Chapter Six, "Birthday"

Glub... Glub... Glub... Where have I heard of that sound before? Glub... Glub... Why did my body feel crushed under weight... "Nngh..." My eyes slowly began to open, blinking once as they focused on my surroundings.

The Healing chambers... So I wasn't dead?

"Oh good, you're awake." A voice echoed inside the liquid, a small person was watching over my progress. He looked oddly familiar, but for some reason. I couldn't bring myself to care much.

"Are you feeling any better?" He asked, checking on my vital signs.

Moving a bit, I wasn't used to the feeling of the liquid as it clung to my skin. It was vaguely disturbing. I touched my side, fully healed. With the mask I wore to breath, I could speak, "I'm fine." I struggled to even say those two words. Jeez. I must really be weak.

"Master Cooler brought you in, you've been out for a couple days now Princess." He commented, pressing a few buttons.

This new's jerked me, Cooler brought me in? Meaning he carried me in here? What the hell? "Can I be released?" these four words nearly took it out of me. And yet I tried to act like I was fine. I just hoped I could stand to get to my room.

"Are you feeling alright?" He didn't see anything wrong with my vitals.

"Yeah."

"Very well." He pressed a button, and the liquid began to drain.

I exhaled, sinking with the liquid till my feet touched the floor, I wore only my under clothing. Which wasn't surprising. Standing, I took the mask from my nose and mouth off and inhaled slowly.

Once the liquid had drained completely, the door of the chamber opened and I was able to step out. My body was dry, just my hair a bit damp. Surprisingly, I could stand and walk out of the device without a bother. I just stumbled a bit.

"Are you okay?" He asked again, moving over as if to brace me.

Being such a small creature, he did care. It was odd. "Yeah." Rubbing my eye a bit, I glanced around for my clothing. Spotting them on the table, I walked over there and pulled the pants on. And even the shirt. Even if the side was bloody and had a gaping hole. It was good enough till I got back to my room.

"Thank you." Murmuring this, I walked out of the room.

I was nearly to my room, staying close to the wall, just in case I would need to use it as a brace. When The younger Cold sibling floated near. Once he spotted me, he made a major beeline towards me.

Flinching a bit, I bowed. Luckily my wound was completely healed. So it didn't hurt.

"Rise young one." He was only a few feet away now. This was getting looks from the other underlings that were nearby.

I rose, looking up at him.

"Are you healed?"

"Yes Lord Frieza."

"That's good." He smiled a bit, "I didn't expect my brother to go through such lengths."

He was worried about me? This was new... I shook my head a bit, "It was a good exercise. I'm just to weak." It wasn't really a joke, but I laughed half heartedly.

"Brother left with father for a little bit. Your training companion will be Razalude." He commented.

Oh, so his full name was Razalude. I liked it. Nodding to him, I bowed my head, "Thank you Lord Frieza."

"When you start training again is up to you, make sure you're ready for it." He said this, shocking me all the more.

So he did somewhat care... I nodded once more.

"I'll come check on you later, maybe stop by once and a while to confirm you're healing." His floating cart turned around and began to float away.

"Yes sir." I called this out, and bowed to him. Once he was out of view, having turned one of the many corners. I exhaled heavily. Room Room Room Room Room ROOM!... Blah, I just wanted to get in my own quarters.

I needed to call Esky anyway. He's probably worried, if anything he probably set sail on my pod here... I hesitated, Crap, he would do that. Even if he knows he would be killed on the spot.

I nearly ran to my room, having to use my hand to get in for the scanner.

Once I did however, my device was beeping from my wall. I cursed lightly, the door shutting behind me as I ran to my safe. Opening it in seconds, I picked up the little hand sized thing. "Esky?" I tried to speak before it had even booted up.

Once his face formed, he was sitting in the pod. "Uhm...."

I watched him, he looked scared. "What's wrong?"

"...I'm not on Namek..." He murmured lowly.

"WHAT?!"

"I was trying to call and I pressed a wrong button... I've been in the pod for a few days now... do you have any water?" He asked weakly, he looked sick.

"Uh... Lower compartment..." I murmured this, petrified.

He done so, grabbing a bottle before downing it. He exhaled, before looking at me. "it's been days..."

"I got wounded, where are you going?" There was more pressing matters at hand.

"I... I don't know..."

"Press the two purple buttons on the right."

Once he did that, the computer spoke, "Destination, Planet Frieza. Arrival time, thirty minutes."
We both stiffened at that, before I stood, closing the safe door and bolting out mine. Yelling at my hand to Esky, "No worries, No worries... I'll go to the docking port, and tell them that you're returning something to me, and you got to leave instantly." I didn't care that I was still wearing my bloody outfit, which caused many looks... Or maybe it was me yelling.

"I'm sorry Fish..."

"It's not your fault..." I ran, before looking at someone. "Borrowing this." I snatched his scouter, ugh it was an old model. Equiping it onto my face, I pressed buttons, "Lord Frieza." I was panting.

"Tyerva? What's wrong dear."

"My pod... is coming back. A Namek pressed buttons and it's flying here." I panted slightly, my body straining to run.

"I see... How long till he get's here?"

"Twenty more minutes."

"Hmm... I'll see you at the port." Before he ended his transmission.

Looking down to my palm, at Esky's terrified face, I exhaled, "I told Frieza. I should be able to get you out of here no problem."

He nodded a bit, when the pod gave the warning for fifteen minutes.

"Nearly there Esk." I called, before coming to a skidding stop outside the door of the docks. Walking in, panting. Frieza was already there, I bowed to him.

"What do you want to do?" He asked calmly.

"Just... send him back... It was a mistake..." I panted this out.

"How do you have connection to him?"

I paused, but held out the device. "He... called me on this. I'm sorry Lord..." I bowed, expecting punishment.

He exhaled, and nodded. "It's fine." He looked to the controllers. "We're expecting a pod, once it lands. Tyerva will go out there and send it back."

Once he said this, the controllers nodded. "Yes sir!"

Frieza then thought for a moment, "Why not keep him here? A Namekian could be somewhat useful if trained." He asked lightly, glancing to me.

I looked at him, and shook my head. "N-No M'lord... He has family... And they're probably worried ov..."

"I understand, it was just a suggestion." Frieza then turned around, "Be sure you send him off." He then left.

As usual.

Looking at him, I bowed, murmuring a truly grateful thanks.

Esk and I spoke at each other, before the countdown began. "Esk, No matter what you do. Do Not, get out of that pod. I'll be outside to meet you once you land." When I said this, it was at five.

"Kay..."

4

3

2

1...

BOOM.

Exhaling, I looked at the controllers, who gave me the alright to go out. I left the room, and flew over to the pod. Pressing the button, having thrown the device in my pocket. I looked at Esk, who hugged me. I returned the hug, and exhaled. "My god Esk, I've missed you so much."

"I've missed you too..."

"I'm sorry we had our reunion like this." I laughed weakly, and he joined in the frail laughter.

"You need to get back though..."

"Can't you come with?"

"They'll just follow, and I'd get in trouble... You too."

He looked down, "It was worth a shot..."

I handed him another bottle of water, "Here's a fresher one, I'll have you sent back. Keep in touch..."

"Kay..." We gave each other one last hug.

"Once I master this, I'll come visit..."

"I'm holding you to that."
"I know, tell everyone I miss them."

"I will."

I pressed a few buttons to send him back to Namek. "I'll have it so you can pass out, It'll be good so you don't get bored."

"Alright..."

"Call when you get back."
"I will."

I smiled weakly, before pressing the button. To close the pod.

The countdown started, and his pod was out of here.

I just stood there, not caring about the slight burns I got from standing next to the pod as it took off. It was nothing compared to the pain I had gotten from Cooler.

Tears were brimming my eyes, before I turned around, and walked back towards the control room. That being the only way to get back into the Castle without going around for a major detour.

Thanking the Controllers, they just nodded. Unsure what to say. While I walked back to my room. The scouter... I would need to return that. But it was just a fleeting thought.

It would be a few days before I would hear from Esky again. The gas was supposed to let him sleep. Even if Nameks don't, he'd probably just be in a deep meditative state.

Thinking about it just made me hurt inside even more. Taking a weak low breath, I walked to my room. Avoiding contact with everyone...

Days had past, nothing worth marking had happened. I had started my training again yesterday. But my heart wasn't into it. I just got beat down worse then before. Raz was following orders...

I had managed to get him a few good times, but it was no use. I didn't care anymore...

I had gotten contact from Esky today saying he got back. Our talk was short, so he could go tell his family he was safe.

When I wasn't training, I was moping in my room.

There was nothing more to do.

So I increased my training... Nearly pushing me to the brink.

A week was all that remained till my birthday. Not that I cared a whole lot. Taking a low breath. I stood up, I would have to get ready for my daily training... Or rather Morning. I trained three times a day with Raz. I wondered if I was getting annoying. Every time I would bring it up, he would shake his head, and tell me that he enjoyed the time we had. Whatever that meant...

Okay... I was in a depressive slump. I didn't respond to anyone. Other then those ranked higher then me. Frieza came and talked to me a couple times, but I would just answer with one worded responses.

Maybe he'll kill me from sheer annoyance...

I hated it here, ever since Esky came to visit.. We talked less, it hurt to talk to him. He seemed to notice, so now he would ignore my messages... Calling like once a week. Just to see if I was alive...

Knock. Knock.

"Who is it?" My voice was dull.

"Hmph." … It was Vegeta.

I hadn't seen him that often either, "Like you need to knock Nii-Chan. Just come in." I called this, sitting on the edge of my bed, staring at the floor.

He came in, standing just at the door. His eyes appraising me.

"Yes?" I wasn't in any mood to deal with anyone.

"How's your training?" Figures he would ask that.

"It's Training." I murmured, looking up to him. "It's going fine bro."

He watched me before walking over to touch my back. "I'll be overseeing your training for the next week."

I nodded to him, glancing at his hand for a moment. Before looking back to his face, it was blank as usual. Maybe I was starting to look like him. I thought about this. We looked fairly alike...

He nodded a bit after I had, before turning around to leave.

I bowed at his retreating back, as he left. I exhaled...

Four days had past. Only three more till my birthday.

Vegeta kept good on his word. He was there three times a day. Once during the morning training. It was only Nappa. It was odd to see Radditz there at one point as well. As if they were all growing more interested in me.

… How annoying.

Exhaling a bit, it was between the Middle day training and the night training. I was laying on my bed, resting for the moment while figuring out how to even scratch Raz more then I was. Sure I had gotten him injured a few times, but nothing bad. And he was always holding back when he fought me... Maybe I was a worthless case to ever learn to fight again. I just had no will.

As I was laying there, I sighed. Walking into the restroom, I figured a shower would be good. But once I saw myself in the mirror, I sighed. My hair was a mess as usual. But... the length was irritating. Getting some scissors I kept for my inventions next to my papers in my room, I returned and just cut my hair off. Shorter then my ears... Giving it a wild look. I had left a strand by accident on the middle of my hairline at my neck.

Deciding to keep it. I shrugged it off. Getting Naked to shower.

Once it was over, my hair was clinging to my face. I braided the tail I had left. Which went down just lower then my ass.

Hours past, it was time for evening training. Exhaling softly, I ruffled my short hair now. I wondered how everyone was going to take my short hair. I laughed dryly, actually aloud which caused those that could hear me as I walked down the corridor turn to watch me.

I ducked my head, and just continued to walk. Not paying attention to them.

My bangs were the longest, brushed to the right side to cover most my face. I thought of this when I pulled my bangs absentmindedly.

"You cut your hair."

I looked up to see Raz, as usual he was ready and waiting at the doors.

I nodded lightly, "It was getting long and annoying, I kept this though." I pulled my braid from my back, smiling a bit, "To remember how long I had it. Silly aren't I...?"

He smiled lightly, "I think it's cute."

I blinked at him, going to open my mouth to say something about his compliment. But he turned around and cut me off, "We should get started soon, Your brother is currently here." He murmured.

That's right, we didn't want to make him wait. I rolled my eyes, Vegeta could be so pushy!

He was waiting for us inside, with Radditz, and Nappa. All three of them blinked, I guessed at my hair. Nappa, the bald wonder man walked over. "I see you cut your hair."

"Ain't it obvious?" I murmured in return.

He sighed, unable to get upset at me. Yay for being the princess. "It looks good on you."

I hesitated, but nodded, "Thanks."

Radditz nodded in agreement to what Nappa had to say, but he stayed. Leaning against the wall behind Vegeta. Who stood on the same spot every day.

Well, from there on, we battled. Lasting well into the night as usual. I swear my sleeping schedule was horrible. I had gotten spoiled during my stay at Namek, sleeping in... Oh well. No time to think about that planet anymore... It hurt to much. Yes, a Saiyajin could feel compassion. Then again, I still didn't call myself much of a Saiyajin. I didn't belong here.

"Happy Birthday!" Someone yelled this from my bedside.

I could feel my body jump clean out of the air, looking towards the person. It was Raz... I should've figured that out. Landing on the bed, having been floating just in the air. I rubbed at my eyes, still half asleep. "What time is it...?" Today was the only day I was to get a break from my training, so I was hoping to get some sleep...

"Four in the morning." He grinned.

"...You're a dead man."

"I'm joking, it's ten silly." He patted my shoulder, holding out a small box.

I exhaled, yawning widely, "I guess I've been tired." I whispered this, before looking to the decorated box. Blinking. "This for me?"

"It's for you. Happy 16th birthday." He whispered, leaning up to kiss my forehead.

I flinched a little bit, to look at him. Before looking down, avoiding a blush from looking up at him. Exhaling softly, I looked to the box and accepted it. "Can I open it now?"

"Its' your decision." He commented, now sitting on the edge of the bed. Watching my reaction I guessed.

I hesitated a bit, before unwrapping the small box with care.

Opening it, I blinked at the small piece of Nickarium. My eyes widened, "Woah... this must've taken you forever to find this!"

It was the prime ingredient, -Which is what I called the components I used for my inventions.- for a new Scouter I had been working on.

"Nah."

Well that was a lie. "Is this what you were looking for between training matches?"

"Yup. Didn't take that long. I was shocked... But it's better than the Carhilum you had been using."

"No kidding, this is perfect. I swear it's going to increase the range by at least twenty percent." I grinned, ecstatic.

He ruffled my short hair, and stood. "I'm glad. I'll let you get situated. I know everyone else will be visiting you through out the day." He rolled his eyes, "I'm glad I was the first one here."

Smiling softly, I nodded to him. "I'll see ya later. I'm sure Frieza will be around soon." I rolled my eyes.

He laughed, nodding. Before he left.

Well, I had fixed up my black scouter. Grinning at it, it was so much better. God, I was going to treasure this thing.

During the time I had been working on it, I was interrupted by a few people. Making it take much longer then needed. Once I had to start over. Due to the fact I got so off track that I forgot what I had to do next.

Just after Lunch, I had gotten visits from Raz, Vegeta, Radditz, Nappa, -Surprising me- Dodoira, and Zarbon, and some of the underlings that I had grown to talking terms with.

With a low breath, I had gotten a call not long ago for me to go see Frieza. This was the point where I didn't wanna even leave my room. Equipping my scouter, I had dressed up in my usual Saiyajin garb. Having been wearing these more often. I walked down the halls to Frieza's room.

Once there, I knocked, followed by a 'Come in'. And I walked in. There inside was everyone, Cooler, King Cold. And a HUGE line of tables full of food. I rose a brow, blinking.

Everyone, Yes, even the colds. -Which surprised me big time- yelled Happy Birthday.

I had gotten my presents from everyone that I figured I would, so now it was time for the feast. I sat near Frieza, Cooler, King Cold, Raz, and Vegeta. Me being at the head of the table.

And the feast began.

There was a bit of small talk, I had to control myself so I didn't eat like a mental person. Surprisingly enough, Vegeta had the same control I had. Most of the time, I had spoken with Raz, who was just asking silly things, bringing up others. Trying to cheer me up. Apparently I had gotten oddly blank lately. Everyone mentioned it.

Oh well. I didn't mind, I had to do this. Locking myself in was easier then worrying over Esky...

Frieza had mentioned of a mission Radditz was going to go on in the next day. Vegeta and Nappa were going to be leaving to another planet other then Radditz. So this was the last day I was going to see them all for a while.

Which was fine... I didn't expect to be around them all the time.

Radditz had been going on about this person called Kakarot. His younger brother that had gone to the planet. Eeee Arth? That sounded weird. Well, it was Radditz's mission to go see how he had faired taking over the planet. It had been a few years apparently. He was about the same age as Vegeta from what I gathered, just a few years younger, and a few years older then I was. Shrugging it off. There wasn't a reason for me to care much.

Once the feast was over, Radditz had gone to get ready to leave. Along with Nappa. Vegeta and Raz however remained as Frieza wanted to talk with me.

I knew what was coming before he had even opened his mouth.

"Even if it is your birthday, it just means you should be mature enough to handle the powers." Frieza commented, "They can't be forced out, but any time now. If you become weaker, the burning pain returns. Alert one of us." He ordered.

I blinked, so I was free today? Sweet. I nodded a bit, "Yes sir..." Maybe it was a somewhat good thing Cooler was spying on my every word. That way I could just yell from my room. Then again I had my scouter on....

"You may go." He smiled a bit, his weird girlish grin.

The two of us, Raz and I bowed. Vegeta however wanted to stay to talk to Frieza apparenly.

Once we left. Raz began the idle talk, unlike usual he wasn't running off at the first chance he got. Probably cause he already got the Nickarium for me. It was a nice change of pace... I would have to call Esk... I stopped myself. He hadn't called me. Maybe... they gave up? I looked down, Raz apparently noticed. With a soft touch to my back, he asked if I was alright.

Nodding a bit to him, I didn't bother looking. "Yeah... I'm just tired from today."

"Miss your training that much?"
"Oh of course. Nothing more fun than getting beat in front of everyone." My voice was dripping is sarcasm.

He laughed a bit, "Everyone is going to be leaving tomorrow, so it'll just be us till you can get your powers under control." He nodded to his own words.

Blinking, Oh yeah... "I wonder if we'll ever go on a mission."

"Perhaps." He tilted his head, "Normally I just stay here."

"Why's that?"

"No clue. I only go out if more then the three," Three meaning Radditz, Nappa, and Vegeta, "are needed. Which isn't often."

Yeah no kidding, I thought. "Who would you think is stronger? Nappa or Radditz?" I asked. Never having seen them fight.

"Nappa. He's your brothers right hand man basically. Radditz is a lower class Saiyajin." He commented.

"Like his brother? What was his name...?" I tried bringing it up.

"Kakarot, Yes, he was a lower class as well. His father, Bardock." He commented.

Thinking, I tried to bring up the name but to no avail. "Oh well."

"Get some rest. We'll train some tomorrow."

"Sounds good." We parted ways at my room.

Where I laid down on my bed, should I even bother contacting Esk? It's not like he cared... So I figured, I would wait.

Hours had past, and no... not even a beep from the device that was now laying next to me in the bed.

It was getting towards night, I would probably pass out soon.

Before my door slid open, I glanced to it, expecting Raz. But oh how I was mistaken... It was Jeice. I had wondered where he had gone.

"Oy Sheila." He grinned, "Just go' back fram a mission." He told me this, walking in with the door shutting.

"I was wondering, You missed the lovely dinner Lord Frieza had prepared." It was more of a joke. It was a nice dinner, just a bit stiff.

"I though' as much." He grinned, something was up in his little orange skull.

I sat up, blinking at him. "What do you need?" I murmured slowly.

"Just wanted to tell you happy birthday and give you a present." He answered, disappearing for a moment. Only to appear before me on the bed, pushing down on my shoulders.

I flinched, laying back staring up into his face. "Jeice, this isn't funny."
"Not meant to be Sheila." He smirked, leaning down, his eyes slightly closed. While I was unable to move...

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Disclaimer: I don't own any of the Ginyu Force, Frieza,Cooler Vegeta, or any of the other Dragonballz Characters. I do however own Tyerva, and Escargot, XD Yeah, don't' ask how I came up with that one… Raz is also one of my own creations...

Same as always. I own everyone's personalities, and etc. I don't own any of the Dragonball Z characters. So... yeah. XD

Author Notes: WOOT! Earth is next, after the Rapage. XD