so he could have her willingly submit to him. After all, where was the challenge in forcing her? Still, he had a way to go with her, as she was still deep down afraid of him.
But this was different. This was no slave girl. This was a princess who was also a sorceress, holding powers he could only imagine. A princess who was beautiful, and who seemed – maybe – mutually interested in him, instead of afraid of him. He had never been in such a position; this was further than he had ever gotten. How did a man go about bringing an interested woman to his bed? Would she reject him outright if he made a move? If so, he would undoubtedly have to kill her – but how could he do that, if she was Kynton's daughter?
Drawing a blank on what he was supposed to say or do now, his inexperience left him silent and unable to respond to her words. Vegeta swallowed as Kyanna brought her finger down to his lower back, wishing his armor was not between them so he could feel her touch on his skin.
He exhaled through his nose when Kyanna removed her hand from him.
"You should go on and eat, before Jhainer eats all of it. He still isn't poisoned, so that must mean my intentions are true."
"Hn. We shall see about that," he growled, finally finding his voice.
Before she could touch him again, Vegeta stepped forward until he was next to Jhainer, and then plucked up a bowl containing something that resembled biscuits. The prince brought it up to sniff, and then brought one up for a taste. His stomach growled for more, and then he joined Jhainer in ravaging the food, as they both ate like they had been starved for years – which was not far from the truth.
Kyanna left them, and Vegeta exhaled again when she did as Jhainer turned to give him a disapproving look.
"Don't even try it, Vegeta," he warned through a mouthful of food, earning a scowl from the prince. "She is Kynton's daughter, and she is much stronger than both of us combined."
"Is she?" Vegeta asked curiously. Jhainer shook his head when he realized his words had only made the Saiyan's attraction stronger. "How do you know?"
"Well," Jhainer started, looking over to where Kyanna had left, but the two soldiers were still alone. "Felsin didn't tell me much about the plan, but he said a sorceress would be the one to bring Frieza down."
Vegeta scoffed, tossing a mix of exotic fruit into his mouth in one shot. "You think that woman will be the one to defeat Frieza?"
"Just remember what Kynton said. If they're confident enough to bring Frieza down, then you and I would be no problem to get rid of."
"Speak for yourself, Trikan. I will always be a problem to anyone who wants to kill me."
"Fine, but just keep it in your pants, will you?" Jhainer hissed. "Don't get involved with her or you will complicate everything."
"Who even said I was interested?" Vegeta shot back defensively.
"I lost one eye, not two, thus I am not fully blind, Saiyan. You look at her like you are about to ravage her. That is not what we are here for. Stay focused."
Vegeta growled low from his throat, and then punched Jhainer hard in the shoulder, forcing him to take a step back.
"Watch your mouth, Trikan. I know what I am doing. In any case, you are not my father, so do not lecture me. What I do is none of your concern."
Jhainer bared his teeth, exposing his canines, before he punched Vegeta back in the shoulder, a harder hit than the one he had received.
"Oh?" the young Trikan challenged. "It does not look like it from here. And what you do here on this mission is my concern, because it can jeopardize me too. Don't forget it."
Vegeta snarled, and was less than a heartbeat away from slamming his fist into Jhainer's face and starting an impromptu brawl, with Jhainer ready and braced for it, when Princess Kyanna strolled back in. The young soldiers both straightened and turned to face her, forgetting that they had been on the brink of a fight as she smiled warmly at them both.
"Well, you two made quick work of the food," she commented. Indeed, they had cleared the entire spread. "Are you still hungry? The servants can prepare more, if you like."
"No, thank you, Princess," Jhainer said with a polite bow. "This is more than enough for us."
Kyanna shifted those lavender eyes to Vegeta, and he swallowed at the way she looked at him. "You agree, Prince Vegeta?" she asked innocently.
Truth be told, he was a Saiyan and was thus cursed with a ferocious appetite; he doubted he would ever reach his fill. However, this was far more than he usually had, and he was quite satiated for the time being. Vegeta just nodded his agreement.
"Very well, follow me then, and I'll show you both to your quarters. You will be able to bathe and rest in private, until we call for you in the morning to meet with everyone. Felsin and my father want everyone to be well-rested," Kyanna explained. She tossed some of her long white hair back over her shoulder as she left the room, her movements so soft it seemed like she glided instead of walked as the two soldiers quickly followed after her. "Do either of you have any lingering injuries that need attention? If so, we can also take care of those tonight so you are both back at 100 percent. My father says that men who work for Frieza often have lingering injuries."
Vegeta's burns on his back flared at her words, but he did not react, nor did he respond. Neither did Jhainer, though Vegeta knew that he was nursing similar wounds from the brutal "training" session with Dodoria the morning before their departure from base. However, neither of them was used to complaining or bringing attention to such things, especially when they had both been through much worse.
"We are fine, Princess Kyanna," Jhainer finally responded after a tense silence. "This is more than enough for us."
The princess looked back at them briefly, frowning as she did, but then she went on ahead. Finally, she paused in front of an impressive and intricately carved white marble door. She gestured with her hand, and it slid open.
"Young Trikan, this is for you. You have a personal bath and a feather bed infused with a space compound that will give you the ultimate luxury. If you are in need of entertainment, please ring the bell next to the bed. If you are in need of food, drink, or something is wrong with the room, please press the button near the door. It is an intercom and you may state your wishes there. Once you claim this room, no one else may enter unless you allow it, for peace of mind."
Jhainer looked surprised, and then glanced inside the room suspiciously. His tail waved behind him with his indecision, but he reluctantly entered the room, with the marble door closing behind him.
"Your room is the next one, Prince Vegeta," Kyanna said, continuing her graceful walk down the corridor, Vegeta closely behind. She came to a stop next to a similar marble door, and gestured for it to open. "You have the same accommodations as Jhainer. Remember, the bell is for entertainment, and the intercom is for other needs."
Kyanna turned back to the prince now, who stood before her. Vegeta did not look into his room, his dark and intense gaze settled on her. Now was his moment – they were steps away from being in a room with complete privacy, and a real bed to boot. With the right words, he could willingly bring the beautiful princess to his room, where he could finally explore what it meant to have a woman to himself…
Unfortunately, the next words that tumbled out of his mouth were, "So how strong are you anyway? You don't look that strong to me."
At once, Vegeta realized he had made a mistake. The warmth in Kyanna's lavender eyes vanished, replaced with cool detachment.
"I am strong enough that no Saiyan would ever concern me in a battle."
Vegeta growled; beautiful or not, he would never allow a challenge to slide. "You have never met a Saiyan like me, Princess Kyanna. In a real battle, I would destroy-"
He was silenced when she grabbed his jaw in an iron tight grip. Vegeta instinctively raised his ki to fight back, but she had him slammed into the wall, hard enough to crack it. He gripped her hand which was painfully grinding his jaw so hard he felt it would fracture any moment. The strength in her one hand was overwhelming, and despite using as much strength as he could, he could not loosen her grip.
"You can keep trying to escalate this if you like, but I'd rather not harm you, Prince Vegeta. Though you are not strong enough to defeat Frieza, you bring other immeasurable value to the movement. Rest assured though." She released the grip on his jaw, making him gasp in relief. He eyed her warily as she leaned in close to him. "I am strong enough to make a Saiyan like you scream…in any way you like," Kyanna said, the mischievous look back in her lavender eyes.
Vegeta was simultaneously offended, impressed, and slightly aroused by her show of strength and by her words. He was again rendered speechless, only able to glare defiantly at her as she leaned in closer. This was a different kind of fight that he was not equipped for. The prince leaned back against the wall, but there was nowhere else for him to go as she pressed up against him.
"A true shame you are still young and clearly inexperienced in the ways of a man," she lamented. "You are really quite handsome, Prince Vegeta."
"I am not that young, I am a man now. And I am not inexperienced," he growled adamantly, lying through his teeth, his heart pounding so hard he was certain she would hear it. For the first time in his life, Vegeta understood how women could drive men to madness. In this moment, he did not care about anything; not the mission, not Frieza, not his rank, not his Saiyan comrades, nothing. His hormones were burning through him, and all he wanted came down to one singular need to touch, feel, and have this princess.
"Oh, but you are completely inexperienced," Kyanna assured, smiling as she leaned in close to his ear and let him in on a secret. "I am a mind reader, Prince Vegeta. I saw your desire the moment you saw me. It is not unusual for men to desire me. But I so rarely come across a real prince, much less one as handsome as you. Oh, it is so interesting to me that you know how to kill a man, Prince Vegeta, but not how to kiss a woman…"
Kyanna kissed him by his ear then, a gentle move he was not used to. Vegeta grunted, unable to speak as a shudder ran through him. He had never been so hard in his life; his palms were pressed flat against the wall behind him, his fingers digging in and cracking the marble. She was so goddamn close to him, he did not fully trust his hands not to manhandle the woman, though part of him was wondering if he would even be able to, with her superior strength-
"You wouldn't," Kyanna answered in a whisper, reading his thoughts. "We do not use scouters as they underestimate strength based on magic, but the last time we tried gauging power levels, I registered at approximately 90,000."
Vegeta's eyes widened in shock. And that was an underestimation? He stared at her in bewilderment as she pulled back enough to study his reaction.
"How?" he asked, his voice unsteady, "You don't appear much older than me, how can you be so strong?"
Kyanna smiled. "Magic. It is in our blood. It is why Frieza destroyed our planet. He knew of our potential. I imagine that is why he keeps such a close eye on you as well, Prince Vegeta. You have tremendous potential as well, despite your savagery as his soldier."
"My savagery does not seem to be chasing you away," he muttered, his eyes on her lips as she drew closer to him. He couldn't help but shudder again, almost dizzy with need as her feminine scent overwhelmed him.
"My planet was destroyed when I was ten, by your calendar, which makes me 25 now. My father and I have been on the run for 15 years, surviving by any means necessary, as I trained in the art of sorcery to become stronger. We are well versed in the horrors of the universe. Your savagery does not frighten me. We are similar, you and I – royal heirs with lost thrones, making our way with what we can, doing what we must to stay alive."
Kyanna's lips were hovering over his as she spoke, but it was her words that broke Vegeta's resistance. He finally seized her with his hands, reaching and pulling her into a heated kiss that she had been half-expecting and fully wanting. But when he was rough, frantic, impatient, with not an ounce of gentleness as he practically brutalized her lips and mouth, the princess ended it almost as soon as it began. Kyanna frowned at him in disapproval. Vegeta's eyes were hungrily on her lips; it had been pleasurable for him, so he just wanted more, uncaring for how she felt about it.
"That is not how a woman is to be kissed, much less a princess," she informed him, licking her lips to soothe them.
Vegeta looked up in mild surprise, before he scowled at her. "It was fine for me," he defensively said, trying not to let his confusion show. The only times he had witnessed anyone kissing another were when Raditz and Nappa had done it with the sex slaves, or with women they had encountered along their travels and purges – it had always been rough and brutal, from what he could tell.
"No, Prince Vegeta. You must learn to please your partner," she informed him with a knowing smile as she ran one finger slowly down the front of his silver armor. "For if you do that, then you will experience the height of true pleasure in return…" Kyanna's hand went lower, and Vegeta lost all ability to think as she came closer and closer to his erection that was straining against the material of his pants. No one had ever touched him there, and the warrior part of him wanted to stop her before she could do something to injure him in such a sensitive area - but the Saiyan male part of him wanted to know what it would feel like to have such an intimate touch…
"Kyanna!" they heard her father call in the distance, his voice booming. The princess pulled back, looking towards where they had walked from. Vegeta bit his lip hard to keep from groaning as she pulled away from him.
"My father has more visitors that I must tend to, more to help our cause," Kyanna said, turning back to the prince. She gave him a sly look when she saw the look of disapproval on Vegeta's face, smiling over his flushed features from his arousal. She read his mind perfectly as she said, "You are here for some days longer, Prince Vegeta, so we shall see what transpires – I may have time to show you a thing or two about being a man before you leave. After all, there are no guarantees in our mission. We may very well die in this resistance, so it is important to seize the opportunities that life presents us in the meantime. Until then, Prince Vegeta."
Vegeta's nose twitched in mild agitation as he watched her take her leave, as casually as though nothing had transpired between them. He reached his arm up and wiped his forearm across his forehead to get rid of his sweat, muttering to himself as he turned and practically staggered into his room, the door automatically closing behind him.
He quickly found the bath – in it was something that looked like a black portal opening. He hurriedly undressed, then stepped into the portal opening as he extended his arms. Darkness surrounded his whole body, and he felt water hitting him all over from head to toe as he was methodically bathed by the cleaning portal. He released a breath in relief that the water was cold, letting it calm him and bring him back to half sanity.
Moments later, Jhainer knocked hard on the door to Vegeta's guest quarters. The young Trikan was bored, restless, and unable to sleep in his new surroundings. The bed in particular was far too soft, and though he had been assured of privacy, he could not fully trust it. He doubted Vegeta was faring better, and knocked harder, until the door finally slid open and Vegeta appeared, only half dressed from his shower.
"What?" Vegeta demanded irritably.
"I couldn't sleep, and I was bored," Jhainer responded, and for a moment, Vegeta was reminded of Nappa. "I was thinking of exploring the palace more. Want to come?"
Vegeta snorted. "Did you use the entertainment option?"
"Yes, and then I was asked if I wanted two male whores, two female whores, or a custom option. I said I wanted none of it," Jhainer explained. Vegeta raised an eyebrow – had he known whores were the entertainment option, he may have used that instead of relying on his hand for relief while he bathed. Then he could go back to the princess with some experience, and prove himself as a man in her eyes-
"Vegeta?" Jhainer asked, looking at the other teenager suspiciously. Vegeta blinked as Jhainer scowled at him. "Well, better you indulge in the entertainment, than in the princess," he sneered.
Vegeta glared at him in response. "Shut up, Trikan, or I'll give you the fight you want."
"Anytime, anywhere, Saiyan. Now, are you joining or not?"
"Hn, fine," Vegeta grumbled, turning around as Jhainer took a step inside. The prince knew without asking why Jhainer could not sleep, and though he could manage it himself, he was more curious to see the rest of the palace than he was tired. Plus, it was best he not stay in his quarters, with only the princess to dominate his thoughts.
Vegeta got dressed again in his uniform, and soon he and Jhainer were walking down the corridor together as they went deeper into the palace. Everything was ornate and luxurious. The walls were lined with pieces of gold and art that seemed worth a fortune. The small things that could fit in their armor, Vegeta and Jhainer swiped here and there and tucked away – such things would be worth good money on the market, after all. Vegeta had a decent credit accumulated now from the goods he swiped and sold after his purges over the years, and he knew this would make a good addition, though he would have to use his discipline so the princess would not pluck that thought from his mind.
Finally, they reached another great room, more luxurious than the rest. The floor was made of something that looked like glass, with what looked like blue flames right underneath. There was no ceiling this time, only the purple sky and the stars above them. Jhainer walked past some large pillars to the end, and then took a seat there, his feet hanging over the edge. Vegeta joined him shortly afterwards, sitting next to him as he peered over the edge. From the altitude, they could see how far the planetary rings stretched, further than they could see.
"What do you think so far?" Jhainer quietly asked.
Vegeta shrugged, shifting his gaze upwards towards the sky. "The princess says she last tested at a power level of 90,000, and claims that is an underestimation due to her sorceress abilities not being reflected in power levels."
"90,000!" Jhainer exclaimed in shock.
"I know."
"That must be enough to defeat Frieza, don't you think?"
"I don't think so. No one knows how truly powerful he is, but it is rumored that he is at least in the 6 figures."
"Yes, but maybe she is too, with her magic being the key."
"Hn. Hard to know," Vegeta muttered. He left his legs hanging over the edge as he reclined backwards, folding his arms behind his head. "What do you think?"
"Well, it depends how quickly they would like to make a move. If we can wait, then we can all grow stronger. I like that they seem organized though. Kynton and Kyanna have both managed to escape detection for years. They must have good contacts."
"I suppose." Vegeta scowled up at the vast purple night sky above him. It almost felt as if he was floating through space. "She can read minds, just so you know. If you are interested in her, she already knows."
"Oh?" Jhainer asked, bringing one knee up. He too was staring up at the sky. "And what does the princess think of your interest in her?"
"Why? Jealous?" Vegeta taunted.
"Tch," Jhainer scoffed. "I have no need for her."
"Oh? Is that why you declined the whores? Oh, let me guess: Trikans reproduce asexually and simply lay and hatch eggs," Vegeta mockingly said, before laughing. "Oh, no, wait. You just spit out a miniature clone of yourself when it's time to reproduce. Is that it?"
Jhainer smirked in amusement. "No. I have the same equipment as you." He paused, his smirk spreading as he added, "Bigger, I'm sure, what with your stature."
Vegeta snorted. "Dream on, Trikan. In any case, if what you say is true, then why no interest?" he asked curiously.
Jhainer was silent for so long, Vegeta just figured he would not be receiving an answer. The Saiyan prince was calm though, after his shower and his own relief, and so he did not need an answer anyway. Star gazing was one of the few pleasures he allowed himself in life in his rare downtime, something that needed no explanation and no one else to participate.
He was surprised, then, when Jhainer finally spoke and answered.
"I have no interest…because I already have someone," Jhainer softly admitted.
"Oh?" Vegeta blinked in surprise. "Who? One of the sex slaves on base?"
"Not exactly."
"Who then? A whore?"
"She is not a whore," Jhainer responded, his soft voice slightly heated. Vegeta raised an eyebrow, and then sat up enough so he was reclining back on his forearms as he studied the young Trikan soldier next to him.
"You…actually…care about her?" Vegeta asked in bewilderment.
"Is it so shocking to care about someone else?"
Vegeta scowled in disapproval. "We are soldiers, we do Frieza's bidding. You and I have ended more lives between us than we could ever meet in a lifetime. There is no capacity for caring in our lives, you know that."
"If all goes according to plan, we won't be doing Frieza's bidding for much longer," Jhainer replied, finally looking back over to the younger teenager reclining next to him.
Vegeta snorted in disgust, and then laid back down. "You are far more foolish than I ever took you for. It is one thing to take your fill and leave her behind, it is another to linger like you are doing. It is in your best interest that you do not share this with anyone else, or significant pain will be rained down upon you, Jhainer. That is the cost of attachment."
"Not if we succeed," Jhainer argued, his gaze shifting back up to the stars. "You talk about how you and I live our lives, but if you can imagine, someone…someone pure, who can look past that, and see you, then you would understand."
Vegeta rolled his eyes. "It's impossible. And even if it wasn't, why would you even want such a thing? It only makes you weak, Jhainer."
"I think you are wrong. It makes this risk worthwhile." Jhainer paused in thought, frowning as he did. "What about you? Have you thought of what you will do when we are freed from Frieza's tyranny?"
"No."
"Why not?"
Vegeta did not answer that. He could not fully articulate how letting himself imagine such a future would give birth to real, tangible hope; it was much too dangerous. There was still part of him that half-expected Frieza to emerge right there behind them, and execute them with no hesitation. He could not be foolish and allow himself to be seduced by plans for the future. He had his hands full with the present.
"So…" Vegeta started after a while of silence between them. Jhainer looked over at him and caught a smirk. "Is she good?"
"Watch your mouth, Saiyan," Jhainer growled angrily.
Vegeta's smirk just grew. "Must be some amazing fucking to make you go back for more-"
"I will break your face-"
"You up for sharing her? If she's satisfied by the likes of you, then she'll be even more satisfied with me-"
Vegeta immediately rolled out of the way of a ki blast that Jhainer shot down at him that left the glass floor cracked. Both of them were instantly back up on their feet, and were trading fast blows in an impromptu fight. Jhainer dodged a kick and quickly spun around, smashing his heavy tail right into Vegeta's face, with so much force that he knocked Vegeta right out into the open air. Vegeta's ki ignited around him as he braced himself in midair, smirking in appreciation as Jhainer's ki also ruptured. The Trikan took off after him as they took their fight to the open air.
From down below, a princess and a king watched the fight continue, flashes of ki exploding as Vegeta and Jhainer both moved faster than the eye could see. Kyanna leaned her head out in interest as she watched the fight.
"They are showing their youth, aren't they?" Kyanna asked quietly.
"They are not much younger than you, my daughter," Kynton replied, gripping his staff tightly as he turned his gaze to his daughter. "They are both fighters though, and they have direct inside access to Frieza and his men that we cannot get otherwise." He paused briefly, then frowned as he added, "I saw how the Saiyan was looking at you, and you at him. Don't mix business with pleasure, Kyanna."
Her eyebrows drew together in disapproval over her father still telling her what to do. "If we fail, we will all soon be dead anyway, Father," she reminded him.
"We won't fail, we almost have everything in place. You will see."
The princess remained silent as her father took his leave, her lavender eyes rising to the fight between Jhainer and Vegeta. Though it looked like they were trying to kill each other, it lacked the real malice and tenacity of a life or death fight. It was merely a test of skill, and for two teenage boys who had a real passion for fighting, a way to blow off steam. She studied their skill, lamenting that it would take so long to raise their power and strength enough to engage Frieza directly – she was not opposed to having more direct help in the task. She and her father had spent years preparing for this, and though she had confidence in her own ability, there were many moving parts at play that had to come together perfectly to take down the ruthless tyrant. If anyone made a mistake, or faltered, or even worse - betrayed them...
She sighed, drawing her robe closer as a chill went through her.
"We will see, indeed."