Prince of Vegeta-sei: Chapter One

This is a story far from Earth.

It is not even set in the same galaxy.

This story is set on a planet, far from Earth. This planet was a glowing red ruby, vulnerable to predators who may snatch her up.

Her name was Planet Vegeta.

Planet Vegeta was full of a mighty race called saiyans, similar to humans, but with super strength and tails. The saiyans were feared throughout the galaxies; their brutal killings moved through the quadrants. They were at their strongest during the full moon and they would use their tails to transform into giant Oozarus and annihilate everything in sight.

Although the saiyans were strong, they were under the command of an evil tyrant. His name was Frieza. He too was feared throughout the entire galaxies. He was a sadistic creature; blowing up planets by just lifting his finger. He had the saiyans under his palm, ready to do his bidding.

Now the King of Planet Vegeta, KING Vegeta, knew through his friend Bardock that Frieza would lay waste to their homeplanet and all the saiyans if they grew too strong. There were many low level saiyans and the king needed more elites. So in a hurry, he ordered all low-level babies to be killed because he feared an uprising of the low level slaves.

So he sent out many elites to kill all of the low level babies. The assault took three days to murder every single low level on the entire planet. One mother in particular, Gine had a six year old and two baby twins. One a boy and the other a girl. She managed to raise the young boy for a few months, but she realized she could hide him no longer. So gathering all her children, she fled towards the capital's river ignoring the mothers' pleading and the roaring of the elites.

Gine could still hear the muffled screaming and wailing of the mothers and children, and the ki blasts that had been released. She shuddered, but scooped up her two children and scoured the place for Raditz. She had sent him to find the reed basket she had made earlier and hid in a ditch.

Hiding behind the wall, she heard heavy footsteps running from behind her. She froze-her blood went cold. Was it the guard-was he going to kill her baby?

She spun round, and sighed in relief, realising it was just her eldest son. Six-year-old Raditz held the basket under one arm, and glanced up at his mother.

"We should go now." he confirmed,cocking his head to the direction of the soldiers. He scanned the long leaved-grass for any pathway that would take them to the river. He spotted a downtrodden patch of leaves-that was a sign.

"This way!" he hissed and beckoned his mother and siblings down the pathway.

Once the group reached the river, Raditz handed his mother the basket. The baby began to fuss in his brother's arms, provoking Raditz to kiss him on the forehead. He passed the baby boy to their mother and took hold of his baby sister.

The young boy again fidgeted and opened his mouth to scream when a familiar lullaby spilled from his mother's lips:

Hush now, my baby, be still now, don't cry
Sleep as you're rocked by the stream
Sleep and remember my last lullaby
Someday we'll meet when you dream

The baby stopped fidgeting and slowly began to close his eyes. His parent unravelled a blanket from her shoulders and wrapped him inside it.

River, oh river, flow gently for me!
Such precious cargo you bear!
Do you know somewhere he can be free?
River, deliver him there

Tears flowed from Gine's eyes as she gently pushed the basket away from her. Turning around, she took Katya from Raditz's arms, and stared down at her daughter, who confusedly wriggled in her arms.

Well, I may not see one child grow, but I have to guide my other two, she thought.

"Raditz."

"Yes?"

"Follow your brother."

"O-ok." Raditz began to take off in his brother's direction, but his mother's voice rang out again.

"Wait! Make sure he's safe," Gine pleaded.

The eldest son nodded, passing his sister to his mother and started to run in the direction of his sibling.
Meanwhile, the basket was tangled in some tough conditions. It floated through the snapping of crocodile's teeth, past the oars of incoming boats and finally came to rest in a gentle stream.

Raditz noticed that this stream was actually the lake at the Vegetan Royal Palace. He swallowed noisily and hid behind some long leaves, hoping to stay hidden. The Queen, her son and two servants were at the steps of the water.

...

Prince Vegeta carried securely on her hip, Queen Rosicheena tiptoed down the little steps leading into the pool. With a contented sigh, she reveled in the silken, cooling touch of water on her toes, feet, ankles, and calves. The material of her dress around her ankles and feet dampened and clung with soothing coolness to her skin. 

Securing the prince in one arm, the queen leaned down, dipping a hand into the water, bringing it up to Vegeta's forehead, so he would stay cool and not overheat in the sun. She had heard of children fainting or falling sick from too much heat, and Rosicheena did not wish it to happen to her own little boy, even if he was a saiyan.

She had not wanted the boy to be too overheated from the tight leotard he wore frequently, even if he was a young toddler. On her previous trip to Earth, Rosicheena had made sure to purchase some loose, comfortable clothing for the young Prince. At the moment, he had traded his usual jumpsuit for a white shirt with a blue collar, black shorts and pale blue kneesocks. He completed the foreign look with small t bar shoes, black in colour.

"How's my little prince?" Rosicheena trilled to Vegeta, "Not too hot out here for you?"
But a passing little white flower bobbing along on the water had grabbed the one year old's attention. He attempted to stretch out of Rosicheena's arm to get at the flower, but the queen quickly set him back on her hip,  picking up the flower herself and giving it to Vegeta, never noticing a basket drifting towards her.

Only when it bounced so gently from her leg, did the queen gasp in surprise, looking down to see the basket bumping against her with the subtle currents of the water. Queen Rosicheena set Vegeta back on the steps —she did not wish to put him in the water, lest he slipped, went under, and drowned. Rosicheena would never forget the day Vegeta had slipped in the water, having lost his footing.

Her son now safely in the presence of her two servants who had hurried forward to attend to him, Queen Rosicheena bent over the basket that had drifted to her.

'What is in here? I do hope it is nothing so dangerous as a snake or scorpion.'
The last thing she expected to see was a baby cooing up at her with a tiny smile and large, soulful eyes.
'It's...a baby,' Rosicheena marvelled, a gift from the gods. 'For what baby could survive the river and its dangers?'

The little baby, with his adorable crop of raven hair, cooed up again at the queen, melting her heart. He had an old looking red cloth swaddled about him, and his complexion and hair reminded her of Bardock. She noticed his face shape- and the shading of his skin, was more like his mother's.

Gine's child, the Queen realised, as it dawned upon her. She had a son?

Rosicheena had grown up with Gine as a close friend but they had lost contact, thanks to the change in society. She knew that Gine had been treated badly-the least she could do was take in her son.

My husband shall not take this one, the Queen decided, for I already love this child so, so much, as I do my Vegeta.
Picking up the little child, Rosicheena cradled him, kissing the precious face, her heart swelling in her chest at the gift the gods had bestowed on her.

Raditz gasped at the scene playing before him. He had expected his brother to get somewhere safe but he NEVER expected the safe place to be the palace. 'It's better than nothing,' he thought. 'My little brother. Raised as a prince. He'll definitely get a life of luxury demanding things and bossing others around.' He chuckled at his own statement and smiled sadly. I won't get to see him grow up. Oh well, at least he's safe now.
Remembering he had a baby sister to take care of, he sang quietly for his brother as a parting gift, not minding in the least that his voice cracked:

Brother, you're safe now, and safe may you stay
For I have a prayer just for you
Grow, baby brother, come back someday
Come and deliver us too

Raditz backed away slowly and, with a smile on his face, ran back to his mother and sister, excited to tell them the good news.

Back at the lake, Queen Rosicheena held the baby tightly to her bosom with Vegeta tugging the hem of her dress. He noticed he wasn't getting any attention and resolved to demanding it. "Mama," he cried. "Up! Up!"
The queen smiled lovingly at her child and said, "Come, Vegeta. Let us show the king your new baby brother, Kakarot."

The two maids around Rosicheena gasped in first maid beckoned the other to walk with her, and she brought her mouth close to the second maid's ear.

The first maid spoke. "Is the queen serious? Taking in a low level? She isn't right in the head, that's for sure." she said.

The second one huffed. "The king should've chosen another noble to be queen. She's going to make the monarchy hang by a loose thread if she adopts that weakling brat!" she hissed.

Clearly she had not said it low enough, because the Queen of All Saiyans spun round, glaring daggers at the two girls. They were both shaking as if they were cold, despite the hot climate.

Rosicheena's voice was raspy but still as sharp as steel. "You will not question my position." she retorted. "Whether I will adopt the child of my friend or not is my decision to make." Her eyebrows furrowed. "Do I make myself clear, Omata and Karra?

They both shook, rooted to the ground. "Y-yes, Your M-majesty," they stuttered in fear.

"Leave us. You are dismissed for the rest of the week." Rosicheena ignored the two maids and gently pushed Vegeta along, who smirked with triumph at the poor girls.

And with that the trio advanced into the palace.

...

It was now sundown (or rather, sunsdown) on Planet Vegeta; the sky mixed magenta with a navy blue complexion, stars shimmering and peeping out of the semi-transparent clouds.

King Vegeta sat on the balcony recliners, lying underneath a golden veranda. He sat sprawled over the sun-coloured sofas, holding glasses of wine, and laughing with several other nobles and dignitaries. His fun was cut short by an irritated Queen, holding her son, and what appeared to be... a cloth?

King Vegeta and his guests stopped their amusement to pay attention to the new arrival. "Rosicheena. What is wrong, dear? " the monarch questioned.

The sovereign inhaled slowly and let out a shaky breath. "I need to talk to you in private."

Silence filled the air for a few painfully long seconds, until the king spoke. "What do you mean, dear? Whatever you have to say to me, you can say in front of our guests, he concluded, raising his arms to acknowledge the guests. A few of the nobles nodded in agreement.

"Fine." The Queen was fed up with her husband's persistence and stubborn attitude, but she could beat around the bush no longer. "Hold this, cloth, as you say it is."

The king eyed his wife, and still watching her, reached for the item, and took it from his wife. What he noticed that this object wasn't a cloth- it was a baby.

The thirteenth Vegeta sat, staring at the baby in disbelief. Gasps and muffled muttering erupted from the guests. The king could only feel anger and hatred boiling up inside of him.

This baby, he thought. It's the splitting image of Bardock! His hands began to shake, glaring down at Kakarot. What has she done-I thought I could trust that Sinclair woman! Now she goes behind my back and creates illegitimate brats?! It tool all his willpower not to shout in front of his guests.

He stood up and thrust the baby back into Rosicheena's arms. "My lounge. Now."

A sweatdrop ran down Rosicheena's cheek, and she felt her body heat up in worry and embarrassment. It wasn't only herself she had shamed in front of her guests- her husband had suffered the same fate. And now the guests realised that was their queue to leave, so one by one teleported away or let themselves out of the door.

King Vegeta darted down the hallway, with Rosicheena, Vegeta and Kakarot following shortly behind- turning a sharp left and pushed his door open to his private lounge. The room was for more private conversations: There were long, goldenrod golden leather seats, with plenty of cushions for support and relaxation. The angry royal plopped into his seat and Vegeta did the same, curling up next to his father, while Rosicheena awkwardly shuffled her feet, her eyes glued to the floor.

The king was annoyed but he didn't let it show. "Explain."

The queen readied herself. "I was with Vegeta at the lake-" she began.

"No." The king waved his hand. "Explain to me why you would go behind my back and sleep with a low level soldier. My friend." the king clenched his trembling fists.

Rosicheena raised an eyebrow. "Wait, what?"

"Don't act like you don't know. You went and slept with Bardock-and came back home with this brat!" he yelled, bringing himself to stand.

The Queen was mad. "You think I slept with Bardock?" she laughed in disbelief. "Why would I do that to Gine?"

King Vegeta blinked. "Y-you mean you didn't cheat on me?" he asked.

"Of course not, you nitwit. Bardock isn't my type. He can be a little-pardon my language- a little prick sometimes." She walked closer to her husband. "But that's not why I'm here."

Unravelling the cloth from Kakarot's head, she beckoned the king to look. "As I was saying, I was with Vegeta at the lake, and a basket drifted into me," she paused to stroke Kakarot's hair. "And this little angel was inside!" She smiled with pride and contentedness.

The sovereign glanced down at the child, who in turn gazed up back at him, his eyes bright. The boy bore a great resemblance to his father Bardock. The king felt a pang in his heart. Once his friend's back was turned, he ordered the deaths of several children. The blood of innocents was forever stained on his hands. He had almost claimed the life of his friend.

He was now glad his wife had found the boy. For obvious reasons, he wouldn't show it.

The king crossed his arms. "It seems that Temptato woman sent this child away in hope of his survival," he queried. "However, he cannot live here."

"What?! Why?"

"He is a low level. He's too weak to survive."

"But he's Bardock's son! Gine's son! We're their companions, and we can't let them down!" Rosichena pleaded. Her eyes began to water. Placing Kakarot gently on the recliner next to their real son. She turned to grab her husband's face.

"You would do the same if you were in their position, wouldn't you?" A couple of tears squeezed out of her eye and ran uncontrollably down her rosy face.

The king nodded, and sighed, casting his head to the floor. He knew that his reputation at king would be at stake if he adopted this child. There was quite a danger in telling a lie, but at the same time the truth could put off potential ally leaders.

But then again this child was the son of his lifelong friend- a low level. He wished his father had left the system the way it was- elites, middle class and low levels all mixing together. But of course, fate had a habit of changing the way the planet was run-mostly for better than for worse.

He sighed again and finally faced his wife. "It's decided." he blankly announced.

Rosicheena stared at him with bated breath. "W-well?" she stammered

"We'll keep the child. He'll be a playmate for Vegeta."

The queen squealed in happiness and flung her arms around her husband, laughing and giggling out of sheer joy. The startled king didn't expect his wife to act out of character like that. Then again, she was a Sinclair- bound with surprises.

"We'll tell the public that we didn't realise you were pregnant until about three months. Upon realising, we decided to keep it a secret from the public as as to let the baby spend its first few months in peace." he concluded.

"But what about his hair? Won't that spark questions?" the queen asked.

"Don't worry. We'll get the stylists to use the stronghold gel every few months to style it like my hair."

The happy Queen picked up a confused baby and the king scooped up a tired toddler and made a beeline for Vegeta's nursery. Upon arriving, Rosicheena dashed towards Vegeta's walk-in-wardrobe, and dug out a few navy blue outfits for Kakarot. She fastened them to him, and held him up to inspect.

Little Kakarot went from rural to regal thanks to his new mother: he now wore a navy blue, state-of-the-art baby jumpsuit with long sleeves. The Vegetan royal crest was imprinted in aureolin yellow, proudly marking the family's status. The boy giggled as Rosicheena bounced him up and down.

"He looks like a prince, doesn't he?" the former Sinclair asked her husband lovingly.

The king smirked and nodded. "Apart from Vegeta, he's the most beautiful child I've ever seen."

"He's so fragile!"

"I know. This isn't going to be easy Rosicheena. If he's going to be part of the royal House of Vegeta, he's going to need to look, talk, and act like one." King Vegeta stroked his beard. "But he needs a title."

Rosicheena cradled him in his arms.  The baby stuck his thumb in his mouth, his tail coiling around his new mother's arm. "Like what?"

"Prince Kakarot the Third of Vegeta and Körn. The Prince of Vegeta-sei."