Beware of have long chapters.
The Dragon's Knight
Chapter 1: War
Beware the leader who bangs the drums of war…
--Shakespeare's Julius Caesar
A lone figure sat in the darkness of a room. There were no windows, no furniture, nothing. Only silence and darkness sat with him. The figure was covered from head to toe in a special black cloak that blended him into the darkness. He was in the corner with his hand holding something, the only thing showing.
His ghostly blue eyes seemed haunting in the room of darkness, like a specter returning from hell to finish his work. They could freeze an entire army and send them running, or seem cold enough to stop an ocean from flowing. They were uncaring, cold, and lethal. These were the eyes of a killer.
In his hands was the only object that seemed peaceful. It was white and emanated a soft light that went no further than an inch. It was like a star, small enough to hold in the palm of your hand. It was called the evenstar, a beautiful star that shined for holiness. Ironic that it would be in the hands of a murderer.
A knock on the door caused him to slightly raise his head. Another knock resounded and echoed in the emptiness of the room. On the third knock the door slid open and light from the outside filled the room. He raised his head a bit more at the intruder and hid the pendant under his cloak.
An alien warrior in full armor stared down at him, trying to intimidate the man with his stern face and wobbly knees. A sword was at his side and he wore a dark purple cape, showing that he was an elite soldier or one with high status. On his breastplate was the symbol of Planet Frigidus.
"Are you the one they call 'The Knight'?" the alien warrior said gruffly, puffing out his chest slightly. The cloaked man just stared at him in silence and the alien warrior began to feel stupid. His chest went down slightly and he cleared his throat, unnerved at the ghostly blue eyes staring at him. "Lord Frieza requests an audience with you Knight."
Silently, like a whisper of the wind, the Knight stood and faced the alien. Even in the light the only thing showing under his hood was his glowing ghostly blue eyes. "Lead me to this Frieza."
XX
A saiya-jin paced back and forth in his room. He was Prince Vegeta II, heir to the throne of the Planet Vegeta. His father, King Vegeta I, had conquered most of the universe with his saiya-jins, but lately a planet by the name of Planet Frigidus had appeared and conquered the best planets.
Now they were at war with Planet Frigidus, a planet filled with icy winters and frozen summers. Their warriors were from all over and their alliances were strong. King Cold ruled the planet and his sons, Frieza and Cooler, took over the planets for him while he sat cozy and comfortable on his throne.
In his anger he slammed his fist into the nearest chair, destroying it into pieces too small for even a bird to use for its nest. He had been stressed out lately. He, like his father and the Council of Alliances, had realized that they would have to make a treaty with King Hercule of Helios in order to balance out the war.
Only he had the problem with it. Hercule was the least person he wanted to make a treaty with and everyone knew why, but refused to acknowledge it. To them the past was the past, but for Vegeta this was personal. He was disgusted that even his father ignored it.
However it was understandable. King Vegeta was very old. He was the past. The beauty of the saiya-jin genes was that they aged very slowly. King Vegeta didn't look a day over 40, but he was still old. He was not the prime figure he was in his younger years, but he could still fight.
The weary Prince sat down in his favorite chair with a sigh, getting comfortable in the soft cushions. It was bad enough that Frieza and Cooler were taking the planets that he wanted to get, but now his father was pressing him for more children. This was spurned on after he learned that Goku had another child on the way.
Vegeta rubbed his forehead as his headache throbbed relentlessly. Trunks had been a handful as a child and even as a teenager he still was. He was sixteen in human terms and Goku's son, Goten, was fifteen. Both wanted to join the ranks of soldiers but Vegeta wouldn't allow them to. To him they were far too young.
Goku wanted to put them in however and they were soldiers in seconds. Vegeta was not happy about it and when he learned that his father had approved it he was furious. Of course he could not do anything about it. What was done was done and all he could do was not give them dangerous missions. They were strong but they were still children.
He told his father he would have more children when he was ready which angered both his father and his wife. He winced as a large throb racked his brain and groaned. Bulma wanted more children and he didn't want to have any at the moment. She brought this to his father and they were locked in a room until Bulma was pregnant.
I am not a damn animal! He growled and was about to slam his fist down on his favorite chair but calmed himself just in time. Moving his thoughts away from stressful things he thought about who would greet him at Helios, his favorite and only niece Videl Aeria Satan, Princess of Helios.
She was his pride and joy, warmer of his heart. He cared for her more than his wife. A sad thought but very true. He cared for her as much as he cared for his sister, which was a large amount of care, especially for someone as stoic as him. She was just like his sister however, fiery and full of spirit. It was hard to see her as a human.
Immediately his mind turned over to the son no one remembered, Goku's first son. He leaned back in his chair as he reminisced about his General's son. Gohan was a warrior of his own class. He was trustworthy, honorable, wise, and could fight like a demon. Even as a child Gohan was very gifted. His teachers had a hard time keeping up with him.
Gohan was a warrior among warriors and a king among kings. He had a fine grasp of politics and could kick your ass in battle if you waged war with him. Though a hybrid, no creature alive or dead could be a match for the demi-saiya-jin. He could take down an entire army alone.
Vegeta's face contorted as he thought about his own son. Trunks was a good boy but too mischievous. His father liked that but Vegeta did not. He was too soft. Vegeta blamed that on Bulma's humanity. Gohan was rock solid. He could cut off your head with his tongue and pierce your heart with his eyes. He was cold and ruthless. A true saiya-jin.
This time Vegeta did slam his fist down on the arm of his chair. Damn I wish that boy was mine! I would never have deserted him like that baka Goku! I told Aeria she deserved better than that but it was her decision. Thus in their union they created a great warrior…and a lost soul.
Slowly his thoughts turned to Aeria. Aeria, Gohan's mother, was, to put it plainly, beautiful. Her beauty was so great rain would not fall on her unless commanded and the wind would caress every curve. When she sang the world listened. Everyone knew her…as well as wanted her, but when she married Goku tragedy struck.
Suddenly, a knock on the door interrupted his thoughts and Vegeta blinked, looking down. He frowned at the dent he made in his chair and, calmly as he could, told the visitor to come in. One of his elite entered adorned in full armor. He bowed and Vegeta motioned for him to say what was needed.
"Prince Vegeta Sir, the Aeria is ready for take off for Planet Helios. We are awaiting your arrival."
Vegeta growled and placed his cape onto his armor before looking at his elite. "Very well I'm coming."
I can't believe I have to make a treaty with that pompous, overzealous, idiotic bastard…
XX
A lonely young woman sat on the plains of Helios behind the Castle Satan, a guard only a few feet away to allow her privacy. The respectful Lancer was the only one who cared enough to give her the privacy she needed, any other guard would have stayed so close she felt like a chair being sat on.
She gazed up at the peaceful blue sky and sighed. It was because of her Helios was always at peace. The townspeople thought that it was because no people sought the planet but that wasn't true, many people had sought Helios but because of her visions her father could stop them on their own planet and take over. The people never knew.
She looked down at the flowers in her hands in anger, trying hard not to crush their beautiful petals. Her father cared little for her however and used her for his own personal gain. Now she was to wed Prince Sharpner Pencil of the Planet Materials without her consent.
If only Uncle Vegeta was here…he would put a stop to this. When he finds out however he will not be pleased...
The young woman hated the rules of her planet. Women of Helios had to be humble and meek. They always had to do the work they were told of and were never allowed to speak their mind. Women were but mere shadows of the men who resided on Helios. They were walking empty shells without minds of their own.
On Helios women were only useful for two things, work and children. They had to be up before men to cook breakfast and could only sleep when the day's work was completed. She could never go to sleep before her husband and stayed out of the way, never speaking unless spoken to. Even Princesses were no exception to the rule.
To put it plainly, she was fed up with the rules of her father. What was worse was the fact that Planet Materials had the same rules. No other planets did this and she was jealous of them. When her mother was alive there were no such rules…but now that she was gone Kami forbid you break them.
Blinking away her anger she looked down at the flowers she had collected. All but three were destroyed and guilt flooded into her. She didn't mean to destroy the flowers, they did nothing to her. She placed the destroyed ones down with a sigh and placed one on her kimono with a smile, holding the other two.
The slight metal of the handsome guard alerted her and she smiled up at him as he sat down next to her. She knew he fancied her but she did not like him in that way. To her he was and would always be a good friend. She could only hope that he could see that and accept it.
"Princess Videl I hope you are faring well today?" the Lancer asked with a charming smile.
Videl smiled back and nodded, gazing up at the sky. "Yes quite well actually. It has been a while since I have had peace and quiet for once. All the other guards never let me have this type of silence. It's refreshing. I really appreciate you taking me out today Nick."
Nick blushed slightly. "It was nothing Princess Videl."
"Yes it was something!" Videl smiled and handed him one of her two of her flowers. "Take this flower as a gift of my appreciation. My mother grew these and that makes them special enough for the occasion."
Nick took the flower, a slightly darker blush than the first settling on his cheeks. He loved Videl the first time he saw her and was more than happy to take her out today, yet this flower was a big step and he wasn't sure if Videl was showing her friendship or her love. Either way he smiled.
The flower was beautiful. It was a pure white with no flecks of dirt and void of any tints of color. It glowed faintly with a holy white light. Videl's mother had obviously grown the flower with great care and this flower was far more beautiful than any other flower on Helios. It made him wonder where she got the seeds to grow them.
A beautiful and pure flower for a very beautiful and pure young woman…
"This is a beautiful flower Princess Videl." Nick said almost lovingly. "May I inquire what it is and where your mother had gotten such seeds for such a rare flower? I don't think any flowers of this kind grow on Helios."
Videl sighed slightly and looked up at the sky. "No they do not grow here on Helios. Years ago when I was a young child my mother told me that she had been given them as a gift from a very beautiful and kind woman. However the woman had died and in her honor mother planted the flowers here on Helios so that no one would ever forget."
Nick gave her a sad look. "Did anyone forget?"
Videl turned and gave him a sad yet bright smile. Nick's heart melted. "Yes. All but me…"
They sat in silence for a moment before Nick stood, placing the beautiful gift in a secure place on his armor and helped Videl up. "We should probably return to the castle Princess, your father may get angry if I keep you out here too long."
Videl nodded and began to walk back to the castle, holding the last flower in her hands. Nick looked after her for a bit before looking at his acquired flower with a smile. Picking up his spear he followed after her dutifully, a smile still on his face. Both missed the ships that suddenly appeared in the sky.
The moment Videl entered the castle she was almost run over by a servant. The servant bowed quickly and apologized profusely before running off again. Nick ran up to her and looked at where the servant ran with a glare, before looking at Videl with a questionable look. Videl looked just as confused as he did.
She stopped another hurrying servant and asked, "Why is everyone rushing about?"
"King Satan has told us to prepare a feast for the arriving saiya-jins milady! Prince Vegeta has just arrived on the Aeria only moments ago!" the servant bowed quickly. "I apologize Princess Videl but I must rush off to finish preparations!"
Almost immediately the servant took off. Both Nick and Videl were astounded at the speed he was going, especially with all the plates he was carrying. Nick was surprised at the whole ordeal of saiya-jins coming to Helios as he had never seen one but Videl was excited. After all this was her uncle. Picking up the ends of her kimono she ran.
"Princess Videl!" Nick called out and ran after her.
Videl ignored him and ran, knowing full well that Nick was following her. Her long black hair whipped about her face and she made it to the throne room just as Vegeta began talking to her father. Vegeta turned and smiled at her while her father looked nervous and angry at her sudden intrusion.
"Uncle Vegeta!" she cried and hugged him.
Vegeta smiled at his niece and hugged her back. It was probably the only affection anyone would see from him, especially in public. Any other person, even his wife, would get a slight frown from such contact. Heaven forbid if his son ever saw him act this way. Somehow, however, he had a soft spot for his niece, just as he had for his sister.
"Videl, how are you today?" he asked gently, his saiya-jin followers saying nothing at the open display of affection. They had seen him do it before, so it was nothing new.
"Never better!" Videl responded happily, brushing a few strands of her long hair from her face.
At that moment Nick entered and everyone in the room turned to look at his arrival. He was gasping for breath and looked like he was ready to fall over from exhaustion. The saiya-jins laughed slightly at his disheveled appearance while he smiled sheepishly. Videl, even for a human, was faster than any human could be.
Vegeta smiled, a rarity in itself, at the events that have just occurred before gave a suspicious look at the eye-twitching Prince standing next to Hercule. "Videl who is that?"
Hercule gave Videl a look and Videl glared back. Nick, however, walked up to Vegeta and bowed. "It is an honor to meet you Prince Vegeta II."
The Prince of Saiya-jins gave him a slightly amused look. "Who might you be?"
Nick bowed once more. "I am Sir Nicholas Jericho, Lancer of Helios."
The saiya-jins looked amused and Vegeta raised an eyebrow at him. "Well then Sir Nicholas, do me the honor of informing me of this Prince's name."
"I would be glad to Prince Vegeta." Nick smiled even though Hercule was glaring at him. He simply ignored his King for the moment and glamorously waved his hand towards the Prince. Like Videl he disliked Sharpner. "May I present to you Prince Sharpner Pencil of Planet Materials."
Videl, deciding now would be the time, spoke up as well. "Father wants to marry me to him so that a treaty would be made between the two planets and his kingdom would be safer. However, I do not want to marry him and father is making me."
Vegeta's eyes narrowed as well as the Saiya-jin Elite with him. Everyone knew that Videl Aeria Satan would not be marrying anyone against her will while Prince Jakady Ares Vegeta II was alive. "Satan explain…"
"I-I…" Hercule stuttered and gave Nick and Videl a look, something Vegeta didn't miss but ignored. "I thought it would better the kingdom by uniting her with Sharpner, a Prince. He is more than worthy."
Vegeta glanced at the dowry Sharpner had brought and snorted. "Worthy in gold or stupidity? I refuse to see the idiot who wishes to marry my niece, now get him out of my face. I do not want to hear, see, or smell this excuse for a prince as long as I am here. No weakling will be marrying my niece."
Hercule glared. "How dare you mess with the affairs of my kingdom? Especially if you want us to make an alliance with you and your people! If my daughter does not marry Sharpner then Helios will never ally itself with Vegeta!"
The Saiya-jin Elite looked ready to draw their swords but Vegeta held his hand up to stop them. He faced Hercule calmly, letting go of Videl. "Alright then Satan, we will see how worthy your Prince is. Sir Nicholas, draw your weapon and fight Prince Sharpner. If he defeats you then he will have my consent. If he loses he may stay here but he will not be allowed to marry Videl as long as I live."
Your death can be arranged… Hercule thought darkly and nodded. "Very well, Sharpner, get ready."
Sharpner put down his crown and pulled out his sword, walking towards the center of the room where Nick awaited, spear ready. They had given them room to fight and were now waiting patiently for the two to begin. Nick bowed in respect while Sharpner just snorted at him and got into a stance. The young Lancer shrugged and did the same.
Sharpner did the first attack, lunging out with his sword and trying to avoid the spear. Nick dodged the sword and twirled his spear, knocking Sharpner off of his feet and onto the ground. The saiya-jins chuckled and Hercule slapped a hand to his face. Sharpner, embarrassed, got up angry.
Nick just smirked at him and tossed away his spear, pulling out his sword. "Let's do this evenly Prince."
The Prince of Materials smirked as well. "You should've kept your spear Lancer. You'll lose quicker this way."
"We shall see." Nick responded and both went at it again.
The two swords clanged as they collided and both jabbed and parried. For Sharpner blocking was a necessity, for a Lancer Nick was skilled with a sword. Nick he relied on his agility to get out of the way when Sharpner did strong swings. He may be skilled but his training as a Lancer did not give him the strength to block that, he'd lose his sword.
Vegeta was impressed with the fight. Of course he was not impressed with Sharpner but with the Lancer, Sir Nicholas Jericho. It was well known that Prince Sharpner was a renowned swordsman but to see a Lancer giving a renowned swordsman a run for his money with a sword was very impressive.
If Nicholas had asked for Videl's hand in marriage he wouldn't complain as much and was sure he wouldn't refuse. The choice would be Videl's however, but Sir Nicholas would have the consent of Prince Vegeta, something rare for saiya-jins and extremely rare for humans.
However, Vegeta thought almost wishing, If a man like Gohan was to appear one day and ask for Videl's hand in marriage I would kill all who object.
The Prince of Saiya-jins returned his eyes to the fight just to see Sharpner's sword land at his feet. Nick was smiling in triumph, his sword at Sharpner's neck while the Prince glared angrily at him. Without a word Sharper got to his feet, grabbed his sword, glared at everyone, and stormed out of the room.
Hercule was just as furious while Vegeta was clapping with a smile. "Very good Sir Nicholas, I knew I could count on you to fulfill my wishes."
Nick bowed, breathing heavily with a smile, and wiped the sweat off of his forehead. "It was my pleasure Prince Vegeta. The fight was refreshing as well."
"Yes, but I'm sure Prince Sharpner will think twice before trying to marry Videl again. Until he defeats a man like you my Videl will be safe from him." Vegeta said with a slight smirk.
One of the Saiya-jin Elite gave Nick an inquiring look. "Were you not Sir Nicholas Jericho, Dragon Knight of Ramune?"
All eyes where on Nick who smiled and shook his head. "No Sir, I was Dragon Lancer of Ramune. The planet was destroyed by King Cold before I could attempt to try and acquire the title of Dragon Knight. It would be an honor to be one however, but very few have gotten that title."
"Why is that?" Hercule asked, blinking.
Vegeta internally rolled his eyes. Everyone knew what a Dragon Knight was. Few planets had a Dragon Temple however, those who did worshiped them. Nick was wrong on his information though, no one had ever acquired the title of Dragon Knight. It was rumored that there was one who had gotten the title but it was most likely false.
"Well," Nick began as he put away his sword, "In order to attain the title 'Dragon Knight' you must be very strong, skilled, and courageous. However, even an evil man can attain the title Dragon Knight, depending on if the dragons accept you as one. To become a Dragon Knight you must be knighted by the dragons at each Dragon Temple. I almost became one but the dragons of the Dragon Temples would not accept me. They said I was not worthy enough. It is rumored that there is a Dragon Knight now but I don't know who it is."
"Don't we have a Dragon Temple here on Helios?" Videl asked, making everyone remember that she was still there.
Hercule nodded slowly, rubbing his chin. "Yes that is true, we do have one…"
Vegeta waved everything away. "Forget the Dragon Temples right now. We must go back to the topic at hand."
"That is my queue to leave." Videl sighed and hugged her uncle. "Thank you Uncle Vegeta."
Vegeta kissed Videl's forehead and smiled at her. "Remind me to leave Rumic with you before I leave so such things will happen no longer. I don't want you marrying weaklings like him, especially without my approval."
The princess smiled at her uncle warmly. "Of course Uncle, but I would never marry anyone that weak anyway."
The saiya-jins laughed and Hercule began to develop a twitch on his left eye. If only King Vegeta I had come instead, Prince Vegeta II would not be able to do anything for the King would have given his blessing... He quickly stopped it and smiled nervously at Vegeta.
"You were saying Prince Vegeta?"
"Well as you know I have come to propose a treaty between our planets." Vegeta began, watching Videl leave the room to let them talk politics, Nick following close behind her. The Prince of Saiya-jins' eye twitched. He hated politics with a passion. "Frieza and Cooler have begun attacking planets once more and he will soon come for yours. It will only be a matter of time. However, if they know you have a treaty with us they will back off for now and you will be safe for the time being, plenty of time to contact your allies and prepare your army."
Hercule scoffed. "Helios has been protected by Videl's visions. She will protect us long enough to escape."
"You fool!" Vegeta spat, "Videl can only sense so much and that is why both Frieza and Cooler will attack Helios, because of her powers! Do you think that they will not attack just because they know she can foresee his coming?"
"Then she will only have visions of them! If they attack we will know and you will be ready!" Hercule argued.
Vegeta scowled. "They will not attack all at once you ignorant fool, they will send people out to capture her! Kami knows what kind of monstrosities they will send! There are creatures not even saiya-jins can fully sense or possibly rogue saiya-jins who are trained to match energies! We will not be able to tell who is who amongst our men! Especially if one is killed and the rogue saiya-jin takes his place! Then you can't forget the mercenaries!"
"Well then you and your men must leave, you're endangering my people and my people come before all else, even the safety of my daughter!" Hercule yelled, a vein throbbing on his forehead.
Vegeta was just as angry, a vein on his own forehead. "Nothing comes before Videl do you understand that?!"
"Videl is nothing but an embodiment of your sister, my wife, and even in death she is still my wife as Videl is still my daughter! No matter what times you had with them you no longer have them anymore! They are my family, not your disgrace of one!" the King of Helios yelled and the saiya-jins looked ready to kill.
"It is because she is my niece and a daughter of my sister that I care for her above all else! You on the other hand barely cared for your own wife!" Vegeta spat. "I still don't understand why Vidalia fell in love with a pompous bastard like you! As for my men and I we are staying, whether you like it or not! I would rather stay and watch your so called peaceful kingdom fall before you with my very eyes than go home and watch it fall from far away!"
With that Vegeta turned sharply on his heel, his cape twirling like a whirlwind behind him, and furiously left the throne room. The Saiya-jin Elite glared darkly at Hercule and followed after their Prince. Once they were gone Hercules's wobbly knees buckled and he fell on them with a scared look. No one talked to Prince Vegeta II like that and lived.
Hercule groaned. I'm a dead man…
Dragging himself to his throne he sat there feeling small and thought frantically. If he had Videl marry Sharpner in secret then their planets would be able to unite. With their alliance they could stand a chance against Frieza and Cooler, as well as gain more planets for themselves.
Smiling greedily he jumped off of his throne to look for Sharpner. He found the golden-haired Prince of Materials in the library fuming. Sharpner turned around to face him but his face showed that he was not pleased about being defeated by a mere Lancer and not being able to marry Videl.
"King Hercule." Sharpner greeted him, sitting down in a chair. "What service do you wish from me?"
Hercule smiled at him, looking happier than he did in ages. "Cheer up boy I've got a plan."
Sharpner raised his eyebrow. "Oh? What kind of plan?"
Hercule smiled wider if possible. "Well dear boy you will marry Videl in secret. All you have to do is be ready at the Dragon Temple with the priest. I'll take care of Videl coming."
"What about Prince Vegeta?" the golden-haired Prince said worriedly, "If he finds out he'll be furious!"
Hercule slapped Sharpner on the back of his head. "Didn't I say not to worry about it? Ignorant fool! Just do as I say!"
Sharpner rubbed the back of his head. "I'll do as you say but that hit was uncalled for!"
The King of Helios pushed the Prince out of the library. "Just go to the Dragon Temple and prepare the priest, I will take care of the rest. Videl will be married to you tomorrow on her 25th birthday. I'll make sure of that!"
Sharpner nodded, still rubbing the back of his head, and hurried off to prepare the priest for tomorrow. Thought he was glad for the chance to marry Videl he still thought that the injury he sustained was uncalled for. Hercule made his way down the hall with a smile, his day getter brighter each minute.
If Vegeta won't give me his consent to marry Sharpner to Videl, then I'll just marry her without it!
XX
The Knight walked into the room as silently as the Grim Reaper. His aura did not scream death but whispered it. The warriors that stood on each side of the room stepped back slightly when he glanced at them, his ghostly blue eyes unnerving their souls.
The warriors of both Frieza both feared and respected him, but they also disliked him. Mercenaries were one thing, but a mercenary like him was another. They could say anything bad about him anytime they wanted and anywhere they pleased. Anywhere that is but in front of his face.
The door in front of him and his Elite guide opened and under his dark hood his eyes raised slightly to see the ones that entered. Frieza entered the room first, and then was followed by two more Elite guards. The younger Prince of Frigidus was smiling darkly and strutted towards him.
Under his dark hood his mouth contorted into a silent snarl. He hated people like that, especially those with high titles. Frieza was just like the rest of the nobles he had seen, stuck up and all out disgraceful. He said nothing however and refused to bow when the Elite told him to.
Frieza waved the Elite away, smiling widely as he approached, his eyes gleaming. "So you are the mercenary they call 'The Knight'. I have heard great things about you Knight."
His mouth turned into a thin line. "What kind of things? Murder? Theft? If these are great things in your eyes than I have done them. However, in my eyes they are not."
Frieza's eye twitched and the Knight smirked slightly. "I have searched you out to do a job for me. Do you have any idea how hard it is to find you?"
"If you ask the right person nothing is ever hard to find." the Knight said silently yet loud enough to hear, his mouth returning to its usual thin line.
Frieza's eye twitched again and his warriors, though intimidated by this man, drew their swords but the alien's hand stopped them. "You are quite the audacity Knight. Many would not dare to say such things to me."
The mercenary bowed his head slightly. "If you suppose I do. Many, however, would disagree."
"Oh?" Frieza inquired, "Why is that?"
The Knight raised his eyes to him, the gaze sending shivers down Frieza's spine. "Many would say that I only say that which needs to be said. If you are stupid I will not hesitate to tell you so. It does not matter to me if you lead an army of thousands or a bunch of oxen. The two, I sometimes seem to find, very similar."
The warriors pulled out their swords again but Frieza stopped them once more. The mercenary didn't even flinch at the glares sent towards him or the weapons that were raised against him. He simply stood in the center of the room, his eyes gazing into every one, gauging their bravery which was equivalent to that of a chicken.
Frieza gave him a slight smile, the corner of his mouth twitching slightly. "You're quite the comedian Knight."
He raised his head slightly this time. "If you suppose I am. Many, however, would think not."
"I could see why." Frieza said coldly, searching for a reaction, but found none. He cursed silently to himself and his eye twitched slightly at the non-responsive mercenary.
"I tire of this senseless chatter and these bothersome questions. If you don't mind I prefer you get to the point." the mercenary said coldly.
The warriors growled at his disrespect and one, who was furious and tired of his attitude, pulled out his sword and pointed it at him with a snarl. "Show Lord Frieza some respect you asshole!"
The Knight looked at the soldier with a calm look, his eyes glowing slightly. "I give respect where it is due and unfortunately your Prince is not worthy of it. Now, put your weapon away before I relieve you of your life."
The warrior quivered in rage. "Why you…how dare you speak to Lord Frieza like that!"
The warrior made to charge at the mercenary but had only taken three steps when he froze. The mercenary had his elbow blades drawn less than a foot from his back, his own body leaned forward slightly from stopping in his attack. The alien warrior turned his head slightly to face him and choked.
The warrior fell to the ground and his head rolled down the stairs, blood oozing from his headless neck. The Knight twirled his elbow blades to clean them, causing blood to fling on everyone but him. In one fluid motion he moved aside his cloak, placed the elbow blades in their sheaths against his back, and covered his body with his cloak.
Frieza wiped the blood off of his face, his patience running thin. Before he could speak the Knight turned and made his way towards the exit. He stared in shock and growled, his fist shaking at the mercenary's audacity. Suddenly the mercenary stopped and glanced back, his ghostly blue eyes causing Frieza to shiver.
"You want to me to kidnap Princess Satan of Helios and bring her to you unharmed correct?"
Frieza blinked, caught off guard by his response. "Y-Yes but how did you…?"
The Knight continued towards the exit, a slight smirk gracing his features. As he went out the doors he calmly threw over his shoulder, "It's what everyone wants…you're just paying the highest price."
XX
Videl sat upright in her bed in shock. Fields of sweat dripped and slid down and about her forehead, her breaths ragged and gasping. Her hand was at her fiercely beating heart trying to clutch it, her beautiful kimono scrunching up in that area. After calming down she looked at it and sighed. When her maid saw this tomorrow she was going to faint.
Deciding there was nothing she could do, she got up out of bed. Closing her kimono tightly she leaned against the balcony, gazing up at the cloudless night sky. The silent moon calmed her nerves slightly as she tried hard to stop thinking about her dream or "vision" as her father liked to call it.
She had gone to bed early to get ready for the feast tomorrow in honor of her 25th birthday and did not expect to get a vision at all. She always woke up in a sweat after having a vision but this vision was particularly different, very different from all the others she usually had.
Most of her visions were in black and white. You could hear few sounds but only those that counted, like when important figures spoke. It was short, slightly choppy, and comprehendible. Most, if not all of the visions she had ever had, where short, no matter how important they were.
This vision was different. It was in color and you could hear even the sounds that weren't important. It was the longest vision she had ever had, and by far the bloodiest. Both in her dream and outside of it she wanted to retch. She felt like she was in someone's nightmare.
In the quick flashes of her extensive vision she had seen a massacre of a planet. Men, women, and children were hunted down and killed. None were spared. The only thing of any significance was the little boy she saw and the beautiful woman who was trying to save him.
Screams were rampant and yells came from everyone. She couldn't tell who were the ones doing the killing, but she could clearly see the ones being killed. It was times like these she wished she never had any visions at all. She was scared and wanted to cry. She didn't wake up until she saw one advancing towards her.
Moaning softly and rubbing her forehead, she looked up at the full moon. A howl of a wolf came from the distance and her soul calmed slightly, feeling compelled to howl at the moon as well to give the wolf company. She sighed gently and leaned against her propped arm, her hand supporting her head.
"Sometimes mother…" she whispered silently, looking sadly up at the moon, "I wish I didn't have these dreams…"
"Your mother didn't wish for you to have them either."
Videl turned at the sound of the voice to see her Uncle walking towards her. She moved over slightly to make room for him, allowing him to lean against the balcony with her. He looked up at the night sky and noticed the evenstar far away, causing a slight smile to grace his face.
The Princess of Helios raised her eyebrow. "What are you smiling about now?
Vegeta nodded towards it. "Just the evenstar, it brings me many memories."
"Memories of my mother?" Videl said sadly, gazing up at it as well.
"Yes," Vegeta confessed with a sad look on his face, a rarity for the Prince. "Memories of your mother and...other things…I have had many good memories come from the evenstar."
Videl stayed silent for a moment then turned to her Uncle. "Aren't you supposed to be asleep Uncle?"
"Aren't you?" Vegeta retorted.
She sighed, tracing the lines of her marble balcony with her finger. "I had another vision…"
Vegeta turned to her, a slightly concerned look on his face. He was once again trying to not show too much emotion, though he was slowly failing. "Do you want to talk about it?"
Videl rubbed her forehead again, getting a headache and feeling sick from just thinking about it. "It was a massacre."
"A massacre?" Vegeta questioned, "What kind of massacre?"
"I don't know…" Videl replied with a sigh, still rubbing her forehead, "It was just brief flashes…"
"Hm." he responded, fully interested in her vision at the moment. "Do you want to elaborate?"
"Well," she began slowly, retelling it flash by flash, "I know it was on a planet but I couldn't tell which one. It was just mostly red and black, so it was most likely dark. Warriors were massacring the planet, killing off everyone who lived on it. The vision didn't explain why but it didn't seem like a conquest. Just…it was just a massacre. As if they didn't want the people there living at all…"
Vegeta's expression became serious. He had heard of a massacre years ago and that no one knew who caused it. He suspected his father but he wasn't sure. "Was there anything else?"
Videl nodded. "There were only two people I actually saw clearly, a beautiful woman and a young boy. They were trying to get away. She kept yelling something but I couldn't make it out. She died protecting the young boy…"
His heart panged and he discreetly clutched it, his eyes closed. "I see…"
The young Princess sighed. "It was like I was in someone's nightmare…"
Vegeta smiled sadly at Videl and gave her a slight pat on the shoulder. "Don't worry too much about it Videl, just try to get some sleep. You have a big day tomorrow."
She smiled at him. "Alright Uncle, I'll see you in the morning."
Vegeta made his way to the door, glancing back to see Videl climbing into her own. Sighing he closed it and went to his room, quietly closing the door behind him. Slightly frustrated he took off his shirt and dumped it on his bed, taking a tired seat in a chair.
Staring at the bar he moved towards it, opening the cabinets and pulling out a bottle of Helios whiskey and a small shot glass. He poured a bit into it before staring at it, watching as it settled. The moonlight made it glisten slightly as he debated on whether he should drink it or not.
I promised Bulma I wouldn't drink anymore… He thought idly, and then downed the glass anyway. This is a special occasion.
He poured himself another glass and headed towards the balcony with glass and bottle, leaning against it. The cool night air made him feel welcome as the castle was a bit stuffy. He swirled the contents slightly and downed the shot, gazing up at the fading moon.
Aeria…
The first chapter of The Dragon's Knight is officially reinstated. I hope that the readers who have read this before can ejoy this story once more and I apologize for your grief. As for the new readers I can only hope you enjoy this just as you have enjoyed my other fics. Please review and tell me what you think. Good or bad, I would greatly appreciate it.
Credit for the name of Nick, the Lancer in the story, is given to Demon Kaizoku, better known to me as K-chan. Thanks for the help with the name!