author: FireCracker KLee624820@a...
(Italic copy bordered by_underscore_)
Archive? You'd better.

A/U

House of Vegeta: The Ceremony pt.1

Among the Saiyan race bloodlines, coloring and class were of
paramount importance. Many clans aspired to improve their lot by
selectively choosing their mates. The lower classes in particular
were fairly meticulous in investigating the backgrounds of a possible
partner. The elite sought to preserve the purity of their clans by
mingling with their own.

Royalty historically was rife with secrecy and corruption regarding
offspring. Records were often doctored and hidden . Silence could be
bought among those of the upper class in exchange for position in the
palace. Overly zealous conspirators often sought to seize the throne
by blackmail and exposure. These were soon dealt with. The boneyards
were full of their ambitions.

The current and reigning ruler, Vegeta Ou, looked upon his growing
house with pride. His line was strong and would continue for the
forseeable future, to the delight of his allies and dismay of his
enemies. The Ou could only smile. All his get were fine and well
bred, but how could they not be? He was quite selective in picking
his mate, although not the one Vegeteseii was aware of...

"Are you going to stand there and daydream all day?" a familiar voice
asked.

"Hn?" the Ou blinked and stared. Bardock approached him, grinning.

"Come on, koi. Enough staring off into space. Our brats are waiting,
and you're holding up the ceremony!"

Vegeta Ou grunted in approval, a slow smile spreading on his lips. He
never tired of looking at his handsome lover. Bardock was resplendent
in red and black dress armor and white cape. The scarred warrior
lowered his eyes.

"Stop looking at me like that...hentai!"

The Ou licked his lips. "Hn, you're a fine one to talk...you've got
enough fetishes to break a dozen whores!"

Bardock edged up to his King, tracing the goatee with broad
fingertips. "I've no use for whores...of course, my Ou has rather
unique tastes himself..."

Vegeta growled low in his throat, tail thrashing. "Enough of this,
Bardock."

"What, not impulsive this time?" muscled arms wrapped the tight torso.

The Ou pushed away. "Why start what can't be finished? Fool...I have
some sense of decorum!"

Bardock laughed, turning his back to go. "Well don't mind me...I'm
just a third class nobody that slept his way to the top!"

Vegeta put on his cloak, eyeing the retreating figure
hungrily. "Raunchy scum...perhaps I'll reward your insolence later."

****

It was an impressive array of Vegetaseii's elite. Counselors and
other high class families had gathered inside the monstrous ballroom.
All wore their best finery for the event, bowing as the Ou and his
Regent entered through heavy velvet curtains.

Vegeta surveyed the scene. Friends, cronies and enemies alike had
gathered to pay their respects to the newly born oujian. Bardock took
his place with the other officers to hold suspicion at bay. Their
private relationship was unknown to the public, and any breach in
decorum could prove disastrous.

Nappa slapped Bardock on the back. "So how's it feel being a
grandouju at such a young age, eh?"

Bardock snorted. He and Nappa had been rivals for years. "Well
enough. I've never had royalty in my clan."

The brutish general gave a sly grin. "Hai, I hear one of the brats is
the spitting image...how did one of your get manage to win the ouji,
hm? He's third class after all. I'm surprised the Ou allowed such a
mating."

"Nappa, you show your ignorance" another voice rung out. It was
Gormon, a commander from the western region. "Don't you know? Kakarot
is a super saiyan, as is the prince."

The bald general blinked. "What?! Impossible! Kakarot doesn't have
the breeding..." dark eyes narrowed in suspicion at Bardock. "Or does
he?"

Bardock paled a moment but recovered quickly. "Jealous, Nappa? I hear
that wretched son of yours failed in his raid on the plant Neron."

Nappa grunted. "An unavoidable accident...he was assaulted by the
militia-"

Gormon laughed, pulling at his heavy beard. "Not that excuse again,
general. I understand his engagement fell through as well?"

Nappa folded his arms and stared at the milling crowd. "I don't wish
to speak of it."

"The village girl, Orize?" Bardock was amused. "You speak of my son
while yours chases a peasant in the woods?!"

Nappa blubbered, waving his arms. "Hormones. I've tried to tell the
fool it won't work, but-"

"Hai, I've been down that track myself" Gormon grinned, flashing a
wink at Bardock. "Although she's somewhat crude built, I hear those
villagers are good at SOME things!" he snickered.

Bardock grinned back. Calling Orize crudely built was an
understatement. Many of the village clans had poor genetic pools rife
with deformities and mental disorders.

Still another commander approached. He was stocky and barrel chested,
his shaggy mane sprouting from a square forehead. Thick arms crossed
Bardock's in greeting.

"Hail, Bardock! When do we get this underway? I want to see the iberi
(small ones)!

Bardock laughed at his old friend. "Soon enough, Ebruz. I'm getting
pretty anxious myself."

Ebruz surveyed the crowd. "Looks like all the cream of Vegetaseii is
here. Say, is that your other brat over there?" he pointed at a far
corner of the great hallway.

Bardock followed his line of sight. Raditz was talking with junior
officers who were laughing and drinking.

"Hai...he's been pestering me about his nephews non stop."

Ebruz and Gormon nodded in approval. "Good looking boy" Gormon
commented. "Is he mated yet?"

"No, he plays at it, the flirt. I've no patience with his silliness
at times."

Nappa chuckled. "Give it time, Bardock, he's young yet. Brats never
do what you expect anyway."

Ebruz watched the young warrior with curiosity. "Hn. Is Raditz a
super saiyan?"

Bardock shook his head briefly. "No, but he's as strong as any first
class."

Ebruz eyed the powerful build. "I dare say he'd give an elite a run
for their money, eh?"

"Is that a challenge, Ebruz?" Bardock's eyes lit for battle. "We'll
see what's what during the rhuntek!" he was referring to the after
dinner celebration of fighting.

Gormon poured himself a drink from a serving table. "Odd...in truth,
I'm surprised Kakarot is already mated and with get...the boy's
always been wild. I remember how he ran about the castle, getting
into trouble and tearing up."

Bardock paused a moment. "His youth is a concern, but perhaps Vegeta
can calm him."

"Aye, and those chibis might drain his nervous energy."

Nappa gave Bardock another odd stare. "Strange how a third class
child had the run of the place...even the servants doted on the
whelp."

Gorman frowned. "What are you saying, then?"

The bald general shrugged, ignoring death glares from Bardock. "Only
that Bardock's brood spent a good deal of time in the castle. None of
the other commanders get had such priviledges."

"My daughter was in the castle also, as was Ormon's brood."

"Hai, but not for any length of time. Why is that, hmm?"

Gorman and Ebruz coughed, uncomfortable. Bardock was ready to fight.

"Be careful what you imply, Nappa-"

Nappa gave a false smile. "Come now, l meant nothing. This is a time
for celebration, my friend! We can always fight...later" black eyes
held a nasty gleam.

Ebruz snorted, his distaste for Nappa obvious. "I might join the
rhuntek, myself. My troops have been idle lately, and I weary of
quiet."

All discussion halted at the sound of chimes. The huge assembly
turned as two saiyans clad in black and green uniforms stood to
either side of the draped corridor.

"ATTENTION, ROYALS AND ELITES OF THE REALM. THE PRESENTATION AND
NAMING OF THE NEW OUJIAN WILL COMMENCE IMMEDIATELY. PLEASE TAKE YOUR
SEATS AT THE FEASTING TABLES."

"That's my cue. I'm due at the altar" Bardock turned to leave.

Ebruz waved him off. "Go to, then. We'll catch up with you at the
rhuntek."

Bardock nodded and disappeared into the crowd.

****

The Ou had spent the last hour in strange conversation as well.
Several councilors made off colored comments about birthrights and
appearances. Vegeta merely invoked his authority as king for them to
be silent, lest they lose their heads. The elites took their seats
and waited.

Bardock stood tall at the altar, pride radiating from every pore.
Vegeta Ou knew the feeling well. The culmination of their own past
would soon be acknowledged by all. Servants raced to his side,
lifting his cloak as he moved.

"Milord, you look truly splendid, as does Regent Bardock" Cuyken
stated as they scurried along.

"Indeed" the Ou held his head high, striding majestically down the
central train of blue carpet. Bardock met his eyes, a thousand
thoughts condensed in a moment of time.

Vegeta Ou understood.

Strident music blared from the royal band as two commanding figures
entered, bearing small bundles. Vegeta Ou stood alongside Bardock at
the altar as all eyes trained on Vegeta no Ouji and Kakarot. Handsome
and fine they were in brilliant gold dress armor. Russet boots and
capes were complemented by matching sashes at the waist. Burgundy
rope braid embellished gleaming chest plates engraved with the royal
seal of Vegeta. A hush fell over the other saiyans. They were
magnificent.

The high priest entered from a side chamber, bearing a jade green box
laced with pewter. Her name was Ebluka, and she presided over the
birthing ceremony of the Ou himself. Medium in height and build, her
rakish hair was bejeweled and twined high above her head. She raised
her hand as the parents approached the altar. A few elites spoke in
hushed whispers from their seats.

"Silence, all!" she commanded in stern tones. "On this day we come to
acknowledge and proclaim the continuation of the Vegeta line. Is it
not so?!"

"BEDAKKTA!!" the elites thundered as one.

Ebluka nodded. "Now will the parents present the chibis to all in
attendance."

Vegeta and Kakarot each unwrapped a baby from soft ebony velvet. They
held the chibis high over their heads and turned to the elites. The
babies opened their eyes and growled softly, their thick little tails
wiggling. Deep green jumpsuits edged in gold complemented their
coloring perfectly.

"Kraiika!!" (Observe!!) Vegeta Ouji and Kakarot shouted fiercely. The
elites responded in acknowledgement, raising their fists.

"Wetannei!!" (We see!!)

Ebluka smiled slightly. "Turn and face me once more, Vegeta no Ouji
and Kakarot."

They did so, heads tilted high as they lowered the chibis. The priest
glanced at Vegeta Ou and Bardock.

"Now let the grandouju stand forward."

The elders stepped up and faced their sons.

"Vegeta Ou and Bardock. Have you names for your line?"

"We do" they answered in unison.

"Vegeta Ou, you begin."

The king placed a hand on one chibi's forehead. "I, Vegeta Ou of
Vegetaseii, do name my grandson Tezar, warrior of fury."

"Now you, Bardock" Ebluka instructed.

Bardock touched the other chibi's forehead. "I, Bardock do name my
grandson Nuru, pride of blood."

Ebluka eyed Vegeta no Ouji and Kakarot. "Do you both accept?"

They nodded solemnly. "We do."

The priest raised both hands. "Let it be thus recorded on this day
that we receive and celebrate the royal oujian, Tezar and Nuru!"

Explosive applause rocked the great hall as the babies were held high
once more.

"Emisler weii et edil gnuu! Gnuu edil et ouijini!" (Long live the new
regime! Long live the oujiini!)

Vegeta and Kakarot exploded into super saiyan mode as an affirmation
of power. The saiyans roared their approval in a frenzy of cheers.

"Pride and Power! Pride and Power! Pride and Power..."

****

The Ou and Bardock sat at the end of the largest table, along with
high ranking commanders and other elite. Vegeta, Kakarot and Raditz
sat in line nearby among their elders. Raditz went on nonstop about
the babies. The chibis were on display in a plush pallet near the
altar.

"Now I finally get to hold my nephews!" he jabbed excitedly.

"Not if you're drunk again!" Vegeta admonished him.

Kakarot laughed. "He isn't drunk, he's always like that!"

"Very funny" Raditz pouted. "By the way, you look good in gold,
little brother."

Kakarot grinned. "You think so?" he glanced down at his armor.

Raditz shook his head. "I'm talking about this" he gently pulled at
gleaming spikes of hair.

"Oh, that!"

"I'm almost jealous, you know."

Kakarot swigged his ale. "Maybe you're a secret super saiyan!"

"Yeah, right!"

Vegeta sniffed. "What the hell am I, Raditz?"

A poke in his side. "You look good, too. I was just messing with you!"

"Hn, I'll do some 'messing' of my own after dinner!"

Nappa shook his head. "Silly children!"

Ebruz tore into a hunk of meat. "Ha! So how are the grandouju?"

Bardock ate a bone. "It agrees with me. Babies smell wonderful, ne?"

"Ai, 'tis true..."

The Ou wolfed down some fruit. "This is a greedy group...I've never
seen elites eat like such pigs."

Bardock glanced around. Despite their fancy dress and manner, the
elite ate like all saiyans. Loud, sloppy and messy. Trays and bowls
were tossed to the floor or thrown after being emptied.

He crunched on another bone. "Fancy pants. I don't see the
difference."

Kakarot swallowed a fish whole. "There isn't any, father. Pass me the
maous brains, please."

Bardock grunted, handing him a huge bowl of brains. Raditz stuck his
hand in and scooped up a fistful.

"You won't get it all this time, little brother. Besides, I need
relish for my squab."

Vegeta no Ouji downed a bowl of snake gut in three gulps. "I need to
get my strength back...I don't know if I'll participate in the
rhuntek after dinner."

Gormon had bread crumbs in his beard. He belched. "These boys can
eat...I was the same way before everything went to my belly."

Nappa gave a sick laugh as he swallowed a plate of shellfish. Maybe a
good fight will whip you into shape. Of course, none of _my_
regiments were ever overweight-"

Raditz growled. "He's some piece of work, isn't he?"

"I'll gladly fight the bald bastard" Vegeta murmured, eyes flashing
as he drank a goblet of cattle blood.

"You aren't recovered yet" Kakarot snapped at him. "I'll fight Nappa-"

"Don't let him provoke you, boy" the Ou warned.

"I'll lay a week's pay!" Gormon cheered. "We're gonna have one hell
of a rhuntek!"

"Don't order me around, Kakarot-" Vegeta started. Raditz clapped his
shoulder.

"No, he's right...drink some more blood, it's nutritious" the maned
saiyan filled the ouji's goblet from a pewter pitcher.

"I'm not a fragile flower!"

"It hardly matters, prince" Nappa told him. "I fight no opponent not
at full strength-"

"I'm at full strength!" Kakarot shouted, rising from his seat. "Fool.
Do you really think you can defeat a super saiyan?!"

A hush fell over the great hall as numerous pairs of eyes trained on
the royal table.

"Kisama, Kakarot!!" Bardock hissed. "Sit down. This isn't the time or
place, yet!"

Raditz yanked his brother down. "Father's right...your children are
named here tonight! Fight him in the arena during rhuntek later!"

"I might fracture a jaw or two" Bardock grinned sweetly at the
frowning Nappa.

****

The processional to see the babies up close began after dessert. The
great hall was a mess. Dirty plates, bowls, and goblets were
everywhere. Spilled wine and cattle blood stained the walls and
tables. Bones and trash littered polished marble flooring and carpet.
Uneaten food was tossed into the water fountain. It was a typical
saiyan feast.

Kakarot and Vegeta nuzzled at the table, mellow from wine and liquor.
Bardock was nearly under the table, crosseyed. The Ou glared at him.

"Ya-our a stinking mess, Bar-dock" the King managed, swaying from
side to side.

"No, my king" Raditz stood up and saluted stupidly, losing his
balance. "Now I'm gonna go kiss the babies-"

"You're too drunk, stupid" Bardock slurred from under the table.

"Like hell, father...all five of you are drunk" Raditz responded
before crashing to the floor.

Vegeta Ou snorted. "Bastard...never could hold his liquor" he glanced
over at the new parents. Kakarot and Vegeta were quite busy tongue
kissing, their tails coiled.

The Ou shrugged to Gormon and Ebruz. "What the hell...at this rate
they'll drop another litter in six months."

"Good, mah king" Ebruz was blind from drinking. "Ah likes parties" he
fell into Gormon's' lap and passed out.

Vegeta Ou squinted, his vision fuzzy. Saiyans everywhere were either
getting drunk, stone drunk, or out cold. Shoving matches were
beginning to break out.

Nappa managed to stagger over to the pallet. Nuru and Tezar
immediately started growling and spitting.

"Ha! Such scary chibis" thick hands reached into the pallet...

"AAAIIIEEEEE!!"

The brutish general nearly lost a chunk of flesh as Tezar crunched
into his hand with needle teeth. Nappa shook him free, bouncing the
chibi into his sibling. Nuru edged up and snarled, his little tail
puffed like a ball. Nappa clutched his profusely bleeding hand and
stumbled back. Several elites howled at his predicament.

From his vantage point the Ou laughed. "Asshole."

Vegeta and Kakarot glanced over briefly and resumed kissing.

****

Hours later the arena was filled with brawlers enjoying rhuntek. It
was basically a free for all, everyone fighting anyone who entered
the ring.

Bardock was energized after his drunken stupor on the floor. He
battled blindly, striking right and left. Raditz was clear on the
other side of the arena, pressed by several ambitious warriors.
Kakarot was in the thick of everything, pummelling every nearby
saiyan with relish. Even the Ou had joined in, giving his promise of
no recriminations for anyone striking their king. It was a special
celebration, after all.

Ebluka and several servants watched the madness from the upper tower.
Vegeta cradled both babies in his arms and approached her.

Her aged eyes smiled. "These are beautiful, child" she stroked the
huge flame of reddish black hair.

Vegeta smiled wanly. "Aderi, granddame."

She viewed the fight below again. "I see you don't participate. Were
you blustering earlier about the rhuntek?"

Vegeta sighed. Tezar and Nuru clucked, coiling their tails around his
arms. "I may have overestimated my strength. It's somewhat slow to
return."

"Bearing one child is wearisome, chibi. Bearing twins weakens the ki
as well. Come to my chambers tomorrow for some draught."

Vegeta nodded. "I will" he respected her authority and relationship
to the royal house. In truth, she was the only saiyan alive who dared
call him 'chibi'.

Ebluka opened her mouth to say something, then clamped it shut.
Vegeta eyed her oddly.

"What is it? Surely my somewhat depleted condition isn't that much of
a concern."

"No, child. I was noticing the babies...their hair coloring."

Vegeta smiled with pride. "Hai, the tones are rich, ne?"

"Ai, and those high cheekbones...their heritage clearly shows.
Curious, though..."

"Hn??"

Tezar resembles Kakarot but has your coloring, while Nuru is your
image bearing Kakarot's coloring."

Vegeta purred at his children. "I noticed it immediately, as did
Kakarot. At least this way we won't confuse our sons with ourselves
and our fathers, eh?"

An odd expression crossed her features momentarily. "Confusion
indeed" she murmured, as if to herself. "And there is still another."

"Explain."

"Nothing, my prince-"

"I have no patience with riddles, old woman!"

"No riddles. Sometimes I wonder if I've lived too long."

Vegeta snorted, ignoring her. He propped the chibis up against a
bannister so they could see the chaos below.

"See, my seseii (darlings)? Your tosi fights, as do your grandoujou
and ube. No doubt they'll clear the ring in two hours!"

Tezar and Nuru squealed and waved chunky arms, thoroughly enjoying
the carnage in true saiyan fashion.


THE END


Next: House of Vegeta: First Born pt.2