Number 32

Chapter Five

The Green Snow Tavern

Goku's never felt a winter like this.

He's draped in layer after layer, looking more akin to a marshmallow than a man, and Krillin looks much the same as they struggle through the snow, feet cutting deep into shrouds of white. The soft yellow lighting from the surrounding buildings lets the snow appear as if it's glowing, as though it's a collection of plush, warm clouds.

Each step makes his feet even number as he goes.

Krillin groans under his layers. "Couldn't the Cilo hideout be somewhere warmer? Like a tropical island, or, I don't know… the sun?"

Goku tries to laugh but only manages to chatter his teeth. "Then that would be too easy."

"Oh yeah, of course," Krillin snorts. "They can't make things too easy for us, can they?"

"Hmm? What are you two so crabby about?" Ytvl asks from in front. He then jogs back to them with enviable energy. Goku has never really done that well with the cold and is barely able to trudge his way forward.

Even though Ytvl says he doesn't spend that much time in the snow, he looks at home in it.

The ex-captain wears about as many layers as Goku, looking puffy and wide. But, as per instruction, he also has to hide his visage under a drooping hood. Apparently, he's plenty recognizable, and Lya had been pretty worried about him accompanying Goku to the hideout today in case soldiers were to try and apprehend him. She'd actually taken him aside earlier, and the two looked to be sharing a serious conversation on the matter.

Ytvl doesn't seem at all concerned now, however. Like a rabbit, he bounces through the snow with a delicate lightness, effortlessly keeping pace and occasionally moving ahead.

His smile peaks from under his disguise.

"We're saying that it's cold," Krillin complains yet again. "Ytvl, we've been walking for so long now… are we nearly there?"

Ytvl pauses, snow swallowing his weight. "Mm, I think so. But… who can say? I've never had to walk before."

Then no, Goku summarizes.

They've been walking for over an hour. Originally, they'd protested and wanted to fly but apparently this planet enforces extremely tight security, with scouting devices sensing any amount of ki being expelled, and that extends to flying. So they have to stay low, keep quiet and draw the least amount of attention to themselves as possible.

This planet, planet Central, sits in the centre of a cluster of Frost-ruled planets lying south; an area where most places experience little sunlight and the harshest winters. Planet Central is not an exception, with its blistering winds and icy exterior. All around, crystal-like ice casts its claws down over the crude structures, swallowing some buildings entirely.

"It never snows like this where I'm from," Ytvl considers, holding his palm open to the dithering snowflakes. "I always did enjoy my visits south. It's always snowing on Central."

"Sure, snow is nice. But this… this is," Krillin grunts, wading until his foot becomes wedged once again. "This is just something else!"

"I wish I had snow shoes," Goku adds, also trying to pry his ankle free. "Uwaah, I'm stuck!"

Ytvl makes no move to help them. "You guys are a riot. Come on, let's get there before what little light there is disappears."

In the end, Goku manages to free himself first and has to pluck Krillin from the vice-grip of the snow. The density of snowfall quickly fills their recently vacated spots, flakes huge and never ending; their descent inhibits Goku's view and makes their journey look infinite.

The saiyan tries to stay positive. "Not long, hopefully, bud."

"Heh. I don't know if my toes can continue. I haven't been able to feel 'em since back at that frozen lake."

"We can't stop now. I'm sure Ytvl's right… we can't be too far, now."

Under the mounds of padding, Krillin's frost-bitten face churns. "Do you really think we can trust that guy?"

Goku's brows pull together and he swallows. "Yeah, I think so, at least for now. He helped save Vegeta, right?"

"I know, it's just… I don't know, man… I feel like we're going into the monster's lair on this one."

"It'll be fine, Krillin. I'm not gonna' let nothin' happen to you." He slaps a hand against his friend's puffed coat. "So let's try our best and get to this place."

Krillin snorts, smiling. "How do we keep ending up in these strange situations?"

Goku, returning that smile, goes to reply, only to be interrupted by a long, piercing whistle from Ytvl up front. Barely visible, the latter gestures for them to hurry along. The snowstorm does seem to be picking up a bit, pushing at them as they manage to reach the peak of a hill.

"I can see the eastern gate," Ytvl tells them when they make their way to the top. He's under a concrete slab for shelter and they quickly join him, hiding from that awful, frozen wind. "You can see it straight ahead. See? Yeah, that's it. We shouldn't have a problem with it; it's never guarded as there is nothing of value in the area, mostly squalors and markets."

If Goku squints, he can just about make out the lights in the distance. "And that's where you guys wanted the hideout?"

"I know it doesn't sound great but Lya knows what she's doing. She picked this area because of the high residential population. Most of them are definitely not fans of the empire and the patrolling soldiers that like to make their lives difficult. But with little funds, they've never proven to be a hindrance to the empire, mostly staying quiet and performing industrial roles for the capital. In fact, the empire's southern capital lays just an hour's walk opposite, just down that way."

Ytvl gestures them right and into a picture of stormy white. He laughs when Krillin garbles a noise of frustration.

"Oh, yeah, just that way! This snow is insane!" his friend call outs. "How the heck can people live out here?"

In response, the other man laughs. "We say as much in the North. These Southern bastards are hard people." Goku doesn't understand what he means, and so the soldier elaborates upon seeing the puzzled expression. "They're hard; tough. They're known for being icy around the edges, trusting no-one and all that."

The saiyan puts two and two together. "Heh, heh. I wonder if Vegeta ever lived out here."

Ytvl barks another laugh. "No way! He's a Northern boy, that one. That guy was famously Frieza's favourite and never had to come to the Southern Capitol. His life must've been pretty cushy in comparison to most. Southern soldiers hate that, hate him. I know they hated that about me." He adopts a wispy quality to his voice, shaking his fist. "We earn our title here, down south!"

"Ehh. They sound kind'a proud."

"Tch! Just a bit. They're awful to work with -absolutely no fun."

Goku wonders what constitutes fun in Ytvl's head but decides it's better not thinking about.

Krillin taps at the palm of his gloved hand. "So this Hailer guy is the boss of the south, right? And Cooler is in charge of the north?"

"Mmm. Yes, but one can only wonder how long for. They hate each other; it's the worst kept secret. The soldiers follow suit, of course; Northerners and Southerners, so it's only time until something goes awry and war is declared. Before I'd… left, it'd been a tense situation, especially with Vegeta's execution hanging over our heads. No-one trusted anyone –and for good reason. One slip up brings about death, especially if you're unfortunate enough to be serving under Hailer. That guy suffers no mistakes. Lord Cooler had, at least, been more reasonable."

Goku can't help himself. "Who's stronger?"

A sharp snort echoes out and bounces from the snow, Ytvl's eyes sparkle in the warm light. "Yes… Who, indeed?"

They eventually brave the winter again and continue onwards for what must be another twenty minutes. Ytvl is pretty chatty, and tells them about all the little things about being a soldier. It's like finally peering into Vegeta's secretive world.

It'd been secret for a reason because apparently Vegeta is unanimously hated by all soldiers, and has been since before his betrayal of Frieza. In fact, most believed that he'd been killed by Frieza in some kind of poetic irony. Ytvl tells them how disturbed they'd been to find out that the saiyan had been alive all this time.

"They threw me a party when I brought him in," Ytvl informs. "It's all rather funny now, considering…"

He also tells them about the horrid conditions for lower ranked soldiers, about how a lot of weak fighters are used as cannon fodder, and how many of their captains killed them for the smallest of errors. Goku notices how Ytvl didn't elaborate on any of his own dealings with his underlings.

Krillin next asks if Ytvl thinks if he could stand a chance against any of the captains. And it's then that Goku remembers Krillin's lacklustre fights against the soldiers on that decoy planet; the very thing that had caused Vegeta to be captured in the first place.

"Look," Ytvl starts, "what you have to understand is that not all captains rank the same. Some can't fight for shit, but they might be so shrewd that they'll know what you're going to do before you do it. Back on the trap planet, I knew I wouldn't have been able to take both Vegeta and this guy on together, so I had to play it smart."

Horrified, Krillin halts. "Eh? So you used me?!"

"Well, I had been hoping to distract this one here by using you as bait. You're buddies, right? I could tell because you both wear your hearts on your sleeves too much. But, surprisingly, it'd been Vegeta to take the bait and save you." His hand rises in a chopping motion. "One swift strike and that's all it takes to bring someone down."

"Oh… Oh, man…"

"Don't look too glum. I am… was a captain for a reason –and one of the best. Don't sweat it too much. But you know, I have to admit that I was pretty staggered that Vegeta put himself out there like that."

"He's changed," Goku says, steering the conversation down a lighter avenue. "After coming to Earth, he found peace. Now, he does the right th-"

"Peace? Don't be ridiculous," he snaps, suddenly, startling them both. There's a pause, and Goku recognizes Ytvl's demeanour had shifted into something less pleasant; it was only for an instant but he saw it. Nippily, the ex-captain is back to normal. "Apologies. I mean… one does not just forget their time in service."

"Well, you saw it first-hand. Vegeta willingly put himself in harm's way for Krillin. That's gotta' say something, right?"

Ytvl doesn't reply to that, instead choosing to answer the question Krillin earlier put to him. "So, Shorty, my answer is that I don't think you could take a captain. Ask yourself; could you take me? Like hell." But then, he follows it up with a hum. "Though, I can't say the same about some washed up geezer captain with a pocket full of gold. So many buy the position. Really, it's just a title. It doesn't mean you'll be leading a squad of soldiers on a day to day basis, just that you've been recognized. Still, I wouldn't try those odds -most captains can handle themselves just fine."

This doesn't make Krillin feel better, his treading now slowing to a dismal pace. "I've got a feeling that I'm just gonna' get in the way."

Goku reaches for his friend. "No way, Krillin!"

"I'm not going to lie to you," continues Ytvl, "I don't think you've got what it takes to be here. You're putting your own life and ours in jeopardy. Any wrong move will get you kill-"

"Don't listen to him," the saiyan interrupts. "We need you here. Gohan needs you here."

Ignoring him, Ytvl counts on his fingers. "A captain is usually one or more of three things: strong, smart or well-received, whether that's through status, money, or what have you. They're not so simple to take down unless you've got some power –which you do not."

"Ytvl, stop it."

"I'm trying to help him here. Do you want another situation like back on the trap planet?"

"That won't happen."

"You're too optimistic. The soldiers and captains won't hesitate in blowing up a weakling."

"Is that coming from experience?" Goku presses. It comes out harsher than intended, but Ytvl doesn't so much as blink.

"Absolutely." The man grins and points a gloved finger at Goku. "Now, you, I bet you'd give a lot of them a run for their money. Here's hoping that Frieza thing wasn't a fluke."

If Cooler or Hailer are anything near Frieza's level then there shouldn't be too much of a problem. They defeated Cell a good few years ago now, and the memory of his wicked power still holds strong in Goku's memories. If they managed to take that monster down, then they can take down anyone.

"I think we'll be fine," Krillin tries, tone a touch brighter. "After everything we've been through on Earth, I think we can take on a couple of lizards, r-right, Goku?"

That's the spirit, Krillin.

"Absolutely."

Ytvl hums. "If you say so. Since the fruit fiasco a few years back, I haven't met anyone able to take on those two…"

Fruit…?

"Yes!" Krillin suddenly rejoices. "Civilization!"

Finally, the snow starts to thin out as buildings appear in sporadic clumps, growing taller and taller on each side of the road as they continue. Grey sludge piles of what used to be snow sit in gloomy pyramids near doorways, and clearer paths to common establishments like shops and eateries are now more frequent. Soon, they're welcomed by a variety of city smells, including the lingering scent of cooked meat; this especially draws Goku's attention.

"Heh, you're definitely a saiyan," Ytvl comments. "This way, now."

There aren't bustling crowds, which Goku had expected, but rather, small groups of people walking quietly between buildings. The people are all varying, some large and looking like overgrown frogs, others small with big oranges spots on their cheeks. Goku notices the tiniest man he's ever seen –he makes Krillin look lanky!

The strangest looking individual Goku sees is a woman with five eyes, all looking the wrong way. She says something in a language he can't understand when she catches him staring. When Ytvl laughs like a donkey, he assumes it wasn't very nice.

Soon, Ytvl turns them down a side street where the block of structures don't look as uniform. Most appear crooked and tired; they mostly vary in colour; each different but equally muted. There are still some whiter ones that blend into the snowy backdrop, of course, looking rather invisible compared to their neighbours. To counteract this, shops are beckoned with fairy lights to give a festive atmosphere to an otherwise dreary place.

"Are we here?" Krillin asks, hopeful. The poor guy looks chilled to the bone.

In response, Ytvl nods and tightens his hood. He pulls his scarf up and fastens it around the bottom half of his face, exposing only two brown eyes and the bridge of his nose.

"Follow m-"

Suddenly, a man grabs Goku's arm. The saiyan is dragged along as the man tries to lead him into his shop, speaking rapidly in a strange language that makes him sound like a snake. He gestures to a group of questionable trinkets, and then smacks a sign with strange writing on it. It just looks likes squiggles.

"Wh-What. Er, Ytvl-"

Ytvl is quick on the case. He charges forward and pushes the man back into his shop, giving him some choice words in the snake-like-language.

"What did you just say to him?" Krillin asks when Ytvl moves away from the grumbling salesman.

"Oh, it doesn't translate," Ytvl says dismissively. He walks on but makes sure to stick closer to Goku and Krillin this time. "My Southern-Tongue isn't as good as it could be, but I know enough crude words to keep beggars like him at bay. There are far too many of them crawling about this shithole…"

It does look rather run down, and the area feels oddly claustrophobic, as if his energy is being reined in. It doesn't feel… right, whatever it is.

"Ah, here we are, I believe. I've never been here myself, but I think this is the right location."

They've arrived to a sorry sight. It's a petite, square building; coated in mouldy green paint and dirt. The place sits between two equally sad looking shacks and faces chiselled pavement and upturned concrete. There aren't even any windows.

"The Green Snow Tavern," Ytvl tells them as he gestures to a hanging sign.

Krillin pulls down his coat, astonished. "We walked all this way for… this. It's a bar."

Ytvl's eyes twinkle under his hood, and Goku would bet a sack of senzu beans that he's grinning.

"In we go."

The tavern actually doesn't look as bad on the inside, and most importantly –it's warm. There's also a wonderful smell of hearty food and beer. Goku doesn't drink often, maybe one or two at parties but that's it –but man, everything here smells great! The room, on the other hand, is dark and a bit drab; all browns, but Goku guesses that that's supposed to be a part of the charm.

It's busy so there must be something special about it, and the barman is darting between patrons comically without so much as sparing a glance in their direction. A clink of a glass hits the bar hard and Goku sees what must be the aftermath of some teenager downing a glass of alcohol. His friend slaps him on the shoulder.

"This way," Ytvl says as he pulls him through the crowd.

It starts to thin out when they reach the far side of the bar, leaving Goku wondering on where they're supposed to be going. That's when Ytvl says something to one of the bar workers, who then proceeds to press something under the bar. A door near what looks like a dartboard opens up, offering only darkness.

"Cosy," Krillin deadpans. "This is how a horror movie starts."

"I didn't ask for your commentary, Shorty. After you."

Ytvl pushes Krillin in first; much to the latter's dismay. Goku follows them, a little surprised to find himself walking down a steep spiral staircase and into a thin hallway. It'd looked so small originally. Soon, the bitter cold from the outside can be felt again, and Goku wishes he could go back upstairs for a spot of warmth and a bite of whatever they're serving. The hallway then leads into a small room lined with broken casks and beer kegs. Boxes lay flattened on the floor, and there's an unpleasant smell of dampness all around.

"Enjoy, gentlemen," Ytvl says, bright. He pulls down his hood and smiles at their horror. "What did you expect?"

"Something with heating, maybe," Krillin grumbles. He sits on one of the empty kegs. "Why are we down here and not upstairs with the warmth?"

"Unfortunately, I'm wonderfully recognizable and can't risk hovering about upstairs, and you're with me because I'm your one-of-a-kind tour guide."

"How long do we wait here?" Goku asks. He can't help but think about the baked goods upstairs.

"It shouldn't be too long. No, don't you look at me like that, Shorty, really. A lot of those people upstairs are here for the meeting."

"Really? All of them?"

"Yes, well, a lot of people want to speak up against the Frost Empire. I recognized a few soldiers up there from my quadrant. They've travelled a long way to be here tonight for the rally."

Goku's brows rise. "Even soldiers?"

"He said it last week," Krillin tells Goku as he struggles to keep balance on his keg. His foot slips so he settles into a sad squat on the floor. "Ugh, gross. Is that beer? Uh, yeah, most soldiers are forced to work for them slimy creeps, right?"

"Right."

Goku turns to Ytvl. "Were you forced or were you always undercover?"

Ytvl bats his hand passively and manages to look mildly uncomfortable. "My planet was taken over when I was a boy and then they enlisted me. Because I was of royal blood, I did just fine."

"Royal? You're a king?!"

"Prince would be the closest translation, I suppose. The Empire likes to make examples of the leaders, it's rather common. Look at Vegeta. What does royalty mean in the face of the Frost Empire? Nothing really. Ah well…" He clicks his tongue and looks strangely nostalgic about the entire thing, as though he's reflecting not on genocide, but on a humble childhood memory. "I became captain a few years back. Only last year was I approached by Cilo, and initially, I was unsure because my captaincy allowed me to live a pretty cushy life. Lord Cooler was always fond of me."

Krillin leans forward. "So why did you? Join Cilo, I mean."

"Eh, you people are just so nosy," Ytvl says not without humour. "Why, indeed. Maybe I just want an even cushier life, one where I don't deal with any Lord above me."

Goku can't tell if this guy's lying or not, but doesn't push it. It's not his business.

Krillin doesn't feel that way, however. "Hey, how come you still call him 'Lord' –Lord Cooler, that is?"

"Habit."

"But, you-"

Upstairs, something bangs hard against the floor, rattling the ceiling above them. Dust trickles down. As a result, Ytvl's expression becomes impassive and he moves in the direction of the door.

"Wait here."

His boots clatter up the spiral stairs and then Goku and Krillin are left to hear little else.

"You know," Krillin starts, "I bet Vegeta'll be happy he didn't come. I can't imagine that guy has enough patience for all this."

Eyes flittering between his friend and the ceiling, Goku tries to keep it light. "Nah, he's still grumpy he's not allowed to exert himself. I think he'd do just about anything to stretch his legs."

Piccolo didn't come either, at Lya's recommendation. Namekians don't do typically well in such cold conditions; it's something to do with the amount of water their bodies are made up of. So, Bulma, Piccolo and Vegeta are waiting on the ship for their return, anticipating their verdict on what Goku and Krillin think of the rally.

Vegeta is being very stubborn about it. He doesn't like this group, or any rebel group for that matter.

"They're just trying to steal power from Hailer and Cooler," Vegeta had told Goku in private. "Don't do anything stupid out there, like getting caught up in all their bullshit."

He hopes Vegeta is just over-reacting. Goku didn't sign up for politics or any of that confusing stuff…

"Well, at least they get to be warm on the ship," Krillin complains, and Goku makes a sound of agreement.

They wait for around about ten minutes until Goku suggests they go upstairs and check on Ytvl. There has been little sound since his disappearance, and the guy had looked pretty anxious when he'd left. Hopefully it's all right, but Goku deems it best to make sure.

Krillin, of course, jumps up at the suggestion and makes for the door. Something tells Goku it has little to do with worry over Ytvl and more to do with the fireplace they'd spotted on the way in.

After tackling the stairs, they share a nod and Goku twists the knob, opening the door to one hell of a scene.

The tavern has been trashed. How they'd not heard anything somehow seems impossible now. Chairs lay broken on the floor, tables smashed, and the aromatic flavours of cooking in the air have been replaced with the stench of burning.

On the floor, lies the bruised and beaten form of Ytvl, blood teetering from his mouth. A leathery, studded boot rests atop, pressing down against the cavern of his chest as he breathes hard. Upon seeing Goku and Krillin, his eyes widen and he goes to say something, just to be cut off when the boot squashes his cheek to the floor.

Above, a figure wearing thick layers of furs, stands broad and tall. Goku immediately recognizes him as Vegeta's would-be executioner and the fighter he'd met on the roof. And as he'd noticed during their first meeting, the person has no energy reading whatsoever, and whether that's because he's suppressing it or if he's an android, Goku's unsure. Whatever the case, it's eerie and Goku doesn't like it.

When the person –this captain, if Goku remembers correctly- turns to look at him, the gaze is thin and empty, hidden behind the red of a scouter.

From behind him, a small collection of soldiers are poised. One steps forward and says something to the captain in that language Goku had earlier heard.

Apparently, this soldier had said something bad because Ytvl tries to push against the boot, thrashing and shouting.

"Run, you idiots!"

But they don't –they can't as they're surrounded; pressed against the cellar door, with the only way out being to charge through the small army of people.

Yet, even with so many people, it's quiet. The tavern's once lively atmosphere is now deceased. No more does the bartender move around, and not a single word is being uttered, leaving Goku and Krillin to stand there like deer in the headlights.

"I… uh, I think you're hurting my friend there," Goku eventually says.

From behind the captain, several of the soldiers laugh, and Goku can't help but join in, awkwardly. He scratches at the back of his head as Krillin pulls at his arm.

"Goku, something's wrong. I can't-"

"Here, Captain," says one of the soldiers, this time using the universal language they're more familiar with. "This might be useful."

In his hand, sits what looks like a … gun?

The captain takes it, twists it until a clicking sound is heard and repositions it in Goku's direction; all in one smooth motion. Under the tavern's dim lights, the barrel shines.

Then, the captain says something, loud and as clear as can be in that wispy drawl. Goku doesn't understand it, but many do, and they make haste towards the door. Patrons of the tavern disappear, one after the other, under the arch of rotting wood. Even the bartender leaves. Some stay, however, ones who seem not to be as cooperative as the soldiers probably would have liked them to be.

"Go!" Ytvl growls from the ground.

Goku originally thinks that he's talking to him, but one of the patrons moves forward.

"No! I refuse to stand down!" an orange-skinned man declares from the crowd. "We're here to make a difference –I can't stand the empire a day longer!"

A few others step forward, shouting similar objections. Others speak a rainbow of languages, but Goku understands one thing; their anger.

The captain doesn't look remarkably moved by it. His features remain flat, his eyes empty. He does respond, however, with a short nod to his men, something that pleases the soldiers. They smirk between one another before advancing, passing the captain and turning on the crowd, some with guns drawn.

"No!" Goku calls out. "Stop it! Just, wait!"

Shots are fired, blood is spilt, and it all happens so fast that Goku doesn't know where to look. Krillin tries to pull at his arm again, but he doesn't budge, unable to turn away from the carnage.

He tries to move, but his body feels heavier than normal, and when he tries to call upon his ki, he finds it completely unresponsive.

What?

Why aren't his legs working? Why can't he help?

"You finally noticed," the captain says; his voice slightly afflicted with an accent. It's understated and wispy, but carries a level of authority, making Goku want to strain his ears and listen. "I had the tavern surrounded with sheenks so there's little reason to challenge me. Whilst we're all affected by a reduction of power, I am confident you don't carry one of these."

The gun clicks again.

He's right. I… can't feel my ki.

"I want two things. The first thing is something I already have." To emphasize this, the captain plants his boot against Ytvl's neck. Ytvl, impressively, makes not a sound. "And the second-"

From behind, someone screams. They scream and scream until they stop.

"Call them off!" Goku shouts, trying to move again –to power up, but there's nothing. "Stop it!"

"I want Vegeta," the captain continues after a beat, unbothered. "Give me these two things, and you both shall live."

"Vegeta?" Goku parrots. Are they still trying to carry out the execution?

"He's not here!" Krillin then calls out. "It's just us two!"

"It's true," Ytvl tries, his voice wet. "I only brought these two. Kind… of sucks for you, right?"

Finally, that mask cracks just a little, and Goku sees a shred of irritation on the captain's face. Just as he goes to say something, two soldiers rush forward and deliver a lump of a man to the captain's feet. One says something in that hissing language as the oversized man starts crawling forward.

"M-My honourable Captain, sir," he blubbers, reaching past Ytvl and towards those boots. "S-Spare me, please! I'd tried to leave originally but I wasn't fast enough, but –but I want to help! I want to help you, Captain, you and the Frost Empire!"

"You fucking traitor!" shouts someone in the crowd amidst the chaos.

"You fat piece of shit, Kray!"

It doesn't deter the man. "I can give you names. I know some of Cilo's biggest-"

The gun lowers momentarily as the captain considers the man, and just as Goku's about to make a move forward, Krillin beats him to it. His friend rushes forward and aims to kick the gun free. The move surprises Goku, but it doesn't seem to surprise the captain, of who also seems to have some moves of his own.

Before Krillin even reaches him, he manages to sidestep away, leaning away from Ytvl, and raise his arm horizontal. The forearm perfectly catches Krillin in the throat, stopping him mid-air, choking him and sentencing him down to the woodwork. But the captain is not done. So quick, his foot then sweeps up Krillin, striking him into the air before reconnecting once more. Goku's heart stops at the crunch of impact as his friend is sent through the wall of the tavern.

"Krillin!"

Outside, it's dark now. The hole looks impossibly dark against the warmth of the tavern, breathing the icy chills of the night.

Goku goes to move towards Krillin, getting only so far until he feels the cold kiss of metal against his cheek. The gun clicks again. "With sheenks, your power drops low enough for this to cause some real damage," says the captain, lowly. "Don't be reckless."

The soldiers have now done their duty and most of the people that were in tavern have either fled, are dead or have been taken hostage, and so the soldiers reform around their leader. As Goku tries to weigh up his options, he finds himself rather thin on ideas. Taking on this many people under such circumstances is going to prove itself tough.

But Goku's done worse!

He grips the wrist and bends it backwards, causing the gun to drop. Goku must have surprised the captain because he actually stumbles backwards, nearly tripping. Yet, as suspected, he's quick on his toes and catches himself, pivoting round and pressing a foot into Goku's side.

Someone relies too much on their leg power…

The sentiment is proven correct when another kick comes down on him. Of course, this time, Goku's ready and catches it, spinning his opponent around with surprising ease. The guy is definitely not as heavy as he looks –it must be the fur robes. Still, it explains the dexterity. Even with Goku getting the upper hand on the captain, the lack of weight resistance threw him long enough for his opponent to retaliate, and he's punished with an elbow to the throat.

It stings, but little else. The strength behind it doesn't match Goku's thicker skin. The attack doesn't even paralyze him like the captain had most likely had intended, and so Goku's able to stop his opponent reaching for that gun once again.

This time, Goku kicks him -straight in the gut. It's a good kick; something that'll definitely leave more than a bruise. But apparently this guy knows how to take a hit. Whilst it stops him from reaching the gun, it doesn't stop him from retaliating.

Goku dodges the first hit, but takes the second punch straight across the cheek. The power isn't what it could be but the attacks are precise. It's as if the captain knows exactly the right place to hit to break that bone, because that's what happens.

Blood fountains out before Goku feels the pain.

When a hand reaches forward for a choke hold, Goku takes it, squeezes and throws it back, using the advantage to trip the other fighter. The captain goes to fall, only catching himself in the nick of time by grabbing at Goku's coat and rebalancing his weight. It works but Goku's fast too, and strikes him hard against the face –several times, in fact- before managing a clean head-butt against the latter's head.

It's like head-butting steel.

OOOOW!

It'd be comical if it wasn't so serious. Both the captain and Goku react, hands rising to the wounds. In fact, for the first time, the captain grunts out a sound of discomfort.

Gotcha'.

Goku's satisfaction is short-lived, however, when he's punched in the gut, making him double-over.

Another punch then sends him free from the tavern and into the outside snow. Its icy grip rains ache down his exposed flesh, and Goku struggles to move at first, hating the snow more than ever.

The captain follows, emerging from the silhouette of the tavern's warm golden sheen, before striding across the snow like a duck to water. If Ytvl had been able to walk well in it, this guy can dance. None of the other soldiers tail him, which Goku finds strange. Only the captain advances, quick to reach him and keep him low in the snow.

Goku's fast on the uptake.

"Can't beat me the old fashioned way, huh?" He teases. "Gotta' fight me in the snow for the advantage?"

The captain doesn't at all react; his face, mostly cast black by the shadow of the night, is void of emotion.

Even when they both hear that click of the gun from behind, his expression doesn't falter.

"S-Stay there!" Krillin demands, pointing the weapon.

The captain's dark eyes don't leave Goku, but he acknowledges Krillin in a flat voice. "…You don't even know what that is."

"But it stopped you, huh?" Krillin replies, giving it a light shake for emphasis. "Goku, come here –quick!"

But then, Goku's unsure of how to move, of what to do –something about the captain has him momentarily immobilized. The vacancy makes him nervous, maybe, because his legs suddenly won't cooperate again. He can only stare as the shine illuminates around this person, bright and almost too much to look at.

You… I… Your face…

And then it's too late. The captain moves, fast –so fast; sweeping the snow under Krillin's feet, tripping him and sending him crashing. When the gun flies high, the captain catches it with impressive finesse, twirling it and repositioning it before aiming at the six dots atop his friend's head.

"Krillin!"

The finger grazes the trigger but does little else.

Krillin is deathly still, staring down the barrel of the gun he'd been holding mere seconds ago.

"32!" then yells a voice from the tavern behind. "Captain 32!"

It's Ytvl. He's leaning against the wood, appearing haggard as several soldiers surround him, watching but not looking to involve themselves. They must be under order not to –which is strange in its own right.

"Back on that ship, before the execution, I'd presented you with a choice," he tells him, "do you remember?"

The captain –Captain 32- doesn't turn, but his eyes shift ever so slightly. He's listening, but that guard is not lowering.

"I extended my hand of friendship," Ytvl continues, "I suggested a truce. Lord Cooler and Hailer do not care for us or the empire, only their worth. I know you're not a loyalist –I can see it, as can my superiors. They want you to assist them. They've been trying to reach you for months now."

Captain 32's face suddenly becomes quite easy to read –he's thinking, but it passes so quick that Goku's unsure that he'd even seen it to begin with. The cloud has returned and those features are just as frosty as the snow he and Krillin are sitting in.

Between the rapid beating of Goku's heart and attempt to focus, he can't help himself but stare at the captain. There's something about him that he can't put his finger on; something that disjoints his thoughts.

"I know Lord Hailer did not give you the role of executioner out of respect or even fondness, as do you. Think about it, you'd had no training and st-"

Captain 32 clicks his tongue. "Don't talk about things you know little about."

"You could be free –join Cilo and have all the riches you could have. Think about the freedom, 32. Imagine it. You could be your own man."

Maybe I recognize him from another planet…

"-No more answering to any lord, no more politics, no more warring; only the satisfaction of being your own person."

Because I've definitely seen him before –or am I just thinking about the execution?

"You were in the Youth Program so I'm sure you'd know-"

"Be quiet!" Captain 32 orders.

"Cilo can offer you so-"

BANG

Ytvl's sweet words die on his tongue the exact moment Krillin dies in the snow.

Wh-What?

"K-Krillin?!"

Eyes wide in horror, Krillin stares into the abyss with a red dot firmly centre between the six others atop his head. There's only a single trail of red running past his nose, but Goku feels the blood of his best friend seep from the wound at the back, hot like lava, against the nakedness of exposed skin.

His heart stops, throat heavy, and rage like poison courses up his throat.

He'll kill him!

"Y-You… You bas!-"

But the captain isn't done. Further shots are fired, this time at Goku; one in each limb and one in the shoulder for good measure. He cries out with every bullet passing through his body –it's like being sliced open by fire itself.

N-no…

Why does he feel so hot when the snow is so cold?

The captain then leans over Goku, casting a long and dark shadow.

"I want Vegeta," he tells him after a bout of stretched silence. "I want him delivered to me, alive, not at your leisure, not after you consult Cilo –I want him as soon as you are able to. You do this for me and I'll spare you and the others on your ship. If not, I'll find you and make each of you beg for the Boiler. Do you understand?"

Next to him, Krillin serves as that warning; eyes empty and promising. Goku has never felt so helpless, never felt like he'd failed so fast in his life.

With that, the captain turns his back and returns to the Green Snow Tavern.

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Oooh, what's that? Oh ho ho, a speedy update.

Soz Krillin, rip.

Things have taken a dark turn pretty fast for our saiyan boys. Speaking of saiyans, I got a review asking if Vegeta would have recognized "32" as being a saiyan. Actually, I've had a few questions over the last couple chaps, so I'll answer some now.

Dark hair and dark eyes; saiyan traits, sure. But we've got folks like Yamcha with similar features. I don't think the connotation would immediately click, but that's just my opinion. And that goes the same for Goku recognizing Goh-32. As we've seen here, Goku recognizes something but he's not gonna' sus it out out of plot convenience. 32 is just one in a million billion folk -what are the chances?

Another thing mentioned to me is about power levels. As I said for Horse, I don't really adhere to them. They rarely make sense and just poison good story-telling. Obviously, BIG power differences matter. But as the writer here, I really value strategy and intelligence in a fight. And it's anyone's game in this fic with things like sheenks (yes, I'm nerfing. shh). Er, FYI, I guess, but this fic is post-Cell but pre-Buu.

That's it from me. Thanks to Kags for her usual clean-up, crop, chop and send to shop. And thanks for the reviews, follows, favs and PMs. Please drop us some words if you're enjoying!