Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ Fallen Eden ❯ Moving Forward ( Chapter 6 )

Authors Disclaimer: Akira Toriyama is the creator/owner/supreme lord of the Dragonball/Z/GT franchise/brand/universe, I do not make any profit from writing and I stress that I don't make any claims to own DBZ. Any original characters do belong to me, such as Evana.

 

Fallen Eden

 

Chapter Six

 

 

 

The evening meal was fraught with tension, though the two young children were preoccupied with more important details than why people hardly said a word to each other, unlike every other night, where they had to be told to quieten. Mainly by the little girl, and in not so eloquent a manner, but tonight was different.

 

The table, (though surprising to some, even in alien civilisations, some used tables for meal times) was carved from a strong durable kind of wood, it was stained for its own protection to stave off decay, sealing in its strength, darkening it's colour. It looked as though it had been carved roughly by hand, and smoothed just enough to take the sharpness and the roughness away, though not enough to make it a good kind of oval shape. It was still oddly misshapen, though some from Dr. Briefs' origin, would remark that it was quaint and 'homely'.

 

The little girl sat on a pile of cushions, and even they sat upon a stump of a small tree, the back rest was the hollowed out shell of the tree, which had remained, while the rest had been cut away for a place to sit. Even with her hoard of cushions beneath her, she still was only just high enough to eat her food comfortably. Though, this activity was being delayed, more important issues were at hand.

 

Sat opposite her was the bane of her existence, though her favourite one. The boy who was slightly older than herself sat glaring at her, his eyes narrowed and darkened while he weighed up his enemy. She looked back at him, she had decided not to glare or look at him evilly, she would use a different tactic, a more...fun tactic, for her at least.

 

Between them on a platter lay the last Crimsonberry. It wasn't what one thought when thinking of berries, it should be small, and bite size, this was large and bulbous, the skin was edible if undamaged, and inside the wonderous fruit was the abundant juice, subtly flavoured though sweet enough to make you crave more. The tiny seeds were edible and did no harm to the system, and the flesh of the fruit itself was delectable, if ripe enough.

 

So a silent war was waged. Each watching the other to see who would make the first move, sizing up the opponent. Few of the adults paid attention, this happened every night, perhaps one day they would give them a Crimsonberry each, as had been suggested before, but Dr. Briefs had stopped this, he wanted them to learn to 'share'.

 

~*~

 

Down the table another war was being waged, though decidedly of a different nature. Selei sat spearing meat onto her plate roughly, ravenous after her re-con mission. She had travelled near to the Capitol today, to get an update of the current situation. The news she had brought back was troubling indeed. She thought back over the last few years and what had happened since they had come to this cave.

 

Freeza hadn't returned to the planet since his initial attack. His forces had come under threat, and he had been forced to leave Vejiita-Sei to come to the defence of one of his bases. According to a source in the Palace, some unknown enemy was stealthily and steadily attacking and wiping out outposts and bases that lay under the Cold Empire's name.

 

Despite all endeavours and risks taken to get information on this unknown assailant, nothing was known about this new enemy of the Cold Empire. This was incredibly frustrating indeed. An ally is standing in a crowd but you have no idea who it is and who to trust. They had no way of making contact with whoever this potential ally could be, despite the fact they seemed to be a big enough threat to distract Freeza's gaze from his initial target which was of course the young and growing Prince Vegeta.

 

Searches for the boy had all but stopped. Whether this was a tactic to try to bring him and his aides out from hiding, or because of this new enemy, it wasn't clear. Cold soldiers still inhabited the Palace grounds, though not as many as there used to be, their numbers had lessened quietly over the past months.

 

Selei slowed her eating, and took a sip of her water. They would talk tonight when the cubs were asleep, and discuss their next plan of action. Selei thought of herself as a strong woman, she had managed to control her urges and emotions quite well during these turbulent and dark times. Through the death of the High King, the young Prince Vegeta's grand sire, she had held fast, and stayed resolute against the harsh winds that blew against their people. She glanced around the table quickly, and was surprised to see that not much had been eaten tonight. Zarbon had barely touched anything, herself and the Briefs man seemed to be the only two who had an appetite tonight. Not counting the cubs, who still waged their war. She went back to her meal, and her thoughts wandered

 

The Prince's father had not been seen since that night, though as far as they knew he had not been killed. They still sensed a faint energy emanating from the Palace, which was far different than all the others nearby. Bardock and Nappa had assured them it was the King, and that he was alive, they had been counsellors to the Royal Family for so long, that their assurances were more than enough. It pulled at their stomachs, dragging them down and making them feel uneasy. If the King was alive, why hadn't he broken away and destroyed those Soldiers now that Freeza was gone? What was so strong to detain the King from taking back his kingdom? If he wasn't able to do it, would they be able to liberate him and their Planet?

 

The silence was broken at the table by sudden young and high pitched grunts and struggling breaths. Prince Vegeta and the young Bulma were in the middle of a tussle on the floor, the Crimsonberry between them, both pairs of hands fought for control. This brought a few smiles and low murmuring laughter.

 

“Bulma! What have I told you about sharing?” Her father reprimanded her firmly. Though his eyes held a small twinkle, he was determined not to let the two troublemakers see it. He didn't want to encourage this behaviour.

 

The two youngsters continued to fight. Doctor Briefs was silently and suddenly taken aback by how developed the two children were, despite their ages, they knew more words and could do more than most their age. Though he had been told that the young Prince was about average for his age, his own daughter was advanced for her race. Perhaps she may take full advantage of her genes. While most would be struggling with some words and clambering for attention and begging to be picked up, she preferred to be left to her own devices and mischief making. Though she was rarely seen without her little sidekick. You couldn't separate them if you tried, and they had tried, many, many times.

 

Zarbon watched lazily, his amber eyes flickering from child to child to father. After a near miss with Vegeta's tail narrowly escaping Bulma's grasp, he decided that enough was enough and called an end to the mildly entertaining display. “Bulma, Vegeta...cease.” Those few words were spoken calmly, quietly, but warningly. It was enough to make the two immediately stop and stumble upright. The crimsonberry lay on the ground, unguarded. “It is time for both of you to go to your chamber and sleep.” His braid of emerald hair was flicked over his shoulder, and he stood from his seat and went to grab Bulma. Picking up the small girl he barely took one step before he heard a young and victory filled shout of “Muahaha!!” He heard and felt Bulma struggling in his grasp. Clearly young Vegeta had succeeded in winning the Crimsonberry.

 

A faint “Nooo!” was whimpered from Bulma as she was carried from the room. Vegeta's victory was short-lived however as he was suddenly picked up himself by Bardock, the fruit dropped to the ground, and the battle was over. Bardock was accustomed to these fights, and the ensuing glaring which he had to endure during the walk to the Prince's chamber. The young boy would turn in Bardock's grasp and simply glare and frown continually at Bardock. Tonight was no different.

 

Prince or no Prince, Saiyan or no Saiyan, he was still a child and would stand no chance against a fully trained and battle hardened warrior. Maybe at his young age, he was smart enough to know this. At least, that is what Bardock hoped.

 

~*~

 

It was awhile later when it was sure the two children were asleep, that they dared talk freely. The food of the evening still littered the table though no one showed any interest in it at all. Selei leaned back with her drink in her hand, watching the others through narrowed eyes.

 

Standing from the table, Bardock went to the wall behind him and took down the hand made map, the table was cleared and the map was lain upon the wood. The map, which all had taken a part in making showed the Palace and positions of their opposition. Selei leaned forward and spoke confidently of her re-con mission.

 

“Their forces still maintain their current positions, with one vital change. They are clearing a path leading from the back of the Palace to the Royal Grounds, this has taken some of their men from guard duty. Security is now slightly weaker at these points.” She then pointed to 3 places upon the cloth. “I can't work out why they want to clear it though...”

 

The group poured over the map, even with this news it would neither make an assault easy or viable. The guards far outnumbered them, and they had no knowledge of any other bands of soldiers in hiding who could aid them. The citizens were poor shades of what they used to be. Thin, pale, and weak they would be of little benefit in a battle against well fed and alert Imperial soldiers.

 

“Do they still kill our people in the streets?” Toma sounded harsh and did not look up at the others when he asked this. On previous re-cons they had seen soldiers walking through the streets, they would choose a person at random and embarrass and humiliate them before killing them very very slowly. Normally they would aim for someone who had a young child with them, letting the youngster witness the scenes, forcing them to watch. The people of the city could not fight back, though it burned within them for revenge they were weakened.

 

Selei looked at Toma uneasily. “Yes. I witnessed this ...” She swallowed before revealing her next information. “I found Kayin today.” Many looked up and seemed very interested in this news. Kayin had been the Head of the Royal Kitchens. “He was able to tell me why our brethren are so weak and unable to fight. We knew that all food is now distributed through the Palace and other city headquarters. But we didn't know the Cold soldiers have poisoned the food and waterways with a chemical. It is slowly killing those that consume it.” Selei looked briefly down at her drink, perfectly untouched from any impurities.

 

“What chemical is it?” The Doctor was burning to know, if there was some way of countering this then there could be a chance of helping all those people, strengthening them to return to fight for their civilisation.

 

“He didn't say. A guard saw him and dragged him back inside. He could tell me no more.” Selei was staring into the Doctors eyes. He stared right back.

 

“Well, didn't you take a sample of food or water?” He asked impatiently. He mentally swore at her, being of a scientific and technical nature, it would have been the first thing he would have done.

 

“When you're in a complex full of soldiers, thinking about trivial things like that are unimportant.” She retorted hotly, almost haughtily.

 

The Doctor expelled a huff of air irritably. “It would have been logical to get a sample. I don't know why I asked, a quite pointless waste of breath to ask you anything at all lately.”

 

Selei's eyes flashed in a sudden burst of anger. “Next time you can go and risk your life!” She leaned forward on the table towards him.

 

“Quiet. We must decide our plan of action.” Bardock spoke forcefully but firmly. He lowered his eyes once again to the map. “I know the Palace well, as I'm sure most of you do. The fact that this,” and he pointed to one of the security weakened points on the map, “has fewer guards intrigues me. Kakkarot, tell me why this is.” He looked expectantly at his son.

 

Kakkarot looked blankly at his father for a moment and then flickered to the map. It took a long few moments but he began to open his mouth to form a reply, “I...uh, don't...OH!” He yelled suddenly, in the way of someone who's just discovered something very important. “Our map only shows above ground!” He grinned broadly at his father, who nodded approvingly. Looking around at the rest of the table, it seemed no one else had come to the same conclusion as them.

 

Pointing to the map, Bardock targeted the eastern wing at one of the points that normally had nearby guards. “This,” He spoke as though he was revealing a massive revelation. “is not marked on the map. It's a service entrance, leading under the Palace it gives access to heaters and the water pipes of the communal baths.” He smirked up at Toma and his fellow comrades. “It also gives access to the maintenance room near the kitchens, granting us access inside our Palace.” He savoured the sweet look of dawning comprehension on their faces.

 

“All this time...we could have infiltrated the Palace?” The Doctor asked in almost a hoarse voice. He was glancing around the room, in disbelief of what he was hearing. Zarbon was stood next to him, he had been very quiet until this point. “Not necessarily, you see there would have been no way of entering without being seen with all those guards there. Our presence would have been uncovered and we'd have stood no chance. But now there are fewer of them... Selei, how many did you see guarding today?” He turned his eyes to her, they looked as though they were shining brightly. She was silent a few seconds before answering that there were 2 or 3 in that vicinity.

 

Nappa spoke gruffly, “Once we have the King back, the people will surely rise and we will destroy these soldiers!” He slammed his fist on the table heavily. There were some murmurs of agreement from the others.

 

“No... the people are weakened by fatigue and poison. They won't be able to help you.” The Doctor paused before speaking again, it seemed as though the words were difficult to push forward out of his mind and into the air. “I-I think it may be best that once we have the King, we take a ship and leave Vejiita-Sei.” He expected the outcry that came next.

 

“What?! You expect us to flee?” Nappa was in outrage, as well as most of the people in the room.

 

“We could take back our planet and you want us to leave?” Toma seemed incredulous at the very thought. He scowled at the Doctor, who was patiently waiting for the hum of talk to stop. Though it was Zarbon who called an end to the arguing Saiyans. “Let Briefs finish! It would be your wisest choice at this time.”

 

The Doctor gave an appreciative glance in Zarbons direction. “If we free the King and stay on this planet, at what point do you think we will be stronger now than we were before he came here? Your people are weak and suppressed, or injured or dead. We stand no chance as we currently are at defeating Freeza, whether we have the King or not. Our only chance is to free the King and take as many Saiyans as possible with us, find somewhere, some help, find those that are resisting Freeza! Build a strong force and then rid everyone of this living disease.”

 

The room fell into silence as his words slowly sank into their minds and settled. Some time passed before he spoke again. “I feel it is the only way for us to defeat him and to save our homes. We are not strong enough now, but we may find others who want to fight him... When we are able to we can return to free Vejiita-Sei.” He thought he had said all he could in favour of this plan. He sat back down into his seat and took a long draught from his cup.

 

It was Kakkarot who broke through the thick atmosphere. “I believe that Dr. Briefs is right. We are at too big of a disadvantage to defeat Freeza now. We have to become stronger...” He trailed off and sat down himself resting his head on his left hand, staring at the floor.

 

“No, no we cannot do this! I cannot! This is our home, are we seriously considering abandoning Vejiita-Sei?!” Nappa stared around at the group, his eyes wide and searching.

 

“You must understand the situation surely. After all of your years as a soldier you must see that the odds are not in our favour if we stay and wait for Freeza and a battle that we cannot win. I have seen Freeza's power, we must do this if we have any hope of survival. Do you want to see the Saiyan race live on or become extinct? The decision is ours to make.” Zarbon spoke calmly, with an experience to his words that none other in the room had.

 

The room lapsed into deadly silence bar the sound of breathing and the occasional shuffling of clothes and feet. After what seemed like an hour, Bardock spoke and gave his decision. “I have thought this through, and I've been dreading this decision for so long but I can't hold this back any longer. We must do as Dr. Briefs suggests, we will find the King and take as many Saiyans with us as we can and leave Vejiita-Sei. We will find all those who will fight with us, and we will return to free our homeland. It is the only way.” He took a deep breath before he continued. “I won't force anyone to come with us, I only ask that you speak to no one of this plan.” He ended by draining his cup, he then rested a hand on Kakkarot's shoulder and then left the room with haste.

 

The air became heavy with sorrow and anguish, the silence only broken by the muffled whimpering that came from the children's cave room.

 

 

 

 

~*~

 

Time passed more quickly than it should have done and soon enough the day of the attack was upon them. After many days of planning they had drawn up a risky plan, The young Prince and Bulma had already been taken to safety aboard the ship they would be escaping with, accompanied by Dr. Briefs and Selei.

 

Zarbon and the others were still yet at their soon to be abandoned cave home, it had served them well. They were all stood in the clearing in front of the cave mouth, the air was full of tension and intensity as they looked at each other.

 

It was Toma who broke the silence. “For the Saiyans.” His Ki suddenly flashed, shimmering deceptively calmly around his entire body. The others didn't follow his lead, instead they kept their Ki as contained as they possibly could, which was not an easy thing to do considering what was about to happen.

 

Nappa put one fist on his chest and with a stoic face he looked into each and every face, “If we do not see each other at the ship, travel well and we will meet in the next life.”

 

“Bloody hell Nappa, life and soul of the party ain't you?” Zarbon drawled. “Forgive me if I don't wanna spend eternity with you. I plan to live past today.” His lip curled slightly into a lop sided grin. The group stood shoulder to shoulder, chuckling softly as they prepared to head out to the capitol.

 

They took flight and flew faster than the high winds as they made their way to a bloody battle. Within each man raged different emotions, but as one they moved together to the same purpose. To start the long and hard fight of ridding Freeza and his foul stain upon the Universe. They flew on.

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you for reading! I apologise deeply for those that I left waiting so long for an update, wasn't my intention to be gone so long. If you have any criticism, or any ways I can improve then feel free to email me, I'd love to hear from you :)