Bringer of Death

Cooler Saga - Part 4: Transformation

Cooler Saga - Part 4: Transformation 

Cooler stared down at the prince, surveying the battlefield which held the remains of his squadron. He had expected them to fall, but not so quickly as they had. Vegeta had overcome them all effortlessly without taking the slightest damage. Even Salza's beam sword, a formidable attack against any foe, had been rendered completely useless by the prince. Still, the test had served its purpose; Cooler now had a relative knowledge of Vegeta's strength beyond what his ship's scanners could provide. 

The dust of Salza's remains was still slowly swirling, refusing to settle due to the small gravitational pull of the moon. Vegeta, though surrounded by debris, had not a speck of dirt on him; his invisible aura kept him clean as well as protected. Cooler lowered himself slowly until he was even with the Saiyan, smiling. 

"So good to see you, Prince Vegeta. I must crave your forgiveness for ordering my men to set upon you so clumsily." The tall, slender Frost Demon was cordial and spoke in a diplomatic tone. "I'm sure you'll understand my curiosity; I was afraid I wouldn't be able to see a demonstration of your strength. Your powers are impressive, to be sure. I trust my men didn't cause you any serious inconvenience - they must have been but a mere annoyance for someone who vanquished my brother." 

Vegeta smirked, genuinely amused by Cooler's pretended friendliness. He knew these pleasantries were only a precursor to the impending battle. Still, it wouldn't do to appear hasty. "I confess I was a little offended - your squadron was hardly composed of worthy opponents for warriors such as ourselves." Though he felt such a familiarity was beneath him, he knew that Cooler would feel the same way. 

Sure enough, the jab provoked a momentary frown from the Frost Demon, though he quickly restored his pleasant expression. "So you say. It's fascinating that a Saiyan would place himself in such a high league," he observed. "You're playing with the big boys now, is it?" 

The prince ignored the remark, gazing casually at the gas giant on the horizon. "Tell me, Cooler - just why have you called this meeting? I'm sure it wasn't merely to admire the scenery. You no doubt have business you are simply aching to discuss with me." 

Cooler nodded. "I thought an administrative discussion was in order," he replied. "I think you will hold a prominent role in the reorganized Planet Trade Empire." 

Vegeta lifted his head calmly. "I don't believe that any reorganization is necessary. As you must recall, I have taken Frieza's place...completely. I will allow you to remain in your current position of Viceroy, but certain taxes will likely be levied on the worlds you control - all for the greater good of MY Empire, of course. You may not have answered to Frieza, but you will answer to me. Your brother was content to rest on his rather pathetic laurels, but I will employ a far more direct management style." 

Cooler was immediately incensed at the Saiyan's arrogance. His former politeness gone, he shouted angrily. "How dare you! Our clan is and always will be first in the galaxy! You may have taken my brother by surprise, but I will not be so careless. You will swear your loyalty to me now or I will administer swift and merciless revenge!" 

Vegeta continued to smile, barely containing his excitement. He wondered what kind of fearful expression he might earn when he finally transformed into a Super Saiyan. Would Cooler prove as fun to mock as Frieza had been? He hoped so. 

"I guess you'll just have to make me, Cooler. Although, if you're still as weak as you were the last time you and Frieza sparred, you may want to reconsider. Despite what you may think, I didn't destroy your brother on a fluke. But you're about to find that out for yourself." The prince was completely confident and filled with elation. Finally, the battle he had been waiting for had arrived. Cooler wouldn't quite be the challenge that Frieza was - even Kakarott might have been able to defeat him with his odd kaioken technique - but he was still a Frost Demon of a high enough power level to merit personal attention.