Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ The King and Queen Diaries ❯ Seizon ( Chapter 26 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

Author’s Note: Blah, I’m sorry it took so long to write this chapter. I had serious writer’s block after I wrote the last chapter and I wasn’t exactly sure where I wanted this story to go. There are so many ways I can take this, and I come up with new ideas constantly, so it’s like CRAP, do I want to do that instead of what I had originally planned? Blah lol. But without further ado, the next chapter awaits!

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Chapter Twenty Six: Seizon (Survival)

Hell broke loose the moment the Queen lost consciousness. Brolli cut the cord connecting the last child to her and unceremoniously handed it to Bardock.
She was bleeding too much.
Right after Bardock and Turles frantically wrapped the two squalling infants in cloaks, a slice appeared in the fabric of the tent. Brolli, desperate that Bulma was possibly dying, barely had enough time to grab his sword before one of the white aliens burst through.
It was more blind luck than skill that killed the frozen creature. Brolli stumbled over the stool he had been sitting on, making him lose his grip on his sword. The blade flung forward and connected with the beast's unprotected belly, spilling his innards on the floor.
Brolli quickly chased after his sword, jammed it into the still-beating heart, and ran back to the Queen. Her skin was nearly translucent, and the color in her cheeks was fading rapidly.
Bardock and Turles stood together, holding the crying newborns, as war waged around them. The screams and clashing of swords were nearly deafening, and Brolli fought down panic that they would not escape alive.
Hurriedly, he shoved what was left of their cloaks between her legs, wrapped her up, and lifted her in his arms. Together the three men raced to the back of the tent, all praying that the cover of trees would allow them some protection, for they were completely defenseless.
Brolli looked at his companions quickly, his black eyes nearly wild. "I will go first. At this point Bulma's life is expendable. I hate to say it, but no matter what, we have to make sure her children live before anything else. Run as if your lives depend on it, my lords."
Bardock and Turles barely had time to register his words before he disappeared through the tent flaps. Not hesitating and hoping for the advantage of surprise, they chased after him.
Only moments after they left, the tent exploded into flames and collapsed.
All around them was complete carnage. Thousands of dead bodies, both Saiya-jin and invader lay together on the blood-soaked earth. Carcasses were pinned to trees, hanging from branches; some were still alive, begging for help or death.
As they ran from the flaming tent, they drew the eye of not only the enemy, but of the guard that had been frantically protecting the Queen as she had birthed her twins. A cry went up from the guard, and Brolli allowed himself a sigh of relief as they were followed by them. He saw frantic Saiya-jins run by him as he was targeted by several mercenaries. Brolli didn't have the time to watch to see what happened. He had a precious burden that was dying as they were fleeing the battlefield, and they had to get away immediately or she might not live to see her newborns.
The further they ran, the less the battle raged around them. The guard had entirely vanished, staying behind to cover their tracks. Brolli had barely escaped a crazed mercenary and had received a slash on his arm as he had run by, but it was nothing and he still had his arm.
They ran until Brolli's labored breathing could no longer be ignored. Bardock begged to stop so they could switch, and instead of arguing, Brolli agreed. He was still not as strong as he had once been, and times like this proved it. He did not take out his frustration on those around him, for he knew it would be pointless. They had to keep going.
They ran for hours. It was growing dark by the time they halted. Turles was now carrying Bulma, and Bardock and Brolli each carrying a wailing babe. When they stopped, they were gasping desperately for air and were more exhausted than they ever had been in their lives. But they were alive and had escaped, and that was what mattered.
Turles was left with the twins, who were mewling in hunger and distress. Brolli explained to both of them that they should have been fed several times already, and they had not even eaten yet.
Bulma had broken in and out of consciousness twice while they were fleeing, had mumbled some incoherent words, complained about pain and thirst, and then passed back out. Her profuse bleeding had stopped about an hour after they had fled, which they were all eternally grateful for.
They were setting up camp when she began mumbling again. Bardock waved off the other two as they searched for food and firewood. The only equipment they had were their swords and the clothes they had on their backs.
“Bulma.”
She was tossing her head back and forth on the ground. At the sound of her name, she opened her eyes and looked at him. It was nearly pitch black outside without fire, so he could barely see her features.
Her voice was breathless when she spoke. “Vegeta...?”
Bardock felt a lump grow in his throat as he gathered her against him. She clutched at the tight fabric of his suit, as if she was trying to get closer to him but didn’t have the strength. He clasped her hand to cease her weak struggles.
“Is this a dream?” she whispered, staring up at him as if she blinked, he would disappear.
Bardock felt the lump in his throat settle lower until it was an ache in his chest. He didn’t want to hurt her....
“Yes, it is a dream.”
Her grip didn’t lessen like he had been hoping.
“It is always a dream. Always....”
Her fingers loosened until they went completely lax. Her eyes fluttered closed, then she muttered something that sounded foreign. He smiled when he realized she was speaking Anausian.
Her breathing evened into sleep, and he placed her gently back on the ground.
“How is she?”
Bardock turned to see Brolli, carrying an armload of firewood. After he placed the wood on the dirt ground, he went to check on the twins nearby, both babes wrapped into cloaks and then nestled together in almost a nest. They were asleep, but both seemed restless.
“She’s...fine,” he lied, reluctant to mention how she had called for Vegeta. The fact that she had done it twice now in a short span of time worried him. Perhaps the birth of her children had made her think of him, or her pain made her delusional.
“We will need to wake her soon,” Brolli said as he began arranging the wood and kindling. A farmer by first nature and a soldier by second, Bardock watched with near-amusement as Brolli expertly started a fire with only a few tries.
Shortly after the fire was started and steady, Turles walked into the tiny clearing, both hands carrying giant leaves shaped into bags for carrying. He sighed loudly as he plopped down next to the Queen and laid his gatherings next to her.
“This area is nearly barren of life except for trees. I picked a berry bush bare. I saw not even one animal. It’s as if this area is cursed.”
Bardock scoffed as he grabbed a handful of the red berries. He hoped they weren’t poisonous as he stuffed them into his mouth.
Brolli and Turles chuckled at his lack of decorum. Together, however, both men did the same thing shortly after their comrade. They were starving beyond words. They couldn’t remember the last time they ate, and it showed as their hands became stained with crimson and their chins dripped with juice.
When there was only about a handful left, all three stared at the berries as if they would die if they didn’t eat them. Turles reached towards them, but Bardock stopped him.
“The Queen hasn’t eaten since we left the palace. We should leave the rest for her for when she awakens. Until then, I think that someone else should search for food and water, one of us should sleep, and another should stand watch.”
Turles pouted as he crossed his arms. “I just went and retrieved food, Brolli went and searched for wood, so I think it’s one of our turns to sleep. I vote for me.”
Brolli snorted. “Of course you would.” He rolled his eyes when Turles gave him a dirty look. “I agree, however. Bardock, you should search for more food. She will be hungry when she is awakened and coherent. I will attempt to wake her and have her feed the babes. It is not healthy for them to have not eaten yet. Afterward I will gather more firewood.”
Everyone nodded in agreement. Turles brusquely left the side of the Queen and plopped his backside next to the sleeping twins. After a year of sleeping in the dirt, he gave not one thought as he curled onto his side, the newborns nestled against him for warmth.
Bardock had already disappeared into the darkness, his sword in his hand and ready for anything. Brolli had his lying nearby, for the same reason.
He knelt next to the Queen, who was breathing deeply through her nose. He smiled as he swept her tangled hair from her face. Her skin was still unnaturally pale, but looked much better than it had mere hours ago.
His thoughts turned inward for some time, and he almost didn’t notice when she stirred and began staring up at him.
“Water,” she said thickly, reaching up to tug at his suit. Jumping slightly, Brolli frowned as he looked down at her.
“We have no water, Bulma. We barely escaped with our lives...we did not have time to gather supplies.”
She coughed a few times and then struggled to sit up. She gasped in pain a few times, but he did not help her. It was in part because he wanted to see if she was able enough to move about on her own. When she finally relaxed against the ancient tree behind her, he smiled. Her hand was pressed against her abdomen and her face was set into a grimace.
“It will get better as the days go by. You want to be careful now, but as soon as you’re able, you will want to become active again, so your skin will tighten and your muscles will strengthen.”
She nodded at his words, and then began looking around. Almost instantly her eyes fell on the huge leaf scattered with the berries.
They only held her attention for a moment, for only a little further away, laid Turles sleeping, curled around two tiny bundles wrapped in red cloaks.
Crying out in distress, she went to sit up to retrieve her children. Brolli barely had the chance to stop her before she caused herself much pain. “No,” he said firmly, placing his hands on her tiny shoulders. She looked like she wanted to fight him, but when her fist fumbled against his bicep, she gave up.
“Brolli,” she said, her chest heaving with emotion. “My babies. Bring them to me. I must see them. Now.”
Brolli knelt in front of her, cupping her face to bring her attention to him. “Bulma, they are fine. They are sleeping and are safe. Right now what I am worried about is you. I want you to eat this food and then I want to examine you. Afterward I will bring them to you so you can feed them for the first time.”
Almost as if the words triggered something, Bulma flinched and grabbed at her chest with both hands. Brolli’s eyes followed, and he watched as she cupped both of her breasts with a grimace. She was only wearing the wrap that he had created for her while she was giving birth, and the cloak that had been around her shoulders had fallen to the ground. Even through the firelight it was visible that the front of the fabric was soaked.
Hissing, she withdrew her hands. Her palms were wet, and she wiped them on the cloak she was sitting on. Blushing, she lowered her eyes in embarrassment.
Brolli smiled and flicked her chin, drawing her gaze to him once more. “It is normal for you to experience pain when you do not feed your offspring often. Your breasts become full of milk, and when they can no longer contain it, they begin to leak. It is nothing to be worried about, and we will take care of it shortly. First, I want you to eat.”
Bulma attempted a weak smile as Brolli brought over the berries. At first she was hesitant to eat, but once the lush taste exploded on her tongue, she was quick to devour them just like the three men had a short time ago.
She licked the leaf clean as he chuckled, relieved at her enthusiasm. He had been worried she wouldn’t be up to the task of eating, but he had been wrong.
“Bardock is searching for food as we speak.” When her eyes brightened, he was quick to dash her hopes. “Turles said that the land is relatively barren, unfortunately. He had a hard time finding these.”
He tossed aside the leaves and the remains of smashed berries unlucky enough not to be eaten. He settled next to her and began asking her questions almost immediately.
“How is your strength? How is your pain? Are you able to move relatively well?” Numerous other questions flowed from his mouth as she began examining herself and taking note of any issues. He had her stand briefly and they both had a small laugh at how wobbly her legs were. When she saw the blood that had dried down the entire length of her legs, she gave him a panicked look that sent a sharp pain through his chest.
“Do not worry,” he said quickly as he helped her sit. “You were bleeding heavily after the birth, but you stopped shortly after we fled. You will bleed for a while until your body rids itself of everything, so do not be alarmed.”
She accepted his help gratefully. Once she was sitting back against the tree, she looked at him imploringly.
“My babies, Brolli.”
He nodded and turned to retrieve her children. Careful so as not to disturb both the sleeping warrior and the newborns, he picked up the first tiny bundle. Glancing at the face inside, he felt a sick feeling gather in the pit of his stomach.
He walked the short distance back, sitting next to her. She already had her arms open and waiting to grasp the babe.
He hesitated for but a moment before he looked her in the eyes. “This is your firstborn, Bulma. He is the heir to the throne of Vegeta-sei. Our salvation.”
Her eyes began watering as her fingers feathered over the fabric of the cloak. She could not see him yet.
“My son,” she whispered, so low that Brolli could barely hear her. He leaned closer, aiding her in taking the child from his arms.
Black eyes stared up at her. A sob caught in her throat as she began shedding the cloak away from the babe. Tears began flowing freely from her eyes as fine black hair appeared. Even though light had never touched his perfect skin, it still held that darker tone....
“Vegeta....”
Brolli wasn’t sure how to react to the name that fell from her lips.
Even now he still haunts her...almost an entire year has gone by...will it always be this way?
He watched as her fingers traced over every part of the boy, as if she was making sure no harm had come to him. She touched all his fingers and toes, outlined all the features on his face. He was still covered in traces of blood and his hair was stuck flat to his head from fluids, but the words did not hesitate to flow from her lips.
“He is beautiful,” she murmured, gently wrapping him in the warm fabric once again. She lifted him to her face and pressed tiny kisses to his forehead and cheeks. She then cradled him against her breast, cooing at him as the tears still fell.
“What shall you name him?” Brolli asked softly, watching the scene with a breaking heart. He had done the same thing many times before....
He saw a small smile tilt the corner of her lips. She looked at him from the corner of her eye.
“Vegeta. Prince Vegeta. He is his father’s son.”
Brolli ducked his head in acknowledgment. He wasn’t sure what to say or do, but words thankfully came to him.
“You should feed him. They have awakened several times crying for food, but we did not want to disturb your rest.”
She bit her lip and stared at him, a flush brightening her cheeks. “I...I have an idea of how to do it, but can you show me if I do it wrong?”
He grinned, unable to help it. “Of course.”
She attempted to be conservative, but it was too difficult with what she was wearing. In the end it was easier to just push it down, basically revealing everything. He did not mean it, but he drew in a sharp breath at the sight of her swollen breasts.
Her face flamed even further and she struggled to cover herself again. He halted her frenzied movements. Her son was beginning to fuss, and he wanted to avoid having the babe cry at all costs. They needed to be quiet.
“No, do not cover yourself, Bulma. I did not mean to upset you...nor be a lecherous bastard...it’s just that you look like you’re in extreme pain. I did not realize your situation was this bad.”
Her face still red, she kept her gaze down. “It does hurt, achingly so. Feeding them will make the pain go away, right?”
He nodded as he moved closer to her. He helped her arrange her son in manner that would be most comfortable. Mostly out of instinct than anything, Brolli watched as her son latched onto her nipple when she prodded his mouth. When she gasped, he laughed. She stared down in amazement as he fed, the feeling indescribable.
“That went better than I thought it would,” she said quietly, looking up at him through her eyelashes. He grinned as he watched the babe eat. He was sucking ravenously for a newborn, but it was no surprise. He had been starving and he was a Saiya-jin, after all.
It was some time before the child began falling asleep while eating. Bulma giggled as she detached him from her breast. Brolli explained to her that she needed to pat his back gently to help burp him, and then explained further with some humor not to be surprised if he also threw up on her.
After a few laughs and finally success, Bulma handed her son to Brolli. She fixed her garment to cover herself again, more out of modesty than necessity. She just couldn’t leave herself bare like that.
When he returned with the second bundle, Bulma felt her heart race once more. She didn’t remember hearing the sex of the child for she had been in a haze of pain too thick to understand any words being spoken.
Brolli sat next to her with a tiny grin on his face. “I suppose you are lucky that you did not have identical twins, my Queen. It would have been difficult for us to differentiate which one was the heir.”
“Heir?” she said, then smiled. “I have another son.”
Brolli nodded as he handed him to her. Unlike her firstborn, her second son was still asleep. His tiny lips were puckered and absolutely adorable. She fanned her fingers through his lavender hair.
“Father,” she whispered, seeing her son for the first time. “He looks like him....”
Of course not everything was the same as her father. Just like his father, just like his brother, his skin was darker, a trait that it seemed she had not passed on since her own was so pale. His eyebrows were the same, the set of his eyes, the already detectable stubborn curve of his jaw...even the aristocratic nose. But the hair and the shape of his face...it was all her father.
“Trunks. Prince Trunks. After my father.”
After examining him just like Prince Vegeta, she fed him. He did not wail or fuss once, to the joy of both adults. He fell asleep just like his brother, and by the time Bulma was readjusting her wrap and the prince was with Turles once more, Bardock was returning.
Bardock was grumbling as he tossed a gutted, skinned, and headless animal to the ground by the fire. He didn’t seem to notice the Queen being awake as he spoke.
“Do you have any idea how hard it is to hunt with a sword? I stood so long in the same place it’s any wonder I didn’t petrify. This little bugger just hopped right up to me, and I almost missed cutting off its head I was in such disbelief. Fool animal....”
Bulma giggled, drawing the attention of the older man. Grinning from ear to ear, Bardock nearly ran to her side.
“My Queen, you are awake! How do you feel?” he asked, reaching for her, but then stopping when he realized his hands were covered in gore.
They talked for a few minutes before irritated grumbling drew their attention.
“Gah, do you two know how to be quiet?” Turles grumped, rubbing his face with his hand.
The three men exchanged banter that bordered on insults, making Bulma laugh until she begged them to stop due to the pain it was causing her.
In companionable silence they watched as Bardock cooked whatever poor creature had been unfortunate enough to be caught over the fire. When the food was distributed, Bulma nearly moaned in ecstasy. The only thing that would make this situation was water.
“No water for miles,” Bardock mumbled, irritated once more. “I suggest after we all rest that we move. We cannot survive very long without water.”
Turles took the second watch as everyone gathered near the fire for warmth. The moon was high in the sky still, so they had a few hours until sunrise.
They all slept together, creating a nest almost like Turles had around the twins.
When Bulma slept, she dreamt. For once the dreams were good. Her sons were alive and healthy, playing together as she watched, her friends all around her. Everyone was happy and healthy, having a great time. It was something that she had missed in her life for the last year.
Unfortunately, she had no idea that if fate had its way, those dreams would never come true....

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Author’s Note: Hope everyone liked it :) It was really difficult for me to write. Review please!
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