Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ Price of Power ❯ Betrayed ( Chapter 19 )

Price of Power

By AMCM74

Chapter 19 - Betrayed

The darkly powerful General Q entered the throne room with an air of confidence about him. He was stunned when he glanced around. No one was there, aside form the King Vegeta himself. That in it's self was highly unusual. Normally before missions of such importance there were others to consult with. After all warriors always had to have a plan of action. Some sore of strategy to fall back on. This must be a very special mission indeed, if King Vegeta wanted to keep this on an extremely secretive level. That was fine with Q; he was willing to do anything his Lord required of him. Walking forward Q knelt, bowing his head in respect. "Your Grace, King Vegeta, I am here to serve you. As always, my life is at you decree."

Vegeta nodded, pleased as always with the respect the General showed. Q was a renowned warrior for following his order to the letter. He was never going over board and causing Vegeta=sei more trouble, or showing unnecessary mercies to the alien races of the universe. He knew how much power to use, and just how to extract what he wanted from Vegeta-sei's victims. He was more then a worthy warrior for the mission Vegeta had in mind. He could be trusted completely with this task. "General, I wish you to travel to Earth, Home of the Demis and Kakkarot. You are to seek out my son and make him return."

"The Prince has not retuned with his mate as yet...?" Q looked up with some shock. "My Lord it has been several months since I got the message on his departure. If he has yet to send a transmission or return, are you sure he is fairing well?"

Vegeta's gaze darkened at the man's words. He didn't like being questioned. "That is why I am sending you." Vegeta squared his shoulders and prepared to impression the importance of this mission on Q. "General, if any harm has befallen the Prince, I want you to kill the Demis and Kakkarot. I don't want a one of them breathing. Then you are to lay waste to the planet. No one and nothing shall be left alive. I don't want even a blade of grass it give memory to that world."

"What of Lord Trunks' mate? If Prince Trunks was killed by her family in an effort to keep her, she maybe alive as well." Q answered with the intelligence of a seasoned warrior.

Vegeta frowned. This was the tricky part. Vegeta knew his sons lust for the girl. There was no telling if she could be carrying Trunks child or not. A grim expression fell of his regal features as he answered. "If her mate is dead, then she might as well join him." Vegeta turned away. "Go. Now."

General Q rose to his feet and bowed. Killing Kakkarot, son of Bardock was not a task many on Vegeta-sei would consider. Bardock was a hero to the people. Although Vegeta commanded all the authority, Bardock had earned the Saiyan's undying respect at the moment of the tyrant Freiza's death. If anyone were to find out that Vegeta had taken steps against the last of Bardock's bloodline it could lead to a rebellion.

General Q smiled slightly. The Ice-Jin had been hunted since that day, and systematically wiped out. King Cold, and his elder son Cooler had proven quite the hard to kill. Several Saiyan warriors had given their lives to avenge the betrayal and death of the former King Vegeta. Now the Ice-Jin was reputed to be "extinct". All of this was a direct result of Bardock's warning, and for that the people of Vegeta-sei were eternally grateful. Killing his son would not be anything General Q would ever want to slip out amongst the populace. He mussed on this scenario, and how it benefited him, the door to the throne room was thrown open. Goten stormed in, his black cape flapping behind him as he took long strides up the isle. Q glared over at the newly crowned Prince of Vegeta-sei.

"King Vegeta." Goten went to one knee next to an enraged General Q.

Vegeta looked coldly at his new son in law. "Goten, I did not summon you." Stepping down toward the unlikely duo he demanded. "Why are you here."

Goten rose defiantly, and stared at his King. Never in his life had Goten heeded any one, but his highness Prince Trunks. He was not about to start now. "I am not a fool, your Vegeta, I know this mission concerns Prince Trunks." Goten turned a scathing look on General Q, "I wish for you to give this task into my, far more capable, hands."

General Q did everything in his power not to jump and attack the other man in his fury. The disrespect to his King was abhorrent. This proud young Demi, Grandson to Bardock, now mate to the Princess Bra and second inline to succession of the throne, had just crossed the line of things General Q deemed acceptable. "YOU WILL ADDRESS THE KING WITH RESPECT!"

Goten gave the other man a cocky smile "Make me."

Vegeta chuckled at two of his most powerful warriors stood toe to toe in front of him. They were both ready for blood; still having them spill each other's would do him little good. "At ease." Vegeta hating saying those words, a fight between these two would have been entertaining, but he needed them both well and ready to fight, General Q for his mission, and Goten for Bra's sake. "I know you are unendingly loyal to my son, Goten, but you must understand. This task may be painful to you if it turns out that The Prince has been deceived and was killed by Kakkarot and your brother." Vegeta shook his head. "I am not a loving King, but even I, wont put you through such torment."

Goten snarled. It always came back to that didn't it? What did he have to do to prove that he was loyal only to Vegeta-sei? The fact Kakkarot and Gohan were his blood was actually embracing to him. They had no Saiyan pride, no warrior's spirit. If they had he, Goten, would never have been taken. Goten gnashed his teeth so hard at the anger he felt, and stuffed the pain down as always. It was best not to think about it "I only wish that I am the one to avenge my Lord, Prince Trunks if that case." He turned away from Q dismissing him in a movement. "Not have some nobody do it for me."

Vegeta smirk was classic. "And if the Prince is still alive? What then?" Vegeta played out the scenario that was truly bothering him. "Do you have the ability to make him return against his will, as General Q here would do?"

Goten froze. That very idea was stunning to him. That Trunks would not return here, to Vegeta-sei, but choose to stay, as Kakkarot had, on the dirty little blue planet? "If Prince Trunks wishes to remain on Earth I don't see..."

Vegeta pointed at Goten swiftly, the lightening like move cause both me below him to cringe. "Well, I do. He is the crown Prince of Planet Vegeta. He was breed, born, and raised for this role! You think I liked taking a mate that I had no idea about, other then her beauty?" Vegeta demanded. "No! I took her for the power she could bestow on my heirs. Prince Trunks will return, and he will take control after me. Goten as a new Prince of Vegeta-sei, you are no longer below anyone, but me." Vegeta informed Goten, clinching his fist he stepped toward the youth, ready to battle to prove his superiority. "It may be hard for you to switch your loyalty to me, but YOU WILL DO IT!"

Goten stepped forward. For on brief second he was tempted to take Vegeta up on his challenge. He felt his blood quicken with the pounding of his heart. That anyone challenged Trunks went against everything Goten had been raised for. Snapping his face away from the King, he quickly answered, "FINE! If I swear allegiance to you, may I be the one to go."

"General Q would you allow Prince Goten to accompany on this mission?" Vegeta tossed a fleeting look to the other man who stood silently and odd look on his face.

Goten felt sick. There was no way that Q would allow him to join the mission. He was going to have to grab a pod and go without authorization.

The General looked up, his dark eyes latching on Goten's "If it is alright with you, my Lord, Vegeta. I will take him along. He can convince Prince Trunks of his duty to return to Vegeta-sei better then I." Q nodded curtly, "Yes I would be proud to have Goten along."

Vegeta tilted his back in surprise and Goten actually choked.

"Very well. Goten, I will tell your mate where you are. I want you both off this planet in under half an hour." Vegeta turned his back on them and waved his hand dismissing them both.

General Q and Goten looked at each other and blinked, half an hour? They both turned on their heels and literally flew for the door at super speed, knocking over s servant bringing King Vegeta a meal. As they raced down the halls Q studied Goten with a glance before grumbling "If it is any consolation I am glad you are coming."

Goten never even took the time look at him. "Why you want to learn how to be the half decent warrior?"

Q sneered at the crack. "You would like to think so, in you arrogance. No, I want you to see how powerful I have become over the years." Q entered the launch bay adding, "I believe I am safe in saying that I am stronger then you now."

Goten grabbed his armor off the wall at the launch bay, and laughed hard, although there was no humor in it. "You forget, I am a Demi, and you are a pure Saiyan. What you suggest is impossible."

General Q smirked "Maybe we will get a chance to see while out there, wont we?"

"I would enjoy a sparring session between us, but I do not want your death on my hands." Goten pulled his black armor on and buckled his cape. "Bra is actually fond of you. Though I have no idea why."

Q turned his back to Goten and finished dressing, not letting Goten see the smug look of satisfaction the crossed his features. So the Princess Bra had not forgotten him. Good. Although every moment he had with her had been over shadowed by her infatuation with Lord Goten. Even when they were alone in her room he had felt as if Goten had intruded even then.

They finished the preparations in silence. Both knowing that any further conversation would only lead to hand to hand combat before they even left the launch bay. The other Saiyans standing well back as the two dark warriors took long powerful strides to their pods. No words to anyone about their destination final destination or the severe importance of their mission.

One of the solders leaned into his comrade and whispered curiously. "Where do you think they are going?"

The man looked at the retreating forms, and the raw power of each warrior, that clashed against each other like the angry sea pounding the ungiving rocks of the shore. Shaking his head the man trembled, "I don't know. I am just glad I am not there."

Not to far from where the pods shot in to the dark sky stood one somber warrior. Bardock crossed his arms over his chest. There was a deep sadness in his eyes. He had hoped that Goten's bonding to Bra would have stopped this from happening. Obviously his grandsons will to fight would be his undoing.

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The Saiyan space pods flew through the darkness of space. Both occupants were completely silent; neither of them even bothered trying to communicate with the other. Goten glared out his pod's window. Q was nothing but an over egoed prick, as far as he was concerned. Still, Goten pondered, he was a Saiyan elite, and the General of the vast Saiyan armies. Q had earned the respect he was given. Goten grudgingly admitted. Still Goten didn't anywhere near, like the other man. In fact he would haven been totally joyous if Vegeta had just merely handed over this Earth mission straight to Goten, himself, to handle. He was confident he would be able to persuade Trunks to return to Vegeta-sei and his family, Pan willing or not in tow. Thing would be even better if Trunks had managed in his absence to bond with little pest. Trunks had been completely useless after she escaped the planet. That had been the only reason Vegeta had granted him the permission to return to Earth to retrieve her. If it had not been for Bra's constant insistences to Goten remain on Vegeta-sei for their bonding ceremony, Goten would never have allowed Trunks to depart alone. Pan herself posed a dilemma, having that one, as a Queen would be a problem. Still it was one that Goten was sure Trunks could handle.

It was then out of the corner of his eyes he saw it, a bright red light shooting from the surface of a nearby planet. Goten sat forward his entire senses alert, it was a ki blast, he could feel it. The power from it was awesome! It had been a long time since any other race aside the Saiyans could achieve such a vast power, almost beyond words. What could have? At that moment another beam connected with Q's pod, sending spinning out of control into the planet below. Goten choked. As much as he dislike Q, he was a Saiyan and therefore under Vegeta-sei and Goten's protection. Goten swept one hand over his control panel, and swiftly changed course. It didn't take long for his pod to react to its new direction. Goten was thrown against the side of his pod as it moved full speed to the desolate world below. The pod ended up hitting the planet with a crushing impact that sent the ground caving, and flying into the air. A shower of dirt rained about the silver pod as it steamed in its landing spot.

Not bothering to check the status of the planet's life supportive capabilities, Goten kicked his pod's door opened and scanned the wastes of this planet surface. It was obvious the planet was little use for anything life. There was hardly any life left here. Goten scouted for the place where General Q's craft had gone down. Discovering his landing point was not far off, he ran for the pod of the fallen Saiyan. He was almost to it when he skidded to a stop and turned. Goten's skin fairly pricked as he felt the unfamiliar ki of the unknown adversary. Every thing seemed to move in slow motion as he turned. He stood rooted, staring in shock and horror.

Goten felt his eyes growing large, "I thought you were all dead!" He dropped into a fighting stance and faced an enemy that his people believe extinct. The Saiyan's most deadly of enemies. The evil incarnated Ice-jin

The Ice-jin walked forward slowly. It's long black tail flicking menacingly behind him. His body, entirely black only dark blue broke up the darker tones. He seemed focused solely on Goten. The creature showed no fear as he answered. "I am Blizzard, last survivor of the Ice-jin race." The being clinched his fist in front of him. "You're people have killed off every single one of us. Now ONLY I REMAIN!!!" the Ice-jin said the words the dripped with pain and venom. The dark black eyes studied Goten taking in the fighting stance. " I have been in formed you are a member of the Saiyan royal family, are you not?"

Goten only growled in response. There was no way he was lowering himself to speak with the creature. It did not even deserve the right to address him or stand in his presence.

"All I seek at this time is that you, and your people, take the bounty off my head. So that I may live the remainder of my days in peace." Blizzard offered in cold ominous tone, His eyes never wavering from his prey. The sleek black tail pounded the ground behind him was the only sign to Blizzard's unease.

Goten felt is eyes narrow in response. He knew the tales of the Ice-jin. King Cold, Cooler, and worst of them all Freizia. Frezia was the one who had met his fate at the hands of his Grandfather, Bardock. Looking over his shoulder at the wreckage of General Q's space pod, Goten whipped his head back around, set in his decision. "ALL ICE-JIN MUST DIE!!!" Goten shouted as he pressed an attack. "By order of KING VEGETA!"

Blizzard dodged the first attack and spun around tossing a punch toward Goten's head. Goten bent back avoiding the blow. Fists locking they faced each other in the endless dance of Ice-jin and Saiyan. Goten smirked as he pushed Blizzard back. "I am the grandson of Bardock, the Saiyan who was responsible for the death of Frieza." Goten formed a blast and tossed it at Blizzard. "It is only fitting that you shall die at my hands." The Ice-jin knocked the blast away, but it was only a diversion for Goten's true assault. "The universe will be purified of your evil KIND!" Goten kicked the Ice-Jin, this terrible force.

Blizzard flew back landing on his back. He flipped a few times before he came to his feet. A shout of irritation and rage escaped the creature as he rushed forward. Blizzard whipped Goten's feet out from under him with his tail, and then landed his fist in the ground by the Saiyan's head threateningly. "Then you will die!" Blizzard turned cold and distant in his tone "and I will have one less Saiyan monkey hunting me throughout the universe!"

Goten reached up with his legs and locked then around Blizzards neck. With a powerful thrust Blizzard was thrown back. Blizzard landed squarely on his feet this time. Goten came to his feet and they faced each other.

The battle raged. Goten going on the defensive. How was it possible that this creature was so strong? How had he remained unnoticed by the Saiyan scouters? It was impossible unless, he had learned from some one how to mask his power levels.

Q came out of his pod holding the side of his head. Blood was pouring down the side of his face from a gash. The sound of a battle caused the pain to ease and a wicked smile play on his lips.

Goten noticed Q climbing slowly from his pod. It was obvious that the warrior was injured, but he was no incapable. "Q!" Goten landed a punch in the Ice-jin face, and sent the creature recoiling. It soon recovered, and sent a ki blast back at Goten. Goten blocked it with his arms, but was driven back, the planet's soil giving way under his sliding feet. It was all Goten could do to remain on his feet. Still he found a way to form the words. "Stay out of this. The Ice-jin is mine!"

Q chuckled and straightened. "You always were a glory hog, Goten." He rushed forward toward the battle his power burning around him. Goten tossed a glance over at Q, and was impressed. Q was indeed more powerful then he used to be. Goten had to give the General credit for that at least. He had never known that a true Saiyan could generate that much power. Goten turned and sparred with the Ice-Jin holding the beast off.

"You back up has arrive Prince of Vegeta!" Q arrived and with a furious howl of rage thrusting his fist forward. The punch landed directly on its target, in the center of Goten's armor covered back.

Goten cried out in unsuspecting pain, as the fist ripped through his gut. Goten's was head thrown back in agony as blood escaped his lips. Goten stumbled forward only to be viciously kicked in the jaw by a spinning kick delivered by Blizzard. Goten hit the ground hard clinching his stomach, blood oozing through his fingers. He was stunned. Why had Q attacked him with out warning? He had been in battle with the Ice-jin to boot that low down back stabber. It was all Goten could to raise his head and look at his attackers standing side by side. The dawning of knowledge paled his features. It had been a trick; these two had staged the entire attack. He could see it all clearly now. "Traitor!" He rasped as blood flowed from his wound in unstoppable waves. Goten came to his feet slowly. The knees shook and his vision wavered. "You will pay for this... Vegeta will..."

Q snorted and grabbed the Demi by his hair, ripping his head around. Goten screamed at the jerking motion. In tolerable pain razor sharp only served to sap the life faster from his body. Still Goten did not acknowledge the fact death was upon him. He was a Demi-Saiyan, one of the most powerful beings in the universe. They could not be defeat so effortlessly.

"Vegeta will do NOTHING!!!" Q laughed and punched Goten again in the face with the palm of his hand. The impact causing a crunching sound that caused even Blizzard to flinch. "I will tell him the Demi's of Earth killed you when you tried to avenge the death of the Prince Trunks." General Q's laughter was fuzzy in Goten's ears. Comprehension was swift though. Goten growled and grabbed Q's hand pulling himself to his feet. "Fitting isn't it? Your own family will be blamed for your death."

Goten narrowed his eyes and let a punch fly hitting Q directly in the jaw. Q fell back, and Goten lost his support. He fell to the ground by Blizzard's feet. The Ice-Jin looked down with a blank expression, before bringing his foot down hard on the Demi's knees one at a time. Each vicious stop followed by a sickening crack. Goten gritted his teeth as his world wavered in front of him in a red haze. `Hold on Goten,' He told himself! `Don't black out.' The other thoughts lapping at his consciousness was the brutal way he was going to wring the life from his tormentors as soon as he got up.

Blizzard glanced curiously at Q. "I thought you said Demi-s were strong?" there was almost a bored tone in his voice. "He was very easy to beat, if you ask me."

The Saiyan General grunted. "Prince Trunks will be even easier to destroy. With the Demi's of Earth gone, and the Prince Trunks eradicated there will be no one between Bra and me." Q looked down at Goten pushing up on his palms. The fact was he was slightly impressed the Demi had not lost consciousness yet. He should be dead the way the blood had poured form his wound. One thing was for sure; a Demi could take a lot of abuse. He was actually glad he had not taken Goten on, one on one. "Thus the throne for me and your freedom from oppression my friend."

Goten felt his eyes drift shut and the vision of Trunks drifted over his mind, his Lordship, Prince Trunks was in danger. Goten had lived his life in service to serve him. Goten let out an enraged cry summoning what life force he had left. "You will NOT harm Prince Trunks!"

Q gasped and stepped back, but Blizzard was quicker. Grabbing his partner in crime the Ice-jin rushed into the distance before the explosion tossed the men rolling forward. Wave after wave of power rushed over the landscape. The planet shook and huge crevices cracked open as black clouds formed, and lightening pounded around them all.

"That bastard is going to kill us all!" Q tried to stand up form the sheltered space behind a rock Blizzard had dragged him.

Blizzard grabbed the man and pulled him back down. "Be Patient, he can't continue this forever."

As the power debated wind swept over the planet surface, Blizzard came to his feet and stared at the motionless body of the Demi Warrior Prince Goten.

Blizzard looked down and frowned. "The Demi is gone. We should leave now."

"Bout damn time." Q slapped his hands together and stalked toward his pod. "Yes, on to earth, on to our destiny." Q climbed in his craft, preparing to shut the hatch. Looked back as Blizzard knelt to the dead Saiyan. "What are you doing?"

Blizzard bowed before the fallen warrior in a symbol of respect. "I have no people, in truth I never have. I consider all who fight as he did my kin." Blizzard closed his eyes and remained motionless for a moment. "He was a powerful one. He deserves some respect as a warrior in his passing." Looking up the heavens he whispered. "I have learned a lot about death in my life. Being the last of your kind give you a different prospective." Blizzard stood up and raised one finger to the air. Floating up against the planets gravity he added, "You should leave now General. This planet is my gift to him in the next world."

Q sneered at the Ice-jin's emotion. "How sweet." Getting in his pod he looked at his partner gathering the energy to kill the planet. "Ohh well, No body, No witnesses, No evidence." Nodding with approval, "I really love that guy!"