House of Vegeta

A/U

HOUSE OF VEGETA: Bedtime Story pt. 29

The Ou had sequestered himself in his private meditation room.
Resplendant and powerful, he sat on numerous silk cushions over thick
fur pile. His bejewelled crown gleamed above richly brocaded robes
which fanned out everywhere. Fur trim lined full sleeves.

He wasn't alone, however. There were certain bulges under his robes
that were easily explained. They moved and shifted around him, over
him.

Vegeta's mood was mellow as he smiled softly. "Hn, being king has its
advantages."

Suddenly three bright little faces peeped from underneath his robes.
Small tongues poked out, clicking.

"Aberesano, chikki. Now be still a bit!"

The chibis trilled, their purrs having a high pitch. The Ou plucked
them from folds of fabric, piling them into his lap. Dark eyes
sparkled on the small ones.

"Desu. Would you like to hear a story?"

Purrs gave way to happy shrieks as the cubs squashed against him. The
Ou chuckled at a memory.

"Ai, it's been long since I've held so many cubs. Longer still since
I've thought about the past."

Handsome features grew hard in thought. "But I swear by my crown I'll
protect you, little ones. Our world will endure, and so will my line.
On that I pledge my life and soul."

Soft little lips suckled at his hands, wanting attention. The King
laughed out loud.

"Tired of listening to gedare (grandfather) ramble, eh?"

More shrill screeches filled the air. Vegeta stretched out, looking
much like a huge bird of prey as his robes spread everywhere. Nuru,
Tezar and Xenna clambered over him, snuggling to get warm again.
Powerful arms gathered them all in.

"And now that we're comfortable, I'll begin. Once upon a time, there
was a small cub, who lived in a fancy home. His parents loved him
very much. His name was Wazzu, and he had a very long tail for his
age. Many times he'd catch it in all sorts of crazy places."

Button black eyes shone in curiosity as the babies stared. Vegeta
continued his story.

"In fact, his tail was so long he tripped over it one day. Wazzu
tumbled down a winding staircase, his tail coiled around his body. He
bounced and bounced, and finally landed on his head. When he came to,
he walked to another room."

Xenna squeaked, waving chubby arms. That sent off a round of squeals
from Nuru and Tezar.

"Quiet, chikki. Let's see, where was I? Oh, yes...Wazzu wandered
around with a sore head. His eyesight was a little fuzzy, but he
found his way upstairs again. He heard voices behind a door. Thinking
his parents inside, he pushed at the door. At first it wouldn't open,
but Wazzu was a stubborn chibi. He kicked it loose from the metal
bolts. The door crashed to the floor, cracking it. Wazzu was VERY
strong!"

Nuru yipped with glee, a big grin on his face. Tezar pushed against
Xenna.

"Hn, you'll be fighting soon enough, little ones. Good. Now Wazzu
stopped in his tracks, for his father was very angry. He was holding
a pretty woman that wasn't his mother."

Quiet footsteps edged along a nearby corridor.

"It wasn't the first time Wazzu saw her. She was nice, and fed him
lots of stuffed worms and spiced pig brains. But Wazzu sensed his
father liked her too much. He was angry, because his mother was
beautiful also. So he told the woman to stay away."

The footsteps stopped suddenly, as other ears listened in silence.

The Ou tilted his head slightly in another direction, sniffing. He
continued his story.

"And the two adults whispered. Wazzu's father sent the woman to
another room. He picked up his chibi and gave him a hug."

With that, the Ou gathered his own chikki and kissed them all over.
The cubs burbled, coiling their fat little tails.

"Now this time Wazzu's father wasn't angry. He said that he'd never
leave his family for anyone, and not to worry. Wazzu was very happy.
But something strange happened then. Behind the door where he sent
the woman, he heard another voice. Guess what it was? Another chibi!"

Nuru, Xenna and Tezar squalled, their high voices chittering. The Ou
laughed.

"Well, he didn't quite sound like that. He was older than you three.
Wazzu pushed open the second door with his father's permission, since
he was a curious chibi. Sure enough there was another cub nearly his
age standing by the woman."

A pair of keen eyes went wide in astonishment.

"Now this other cub just stared at Wazzu. The woman kneeled and
pushed the two cubs together, clasping their hands. The two snarled
and spat at each other, but had an unusual understanding. They
expected to meet again some day!"

The Ou grinned smugly as he went on. "The other cub's name was Oducc.
Now Oducc wanted to fight and wrestle, so Wazzu punched him first.
The fight was on! Finally the adults pulled them apart. The woman and
Oducc had to leave suddenly, because someone else entered the room.
Both chibis were bloodied and bruised, but none the worse for wear.
Still, before they left the two cubs smiled at each other. It was a
good fight, after all."

The chibis shrieked again, bouncing in their grandfather's lap. The
Ou nuzzled them all, inhaling their fragrance.

"Such sweet, tender skin. That's the end of my story, little ones.
It's time for your nap now."

Needle teeth flashed as sleepy faces yawned. The Ou adjusted the
snaps on their unisuits. Vegeta barely turned his head.

"You can come out now, Kakarot."

The wild one appeared surprised as he entered the room. "You heard
me? I was trying to be quiet."

The Ou laughed. "I know stealth is your category, but my nose is
second to none."

"Oh."

"Why are you lurking around here, anyway? Is your schedule that light
today?"

The cubs clucked, seeing Kakarot. He rubbed the thick little mops
affectionately.

"Sort of...there were some cancellations this afternoon for training,
so I thought I'd stop by the castle. The servants told me you were up
here."

"Hn, then you also know I'm here to not be disturbed."

"That's why I waited. You're an excellent storyteller."

"Experience. Of course, with cubs this young it's not the words so
much as the mood."

The wild one sat next to the king, crosslegged. He pecked a bronzed
cheek.

Vegeta lifted an eyebrow. "Do you have a kissing complex, boy?"

"No, saba. I merely enjoyed your story. The cubs certainly have." he
nodded, looking down. Three sleepy chibis continued to yawn, their
eyes closing. Small bodies curled in soft folds of the king's robes.

The Ou smiled also. "Ai, the little darlings. They were quite
attentive, all things considered. I tried to keep the story fairly
short."

Kakarot was smug. "Short perhaps, but much was told."

"I don't follow you."

The wild one adjusted the snaps on Nuru's neck collar. "Those chibis
you mentioned seemed awfully familiar. I could almost relate to the
situation."

"Perhaps, but it was all fictional. Are you always so suspicious?"

A wink. "True, saba. If I didn't know better, I'd think that story
was about you."

The Ou sniffed indignantly. "I see...and who would the other
characters involved be?"

"Well the father would be king. The woman I'm not sure about, and the
other chibi...I'll have to think on it."

"You do that. Now keep your voice down, these little ones are
resting."

Kakarot tucked loose robes over the babies. "That hard headed chibi
in the story certainly sounds like you."

"Kakarot, do you think I'm above a fight?"

"Why are you talking about fighting?"

"You can provoke your father with nonsense, but not me. And your
brothers are correct in saying you're out of line."

"My senses lead me. It has nothing to do with insolence, saba. I
merely crave knowledge."

"You'll be craving a mouthful of fist at this rate. And before you
start that super saiyan yammer again, just remember you get your
breeding from ME."

Kakarot paused in surprise. "Are you saying...that you're?"

"No, I'm not. But as you know, I'm descended from one of the three
primal lines that produce super saiyans."

Kakarot pulled his chin in thought. "Hmm. I see."

"You've yet to review the archives. They will reveal much, including
information reserved for royals only."

"Preserving the mystery, hn?"

"Preserving the blood. I carry the live genetic coding, child. Though
I don't achieve that power level, my own power has characteristics of
a super saiyan."

Shock. "I had no idea! What characteristics are-"

"You might call me a 'sub' super saiyan. In truth I am past super
elite, though few know this."

Kakarot sat in wide eyed excitement. "Do you transform and become
golden?"

"No, but my aura flame can simulate that color. It's really most
unique."

Soft whistle. "I'd say so. May I see it someday?"

"Perhaps during the war. Rarely have I had to battle at full power."

A frown. "Hold. Do Vegeta and Raditz know of this?"

"Vegeta? Of course, he is your crown prince. I'm not certain if
Raditz is aware. You might ask him."

"What about father?"

"I have no secrets from my mate."

Kakarot glanced down at innocent faces relaxed in sleep. "Your
opinion, saba. What power levels do you expect the chibis to have?"

"Your sons? There's no reason why they couldn't rate as super elite.
And as you know, Xenna is a special case."

"I sense it, too."

"She may make elite power levels, but with lower blood comes reduced
probability."

"True. And super saiyans are exceedingly rare."

"Ai, every five thousand years. You and Vegeta are an extremely
unusual circumstance. One per era is the norm."

Kakarot stroked the short goatee. "Tell me a truth, please? Is there
a reason the two of us are super saiyan in one generation?"

Vegeta glanced away momentarily. "Flukes happen, child. The archives
have records of super saiyans springing from nowhere-"

The wild one's eyes gleamed. "From ragtail blood? I find that
difficult to believe. Look at father's situation. There's no way he-"

The Ou clamped a hand over his mouth. "This is a room of quiet
contemplation and rest, Kakarot. When the war is done review the
records. That's all I ask."

Kakarot turned so their backs touched. "Let's meditate together then,
saba. One day you'll trust us with the whole truth."

The King coiled tails. /There will be time for everything later,
chibi. Be at peace, the little ones rest and we should follow suit./

/So be it./

Kakarot closed his eyes, inhaling the warmth and scent of his
family. /Being king is good?/

The Ou opened an eye. "For those true born to it. Only the strongest
are capable."

Kakarot's tail puffed suddenly as he purred. "A matter of breeding?"

"Hai, and strength and power. My house is full, possibly the most
powerful in the history of Vegetaseii. Blood and fate have provided
me with the ultimate prize."

The fat tail slapped the Ou's face. The King responded with a purr of
his own, nose krinkling at the thick, spicy scent.

"Hn, you may be my stinkiest child, and that's saying a lot. No
matter."

Kakarot swelled with pride. "We'll win this war, you know. I've
spoken to father on the matter. He seems confident as well."

"Confidence, cub. Not arrogance. Being super saiyan isn't proof
against everything, and I wish I could convince you and Vegeta of
that."

"With power such as ours? Ha!"

"Both of you are young in the ways of war. Although Vegeta served
under Frieza for some time, having your home world assaulted is a
different matter."

"Perhaps...but considering Frieza doesn't believe in our existence,
we have an advantage."

"True, he knows only of super saiyan rumors. It's vital we keep it
that way."

Kakarot arched against his parent, purring. "Don't worry. The cream
of Vegetaseii will be well prepared."

The Ou closed his eyes again. "You do me proud, chibi. Your
anxiousness for the war warms my spirit."

"Vegeta may be prince, but my blood is the same. Should I do less?"

The king laughed richly. "Let the Urdani beware! I wouldn't be
surprised if my chikki entered the fray."

Kakarot looked tenderly to the sleeping chibis. "Saying goodbye to
them will be hard."

Vegeta leaned into his son. "You won't be saying goodbye. When the
pod bays are ready, you will send them off in true saiyan fashion.
I'll have no weakness, Kakarot!"

"I know, it's just that-"

"A royal wears his heart in private. Do you understand my meaning?"

A sigh. "Hai, saba."

The Ou settled against Kakarot again, closing his eyes. "Now be quiet
and contemplate the future."

"So be it." Kakarot turned back to back again, his thoughts stern on
the upcoming war.

A pause. "The blood burns, saba."

"Well enough, but calm yourself. You can't fight battles inside and
out!"

Soft snarl. Kakarot's tail looped free, jerking and lashing. Annoyed,
the Ou gently picked up a chibi.

"Hold this baby."

"Hn?"

"You heard me!!"

Kakarot softly took up Nuru, cradling him. The small face was even
more innocent in repose.

A contented purr rumbled in his chest as he settled. "Thank you."

"Focus the strength in yourself for the cubs."

Kakarot nodded, turning in a lotus position. The king did likewise.

/You're very wise./

/Even hot blood must have direction. Now be silent!/

With a slow smile Kakarot closed the mental link. _Ai, Frieza's hot
blood will be spilled. I swear it!_

Kakarot and his King reflected on the future, and the present. Their
thoughts were their own.

And out in the depths of space Frieza plotted and planned...

THE END