Disclaimer: Still don't own nothin' but Shani, Blaze, Gunnar and Kor…
Notes: If you think you recognize the name Gouken… SF fans… yep, I got lazy and cut the greatest sensei of all Capcom-dom out of his universe and pasted him in here.
Shadows of the Past: Chapter 11
Shani put her books and her mini computer onto the dresser and headed back to Vegeta's room silently, so as not to awaken Blaze, who slept peacefully on her pillow. It was hard not to touch her; Blaze was sleek and beautiful, her red scales shinning under the soft light from a light spell that she must have cast before her nap. The tiny dragon was curled into a ball, and looked more like a toy than a magic user that was nearly as powerful as Shani herself. She smiled to herself as she closed the closet door between their rooms, and found Vegeta lying on his bed silently staring at the ceiling.
He knew she was there, she felt his Ki read her presence as she entered, and then withdraw away from her. He made no attempt to greet her as she came toward him, and had been silent or sarcastic since their third class this morning. Even when he was in a bad mood, it was usually easy for her to bring him out of it. So far, he hadn't even tried to argue with her or skip class all day.
" Vegeta?? Come on, we gotta go, or we're gonn'a be late. "
" So, it's supper, not a class. "
" I thought you Saiyans were supposed to be hungry all the time. "
" That's the big dumb ones like Napa. " Vegeta shrugged, not looking at her.
" That's not nice. Napa's very loyal to you. "
" Yes, my father trained his lap dog well, didn't he? "
" What's gotten into you today, Vegeta? Are you still mad 'cuz we didn't find anything interesting after all that searching yesterday? "
" No. "
" Are you mad because Frieza will be back next week? "
" No. "
" What's bugging you then? "
" You. "
" Ok, fine. You stay up here and sulk, if you want to… but I'd come eat if I were you. We have our physical training class in two hours, ya know, and I... "
" Zarbon told me I'm being sent on a mission in two days. " Vegeta growled softly.
" Is that why they took you out of Mr. Poupon's etiquette class this morning? And what kind of a mission could they possibly have for one little kid? "
Vegeta gave her an exasperated look, and then rolled his eyes. " A purge mission, Shani. "
" What?? You're not old enough for that! Besides, Napa and Radditz won't be back for at least another four days… isn't that what you said Dodoria told you this morning?"
" If I wasn't the prince I would've been sent almost immediately after birth. I was born ready to do this. As for Napa and Radditz, they are probably being sent out again immediately after they get back. If I'm not here to know about it, I can't stop him from sending them out again, now can I? "
" Why do you have go on such an awful mission, and why alone? "
" Frieza's orders. "
" Vegeta… " Shani ventured quietly.
" What? "
" I know you are a strong fighter, so… why don't you look happy about going? You're always saying how boring it is here at school. "
" It isn't the fighting. It's taking Frieza's commands I dislike. "
" I guess... How long will you be gone? "
" Average power for this world is less than 60. The mission itself will be easy, four days at the longest. Getting there and back is what will take a while. "
" Are Napa and Radditz meeting you there? "
" No. I'm going alone. Better go eat, Shani, there isn't much time left. "
" I'm not hungry anymore either. "
" You don't eat enough to keep alive as it is. "
" Neither do you lately, so don't give me that, Vegeta, let's both go. "
" No. "
" Fine then, you, stubborn monkey! " Shani stifled a giggle, and shoved him. " We'll both starve. "
He snorted and pushed her back, but lightly, so as not to hurt her. " At least I'm not a weakling tree hugger. "
" Well… got any homework? "
" No. Got it all done in study period and art class. "
" You're supposed to do art in art class, Vegeta. "
" And you're supposed to actually learn the languages in language class. "
" I am learning the language. "
" Without your magic. "
" Does that mean in the physical training classes you can't use your ki? "
" Bad example, we're taking that class to learn to control ki… I was just born with understanding and control of those powers. "
" And I was born with my magic. Shade, my panther bonded to me an hour after I was born, and Midnight and I bonded four hours later. It's the same thing, my magic is as natural to me as your ability to fight and control your ki. "
" Who are Shade and Midnight? You've never mentioned them before. "
" They are my true familiars. Blaze is actually my mothers… Midnight is a baby spell dragon. He can't really even talk yet, he just babbles. You should see him; he's got black scales that shine purple and blue when the light hits him, and the bluest eyes you have ever seen… He's the first ever baby Spell dragon, the son of Blaze, and my aunt's Spell Dragon named Darkness. " Shani sighed, and a half smile settled over her golden features. " Shade is a 250-pound leopard with eyes like emeralds and a coat so black she completely disappears in a half lit room… I miss them… Did you have any pets, Vegeta? "
" Does Napa count? He does what I say, follows me everywhere and bothers me all of the time. "
" Vegeta! That was mean! "
" So why are you laughing? "
" 'Cuz that's the way I used to feel about my bodyguards. Their names were Trent and Logan, and they were always with me. I got so used to having them around that… I wasn't sure I would be able to go through with it, when it came time to come on board Frieza's ship without them. I'm going to miss them even more while you're gone. You're lucky to have Napa. I know, I know you're stronger than he is, but he's still an adult, and like it or not, you are still a kid, a very little kid. "
" Yeah, well, I'm still taller than you. "
" Only because of your hair. "
" Still makes me taller. "
" OK, All hail Vegeta and his pointy hair. " Shani stood up straight and gave him a mock salute, then bounded away but was disappointed when he made no move to pounce or chase her… He wasn't even looking at her. " Hmmm… I know something that'll cheer you up. "
" I'm not sad, I'm… I'm getting pretty mad at you, though. "
" Yep, you're sad, come on let's go. "
" Where? "
" Oh… I just saw a list this morning that Zarbon's been hiding for the last… oh six days. Gunner was right; you are the strongest in our class… "
" And why does that surprise you? "
" It doesn't… but it was interesting to see that you are stronger at five than anyone else in the school up to the seventh grade, though. "
" What? "
" Zarbon posted the list this morning and the numbers were right on it. "
" So where do you rank? "
" Third. I just can't power up the way you guys do… "
" Sure you can. There is more dormant energy in you than there is in the rest of our class combined, Shani. You just have to channel it, take control of it. "
" Personally I think I'd rather use my magic, and to do that you sort of… well- ask the energy that touches all life, to do your bidding. Then you release it again, sort of a give and take. Controlling my ki makes me feel like I'm hurting the balance, it is only used to destroy… magic can destroy, but it can also heal… there is a balance to it that touches all things and all life, to upset this balance is to kill the very essence of magic, and life itself… "
Vegeta sat upon his elbow and looked at her curiously. " Is it really that different, using magic and ki? They almost sound like the same force to me… especially when you said magic is balanced. Remember what Master Gouken said? Ki is always balanced, there is positive and negative, and the positive is the energy of light and life. Negative ki is the energy of decay and darkness, wouldn't that be like good and evil magic? "
" Kind of… but all life, and all death has the potential to serve good or evil. It isn't the magic that is good or bad, it all depends on who is using it, and what they mean to do with it. To some people the ends are more important than the means… I guess, when fighting evil… we have to step back, though, take a look at ourselves and be sure we are not becoming what we are trying to destroy. "
" Hmmm. where did you hear that, Shani? "
" My philosophy tutor. "
" Philosophy? "
" Yeah, it's incredibly boring, but it teaches you how to look at life and ourselves from different perspectives. We're going to be stuck in it next quarter. Well, time for class, or are you skipping that too? "
" Not this class. I think we ought to have Physical Training everyday. "
" Just because you're stronger than half the school, doesn't mean you need to show off everyday. Some of us can fly too, ya know, it's just that not all of us have to use our ki to do it. "
" Aw, you're getting it, " Vegeta said in mock sympathy. " besides, isn't one of the rules in Tarchen to arm yourself with as many options as possible? You said yourself that your magic can't always be used. "
" Don't remind me… how'd you get to be so good at Tarchen so fast anyway? Blaze says you're winning so far. "
" Well, I don't know. Strategy is just… easy for me and it is a game of empires. I just think about how I would fight Frieza if we were on equal terms. Besides, if a single game usually takes 10 years, I'd say you still have plenty of time to catch up. " Vegeta smirked as they entered the first training sub level of the huge Coliseum, and Shani punched him in the arm as she sauntered past, where they joined the rest of their class, in the Training room. She knew she couldn't hurt him, but it didn't stop her from trying.
" Ah… " Said the little old man in the loose fitting gi, as he floated into the small training room in the Coliseum, in the lotus position. " I see Vegeta and Shannelle have decided to come to class on time for once… so; I think we ought to get started. "
" Where were you guys at supper? Elda said she's going to send your supper to your rooms after class. She's afraid you two are going to starve to death the way you never want to come to the meals around here. " Gunnar chuckled. " What is it that you two do all day when you're not eating or in class with the rest of us? "
" Mostly we're looking for a way off of this rock… " Shani shrugged quietly. Then she noticed Kor looking at the wall mounted weapons rack along the north wall. " Kor! Don't touch that!! "
It was impossible to tell if her warning scared him or if he just stumbled a bit on one of the thick floor mats, but Kor put one massive hand out in front of him and as it met the wooden display, it snapped beneath his weight and he and twenty swords tumbled to the ground in a heap. Shani was the first one to him, and used her magic to return the swords and the display to the wall where they belonged, even repairing the break in the rack. But… looking at her friend again, she noticed one sword had stayed… it had gone through his huge chest, and he was unconscious. Vegeta felt rather than saw her try to summon more of the strange power that was her magic, as Shani tried desperately to remember the words that would save his life… but they wouldn't come to her, and soon the energy was gone. " Please don't die… please… I'm so sorry Kor. I didn't mean to yell at you. " Tears slipped silently down her face as the other kids looked on with confusion and worry.
Their teacher, Master Gouken placed a hand gently on her shoulder and gave her a reassuring smile. The seemingly frail old man was actually standing on the floor for the first time since they had met him, and he easily pulled the broadsword from the gaping wound. As he did, the ancient warrior closed his eyes and put a gentle hand on the chest of his young pupil. His hand was enveloped in a soft blue energy that radiated life and healing. The Ki Vegeta felt in the old man at this moment was enough to destroy an entire planet… but it was all directed at saving a single life. He had heard of this power, the ability to heal with the very same life energy most often used to hurt and destroy, but he had never seen it… and for an instant, he was awed by it. It was as if all the Ki in the room was responding to the old man's healing touch, since, as the wound began to close, and Kor began to breathe, the energy he commanded was greater than ever.
Without a word, the old man easily picked up his huge sleeping student and took him into the silent chamber next door, where he could rest. Shani pounced instantly, hugging the ancient warrior as he reappeared in the room, and he grinned down at her. " Thank you for fixing my class room, Shannelle. "
Shani blushed and let go of him, giggling shyly. " Thank you for saving him. I shouldn't have yelled at him… but he's always doing that… I just knew he would get hurt when he knocked it down. "
" You mean you thought he might… I understand. "
" No, I mean I knew. I saw it happen as soon as he looked over there. He's always kind of clumsy. I knew better than to yell at him. I'm sorry. "
" It wasn't your fault, princess, and I am proud of you for your quick actions. I felt you try to use your magic to help him. It would've been interesting to see, it was a shame that the spell couldn't work by your desire to help him alone. But, it does give us a chance to learn the healing power of our Ki. "
" How did you do that? " All the kids seemed to ask at once, as their teacher returned to the lotus position and began to levitate once more.
" Well, in class have we not decided that Ki is balanced and equal in all ways? "
" Yes. " Came the class response, leaving Vegeta to roll his eyes and shrug at the sheep he was forced to associate with.
" Then if one can use one's Ki to fly, one can use it to anchor to the ground. If you can use it to boost your speed and reactions, you can use it to slow things as well. But, most important of all, if you can attack with it, you can heal with it too. It is possible to heal any wound with Ki, simply because it is the very essence of life, and if one has great enough will and control over their Ki, it is possible to heal diseases and even a broken spirit through its gentleness, that is the essence of true power. Being able to hold in your hands the life of a friend or an enemy, that is real power. The attack power of Ki does not constitute negative Ki. It is when one person wills another to die that the direct opposite of healing Ki is found. This power is the darkest of evil. Its power is seductive and always destroys those who command it in the end. Attacking Ki's direct opposite is defending Ki. To defend or heal another person is the highest level of ki control that is possible. It takes remarkable control, and self-discipline to accomplish. This power lies within every creature and every soul that lives, but must be mastered over lifetimes and used wisely. "
" So how is it done? "
" First, Gunnar, one must master the lesser abilities of your spiritual powers. Only one of you in this room is ready for the next step in controlling your Ki. "
" Yeah, Vegeta, right? " Grumbled Lynx, one of the weakest members in the class.
" No, Vegeta does have the best focus and control, but to master healing, requires the desire to help, rather than hurt. Shani is the closest of you to tapping into the power to heal. Perhaps in this class, we will be able to help Vegeta and Shani master their inner strengths because destruction and chaos are not the keys to power. True strength comes from your heart, and drives you to fight for life and freedom, rather than wealth or glory. Protecting ourselves or those we love are the only real reasons to fight. Training is for the day that we must prove ourselves worthy of the knowledge and strength we have gained… "
" Master Gouken… may I have a word with you? "
" Z-zarbon… I… of course. " Vegeta took one look at Frieza's henchman and shivered, instinctively knowing that they would never see the ancient warrior again.
" Excellent. Class dismissed. " Zarbon purred, but his amber gaze ripped holes into the old man across the room. As the rest of the class bounded out into the night, to enjoy their early dismissal, Vegeta and Shani hung back a bit. Zarbon's dark glare shifted to them, and Vegeta shook his head glaring back, but Shani grabbed his arm and tried not to cry as she dragged him down the silent hall.
" Why?? Why is Zarbon going to hurt him? He's never hurt anyone! He just saved Kor's life in there! "
" Shani… don't cry. Frieza doesn't want any philosophies but his own instilled in his warriors. He's probably been warned before. "
" So he's going to kill him? It's not right! I'll cry if I want to. Don't you have any emotions at all? Would it hurt you at all if me in there? "
" Should it? " He snapped, he turned and walked away. Leaving her alone after saying that was one of the hardest things he had ever done, but he managed it somehow. And it would be the last he saw of her for three months.
There is just no substitute for a little Vegeta attitude, is there? Yes, I am still working on this story!! I never really stopped, but I did have to take a bit of a break from it for a while, so here is the long awaited Chapter 11 of what I consider my best fan fic. Please Review… don't make me beg you, it's cruel.