Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ Stolen Past, Stolen Future ❯ Chapter One ( Chapter 1 )

Stolen Past, Stolen Future

Chapter One

"Sire," called a bloodied solider as he rushed forward toward the throne where the old king sat.

"Zanik," exclaimed the elderly king rising as his trusted solider came forward to kneel before him. "Why have you've left the battle field? Are we not at war anymore?"

"I'm sorry sire," replied the seasoned soldier. He stood removing his helmet, "King, I'm sorry to inform you, but we've lost squadrons six through eight to the Theoric."

"Squadrons six through eight, Zanik." The king fell back onto his cushioned throne. "Great Zyfare, there must have been at least two-hundred men in each fleet." The king took a wiry hand and rubbed his face.

"Two-hundred and fifty to be exact, sire," informed Zanik as he waited for his liege's command. When none came, he forged ahead to the other purpose that brought him before the sovereign. "We are running out of men on the front, King Das'ni. I request that we draw more men from the villages and cities."

King Das'ni let out a fierce growl as he propelled his heavy body off the throne. "I just lost seven-hundred and fifty men, and you want more!" The King began to pace. "Theoric promised to destroy us Zu'uns, and now it seems he shall. No matter how many men I send after him we are defeated! And then you, Zanik, come to me and ask for more men to die in battle. What am I to tell the wives, daughter, and mothers, when they come?"

"Forgive me sire, for lack of compassion." He bowed his head and spread his arms out, "I am what you see: a soldier forged and scarred in battle."

Das'ni let out a hard breath. "It is not you that I yell at Zanik, for I know you are a worthy soldier, loyal subject to both me and Zyfare. It is I who I speak out against, for I wear the crown and ultimately take all failures and successes."

"With all due respect King Das'ni, I would like to contradict you," said Zanik as he raised his head. "This time I will take all the failure upon my head. It was I who did not anticipate Theoric's move in battle, subsequently I led many men to their deaths."

"No, it was not you Zanik, you are good man like your father was," said the king as he moved down the steps toward the young soldier. "It was me because I took Theoric's threats lightly. Now my conscience must bear the guilt of having those men lives taken from them." He laid a gentle hand upon his shoulder, "Come let us go pray to Zyfare, and see what instruction he can provide us with."

"Yes, my lord," Zanik bowed and moved to the side to let his liege walk before him.

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"Prince Zeric," called the King upon approaching the archways that led to the secrete hall of the God Zyfare.

"Father," called back Zeric as the king approached with his loyal subject in tow. "I have heard news of the tremendous loss on the battlefield and have come to pray to our lord Zyfare for a swift judgment for those who lost their lives. And to ask for the heavy burden to be lifted from your shoulders at such a moment."

"You are a good son," replied Das'ni with an indulgent smile. "And one day you will make an excellent king. I only wish I could be here to witness such an event."

The young prince walked forward and clasped his father's hands. "How many times have I told you that I will not accept the old custom and demand that you be there for my coronation?" He held up a hand stopping his father's automatic response, "But now is not the time to argue over something so trivial." Zeric waved his hand before the great doors and watched them scrape open. "It is time to pray for guidance."

As they walked forward the King turned to Zanik, "Please wait here, and guard the doors. Theoric's spies are everywhere."

Zanik bowed to the royals and took up an alert stance in front of the great doors as they swung close.

"Lights," called the king as the doors shut behind him. He moved toward a large bowl on a stand to his right.

"Great Zyfare," gasped the young prince as he gaped at the empty pedestal in the brightened chamber.

The king turned from washing his hands in the blessed water to spin around at his son's gasp only to confront the sight that stole the breath from his heir. "The statue of God Zyfare is missing!"

"I'll alert the guards immediately," called the prince spinning his heals. His long black coat swirled around his legs.

"Do not!" commanded a voice inside the secrete chamber.

"Who's there," called back the King. He drew his sword. "Theoric?"

"No," laughed the voice as footsteps were heard in the chamber coming closer to the two royals.

"Father," called Zeric as he pushed the old monarch behind him drawing his own weapon. "Go and get Zanik, Father, I'll protect you."

"You will not move an inch King Das'ni," called the voice as it approached.

"Great Zyfare," breathed the king and prince as they both lowered their swords upon finally seeing the commanding voice. Standing before them dressed in long black robes was their god--brought to life.

The figure nodded. "Yes, it is I, Zyfare. God of this planet, and guardian of the Zu'uns." He watched as they both kneeled before him. "Rise children of my seed. I have come to help you. Many years I have watched over this planet and never until this day have felt such a deep sadness when all those fighting men were called to me. I can no longer be content to just watch you."

"God Zyfare," said the king as he stepped forward. "Zanik is still a young man, and new to being a general of so many men at once. I assure you, he is an excellent warrior. However, Theoric is leading his men into battle and he has much more experience than Zanik."

Zyfare materialized a chair and sat down. "I am aware of that Das'ni. Just as I am aware of that if my children continue down the path they have chosen it will mean sure extinction. This war must be stopped. And it must be stopped now."

Prince Zeric moved forward. "If we stop this war Great Zyfare, then Theoric will wipe us out leading us down toward extinction anyway."

"I am aware of that also, Zeric," stated Zyfare. "I have materialized before you to give you personal guidance, although forbidden, I have chosen to impart this knowledge to you regardless."

Forbidden? The king and prince stared at each other before giving their attention back to Zyfare. "Great Zyfare, we are humbled that you would impart such secretive information to us who are not worthy."

Zyfare nodded. "Now gather close and listen well, for I will not interfere again to repeat these words." When the royals move closer to him. "In another quadrant there use to live a warrior race named the Saiyajins…"

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When the great doors to the secrete hall swung open Zanik spun around to greet his liege lord. "Sire," he said bowing. "Were you able to receive guidance from God Zyfare?"

"Yes Zanik," replied the king as he rubbed at his beard trying to digest the information he'd just been handed. "I have received invaluable advice from Great Zyfare."

"So, are we going to do it Father," inquired Zeric standing behind the king. "To leave the throne empty--"

King Das'ni raised a hand. "It will not be empty I will sit on it, but you however are going in my place. If I go and leave you on the throne Theoric will know something is wrong. He will certainly come at us full force. However, if I send you, my heir, off then he'll ignore it. It is I who he is ultimately trying to kill, therefore he should leave you in peace should you leave our planet." The King began to walk ahead leaving the prince and Zanik to follow him.

"You majesty," implored Zanik. "I don't quite follow. What is happening here?"

The king stopped and turned. "Forgive me Zanik. You will be accompanying Prince Zeric on a great mission to retrieve a warrior to help us win this battle."

"M-M-Mission?" Stuttered Zanik. "Sire, have you forgotten that we are in the middle of a war? I am general and can't leave during the battle."

"Oh, but you can," replied the King as he stopped a passing servant. "Have a ship readied for my son. He is going on a mission." The servant nodded and hurried off to do his bidding. "No, Zanik I haven't forgotten that we are in the middle of a war. That is why I send you to retrieve a most important warrior that will lead us to great victory. I want no further questions or objections from either of you. While I am still King both of you will obey."

Prince Zeric and Zanik reluctantly bowed to the king.

"Good, now go pack and make plans, I have to meet with advisors." King Das'ni walked away.

"So, Prince Zeric," questioned Zanik when the king moved out of earshot. "Where is our impromptu trip headed and what 'great' warrior are we getting," his voice held a sense of sarcasm.

Prince Zeric slid emerald green eyes over Zanik at his sarcastic tone. "We are headed to some far off planet called Earth. And the warrior we are after is named Prince Vegeta."

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End. Created [09/16/01] and Finished [09/16/01]. That's the end of chapter one, or should it be the prologue. Heh, I never know when to write one. So coming next time: The Beach. Okay guys, by now you should know the drill, so send them to me at: pmchivas@hotmail.com or leave a message. Dark Shadow Princess.