Everything was burning.
Screams erupting from all around him, explosions and many falling, blasts striking the buildings and destroying them. He couldn't do anything, just stare at the sheer chaos, and the blinding blast rapidly approaching them from above…and then white…
…what were these memories?
…why did they seem so familiar…?
…and why did he have a feeling he was connected to the planet's destruction…?
…he didn't understand any of it…not one thing-
"Rise and shine! It's time for classes!"
"FUCKING SHIT!" Gelid sprouted from his bed and smashed his fist into the wall, panting and huffing. It was just a dream…just a maddened night terror.
…but that voice wasn't. He turned to his left and saw the Supreme Kai of Time standing there, wearing a terrified expression on her petite face.
"Yikes! You coulda let me explain before you put a hole in the wall! Gonna take forever to get it fixed…"
"How did you get in my room?" Her face changed immediately to the same confident and jubilee one she wore the day before as if it were nothing.
"Oh, a Kai has her ways~ Just don't you worry, and just go ahead and get ready for classes. Today's a bright new day and you should seize it like no tomorrow! Attend classes, enjoy your time, and always remember to do your best no matter what." Gelid could literally see the doorknob to his room shattered into pieces…it was very clear the Supreme Kai of Time just broke the lock to get into his room and scare him awake, nearly risking death in the process. None the less, he shook his head, watching her leave as he tried, in vain, to close his door and make sure the front door's lock wasn't broken at least.
…it was…meant he'd have to get that fixed sooner or later.
"I'll send someone over while you're at class to repair the…damages…so don't worry!" And with that the pink girl was gone, leaving Gelid alone in his room to turn and face the mirror on the wall.
During his sleep he had shed his armor, or at the very least reabsorbed it into his body; crimson skin bare as it was since the day he was born. The bone mouthpiece was absent as well, and the only bone tissue remaining was on his head; the place he couldn't remove it even if he tried. He was clad in a pair of purple briefs, the best thing he could find in the room to fit him while he slept, tail thumping the ground briefly as he looked over himself.
…he still tried to remember that dream…what was it about? It was foggy but he felt like he had been there at some point…perhaps memories of the place he came from. That probably meant in order for him to be a Time Patroller…some of his memories of the past had to be removed.
A harrowing thought, but considering the original Saiyans were war hungry monsters, it was probably for the best. He'd have to get those memories back one day, or even see if he could go on patrol to where his dream was.
…frozen landscape…glaciers everywhere…with a blue sun. Those were the three things that he remembered and could be the indicators to get what was needed to find the answers to everything.
He checked the clock on the wall; class started in about fifteen minutes. He had time to get ready properly, though not perfectly. He tapped his chest, humming slightly…it'd take a while to grow more bone tissue armor for the day, at least an hour at best unless he had the rapid power generation akin to the Cold Family…and he wanted to stay as unrelated to them as possible.
Thus, the dresser was opened, and Gelid found something in there; a black and red hoodie bearing the Time Patrol emblem on its back and right breast…while it seemed tacky and out of style it was better than trying to grow the armor in a hassle and risk harming himself. As such Gelid slipped it on and zipped it up entirely before pulling his shorts on, making sure the flap at the back was open and widened for his tail to slip through and rest comfortably. He pulled on his fingerless gloves and tightened the straps before he looked over himself in the mirror…not the best look in the world no, but he was glad it was a start; he'd try growing the armor over the course of the day and hopefully by Sparing time he could actually use it.
Cloth would probably do nothing against a full powered blast, after all.
"Gelid, how are you doing today?" The same professor greeted him as he walked in, the Frost Demon coming prepared with a small satchel, filled to the brim with note taking equipment. "And you seem different now; glad to see you've gotten into the grove of Conton City so fast."
"It took some time professor…um…"
"Right, never told you my name son; it's San. My father wasn't the most creative one in the bunch but, it's my name and I like it."
"Ah, well; I'm doing well, Professor San. Managed to get some supplies on the way here from the school store."
"Wise choice; anyhow go ahead and take your seat, we're about to begin going over the old days before the Saiyan legend Goku became the hero he is iconic for now." Gelid started walking but even out the corner of his eye he could see one of the Saiyans waiting; sticking his foot out as an attempt to trip the Frost Demon…
…childish, really. None the less Gelid stepped right over his leg, tail lifting to whack his head lightly.
"Save the tricks for the field." He sat down and sighed, opening his notebook and beginning to jot things down, Otto next to him once again.
"So, you sure it was wise to whack that Saiyan upside the head?"
"More or less; give him a stern reminder not to bother me with that." Class continued as it did always, with San going over Goku's deep origins and the many adventures he had as a child.
Gradually, Gelid's attention was drawn more and more away from the professor and downwards to someone in one of the rows…someone seated with a few Saiyans. She was…beautiful, astonishing and above all else immaculate to him.
Her skin was a bronze olive color, hair long and raven black as it cascaded down to her upper back, with a long tuft concealing one of her cerulean eyes entirely. She wore the standard armor but in a purple and green color, and a pair of black shorts for the bottom of it, with the standard black boots. She looked nowhere near like the typical Saiyans she was surrounded by; she was angelic, amazing…someone he wanted to talk to and get to know.
"Otto…who is that?"
"Wassat? I was daydreaming." Gelid pointed, and Otto's normally calm face…actually shifted to one of fear. "Gelid man…avoid her. That's Mizuna; one of those powerful as hell Saiyans. I doubt anyone's even gotten close to beating her before, not even that Vocado guy."
"Hmm…not even Vocado…?" Gelid's mind was already processing…information that was supposed to sound dire already sounded good and even amazing to him. He didn't know what force compelled him but he had to speak to Mizuna…to learn more about her, to spend time with her and other things!
Was this was Earthlings called a crush…? It was actually pretty nice, gave him something to shoot for despite everything. Considering that not even Vocado came close to defeating her that surely meant if Gelid did it he'd have a shot with her.
"Alright, time for sparing. Gelid since you had some issues last time you're excluded."
"I don't need to be," San was perplexed, turning to face the Frost Demon as the class stood in the gym's endless confines. "I want to spar with someone; I did some training last night in my room and I think I'm ready, despite everything." He had to honestly tune out the muffled laughter he heard from a few people…really, his training was perfecting a Ki Blast that he heard about…and a few other attacks.
Flight was still a no, but if he was right with his calculations, he wouldn't need it.
"I like the pep there, Gelid! So, who do you wanna spar with today?" And then came the moment of truth…the fear that clung to his heart. If he called her out here they'd catch onto his idea and someone could put a stop to it.
No! Those thoughts would just slow him down! Gelid shook his head and focused, finger lifting and finally pointing at her.
"Mizuna. I wish to spar with her." He already took not every single Saiyan except the girl herself wore terrified expressions. One even called him a madman and backed away.
"Are ya fuckin' nuts you damn lizard? If ya could barely beat me what makes you think you can beat her—" Mizuna's hand went up, stopping Vocado's rant, as a calm grin formed on her face…one that made her look even more immaculate.
"It's alright, it's just a friendly spar between classmates…no harm in it." Even her voice was angelic…like the soft chime of bells to his ears; a silvery-sounding tone. Both fighters stepped forward, and much of the class stepped back…in fact…all did; nearing the door even more so.
They wanted to give them all the space needed.
"Gelid, was it?" He heard her ask, snapping out his daze and nodding after a brief delay. "An odd name…I'll do my best not to break you, okay? But spoiler alert; no promises." And with that she shot at him, leaving a small crater before she lunged. Gelid threw his weight left to avoid the punch, now beginning to regret his idea even as he felt the wind rush past his head from her narrowly missing.
He couldn't even see that hit coming!
Another followed, the air shimmering from the speed of her punches, as Gelid did his best to just dodge and avoid her strikes, not even sure it'd be possible to land a hit on her with that intense speed. He rolled to the side from another strike and stood up just in time to take a knee to the face, rolling across the ground and coming to a stop, world spinning. He didn't even need to look to tell his nose was bleeding…leaving the bone mouthpiece was a damn foolish idea.
"C'mon, fight me! I wanna see what one of Frieza's race can do! Show me that destructive force your kind's supposed to be capable of! FIGHT ME!" Gelid got to his feet shakily, just in time to take another strike to the gut, everything hurting in his body before her heel crossed his head; the bone tissue denting inwards as blood welled up from the injury, his body hitting the ground with a heavy thud. He got up once more, and clenched his fist, trying to concentrate and focus.
Mizuna was fucking fast, but that meant he needed to get tactical. She vanished again, no doubt rushing right for him again, and this time he was ready; recalling that trick the book contained. It was a long shot but if he managed to pull it off he'd be able to catch her and get her. The mere second she reformed, fist launching for his face, he jerked left, and shot his own fist forward.
Never was he more satisfied to feel his knuckles dig into metal before, and to hear Mizuna grunt in pain. He didn't stop there, his fist launched a second time and caught her stomach before he landed another staggering strike. Finally, he launched his knee upwards and caught her head in the strike, sending her to the ground. Even from where he was he could see every Saiyan gasp…and some wore expressions of pure fury; Vocado being one of them.
Something told Gelid he didn't just care for her safety…there was something going on between them.
"You're tricky…that's good." He heard her speak, watching her rise slowly, chuckling despite the fact her nose was bleeding, the girl standing up finally. "Means I get to really let loose. Hope you got another one of those tricks in ya, otherwise it's been fun." Her hands moved and blinding violet light gathered in them.
That was not good!
"You either dodge this shit, or you die in it! I don't care which!" He tried to think fast, he had to do something. "Too late now, so enjoy this Earth Splitting Galick Gun!" The blast launched itself at him, and Gelid was overwhelmed, much of the class watching in horror until they saw something leap from the beam itself, and land right next to Mizuna, the Saiyan herself turning to look.
Gelid's hoodie was tattered and ruined, and his pants damaged, but he was alive and well despite it; standing there with his eyes in a firm determined glare. Mizuna's hands lowered just in time for Gelid to stretch his own out.
"Evil Explosion!" A sharp blast of burning orange Ki send her skidding back, Gelid huffing and panting as he watched her get up a second time. He was running out of options, and that was the problem...he knew that blast was by no means her strongest attack. She vanished again, and Gelid tried to figure out where she was, where she could be…she was moving too fast for the eye to track. He could hear the faint patters of her boots connecting with the ground but that was it; she was literally unable to be seen!
He saw a faint distortion on his left, and his fist shot out.
"Fuck!" He watched her stagger back, and she acted faster, her fists launching into his sides and sending sharp spikes of pain through his body. "You're better than I thought Gelid," She leaned close, her face inches from his…to the point if Gelid wasn't in mortal danger, it'd be nice.
"But still, you really let me down with this fight." And with that she fired a Ki Blast point blank.
"Gelid? You okay son?" His eyes opened, mouth opening to suck in air before clutching his chest. San stood over him, as did Otto; the rest of the class gone once more. "That was a helluva fight you had there with Mizuna…but still, not a wise one."
"Noted…still, at least I did good, right?"
"…nnnot quite." Otto chimed in, rubbing the back of his head. "See most guys who fight Mizuna tend to last a while longer; hell, her bout with Vocado lasted a whole damn hour. At best the most you did against her was predict where she'd be next before she could stop you. Everyone else just had either enough durability to witstand her strikes or enough speed to parry them when they came. So... silver lining there; you were able to at least tell what she was gonna do next before she was even able to do it." And like that Gelid sighed, some of his good spirits dashed, his arms crossing. Otto noticed this immediately and panicked, trying to cheer him up "H-hey, it's not all bad. At the very least you gave it your all and fought your best-"
"And was taken out by her blasting my face in with a Ki Blast, just like with Vocado." Gelid got up, muscles burning from overuse and the agony of her strikes. "Professor San, do you have one?"
"Right here," He handed the Frost Demon a Senzu Bean and already started walking. "I pulled some strings and arranged for a friend of mine to help you learn the most essential skill possible for fighting."
"Is it getting knocked the hell down, because today is a clear show that I've damn near perfected that crap." San just ignored Otto snickering behind them. "He's a good friend of mine I met when I first showed up here. You're excused from class to go train with him."
"What? Aw c'mon professor! I wanna get outta class early too-"
"If you don't return to the classroom in the next twelve seconds, I'm forcing you to spar with one of the Majin girls hyped up on chocolate." Otto was gone in seconds, leaving San and Gelid alone…however the latter didn't understand what the threat in that was.
"Majin females tend to get very violent and very dangerous when on chocolate. Anyhow," He handed Gelid a map, pointing through the doors and to the outside beyond them. "Head to the Dragon Ball Pedestal; he'll be there waiting for you and he can probably convince the Supreme Kai of Time to send you two somewhere to train properly." Curiosity gradually replaced the woe Gelid had, as he started walking, both eager and in the same instance…concerned, even afraid.
Who was this mysterious teacher?
The area the Dragon Balls were to be gathered was desolate. Not a single person was around, and Gelid could tell it was that way on purpose…almost as if they all vacated the area prior to his arrival.
Or someone else's.
He approached the mysterious pedestal where the seven balls would be placed, running his thumb along the groves set for each one.
"Shenron would be summoned here when the time is right," A voice behind him spoke; the Frost Demon turning sharply to see who it was. Shockingly to him, the being looked much like he did; a Frost Demon! His skin was a deep onyx color, wearing a pair of orange baggy pants and no shoes much like Gelid. His own bone tissue armor was spiker and more pronounced than the latter's as well; covering his torso, forearms, tail tip, and his knees. His head had four large spikes arching backwards on it, and his eyes were full, piercing cyan color; his own maw concealed by a bone mouthpiece as well. The biogem on his forehead glimmered a menacing red color, and his voice was gaunt, haunting, and deep; one that could make anyone quiver in their shoes even if they were a mighty Saiyan. Overall, he looked dangerous, powerful…and at the same time commanding of respect. Gelid even noticed this Frost Demon was taller than him too, at least by a head! "When the seven balls are gathered he comes to grant a Time Patroller's deepest wish. I've yet to ever taste this bliss…but one day I'm quite sure it will come and I'll be able to wish for something I've always sought out." Gelid faced him properly, as the being placed his hands behind his back, calmly exhaling.
"But enough about my own personal aspirations; San sent you, did he not?"
"H-He did yeah…why are you…the same as me?"
"An Arcosian? You never knew your own race?"
"I was always told I was a Frost Demon." The Arcosian uncrossed his arms and shrugged.
"You're not incorrect, but that's more of a…lesser term, for our ilk. We're a strong, powerful people; many of us actually very noble heroes despite the damages Frieza did to our people's name."
"…Frieza…why does that name ring a bell?"
"You'll go over that genocidal maniac's story in a few days no doubt. But in the mean time we shouldn't waste any time; we have business to conduct." The Arcosian started to walk, beckoning for Gelid to follow him as they made their way towards the gateway where they could speak to the Supreme Kai of Time…Gelid wasn't thrilled to speak to her once more.
"One question; what is your name?"
"Freyon, and you're Gelid; San told me your name already." They reached the spot far away from the others, where said Kai was speaking to Trunks about something.
"Supreme Kai of Time, a word, if you will." She darted her head up to look up at the reptile, waving her hand as a means to tell Trunks to be silent.
"Oh, sure; what's up?"
"Need to bring Gelid on a minor time jump somewhere where I can teach him a few things on combat."
"Oh! Sure thing; just make sure it's somewhere history can't be messed with, okay?" Gelid was a bit amazed she was so…nonchalant about letting him into the Time Nest.
The place he never got to see.
"Through the white gateway…just remember to not hold your breath?" Freyon already approached it and rapidly vanished, Gelid doing the same…though he could see why; the coolness and weird feelings washing over him as he was warped were…concerning. Thankfully he was okay; reforming on the path to the Time Nest in the Kai's world now. The entire place looked mysterious and immaculate; like some far off land that time itself forgot to ever care for and it grew into a miniature paradise, with only a few pillars and other infrastructure the Kais set up.
"Best get used to this view, Gelid." He could hear Freyon shout to him from up ahead. "You'll be seeing this place a lot once you become a stronger Time Patroller. This building ahead is where all of history's scrolls are contained; from the birth of time itself to its inevitable end that will come in time, every single one of these scrolls holds the chapter of a very crucial moment in this timeline, and it's our job to protect their memories at all costs…good or bad."
"Good or bad?" Gelid questioned, as his shivered from the cool sensation from the tiles in the Time Nest's interior. Freyon approached the wall and withdrew a scroll, unrolling it and setting it on the table for him.
"This is an example of a bad part of time; Planet Vegeta's destruction at the hands of the tyrannical Arcosian, Frieza. Had it not been for his actions much of the galaxy would had been a safer, happier place. But, alas, he wanted control of every little thing…and those who got in the way were extinguished rather quickly. No one ever tries to change this part of history because it's too dangerous to change; an entire planet was destroyed and the remaining energy made the place dangerous."
"…he's the one the Saiyans in the class seem to compare me to more often than usual; why? We're just of the same race; I'm not him."
"It's not just that," Freyon looked over to Gelid, even as he rolled that scroll up and slipped it onto the wall back in its place. "They fear that you could end up with the same amount of power. The legends many have on Arcosians say we all start out with immense power, and every major Arcosian throughout history proved this theory rather well: Frieza, Cooler, King Cold, even the one called Lord Chilled. The sins of their pasts stain your future…it'll take a lot of willpower and fortitude to remove those chains holding our people back from progression and really connecting to everyone else truly."
"But if they make us feared and misunderstood, Freyon, then how did you and San become friends?"
"Namekians are naturally peaceful and understanding; San is no different. When I came here a long time ago he was one of the first to approach me, and from there we spoke. I learned Namekians are often compared to the legendary Piccolo, and are all expected to be powerful warriors…he wasn't exactly liked for being more of a scholar. But, I digress," Freyon held up a brown tinted scroll. "This one should take us to the Untimed Plains; a minor set of planes time itself has never touched. No animals flourish there, and the only creatures that show up are mindless Saibmen of varying species." At least that sounded good; Gelid's hand grasped the end of the scroll, and blinding light engulfed his vision entirely.
Gelid's vision returned, and he noticed now he was standing in some sort of plains. The rivers babbled and crackled, the trees blew in the light breeze, and the sun bore down on him, with the air being warm enough to fight in and yet at the same time cool enough to keep him comfortable during the fight.
"Done taking in the scenery?" Freyon's words snapped Gelid out of his daze. "We can start with the basics; how well are you with flying?"
"…not…much at all. I never learned."
"It's okay; we have time to learn. The time of day here never changes; could spend an entire decade here and you'd never notice." Freyon took a few steps back, tapping his chest. "The key to flying is tapping into that innate Ki every living creature has inside of them. You need to find it within yourself, grasp hold of that energy, and try to force it out here; manipulate it. It's not a first time thing but you'll be able to get the hang of it soon." Nodding, Gelid closed his eyes and concentrated; mind working rapidly to get a hold of that energy and focus on it; teeth gritting in frustration when he couldn't figure it out.
"…you're struggling. You're trying too hard to fixate on getting something you can't even make out properly." Freyon sighed, rubbing his chin. "I got something; try fixating on a happy thought."
"Happy thought?"
"It worked for me; your Ki is linked to your body and mind. If the latter's not in proper working condition then it all falls out. Focus on something happy…and maybe then you'll be able to take flight." Nodding, Gelid closed his eyes and concentrated again…but there was one fatal flaw.
He had no happy thoughts? Ever since he came to Conton City he didn't have any overly happy thoughts…at least none powerful enough to sustain something as powerful as flight.
…except Mizuna. Sure, he got beat by her but…he still saw her as a happy thought. The many things he could do with her…the time he could spend with her, and everything he could learn about her and the things she did…to be with her.
Though it wasn't enough; he still wasn't flying.
"I just can't sir…I can't think of any happy thoughts."
"Mmm…we'll work on it later; for now let's try some simple things Arcosians are iconic for." Freyon's finger aimed towards a rock, a sudden purple beam drilling through and obliterating it. "The Death Beam; this trick many of us learn at a fairly young age. It's simplistic, it's useful, and at full power it drills right through someone."
"Doesn't that sound too dangerous to use for sparing then?"
"Not a minor one; those just feel like getting socked by a bag of bricks. It'd be enough to knock most fighters down for a few moments and give you the chance you need." Gelid concentrated hard this time; aiming his finger at the rocky formation nearby, and sure enough a bright violet beam left his finger; striking the rock! While it didn't explode like what happened with Freyon, it was by no means a bad start.
"Excellent work Gelid; though I'm afraid rocks won't be your sparing partner for the day." Freyon waved his hand and at once several dozen little green creatures landing and making sharp chirp noises, glaring at him. "These are your foes for the day; Sabimen. Not very strong but still capable of giving you a decent workout; these are typically grown for us to spar with and hone our skills in combat." A yellow colored one stepped forward, and without warning lunged at Gelid; the latter batting it away with his tail.
"First thing we need to train you with; landing the Death Beam on a foe while under pressure. Try to concentrate as you did before, and let the blast fly even while in the midst of fighting." He nodded, trying to bat away the small creature while concentrating, but each time he got close it either managed to scratch at his arm or side, or all together break his concentration by striking his head. Out of frustration he finally struck the little yellow creature across the temple before bringing his fist down, head exploding in a mess of green gore.
"…ew…" Gelid muttered, wiping his hand on the ground, while Freyon just sighed.
"I'm seeing some problem here; while under pressure you're not actually experienced enough to focus and use Ki Blasts. That's gonna be a problem when you actually go out on Time Patrol; your enemies out there will not be stupid enough to give you a chance to beat them in combat or even charge up a Ki Blast. And here's the real problem," Freyon leaned forward, his next words actually scaring Gelid even more than ever expected.
"The Dragon Balls can't bring you back if you die out on Time Patrol. It's technically impossible; you'd be in a time paradox and lost to that point of history. Even if we revived you, then you'd just be trapped in that point in history to live it out; there would be absolutely no way to bring you back to the present no matter how much we tried. So you need to focus and get stronger…you only have one shot out there; and abusing it will no doubt get you killed." Gelid let the gravity of this weigh on him for a moment…dying in the past means there's literally no way to ever come back to Conton City. Shenron wasn't strong enough to literally rip someone through history, otherwise dozens of foes from the past could be brought to their present time.
"Now, c'mon. Let's try it again." Another Sabimen launched itself at Gelid; and once again he lashed out at it, trying to smash it into the ground to launch a beam into it, but to no avail.
"I think that's enough for the day," Freyon spoke, blowing up the final Sabimen without any hesitation. Gelid was damaged and battered, with his arm openly bleeding from when a Sabimen clung to it and self-destructed. He'd be fine, once he got a Senzu. "You have a lot to work on, but I'm sure in a few days you'll be strong enough to take on anyone in a fight."
"Hopefully," Gelid muttered, bone vizer shifting to cover his mouth again. "I'll be able to impress Mizuna soon." Freyon just shrugged to his words.
"Mizuna? The girl's got a one track mind; fighting. If you approach her about anything but fighting, and she'll ignore you." Gelid didn't seem deterred or even worried about this little fact of information; if anything it just made him more determined.
"That means I need to improve more here sir; how soon can we come back here?"
"Tomorrow, after the sparing matches. I'll have San send you the day's lesson so you can review it in your room after our training sessions." Freyon held up the same brown scroll, offering it to Gelid to grasp onto.
"I'm sure in no time at all kid, you'll be something everyone here'll look up to, just like me." And before Gelid could ask any more questions about Freyon, or who he was, the blinding light engulfed them both; returning to Conton City.
To Be Continued…