Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ Price of Power ❯ Fates ( Chapter 11 )

Price of Power

By AMCM74

Chapter 11 - FATES

Trunks crossed his arms and drew himself up to his full height. On any other being this would be enough to cause an infinite amount of fear, but this was not just anyone he was staring down. This was his sister, Bra, Princess of the Saiyans, the jewel of Vegeta-sei. She had managed to curl every man on this planet around her little finger since the moment of her birth, including him. There was nothing that Trunks would deny his precious little sister. He locked their matching sapphire eyes, gifts bestowed upon them by their mother, in hopes of deterring her. Bra lifted her chin defiantly and refused to look away. Trunks was left with no choice; there was no way he would allow Bra to have Marron. Pan had asked him specifically for Marron's companionship, and come hell or high water Pan was going to have it. He could not tolerate the idea of telling Pan she could not see Marron, because of his failure to act quickly enough. The image of her large eyes filling with hurt and disappointment loomed up before him. He shook his head, no - that vision wasn't going to happen.

Bra tapped her foot in irritation. Could Trunks actually be thinking about trying to interfere in her plans? Damn him to hell, he was! She had no idea that he would want this human girl next to her so badly. What use could he possibly have for the little blonde menace? Bra bit her ruby lip and narrowed her shining eyes. Perhaps he was not as pleased and infatuated with the Demi-girl as Bra had been lead to believe. This might be harder than she had originally thought. Convincing her father to allow her to attain control was one thing, doing so while over-stepping the Crown Prince of Vegeta-sei was another. Bra refused to allow Marron to see her uncertainty, making sure to keep her face slightly averted from the girls questioning gaze.

"Father, we would merely like to request that Marron be given to Trunks' slave girl, Pan." Bra focused on the ground as she spoke. The words slipped past her lips with all the grace and demurity of a saint. She was very thankful for all her years of royal etiquette and training at this moment. She knew she was going to need every drop of it, if she were to prevail here. "Marron feels that it will help Pan in her adjustment to her new status here to have a close personal friend in which to confide."

Trunks stopped as he opened his mouth for his rebuttal and slowly turned a stunned look on his sister. What was the little minx trying to pull? Where he had once suspected that Marron had coerced Bra, now he was certain of it. Still that did not change his duty to his current paramour. Marron's deceit could be dealt with at a later time. Good fortune had smiled on all of them in this request.

"That is what I wanted to ask of you as well, Father."

Vegeta straightened slowly, one eyebrow arching thoughtfully, a look of blatant distrust washing over his features as he pondered this latest turn of events. "Both of you want this girl to go to Trunks' new woman?" Trunks snorted and gave a curt nod. Vegeta looked to Bra who was staring up at him with imploring eyes. The brats had taken an interest and agreed on something. This was not good, not good at all. Something foul was going on here and he didn't like it. Bra nodded at Trunks with all the polished dignity of some one of her position. Trunk was still as stone, merely gazing at Marron. "I do not trust this situation. It reeks of trouble to me for some reason." Vegeta stood up and addressed Marron solely. "You!" He shattered the happy reverie of Marron's mind and she raised her face to him. "You are to remain conscious of your position here, and for that reason I will react with the proper channels in this case."

Marron blinked in confusion. "I have no idea what you are talking about. Please explain yourself in a way that I can understand."

"Remember whom you are speaking to, girl. I am King of this planet and Over Lord to most of the universe. You will not address me with that tone." Vegeta snapped his warning and watched Marron closely for her reaction; she still held her head up high. Defiant just as Bulma had been when she first arrived on Vegeta. It must be inherit genetic flaw among the Earthlings. "I will excuse you for your tone to me this once, girl." Vegeta relaxed a bit, as he added, "You would be wise to remember that."

The resemblance between Marron and her mother as she sat before him was uncanny. Marron could only imagine how she was reacting to all of this. Life had not been easy on her mother to begin with. An orphan girl, she had lived from handout to handout while she struggled for her education, and somehow managed a prestigious law degree in the end. All the while dragging her delinquent twin brother behind her, only to throw it all away at the end for true love on a remote island with Marron's father. Marron's uncle had been none to pleased about this, but her mother always reminded him that it was no more idiotic than when he had suggested trying to sell their bodies to science, for video games, at the age of seventeen, or was it eighteen. Marron frowned and vowed to ask her mother for sure once she saw the woman again, and that would be soon. Marron would bet on it. The reply she gave King Vegeta came in a cold tone that tempted fate. "What could I have been thinking, my apologies, your grace." All the while, in her head, she scoffed at him. This was the great King Vegeta of the Saiyan race, the man that had made a universe tremble at his name. It was all she could do not to laugh at his `foreboding' presence. Still, she reminded herself, how Goten and Trunks had underestimated her back on Earth. It would not be a good, wise judgment on her part to follow their mistakes.

"Someone inform Goten that his slave has been brought before me." Vegeta languished in the flash of horror that crossed the girl's features, it was echoed in Bra's mortified gasp and Trunks groan of displeasure. Vegeta leaned to the side to watch his son hang his head. He watched the boy slowly shaking his lavender hair form side to side in a slow steady motion that bespoke the emotion he was feeling. "You do not think this wise." Trunks looked up at his father. "Tell me, boy. Why do you see folly in my summoning the girls rightful owner to claim his rights over her?"

"If I may be blunt father, its is folly. Goten has no affection for this girl and she returns the unpleasantness first hand." Trunks muttered for his father's ears only. Together the King and his heir watched as Bra clutched to Marron's armor to keep the girl from running.

"Interesting." Vegeta nodded for Trunks to continue. "Tell me why the strongest warrior on this planet would lower himself to bickering with a mere earth girl?"

"I…" Trunks swallowed and looked to Bra and Marron who conversed with each other in low tones. "I am not sure."

"I assume he has already bred her." The dark eyes watched his daughter trying to calm her soon to be mate's lover. The blonde was shaking her head with flashing deep blue eyes. Vegeta did not miss the flash of frustrated rage that appeared on his daughters face and then evaporated under a mask of calm. "This explains a lot. Bra does carry the Earthling's sense of jealousy. That is not good."

Trunks exhaled noisily. "You should not interfere with this." He could not refrain from stepping back as his father turned a glare on him forcefully. Throwing up his open hands in defense of his actions he added, "Mom won't be all that pleased if you have Goten take a breeder while he is courting Bra."

"Are you saying I have poor judgment, boy?" Vegeta raised an eyebrow at his son.

Trunks felt his shoulders droop, and sighed in defeat. "No Father, I was merely suggesting…" but he was cut off by another sharp glare. Bulma was going to be mad, Vegeta was going to enforce his will, and the rest of the planet was going to go straight to hell.

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"What is going on here?!" Marron hissed at the young Princess. "You told me you could handle this situation!" Marron tried to rise, but Bra's hand shot out and the long nails on her fingers began to dig painfully in Marron's thigh. "If you wanted me beheaded you could have just ordered it yourself, because that is what Goten will do."

Bra narrowed her glimmering blue eyes as she stared at the floor. If only it were that simple. The thought of sharing her warrior with this unworthy piece of alien trash sent an unpleasant feeling flowing through Bra's veins. "I can't go against my father's wishes, as much as you or I would like me to. King Vegeta says that Goten gets the final say in your fate, then that is so. Since Trunks and I want the same thing concerning you, I am positive that we can sway Goten to see things our way." Bra turned her cold gaze on Marron and replied with a serenity that was not in her eyes "now please settle yourself and prepare for the decree."

Marron felt her mouth open and close under the strength of the Princess's composure. Turning her head, Marron felt the waves of golden hair falling around her face. It was best to watch her step here and remember that Pan was the only one she could trust. Although she and Bra wanted the same results, it was clear that the Princess of all Saiyans was only helping her because it was convenient for her at this time to do so. Marron sighed and looked up with emotionless blue eyes.

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Goten stalked in a smooth, rolling gait around the training arena. He scanned the expanse with dark, calculating eyes, searching for his target. It didn't take long to spy his Grandfather sparing with another Saiyan warrior. "Bardock!" Goten called out in a low booming voice that set most of the men in the room on their toes. Lord Goten's presence was infamous in this area. He was without a doubt the strongest of them all, and for that reason alone, he roused fear and respect from the ones before him now.

Bardock was the only one undaunted by his grandson's voice. He kept his attention on his opponent; at the first flicker of uncertainty, Bardock reacted with lightening speed, and swept the feet out from under his adversary. The other man landed with a hard thud on the ground before him. Bardock lifted his chin and nodded in satisfaction with himself, before turning to face Goten. "You took a little longer getting here than I thought you would."

"You were excepting me?" Goten was not surprised. Bardock knew just about everything there was to know. Goten was one of the few who had any inkling of the true depths of Bardock's telepathic powers.

"Of course." Bardock reached out to take a towel and dabbed the rivulets of sweat that were slipping over his firm form, then he moved to his grandson's side "You are looking rather well," Bardock paused to rub the towel over his face before adding, "For a dead man."

Goten froze at the words. "Dead man?"

Bardock laughed, "Those women you have saddled yourself with, they are always so much more trouble than you know." Bardock tossed the soaked material into the younger warriors face and smiled slyly. "No. I am sorry to say you will live through this one. It might be a bit tougher in the coming days though." Bardock walked out of the room. Goten tossed the towel to the ground and growled before following the elder warrior from the room. There were times Goten wanted to choke the answers to this enigmatic talk from the old coot. Was it that hard for the man to come right to the point? "Bra is merely messing with you. Beware her feminine wiles, the Princess is very determined this time." Bardock turned and placed his arms across his chest. "Tell me what you know about the other woman you have brought here. Is she a good person?" Goten narrowed his eyes, and studied Bardock's worried expression.

"Marron?" Goten scoffed her name. It seemed the name alone could leave a bitter taste in his mouth. The black eyes that rarely showed emotion clouded, and a dark, fiery light burned there "She is a pain in my ass. Simply put, I hate her." Goten shook his head trying to dispel the memory of Marron standing before Bra. Goten sighed and leaned back against the wall. "I am here to see if you have heard anything about this situation." Closing his eyes Goten groaned. "I take it you have." The silence was long causing Goten to peer at Bardock. It was not uncommon for him to merely walk away during one of Goten's fits of agitation.

Bardock was still standing there looking distant. This was typical for the older, but alluring, warrior. Goten stood quietly and waited for Bardock to regain himself.

Bardock looked at Goten for a long moment. Then he turned and began his slow steps toward his quarters.

Goten frowned. "Well?!? Are you going to tell me anything?!?" He stood stunned in the hall.

"Blues Skies? That is what I see in the girl's future."

Goten clenched his fist and shouted, "Yes!!!!! That must mean she is going back to Earth." Goten pushed back the slight nagging sensation that something was wrong with Bardock's reaction to this. It was best to focus on the importing things. "What about Bra?"

Bardock laughed and looked over his shoulder. "I told you years ago that you and her are connected. I have heard that King Vegeta has given you the chance to pay court the Princess." Bardock turned and walked back. "You were destined, nothing can change that."

Goten looked in awe at his grandfather. "How do you do it?" Goten just could not imagine the things that Bardock must know, had known. "It must be great to see the future."

Bardock rested his hand on the shoulder of the younger version of himself. The dark eyes were somber and full of pain as he heaved a sigh, "It is more of a curse than a gift. Be glad you don't see." Bardock dropped his hand away from the young warrior. "Even when you know there is something you cannot change."

Goten laughed "I can do anything. Name one thing I can't do if I really wanted."

Bardock frowned, "You will not be able to help the Prince. In his near future he will have to choose between his love and loyalty, and his Duty to Vegeta-sei."

"WHAT!" Goten felt his heart lurch in his chest. "What do you mean?" Bardock remained silent and Goten grabbed his armor forcefully "TELL ME OLD MAN! What is going to happen to him?"

Bardock shook his head prying that clenched fist from his chest. "I am not completely sure, it is still fuzzy. The future is like that, always changing; always shifting. You can never see it clearly."

Goten growled. The mere thought that Trunks would be led astray by Pan was intolerable. "If he needs me I will be there for him." Goten let go of Bardock. If what Bardock said were true, Pan would cause Trunks' downfall. Goten gnashed his teeth. "Very well, Bardock. Your counsel is always welcome, and I thank you for it." Goten turned away. There had to be some way Goten could gain control over Pan, some plot that could force Trunks' latest obsession to fall under Goten's control.

A guard rushed toward them and stopped, bowing before them. "Lord Goten!" The man panted. "The King has summoned you to his presence immediately. He says your servant has been brought before him and he wishes your counsel on her fate."

Goten startled. "Marron?" Then, his eyes narrowed as his smile broadened. Perfect. "What are you waiting for warrior, lead the way."

Bardock watched the other man stride from the room as he tried to dispel image after fragmented image from his mind. Prince Trunks standing with a golden fighter of unreadable power, bright blue skies, and laughing with an enormous grin. A baby on a blanket clapping its hands in front of Marron, as Pan laughed happily behind her.

None of this made sense to him yet. Bardock wavered on his feet weakly. Perhaps he should go lay down. It would take time to interpret these visions.

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The doors to the throne room were pushed open, and Goten entered it with grim determination. King Vegeta looked up and studied the strong warrior with a slight nod. Goten nodded in response before flashing a broad smile at Trunks. The Prince crossed his arms over his chest, as a confident smile played over the handsome features. Lastly, he moved to where Bra and Marron knelt before the king. Goten reached down and gently pulled Bra to her feet and tilted her chin up with gentle fingertips.

"I think now is a good time for you to leave, my love." Goten leaned close and whispered to her ear.

"But I…" Bra started to protest his comment only to feel his fingers tighten just a bit. The words caught in her throat at the biting movement.

"Love, I have been very patient today. If you are to be my mate you will do as you are told, when you are told." Goten leaned down to kiss her cheek gently before growling low into her ear "Now go to your rooms, and await my visit there or you will face my wrath."

Bra trembled, as he let go of her glancing from Vegeta's pleased expression to Goten's thunderous one. She had known that Goten could be dangerous, but this, this was her he was threatening. She swallowed and backed up, knowing he meant every syllable. "I… I… Think I will return to my rooms and await the verdict there." Bra stammered. She curtseyed to Vegeta and then to Trunks. Turning on her heel she fairly ran from the room, leaving Marron staring after her with wide shocked eyes that turned to horror as Goten latched on to her arm and jerked her to her feet.

"So you summoned me about this slave, Your Grace?" Goten held the little blonde tight to his side.

Marron felt her stomach sinking as she watched Bra disappear from sight. Why had the other girl deserted her now? It was all she could do not to panic. What ever Goten had said to Bra had the girl running form the room like a frightened rabbit. Damn him! He was in for a shock when he realized his precious Prince wanted the same thing that she and Bra had. Marron relaxed and let her head roll forward. She had to keep these thoughts in mind. Goten did not want anything to do with her. Handing her off to Pan would be the perfect solution to all their troubles.

Trunks was assured that Goten would defer to his will as usual. It was really just impractical for him to be worried that the ever-loyal Goten would go against his will. It had never happened before, and that chances of it happening now were slim. By his very stance it was shown that Goten was none to pleased with the Earthling girl. "I have requested that Marron be given to Pan as a gift, as you were once gifted to me." Trunks informed Goten with a savvy ease. "My sister had the same request for the girl's fate." This would only be icing on the cake. No doubt Goten would give the girl up if merely to please Bra alone. Whatever had Vegeta been thinking? There was no single reason for Goten to saddle himself with the girl. "My father wanted to hear your position on this before he made any decisions."

"I see." Goten smirked. He pulled Marron around in front of him so she could not see his face. Goten knew that everyone here was expecting him to just hand her over to the royal family's will. Although, they didn't know what Bardock had predicted. Goten was loyal, and for that reason alone, he would act. "If I may?" He awaited Vegeta's permission to speak.

"Go ahead, Lord Goten." Vegeta frowned. He wished that Trunks had remained silent. At the first possible chance he would rectify his son's brash behavior. It was true that Goten was the one person that had to obey Trunks' will over his own. Still, to deliberately use that knowledge to thwart Vegeta's wishes was irritating at best.

"I want to keep the girl as my own." Goten said firmly. Vegeta came to his feet, and Trunks' arms dropped to his side. Both men could only stand side by side, and stare at the couple before them. Marron went rigid, and looked at the royal pair with the largest blue eyes they had ever seen, just before she erupted like a volcano in Goten's arms. She turned on him to shove him away. Goten encircled her waist with one arm and lifted her to his side, leaving her swinging helplessly in the air. "I can assure you that she will be put to good use."

Vegeta laughed loudly. "Very well then. Please take her with my blessing, and let us deter you no longer."

Trunks stepped forward as Goten stalked to the entrance, Marron screaming obscenities at them all, from her position on Goten's hip. Vegeta put his hand out to halt the young Prince. "Stay, I am not through with you, and you have no say over what transpires between Goten and his slave.

"But father!" Trunks turned to the amused expression that quickly faded as his father directed his full attention on him. Trunks refrained from grimacing under the strong look of disapproval.

"Out of the two of you, at least I raised one of you correctly." Vegeta's eyes narrowed and he added. " From what I have seen you could learn quite a bit from Goten's example, Trunks. If you ever try something like that again, to gain your own advantage I will personally beat the fuck out of you, boy." Trunks squared his shoulders under the harsh criticism. "You must foremost remember your duty to me and this planet, just like every other Saiyan here. Focus more on that than pleasing your woman."