Dragon Ball: Another World, Chapter 1, Part 1
Okay, so I tried this lj-cut thingie...
Title: Dragon Ball: Another World
Chapter Title: Destiny
Rating: M
Disclaimer: Dragon Ball (Z, GT) belongs to Toriyama Akira.
Warnings: Future Goku/Vegeta, Gohan/Tarble and 18/Kuririn. Also Vegeta-abuse (mainly Freeza/Vegeta), blood and violence.
Summary: AU. After Nappa's death Vegeta, Tarble and Trunks are the only Saiyans left. Enraged, Vegeta decides to find whoever killed his subordinate, while Tarble is wondering why the Saiyans seem to die one after another.
-x-x-x-
Chapter 1 - Destiny
”I can't allow that.”
Vegeta felt the tail tighten around his waist. He clenched the fists behind his back to keep himself from lashing out, ”I'm sorry?”
”I said, I can't allow that,” the creature sitting on the throne repeated, ”Or rather, I won't allow that.”
”Sir,” Vegeta kept his gaze somewhere slightly above the throne, ”With all due respect, these are my men we're talking about.”
”And?” he could feel the crimson eyes on him, ”Are you, perchance, implying that a couple of monkeys are unable to take care of themselves.”
”That's not what I'm saying,” Vegeta snarled quietly, ”I'm just pointing out that it's taking far too long for them, considering their mission was only to scout out the sector. If something has happened, it is my duty to punish whoever it is that has insulted our race so,” he finally let himself meet the other's gaze, ”And if it so happens that they've just been lazing out, then it is also my duty to punish them for insulting our race.”
The look on Freeza's face was mildly bored. He kept scanning the Saiyan up and down in a way that always made Vegeta slightly nervous, ”I still won't allow it. The Tritekians are putting up a tougher battle than I expected. I'm going to need you here leading the Second Fleet, not meandering somewhere after two lost monkeys.”
”Sir,” Vegeta began again, gritting his teeth, ”We have already conquered most of the planet, I'm sure you could get someone to replace me for the rest,” the tail was gripping his waist like a steel vise, ”If something has happened to my men, I think it would be wise to find out what, in case it's something that could be considered a threat to the Empire.”
”My dear Vegeta,” Freeza laughed, ”Do you really think there'd be anything, anywhere, in this universe that I couldn't handle?”
You bastard, ”No, sir,” he gritted out.
”Then I guess this discussion is over,” Freeza lifted his hand and signalled for one of his personal servants to escort the Saiyan out, ”And don't worry about your boys. I'm sure we'll hear of them sooner or later.”
Vegeta tilted his head in a manner that could almost be considered a bow and marched out of the double doors before Freeza's servant could even reach him. He released the tail from his waist and let it smack right across the chest of a passing guard, sending the poor man crashing to the hallway wall. That wasn't nearly enough to soothe his anger.
He stormed forward, tail swishing left and right, not caring who or what it might hit. Most people were aware of his sour moods and kept their distance, knowing better than to cross paths with the Saiyan prince whenever he came from the direction of Lord Freeza's chambers.
Once Vegeta entered the training facilities, he let his anger blaze. He kicked the door open, ignoring the two pairs of startled eyes that landed on him. He marched to the nearest metal target and punched it with all his might, shattering it and sending the pieces flying all around the room.
”It didn't go well?” Vegeta heard a voice ask tentatively. He glared at his brother, getting even more annoyed as the younger one flinched. Tarble was still too weak if he couldn't even stand up to his own brother!
”Are you going to leave?” smaller voice piped up.
”No,” Vegeta looked at his son, ”Apparently, I'm needed on Tritek.”
”But,” Tarble voiced, ”There's only a small faction left. The planet's basically ours.”
”I know!” Vegeta roared, ”It's the stupidest excuse that freak's come up with to not let me out of this fucking ship!” his mind flashed back to the smug look on the emperor's face, ”DAMMIT!” he smashed another target with an energy blast, ”That fucker! Keeping me caged like this!
Tarble stepped back as his brother started demolishing the room. Next to him Trunks, his nephew, looked excited, soon joining his father in blasting targets and tearing off panels, just for the sheer fun of it. Tarble tried to keep out of the way as best as possible, not sharing quite as big a lust for destruction as the other Saiyans did, ”Had enough?” he asked once his two relatives stopped their havocking.
”No,” Vegeta growled. It wasn't enough. Would never be enough. Not until he ripped that... thing's head off with his own hands!
”What did he say?”
”That the stupid monkeys can take care of themselves and even if they couldn't, he could take care of whatever it is that they might've encountered.”
”But this is Nappa and Raditz we're talking about,” Tarble began, flinching slightly as Trunks began playing with his tail, ”They're not the strongest we have, but still powerful enough that not just anyone could defeat them. Shouldn't Freeza be more worried?”
”Well, apparently he isn't,” Vegeta growled, ”The bastard's getting overconfident since there's no-one to challenge him.”
”That might not be wise on the long run,” Tarble commented, swishing his tail around, watching as Trunks kept jumping after it.”
”Not that it matters,” Vegeta smirked evilly, ”Let the fucker keep thinking he's unstoppable and when the time comes, I'll rip out that disgusting heart of his and feast on his intestines.”
”Just promise to keep it down for now,” Tarble warned, ”At the moment we wouldn't stand a chance. Not as long as Zarbon, Dodoria and the Ginyuu Force are here.”
”I know,” Vegeta rubbed his left side absent-mindedly, ”I need more power. If I could ascend I...”
Tarble looked away as his brother sank into his own world, dark eyes going dull and hand sliding over the hidden scars. He felt uncharacteristic hatred towards the creature that kept humiliating his brother like that, kept them all locked up in the hulking metal ship. Tarble swore he could feel an invisible collar tightening around his throat every time the emperor gave a command.
Still, it was nothing compared to the many shackles chaining down his brother.
-x-x-x-
Vegeta was the first one on the landing bridge. He had ran there as soon as he heard the signal of Nappa's space pod returning. He pushed violently through the mechanics, tapping his foot impatiently as he waited for the pod's door to open.
“Oh for the...!” he pulled a hidden lever that opened the door from the outside and leaned in, “You better have a damn good explanation, you lazy-!”
It had been a while since he had seen so much blood in such a cramped space.
Nappa's eyes seemed to stare straight at him, dried-up blood staining the bald warrior's chin and stomach. Majority of it had come from the huge hole in the man's chest, smell of burned skin, bone and organs still lingering in the air. Vegeta could faintly hear voices around him as the mechanics were screaming for help.
Before straightening up Vegeta pressed a button, pulling out a small chip and hiding it in his palm. He walked past the panicking mechanics, watching as a group of paramedics hurried towards the pod, “Too late, quacks,” he informed them and hurried his steps towards the Saiyans' living quarters.
-x-x-x-
Tarble and Trunks were pulled out of their napping when Vegeta slammed the door shut. He threw the chip at his brother, who caught it in surprise, “Find out where that idiot's been.”
“Wha-?”
“Nappa's back.”
Tarble's face lifted and he smiled, standing up “Then...”
“He's dead.”
Vegeta growled at the disbelief on his brother's face. Trunks stared at them, not really understanding what was going on. Vegeta stalked to the small table at the corner of the room, kicking the only chair they had and smashing it to pieces. He let out an angry howl and started beating the table, finally lifting it up and throwing it against the wall, “FUCKING IDIOT!”
“What about Raditz?” Tarble dared to ask.
“I don't know!” Vegeta howled, “But I guess it's safe to assume that he's dead, too! Those fucking idiots! What the fuck were they doing!?”
Tarble stayed silent as the thought that had most likely enraged his brother sank in. The three of them were the only ones left. They were the last Saiyans. Tarble could feel a heavy lump rising to his throat as his brother seemingly calmed down, turning slowly to look at the younger prince.
”Why?” he asked, ”Why didn’t you make your choice while one of them was still alive?”
Tarble couldn’t meet his brother's accusing eyes. He didn't really know. He had just thought that he could have some more time, that putting it off for a little while wouldn't hurt anyone, “I'm sorry...”
“We could have a female now,” Vegeta muttered, “If only you had agreed to be claimed!”
“I know,” Tarble gulped, “I’m sorry.”
“Sorry doesn’t make it any better!” Vegeta lost his temper, “We’re dying, Tarble! Can’t you understand that!? You’re a Herma! You were our only hope!”
“I know...” Tarble fell to his knees as his brother kept growling at him, his tail curling around his leg in submission, “I just...”
“You just what!? Thought you could avoid it!? You can’t, Tarble! None of us can! You thought you could run away from it, didn't you!?” Vegeta lifted his hand, ready to strike.
Tarble closed his eyes, awaiting the pain. When nothing happened he dared to open them, seeing his brother turning his back at him, “Brother?”
“You know I can’t hurt you,” Vegeta muttered, shoulders slumping “And I know we couldn’t foresee this, it’s just...” he rubbed his left side and Tarble felt a wave of guilt wash over him.
“No, you’re right. I did keep putting it off. I kept hoping that maybe... just maybe we could find another female or maybe more of those who survived... like Tales...” he quickly closed his mouth as Vegeta turned around to glare at him.
“Don't say that traitor's name!”
“I... I’m sorry...”
Vegeta sighed and slumped against the wall. He slid down to the floor and rubbed his forehead, “Dammit! What the hell are we supposed to do now?”
Trunks, who had kept quivering in the corner during his father’s raving, finally dared to move. He crawled next to his uncle, silently asking if the man was alright. Tarble smiled and ruffled the boy’s hair. The half-blood might now be their only hope, “We still have Trunks”, he said.
“You know the gene only passes down through females,” Vegeta muttered, suddenly looking very tired, “And even if he would claim you when he comes of age, it wouldn’t be wise. We’re all too close of blood.”
“But he could mate with an outsider. Like you did,” Tarble tried, “And maybe... well, I could, too.”
“It wouldn’t be pure...”
Tarble sighed. If only his brother wasn’t so obsessed with having a pure-blood child, “Then... what can we do?”
“I don’t know,” Vegeta admitted silently, “I just don’t know.”
-x-x-x-
“You want to bury that clansman of yours?” Freeza asked.
“Yes,” Vegeta pulled his shirt back on and kneeled down to pick his discarded boots, “He was loyal, always followed orders. I feel like I owe him that much.”
“Hmph,” the emperor sniffed, “Floating through space like the rest of the vermin is good enough for him.”
Vegeta pretended he didn’t hear the comment and instead concentrated on putting his armor back on, “Maybe, but dismissing a warrior’s soul like that might have negative repercussions.”
Freeza let out a laugh, “Didn’t know you monkeys were so religious.”
Vegeta didn’t look at the emperor, “Enough that it could affect our performance.”
“Are you threatening me?”
“No, sir.”
Vegeta froze as he felt cold fingers stroking his tail. He fought the reflex to pull away and wrap the appendage around his waist. Freeza continued toying with it for a while, enjoying his subordinate’s squirming. Finally he let go and smirked as Vegeta almost instantly wrapped the silky tail around his waist.
“Five days,” the emperor allowed.
“Thank you, sir.”
-x-x-x-
Vegeta watched as the scavengers ripped Nappa’s body apart. The talk about vengeful souls and proper burials had been complete bullshit. Like Saiyans would care about something like that. When you were dead, you were dead, simple as that. Vegeta remembered hearing that some Saiyans had even devoured the corpses of their fallen comrades. Once the body stopped moving, it was worth nothing.
Turning his back at the feast of the beasts of the closest planet he had found that had a tolerable oxygen level, he opened the small device Tarble had given him. Recorded in it was the location of the last planet Nappa had landed on. Vegeta pressed few buttons to re-program his space pod’s course and glanced one last time at his long time comrade’s body.
“Thanks for giving me a proper cover, Nappa,” he muttered, “At least you accomplished that much.”
Standing up, he returned to his pod and prepared it for lift-off. He had four days left.
Title: Dragon Ball: Another World
Chapter Title: Destiny
Rating: M
Disclaimer: Dragon Ball (Z, GT) belongs to Toriyama Akira.
Warnings: Future Goku/Vegeta, Gohan/Tarble and 18/Kuririn. Also Vegeta-abuse (mainly Freeza/Vegeta), blood and violence.
Summary: AU. After Nappa's death Vegeta, Tarble and Trunks are the only Saiyans left. Enraged, Vegeta decides to find whoever killed his subordinate, while Tarble is wondering why the Saiyans seem to die one after another.
-x-x-x-
Chapter 1 - Destiny
”I can't allow that.”
Vegeta felt the tail tighten around his waist. He clenched the fists behind his back to keep himself from lashing out, ”I'm sorry?”
”I said, I can't allow that,” the creature sitting on the throne repeated, ”Or rather, I won't allow that.”
”Sir,” Vegeta kept his gaze somewhere slightly above the throne, ”With all due respect, these are my men we're talking about.”
”And?” he could feel the crimson eyes on him, ”Are you, perchance, implying that a couple of monkeys are unable to take care of themselves.”
”That's not what I'm saying,” Vegeta snarled quietly, ”I'm just pointing out that it's taking far too long for them, considering their mission was only to scout out the sector. If something has happened, it is my duty to punish whoever it is that has insulted our race so,” he finally let himself meet the other's gaze, ”And if it so happens that they've just been lazing out, then it is also my duty to punish them for insulting our race.”
The look on Freeza's face was mildly bored. He kept scanning the Saiyan up and down in a way that always made Vegeta slightly nervous, ”I still won't allow it. The Tritekians are putting up a tougher battle than I expected. I'm going to need you here leading the Second Fleet, not meandering somewhere after two lost monkeys.”
”Sir,” Vegeta began again, gritting his teeth, ”We have already conquered most of the planet, I'm sure you could get someone to replace me for the rest,” the tail was gripping his waist like a steel vise, ”If something has happened to my men, I think it would be wise to find out what, in case it's something that could be considered a threat to the Empire.”
”My dear Vegeta,” Freeza laughed, ”Do you really think there'd be anything, anywhere, in this universe that I couldn't handle?”
You bastard, ”No, sir,” he gritted out.
”Then I guess this discussion is over,” Freeza lifted his hand and signalled for one of his personal servants to escort the Saiyan out, ”And don't worry about your boys. I'm sure we'll hear of them sooner or later.”
Vegeta tilted his head in a manner that could almost be considered a bow and marched out of the double doors before Freeza's servant could even reach him. He released the tail from his waist and let it smack right across the chest of a passing guard, sending the poor man crashing to the hallway wall. That wasn't nearly enough to soothe his anger.
He stormed forward, tail swishing left and right, not caring who or what it might hit. Most people were aware of his sour moods and kept their distance, knowing better than to cross paths with the Saiyan prince whenever he came from the direction of Lord Freeza's chambers.
Once Vegeta entered the training facilities, he let his anger blaze. He kicked the door open, ignoring the two pairs of startled eyes that landed on him. He marched to the nearest metal target and punched it with all his might, shattering it and sending the pieces flying all around the room.
”It didn't go well?” Vegeta heard a voice ask tentatively. He glared at his brother, getting even more annoyed as the younger one flinched. Tarble was still too weak if he couldn't even stand up to his own brother!
”Are you going to leave?” smaller voice piped up.
”No,” Vegeta looked at his son, ”Apparently, I'm needed on Tritek.”
”But,” Tarble voiced, ”There's only a small faction left. The planet's basically ours.”
”I know!” Vegeta roared, ”It's the stupidest excuse that freak's come up with to not let me out of this fucking ship!” his mind flashed back to the smug look on the emperor's face, ”DAMMIT!” he smashed another target with an energy blast, ”That fucker! Keeping me caged like this!
Tarble stepped back as his brother started demolishing the room. Next to him Trunks, his nephew, looked excited, soon joining his father in blasting targets and tearing off panels, just for the sheer fun of it. Tarble tried to keep out of the way as best as possible, not sharing quite as big a lust for destruction as the other Saiyans did, ”Had enough?” he asked once his two relatives stopped their havocking.
”No,” Vegeta growled. It wasn't enough. Would never be enough. Not until he ripped that... thing's head off with his own hands!
”What did he say?”
”That the stupid monkeys can take care of themselves and even if they couldn't, he could take care of whatever it is that they might've encountered.”
”But this is Nappa and Raditz we're talking about,” Tarble began, flinching slightly as Trunks began playing with his tail, ”They're not the strongest we have, but still powerful enough that not just anyone could defeat them. Shouldn't Freeza be more worried?”
”Well, apparently he isn't,” Vegeta growled, ”The bastard's getting overconfident since there's no-one to challenge him.”
”That might not be wise on the long run,” Tarble commented, swishing his tail around, watching as Trunks kept jumping after it.”
”Not that it matters,” Vegeta smirked evilly, ”Let the fucker keep thinking he's unstoppable and when the time comes, I'll rip out that disgusting heart of his and feast on his intestines.”
”Just promise to keep it down for now,” Tarble warned, ”At the moment we wouldn't stand a chance. Not as long as Zarbon, Dodoria and the Ginyuu Force are here.”
”I know,” Vegeta rubbed his left side absent-mindedly, ”I need more power. If I could ascend I...”
Tarble looked away as his brother sank into his own world, dark eyes going dull and hand sliding over the hidden scars. He felt uncharacteristic hatred towards the creature that kept humiliating his brother like that, kept them all locked up in the hulking metal ship. Tarble swore he could feel an invisible collar tightening around his throat every time the emperor gave a command.
Still, it was nothing compared to the many shackles chaining down his brother.
-x-x-x-
Vegeta was the first one on the landing bridge. He had ran there as soon as he heard the signal of Nappa's space pod returning. He pushed violently through the mechanics, tapping his foot impatiently as he waited for the pod's door to open.
“Oh for the...!” he pulled a hidden lever that opened the door from the outside and leaned in, “You better have a damn good explanation, you lazy-!”
It had been a while since he had seen so much blood in such a cramped space.
Nappa's eyes seemed to stare straight at him, dried-up blood staining the bald warrior's chin and stomach. Majority of it had come from the huge hole in the man's chest, smell of burned skin, bone and organs still lingering in the air. Vegeta could faintly hear voices around him as the mechanics were screaming for help.
Before straightening up Vegeta pressed a button, pulling out a small chip and hiding it in his palm. He walked past the panicking mechanics, watching as a group of paramedics hurried towards the pod, “Too late, quacks,” he informed them and hurried his steps towards the Saiyans' living quarters.
-x-x-x-
Tarble and Trunks were pulled out of their napping when Vegeta slammed the door shut. He threw the chip at his brother, who caught it in surprise, “Find out where that idiot's been.”
“Wha-?”
“Nappa's back.”
Tarble's face lifted and he smiled, standing up “Then...”
“He's dead.”
Vegeta growled at the disbelief on his brother's face. Trunks stared at them, not really understanding what was going on. Vegeta stalked to the small table at the corner of the room, kicking the only chair they had and smashing it to pieces. He let out an angry howl and started beating the table, finally lifting it up and throwing it against the wall, “FUCKING IDIOT!”
“What about Raditz?” Tarble dared to ask.
“I don't know!” Vegeta howled, “But I guess it's safe to assume that he's dead, too! Those fucking idiots! What the fuck were they doing!?”
Tarble stayed silent as the thought that had most likely enraged his brother sank in. The three of them were the only ones left. They were the last Saiyans. Tarble could feel a heavy lump rising to his throat as his brother seemingly calmed down, turning slowly to look at the younger prince.
”Why?” he asked, ”Why didn’t you make your choice while one of them was still alive?”
Tarble couldn’t meet his brother's accusing eyes. He didn't really know. He had just thought that he could have some more time, that putting it off for a little while wouldn't hurt anyone, “I'm sorry...”
“We could have a female now,” Vegeta muttered, “If only you had agreed to be claimed!”
“I know,” Tarble gulped, “I’m sorry.”
“Sorry doesn’t make it any better!” Vegeta lost his temper, “We’re dying, Tarble! Can’t you understand that!? You’re a Herma! You were our only hope!”
“I know...” Tarble fell to his knees as his brother kept growling at him, his tail curling around his leg in submission, “I just...”
“You just what!? Thought you could avoid it!? You can’t, Tarble! None of us can! You thought you could run away from it, didn't you!?” Vegeta lifted his hand, ready to strike.
Tarble closed his eyes, awaiting the pain. When nothing happened he dared to open them, seeing his brother turning his back at him, “Brother?”
“You know I can’t hurt you,” Vegeta muttered, shoulders slumping “And I know we couldn’t foresee this, it’s just...” he rubbed his left side and Tarble felt a wave of guilt wash over him.
“No, you’re right. I did keep putting it off. I kept hoping that maybe... just maybe we could find another female or maybe more of those who survived... like Tales...” he quickly closed his mouth as Vegeta turned around to glare at him.
“Don't say that traitor's name!”
“I... I’m sorry...”
Vegeta sighed and slumped against the wall. He slid down to the floor and rubbed his forehead, “Dammit! What the hell are we supposed to do now?”
Trunks, who had kept quivering in the corner during his father’s raving, finally dared to move. He crawled next to his uncle, silently asking if the man was alright. Tarble smiled and ruffled the boy’s hair. The half-blood might now be their only hope, “We still have Trunks”, he said.
“You know the gene only passes down through females,” Vegeta muttered, suddenly looking very tired, “And even if he would claim you when he comes of age, it wouldn’t be wise. We’re all too close of blood.”
“But he could mate with an outsider. Like you did,” Tarble tried, “And maybe... well, I could, too.”
“It wouldn’t be pure...”
Tarble sighed. If only his brother wasn’t so obsessed with having a pure-blood child, “Then... what can we do?”
“I don’t know,” Vegeta admitted silently, “I just don’t know.”
-x-x-x-
“You want to bury that clansman of yours?” Freeza asked.
“Yes,” Vegeta pulled his shirt back on and kneeled down to pick his discarded boots, “He was loyal, always followed orders. I feel like I owe him that much.”
“Hmph,” the emperor sniffed, “Floating through space like the rest of the vermin is good enough for him.”
Vegeta pretended he didn’t hear the comment and instead concentrated on putting his armor back on, “Maybe, but dismissing a warrior’s soul like that might have negative repercussions.”
Freeza let out a laugh, “Didn’t know you monkeys were so religious.”
Vegeta didn’t look at the emperor, “Enough that it could affect our performance.”
“Are you threatening me?”
“No, sir.”
Vegeta froze as he felt cold fingers stroking his tail. He fought the reflex to pull away and wrap the appendage around his waist. Freeza continued toying with it for a while, enjoying his subordinate’s squirming. Finally he let go and smirked as Vegeta almost instantly wrapped the silky tail around his waist.
“Five days,” the emperor allowed.
“Thank you, sir.”
-x-x-x-
Vegeta watched as the scavengers ripped Nappa’s body apart. The talk about vengeful souls and proper burials had been complete bullshit. Like Saiyans would care about something like that. When you were dead, you were dead, simple as that. Vegeta remembered hearing that some Saiyans had even devoured the corpses of their fallen comrades. Once the body stopped moving, it was worth nothing.
Turning his back at the feast of the beasts of the closest planet he had found that had a tolerable oxygen level, he opened the small device Tarble had given him. Recorded in it was the location of the last planet Nappa had landed on. Vegeta pressed few buttons to re-program his space pod’s course and glanced one last time at his long time comrade’s body.
“Thanks for giving me a proper cover, Nappa,” he muttered, “At least you accomplished that much.”
Standing up, he returned to his pod and prepared it for lift-off. He had four days left.