Chapter 1: Blizzard

(Year 748- Planet Vegeta)

As promised, Prince Vegeta arrived early to meet Kagome. He could only spare a moment for her. Lord Frieza, having restricted him to a tight schedule, he was lucky to even get these few moments with her. He was to be sent on an extinction mission with his long-time guard: Nappa, Raditz, and a few other mid-level Saiyans. The first two were currently stalling for time, allowing him this small reprieve with his intended.

She had been promised to him since birth 16 years prior, the same year they were both born. Her father and mother had been his father's aids and most trusted generals before their deaths. Kagome's secured future at his side had been his father's way of awarding their loyalty while later honoring their sacrifice, as their daughter would want for nothing as the future queen.

Kagome was a rare beauty among the Saiyan. Like her mother, she was blessed with unique blue eyes and even a rarer black tail.

The gentle whisper of a sudden breeze was Vegeta's only warning before his intended had her arms draped around his neck. Her scent quickly surrounded him, the soft fragrance blanketing his senses and dulling the ache that had taken root within his chest at their last parting. Soft curves were pressed firmly against his hard back, her breath fanning his neck and small hands trembling against his chest.

His head fell back atop her, holding her hands- in what he hoped was reassuring- against his chest. "You need not worry. I'll be back before you know it." He grinned.

Kagome shook her head, the scent of salt mixing with her scent.

Grabbing her hands, he gently stepped away only to turn and pull her closer, a gentle hand caressing her head while holding her hands firmly against his chest. He could not think of a time she shed such fearful tears for him except for his first mission. "I won't be long." He began softly. "The inhabitants of the planet aren't known for their strength. They'll likely surrender within the first day." Vegeta's smile was forced, finding the action stiff despite the ease with which it came when in her company.

Finally, looking up Vegeta was greeted by her sapphire eyes glossy with fat tears. Her pale face was flush and damp, a deep seeded brokenness blooming in her gaze. Kagome had only ever been a beacon of light within his life, glowing with joy, and yet she wilted before him with a look that tore at his heart.

His lips fell against hers, pulling her flush against him. He caressed her face, wiping her tears as he kissed her tenderly. He rarely allowed himself the pleasure of her kisses, fearing he would drown in her warmth and never wish to return for air. "I'll return soon, I promise," He whispered, stopping himself from admitting the true depths of his feelings. They were betrothed together for the sake of honor; he needn't covet something as precious as her love.

She looked up at him, her eyes pleading, yet he knew not what to do when faced with her tears or fear. He brushed her raven hair back, trying to be a fraction of the comfort she gave him.

Kagome offered him the weakest of smiles, a new emotion shimmering brightly within her gaze. Her hands caressed his face as he had hers, rubbing her thumb over his cheek before pulling him down. Her lips slide against his, fevered and intense, yet painfully slow. He fell into her, losing all sense of himself within her.

And then it was over; his mind unfocused as she pulled away. "I love you," she whispered breathlessly against his slightly parted lips.

She was gone before he could open his eyes, he looked around, but she was long gone leaving him with only the feeling of her lips on his and her last words ringing in his ears.

"You won't get away so easily when I come back." He laughed before taking back off towards the palace before someone came looking for him.


Kagome quietly watched Vegeta leave before heading for her residence. Wiping at her face, she made to school her expression before entering; she had a lot to do with only a little time to do so.

Vegeta's departure signaled the beginning of the end; Frieza would kill the Saiyan race while keeping a select few alive. As far as she had learned, those few consisted of less than 30 and would likely shrink to smaller numbers as time passed. They had done their best to ensure it was their men who would survive and keep the mission alive, but only time would tell if they would succeed.

Kagome had only just landed on the balcony to her apartments when her sworn enemy greeted her. His presence was suffocating, the desire to run almost just as overwhelming as the desire to punch him in the face.

Kagome dropped into a low bow, her hair acting as a veil and hiding her momentary surprise and disgust.

"Greetings Lord Frieza. Had I known I was to receive you, I would have prepared accordingly." She spoke softly, keeping her head down as she did her best to appease him.

"Hello, my pet," the eerily low tone of his voice caused her body to stiffen, his touch making her want to puke. He touched her hair, sliding his hand down her face before forcefully grabbing her chin.

Kagome looked at him through full black lashes, doing her best to play the coy and docile maiden he liked her to be. Her skin crawled as she felt the tip of his thumb brush over her bottom lip.

"Come now, my dear," Frieza pulled her to stand, making them eye level. His hand moved along her jaw, then her neck, before grazing her exposed collarbone. He watched his hand, the heat in his eyes making her uncomfortable. As far as she knew, Frost Demons were asexual, even reproducing asexually. Yet, the look in his eyes was prevented and nauseating- making her feel far too exposed despite her layers of dress. His eyes darted to hers, and he smiled. "You should feel honored that I am gracing you with my presence before going to see your people's king. Then again, you are a jewel among wild animals," he said this in a low hum as he walked around her, his hand moving to sweep her hair over one shoulder to place his hand on her neck; his palm directly over the nape of her neck, and his fingertips pressing into her skin. Kagome fought against her instincts, willing herself to relax and even lean into his cold, scaly touch, knowing that in this position, he could snap her neck without a thought.

"I am most honored, m'lord." The sweetness in her voice was almost sickening even to her ears. She hated this, hated that she could do nothing but play the perfect pet whenever Vegeta wasn't around. Frieza was only ever "pleasant" in the presence of King Vegeta or Prince Vegeta to keep the illusion that they were allies. But Kagome knew better, that Frieza would kill everyone without a second thought.

"My dear, you seem upset. Is it because your little princeling had to leave?" He teased as he pressed his face into her hair, his nose buried in the tussles behind her ear, allowing her to hear each deep breath he took. His tail coiled around her feet, rubbing at her legs through her dress.

"He will return victoriously, as he always does," she stated proudly, not at all hinting at the pain that took place in her chest. She may never see him again, yet she prayed for fate to be kinder to them.

"Maybe, but when will you come to your senses, my dear Kagome," He said intensely with a small growl coming from his throat.

"And what do you mean by that?" She asked dumbly, turning to look into his beady red eyes surrounded by pinkish lavender scales. He was a hideous creature, incapable of love or compassion, his heart just as cold as his touch.

A smirk pulled at his thin lips. As he looked at Kagome, the door opened to reveal her oldest comrade and guardian: Bardock. Bardock made an intimidating visage, his muscled frame taking up the expanse of her entryway, a deep glower pulling at his scarred tan face. He was the ideal Saiyan with his black hair and brown tail, but he also held to their nature, growing in wisdom and strength with every battle.

The older Saiyan glared at Frieza, who only continued to smile his wicked grin. He turned to leave with his fingertips lingering on her skin. Kagome bit back her growl as she stood firmly in place.

"Won't you enlighten me, m'lord?" She asked once more, batting her eyes.

With a sideways glance, he gave her a simple curt answer. "Only that you have poor taste in company." Then he left, leaving Kagome to growl out her frustration finally.

Bardock walked up to her while looking back to the door. "He didn't bother you too much, did he?" he asked annoyedly.

She didn't bother answering, knowing it would get her nowhere, and waved off the question as they walked farther into the estate. It was a short walk to her office, a large room with extensive maps and literature.

"How are the plans coming along?" Kagome mused, taking her place behind the large desk, immediately reaching for the stack of papers that had accumulated there.

"Everything is going accordingly." Bardock beamed.

Her shoulders sagged, a wave of relief washing over her, but it did nothing to quell the fury and fear that broiled in her gut. "Good." She whispered to herself before looking back at Bardock. "Good," she took a deep breath, "spread the word. We attack when the moon rises."

His grin was frightening, and it mirrored her own. Maybe it was just her Saiyan blood, but if they were going to die, Kagome refused to go without a fight.


wolfYLady: Hey there! I hope y'all are enjoying the rewrite of my story "Between the Raindrops." As much as I love that story, after rereading it, I see why I haven't been able to continue with as much enthusiasm as I once had for the story. And that is because I, as a person, have changed. While strong, the Kagome of that story was also weak and needed saving. I, as a reader, love strong women who can stand strong on their own. As I was rereading, I started thinking, "I wish I had done blank instead," so I wrote it- again.

So this is a new version of that story with many tweaks to make it more consistent, easier to read/follow, and more enjoyable for me to write.

The story mostly follows the DBZ timeline except for the destruction of Planet Vegeta, in this story takes place in the Year 748 versus Year 737, like in the manga/anime.

As always, thanks for reading, and please review!

Thank you!