Whew! A little short notice for me since I've been running around like a serial killer on a killing spree, but here is yet another exciting chapter of The Dragon's Knight. I always enjoy writing it, so I hope you enjoy the read. ^_^
The Dragon's Knight
Chapter 10: Change
Nobody can go back and start a new beginning,
but anyone can start today and make a new ending.
- Maria Robinson
Vegeta paced back and forth in the control tower while he waited for Raditz to arrive. The missing Lieutenant had finally contacted him and promptly explained the reason for his absence. Apparently he had dropped Relina and his son at Zephyion. Vegeta couldn't resist rolling his eyes at the bumbling saiya-jin's excuse, despite how acceptable the reason for his tardiness was.
He, surprisingly enough, could understand placing his family somewhere safe. No matter how much Bulma made him want to rip his hair out after her incessant harpying on the conditions of Goten and Trunks' last assignment, not to mention allowing them to join in the first place, he'd still take care of her. Although the spectacle she preformed last night when Trunks came home for medical leave made him rethink his care. He was not a fan of the couch.
Videl rose to mind and he grimaced with a pause in his stride. He had saiya-jins scouring the universe for her and they had yet to catch her scent. If he ever saw her again he'd drag her kicking and screaming to the Tower of Absolutism with a full entourage of competent guards and lock her away from The Knight and anyone else who would dare take her away under his nose again. Anyone who tried would be killed as slowly and painfully as possible.
Unfortunately no matter how much he longed to, he wouldn't be able to. Helios needed its Princess, Sorceress or not. With Hercule suspiciously vanishing from the castle it was up to Videl to be crowned Queen of Helios. With war looming over the horizon he didn't wish any of her responsibility upon her, but it was a must. Too many lives with at stake and with the planets in disarray he was sure Freiza would take this into account and attack.
Besides Vegeta, Helios had no allies. Prince Sharpner, who had fled from death, was sought by his cousin King Wide Paper who had taken over Materials Planet and would not give aid to Helios unless Videl married him. The closest planets after Materials was Sung, who was always wrapped up on political assassinations, and the mysterious and powerful Lord Bronin helped no one. Helios was a sitting duck and more so without a ruler.
The Prince of Vegeta sent his eyes heavenward with a long sigh. Ever since Sanctus was desecrated and it's beauty hidden away by Ryuujin the whole universe was in shambles. The planets could barely keep their rulers and the celestial dragons wouldn't even talk to their own priests. It seemed as if the End of Time had finally come and though the saiya-jin in him urged him to resist submission, the tired part of him just wanted it to end.
"Milord?" Zevon, the most veteran of his Elite Guard, murmured worridly while the rest of the Elite had similar faces though they said nothing.
"I'm fine." Vegeta waved it off as he watched the Dominaria land on the Officer landing pad. It was about time the fool showed up. Of all the people Vegeta felt he could trust besides his handpicked Elite at the moment Raditz was, unfortunately, the only one. If anyone could sit down and help him make sense of the shady acts occurring in the Kingdom of Oozaru without it reaching his father it would be the Lieutenant General of the entire Vegetian military.
Steeling himself for an angry confrontation with the late Lieutenant, the Prince of Vegeta strode out of the control room with his Elite flanking him. Raditz strode down from the plank of the ship with a goofy grin that Vegeta both recognized and hated, but as he opened his mouth to curse the saiya-jin within an inch of his life the Lieutenant did something he never would have guessed. He helped his niece, Sorceress of Helios, to solid ground.
His angry tirade caught in his throat and almost choked him as he halted, mid-stride, across the bridge that held the jutting platform. His Elite looked surprised and overjoyed that the woman they adored had returned, though they would never admit to the feeling. Vegeta just stared as Raditz, his saiya-jin guards, and Videl walked towards him. He had resigned to seeing her in a body bag. Bulma had no idea how hard he had taken her disappearance.
If he wasn't a saiya-jin and a lesser man he might have cried or at least teared up. "Videl?"
She smiled at him, a happy radiant smile, and carefully hugged him as she said his name in a choked sob. "Uncle Vegeta."
Raditz sighed and said wistfully to no one in particular, "I just love happy endings."
Vegeta remembered himself and quickly removed himself from Videl. Throwing a glare at Raditz he glanced at the currently unmanned control tower. "Come with me quickly before someone notices. We need to talk."
The usually laid back Lieutenant of Dominaria lost his smile and gave a quick nod at the serious look on his Prince's face. He turned to second in command of his Elite and quickly followed Vegeta, only half of his soldiers following while the other half yelled at one another to prepare the Dominaria. Raditz wasn't taking any chances and out of the corner of his eye he could see some of Vegeta's trusted Elite covertly preparing the Aeria for escape as well.
Vegeta procured a hooded cloak for the Sorceress and Videl covered herself as they walked down the saiya-jin soldier infested halls. A few looked oddly at her, smelling the new feminine scent as well as seeing her fluctuating power on their scanners, but at Vegeta's steel gaze they quickly turned away. Not many wanted to get in the warpath of their Prince while he was in a bad mood.
The two finally made it to Vegeta's safe house that not even his father's omnipotence had known of, and they quickly rushed inside. The Elite stayed in the outer room, guarding the entrance, while Raditz, Vegeta, and Videl walked down the stairs and entered the inner sanctum. The Lieutenant whistled in appreciation at the tasteful decor and made himself comfortable on one of the seats.
"Nice pad Prince Vegeta!" he exclaimed and sunk with a satisfied sigh into the soft cushions.
Vegeta scowled while Videl laughed and sat down herself. The Prince situated himself in his usual chair and narrowed his eyes at the saiya-jin. "While I thank you for returning Videl to my care and finally arriving in haste I did not bring you into my safe house to exchange pleasantries about the weather."
Raditz cleared his throat and sat up straighter. "Oh yes of course. What is it you need my Prince?"
"First of all thank you for bringing back Videl." Vegeta said softly at first, gazing at his niece, before turning cold eyes to his soldier. "Second, how did you do it? Videl was gone, taken away practically from existence, and yet you managed to track her down and bring her back to me. Explain now!"
The spiky-haired saiya-jin chuckled and gave him a fanged grin. "Your welcome."
Deciding he would not get more than that Vegeta sighed and steepled his fingers as he decided to move on. "Since you have been on your apparently successful mission many things have been set into motion. Trunks and Goten have been enlisted into the military, under my father and Goku's orders, have now been hospitalized because of this mission and after careful observation many questions have been raised."
Raditz and Vegeta glanced at Videl's sharp intake of breath but ignored it for the time being as they focused on the situation. Her interrogation could wait. The Lieutenant's eyebrows furrowed as he focused on the floor in contemplation. "Trunks and Goten have been hurt? What mission was this and where?"
The Prince rubbed the bridge of his nose. "A while back they were chasing an old file labeled 'Unknown Subject' who was a Class C criminal. Unfortunately the file was old and they had visited the subject's old haunt. Trunks returned barely conscious and Goten was in critical condition. Their soldiers had been left, massacred, in the Forest of Bliss. All that was left were their dog tags. Do you know how difficult it is to visit hundreds of soldier's families to give them bloodstained dog tags while trying to be sympathetic for them losing a saiya-jin you had never known?"
"No." Raditz answered honestly, though his face was a blank slate. Vegeta could only wonder what he was hiding. The saiya-jin could not lie for shit but he could evade questions like no one else. I probably shouldn't be a surprise since he was the Captain of the Special Intelligence Operations for years before he clawed his way up to ranks to Lieutenant General. "Do you know how difficult it is to visit hundreds of soldier's families to give them something of their loved one while trying not to become emotional as you tell them that the saiya-jin you had served four tours with will never come home?"
"No." Vegeta grumbled, conceding for now, and leaned back in his recliner. "Ever since that mission I have noticed that my father has been absent from his throne room and skulking about the castle. He and Goku have been having secret meetings about security of the Kingdom without including me. Although they've usually had meetings before without informing me this feels different. Something tells me that we're missing something altogether and before I commence all out war with my father I need to know if what I'm out of the loop on will help my cause or hurt it. I am speaking to you about this in confidence because you are the only person I can fully trust. What is your take on what is going on? Have you heard anything in your network?"
Raditz looked at Vegeta in silence for a long time before glancing at Videl. The woman gave him a curious look and he turned his gaze back to the Prince before him. "Maybe it is time for you to be brought into the loop. Do you know why I left the Special Intelligence Operations Division?"
"What does your time in SIO have to do with anything?" Vegeta growled, clenching the arm rests. "I want to know what the hell is going on not your enlistment history!"
The Lieutenant narrowed his gaze. "Maybe you'll be more inclined to listen for once to the importance of what someone has to say if you ask your niece just who she has been with for the entirety of her captivity."
Vegeta resisted the urge to ki blast him and turned his irritated and confused gaze to his flesh and blood. "Well?"
The Sorceress looked wary as she looked at the calm Lieutenant and Vegeta really did feel out of the loop then. "I've been with the Knight."
With a roll of the eyes the irritated Prince opened his mouth to say that he already knew that information when the spiky-haired saiya-jin cut him off. "Cut the bullshit Videl just tell him the truth. It's okay we're among friends and I take full responsibility."
They both gave her an expectant look and she sighed. "I've been with Gohan."
To say Vegeta was shocked would be an understatement. "What the fuck is going on?"
"He told me to tell you that you owe him by the way." Raditz chuckled with a smirk before it faded into seriousness again. This time it was his turn to steeple his fingers and lean back into the seat as he said in a resigned tone, "Maybe it's time that you learned what really happened to Sanctus."
XX
"This way."
Cooler refused to lower himself to scowling and resisting as the warrior pushed him forward through the open doors. If Anarok had thought to at least fuel the ship properly he probably wouldn't be in this situation. When the Aésir ran out of fuel she drifted in space and he had run out of options. He couldn't send a distress signal lest his foolish brother's scouts or allies found him. He had to be cautious.
Unfortunately someone was bound to run into him, whether scouts or pirates, and he had to take the chance. If not he would die, cold and starving, on his grandfather's favorite ship with Anarok's prayers. He couldn't do that with his brother stealing the crown and dragging his people down to suffer with a galactic war. So, with a small prayer to Friga, he pressed the distress signal and waited. Fortunately he was found, but by Lord Bronin.
He glanced around him, looking at the splendor of a planet very few had the privilige of seeing in their life time. Everyone had heard of Lord Bronin. They say he never aged and never died. That he was the reaper himself that took your soul if you crossed him. No one was allowed to visit his planet unless by special invitation and he had never heard of anyone given a special invitation. Hell, his grandfather had known him and even then he was legendary.
The warriors that held him wore old-fashioned armor that he had heard of in history holograms that few cared wearing these days. The only ones who wore it know were celestial dragons and whoever became King of Materials as it was tradition. They even had capes of Lord Bronin's symbol. He mused to himself as he wondered if he even knew the name of Lord Bronin's planet. He should but it had been a long time since he had been in school.
Two guards with less elaborate armor than his captor snapped to attention and presented a salute and one spoke to address them. "Fourth Paladin Fury, Lord Bronin will see you now."
Fury nodded. "Very good."
The throne doors were pushed open by the two guards and the Third Paladin shoved Cooler once more who was beginning to dislike him. Fury huffed angrily as they strode down the carpeted walkway to see two Paladins on either side of Lord Bronin. The one in red armor smirked at them while the one in blue merely stared. Lord Bronin was in his usual hooded cloak and though they could not see his eyes, his mouth was in a firm line.
"Milord," Fury began, shoving Cooler to his knees as he bowed, "May I present the refugee Prince Cooler of the Planet Friga."
"Hmm." Bronin hummed.
The Paladin in red chuckled. "Welcome back Fury!"
"Wrath." Fury growled and if they weren't in the presence of Lord Bronin, Cooler was sure the man would've spit right after. Almost dismissing the red Paladin who was chuckling, the white Paladin gave the other a respectful nod. "Second Paladin Storm."
Storm nodded back but said nothing while Wrath watched in amusement before commenting again with a glance to Lord Bronin. "Such disrespect to your superiors! Of course I must allow the youngster as pass without retribution, eh Milord?"
The door opened and closed again and Cooler tilted his head to see a black armored Paladin stride forward. As he passed the Prince could not repress a shudder. There was something wrong with that Paladin and he wasn't sure what. Wrath shut up immediately and removed himself from Lord Bronin's left as the black Paladin took his place without a word. He, of the four, was the only one who wore a helmet and it seemed demonic.
Fury, Cooler heard, barely repressed the quaver in his voice. "First Paladin Death, it is an honor."
"Now we are assembled." Storm spoke, finally, his voice a quiet rumble in the vast throne room.
Bronin curled his fingers towards him and the black Paladin spoke this time, the voice an eerie echo in the helmet that left few at ease. Only Bronin and Storm were unaffected. "Bring forward his Lordship's guest."
Guest? Cooler wondered as he moved forward, although not without the helpful hand of Fury who had pulled him up and shoved. If he were to ever be released from his prisoner status he would beg a boon from Lord Bronin to beat respect into his white Paladin. He was at his knees again in subjugation, not without a push from Fury, and dared to glance up the green marble steps at the legendary Lord Bronin.
"Leave us."
The quiet and controlled power of Bronin resonated within Cooler and the rattle of guards leaving the room surprised him. He didn't notice them standing, almost hidden within the green walls and gold silk hanging from the ceiling, against the walls either side of him. It was no wonder everyone had thought it best to leave the elusive Lord's planet untouched. If it weren't for the mercenary The Knight he would think the defenses impenetrable.
Once the rattle of armor ceased echoing and the door slammed shut in finality Bronin lowered his hood and Death took off the helmet. Cooler stared in surprise as the legendary king's face was revealed. It was nothing he or anyone would have expected and it stunned him into silence. He turned to look at both First Paladin Death and Lord Bronin again and again, the shock never leaving his face.
Lord Bronin grinned, a ferocious sight as fangs were revealed. His eyes, an odd misty silver, looked out of place against his golden fur. Streaks of silver left stripe marks on his face and down his neck into his cloak. In person Bronin was already a large man, but without his hood on he seemed to get even larger without trying. At the shocked expression on Cooler's face Bronin threw back his head and gave a booming laugh, pearl white fangs gleaming in the light.
Death also looked amused. Her golden hair fell like silky waves, contrasting with the frightening armor she wore. Unlike Bronin her eyes were glittering emeralds and her smooth, delicate skin like soft cream. She was beautiful, blindingly so, and without knowing why he yearned for her to give him a moment of her time. Her full pink lips tilted in one corner and when she finally laughed at his expression it tinkled like bells in his ears.
"Welcome Prince Cooler to my kingdom." Bronin growled in amusement before looking to Fury. "Release him."
"Your Lordship." Fury bowed and deftly released Cooler.
He rubbed the rope rashes forming on his wrists because of the tight knots and couldn't resist a glare at the unhappy Paladin that went to stand beside Wrath. Cooler looked back at Bronin who now held the same deadly scythe he had seen him holding on Friga. Confusion swept through him as he wondered just where the scythe came from when it hadn't been there before. There was something...more to Bronin, even more than this.
Bronin gestured with two fingers for him to rise and inclined his head slightly towards First Paladin Death. "I would like to present my daughter, Isabelle."
Cooler didn't dare comment on how different they looked and instead wondered how she had hid her allure in the first place. Even the Paladins seemed to lean towards her. "What do I owe the pleasure of meeting you and yours, Lord Bronin?"
The feline Lord had to have a reason for bringing him to this planet alive. Most, from what he had heard, were usually dead by now. The Prince was sure that the legendary Lord Bronin had not dragged him onto his planet to meet his daughter. Isabelle's lips curled into an amused smile while Bronin gave a ferocious grin as he leaned forward, his scythe arm bent, and held the dangerous blade before the wary Prince.
"Do you know why Syn is not feasting on your soul Prince of Friga?" the Lord hissed and Cooler wisely kept his mouth shut and shook his head in the negative. "It's because your life is already bought and is not mine to take."
Bronin leaned back and brought the scythe to stand proudly beside his throne. Cooler inwardly let out a relieved sigh as he swore he felt the blade hissing like a snake before his face. He watched Isabelle gently stroke the blade as if it were a pet and the strange hissing stopped. Not wanting to even know what it seemed he already knew. The scythe was alive and very hungry.
"Lord Bronin, If I may ask who had bought my life?" Cooler asked politely, keeping a part of himself aware of the bloodthirsty scythe. There was something seriously wrong with this planet if scythes continued to live.
The feline chuckled. "You will find out soon enough. Your...owner will arrive in a few days. Please take the time to wander Keanthos. Keep in mind that you cannot escape my kingdom's watchful eyes as you enjoy your sights. Fury, Wrath, please take our guest out to view the palace and even the towns of he wishes. His discussion is over. Storm, Isa, stay. We have business to discuss."
Once they had left Isabelle leaned against her father's throne and kissed his brow, making him purr. "What is it father? Is there something that troubles you?"
"If it is the war starting sire no one would dare lift a finger towards us." Storm rumbled, his eyes lowered for reasons of his own.
"Of course not." Bronin almost purred as it was the truth. "The Knight is returning to Keanthos once more."
Storm looked up quickly, his blue-gray eyes almost flashing like his namesake. "Another invasion Lord Bronin?"
The feline laughed. "No not this time. He has come to pick up our esteemed guest...and I do so remember how eloquent and powerful he is."
"Ah," Isabelle smirked at her father's ending growl, "A proper welcoming then?"
Bronin only grinned, his fangs flashing dangerously. Storm stood before them and bowed, taking care to only stare into his ruler's eyes. "Have no fears sire, I shall prepare it."
He left with a flourish and the gentle closing of the throne room doors, leaving Bronin to stare in amusement after him. Silver eyes glanced up at his daughter and he raised a golden brow as he grinned teasingly. "He does still pine for you my little Izzy."
Isabelle smiled softly, ignoring her father's teasing, as she stared at the closed throne doors. "I know."
XX
Sung used to be a beautiful and lush planet. People filled the streets and flowers grew as farther than the eye could see. The sun would shine and birds would sing in tribute to the Dragon of the Sky. Now it rained, it always rained, and the sun didn't really shine anymore. A long time ago Caela's heart had been broken and now she always cried. Until she was healed the planet would only feel her sorrow.
He walked down the side of the road quickly. His light clothing was soaked with rain, but it allowed him to blend in with the rest of the population enough to not cause suspicion. Even Zyanya on his shoulder didn't raise eyebrows. On Sung you tended to see everything so nothing was new. This helped him as even this far the reach of saiya-jins was strong and even now a saiya-jin Private or two would walk past him, patrolling the street for crimes.
Weaving his way through the streets with the silence of a Tulv, Gohan slipped into the nearly abandoned Temple of the Sky. Zyanya eyed the wet temple with as much disgust as a bird could show and fluttered her wings at the shower of rain. The temple was a beautiful crystal-like blue enchanted by Caela that, when the sun hit the shards, would glitter with sunrise or sunset. It was a sight to see when she was in power.
Now the crystal temple was as dull as the clouds that wept for the Sky dragon. Gohan's boots splashed in the water as he bypassed the dead flowers, the sound echoing in the emptiness of the room. The people of Sung had abandoned the Dragon of the Sky. First to go were the rulers of Sung who questioned her power, next were the people of Sung who questioned her sanity, and last were her priests who questioned her heart.
For years Caela had been alone in heartache. No more.
Gohan walked atop the water of the inner sanctum that used to mirror the beautiful sky and looked down once he reached the middle. It was dark below him where it used to be clear and he frowned. "Caela."
Silence responded after the echo of his voice faded away. He huffed and crossed his arms over his chest. "Caela!"
Nothing. He resisted the urge to rub his temples and crouched down to stare into the water, his arms relaxing on his knees. Gohan willed his frustration away and spoke softly this time. "Cae."
The water glowed and half of a child's head rose above it. Her watery baby blue eyes peered up at him as her long golden locks floated around her. He smiled gently at her, a real smile, and offered her his hand. She didn't do anything for a moment before a hand came up to hold his. Gohan lifted her up and into his arms to cradle her before looking down at the most fragile of all the celestial dragons.
Caela, youngest of the celestials, was dressed in a long black dress with diamonds sewn at the ends. Her usual dress was a swirling combination of sunrise and sunset to match her scales, not that she went into her dragon form anymore. Her feet were bare and he wondered how she didn't feel the cold on her bare arms since she was freezing. He walked off the pool and onto land to sit on a bench, still holding her.
Caela sniffled and curled into his warmth. "No one visits anymore..."
"Where is High Priest Raide?" he asked softly, trying not to startle her as if she was a frightened baby animal.
"He died." she replied breathlessly, "Ten years ago."
Gohan sighed. "Your brothers are worried about you, especially Pyrios."
She huffed and buried her face into his shirt. "Pyrios only cares about himself."
Gohan wished for patience. "Your father is worried too."
"Father is a cold statue," came the muffled reply, "And Uncle Vanus is like a cold statue."
For some reason above his understanding a chuckle escaped him. Caela stilled and shyly looked up at him with a small smile on her lips. "You never laugh anymore."
"You never smile anymore."
She touched her lips with her small fingers, feeling the turned corners, before looking up at him inquisitively. "You're different little brother."
Gohan sighed. "You're still the same big sister. It's been forty years Caela...hasn't it been long enough?"
The young dragon hid her face again. "No...he's gone. It'll never be long enough."
"He won't come back Caela..." he murmured with a frown, shifting her in his arms. "You should know that."
She sighed and looked at her hands. "I know that. I'm not sad about Armitr anymore. Raide and I performed the soul dance before he died."
Gohan was confused. Caela had cried for Lord Armitr who had ruled Sung for many years before his assassination. Under her request Gohan had tracked down the person who had killed Armitr Sung as well as the person who had requested the assassination. No one had escaped his wrath yet nothing could mend the Sky Dragon's broken heart. She had loved Armitr and when he died she reverted to a child-like form vowing to never love again.
"Then who are you sad for Cae?"
Baby blue eyes lifted towards him. "You."
A little short I think...well I apologize for not updating sooner. All of it my fault. I got snowed in at the airport in London and...well nevermind. A little cliffhanger for all! Probably doesn't make everyone happier but I'll try to update sooner than later this time since this one is so late and for some reason I'm getting busier and busier at work this year. Have a Happy New Year everyone and I hope you had a Merry Christmas!