Continuity wise, this chapter doesn't take place during the events of ZFRTDB (the story you're reading) any of the 'meta commentary' is not canon knowledge in the story proper, and won't be referenced later. This small chapter is merely to remember a great villain.

Also, because I know people will ask regardless, yes, I am working on the next actual battle. But this ain't the time or place to discuss that.

Across his time operating the bar he owned, Ryo had seen many things. Had many amusing conversations, heard confessions from characters about things you couldn't possibly imagine them discussing… and he enjoyed every minute of it. But, for all the good, there was also bad. Not just the obvious drunks, bar fights, and other obnoxious patrons, but there were some people who just seemed… broken, lost, or something else that for the life of him, he couldn't put his hand on the correct terminology at the moment.

That wasn't exactly the case with the two currently sitting at the bar, but he could see on the shorter one's face that things weren't exactly great. Even clearer, he could see that the shorter of the two didn't fully know how to feel about it.

"So… that's it?"

"Mm."

"He's gone?"

"Mmm…"

"…a pity, truly."

"Yeah…"

Did you know him?"

"No. But I wish I had gotten the chance t'meet him."

"Hm."

The silence returned.

"Another round?" Ryo asked.

"Yes." Was the answer from the pair.

Frieza hadn't known what to expect when Skorch of all beings had arrived in hell, and was even more confused when it had suddenly cut him free from his prison. He had to admit, seeing the skeleton essentially threaten all of the denizens who tried to protest this by simply glaring at them was amusing, even if the caveat to this little 'meeting' was he would return when they were done. But, to its credit, Skorch didn't seem to be rushing him at all. If anything, it was trying to give him all the time it possibly could. Still, Frieza didn't know why Skorch told him 'they were going for drinks'.

Then… well, Frieza had learned why it was doing this. And to be honest, for the first time possibly since that wretched monkey had somehow achieved Super Sayian all those years ago, Frieza was left utterly speechless. But then, the speechlessness had turned to confusion, and then, in the smallest of ways, sorrow. He did an excellent job hiding it, despite the Entity's remarks that it was them, and the bartender, so he didn't need to hide it (but Frieza would be damned if he dared show his true feelings, or any side of him that a simple plebeian may consider 'soft').

"So, how many were there? Or was he the only one?" Frieza asked, and Skorch seemed to think it over.

"Including him, four." Skorch nodded. "He was tied with another, Ms. Young, for how long they did the job. Both of em' hit ten years, each."

"But, that doesn't make sense… from what you've told me, we haven't been around that long, and if there was the one show, how did two people…" Frieza began, trying to figure out what Skorch was getting at, and the Entity shook its head, deciding to clarify.

"See, you've got Dragon Ball Z, the original one, and Dragon Ball Z Kai. He was the guy behind you in Kai, which was essentially a re-make of Z. They cut out a lot of filler, digitally re-did some scenes, re-recorded the voices, hence where he come in. There's a lot more to it than that, but that's the long and the short of it…"

Frieza nodded in understanding. It made his head swim (or was that the drinks?) that they existed as a Japanese Cartoon – 'Anime', he believed it was called - in another world, but he had seen bits of it when he saw the Death Battle with Majin Buu, so he didn't disbelieve it. Still, it hadn't much affected him, as he had been trapped in hell, but now, he was finally getting to think about it. And oddly, it amused him. To have one's achievements, accomplishments, and victories catalogued for millions to see… to have his ferocity and power on display for all to cower in fear at! Or even better, have millions of people watch and revel in his glory! He could get used to that…

"This may seem like a ridiculous question, but did… did he do a good job?"

"Oh, hell yes!" Skorch laughed, sipping from his chocolate mudshake. "More than a few people I know revere him as the best voice for you there was! No disrespect to Ms. Young, but a lot of people thought he was the best!"

"Good. I would expect nothing less if someone was to attempt to portray me." Frieza nodded matter-of-factly, speaking in a tone that promised death to anyone who dared argue with him on such a topic.

"It's rather odd, knowing that one has such ambition, such power, and yet you're nothing more than pencil sketches on scrap paper, crumpled and thrown away in a bin full of discarded ideas and worthless comments in another." Frieza remarked, taking a sip from his drink. He was more speaking to himself, and had forgotten there were two others there. "It's even odder knowing that there were legions of followers whom I didn't even know existed."

"Oh, and not just fans, people cosplayed as you, made fan art, wrote their own stories where you won… you weren't just a villain, to a lot of people, you were THE villain! A character so terrifying and entertaining that, according to a lot of fans, Dragon Ball would never be able to replicate the magic they hit with you."

"As it should be, there is only one me." Frieza grinned evilly.

"Yup."

They remained where they were for a good long while, drinking, thinking, and not speaking. It was oddly reassuring to both of them. Like whatever needed to be said didn't need to be said, they just knew it.

"So, true fact." Skorch finally broke the silence. "Out of you, Cell, the Red Ribbon Army, the Androids, or any of the others across the DB Pantheon of villains, me an'Kace agreed, you were always the best."

"Really? Even the all-powerful Entity looks up to me, do they?"

"Hey, yer twisted as heck, and it's just dang fun to watch!" Skorch laughed, before pulling something from his trench coat. "Now, look. You can never, EVER tell him I showed you this, but the kid wrote this a while ago. He grew up watching Kai, the old manga actually taught him how to read. I think he thinks he lost this, and doesn't know I have it. So, let's keep it like that."

Frieza took the paper and blinked, seeing it was (of all things) a song. It looked like a ten-year-old had written it, and he scanned the paper.

"He'll break you clean in half and then blast open your ribs. I swear he'll nuke your entire planet to right the wrong you did! The day you mess with Frieza, well, you'll wish you were never born! When the Dragon Balls are his, then you'll fear his final form!" Frieza read before looking to Skorch, unamused. "He mocks me."

"Nah, the kid wrote it because he's a fan of you!" Skorch laughed. "I mean, he chose a weird song to re-write, but he did it out of enjoyment, not to make fun of you."

"I don't want to ask… but what this originally?"

"Yer not gonna believe me, but it's from cartoon with crocodile pirates and-"

"Your right. I don't believe you."

"I'm tellin' the truth!"

"I'm choosing to believe you jest."

"…"

The silence returned, the two spending a good few hours just sitting at the bar. Honestly, Skorch was surprised by how little was and wasn't said. But then again, they didn't want to force anything out. Finally, Ryo had to call it a night, it was nearly three in the morning, and Skorch knew they couldn't keep him here till sunrise. But, there was something they wanted to mention.

"Hey, Frieza? Even if you never did conquer the galaxy, or kill Goku, or Vegeta, or Trunks…"

"Is there a point to this, or are you merely insulting me?"

"You'll be remembered forever, as one of the best bad guys this side of Dio." Skorch concluded, and despite not having lips, or skin, Frieza could tell Skorch was smiling, genuinely. "I know that might not mean much to you, but… you did a great job, Lord Frieza. You'll never be forgotten, and neither will he."

"He best not." Frieza nodded, seeming… content. It was an odd sight to behold, but they beheld it nonetheless. "After all, I can't possibly take all the credit for my popularity, now can I?"

"Honestly, I thought you would regardless, but you've got a point."

"Oh, do shut up." Frieza rolled his eyes in annoyance. "Honestly, you're as bad as that simpleton simian. For once I attempt to show some level of humility and THAT is how you respond?!"

"Humility was never your colour, depravity was." Skorch shrugged. "Just ask Krillin."

"HA!" Frieza barked a laugh, the remark genuinely catching him off-guard. "Well said!"

But, even with the drinks done, Frieza didn't return to hell as he expected. He was surprised when the Entity had offered to let him take his time before going back, and it was then that Frieza realized, no matter how well his hid his emotions, the Entity could pick up on them somehow. So, in a move that shocked himself, Frieza decided that maybe, just maybe, he'd let his guard down for this one night.

He didn't, but he had the thought.

"Hey, before you go. That kid you hang out with left this here." Ryo remarked, tossing Skorch something. It was a cassette tape with 'Legacy Mix Vol. 7 Weeb Mix' written on it. Skorch blinked, then knew where this was going. Telling Frieza there was something else he wanted to show him, the pair flew off. Skorch turned on the music, and at first, Frieza was annoyed by the screechy, loud rock music. But then, he heard the lyrics…

Sono FROM THE DARK SIDE!

FREEZA! FREEZA! FREEZA! FREEZA!

Hadou ooana GALAXY!

Yudan wana PARASITE!

FREEZA! FREEZA! FREEZA! FREEZA!

Obienaku wa warera min

DIE!DIE!DIE!

"Marvellous."Frieza grinned, now greatly enjoying the song. They flew (and jammed) for a few minutes, before landing near an old and a large tv. The main source of light being a few lava lamps scattered around.

"Before you go back to hell, wanna relive some of your greatest hits?" Skorch asked, and Frieza smirked, having a feeling he knew where this was going. He didn't need to answer, Skorch had hit 'Play' and kicked back on the couch as a theme song started playing.

"A Formidable New Enemy! Emperor of the Universe, Freeza" / "A Powerful New Foe! Frieza, Ruler of the Universe!" The announcer declared, as the pair kicked back to enjoy a legacy that would never be forgotten by those who remembered it.

Dedicated to the Memory of Christopher Ayres (May 16, 1965 - October 18, 2021)

May He Rest In Peace.

"Until we meet again." - Son Goku, Dragon Ball GT