The Vegeta Trilogy: Pt 1: The Cold Accord

by Lil Songbird

What was Vegeta's life like before Vegetasei was destroyed and just how did Freeza gain control of the Saiyajin Empire? This isn't like any other chibi veggie fic you've read. Trust me. (Chapter 12)

11. Chapter 10: This is Your New Home Vegeta

Hi Fan Fiction Fans!

I know its been a while but Lil's life has gone in another direction that makes less time to write and update things.  I won't be abandoning any stories though although I won't be updating as often.  I will finish this and Machine Planet as well as Unsung Heros and Super Saiyaijin Story.  I will be releasing a chapter of this portion of the Trilogy once a month until its completed beyond that it up to you!

If you go to my webpage at http://www.geocities.com/l_songbird and follow the link from the updates page you will find my proposed release schedules.  Please vote to determine how often this story and my others should be updated.

Now that's finished here are my responses to the FFNet Reviews:

Darke Angelus	Date: 2001-09-26	Ch: 10	Signed
It's been quite awhile since you've taken the time to post another chapter to this great story. Many authors (myself included) like to focus on the events that happened AFTER chibi Vegeta was handed over to Frieza, not the tense situation that led up to the actual act. The political tension and th echaracter of Ice were wonderfully executed and I hope that you continue this story to its end! I'm sorry that I can't update as often as I used to but rest assured I plan to follow through with this story as well as the other three parts of the trilogy. Thank you for the praise, it means a lot coming from someone who can write as well as you do.  I'm glad you like the slant I took to thi story.  I want each part of this trilogy to have a unique slant which why I decided to focus on this time in Vegeta's life.  I hope I continue to please and I'm glad you like Ice.
Digimon Empress Yaten (not signed in) (digimon_emperess@sailormoon.com)	Date: 2001-09-25	Ch: 10	Anonymous
This, is, magnificent!! The best chibi veggie-chan-or any veggie-chan, for that matter, fic i've ever read!! And Ice is just wonderfull, (altough her getting zarbon makes me jealous -_-") and the part where he cries, just what he would have done!! Ah, keep up the good work! Blushing  Wow what a compliment!   I'm glad so many people seem to like Ice since she is one of my favorite characters of my invention.  I'm glad you agree with my portrayal of chibi veggie.  I hope I keep up to the same standard.

All previous disclaimers still apply:

Chapter 10: This is Your New Home, Vegeta

The young Prince stood next to his Father on the soil of the conquered planet, the oppressive atmosphere stifling every breath that entered his chest.  The extremely humid heat of the place was foreign to him, being used to the dry heat of Vegetasei, making him feel almost ill.  That was the reason for his numbness to the activities of the troops and the slave traders as they finished their business with the buyers of this dust ball, it couldn't have anything to do with the fact that he was being handed over to the repulsive tyrant hovering before both he and his Father in his strange chair.  He wasn't afraid of anything, he was the Saiyaijin Prince and the next Legendary so that couldn't be the reason he felt so lost and far away.

There was a biting chill in the air, the kind she would normally find exhilarating but today it held no charm.  It was the end of the warm season on Tsirisei, the time of the new year and the annual rites of the Changelings began, a time to discard what was old and fetid and embrace what was new and fresh.  She had always looked on in fascination and envy as the adults went about their mysterious rituals, but now that she was a part of one it terrified her to the very core.  She knew she shouldn't be afraid, she was Ice, first daughter of the Frost Clan, specially selected by the order of the Shadow Sisters to become a part of their illustrious order.  She was a trained and skilled warrior capable of infiltrating the tightest security and killing with ease any number of species.  She knew her family was disappointed in her for her fear, as they rightly should be.  She'd always been a disappointment, having the natural talent for everything her people held dear but lacking the spirit.  Her father hadn't looked at her since the decision of the high council came down and she had burst into tears, her mother had ordered her into silence, and her eldest brother had told her to be brave.  The only member of her family to share in her despair had been her younger brother who flung his arms around her neck and sobbed before he was reproved and they were torn apart.

He didn't want to look at his father as he carried out his business with Freeza.  He hadn't spoken to him since that day and he was determined to do so never again.  He was angry with him and the entire universe for forcing him into this bargain.  In the end, he had relented, if only for his pride's sake.  After his few brief encounters with those that knew of his refusal, it was evident that he would become an outcast, a pariah to his entire people.  All of the officials had made it clear they no longer held him in the profound ardor of before.  For the sake of his esteem, he had taken on the role of a hallowed martyr.  He would go down in their worthless memories as a hero, leaving him with a feeling in the pit of his stomach somewhat akin to both guilt and rage.  He would never forget this humiliation and he would never forgive it.  And he would never forgive his father for abandoning him to his most hated adversary with only that simpering moron, Nappa, as a companion.

She gazed up at her father, towering above her and the others in his second form:  stoic and unreadable.  He refused to look at her and instead stared straight ahead, across the expanse of the arena on the opposite side of the ceremonial ring, to where their greatest enemy stood, their greatest rivals, the Cold Clan. Resolving to be bold, she ventured to examine them, showing them that she accepted her fate.  King Cold stood glaring sternly with a sinister smile on his burgundy lips, and standing at his feet, barely coming up mid-calf were the two girls about to take her place as the First Daughter of her clan.  They too smiled, this time at her, turning to one another as if they shared some marvelous joke.  For a moment, Ice felt a pang of jealousy that they would have each other and she would have no one.   Dismissing the thought, she moved on in her examination, the older brother, Lord Cooler stood by his father's side, looking for all the world bored to tears, his mother, First Wife of the Colds, Lady Sleet, also looked bored and inoffensive, stilling Ice's fears slightly.  It was then when she locked eyes with him, Lord Freeza, and her resolve quickly evaporated in his red-hot depths.  She'd heard all of the blood curding tales about Freeza and had thought them too fantastic to be real, but now, as she gazed into his eyes, her blood ran cold with their unspoken promise of pain and suffering.  Although he was barely  older than her biggest brother, he somehow had gained more power than even his elder sibling, Cooler.  He was supposed to be freakishly strong, a skilled warrior, but with blood-lust so powerful and unmerciful, not one being who'd ever displeased him had survived.  It was then that he smiled at her, the smile like that of a child just presented with a new toy, and she instantly felt a shiver travel up the length of her spine.  He was terrifying, this soulless being, so much so that she turned from, him unable to bear anymore of what his eyes told her.

Vegeta met Freeza's gaze unflinchingly.  He would show the baka lizard he wasn't afraid of him, unlike all of the other weaklings, including his sire.  He would show Freeza that even though he could control his father and the entire Saiyaijin race, he would never control their prince.  Vegeta watched as the changeling smirked at him and felt his frustration build.  Freeza was laughing at him internally, he could see the malevolent mirth sparkle in his blood-red eyes.   Everything he did seemed to be some great joke to the Tsirijin.  Well, he would see how amused Freeza was when he ripped out his heart and shoved it down his throat.

"Let the exchange take place." the call resounded throughout the arena.  "Come forward, Snow and Blizzard, daughters of Cold, and Ice, daughter of Frost."

"Now that our necessary business has been completed," the Prince was dimly aware of the tyrant's voice speaking, "we can move on to our personal affairs." 

Ice couldn't bring herself to lift her head and stepped forward with her eyes glued to the floor.  She didn't have to look up to know that the twins had done so without hesitation.  She didn't care that she was a coward.

Vegeta's instinct made his focus clear and he settled his hate filled heart to the best of his ability as the final words slid smoothly from Freeza's burgundy lips.  "Vegeta no Ouji, come forward and join your new family."

"Join your new clans." the voice commanded.

Vegeta scowled and took two steps forward until he was standing directly before the tyrant with all the dignity befitting his royal station, despite the strange dizziness that threatened to overtake him.   He ventured a glance up at his bodyguard and found his face set into a fierce snarl and hard as flint, sending a tremor of shame into his conscience.  Quickly, he stood at defiant attention, crossing his arms over his chest and observing Freeza's entourage, his new "family."  Zarbon, Dordoria and the female, Ice, were there to welcome him.   The female seemed far away and troubled, unlike the others, making the boy suspicious.

Looking up as she willed her legs to mechanically obey her, her eyes once again met her replacements' only to see the contempt shining there.  As they passed each other, she tripped and barely caught her balance as their girlish laughter rang in her ears.  Pausing to look back, she saw both girls take her father's hands.  Her family turned from her and walked away without a backward glance, except for her younger brother who quickly turned away when she caught his gaze in an effort to conceal his unshed tears from her.

"Vegeta," the boy heard his father say from behind, "never forget who you are and that I will never abandon you.  Never lose hope."  Vegeta found himself almost turning to his father, unconsciously seeking visual affirmation of the warm and pained tone of his words before he reminded himself of his anger. 

"Ice?" she heard a sweet, proper voice say at her shoulder.  Snapping around she saw him, standing there, his cold eyes trained on hers.  She was panicked to find Freeza and not his father standing there. "Come." he said, opening his hand.  She looked down at it, feeling her heart threatening to pound its way out of her chest.  All she had to do to complete the exchange was to take his hand, but she was frozen in place, unable to do so.

"Welcome to your new home, Vegeta." Freeza stated sweetly.  "You are quite a talented warrior and you will learn to hone your skills and perfect new ones that will make you even better.  I know that in time, we shall become good friends."

"You have no need to fear," he continued soothingly to Ice, taking her trembling hand in his, "you will enjoy being a part of the Cold Clan.  You will be my new little sister, and I will make you my special pet."  He began to lead her towards the others and she numbly followed, only hearing his voice drone on. "I have heard you are impressive, the best of your training unit in the Sisterhood, and I am anxious to take your skills even further.  I will see to it your that your abilities are perfected and you will be of great service to us."

"Believe what you like," the young Saiyaijin snapped, tucking his tail safely about his waist, "but you and I shall always be enemies."

She could only stare at him, her eyes wide with fear, unable to free her tongue from its prison.

"In time you shall see things as I do, young prince," Freeza said with sugarcoated conviction, "everyone always does, sooner or later.  If you are wise, it will be soon, very soon.  I do not tolerate insubordination."

"Come now," he said sweetly, "you have no need to fear, as long as you do everything I say."

"Ice?" Zarbon whispered, nudging her in the ribs and bringing her out of her fearful stupor.  She jumped and looked up at him, still feeling the vivid dread from her memory.  The warrior merely smiled softly, brushing her hand with his and gesturing with his eyes to the scene before them.  He knew that there would be hell to pay if Freeza caught her not giving her undivided attention to the little drama being played out in front of them.  No matter how difficult it was, she needed to pay attention and it seemed he had awakened her from her daydream not a moment too soon.

"Ice," Freeza commanded, "take the young prince and his servant to their quarters."

"As you wish, My Lord." she replied.  "Come, Prince Vegeta, and I will see you get settled in."  She punctuated the last statement with a smile, but was quickly disheartened by the glare she received in return.  "Follow me." she said shyly, turning her back to the pair of Saiyaijins.

Freeza watched as the trio retreated with a triumphant smile before turning back to the King.

"Don't worry, Vegeta," he said smugly, "I will make sure he gets the treatment he so justly deserves."

"This isn't over, Freeza," Vegeta no Ou said sharply, "he is my son and I will not see him raised by the likes of you.  I will get him back."

"If I didn't know any better, I'd think that was a threat." Freeza said lightly.

"Then you are not a stupid as I thought." he said, turning with a snap of his cape and storming off to his ship, calling for his people to ready for departure.

"I do believe he's going to make some trouble." Freeza mused.  "What do you think, Zarbon?"

"I agree." Zarbon answered flatly.  "He definitely wants the boy back.  Funny, I never thought Saiyaijins could become so attached to their offspring."

"Even the coldest of creatures wants to ensure that their legacy continues." the changeling stated.

"I think he truly cares for the boy," Zarbon said, "after all, Lord Freeza, not all families are like yours."

The Tsirijin chuckled.  "Ah," he said with a smile, "and even in mine there is loyalty after a fashion."  He turned next to the man with a crafty expression.  "Speaking of family, you seem to have taken a great interest in strengthening your family ties as of late.  I've noticed that you have been calling home at least once a week, if not more, ever since your return to base."

"Uh yes," Zarbon said, trying to cover his nervousness, "my mother hasn't been feeling well and I've been concerned for her."

"I see," Freeza said, "it's been an illness of some duration then.  Your ships logs indicate that for the past year you have stopped by there quite frequently."

"Yes sir." he answered. 

"Didn't Ice mind being dragged there with you every few months?" the Tsirijin questioned.

"No, actually, she was very understanding about it." Zarbon added quickly.  "She has a very kind nature."

"Yes, she does." Freeza said, carefully watching his expression.  "It wouldn't take much to make her crumble."  The Tsirijin smiled, seeing the man's intake of breathe.  It was all he needed to confirm his suspicions.  "Enough with the small talk and on with business." the tyrant said, switching gears smoothly.  "Have our informants watch King Vegeta closely," Freeza stated, "I want the entire lot of monkeys scrutinized from this day forward.  I wish to know of any exceptional warriors among them, I don't want Vegeta to get the chance to gather the best and brightest of them into an army.  Is that understood?"

"Yes, Master Freeza." he answered.

"Very good." the Changeling stated.  "You may go about your business."

"Thank you" he said with a bow before heading back towards the ship.

The changeling smiled to himself.  Zarbon was definitely hiding something and it had to do with Ice. 

* * *

Ice glanced back over her shoulder to the two saiyaijins behind.  Her attention immediately rested upon the young prince who was fixedly perusing her.  He had such an intensity about him, so unnatural for a child, but so familiar to her.  For all that was familiar, however, she couldn't help but notice that the past two years had drawn a hardness to his countenance that one should never see in a child.  Then again, he was no ordinary child, he was a gifted fighter of a warrior race and therefore not allowed the luxury of growing up normally.  He seemed so old for one so young, and she knew that he would be forced to mature still further now that he was under Freeza's iron fist.  For all that was different about him, it seemed she hadn't lost her touch for sensing his moods in the depths of his fathomless black eyes, for now she could see the dark clouds of suspicion in them.  It was disturbing for her to see him holding her in such mistrust, but it was only natural.  She was a stranger to him and he was dissecting her piece-by-piece, trying to discern if she was friend or foe.   She wanted more than ever to earn his trust again, for his sake.  If he could trust her she would do what she could to keep him from becoming Freeza's living weapon.

"Prince Vegeta," Ice ventured, "I am to be your guide and teacher, so feel free to let me know of whatever you need."

"I need nothing." he snapped.

Ice sighed.  He still had the same attitude and the same royal air.  Here in Freeza's world he was far from that station now.  It would be a major adjustment for him, one that she feared would not be smooth.  Even she, who hand been far from spoiled, had found it difficult adjusting to Freeza's oppressive yoke, how much more so would he? 

"The first thing you must learn is to hold your tongue and your temper." she counseled.  "They will get you into trouble here and you can spare yourself much heartache if you do."

"I will say whatever I please whenever I want." the boy answered tersely to the tune of his bodyguard's chuckle. 

"You are not on Vegetasei anymore." Ice answered.

"I am not an idiot." Vegeta responded.  "I know where I am."

"Then act like it." she said plainly.

"How dare you speak to Prince Vegeta that way!" Nappa cried indignantly.

"Believe me, I am the least of your worries." Ice said, relived to find that they had reached the first room.  It would be difficult to speak to the prince as she needed with Nappa breathing down her neck.  "This room belongs to you, Commander."

"My orders are to stay with the Prince at all times." Nappa sneered.

"Your previous orders mean nothing here, Commander." Ice replied.  "I would do as Freeza wishes because, unlike the Prince, you are expendable."

"Why you insolent little whore!" Nappa bellowed, striking at her.

Vegeta watched in astonishment as Ice quickly dodged the fist and slammed her shoulder into Nappa's soft belly, shattering the armor.  As the giant bent over into her fist, she neatly struck him at the base of his skull and the bodyguard dropped limply to the floor.  Two luminous violet eyes met Vegeta's incredulous ones.  She looked so soft, weak and remorsefull that it was hard for him to believe that she had actually managed to knock Nappa out with barely a struggle.

"Guards!" she called to two gapping soldiers from across the hall.  "Put this man in his room, it's here."  The men nodded and quickly went about their task, nervously glancing at her as she turned back to her charge.  "Come, Prince Vegeta, and I will show you your quarters."

The boy followed, giving one last glance to his so-called protector being dragged into the apartment.  He couldn't help but smirk.  There was something different about this woman with the Tsirijin name.  "You fight like no one I've ever seen." the boy commented.  "What are you?"

"I am a trained assassin." she answered.

"There is no honor in that profession." the boy stated snobbishly.

"It is the very thing Freeza wishes you to become." she told him, leading him into an elevator.  "I am to teach you."

"Then I will refuse to learn." he said, noticing that they were going up several levels.  "Besides, I can dispatch of anyone just as fast as you."

"Only when you are stronger than they are." she added.  "It takes different strategies to defeat a more powerful foe.  Speed, skill, and surprise are the only way to survive in those cases."

Vegeta wasn't sure how to reply.  He'd never fought anyone more than his level before.  This female was an excellent warrior and perhaps, with knowing what she did, he could become a better fighter himself.  Of course he wouldn't admit his interest in what she knew.

"Come." the horned woman commanded, exiting the platform.

"Where are we going?" Vegeta asked, noting the difference in opulence between this deck and the one in which Nappa had been interned.

"Your quarters." the woman said.  "Freeza has decided to give you quarters near his own."

"At least the lizard realized that I ought to be treated according to my station." the boy said blasé.

The woman stopped before a door and punched a code into the keypad.  The door slid open, revealing a modest, yet spacious, private dwelling.  Vegeta followed her inside, critically examining everything around him.  He seemed tense, not that Ice blamed him, he had a right to be suspicious of a hidden danger on an enemy's ship.

"The quarters here are private and you have our own bathroom.  The rest of the crew must use communal baths and facilities.  As long as you please Freeza, you will be well treated.  I know this from experience.  Show him respect or he will force it from you.  I know how much you hate him but you must not let your hatred get away with you."

The boy scowled, taking his eyes from the shadows and turned to the woman again.  She seemed almost familiar in her tone towards him.  Once again, his attention was drawn to her large violet eyes.  "Do all the females of your species have violet eyes?" he asked.

Ice felt the nervous twinge in the pit of her stomach resurface with his words.  "Yes." she answered truthfully.

"I had a servant woman once who had violet eyes," he added, "perhaps she had some of your people's blood in her." 

Ice nearly choked.  Why did he have to be so observant?  She hadn't intended to tell him everything right away.  It only would make things harder, but she had her orders.  Freeza wished him to know and since he brought it up... 

"I know." she answered, deciding to show him rather than tell.  She slowly shifted into her old guise, watching as the boy's composure left him and his eyes grew wide.

"You…you can't be her!" Vegeta gasped, stuttering slightly. 

"I am, Vegeta." she said softly, seeing him slowly begin to arise from his stupor.  "I am Nira."

"But how?" the boy demanded, trying his best to deny what his own eyes were now telling him.

"I'm a shape-shifter, and I was sent to spy on your government by Freeza." she said.  "My name is really Ice and I am Tsirijin.  Not many people know that my species has this ability.  The females of my kind are especially gifted, but the males have a somewhat limited ability.  This is what I really look like."  She punctuated her last statement by dropping her assumed disguise to her true self once more.  She gazed nervously at the boy who still looked on in disbelief.

"Then my father was right not to trust you." Vegeta said, at last finding his voice.  "I should never have been foolish enough to…" he lost his words, swallowing down the lump in his throat brought on by the suddenly feeling of vulnerability that this truth brought him.  She had been like family to him, and all this time he had still refused to believe anything ill of his former caretaker, even when she went missing.  He had wanted to believe she was deserving of his trust.

"I'm sorry," Ice said softly, "I never wanted to hurt you, any of you.  I know you must hate me now but please believe me, I never lied when I said I cared for you."

"Do you think I care what you feel?" the boy spat out maliciously.  "I never did.  You were never anything more than a servant to me."

Ice fought against reacting too much from the sting in his words and the hurt he denied he had shining in his eyes.  "I know I may never earn your trust again, but at least listen to what I have to say.  I have your best interests at heart when I tell you not to cross Freeza.  You may very well decide the fate of your people." 

"As far as I'm concerned, they can all rot in Hell along with you and Freeza!" Vegeta said harshly.

"I-I..." Ice stammered, "I think I should let you rest now."  Slowly, she turned from his obsidian glare and assumed her disguise of the red-skinned female know to the ship's crew.  "You should know my orders are to lock you in."  The door slid open as she hit the sensor.  "I'll see you tomorrow."

As the doors shut, Vegeta gazed into the eyes of the woman he now knew as Ice, seeking a better answer than the reality now thrust upon him.   Never in his life had he felt so completely and utterly alone.

 I hope you enjoyed this installment.  Please review.

While Vegeta is in the dark  his father is killed and Freeza's plot to destroy Vegetasei, the remaining saiyaijin and keep Vegeta in the dark begins.  Just how much does he discover?  Poor Ice it looks like Freeza is setting you up for a fall in:

Chapter 11:  Death Knell for Vegetasei