Disclaimer: I still don't own DBZ…
Shadows of the Past: Chapter 2
" Wake up you little Brat! " The emphasis on the word little was not lost on the sleepy young prince as he rolled over and glared at the view screen containing his father. He just yawned though, and tried to go back to sleep. " I said wake up, it's time for you to get ready to join Lord Frieza aboard his ship… And do try not to disgrace us all by crying or some other such nonsense. "
" I wouldn't cry over you if you begged me to. " Vegeta snapped before he could stop himself, but luckily his father only laughed.
" Glad to hear it, Brat, now get ready and I expect to see you at landing bay 12 in no less than 45 minutes, mustn't keep Lord Frieza waiting, you know. " And with that, his father's image vanished from the screen, leaving the prince to wonder if his father cared at all that today might be the last time they would ever see each other alive… He shivered under the thick blankets and finally sat up. His room wasn't cold, but he was shivering anyway, he didn't like being afraid, and he knew that this was only the beginning. For the next hour or close to it, he was still safe, but beyond that… he was glad that he never ate breakfast or he was sure to loose it later, as it was his stomach already churned uneasily. At least the agony in his ribs had finally subsided during the night.
He glanced around his room and wondered briefly if he would miss it. He snorted of course not, it was pretty, in a decadent sort of flowery style, but he had never really thought of it as being his, since he hadn't been allowed to decorate it himself. He was pretty sure it had once belonged to a female member of the royal family, since no male Saiyan would subject himself to a room this full of pastel blues and greens and flowers… The fountain and the adjoining private gardens were the only reasons he had not demanded different living quarters.
With a heavy sigh, he climbed out of bed and headed for his enormous shower. Finishing his bath quickly, he went to his closet. Since this might be the last time he ever saw his father, Vegeta chose a black and red bodysuit, and the dress armor with the family crest on it. As for the velvet garment denoting his station as prince, he opted for the heavy cloak he had worn for his official coronation six months before. It felt strange to be wearing the cloak after wearing the much smaller and lighter cape every day, but he shrugged, at least if he couldn't stop shivering he could close the cloak around himself and no one would be able to tell.
Closing the platinum clasp of the cloak pin, He studied his reflection in the mirror and sighed. Usually at this time of the morning, he would be joining his father at court for two hours, before heading to the training hall… He was only five why was this happening to him now? As much as he hated sitting in court pretending he was interested in hearing visiting dignitaries trade witty barbs and exchange dagger like glares between firm handshakes and veiled threats, ANYTHING would be better than this. He looked up at the clock on the wall, and took a deep breath… it was time to go.
Looking as regal as a five year old can, Vegeta emerged silently from his bedchamber and held himself up proudly for Napa's inspection. His bodyguard nodded his approval and the two of them left the room without a word or a backward glance. Trying not to think of everything he was loosing Vegeta concentrated on the familiar presence of Napa. The warrior might not be as powerful as the prince, but he had known him all his life, and he knew that the idiot was loyal to a fault. Since he had to go, he was glad that it was Napa who was going with him. Napa seemed to understand; as he made certain that his shadow fell over him as they walked down the seemingly endless corridors. Seeing the business like strides with which they moved, everyone they met quickly got out of their way. Most of them had never seen the prince; he was too carefully guarded by the giant Napa. While those who had seen him remembered all too well his temper. But if they could've read his mind, they would have known there was nothing that could've distracted him from his private thoughts today.
As they approached the outer doors to landing bay 12, Napa glanced down at his young charge and sighed. The slight sound got Vegeta's attention briefly, but he said nothing, and neither did Napa. The door slid open before them silently, revealing Zarbon and Dodoria, who stood casually in front of Frieza's huge ship. Zarbon gave the prince a sickeningly perfect smile, and bowed.
" Good morning, Prince Vegeta, you are early, we were not expecting you for another 15 minutes. Of course, you are welcome, never the less. Frieza is attending to some last minute preparations this morning, so he sent us in his stead. I trust that is all right with you? "
The prince rolled his eyes and forced himself to nod, he wasn't in the mood to talk, especially with one of Frieza's lackeys. In the five years of his life, he had seen enough of Zarbon to know that he was very dangerous, and had a definite skill with handling business even when Frieza wasn't around. Dodoria was an idiot, perhaps a little smarter than Napa, but deep down, Vegeta had always suspected that the fat pink blob was a coward, something that Napa was not. " Yes, but what exactly, are we waiting for? "
" We have no intention of taking you without allowing you time to say goodbye to your father. After all, you won't be seeing each other again for quite some time, you know. "
Vegeta rolled his eyes again and studied the perfectly sculpted face of Zarbon; most Saiyan women weren't as pretty as this amber-eyed bastard. The thought brought a smirk to his features as he wondered how a woman could be attracted to a man who was prettier than she was. Still, it was no secret that Zarbon was never lacking for company when he was on missions with his boss. Vegeta had once heard Napa make a snide comment to Dodoria about Zarbon's rather unique relationship to Frieza and he shivered. That thought was highly disturbing and he hoped that it wouldn't occur to him again…
" Well, well, Brat, you made it, I trust that you will listen to Frieza and do as he says? Then, when your training is finished, you will return to us. "
" I will not disappoint you, father. " Vegeta said quietly, but didn't bother looking at the king, it was just as well, for the next thing he said was directed at Zarbon.
" Is Lord Frieza already aboard the ship? "
" Yes, did you want to request an audience before we leave? "
" Yes, there is one last thing I wanted to discuss with him. "
" Dodoria, inform Lord Frieza that King Vegeta would like an audience at once. "
" Yes, Zarbon. " Dodoria disappeared into the ship, and returned a few moments later. " Lord Frieza would be glad to see you. Zarbon, I am to take the young Prince to his quarters aboard ship. "
" By all means, it will be a long journey and the sooner he gets settled, the better. If you would follow me, Lord Vegeta… " Zarbon said smoothly, his amber eyes barely hiding his amusement as he cast a last look at the prince.
Vegeta wanted to tell his father not to go, but he didn't he sensed that his father already knew his fate was sealed. He watched the long red cape of his father disappear down the circular corridor and knew that he and Napa were already alone here. Vegeta shivered again, and promised himself that he would not cry. A giant hand came to rest lightly on the shoulder pad of his armor; Vegeta was surprised, but didn't look up, already knowing it was Napa. If Dodoria noticed the unspoken gesture he gave no outward sign of it, and neither did Vegeta, but he wished that he could. Vegeta sensed his bodyguard was proud that he was ignored; because he knew Napa understood that it was his duty to be strong now. Sometimes it was pretty amazing the power that a single gesture could have, Vegeta thought, following Dodoria down the unfamiliar walkway he felt all his hesitation melt away, and when they stopped in front of a dark room, Vegeta walked right in. It was dark, but he looked around casually, then shrugged and sat down on the narrow bed and smirked at Napa as the door was closed between them. Perhaps he could do this after all.
Well, what do you think so far? In the next few chapters I'll be introducing some of my own characters and Napa's loyalty will be tested, but first I'd like to get some thoughts from my readers, thanks again in advance, and sorry this was such a short chapter, the next few will be longer… I think.