Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ A Scrap of Hope ❯ Visitation ( Chapter 3 )

ONE WEEK LATER

Goku yawned and blinked, looking around sluggishly, as always taking a moment before remembering that he was not in the cage anymore. For a whole week he'd been fed well, slept long, been washed and groomed on a daily basis, not to mention having a few more visits to the doctors, though he'd like to forget those rather quickly. He hadn't seen the prince since that very first day though - and he'd grown restless. Stretching languidly he sat up and was just about to leave the bed when the door opened.

Vegeta strolled leisurely into the room for his daily visit. He had some sewing to do. "Oh, you're awake this time. That's a change." So much for sewing. I'll just have to wait. It's nice that he's finally woken up, though. Maybe I can sleep without him in the bed for a change. Although… he makes such a nice pillow. Or blanket. He smiled.

Goku flushed and stared as the prince entered the room. "Master!" He instantly got up, wearing only a pair of black slacks, and knelt at the prince's feet, awaiting his orders.

Vegeta yawned and walked around the boy, stretching out in the bed. He'd given up his bed for the boy, taking himself off to the barracks when he wasn't training. His father knew of the change, of course, but had yet to comment on it. For which Vegeta was grateful. His time was running out.

"I have gotten the reports from the medics." Vegeta sat up, yanking the annoying cape away, and dropped it on the floor. He then kicked off his boots and relaxed back against the mound of pillows. "It's nice to have my bed back." He cast a glance at the younger man. "I have been extremely accommodating. I wonder why? Oh, and you will begin training with the children in two days."

Goku blinked in confusion yet again, then turned to kneel beside the bed. What is he talking about? Master, where were you all week? Why did you never come and claim the price? I don't understand…" I... I'm sorry... I wasn't aware I was occupying your bed…" He shifted uncomfortably.

"Training? With the children?" He didn't know what to think of that. He'd been forced to fight so often that he couldn't imagine doing it just for fun. Children? I don't think I've ever seen children from up close… only those that poked with sticks at us through the bars. But no, these will be Saiyans, like me… I wonder if they'll like me…

"With the children. You seem to know absolutely nothing of your people. You will learn with them. And," as if it didn't matter at all, "you need the exercise." Vegeta's fingers ruffled Kakarot's hair, then tightened, tugging him up onto the bed. "Give me your tail."

Goku shivered slightly, wondering if the payment for all the nice things was due now, but obeyed, his tail flopping into Vegeta's outstretched hand.

Vegeta inspected his scrap's tail carefully, noting that the fur was beginning to make a comeback. The boy was still obviously not yet well, but had healed to the point where he should be able to hold his own against children. He was neither particularly rough nor gentle, though he examined every inch of the other's tail with quick, nimble fingers. Good. He's doing better, healing quickly. He may yet be of use to me. I hope. Things are… becoming grim. "You show signs of improvement."

Goku's shivering didn't stop, though for other reasons. No one had ever handled his tail so gently and it felt... like nothing had ever felt before. "I'm glad you're pleased, Master."

Vegeta purred, "I have plans for you, boy. But, not until you are well." However, he didn't stop caressing the boy's tail. Petting the boy, for some reason, helped soothe his inner agitation. Not that he allowed that to show!

"Wh... what plans, Master?" Goku asked, not sure whether he wanted Vegeta to stop or not.

Vegeta's purr abruptly became an angry growl, the gentle stroking a tight clench. "When you are well, baka. Not before. And you will do everything you can to get better."

Goku whimpered, cringing. "Yes, Master. As you say, Master."

Vegeta smiled cruelly. "Yes, Scrap, you will suit my needs perfectly." I hope. Oh, gods, I pray you will!

Goku's flicker of hope, which had been steadily burning stronger through the last week, diminished again. This one is just a master like every other - with a few odd quirks, but just like the others. Why do I even bother? He curled up, not daring to look at him.

Vegeta realized he had reduced the slave boy to a mass of quivering fright. "I really do hope you learn to act like a proper Saiyan." He shoved Kakarot off the bed, pulled his boots back on. "I'll be back tomorrow." Under his breath, he muttered about hating to have to dance attendance on his father. The cape swirled back about his shoulders, and the Ouji disappeared out the door, leaving a confused slave shivering on the floor.