FLASHBACK:

 

“My Liege…do we bring out the prisoner, now?” Gradun asked softly, his dark eyes glittering with mischievous glee.

 

Vegeta could only nod. He knew who it was. He staggered to the rails, his hands gripping the golden rod tightly. His breath came out in short pants, his vision blurring with unshed tears, his heart practically ripping out of his chest.

 

~ Oh, Za’ani…please…no… ~

“Oh, people of Vegetasei!” Gradun announced loudly. “We hereby present the prisoner, the rebel within our midst! Kakkarrot sa’un ni Bardock!!”

 

The crowd roared in approval as the gates were thrown wide open. The noise increased even louder as the young Saiyan was dragged and unceremoniously dumped to his knees in front of the royal box.

 

Vegeta was dying. He could only stare helplessly as those dark eyes raised themselves up slowly to meet his. Time stood still as both tried to convey a message that words could never say.

 

There was no other way to put it…he was going to have to sentence his mate to public humiliation and possibly death.

 

His people demanded it.

 

CHAPTER FOUR:

 

Somewhere deep in the bowels of space, a certain tyrant lizard listened to the report with great interest.

 

“Hmm…so the Saiyans are too busy congratulating themselves on finding a traitor in their midst, ne?”

 

“It would seem so, Lord Frieza.”

 

The blue-skinned changeling, Zarbon, spoke up from his leaning position against the wall. “Do we attack them now at their most vulnerable? From what Kendo says, it seems like most of their main troops are centered in the main city. I suggest we attack them now, my Lord.”

 

The pink, oversized blob, known as Dodoria, spoke up as well. “Yes, my Lord, let us attack them now. We stand a better chance…”

 

“Silence you fools!” came the sharp reprimand. “Do you not think that I have thought of it as well? Honestly, after being with me for all of this time, you still do not know of my methods?”

 

“We are very sorry…”

 

“Save your apologies for the fool that will listen. Listen here, Kendo, I want you to send as many troops as possible towards that godforsaken planet. We will begin our attacks from the weakest…”

 

“The weakest, my Lord?”

 

“Zarbon.”

 

“Yes, my Lord.”

 

“Do you wish to become food for the carnivores in the dungeons?”

 

“No, my Lord.”

 

“Then you will shut up and listen to my instructions! Do I make myself clear?!”

 

The changeling bowed slightly in apology. “Yes, my Lord. Forgive my impudence. We will attack from their weakest, as you suggested.”

 

“Good. And what part of Vegetasei seems to be in the most trouble at the moment?”

 

Dodoria walked towards the table and eyed the readouts in front of him. “My Lord, from our last reports, it seems like the North, South and Western quadrants all seem to have merged in some way with the main city. Which leaves, the Eastern Quadrant. They do not have enough firepower and they should be easy to take out.”

 

Frieza frowned. “The Eastern Quadrant is the one that seems to be giving the main city of Vegetasei a whole lot of trouble. Their rebellious nature can get in the way, but no matter. Attack as you see fit. Destroy everything.”

 

The three beings bowed in respect. “Yes, my Lord.”

 

Waiting for the door to be closed, the lizard moved closer to the large glass window to stare out into the inky blackness, disturbed only by the red blazing planet a few miles away. A smug look of satisfaction came unto his lips as he raised another glass of wine to it.

 

~ The time has finally come, my dear King. I will destroy your planet inch by inch until you are willing to give in my demands. ~

“Until then, Vegeta, I hope the cries of your people suffering, will plunge you into despair.”

 

~*~*~*~*~

 

Makaru watched Fumiko with growing concern. The boy had not complained as such, but Makaru was sure that he was tired and exhausted. They had flown for a bit and Fumiko had swayed, dangerously, several times, causing the older Saiyan to suggest that they walk the rest of the way.

 

“We are almost there, Fumiko.” He said as cheerfully as he could. “Don’t worry.”

 

The younger boy smiled softly and brushed away some of the hair that had covered his face. “It’s okay, ta’hi Makaru. I will not let you down. I can do it…argh…”

 

“Fumiko!”

 

Makaru dashed up to the collapsed figure and cradled him to his chest. He shook the smaller boy a bit, his eyes misting over as he tried hard to will him back to consciousness. “Come on, Fumiko. You can’t die on me too. Please…we are almost there. You have got to wake up!”

 

“Let me take him.”

 

Makaru raised startled eyes to stare into dark ones that were filled with faint curiosity. Makaru noticed that the stranger was about his age, with long hair that was tied high above his head in a ponytail. He was dressed in the native she’olah, but his robe had some weird markings that signified that he was a member of some group or tribe or…

 

“Who are you?” Makaru asked curtly as he tightened his hold on his ward.

 

The young Saiyan smiled a little and bowed. “My name is Tokiya sa’un ni Moman. I was sent by my master to follow you.’

 

Makaru could only blink. “Moman…you do not sound like a Ba’an.” He got to his feet and stepped away, his eyes narrowing. “Where are you from and what are you doing here in our territory?!”

 

Tokiya smirked. “Do not worry, Makaru. I am not here to kill you. Hmph…if I had wanted to, I would have done so a long time ago. Honestly, for a supposed warrior, you are so unguarded, it’s not even funny.”

 

Makaru bristled at the insult. “I knew I sensed a presence, but I couldn’t be sure. So, if you aren’t here to kill me, what are you here for then?”

 

“I am here to heal you both and then to lead you on towards your destination. There my master awaits you.”

 

“You mean you are…you are…”

 

“Ahi, Makaru. I am a member of the rebel forces. My master Azusa learnt of your impending visit and so he told me to make sure you got here safely. Now, if you are quite through with the questions, I can begin my task now.”

 

Makaru growled a bit as he noticed Tokiya reach for something within his robes. He almost blushed in embarrassment as a small gourd was retrieved, noticing that the other man had chuckled in amusement.

 

“Don’t worry, Makaru. This is only a little keg filled with the healing waters of K’elean. It won’t bite.”

 

“Very funny.” Came the dry comment, as he dutifully placed Fumiko back to the floor. He watched with interest as Tokiya muttered a few words of prayer before placing the gourd against the boy’s lips. He had to place a hand behind the boy’s head, raising him up a little as the liquid was forced down the closed mouth. Fumiko gurgled a bit and then began to cough, causing both men to smile in relief. He fluttered long lashes open to reveal bewildered depths at his audience.

 

“Ta’hi…”

 

“It’s okay, Fumiko. You are fine now. You just passed out from exhaustion, that’s all.”

 

The boy sat up and rubbed his eyes, with a sad look on his face. “I am so sorry, ta’hi Makaru. I said I was going to be strong and I failed you.”

 

Makaru felt his heart break at the heartfelt apology. Smiling in reassurance, he placed a hand upon the boy’s head and ruffled his dark locks. “Hey, don’t worry about it. You should be thanking this kind man here. He’s the one that helped you.”

 

Tokiya gave him a mock salute. “That’s right, wa’zua. I am the one who saved your life. Now if you could only worship me…”

 

Fumiko giggled as Makaru snorted in exasperation. Getting to his feet, he almost staggered as he realized how weak and tired he was too. This slight movement was not lost on Tokiya’s sharp eyes, as he helped Fumiko up to his feet. “I suggest you drink some too, Makaru. You are not exactly a hundred percent either.”

 

“No…I am fine…ompf!” The gourd was pushed rather roughly towards his lips and he could do nothing but drink, all the while glaring at the smiling face before him. Finishing with a light burp, he handed back the gourd and muttered out a small ‘thank you.’ Nodding towards the setting sunset, he shouldered his small belongings and called out. “I guess we better start moving. How long before we get to the mountains?”

 

Tokiya slipped the gourd back into his robes and followed dutifully, Fumiko’s hand now in his grasp. “We should be there by tomorrow night. I suggest we camp a few more miles down the road. Is that okay with you?”

 

Makaru shrugged. “As long as we get there, that is all that matters to me.”

 

~*~*~*~*~

 

The cries were getting louder. The people were beginning to get restless. Why wasn’t the traitor beaten yet? What was the delay?!

 

‘WHIP!! WHIP!! WHIP!! WHIP!!”

 

Vegeta’s heart bled with each cry. ~ What must I do, Kakkarrot? You tell me! What must I do? ~

 

Understanding obsidian depths stared back in silent communication. ~ Do what you must, Vegeta. I will bleed…for my people. ~

~ Kakkarrot… ~

“My Liege.” Gradun interrupted in a harsh whisper. “You must make your decision now. The people await your command.”

 

“KILL THE TRAITOR!!! KILL!! KILL!! KILL!!”

 

~ I am so sorry, nu ra’hi. Forgive me… ~

“My Liege.”

 

The Ha’j closed his eyes and took a deep breath, his hands tightened rather dangerously around the railing. Opening them up again, he nodded curtly once and was almost deafened by the loud cheer of delight that rang through the crowd.

 

Gradun smirked in satisfaction and raised his hands. “Administer a hundred lashes upon his back!! Let him suffer for his treachery!!”

 

“WHIP!! WHIP!! WHIP!!”

 

“LET HIM DIE!!”

 

“LET HIM BLEED!!”

 

“TRAITOR!!”

 

Kakkarrot felt himself being shoved roughly upon the smooth stone slab, as he was made to lay flat upon it. He felt the coldness of the ointment being rubbed against his skin. This was to done to make the pain even more unbearable and Kakkarrot could only close his eyes and grit his teeth in preparation for the onslaught. He allowed the cries and insults to wash over him as he bowed his head. Breathing deeply and calmly, he willed the noises away and concentrated on things that were bound to make the actions non-existent to him.

He smiled softly as he felt the anguish in his mate’s heart. Sending out a reassuring message, he clenched his jaw and could barely stop the sharp hiss of pain as the first lash was laid against his defenseless back.

 

Vegeta forced himself to watch. He had to watch. He had done this and he would have to pay by witnessing it. Everything else seemed to dissolve into nothing as the loud sound of the leather whip meeting the well-oiled skin filled his ears. Each lash, sent another cut into him. Kakkarrot’s back was beginning to bleed now. His blood spilling upon the stone slab and onto the dusty earth.

 

Deep in the shadows of the castle, Amman stood with her hands clasped together. An unwilling trail of tears coursed down her cheek as she took in the sight from her high vantage point.

 

Nappa stood in silent awe, as the boy was yet to make a sound or a cry for mercy. It seemed like he wasn’t the only one, the boisterous crowd seemed to have quietened down a bit as they watched the young Saiyan accept his punishment with god-like resolve. No mere Saiyan could have survived even ten of those lashes. The most feared, short of being skinned alive, method of torture, could break down the resolve of even the strongest of wa’zuai.

 

This boy was clearly not…normal.

 

~ He is a legend. One of the legends. ~ Nappa thought ruefully. ~ We will all suffer for this. We dare to insult the gods by fighting one of their own. ~

He darted a quick glance towards the royal box, noticing that Gradun had a smug look on his face and that the Ha’j looked rather sick.

 

~ Hn…perhaps the Ha’j had nothing to do with this after all. I would bet that stupid l’arun had something to do with it. Grrr…~

“My Lord.”

He spun around quickly as one of the wa’zua walked up to whisper to him. ‘What is it, Mira?”

 

“My Lord, not to alarm you, but our radars are beginning to pick up several enemy troops heading towards the planet…to be more specific…towards the Eastern Quadrant.”

 

Nappa blanched. “Frieza?”

 

“Ahi, Lord Nappa. At least that is what we assume. Do you wish for us to…”

 

“Let us not disturb the King at the moment.” Nappa interrupted coldly. “Let me handle the situation. Lead the way.”

 

“Yes, Lord Nappa.”

 

And with one final glance at the damned actions going on, he shook his head and slipped into the shadows.

 

~*~*~*~

 

Tokiya had noticed the small movement for the past few minutes, but had kept silent. Bringing out his small era’li, he began to play a solemn, soothing tune that filled the night sky with its melancholy notes. Fumiko, already fast asleep, left the two adults awake with their thoughts. Makaru sighed and leaned on his forearms, the notes to the song doing more to heighten his sense of worry. Unconsciously, his hand went to his chest again and rubbed it gently, his face going into a faint grimace.

 

Suddenly, the music stopped.

 

“Do you sense something now?” Tokiya asked softly.

 

Makaru frowned and sat up. “I don’t know….I am not…sure…” He rubbed his chest again and this time it was a wince that was emitted. “I keep having this strange feeling that we are…”

 

“Doomed.”

 

Makaru spun his head around sharply to stare into the dark depths. “What do you mean?”

 

Tokiya rose to his feet and held out his hand. “Give me the blueprint, Makaru.”

 

The slighter Saiyan blinked in disbelief. “You have got to be kidding me.”

 

Tokiya shook his head. “It would be a wise decision for you to do so. I only intend to keep it for safety purposes.”

 

“Over my dead body!” Makaru growled as he got to his feet and then gasped again as the pain washed over him. He fell to his knees and tried to see through glazed eyes at the shape of the man before him. “You…tricked me…”

 

Tokiya shook his head and said a bit sadly. “I did not. I saved your life and you should be thanking me. Go to sleep now. Everything will be made clearer to you in the morning.”

 

Makaru struggled to find the right words, to bellow out his frustrations, but his eyes became too heavy and with a low grunt, he gave up the fight and collapsed to the ground in a slump. Tokiya nudged the body with his foot before nodding in satisfaction. Raising the era’li to his lips, he blew on it gently and waited for the other Saiyans to arrive.

 

Stooping to his haunches, he searched for the blueprint and finally found it hidden within Makaru’s robes. He got back up to his feet and spun around to stare into midnight orbs.

 

“Is that the blueprint?”

 

“Ahi, master. As you requested.”

 

The Saiyan nodded in satisfaction. “You have done your job well, Tokiya. You are free to go back now.”

 

For a moment, the young man stood indecisive, his eyes darting towards the ‘sleeping’ Saiyans. His eyes, especially resting on Makaru’s prone form. He sighed deeply and turned back to face the older man.

 

“May I stay…until this is over? I really want to fight with you all this time. I am…am tired of being just a messenger. Please, Lord Azusa…”

 

“My Lord!! My Lord!!”

 

The small group of Saiyan wa’zuai spun around sharply as the cry of panic from another came floating towards them.

 

Azusa frowned in consternation. “What is it?! You are loud enough to wake up the dead!!”

 

“A thousand and one apologies, my Lord.” The wa’zua panted with exhaustion. “But we have picked up some strange movements above our hemisphere!”

 

“Strange…”

 

“My Lord! Several space pods are heading towards our way as we speak! We believe that they might belong to Freiza!!”

 

Azusa growled and clenched the blueprint in his fist. “Damn it!! If only we had gotten this thing sooner! Quick, get these Saiyans to the caves now! The rest of you follow me back towards the base, we have to ready ourselves for this assault! Move! Move!! Move!!”

 

They took off into the air as fast as they could, each knowing what had to be done. For time was running short.

 

~*~*~*~*~

 

The wa’zua looked at his sweating leader in concern. Clearing his throat, he tried again. “My Lord…don’t you think we ought to tell the Ha’j about this now?”

 

Nappa continued to stare in disbelief at the screen before him. There seemed to be a million of them heading towards his planet.

 

“No!” He finally barked out. “I want you to send out as many troops to space immediately! We will curb this damn thing before it gets out of hand. Got it?!”

 

“Yes, sir!!”

 

Nappa blinked at the screen again. Oh, Za’ani…things were not looking good at all.

 

~*~*~*~*~

 

The guards parted the way quickly for the stomping Ha’j, who looked anything but cheerful at the moment. Eyes glaring with annoyance, he waited impatiently for the healer to step out of the small bedroom.

 

“Well?! How is he?!”

 

Lady Amman, who had finally walked out, rolled her eyes at the Ha’j’s demanding question, before nodding gravely. “He is awake, now. Thankfully, he responds well to treatment. Just go easy on him, you don’t want to aggravate his uneasiness.”

 

Vegeta’s eyes softened a bit. “I thank you, my Lady. You have been of invaluable help.”

 

The witch smiled. “Don’t thank me, nu Ha’j. It is my job after all.” She curtsied and walked out leaving the King alone.

 

Kakkarrot sat in only a dark-colored cloth wrapped around his waist, his profile turned towards the window, refusing to acknowledge the new presence in his room. Vegeta noticed that his back no longer bled, but the faint scars of the lashes taken were still etched upon his skin. Closing his eyes, as his pain deepened, he walked up to the silent figure and hesitated a bit.

 

“Kakkarrot…” he croaked out softly. “I…”

 

“You do not need to apologize, nu Ha’j.”

 

Vegeta winced inwardly at the formal term and gripped his hands into fists. Gathering his composure, he spoke out in much stronger and louder voice.

 

“I did what had to be done, Kakkarrot. You cannot say that I didn’t try to stop it.”

 

“Hn.”

 

Vegeta blinked. “Hn?! Is that all you can say?! Do you have any idea who you are speaking too?!”

 

“Ahi, nu Ha’j…nu…ra’hi…”

 

Vegeta gasped softly at the darkened look that had come unto the other’s face, his heart beginning to race with excitement. Za’ani, he had waited long enough for his wa’zua to return to him. “You puzzle me, Kakkarrot. You are…simply…amazing…”

 

The younger Saiyan chuckled and rose to his feet. “Ahi, Vegeta. And you amaze me as well.”

 

He walked up to the King and cradled the handsome face within his palms, the small smile still etched on his face. “What do you plan to do with me now, my King?”

 

Vegeta growled, as their tails became entwined. He took one of Kakkarrot’s hands and pressed a desperate kiss within his palm, his tongue tracing each line and curve with delicate licks. Raising hooded eyes to his mate, he muttered out harshly.

 

“I want you to rape me, Kakkarrot.”

 

At his mate’s surprised gasp, he narrowed his eyes, his face etched with intensity. “I mean it, Kakkarrot. I caused you pain today. I need to feel mine. Do you understand? Tell me, you understand, nu ra’hi.”

 

The younger nodded, as he leaned down to claim the royal lips in a soft kiss. “Ahi, nu ra’hi. I understand.”

 

Vegeta murmured against his neck, his teeth scraping the soft skin. “Rip my clothes off, Kakkarrot. Make me bleed. Make me burn for you. Make. Me. Yours. Again.”

 

Kakkarrot hissed as he felt Vegeta’s canines dig into his flesh, and with a responding snarl, he returned the favor, the intoxicating taste of the royal blood satisfying his insatiable hunger. Hasty fingers clawed through the King’s clothes, the sounds of cloth being ripped filling the silence. Kakkarrot pushed him unto the bed and straddled him, eyes blazing with something akin to madness.

 

“Ahi, Kakkarrot…make me bleed…”

 

A cruel smile came unto Kakkarrot’s face as he responded. “As you wish, my Liege.”

 

Vegeta’s howl was lost within the thick walls of the castle, as his need was met with angry ferocity. Each thrust represented each lash, each pain, each agony and he bore it with the knowledge that this was the final atonement for his sins.

 

He was going to be reborn again.

 

The new Ha’j was about to emerge….