Disclaimer: I don't own DBZ or any other Anime
Shadows of the Past: Chapter 4
Vegeta sat in his small dark cell again the following day wondering why Frieza had suddenly turned silent the night before. He had minded his manners perfectly, and had said nothing untoward, and yet all through the rest of dinner there was tense silence between them. The only thing he could think of that might have caused it, were the things he had said only to himself… Was Frieza capable of reading minds?
It was the only possibility, and that worried him much more than anything else. Even bonded Saiyans didn't really read the thoughts of their mate. They shared their thoughts and emotions. He knew this instinctively, even though he was not going to have to go through that foolishness, as it was no longer a part of his father's bloodline. So if Frieza was reading his thoughts how was he doing it? Saiyans, as natural telepaths, had strong minds and wills and possessed natural mental barriers to any intrusive presence in their thoughts. Well, if Frieza was reading his mind, he would just have to concentrate on stopping him…
" But Daddy! " Bra cried tugging impatiently on his shirt. " What happened next? Did you have another fight with that awful Frieza? And what was happening to Napa? Were they nasty to him too? "
Vegeta arched one eyebrow glancing at the entranced audience gathered around him. Were they all still here? He had been hoping the others would leave; he didn't really want anyone but his mate and his children to hear about the next part… even after so long, it still cut him deeply. To have lost Shani to Frieza still hurt him more even now than the loss of his planet and his father…
" Daddy? " Bra looked at him curiously.
" What? "
" Are you ok, Daddy? "
" I am fine, princess, now be quiet if you want me to keep going, got it? "
She lowered her head and nodded slowly. " I just want to know why you look sad now, that's all. "
Vegeta rolled his eyes… " In a few minutes I'll be telling all of you idiots something I have never ever told anyone… one of the other children Frieza took was a girl that was like no one I had ever met. Her name was Shani, and she was a princess too. "
" She was? She was a princess like me? " Bra climbed onto Vegeta's lap and stared up at him, her blue eyes as big as saucers.
" Yes, Frieza made sure that I saw Shani often, getting me attached to her without me realizing it. I never knew how lonely I was until I met her, and I hated him for introducing us. Sure I could talk to Napa, but it wasn't the same… "
" Yeah, if she was a princess that makes her a girl. " Yamcha snickered, to Puar.
" Whatever you are insinuating, don't get too attached to the idea, I was still only five, you pathetic weakling. "
" Daddy, " Bra chided gently, " Be nice. What was she like, was she nice? "
" Do you want to hear the story or don't you? "
Of course we do, Vegeta, " Krillin said, glancing at the others, and they nodded, even Piccolo and Gohan were still paying attention. " I was just wondering about something else… "
" What? "
" When did you find out about your real mom, when Napa couldn't tell you about her? I mean. Napa didn't seem like the type of guy to disobey orders. "
" He wouldn't have and he didn't tell me, not at first, anyway. Dodoria did, he was too stupid to know that he was teasing me about something I had never been told. I was ten when I found out about her. But Napa told me everything that he knew about her and my father, after I confronted him about it. We would have gotten to this eventually, trust me. I could see why they had kept it from me at first, but knowing that my father actually bonded makes it a little easier to explain us. "
" You keep saying that your real mom disappeared, do you mean that she died in secret of was she kidnapped? " Bulma wondered out loud, and got a dark look from Vegeta.
" Well, my mother was sent away on mission after mission after she lost a formal challenge to the Queen. While on one of these missions she was badly injured enough that when one of Frieza's recovery teams reported her dead, my father believed them. When I was a year old, she apparently woke up in a malfunctioning stasis chamber long enough to contact my father through their bond, she was put under again before she could even figure out where she was but Napa and my father were positive that Frieza had kept her alive somewhere. Frieza knew better than to say it outright, but he hinted at it enough to keep my father under control. You asked me once why they tried to remove bonding from the noble class that is why. Are you done with these stupid questions now? I will tell you more about this later, woman, but not for a while yet."
" Ok, so keep going already… I never knew you were so good at telling stories though, Dad. " Trunks chuckled, ducking in case anything were to come flying at his head, but nothing did. " This is pretty cool. "
" Yeah, tell us about the little princess now, pleeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaase? "
Vegeta grumbled something VERY uncomplimentary about Frieza and his hobbies and Zarbon and then grunted; trying to remember where had left off. Unable to remember, he skipped ahead three weeks and shivered remembering with some awe as the small, strange looking ship appeared on the view screen…
" What do you suppose that thing is? " Napa had wondered out loud, as he and the young prince waited in the throne room for Frieza and Zarbon's return to the ship. Rumor had it that they would be bringing a new 'guest' for Frieza's training school. The planet before them was a rich, brilliant blue- violet that appeared to be at least 90% covered in water. It was a huge planet, even bigger that Planet Vegeta and he studied it curiously, with its rich color and size it would be very valuable to Frieza, who Vegeta had noticed collected planets like other kings collect rare gems and gold.
" It's obviously a ship. "
Napa gave an indignant snort. " But what idiot would make a star craft out of a pathetic substance like wood? "
From across the throne room, Dodoria laughed, sounding like someone slurping their soup or something, Vegeta gave him a sharp glare. " What is so funny? "
" Nothing, my prince, except that anyone messing with that ship would be in for a wicked surprise. "
" What do you mean? "
" That ship is a part of the Empress of the Elves imperial navy, it may look fragile, and too beautiful to fly, but that ship is three times faster and more agile than this one, and it's defenses are magical. "
" Magic doesn't exist. "
" It does here, these Elves have powers that ki can not duplicate, and I would not want to be on their bad side. Elves are strange, they love life and beauty, most of them are peaceful if left to their own devices, and they are very intelligent and mystical too. The Elven princess will be brought on board today. She just celebrated her 25th birthday. "
" Yeah, and we care because… " Vegeta smirked and let the statement hang.
" Among Elves the princess is the same age as you are, Elves age much more slowly than most other races. Oh yes, and when she and the Empress come aboard, try not to drool. "
" I am a prince, you babbling idiot, I never drool. "
" We'll see. " Said the disgusting pink blob, giving the two Saiyans a knowing look. " Here comes the flagship now, take a look for yourself. "
With grace befitting a ship a tenth of the size of the one joining them, the flagship came to rest gently at the side of Frieza's ship. The entire thing was gilded in gold, and silver, and its crew was astonishingly well turned out, even for a momentous occasion like this. Their uniforms were strange, but glimmered under the soft light of the moons and stars around them. Their armor was beautiful, even if it looked cumbersome and heavy, made of steel; it too took on an ethereal glow, as did their metal swords and pole arms.
Still, that was not what held his attention onto the ship… Frieza and Zarbon stood on its deck, talking to the most beautiful creature he had ever seen. Her build was lithe and willowy, giving her a lean, graceful appearance that was only enhanced by the beauty of her face. She was so delicate and perfectly sculpted in every detail that even Zarbon paled in comparison. Vegeta chuckled at that, knowing how vain the blue-green alien was probably going insane with jealousy. Her large silver eyes were openly sad as she hugged the tiny little girl standing in her shadow. The Empress carried herself with a royal grace unlike anything Vegeta had ever seen, she was majestic and confident in her unbelievable beauty, and each movement was marked by sensual grace that would make a leopard jealous. She wore a long gown of silk and gossamer, the bottom pooled at her feet, shimmering as if she were standing in a pool of soft white light. The gown clung to her, defining her graceful form without having a revealing cut. The crown that she wore was made of platinum and gold, accented in diamonds of white and richly shimmering yellow. It was hard to look away from her; he had never seen anyone before or since that had such a majestic presence and regal bearing.
The little girl standing in her shadow was a smaller version of her mother, although she was crying and her mother was not. The girl would be as beautiful as her mother one day, but for now she was merely very pretty, her angelic face framed by long, waves of shimmering golden hair, that reached the middle of her back. Her clothing was similar to her mothers, but not as tight, and topped by a richly brocaded gold cloak that was pushed behind her slim shoulders and clasped by a platinum and yellow diamond broach. On her head she wore an elegant tiara that looked a lot like the crown her mother wore, except that only one of the diamonds on hers was yellow, the one at the top center spire of the platinum masterpiece.
Within moments, the throne room was filled with the guards of both Frieza's ship, and the Empress's. Dodoria, Napa and both sets of the other guards bowed low as the Empress and Frieza entered the room, Vegeta was only required to nod, so he did. Having gotten the need to stare at the two startlingly beautiful females out of his system already, he merely watched them with curiosity, as they made their way to the front of the room.
" My lady it is with the utmost certainty that I can tell you, Princess Shannelle will be perfectly safe and in the most capable hands possible. And, when she is returned to you, rest assured that she would be up to any task that might be required of her. Ah, and please allow me to introduce another of my young pupils; this is Prince Vegeta, of the Saiyans. Prince Vegeta, this is Empress Shinesta Silversong of the Elves. This is Princess Shannelle, heiress to the Elven throne; perhaps you could take her on a bit of a tour, for me, young Prince? "
" Of course, Lord Frieza, I would be honored. " Inwardly he was annoyed that he was still being pushed aside as Frieza got down to serious business, but Frieza ate dinner with him and Zarbon almost every night and the three of them would debate theory of government, the dignitaries they had seen and the other two would just generally try to trap him or trick him into breaking his courtly manners. So far he had been lucky.
He took the little girl's hand gently and led her out, still absorbed in his thoughts, until he heard her giggle." What is so funny, my lady? "
" You are too young to have such elegant speech. Even I find the formality difficult, sometimes and I'm sure I'm older than you are. "
" What does that have to do with anything? "
" Well, I don't know, it just seems funny to me that you are so interested in all that political trash they are talking. "
" How can you say that? Don't you want to rule one day? "
" Well, no, not really… I mean I know I'll have to eventually, but I'm just a kid. I know I don't want all that responsibility! I would prefer to practice my magic and sing, if it was up to me, but mother said I had to learn to be a lady. "
Vegeta chuckled at the sneer in her voice as she'd emphasized the word lady. " I know nothing of magic, but I would like to be able to practice more as well. "
" Really, what do you do for fun? "
His features arranged themselves into a smirk. "I am a Saiyan, we are fighters."
She gave him an odd look. " Why? "
" Why not? That is just what we do. We are very good at it too; perhaps we will get to spar some time. "
She giggled, " Fighting isn't any fun, I don't want to fight, my mother and I rather enjoy the peace and quiet, there hasn't been a war on Talon in 16 Elven generations. We would kind of like to keep it that way. Oh, my… that's so cute! You have a tail! May I see? "
" No, you may not…and it isn't cute. " He said stiffly, wrapping his tail back around his waist.
She giggled again, " Yes it is, and so are you. "
"I can't believe YOU are a princess. "
" Why, just because I want to have fun and you don't? Don't you want to be friends? "
" What use would I have for a friend like you? "
She scowled and glared at him, he glared back and the two of them just stood in the corridor for a while, until finally she giggled again… uh, that guy Zarbon… is it just me or is he just a little strange? "
" You could say that… he's very strange, unfortunately, he's strong enough that I can't beat him yet. "
" What do you mean? "
" Frieza forced my father to send me here, the moment I become a super Saiyan, I am going to destroy Frieza. Dodoria and Zarbon are both almost as cruel as Frieza, and I intend to kill them both as soon as I can, that way it'll just be Frieza and I. "
The little girl gave him an astonished look. " I… how can you say that?"
" It's easy, I meant it. "
She shivered a little as he started to continue through the hall, and wondered for a moment how anyone so young could be so coldhearted. It wasn't right and she wondered how she was supposed to help him he wasn't the type to ask for help, but she knew somehow that he needed her, the future depended on him somehow, and she didn't know why yet, her divination spells were still not very strong yet but her mother had told her that she had to go with Frieza, it was her destiny. Her mother didn't really want to send her, but Elves know better than trying to fight destiny, as it will use any means necessary to see that everything eventually comes to pass. " Wait! "
" What for? You aren't scared, are you? "
" So what if I am? "
" You are a princess, right? "
" Yes, but so what? "
" So, Frieza won't hurt you, he collects young royals as bargaining chips against their parents. Now that he has you, he won't hurt you. "
" How can you be so sure? "
" You are
obviously not a warrior, so he doesn't see you as a threat. He will take you
wherever it is that he is taking me, and is going to train us, just like he
said he would. "
" But how do you know it for sure? You don't look at all magical; I doubt your divination spells are… "
" Magic? " Vegeta laughed, " No, I don't practice the lost art… I just know that at least for now, Frieza will not kill me. I am going to be the next Super Saiyan, and it is my destiny to kill him for what he has done. He will train the very instrument of his demise. I say let him if he is that stupid, to think he is invincible. "
" Lost art? Magic isn't a lost art, it's real, and all things that live and breathe are connected to it. Magic is what allows us to dream… and keeps hope alive when there is no real reason to believe anymore. If you really believe that you are what you say you will become, then it is strong in you. You will need it when it comes time to prove it. "
" A Saiyan that needs magic? " He laughed, shaking his head. " I don't believe it exists… "
" Would you like me to show you that it does? "
" Not particularly, but, how would you?"
" Easy, " The girl smiled at him, as she whispered a few word in a language he had never heard. A moment later he saw a tiny ball of light rise from her hands, she blew on it softly, and it took a shape, that of a dragon, it was tiny, shinning in the corridor lights like a thousand diamonds. Its scales materialized quickly, spines and two wings grew from its back, and it opened its eyes, looking the two of them over boldly. As it continued to take shape, Vegeta felt a little strange, as if he were suddenly staring into a mirror… The tiny dragon was a rich deep blue and its eyes glowed softly in their own light, they were violet and disturbingly clear. When it was fully formed, its scales rippled smoothly over its body and with every move, they shimmered slightly, creating an image of great beauty and intense power. When he looked into its eyes again, he knew that this was somehow a mirror of him. Finally he turned to her and noted her surprised expression.
" What is that? "
She giggled. " Wow, you must be a truly gifted warrior, I've never met anyone with the dragon spirit before. "
" What do you mean, dragon spirit? "
" Elves believe that all people have a likeness to a certain type of animal, or creature, in some cases it is strong enough to actually call forth the spirit of the creature. You must have a very strong will, because my magic isn't that powerful yet. "
" What do you mean, I didn't want you to show me a dragon. "
The elf giggled. " No silly, that isn't the point of the spell, you cast the spell and the magic inside of you takes care of the rest, it doesn't have anything at all to do with your conscious mind. The spirit creature is the symbol of your greatest asset; the winged dragon is interpreted as cunning and determination. Wow, " Shani bowed to the creature, and it dipped its elegant head, and its beautifully arched neck. The dragon said something to the girl, and she giggled, reaching out to pet it, as she said something back. To Vegeta's surprise, her hand met with smooth blue scales, and the animal leaned into her touch, making a deep rumbling sound of pleasure. Vegeta had never heard such a language as the dragon and Shani spoke, it was beautiful, very melodic, and pleasing to listen to. Finally she said something he could understand. " Thank you for coming, great one, it has been a while since I have been in the presence of a dragon. "
The dragon chuckled, " I know better than that Princess, but thank you anyway. So… You are my match in spirit? A boy? A mere child? "
" I happen to be a prince, and my name is Vegeta, or Prince Vegeta, to you... And aren't dragons supposed to be bigger? "
" Really, that is quite a temper you have, " The dragon chuckled, watching him for a moment. The creature's eyes still glowing faintly as he studied the young prince, the dragon's eyes took on a hard look, and finally he spoke again. " Every time a dragon is born, there is born one person to match them… Destiny shrouds herself from my vision, but I sense that there is much in store for you. Another dragon was born earlier this year, young prince, and it is your destiny to find him one day… I am sure of it. I have long wondered who my spirit match was, and as I am very old I feared I would never meet you, not all spirit matches get to meet, in fact I would say very few do, so I thank you, Princess, for introducing us. There is great strength in you; I only hope that it is enough, as your path is a very long one. "
" I do not fear my destiny. " Vegeta said bravely, telling himself that he would grow into it… but knew in his heart that he was afraid, more than he could ever admit to… He wished again that he was in his room at the palace and could just hide under his covers until the pain in his heart subsided, allowing him to rest in peace. Since Napa had told him they were leaving, he hadn't really slept at all, nightmares plagued him and sometimes he had to force himself into eating. Napa didn't say it, but he was beginning to worry about him, Vegeta could tell, it was in his eyes every time he looked at him…
" It is alright to fear the unknown, Prince Vegeta," the dragon said gently. " It is how you deal with fear that defines your character, and your life… I fear that your path will be a very dark one… Frieza will use any means necessary to get you to do his bidding, and in time you will learn to harden yourself to his ruthless tactics, but you must not give up, there is good in you and if you let Frieza destroy it, it won't matter if you kill him, because he will still have won the war. "
" I am a Saiyan, the last Prince, to be exact, and I am neither on the side of good or evil, my destiny is mine to shape and I will do so, with or without your consent, or your help. "
As she watched him leave, Shani turned sadly to the dragon. " Is he really as strong as he pretends? "
" If he isn't, it will be a dark day in the universe when Frieza manages to break him. What would rise from the ashes is… the power he wants, but it would cost him everything, I can only hope he realizes that power isn't worth loosing his heart and soul over… and Frieza isn't even the worst thing he will one day face. "
" What?!? "
The dragon nodded solemnly, " There are evils out there much worse than Frieza, but there is hope, Frieza has not broken him yet, so he might not. The young prince has the courage to endure, but at this age, he is more vulnerable than even he knows. You must know that Frieza will use you to get to Vegeta… if he can, so please… be careful Princess. "
Well, sorry it's been so long… in all the snow I had a bit of a car accident… my first ever and hopefully the last…and this is my first time in a while being on my computer. Anyway… I hope this chapter was worth the wait. Those of you wondering about the size of the dragon… well that will be explained in the story… What do you think so far? Please review!! I'll beg… who am I kidding, I am begging! Hehe, well thanks for all the great reviews so far, I REEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAALLY appreciate them, just with all the hits I've gotten so far, couldn't anyone else say something too? Ah well, on to chapter five… or maybe another random lemon…* Purrs evilly *