Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ Time & Tide ❯ Beauty and the Beast ( Chapter 10 )

Chapter Ten

Needless to say, Vaya was thrilled to find her father still alive and hugged him tight. Frieza's men lay strewn across the battlefield with holes, scars and blood gaping and dripping from their dead bodies. They had defeated Frieza's men! A feat no one ever thought possible had just been achieved! This was cause for celebration, but not at the moment. After being reunited with his daughter and soul-son, Sdhoirm explained the plan to saiiyans as he had explained to Zafira.
"But isn't that dangerous?" Vaya asked with worry. Sdhoirm nodded, "Yes, but it has to be done or we will never be free from Frieza."
Vaya sighed while Vegeta put a hand on her shoulder. Sdhoirm turned to Zafira as she began to give command, "We will all attack Frieza's ship at once. Granted it'll be difficult due to the manpower of his ship, but with our moon defenses, it should be no problem." The soldiers could not help but grin maliciously. Flying so close to the moon would definitely have a strong affect on them. In their oozaru forms, they would be formidable opponents to Frieza. They'd rip his ship apart!
"But don't take the situation for granted, Frieza still has more men on that ship and fighter shuttles within it so he'll still have a few defenses left. While you fight off the remainder of his men, Sdhoirm and I will sneak back on board the ship and take down Frieza and his generals personally," the queen commanded and her soldiers listened intently.

The Tagnik-zur were circling in the sky on the backs of the giant Eagles, waiting for the next plan of action. Sdhoirm flew up to the largest of them, which apparently was flying Karlock, the leader of the Eagle People. Since the Tagnik-zur did not speak the same language as the Saiyans, and Sdhoirm was fluent in more languages than he cared to count, he relayed Zafira's message for their flying allies. At once a fierce war-cry echoed among them all.

~*~
"AAAAAAHHHH!!!!" Frieza screamed in anger as he killed the members of his crew at the computers and monitors. He finally managed to calm himself down, stopping his killing spree and leaving only three survivors.
"What do your readings detect now?" Frieza asked in a deathly calm voice. The men cautiously turned their backs on him to observe their readings. They all looked as if death were standing before each of them.
"WELL?" Frieza asked, growing irritated.
"S-Sir..um..the saiiyans.." one man started as he turned back around.
"What about them?!" Frieza yelled, causing the men to flinch. He took a death breath, "They're coming this way..sir."

Frieza came floating through the corridors on his capsule in an angry huff, stopping before a few soldiers.
"Send the fighter shuttles out and prepare to fight. It seems those apes have decided to bring the battle here," Frieza ordered before floating off.
"And tell someone to clean up that mess in the control room."
The men all looked at each other incredulously and cautiously approached the doors to the control room. As they sild open, sparks crackled and fizzed from ripped wires and dead bodies and limbs were scattered all over the place, their blood stained the walls and monitors while the monitors themselves had been wrecked and shattered. The entire control room was destroyed.

~*~
"We're picking up fighter shuttles headed this way, your highness."
"Good, prepare for battle," the queen ordered as she placed a visor over her eyes and tossed away her scouter. They had gotten within range of the defensive moons and soldiers were already beginning to change. Sdhoirm flew by his queen's side while their children followed not too far behind, placing on their visors. The visors were made from a special transparent element that seemed to block the moon's rays from their vision. Frieza's shuttles began to slow immediately and began firing as giant apes threw theirs fists at them, crushing them like aluminum cans.

~*~
Frieza paced back and forth, realizing that they were bringing the battle to him. He should've destroyed those damned monkeys when he had they chance. He always knew they'd be trouble someday. The fact that their blasted race grew stronger with every injury made him wonder how long before they'd be a threat to him.
Well, they're a threat now, he thought in annoyance. And he was positive that their little queen was on her way to face him. He chuckled. The battle would still end in his favor, even if he had lost so many men. He could always recruit more. He had never suspected that Zafira, his own general would turn on him. She seemed so loyal. Of course, it was easy to question one's loyalty when they've lived amongst those saiiyans for so long. Well, the little bitch would get hers today. For her betrayal, she would meet her death at her master's hands and then no one would stand in their way! He would've just sent Zarbon, but he'd recently noticed that he'd taken a liking the queen and it proved to be a problem. He knew that Zarbon had high hopes of keeping the queen for himself after the war was over, but it was obvious that that would never work out. Frieza turned at hearing the sound of his automatic doors sliding open and a familiar scent filling his senses. His lips curled in an upturned smirk.

~*~
They were sprinting down the halls, blasting anything that didn't look saiiyan. So far they were only a few meters away from Frieza's place.
"You two be careful now," Zafira said into her scouter.
"Don't worry mother, we will," her son replied. Vegeta and Vaya had separated from their parents to take out the remaining soldiers on the ship and perhaps blow up a few things while their parents took care of the evil Tsiru-jin. Of course, if things didn't go in their favor, the two would immediately turn back and be at their parents' side.
Upon their running, Sdhoirm began to slow down.
"What are you doing?" Zafira asked, the two stopping and the queen facing her new-found mate.
"Like I promised, I have to get my sword back," Sdhoirm said, stopping before one of the doors. Zafira's face had worry written all over it and she sighed, walking up to him.
"Please, come back to me alive," she said. Sdhoirm couldn't help but smile and pulled her into an embrace, covering her lips with his own. The two reluctantly pulled away.
"I'll return, my love," Sdhoirm said with a smirk before heading inside the room. Zafira sighed and sprinted ahead before finally reaching her destination: Frieza's quarters.

~*~
Vegeta and Vaya were still running through the halls of Frieza's immense ship. Soldiers dropped at their feet as they passed, destroying everything in their path. Suddenly, they turned a corner and ran right into Kakarrot and Chi-Chi.
The two Junior Elites were a mess. Their armor was cracked from many blows. Chi-Chi had cuts all along her arms and face, and Kakarrot's right knuckles were busted wide open. They were both breathing hard, but they looked like they were having the time of their lives.
"What are you guys doing here?" Vegeta asked in bewilderment.
"The queen gave orders, you were all supposed to stay out and fight Frieza's men!" Vaya said.
Kakarrot smirked. "Oh, come on. You didn't really expect us to let you two have all the fun."
"Besides, we'll stick together, no matter what!" Chi-Chi added enthusiastically.
Vaya and Vegeta glanced at their friends, then at each other. They grinned.
"All right," Vegeta smirked. "Let's go!"
The four of them took off again down the corridors.

~*~
The halls were utterly silent. Every sense at Sdhoirm's command was tense and alert. If anything happened suddenly, he swore he would be ready for it...He would die before he was trapped again. He pulled up his hood, covering his face in shadow once more.
He came to a dark room. Something about this place made Sdhoirm suspicious. He put his head cautiously through the doorway, surveying the interior. Keen night vision pierced the gloom. Suddenly, he caught a familiar scent, mixed with the smell of...
Bright metal! Only my sword is forged of that light, magic-made stuff! Sdhoirm thought excitedly.
But he had recognized the other scent as well. Someone was in there, waiting for him...Someone who he had a score to settle with...
Sdhoirm slipped quietly into the room. Immediately the door slammed shut and barred behind him.
Sdhoirm didn't even twitch. He was expecting that. It would not affect the outcome of the fight.
Suddenly the room was flooded with light. It was entirely bare, except for a vast array of weapons covering one wall. There was also another door on the opposite side of the room. That one, too, was locked and barred. But Sdhoirm's attention was not focused on the doors, or even the weapons. He was watching the figure in the back.
Zarbon gave him a sly smile. Sdhoirm's sword was tied at his waist.
"So...I assume you have come looking for me?" the green general asked. "I can't imagine what quarrel we would have, but I don't need a reason to destroy."
He doesn't know, Sdhoirm realized in surprise. He doesn't know who I am!
Lowering his head slightly, Sdhoirm made his voice soft, so that it would be harder to recognize. "I've come to take the sword."
Zarbon seemed surprised. He looked at the sword at his belt, smiled, and turned back to the person at the opposite end of the room. "This? You, my friend, have a better chance of sprouting wings than you do of getting this sword from me."
Sdhoirm hesitated. Then he spread his arms and gave Zarbon a friendly smile, walking towards him slowly. "Let me explain."
"There is nothing to explain," Zarbon shrugged. "You're trying to take what I've rightfully stolen."
"Perhaps...an arrangement can be reached?" Sdhoirm asked slyly, still walking forward.
Zarbon narrowed his eyes dangerously. "There will be no arrangement. And you're killing yourself."
Sdhoirm stopped dead, although he really did not fear Zarbon in the slightest. He folded his arms. "But if there can be no arrangement, then we are at an impasse."
"It appears so," Zarbon nodded, getting slightly suspicious. "I can't compete against your army, and you're no match for my blade."
"You're that good?" Sdhoirm questioned lightly.
Zarbon sneered. "Let me put it this way...Have you ever heard of Sdhoirm, the Saiyan Master of Swords?"
"Yes."
"A defeated weakling."
"Really." A faint smile just barely touched Sdhoirm's lips. "In that case I suggest a Battle of Blades."
"For the sword?" Zarbon asked.
Sdhoirm nodded.
"To the death?"
The Saiyan nodded again.
"I accept." Zarbon smiled, clearly confident in his ability to win. He drew the sword.
Sdhoirm nodded, his dark eyes glittering. "Good." He walked over to the wall and calmly chose another sword, long and thin and sturdy. "Now...the Battle of Blades has begun. It ends when you begin and we both fight, and find out who is the master...and who is dead."
Zarbon's smile became even more evil, and he took a fighting stance. "I hope that you do not mind dying in pain."
Sdhoirm's arms remained at his sides. He lifted his head. "Life is pain. Anyone who says differently is selling something."
Zarbon chuckled. "You seem a decent fellow. I hate to kill you."
Sdhoirm gave him a tiny smile. "You seem a decent fellow. I hate to die."
Zarbon nodded. "Begin."
Without another word he charged at Sdhoirm, and the Battle of Blades was on.
The two combatants fought their way across the slick metal floor, swords flashing, bringing to bear any skill they needed. Zarbon continually tried to press the attack, and while it was true that his skills were greater than Sdhoirm had anticipated, he did not realize that it was the Saiyan who was controlling the fight. Wheeling and spinning, leaping and somersaulting with astonishing ease, Sdhoirm performed every move faultlessly, infuriating Zarbon as the fight wore on. Sdhoirm's agility and dexterity allowed him to easily keep his adversary at bay, constantly attacking while at the same time effectively blocking the counterattacks.
Sdhoirm could easily have won the fight from the beginning. But he didn't want to. It had been far too long since he had had a real swordfight, and he was having so much fun. What made it even more amusing was the fact that Zarbon could not understand why none of his moves were getting through. His strength was wearing down, while his opponent was as energetic as ever.
Suddenly, Sdhoirm pulled a move that was too fast for Zarbon to counter, and fire seared through his shoulder as the thin blade struck through armor and skin. Zarbon flew backwards from the force of the blow and slumped against the wall, blood dripping from more than one wound. But he gave Sdhoirm a grin that was utterly evil.
"You are wonderful," he said graciously, with a nod in Sdhoirm's direction.
Sdhoirm bowed with a sweep of his arm. "Thank you. I've worked hard to become so."
"I admit it, you are better than I am," Zarbon said.
Sdhoirm was not worried in the least. "Then why are you smiling?"
Zarbon's grin became even wider. "Because I know something you don't," he said, his voice soft and dangerous.
"What is that?"
Zarbon got slowly to his feet, his hand still gripping the magnificent sword tightly. "I have yet to transform."
Sdhoirm raised his eyebrows in surprise. Zarbon's entire body tensed.
Then, his muscles bulged to twice their original size. His formerly flawless skin was now covered with warts, and his face was horribly disfigured to the face of a giant frog. Sdhoirm couldn't believe it. Zarbon was hideous.
The Zarbon monster laughed, and his voice was rough and evil. "Do you see, now, what you are up against?" he roared. "You have no chance at all!"
Sdhoirm did not reply; he merely tightened his grip on the sword he had chosen and prepared to fight.
As they began once again to strike blow for blow, Sdhoirm was all too aware of Zarbon's renewed strength and determination. The fight had gone on for too long. He decided to end it once and for all.
Zarbon's eyes were wild, filled with a mad joy in his knowledge that he was going to win. He struck again and again at his opponent, who no longer had time to counterattack.
Sdhoirm knew that the fight was turning against him. But suddenly he was hit with a realization.
Zarbon's skill had not improved. He may have been stronger and faster than before, but he was still inferior when it came to swordplay. And his new power was nothing. Sdhoirm could beat him easily.
Without warning, Zarbon raised the sword and cut downward at Sdhoirm's head with a cry of triumph.
And stopped completely.
At the last second Sdhoirm had brought his own sword up, blocking the slice blade for blade. The swords were crossed, and the metal screeched as they ground against each other.
Zarbon pressed harder and harder on the swords, pushing Sdhoirm down, forcing him to sink to the floor. Zarbon's teeth were bared, sweat and blood mixing across his muscles. Sdhoirm inhaled sharply as he fought to keep the attack blocked.
"I think...there's something...I ought to tell you," he gasped through clenched teeth.
"Tell me," Zarbon hissed malevolently, adding more pressure.
Sdhoirm smiled. "I am the Saiyan Master of Swords."
Zarbon gasped.
With a burst of strength that dwarfed his power thus far, Sdhoirm flung Zarbon back as if he had been nothing. Zarbon barely had time to react before Sdhoirm shot a blast of energy directly at the general's face. Zarbon quickly swung the stolen sword and knocked the ki ball away. But that was all the time Sdhoirm needed to phase behind him, flip the sword out of his hands, and blast him against the far wall.
Zarbon coughed up blood on the floor. His eyes wide with amazement and frustration, he pulled himself to his feet, and turned back to his enemy.
Sdhoirm had pulled back his hood. His eyes were narrowed and smoldering with hatred, and his sword was now back in his hand. The blade was pointed straight at Zarbon's chest.
Zarbon began to choke on his own anger. "YOU!" he roared. "How...how...HOW??"
Sdhoirm merely smiled, his expression as cold and empty as space itself. For the first time, Zarbon felt a trace of fear.
"Oh, it's complicated," Sdhoirm said softly. "A rather long story. Normally, I would stop to tell you about it, but it appears that your time has run out."
Zarbon's eyes went wide and he started to move, but it was too late. The blade of Sdhoirm's recovered sword caught him directly in the midsection, piercing through armor and flesh and bone. Zarbon gasped as the blade entered him, stiffening with the impact, then taking a small step back as it was withdrawn. He stood motionless for an instant, staring at Sdhoirm in rage and disbelief, fighting against the shock of the killing blow. Then his eyes clouded, his arms lowered, and he dropped to his knees and slumped forward on the floor.
Sdhoirm watched his enemy die, turn lifeless and cold on the metal floor. His entire body relaxed. It was over. Only one more battle left to fight.
Please...Zafira...please still be alive, Sdhoirm prayed as he raced down the corridors of Frieza's ship, his sword still shining in his hand.