Down the rabbit hole

Chapter 6 - Walking the right path

As Vegeta and Raditz sat silently at breakfast, they felt eyes on them from other soldiers. Malbec walked by and looked in the direction of the Saiyans. Raditz looked away and quietly try continue eating while thinking about the kiss last night. Vegeta threw Malbec a look "lieutenant, had a nice evening?" At that moment Raditz almost choked on a bite of his bread. The men looked at Raditz Vegeta shook his head disapprovingly "greedy eater. But lieutenant, I am keeping an eye on you". Malbec crossed his arms "fine prince, don't let your eyes fall out then?"

The charmingly handsome lieutenant walked away waving his hand. Vegeta let out a growl "I don't trust that guy. See how free he acts around his captain?" Raditz let out a sigh "don't think you have to worry about that very much Prince Vegeta." The Saiyan prince raised an eyebrow, at that moment a door opened with a bang.

Strolling, Nappa came to the table and plunk down on a chair. Vegeta and Raditz stared at him, then they looked at each other and burst into laughter. Raditz began to chuckle "hey Nappa, slept well?" Irritated Nappa looked at Raditz "shut up". Vegeta stood up "I'm off to a meeting with the queen and our very favorite Zarbon. Please behave yourselves a little". Vegeta turned and walked towards the exit.

Almost arriving at the throne room, Vegeta was met by a slender older woman. She made a short bow "Prince Vegeta the queen and lord Zarbon are in the consulting room. I will lead you there, follow me". Vegeta said nothing and walked behind the slender woman, she seemed so familiar. On the way they met a certain petite captain and all three stopped the women made a short bow to each other.

First Vino looked at Vegeta with her golden eyes, then at the woman "mother" she said shortly. The woman looked prideful "Vino, you're going to train I presume?" She nodded yes. Vegeta crossed his arms "you're not at the meeting?" Vino shook no and looked angry "Zarbon doesn't think a young woman is a good strategist". Vegeta took a step forward and said softly "he's not that good himself, he's just afraid to go off in front of a woman". The fighters shared a gaze as Vino's mother gave a cough "prince Vegeta shall we move on?"

Vegeta and the woman walked on side by side until they arrived at the door. The woman knocked and pushed the door open. She gave a bow "my queen, the prince is here" The queen stood up and threw her arms in the air "oh thank you Donna, you can leave now". And suddenly the queen sat back down and let her chin lean on a hand. Donna disappeared and Vegeta walked over to the table and stood next to Zarbon.

It was clear that Zarbon had already made an entire plan. Vegeta stared at the map and looked at the location of the attack. Zarbon pointed at it " we are convinced that there are rebels living there, everyone must be exterminated". Vegeta recognized the spot on the map, it was the valley where he had been the day before. "And what are the clues Zarbon?" asked Vegeta quickly and simply. The green man sighed "you don't have to worry about that monkey prince. Just make sure your men are ready". Vegeta continued to remain silent.

As Vegeta listened to the green man's latest plans, the door suddenly slammed open. A silhouette of a familiar little captain was the first thing Vegeta saw. With clenched fists she walked into the room "Zarbon have you gone mad? What makes you think there are rebels in that valley?" Zarbon flicked his braid back "little Vino, don't worry. I have my sources". Her angry gaze then turned to Vegeta, but he very calmly shook no.

Vegeta knew he had to do something "Vino let's get our men ready now come" Vegeta pushed with his palm of his hand against the angry captain's shoulder and guided her out. As the door closed behind them Vino turned around and Vegeta was able to catch her wrist just in time as she was about to slap him in the face. The prince pushed her arm down and pressed her against the wall. He stared at her intensely "if you think I said anything then you are wrong captain." Still angry she snarled " and then who did?"