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Chapter 43 - The Imperial Meeting

The command bridge of the imperial vessel hummed with tension as it approached the throne world.

Through the massive viewport, the seven planets of the Imperial Capital system were visible, orbiting a brilliant blue star.

The closest planet - the throne world itself - gleamed like a polished gem against the blackness of space.

Toji stood at the center of the bridge, arms crossed, the mechanical breathing of his Vader suit providing a steady rhythm to the otherwise silent room.

Megumi floated contentedly in a ki bubble beside him, occasionally reaching out toward the colorful displays of the ship's instruments.

"Everyone," Toji's voice echoed in the minds of his companions. "Final review before we arrive."

Goku, who had been fidgeting with his Saiyan armor, perked up at the telepathic communication. "Do we really need all this formality? Can't we just talk to this Cold guy normally?"

"YES!" came the unanimous telepathic response from Vegeta, Nappa, and Bulma.

"Kakarot, you fool," Vegeta's mental voice carried his trademark disdain. "This isn't some backwater gathering. This is the Imperial Court - the center of power for seventy percent of the known universe."

"One wrong move," Nappa added grimly, "one breach of protocol, and it could be interpreted as an insult. Trust me, you don't want to insult the Cold family at the heart of their power. We are not here for war. Especially since we don't know how powerful Cold really is."

Bulma's mental voice carried unmistakable excitement despite her attempt at seriousness. "Besides, this is fascinating! We're about to witness alien royal protocols that no human has ever seen before. Think of the anthropological significance!"

"The what now?" Goku asked.

"Never mind," Toji cut in. "Just remember what we discussed. Address King Cold as 'Your Majesty' and Freeza as 'Your Highness' or 'Empress.' Don't speak unless spoken to. And above all-" His mental voice hardened. "-remember why we're here. Megumi is the priority. Everything else is secondary."

As if sensing he was being discussed, Megumi gurgled happily in his bubble, tiny hands reaching toward his father.

A sudden shiver ran through several of the crew members on the bridge. One of them rubbed his arms, breath becoming visible in the increasingly cold air.

"Commander Salza," a technician called out, "the environmental systems are malfunctioning. Temperature is dropping rapidly."

Salza frowned, moving to check the readouts himself. "Run a diagnostic," he ordered. "This shouldn't be happening."

Dore and Neiz exchanged concerned glances as they too began to feel the chill. The massive green warrior's breath formed small clouds as he exhaled. "System shows normal," he reported. "No malfunction detected."

Salza's eyes widened slightly as realization dawned. His gaze shifted to the imposing black figure standing motionless at the center of the bridge.

The cold wasn't coming from any system failure - it was emanating from Lord Toji himself.

The temperature continued to drop as they approached the throne world. Frost began forming on metal surfaces throughout the ship.

But it wasn't just physical cold - there was a pressure, an overwhelming sense of authority that seemed to permeate the very air.

"We're receiving landing coordinates from the Imperial Palace," the navigation officer announced, voice trembling slightly - whether from cold or intimidation, it was impossible to tell.

Salza straightened his posture, forcing composure. "Prepare for final approach," he commanded. "Alert all crew members to be ready for landing procedures."

As the ship began its descent toward the throne world, nervous energy permeated the vessel. They were about to present their new Lord to the true Emperor of the Universe.

-------------------------

Grand Marshal Talon surveyed the ceremonial reception hall with critical eyes.

At ten feet tall with iridescent scales and four arms, he cut an imposing figure even among the elite Imperial Royal Guard he commanded.

Each of his four hands held a different weapon - symbols of his mastery over all forms of combat.

"The eastern banners are two inches too low," he barked, his voice resonating through the cavernous space. "Fix them immediately!"

Servants scrambled to adjust the hanging banners, which displayed the Cold Dynasty emblem - a stylized representation of their family's bio-gems set against a field of white.

The reception hall was a monument to imperial power.

Columns carved from materials harvested from a thousand different worlds supported a ceiling so high it seemed to disappear into shadow.

Between the columns stood trophies from conquered civilizations - artifacts, weapons, and occasionally preserved specimens of particularly interesting species.

The floor was polished black stone that reflected the light from crystal chandeliers, each containing a miniature star at its center. The effect was both beautiful and intimidating - precisely as intended.

A servant approached Talon, bowing deeply. "Grand Marshal, His Majesty has requested that the visitors be brought directly to him in the Sovereign Chamber upon arrival."

Talon frowned. "That bypasses traditional court procedures. The visitors should first be presented to the Imperial Regents, then the High Council, before-"

"His Majesty was most insistent," the servant interrupted, then immediately paled at his own boldness.

Talon raised one hand, and the servant flinched. But the Grand Marshal merely stroked his scaled chin thoughtfully. "Very well. His Majesty's will supersedes protocol."

As he turned to issue new orders to his guards, Talon noticed his breath had become visible. The temperature in the reception hall was dropping rapidly, frost forming on the metallic surfaces of the trophies and weapons displays.

"Check the environmental systems," he commanded a nearby technician. "Something is malfunctioning."

"All systems show normal, Grand Marshal," the technician replied after consulting his device. "There's no-"

"This is not a malfunction," Talon realized aloud, his four hands instinctively tightening on his weapons. "This is a demonstration."

He had felt such cold only once before - when in the presence of King Cold himself at his most displeased. But this was different - rawer, less controlled, yet equally powerful.

"They approach," Talon announced to his guards. "Show no weakness. The honor of the Imperial Guard is at stake."

---------------------------

In his private chamber adjacent to the Sovereign Room, King Cold stood before a holographic display.

The projection showed various recorded footage of Toji Fushiguro - his battle against Freeza on Namek, his casual dismissal of the Ginyu Force, the power readings that had shattered the flagships' equipment.

Cold's expression remained unreadable as he studied the data, his massive frame perfectly still except for the occasional swish of his tail.

Unlike his children, who often displayed their emotions openly, Cold had mastered the art of the imperial mask - revealing only what he wished others to see.

A servant entered, bowing so low his forehead nearly touched the floor. "Your Majesty, the ship has entered the atmosphere. They will be landing momentarily."

Cold dismissed the holographic display with a wave of his hand. "Very well. I shall receive them in the Sovereign Chamber."

As the servant departed, Cold allowed himself a small smile. The temperature in his chamber had been steadily dropping for the past several minutes.

An interesting approach from his future son-in-law - subtle yet unmistakable, announcing his presence through power rather than mere words.

Slowing down the movement of the air, through the envelopment of the entire planet in his Ki- creating this cold, like he himself sometimes loved to do.

(Though he preferred to slow down the blood flow, and have the offender feel their organs collapse from the cold and slowly suffocate to death. But this is good, this shows creativity and control.) 

Perhaps this human would truly prove worthy of the Cold Dynasty beyond even his children.

-----------------------------

The royal landing pad stretched before the massive ship like a welcoming hand. Designed to accommodate vessels ten times larger than the one currently descending, it featured the Cold Dynasty emblem inlaid in precious metals across its surface.

An honor guard of fifty elite warriors stood in perfect formation, their breath forming clouds in the increasingly cold air. Despite their training, several shifted uncomfortably as frost began to form on their armor.

With a hiss of hydraulics, the ship settled onto the landing pad. For a long moment, nothing happened. Then, with theatrical timing, a ramp extended from the vessel's underside, a red carpet unfurling along its length.

Before anyone appeared, the sound of mechanical breathing echoed across the landing pad - a rhythmic, artificial respiration that seemed to fill the space with a ominous feeling.

Then a figure appeared at the top of the ramp - tall, imposing, clad entirely in black. The helmet concealed all features, reflecting the light of the blue star overhead. A cape billowed behind him despite the lack of wind, as if moved by some unseen force.

Lord Toji began his descent, each step measured and deliberate. The temperature dropped further with every footfall, frost spreading across the landing pad's surface in his wake.

Behind him walked four figures in formation: a blue-haired woman in Saiyan armor carrying a small infant, two Saiyan warriors in traditional battle gear, and a third Saiyan whose cheerful expression seemed at odds with the solemnness of the situation.

At a respectful distance behind them came Salza, Neiz, and Dore, their heads bowed in deference.

As Toji reached the bottom of the ramp, Grand Marshal Talon stepped forward. Despite towering over the black-clad figure, the four-armed warrior felt strangely small in his presence.

The cold emanating from Toji was now intense enough that the metal components of Talon's armor had begun to crack from the stress.

"Lord Toji," Talon greeted, his voice steady despite his discomfort. "I am Grand Marshal Talon, Commander of the Imperial Royal Guard. His Majesty King Cold awaits you in the Sovereign Chamber."

The breathing continued for several seconds before Toji responded, his voice deep and resonant through the modulator: "Lead on, Grand Marshal."

Talon inclined his head and turned, leading the procession toward the palace. The honor guard fell in behind them, many visibly trembling - whether from cold or fear, it was impossible to tell.

The journey through the Imperial Palace was a deliberate display of the Cold Empire's power and reach.

Corridors stretched for what seemed like miles, their walls adorned with artifacts. Ceilings soared to impossible heights, supported by columns carved from very strong materials.

Bulma's eyes darted everywhere, mentally cataloguing everything. "That appears to be a quantum stabilization field," she telepathically commented to the others as they passed a shimmering barrier. "And those lights - they're not using electricity or any fuel source I can identify."

"Focus, woman," Vegeta's mental voice cut in. The Saiyan prince walked with rigid posture, his eyes constantly scanning for potential threats.

Every corridor, every chamber they passed through was assessed for tactical advantages and escape routes.

The universe was large, the Ginyu Force though stated to be the most elite force of the Empire, did not mean that, that was necessarily true. King Cold was the most unknown being in the Empire, whether perhaps he had his own elite squad was unknown.

But it was something Vegeta took into account anyway.

Goku, meanwhile, struggled to maintain the formal demeanor Vegeta had drilled into him during their journey.

His natural inclination to wave at passing servants or comment on interesting sights was suppressed only through constant reminders from the others.

"This place is huge!" he mentally exclaimed. "How does anyone find their way around?"

"It's designed to be confusing," Nappa explained, surprising everyone with his insight.

"Makes it harder for assassins to navigate. The Cold Family is not in the mood to constantly have to kill intruders, they want them dead before they even get close. I heard rumors about it during my time in Freeza's army before Planet Vegeta was destroyed."

At the last words, Nappa's hands clenched in a fist, his mental words full of rage and bitterness.

The honor guards took note of it, deciding to keep an eye on him.

As they progressed deeper into ithe palace, guards and courtiers dropped to one knee as Toji passed.

The mechanical breathing and the cold aura that accompanied him had spread his reputation ahead of the procession.

Megumi, cradled in Bulma's arms - both of them protected in a Ki barrier by Toji from the Cold and any possible attack - seemed fascinated by the spectacle.

His violet eyes tracked the movement of light across surfaces, occasionally reaching toward particularly shiny objects.

Finally, they reached a corridor that ended in massive obsidian doors. Inlaid within the black stone were bio-gems identical to those on Freeza's form.

"The Sovereign Chamber," Grand Marshal Talon announced, his four hands performing a complex gesture that caused the massive doors to swing open silently.

Beyond lay a chamber of impossible vastness - so large that its far walls were barely visible, lost in the atmosphere that filled the upper reaches of the room.

The ceiling appeared to be open to space itself, the blue star of the system visible directly overhead.

And there, seated upon a throne of black crystal that seemed to absorb light rather than reflect it, was King Cold.

Even seated, the King's presence dominated the chamber. His bio-armor gleamed with mirror polish, his horns curved majestically from his head. His tail lay coiled beside the throne, occasionally twitching subtly with movement.

As Toji entered, Cold did something unexpected - he rose to his feet. The gesture was not lost on the imperial courtiers who lined the walls of the chamber, their gasps audible even across the vast space.

The King stood for no one.

Toji advanced alone, his companions remaining at the entrance as instructed.

The mechanical breathing echoed throughout the chamber as he approached the throne, stopping at precisely the correct distance - not so close as to seem presumptuous, not so far as to appear fearful.

For a long moment, the two simply regarded each other - Cold looking down from his impressive height, Toji's mask revealing nothing of his thoughts.

"Lord Toji Fushiguro," Cold finally spoke, "Welcome to the Imperial Capital."

"Your Majesty," Toji replied, inclining his head slightly - a show of respect without submission. "I accept your welcome."

Cold's lips curved in what might have been amusement. "Few beings stand before me without trembling, Lord Toji. Fewer still maintain their composure while doing so. Your reputation for boldness appears well-deserved."

"I see no reason to fear that which I respect, Your Majesty," Toji responded.

Cold gestured to a servant, who approached bearing a crystalline decanter containing a luminescent blue liquid. "Celestial Nectar, from the Andromeda galaxy," Cold explained. "A traditional welcome for honored guests."

"Your Majesty honors me," Toji replied. "However, I must respectfully decline. My current attire makes consumption... impractical."

Cold studied the mask for a moment, then nodded. "A practical consideration. I respect your commitment to your chosen presentation." He dismissed the servant with a wave.

"Tell me, how fares my grandson? I understand Frost Demon and human physiologies have never before been combined. His development must be fascinating to observe."

Toji considered his response carefully. He sensed no malice in Cold's question - only genuine interest. "Megumi develops rapidly, Your Majesty. His strength already exceeds what would be expected of a human infant. He requires specialized nutrition - standard human milk or formula I believe would prove insuffiencent."

"Indeed," Cold nodded. "Frost Demon infants typically consume foods high in specific mineral compounds. I would be pleased to provide information that might assist in his proper development."

"Such information would be appreciated," Toji acknowledged. He had decided before arriving that when it came to Megumi's well-being, pride would take a back seat to practicality.

"May I see him?" Cold requested, his tone softer than before.

Toji hesitated only briefly before turning toward the entrance. With a gesture, he summoned Bulma forward. She approached at a pace not fast nor slow, Megumi cradled protectively in her arms.

When she reached Toji's side, Cold did something that shocked everyone present - he inclined his head toward Toji in a subtle bow. "With your permission, Lord Toji, I would like to hold my grandson."

The request - phrased as a request rather than a command - represented an unprecedented show of deference from the King. Courtiers along the walls exchanged astonished glances.

Toji nodded once, again sensing no ill intent from his Ki. "You may."

Bulma carefully transferred Megumi to Cold's massive hands. Despite his imposing size, the King handled the infant with gentleness, supporting his head properly as he cradled him.

"He has her eyes," Cold observed, studying Megumi's violet irises. The infant, far from being frightened by the massive being holding him, reached curiously for the bio-gems on Cold's armor.

Cold smiled - a genuine expression rather than the calculated one he typically displayed. "Good. He shows no fear. Fear is useful in subjects, but not in family."

He returned his attention to Toji. "Frost Demon development differs significantly from humans. He will begin speaking within months, walking shortly thereafter. By his first year, he will require formal education befitting his heritage."

"I intend to ensure he receives education appropriate to both sides of his heritage," Toji stated firmly. "He will know of his Frost Demon lineage, but will primarily experience that of Earth and humanity."

'My son will be raised how I want him to be raised. I'll allow him to know his mother, I won't deprive him from that, but he is mine. I decide what I find suitable for him.' Toji thought to himself. 

That being the intent behind his words.

"A acceptable approach," Cold agreed, surprising Toji with his ready acceptance- Cold himself clearly seeing through Toji's hidden meaning.

"Diversity of knowledge can be a strength when properly channeled. I'll make sure to aid in that. For everyone should know as much as one possibly can. Knowledge is the lifeblood of advancement."

'Acceptable. You may raise him wherever you want, however you want. It is your right as the father.'

'But I will make sure he still knows what I want him to know, and I want him to know everything, so that eventually he can make his own decisions. No perspective hidden. Only fools hide from knowledge.' the King thought to himself.

It being the intent behind his response.

Toji slowly nodded in response, also understanding what is intended to be said.

'That is... acceptable.' his own intent behind his nod.

Cold returned Megumi to Bulma, who stepped back to her previous position. "Now," the emperor continued, "let us discuss your position within the Empire. As father to my grandson, you are entitled to significant status. I propose the title of Lord Protector of the Eastern Quadrant - the territories formerly under my son Cooler's jurisdiction."

"And what would this position entail?" Toji asked.

"Authority over approximately twenty percent of the Empire," Cold replied. "Including military command, resource allocation, and governance of several hundred inhabited worlds."

Bulma stepped forward again, this time without Megumi, who had been handed to Goku. "If I may, Your Majesty," she began, her voice steady despite the intimidating situation, "Lord Toji has specific conditions regarding any position within the Empire."

Cold raised an eyebrow but nodded permission for her to continue. "You are?"

"Bulma Briefs, Your Majesty. Chief Scientific Advisor to Lord Toji and heiress to Earth's most advanced technological corporation."

"Proceed, Advisor Briefs," Cold permitted, seeming intrigued by her boldness.

Bulma unfolded a digital tablet. "First, Earth must remain under Lord Toji's direct protection, exempt from imperial taxation and military conscription."

"Second, Lord Toji requires operational autonomy - his decisions within his territory cannot be overridden except by direct order from Your Majesty personally, and that only after thorough discussion to see Lord Toji's perspective beforehand."

As Bulma continued listing conditions - ranging from resource allocation to military deployment rights - Cold listened attentively. His expression revealed nothing, but his tail occasionally twitched with what might have been amusement.

"Third," Bulma continued, "regarding the heir, Megumi Fushiguro: his education will be supervised jointly by Lord Toji and appropriate imperial tutors, with Lord Toji maintaining veto power over curriculum. Megumi will split his time between Earth and the Imperial Capital until he reaches maturity."

"And what of the Empress's role in the child's upbringing?" Cold inquired.

Here Toji spoke directly: "If the Empress wishes involvement in our son's life, she must approach as a mother to her child, not as an empress to a subject. Megumi's well-being transcends imperial hierarchy."

The chamber fell silent at this bold statement. Several courtiers appeared on the verge of fainting at such directness toward the royal family.

Cold studied Toji for a long moment, then surprised everyone by chuckling. "Direct and unyielding where your son is concerned. As it should be." He turned to Bulma. "Continue, Advisor."

Bulma proceeded through several more conditions, including technological exchange protocols, judicial independence, and even cultural preservation guarantees for worlds under Toji's jurisdiction.

When she finished, she stepped back and took back Megumi in her arms.

Cold nodded thoughtfully after hearing everything. "Comprehensive and well-reasoned. Your advisor serves you admirably, Lord Toji."

"She does," Toji agreed simply.

"I find your conditions acceptable," Cold declared. "The Eastern Quadrant shall be yours to govern as Lord Protector, with the autonomy you request. Earth shall remain under your direct protection, and your authority regarding the heir's upbringing shall be respected."

Toji inclined his head in acknowledgment. "Your Majesty is generous."

"Not generous," Cold corrected. "Practical. The Cold Empire has expanded through strength, yes, but also through strategic alliances and recognition of mutual benefit. You possess power worthy of respect, and your son carries our bloodline. Our interests are aligned."

Before Toji could respond, the massive obsidian doors swung open without announcement. All heads turned toward the entrance.

Freeza stood in the doorway, her fifth form resplendent in royal garments that complemented her bio-armor.

Her white hair flowed freely around her shoulders, and her violet eyes - identical to Megumi's - surveyed the chamber with imperial hauteur.

Everyone except Toji, Cold, Vegeta, Nappa, Bulma, and Goku immediately dropped to one knee.

Goku remained standing out of simple confusion about protocol, while Vegeta and Nappa stayed upright out of sheer hatred for their former tormentor.

Bulma refused to kneel before the woman who had abandoned her child - and stolen Toji's heart, whether she admitted it to herself or not.

As Freeza entered, her eyes immediately locked onto Megumi in Bulma's arms.

For the briefest moment, her imperial mask slipped, revealing a complex mixture of emotions - surprise, longing, and then unmistakable jealousy at seeing another woman holding her child.

The flash of emotion was gone almost instantly, her face becoming an impassive royal visage once more. She approached the throne with measured steps, deliberately ignoring Toji's presence.

"Father," she greeted Cold formally, inclining her head.

"Daughter," Cold responded, his tone revealing nothing. "You honor us with your presence."

Freeza's gaze finally turned to Toji, her eyes moving slowly from his boots up to his mask. "What," she asked, her voice dripping with practiced disdain, "is that ridiculous contraption you're wearing, Toji?"

A tense silence followed her casual use of his name without title - a deliberate breach of etiquette that everyone present recognized immediately.

"Your Highness finds my attire... displeasing?" Toji responded formally, the breathing filling the pause between his words.

Freeza circled him slowly, examining the Vader suit with a critical eye. "It looks like you've been swallowed by a particularly tasteless garbage compactor," she remarked, trailing one finger along his cape.

"The breathing apparatus is especially absurd. Are your lungs so weak they require mechanical assistance?"

"On the contrary," Toji countered, "the suit serves its purpose admirably. Its intimidation factor has proven most effective. Not unlike Your Highness's own carefully cultivated appearance."

'Woman, you yourself literally have a two feet tall form, because you need to compensate for how short you are compared to me and everyone else included, what are you even blabbering about? I can dress however I want.' Was basically what Toji was saying.

Freeza's eyes narrowed slightly. "Are you suggesting my form is merely for show, Lord Toji?" The title came with subtle mockery.

'Are you calling me short? How dare you!' was essentially her response behind the formal speech.

"I would never presume to suggest anything about Your Highness's appearance," Toji replied smoothly as he looked down at her 5'8" from his 6'6" with the helmet on. "Merely observing that presentation is a tool we both employ."

'Yeah you are. Look, I'm literally looking down at you.'

"And what exactly are you presenting yourself as?" Freeza asked, completing her circle around him. "Some sort of mechanical monstrosity?"

'At least I'm not compensating intimidation points with some ugly suit!'

"A figure of authority," Toji answered. "One who commands respect through presence rather than merely demanding it."

'Please, it's awesome and everyone knows it. You're the one with no taste.'

Their exchange continued, each response more personal than the last. The formal court speech gradually slipped into their familiar pattern of verbal sparring - a dance of words that was... basically flirting, which everyone could recognize.

"I see your time on Earth has done nothing to improve your fashion sense," Freeza commented, her tail swishing behind her.

"And I see your time in the palace has done nothing to improve your manners," Toji retorted, the mechanical voice somehow conveying dry amusement.

The courtiers watched with increasing discomfort, sensing the obvious tension between them. Bulma held Megumi protectively, uncertain of Freeza's intentions toward the child.

King Cold finally intervened, his voice cutting through their exchange: "I believe Lord Toji's attire is quite appropriate for his new position."

The emphasis on "Lord Toji" was subtle but unmistakable - a reminder to Freeza about proper protocol.

Even as Empress, there were standards of respect to be maintained, particularly toward one worthy of that respect.

"The presentation of power," Cold continued, "is often as important as power itself. Lord Toji understands this principle well."

Freeza recognized her lapse in etiquette - or at least, recognized her father's disapproval of it. She quickly corrected herself, her tone shifting back to formal court speech.

"Of course, Father. Lord Toji's choices are his own." She inclined her head slightly toward Toji. "I meant no disrespect."

The lie was transparent to everyone present, but Cold chose to accept it with a nod. 

King Cold moved from his position, immediately commanding attention. "I believe our guests have had a long journey," he announced, his voice carrying effortlessly across the chamber. "They should be allowed to rest and refresh themselves before further ceremonies."

He gestured to a high-ranking attendant who immediately stepped forward. "See that Lord Toji and his companions are escorted to their quarters in the royal wing. Ensure they have everything they require."

"Yes, Your Majesty," the attendant replied with a deep bow.

Cold turned to Toji. "Tomorrow, we shall formally present you to the Imperial Court. For now, make yourselves comfortable. The palace is at your disposal."

"Your hospitality is appreciated, Your Majesty," Toji responded.

As the attendants prepared to lead Toji's group away, Cold added casually, "Daughter, perhaps you would like to show Lord Toji the royal gardens? They are particularly beautiful under our star's evening light."

Freeza's tail twitched slightly - the only outward sign of her surprise at the suggestion. "Of course, Father," she replied smoothly, though her eyes narrowed almost imperceptibly. "If Lord Toji wishes it."

All eyes turned to Toji, the expressionless mask revealing nothing of his thoughts. After a moment of silence filled only by his breathing, he inclined his head. "It would be an honor, Your Highness."

Cold smiled, satisfaction evident in his eyes. "Excellent. The rest of your companions will be shown to their chambers." He turned to Bulma, who still held Megumi. "Advisor Briefs, the nursery has been prepared adjacent to Lord Toji's quarters. The royal caretakers will assist with anything the heir requires."

Bulma hesitated, glancing at Toji. At his subtle nod, she replied, "Thank you, Your Majesty."

As the group began to disperse, Cold's voice stopped them once more. "One final matter. A formal banquet will be held tomorrow evening to celebrate Lord Toji's appointment and the official recognition of the heir. Attendance is mandatory."

The dismissal was clear. Courtiers bowed deeply as Cold swept from the chamber, his massive frame moving with surprising grace for his size.

Left alone with Freeza, Toji stood motionless, the mechanical breathing the only sound between them.

Neither spoke.

Finally, Freeza turned toward one of the side exits. "The gardens are this way," she stated simply, not looking back to see if he followed.

Toji remained still for a moment longer, then moved after her, his cape billowing behind him as they departed the chamber together.

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(Author note: Well, that took me quite a while, hope it was good.

Also- King Cold not reacting to Goku, I believe to be reasonable with how I showed him last chapter.

He holds no true hatred for Goku for killing Cooler. He's honestly in a way grateful, since this will teach his son a valuable lesson.

Also, how did you like the dramatics- I'm having fun with them. I already stated after all from chapter 0 that Toji is a guy who will use every advantage to break another's focus or confidence when against him- since it weakens their Ki.

Well, I hope to see you all later,

Bye!)

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