Disclaimer: I do not own DBZ… although a few characters in this story are mine, namely Shani, Cereus, and Blaze… oh yeah, and the Forgotten King.
Notes: Things are about to take a turn for the worse, for everyone aboard Frieza's ship, but especially Vegeta and Napa…. The rating on this chapter is PG-13 but it may get as bad as an R… I have not decided yet.
Shadows of the Past: Chapter 6
Vegeta didn't know why he was surprised to have been bitten, he had stuck his hand into the lair of some tiny guard animal, and that was it's job… but at the same time, he was rather alarmed to note that it had hurt!! He had fought some of the nastiest predators on his entire planet and come out unscathed, yet the tiny creature wrapped around his hand and wrist had actually managed to draw blood! He chuckled in spite of himself and looked at the tiny lizard that had squeezed its eyes shut and was biting with every bit of its strength.
The tiny red and gold lizard cracked one eye slowly, and gave him an indignant little snort, as it slowly let go of him. " Do you mind? I was biting you. Couldn't you even have the decency to pretend to be hurt? Don't you know anything about territorial rights? "
Vegeta jumped a little as the thing spoke. " It's not my fault that you are too little to hurt me. "
" Well, who are you, and what are you doing in this room, to say nothing of MY bag. "
" I am Prince Vegeta of the Saiyans, and I am here because Frieza ordered my to baby-sit her. As to my curiosity, I believe the bag is hers… as if the prince of Saiyans should have to defend himself to a little pet like you! "
" I'll never understand how the nobles can see fit to hand out titles to children like candy, spoils them… " The tiny lizard spat. " Well, at least you're strong, even more that Shani and Cereus told me. But, I am not a pet!! I am Shani's familiar, and a 4,000-year-old Spell Dragon! This is my natural size, and I may not bite very hard, little prince, but I can cast spells on you that could kill you instantly. "
" Really, and I suppose Cereus was at his full size too? "
The tiny dragon laughed outright, unfolding and stretching it's wings, before gracefully fluttering over to Shani. " Are you kidding? Cereus was a true great dragon, there are only about 6 or 7 spell dragons, we were not born, near as anyone can figure, we were created. All Cereus did to get this size was cast a shrink spell on himself. His true size would have destroyed the ship, and while I could have saved Shani, the Empress sent us… "
" Wasn't she forced into it, like my father? "
" Well, yes and no. "
" It's either a yes or a no, not both. "
The tiny dragon looked at him through luminous emerald green eyes. " You certainly are opinionated… The Empress with the help of her battle mages would have been capable of stopping Frieza from taking Shani, but going with the tyrant is her destiny, so he would've come back for her, and gotten her some other way. Elves are one of the few races that know better than trying to fight destiny. "
" So your Empress just let her own daughter be taken as a slave? At least my cold-hearted bastard for a father tried to keep me, or so Napa says… Not that it matters anymore; he's probably dead by now. At least the rest of my people are safe. "
The dragon lowered her small head, if only she could tell him the truth… it was too cruel to keep it from him, and yet…
" What's wrong with you? "
" I was just wishing that sometimes destiny could be changed, it is cruel of Frieza to take children and use them against their parents. Empress Shinesta gave me to Shani, knowing that she would need a full-grown spell dragon to survive this… But knowing what I do… "
" What is it that you know, exactly? "
" The future. " The tiny lizard said sadly.
" The future isn't set, anything can be changed, and it is a question of will and desire. But, I suppose a little foresight wouldn't hurt… "
" I want to… but I can't tell you… not even to save Shani… when she is old enough to responsibly handle this knowledge, she will be able to cast the spells herself… Shinesta gave the knowledge to me hoping that I could try to steer thing slightly, but I cannot intervene very much or it may have dire consequences later. I would do anything for Shani, even die, but I can't tell either of you what will happen… I'm sorry. "
Vegeta thought for a minute. " You're a girl aren't you? "
" I most certainly am not, I am female yes, but I am a very mature Spell Dragon… but how did you know, I'm only the second dragon you've ever met. "
" I don't know, you just talk like one, and your eyes are different than Cereus's they're soft, and bright, like Shani's not strong and fiery. Where did he go, anyway? "
" I'm sorry, but what race did you say you are? "
" Saiyan, why? "
" Just curious, I suppose, you have amazing intellect for your age, and by far the sharpest instincts as well. "
" Thank you, I guess, Napa says that all the time too. "
" Who's Napa? "
" My bodyguard… but I'm stronger than he is, so even with him, I am still powerless against Frieza. "
" It hurts you a lot to say that, doesn't it? "
" Why shouldn't it? I am the strongest Saiyan ever born and it is my destiny to destroy Frieza, but right now, I am just a little pawn in his games, I hate him, with all my heart and he knows it. This is all some sort of a game to him, and so far I'm loosing. No Saiyan Prince would tolerate the crap that he throws at me, but to preserve my world, I have to. "
The little dragon winced again… her emerald eyes very soft for a while as she watched him, it wasn't right that he could say that without tears, but he just did. In fact, he was mostly angry, there was sadness there, but so little of it that it made her sad for him. Frieza was destroying this boy and they weren't even to his special training grounds, where things were really going to get ugly. " How old are you? "
" Five. "
" How could you be a five year old? I thought you were ten at least! "
" My official coronation took place on my 5th birthday, that was about six months ago. Why would you care, anyway? "
" There will be people you meet in this life that will care, you must learn to trust that… "
" Trust what? " He interrupted coldly, " I was taught to trust myself, and I do. "
" You are strong, but you are still just a child, I know that somewhere in you is a heart that wants to make the emptiness in your soul go away, and that is what friends do, they make the roads we choose in life go a little easier, because a true friend will never let you go alone. " Vegeta was about to tell the tiny creature to go away, when a shimmer appeared at the corner of her eye, but as it fell, rather than splash, it bounced, clattering on the marble floor. He reached down and picked it up.
It was beautiful, shimmering with all the colors of a rainbow, and having a silver blue sheen, he had never seen a stone like it before. Most amazing of all, was that it was already cut and faceted. " What is this? "
" It's a dragon tear… I have never seen one before, but then, I've never cried before either. " She said sadly.
" Why did you? "
" Why did I what? Cry? Don't you understand- I think that Frieza is demonically cruel for what he has done to you and Shani. You are still hardly more than babies and he wants to break you and destroy you! How can I not be sad, especially when you think you are so ready to face this alone! "
" That is the Saiyan way. " He shrugged, but his attention was focused on the dragon tear.
" You like that thing? " She asked finally.
" It's pretty, " He nodded, and laid it down for her to see it. Then he glanced at Shani,
who was still soundly out of unconscious. " Will she be alright? "
The little creature didn't answer, and when he looked down, he saw that she was casting a spell or something, her emerald eyes closed in concentration. The tiny stone grew to about a quarter of an inch long but retained its tear drop shape, and it's beautiful cut and polished appearance, at the pointed end, there appeared a delicate platinum clasp, and he blinked in surprise as a chain appeared on it as well. For an instant, the chain and the clasp took on a black luster, and then changed back to flawless platinum. Simultaneously a deep blue sheen settled over the stone, then it too returned to its shinning diamond like sparkle and it's opal like sheen, only then did the dragon glance at him and nod. " Shani is fine, she used too much of her magic, and wore herself out, but in a few hours, she will be fine… There, I want you to have this. "
" You do? "
" Yes, a dragon's tear is a spell component of legendary power, or a charm of protection and luck the gods themselves start wars over. "
" Does it work? " He asked looking at it speculatively, before picking it up.
" Well, I don't know either, as I said, I have never seen a true Dragon's Tear before, but I do know that it couldn't hurt… If you want, I can cast some spells on it to enhance any abilities it might have. "
" This is very generous of you, but I cannot accept, because I have no gift for you. I don't even know your name. "
The dragon chuckled. " My name is Blaze, and I really want you to have this, Frieza has taken a disturbingly powerful interest in you, and you will need all the help you can get. Please, I am going to make one for Shani as well. "
" Are you sure? I want to give you something in return, but most of my things are in the ships hold… provided they were ever brought on board at all. "
" You are a prince who values honor and integrity, I would like your word that you will always remain so… don't be too quick to answer, the things Frieza and his minions will do to you will partially be attempts to destroy these qualities. "
" I will always try to remain honorable, and keep my integrity. Are you sure that is all you want? "
" If you can keep your promise, Prince Vegeta, then you would honor my gift with your very acceptance. " Blaze said, bowing her graceful head, and elegantly arched neck.
" You are worthy of the title prince, I am sorry that I did not see it sooner. "
" I insulted you earlier as well, I also apologize. You are not a pet…" Vegeta pulled the necklace over his head and studied it curiously, finally he looked up, " But I am still wondering where Cereus went. "
" Oh, sorry, I guess I did forget to answer that one, didn't I? Well, Cereus was sort of brought here by accident, but he allowed himself to be summoned, and then he had to leave, but he gave Shani his memories, so that she could share them with you. "
" Did she have to do it at dinner time? Frieza understood that there was some sort of connection between the dragon and I and the wizard and Lord Frieza. I think he was probably searching my mind… or Shani's. "
" Frieza can read minds? "
" Yes, he does it to me all the time, and I got him back tonight, but I don't think I ought to do it again. "
" I tend to agree, hold still for a moment. "
" Why? "
" I am going to add another spell to your amulet. "
" What all will it do after that? "
" Amulet of life, thought and spirit protection, and it will make it a little harder to hit you. At your age, it won't do anything to stop Frieza, but as you get stronger, you will notice it more. I have also added some protection magic to protect it, either from being stolen, or broken. It is attuned to you, and if you should need to hide it, simply will it away, but if you want it back, will it to return to you. "
" Where will it be in the mean time? "
Blaze laughed, " That is one of the great mysteries of the ages… I am serious; some say it resides for a while actually on your person, but in an extra dimensional space, while others say it simply goes into the flow of magic around it. There are a couple of other guesses as well, but I can't remember them all. Wizards and sorcerers have been wondering about such things for thousands of years. My pet theory is that mortals just aren't meant to know. "
" Blaze, what happened to Cereus? Did Shani tell you? "
" I am not good at telling stories, but how far did she get? "
" The wizard was about to kill him. "
" Oh… well, he did, he killed Cereus, and The Empress- not Shani's mother, but one of her ancestors resurrected him and the dragon kept all of his memories, even the ones of killing his mate and dying at the hands of the Forgotten King. Cereus grew in size and power, and finally he reached the size he had been at when he was killed, but he was still not powerful enough to fully destroy the lich, so he… "
" What is a lich? "
" Oh, I guess if you don't have magic, you don't have liches… Well, a lich is a wizard who was very powerful in life, but their study of necromancy leads them to believe that being one of the undead will make them not only more powerful, but more efficient in terms of their magic, and also their spell research. A lich is a very dangerous adversary, because they never tire, they don't eat, and don't need water. Their magic is also very deadly, and the evil ones hate the living with an unreasoning passion. All life, they create undead dragons and armies of humans to serve them, which was most likely his plan for Cereus… He would have succeeded to, had it not been for a Gold Dragon, named Oberon, who was the Empress' bodyguard, in his Elf-like form. He and Cereus fought the Forgotten King together, and they won, but Oberon did not survive the night, he died in the arms of the Empress, but not before passing his station as her bodyguard to Cereus… "
" Wow daddy, what a great story!!! But, I don't get it if the blue dragon was like you, who's the gold dragon? " Bra asked, and Vegeta looked down to find that Marron and Pan were also directly in front of him, all bug-eyed and nodding.
" The Gold Dragon would be Goku. " And everyone turned to see Piccolo looking like the cat that just ate the canary.
Bra and the other two little girls gasped in amazement. " Really Daddy, is it Goku? "
" I believe it's him. " Vegeta growled, " Now why did you interrupt this time? "
" I wanted to know who the Gold Dragon was. " Bra said in an important tone, as if that should explain everything. " Well, and you told me once that they were bad to Napa and Radditz too, well, when are you going to tell us about them? "
Vegeta rolled his eyes, but didn't get to answer because his mate spoke first. " Vegeta, that thing the little red dragon gave you, do you still have it? "
"Yes, I never take it off. " Vegeta smirked, and closed his eyes for a moment, and when he opened them, he reached into his shirt and pulled out a softly shimmering platinum French rope necklace and a tear shaped gem of clear sparkles and an opal-like luster. " It just disappears for a while. You want to see it up close, I suppose? "
" Please? " It seemed unanimous, so, he slipped it off and gave it to the little girls first. As soon as they had all seen it, Bra took it to her mother, and it went around the circle from there.
" Are we done with the stupid questions again? "
" Did the little dragon ever tell you who created them? "
" Yes, Blaze says that the Spell Dragons were a creation of the Forgotten King, originally he only made one, as a Familiar to aid him in his spell research, and to create a companion that had the intelligence of a dragon with the appetite of a much smaller animal. He gave them huge magical power so that they could defend themselves, if they ever got separated from him. Only problem for him was the Goddess of Magic decided she didn't want life coming from the undead, but she liked the tiny creatures too much to destroy them, so she made them all good aligned creatures. That way they would never be or serve evil. There are spells on Talon that can make you good or evil no matter what you are normally, but she gave them immunity to those spells, that way they could only become the familiar of a good spell caster. I guess they can come in any color, because at first The Forgotten King thought that it was the color of the first one that made it impossible to control them, but he made twelve before he finally asked the Goddess and she told him the real reason. "
" That's kind of mean, allowing him to make twelve before telling him the truth. " Android 17 said thoughtfully, 18 nodded in agreement.
" He thought he was so powerful that he didn't need her permission to create life with his own magic. Why wouldn't a goddess want to get some vengeance for that? " Bulma shrugged. " If I were that goddess, I would've taken away all his magic, and turned him mortal again. "
" She figured it would be a more effective lesson if he were allowed to live as before, with the knowledge that he could never control his greatest creation. That was a blow to his pride that he never recovered from. Blaze told me that in the future of her world, when the Elves are all but gone, he would be brought back to life, and he would create a human who is neither alive or undead, and she will be the greatest undead slayer of all time, and possibly in all worlds. "
" Does she eventually kill him for good? "
" Even Blaze and Empress Shinesta couldn't see that far into the future. Are we done with these inane questions yet? "
" Uh, ok, you can go on now. " Krillin said, deciding to save his question for later, the Saiyan Prince did not look happy, and it was his turn to look at the beautiful necklace.
" Bra, why do you want to hear about Radditz and Napa? They were both dead long before you were born. "
" But you said Napa wanted to protect you, so I like him. He sounds like he was a neat guy, kinda like 16, huh Daddy? "
Vegeta tried not to laugh, Napa was among the most blood thirsty Saiyans he had ever met, after Frieza got a hold of him and Radditz for a while, neither of them ever were truly the same… None of them were, only Shani and Blaze seemed even close to the same… He shivered a little, remembering as Napa was pulled away from his training session one afternoon, and summoned to a meeting with Frieza…
Napa watched approvingly as the prince destroyed the Saibamen, one at a time, easily, coldly and all the while dodged and evaded the others as he played with them. These days it was hard to challenge the prince in any fashion; he was just too cunning, even more so than his father, he had to admit. Vegeta found weaknesses a mile away and used them, as backups when his normal attacks weren't working. Napa could always tell when his young charge had spotted a new weakness or a weaker opponent, his eyes would narrow and a devilish little smirk would appear. If he was feeling truly cruel, his tail would lash for a moment before winding back around his waist, as he paused to consider his options.
As if in answer to his thoughts, Napa saw Vegeta do exactly that, his eyes narrowed as he smirked at one of the Saibamen who had a bad Ki burn on its left leg that had all but crippled it. The prince's tail twitched in amusement as the thing realized it was his next target, and hobbled toward him, but without the enthusiasm of the others. Vegeta dodged and struck with the grace and precision of a dancer, while keeping his attention focused on the weakling. When he got to it, he stopped, and arched one eyebrow expectantly. It lashed out with a claw strike, but Vegeta was faster, jumping up into spinning roundhouse kick that caved in the plant creature's head, and knocked him into two others, taking all three down, as the other Saibamen closed in again. It wasn't really training; Napa knew these would hardly be classified as toys for him except that the prince was in a good mood today.
The little Elf was taking up a lot of Vegeta's time; she dragged him everywhere, wanting to show him the different pass codes she had deciphered, playing hide and seek without the use of the scouter, she was always singing or humming or giggling, and while she was cute, Napa always tried to be sure that he was well away from her. He groaned, just thinking about the golden child he was getting a headache. They would arrive at Frieza's palace and Training hall tomorrow evening, and it had been a long journey, and part of him was glad it was over, but he was dreading the training that they all knew would be starting the following morning… or in the Prince's case, probably that night…
" Napa… I am sorry to disturb you while you are in the training room with Prince Vegeta, but you are to report to Frieza's throne room immediately. " Said a little blue alien in a ship's officers uniform.
" I will get the Prince immediately… "
Napa didn't have time to press the speaker button on the screen, before the alien was in front of him.
" No. The Prince stays here. You are the one that Frieza wishes to speak with. I will watch the controls in here for you. "
There was something sinister in the short alien's tone as he grinned and moved to take over the panel. But Napa knew that there was nothing in there that could truly endanger the Prince, and he couldn't keep Frieza waiting. Reluctantly, he went down the halls until he reached the throne room door, there he met another Saiyan. He looked a lot like… Bardock, but he was too young, his hair was too long, and he didn't have any scars. A son of his, he wondered?
" Are you the Prince's guard? " The younger Saiyan asked boldly.
" Yes. "
" I'm Radditz, and we are supposed to go in right away. "
" Any idea what this is about? "
" No, I just got a message from the King himself to report here instead of at the barracks. "
" Well, we are about to see Frieza, try not to make a third class ass of yourself and let me do the talking. Do exactly what I do. "
The younger warrior glared at him, but didn't argue as the door slid open in front of them. Napa led the way in, and knelt on one knee before Frieza, who nodded and told them to stand.
" Napa, I suppose you are wondering why I called you here without your charge? "
" Indeed, Lord Frieza, but I am at your service, as long as my lord is. "
" Yes, and I have also brought Radditz with you. I have a bit of a problem with one of the planets I had assigned to a few of my best warriors. This planet is very valuable to me, as I like pink and yellow planets, they are quite rare, you know. And the natives are a bit on the unfriendly side. I believe that it is time to send in something with a bit more punch, if you get my meaning. "
" Lord Frieza, are you asking me to leave the Prince unattended while I am on this mission for you? "
" Surely you know me better than that by now, Napa. I have my men here; rest assured that he will be well taken care of. "
Every one of his instincts were warning him that this was a trap, and that he wanted to get him away from Vegeta. The presence of Radditz he wasn't sure about, but he knew that he must have been standing in the way of something Frieza was planning. The little game Frieza and Vegeta were playing was a brilliant move on the part of the young prince, because it was the only thing keeping Napa alive. Formality might be boring as hell, but it beats going there. Napa sighed heavily Frieza had found a way around it though. He was too smart not to, but it was curious to Napa that he had waited until they were this close to their destination before doing this.
" I will make this worth your while, Napa, and Radditz, you see, I reward good service in my army, and really, you are both members of it, since your prince is as well. "
" I am aware of that Lord Frieza, but the prince is too young to serve you in war, for now he must be content to train, and… "
" Napa, you forget your place! I did not ask for your opinion. This mission will be a rather short one. I think a pair of giant monkeys will be able to crush the resistance, it is their weaponry that posed the problem for my other teams, they were expecting creatures who have an aversion to strong electrical fields and currents, but you do not have that little problem, having Ki control allows you certain advantages, does it not? "
" Yes, it certainly does, Lord Frieza. " Radditz said, already licking his lips in anticipation.
Napa could only nod, this still felt wrong. He didn't want to leave the prince alone. He was sworn to guard him with his life at all times, and Frieza knew this! Why was he doing this, he could just as easily have on of his guards attack Vegeta, forcing Napa to step in and end of problem…' That is a surprisingly clever idea you have come up with, Napa, perhaps I will… but for now, I would like to see how you and Radditz work together, as I cannot have Vegeta attended by those who can't protect him, now can I? Radditz appears interested, some part of you must want the wealth you have served all of your life. It can be as difficult or as easy as you want, to be in MY service, Napa, I suggest you think it over. ' Napa actively tried to close his mind to Frieza's intrusive presence, but he shook his head and nearly went down as Frieza forced his way back in. ' You try my patience again, and I will kill you where you stand. '
" I understand, Lord Frieza. " Napa growled, standing up to his full height, and glaring at the black horned alien lord. " We will gladly accept your mission. "
" Good, you leave as soon as we have landed, your pods will be waiting for you at bay 4. Now go, and remember, you are mine. "