-1 month since meeting Whis
The pre-dawn air in Lord Duskborn's chambers was cold - unnaturally so.
Princess Zara of Astraea moved through the darkness, her amber eyes adjusted to the gloom as she arranged the components of her master's suit on the preparation stand.
She paused at the breathing apparatus, noticing a slight misalignment in the regulator. After yesterday's training session, it needed adjustment.
Her slender fingers worked deftly, calibrating the device that had become essential to Lord Duskborn's survival.
As she worked, memories of Lady Elysia surfaced unbidden. The third servant to collapse last month - a proud daughter of Centauri nobility who had served in the palace for fifteen years without incident.
Zara could still hear her screams.
"Please don't erase me! Please I'll do anything! ANYTHING! Just don't destroy me! DON'T DESTROY MEEEE!"
Lady Elysia had been carried away, still screaming about emptiness and erasure. She never returned to service.
Zara was the only one left now. All other assigned servants by King Cold besides her had either begged for transfers, collapsed from terror, or in the case of Krell - former prince of Arcturus - died of heart failure after standing in Lord Duskborn's presence for too long.
She sensed him before she heard his labored breathing - a subtle pressure in the air, a weight that seemed to press against her mind. The temperature dropped further as the door slid open.
Lord Duskborn entered, his massive frame silhouetted against the corridor light. Even without the suit, he was imposing - six and a half feet of corded muscle and scarred flesh.
The black lightning-like markings on his body seemed to absorb what little light remained in the room.
"Good morning, my lord," Zara said, bowing precisely. "Your suit is prepared."
Lord Duskborn nodded once, approaching the stand. "The regulator?"
"Adjusted, my lord. It should function at optimal levels now."
He studied her for a moment, his dark eyes unreadable. "Your efficiency is... appreciated."
"Thank you, my lord." Zara moved to help him don the suit, a process that had become routine over the past month. "Today's schedule includes a meeting with the Eastern Quadrant governors at midday, followed by-"
"Cancel it," he interrupted, his voice still his own until the helmet would be in place. "I'll be visiting the Terror World to meet with the rebels."
Zara paused, hands hovering over the chest plate. "Understood, my lord. I'll make the necessary arrangements."
She helped him into the complex suit piece by piece, each component locking into place with precision. As the chest plate connected to the life support systems, his breathing eased noticeably.
"Will you require anything special for the meeting with the rebels?" she asked, reaching for the helmet.
"No. Standard diplomatic protocols will suffice."
Zara hesitated, surprising herself with her next words: "May I accompany you, my lord?"
Lord Duskborn turned to her. For an uncomfortable moment, he simply studied her, as if seeing something beyond her physical form.
"Yes," he finally said. "Your presence may prove... useful."
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Two hours later, Zara stood in her quarters, selecting appropriate attire for an imperial diplomatic mission.
She chose the formal indigo uniform of Lord Duskborn's household staff, subtly embroidered with golden celestial patterns - a small reminder of Astraea that had gone unchallenged.
As she braided her long black hair, her mind drifted to that first week after Lord Duskborn's return from battle with what palace whispers called "the Dragon God."
She had been one of twelve servants assigned to the feared Lord Protector. By the third day, only five remained.
On the fourth day, she had watched Krell - who had survived the destruction of his homeworld, the death of his family, and fifteen years of imperial service - simply collapse while standing at attention.
The medical droids had declared it heart failure, but Zara had seen his face in those final moments. Pure terror, his eyes fixed on something only he could see.
Now, she arranged transportation to the Terror World docking bay, moving through the palace corridors ahead of her master. The reactions of the imperial staff were as predictable as they were disturbing.
Guards froze as Lord Duskborn approached, some unable to breathe until he passed. Administrators dropped documents, hands shaking uncontrollably. One officer whispered "please don't erase me" before fainting as the dark figure strode by.
Most disturbing was Lord Duskborn's apparent obliviousness to these reactions. He moved through the palace like a living void, leaving terror in his wake without seeming to notice or care.
At the shuttle bay, the pilot assigned to their transport visibly trembled as Lord Duskborn boarded. His hands shook so badly on the controls that Vegeta, who had joined them along with Nappa, took over with a disgusted grunt.
"Pathetic," the Saiyan prince muttered as he slid into the pilot's seat. "Can't even fly a simple shuttle."
Once they were underway, Zara sat quietly, observing the interaction between Lord Duskborn and the Saiyans.
Unlike others in the palace, they showed respect rather than terror - wary, certainly, but not paralyzed by fear.
"The rebels have been contained in the central command sector," Vegeta reported, hands moving confidently over the controls. "Supreme Commander Stardust and her five lieutenants."
"Their condition?" Lord Duskborn asked, the mechanical breathing of his helmet filling the cabin.
"Unharmed, as you ordered," Nappa replied, his massive frame dwarfing the shuttle's seating. "Though I still don't understand why we're keeping them alive. They tried to destroy the Imperial Capital."
"Their knowledge is valuable," Lord Duskborn stated. "And their technical skills more so."
Zara watched the exchange with interest.
The pragmatic approach was different from traditional Cold family responses to rebellion, which typically involved public executions and planetary decimation as examples.
The conversation reminded her of her childhood encounter with Lord Beerus.
The pressure in the air around Lord Duskborn was similar - a weight of potential destruction that pressed against the mind.
Yet where Beerus had radiated capricious danger, Lord Duskborn's energy felt more... focused.
Forcibly controlled, despite its inherent volatility.
She had recognized it immediately the first time she felt it - not death, but erasure.
Divine energy, or something approaching it.
"The rebels used to control the Terror World," Vegeta continued, bringing Zara back to the present conversation. "They spent decades enhancing and preserving that planetoid as the only weapon capable of destroying entire solar systems."
"And now it belongs to you," Nappa added with a grin. "Poetic justice."
"I intend to offer them positions within my administration," Lord Duskborn stated, causing both Saiyans to look at him in shock.
"You can't be serious," Vegeta protested. "They're terrorists!"
"They're engineers, scientists, and tacticians who nearly succeeded in destroying the Imperial Capital from across the galaxy," Lord Duskborn countered. "I prefer such talents serving me rather than opposing me."
"What about justice for their crimes? I don't care about the others, but we were on the planet too." Nappa countered.
"Justice? It didnt even reach you." The mechanical voice somehow conveyed amusement. "The Cold Empire has destroyed thousands of worlds. These rebels lost their homes, families, and civilizations to imperial expansion. Their perspective on 'justice' likely differs from yours."
"Have you forgotten that your son, Megumi was also on the Throne world then." Vegeta suddenly countered causing all to stiffen, Nappa, the pilot, and Zara herself.
All looking at the Prince like he was insane.
How could he bring that up to the Lord?
Lord Duskborn's left hand clenched imperceptibly, till he relaxed it. "Worry not, I did not say that they will get away unscathed for their actions. I plan to work them till the flesh tears from their bones."
The shuttle then fell silent as they approached the Terror World - a massive planetoid now orbiting the throne world. Zara stared out the viewport, taking in the construct that was supposed to end the Cold Dynasty.
The Terror World's surface was a complex network of machinery, weapons systems, and energy collectors, all integrated into the planetoid's natural structure.
At its center, a massive cannon capable of firing a beam that could traverse galaxies through artificial wormholes.
As they docked, imperial troops lined up in perfect formation to receive them. Unlike the palace staff, these were hardened soldiers - yet their discipline cracked visibly as they heard the famed breathing, and Lord Duskborn descended the ramp.
Several trembled uncontrollably, and one in the back row appeared to be silently weeping.
Commander Rex stepped forward, his decorated uniform immaculate, his posture rigid with military precision. Yet when he spoke, his voice cracked like an adolescent's.
"L-Lord Duskborn," he began, swallowing hard. "W-welcome to the T-Terror World. We are h-honored by your p-presence."
Lord Duskborn stood motionless, the mechanical breathing filling the uncomfortable silence as the commander struggled to continue.
"The r-rebels are s-secured in the c-central command c-chamber as or-ordered," Rex continued, sweat beading on his forehead despite the chill that had descended upon their arrival. "All s-systems are f-functioning at n-ninety-seven p-percent capacity."
Zara could sense Lord Duskborn's patience thinning. The temperature dropped further, and Commander Rex's stuttering worsened.
"We have p-prepared a f-full b-briefing on the w-weapon's c-capabilities and-"
"Commander," Zara smoothly interjected, stepping forward. "Perhaps it would be more efficient to proceed directly to the command center? Lord Duskborn's schedule is quite full today."
Lord Duskborn's helmet turned slightly toward her, then back to the commander. "Lead the way," he commanded.
Relief flooded Commander Rex's face as he nodded gratefully to Zara. "Y-yes, of course. This way, my lord."
As they moved through the Terror World's corridors, Zara noticed something strange. Equipment malfunctioned as Lord Duskborn passed - screens flickered, displaying strange void-like patterns before returning to normal.
Lights dimmed momentarily, and in one corridor, a security camera simply melted as he walked beneath it.
None of the others seemed to care for these anomalies. Not even Lord Duskborn himself.
The central command chamber was a vast circular room dominated by a holographic display of the galaxy. Around it stood six figures - the rebel leadership, bound but standing tall.
Unlike the imperial staff, they showed fear but maintained their composure. Their eyes followed Lord Duskborn as he entered, but none collapsed or begged for mercy.
"Supreme Commander Lyra Stardust," Commander Rex announced, his voice steadier now that he was performing a familiar duty. "General Kaz Demolus. Dr. Nema Whisperwind. Captain Silvertongue. Engineer Rustbucket. And... The Voice."
The green-skinned woman at the center - Lyra Stardust - stepped forward, her scarred face turning into anger. "You." She bit out before she controlled herself. "You're the one who stopped our attack," she said, "The probability of anyone surviving direct contact with the beam was calculated at 0.0073%. For Argos-9."
Lord Duskborn stood silent for a moment, then reached up and removed his helmet. The action surprised everyone present - he rarely showed his face to anyone outside his inner circle.
The rebels stared at the revealed features - handsome despite the diagonal scar that ran from his right temple down past his nose to his left lip.
"I am Lord Duskborn," he stated, his natural voice carrying easily across the chamber. "Lord Protector of the Eastern Quadrant, ruler of one-fifth of the known universe."
"We know who you are," the cyborg Saiyan, General Demolus, responded with a harsh laugh. "The human who slew the Dragon God! The monster who makes imperial officers wet themselves! HA HA HA!"
"General," Lyra cautioned, her eyes never leaving Toji's face. She suddenly turned to Zara, her expression shifting to surprise. "You're... Astraean. I thought we were extinct. For Celestia."
Zara kept her face carefully neutral, though the recognition sent a jolt through her. "Yes, Supreme Commander. I serve Lord Duskborn."
"A princess of Astraea serving the Cold Empire," Lyra observed. "The statistical probability of survival for royal Astraeans was calculated at 2.7%. For Homeworld."
"I survived," Zara replied simply.
Lord Duskborn's attention returned to the rebels. "I've reviewed your attack on the Imperial Capital. Impressive strategy. Nearly flawless execution. Your only miscalculation was the Royal Family's strength."
"The weapon was designed to penetrate any known defense," Dr. Whisperwind said, her voice barely audible. "The energy output was calibrated to... but you don't need to know that part. Your intervention shouldn't have been... possible."
"Yet here we are," Lord Duskborn replied. "Your weapon now orbits the throne world under my command. Your rebellion has failed."
"Just kill us and be done with it," Engineer Rustbucket snapped, her six arms flexing against her restraints. "The probability of survival is 0.0%, my sweet darling weapon. We're all going to die anyway."
"If I wanted you dead, you would be," Lord Duskborn stated. "I have a different proposal."
He gestured, and the holographic display shifted to show the Eastern Quadrant - his territory within the Cold Empire.
"My territory spans thousands upon thousands of worlds, many devastated by centuries of imperial rule. I intend to rebuild them, to create an empire based on development rather than destruction."
Captain Silvertongue's silver eyes narrowed. "The cunning lord presents his offer with honeyed words," he narrated dramatically. "But Captain Silvertongue senses the trap beneath the sweet promise!"
"No trap," Lord Duskborn replied. "Simple pragmatism. Your skills are wasted in execution chambers."
"You expect us to serve the Cold Empire?" Lyra asked incredulously. "After what they did to our worlds? For Argos-9."
"Not the Cold Empire," Lord Duskborn corrected. "Me."
The rebels exchanged glances, confusion evident on their faces.
"What's the difference?" General Demolus demanded, his cybernetic eye glowing red.
"The difference," Lord Duskborn explained, "is that I don't destroy what can be improved. The Cold Dynasty has ruled through fear for centuries. I intend to rule through fear and development. Both."
"Why should we believe you?" Lyra challenged. "The probability of Cold Empire reform is 0.0042%. For Celestia."
"Because I say it will. And my word is absolute." Lord Duskborn explained matter of factly. As if it was a fundemental truth. One that can not be denied.
"Now choose. You either serve me and aid me in improving worlds or," For a moment an aura of blackness surrounded him, and the rebels all fell silent.
Captain Silvertongue defecated himself and the rest soiled themselves alongside him.
Lord Duskborn immediately pinched his nose, "You," He gestured to a soldier that was behind them. "Take him an-" But as he turned towards the soldier he'd fainted and his white armour was at where his behind is, dark brown.
"Ugh," Nappa complained as he as well pinched his nose.
"Disgusting," Vegeta muttered, honestly contemplating blowing up the entire area.
"Tsk," Toji put back the Helmet with a hiss and turned around walking away. "Think about it. I'll return at a later date."
As Zara, and the Saiyans followed him, Nappa continued to pinch his nose, "You should've known this was gonna happen. Last week that director pissed himself too when you pulled this trick. Do you like making people shit and piss themselves or something?" he grumbled.
"Shut up Nappa," Toji countered as he slapped the back of the head of the bald Saiyan, making him nearly fall over.
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An hour later, Zara found herself summoned to a private observation deck overlooking the Terror World's main cannon.
Lord Duskborn stood at the viewport, the mechanical breathing steady in the silence. Zara waited, hands clasped before her, until he finally spoke.
"You," he began, keeping silent for a long moment. "When I demonstrated my power to the rebels- no when I demonstrated my power other times too, you are the only one who remains unafraid. Why?"
Zara considered her answer carefully. "I... I do not know if you know of him, my lord, but there exists a being... One who's energy is quite similar to yours. Giving off a similar pressure, and I... recognized it."
Lord Duskborn turned to face her. "You recognized it? Explain."
"When I was a child, a being came to my homeworld. This was around three decades ago. He goes by the name, Lord Beerus," she said. "His presence carried a similar... pressure. A weight of potential destruction. Divine energy I believe feels different from mortal power."
"Divine energy," Lord Duskborn repeated, something like interest in his modulated voice. "You believe what I possess is divine?"
"Not fully," Zara replied honestly. "But approaching it. Since your battle with the Dragon God, the energy around you has... changed. Others feel it as erasure. Nonexistence."
Lord Duskborn was silent for a long moment, the mechanical breathing the only sound. "The "Dragon God" as you call him, was nothing so great." he finally said, "was an ancient being called Lord Slug. A Super Namekian who had lived for over a million years."
Zara remained silent, sensing there was more.
This was the first time her lord spoke so much to her.
Toji valued her loyalty and presence - she was most loyal, and only servant - since all but his friends and family can not overcome the instinct ingrained in all creatures created by the Kais to fear the pressure of the Destroyer.
To try and never incur the wrath of the 'God' of Destruction.
"During our battle, I attempted to channel something called the power of destruction," he continued. "It was a mistake. I was not ready. The result was... costly."
He gestured to his suit, to his missing arm replaced by the prosthetic. "This is the price of my arrogance. But also the path to something greater."
"You're seeking divine ki," Zara realized.
Toji's eyes widened behind the mask, surprised that she understood, and so quickly at that. He was testing her knowledge of the Ki of the 'gods.'
"Yes." The simple confirmation hung in the air between them.
Zara hesitated, then offered: "On Astraea, we had ancient texts about the balance between creation and destruction. They spoke of divine energy as the perfect path between these forces."
Lord Duskborn's helmet tilted slightly. "These texts... do they still exist?"
"Some may survive in the Imperial Archives," Zara replied. "Astraean astronomy was considered valuable enough to preserve, even after our conquest."
"Find them," Lord Duskborn commanded. "Any reference to divine energy, to the path between creation and destruction."
Zara bowed. "Yes, my lord." as she then turned and left him to gaze upon the stars.
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(Author note: So... How did you guys find this chapter.
Do you think Zara has anything that can help Toji?
Before anyone says that this is too coincidental- oh how lucky, ancient texts about Divine Ki, etc.
King Cold assigned her- I think that speaks volumes with how much that guy knows and his personality.
Why Toji isn't gaining any help from Kami, or King Kai or the like about Divine Ki? Cause they have it naturally and don't know how to teach others to get it.
And Toji becoming guardian of Earth to gain 'God' ki would make him unable to be a Destoryer Candidate, since he already then has a 'Godly' title. So is counterproductive.
Well, I hope you guys liked this chapter. I tried to make it good, wanted to focus on what Destruction Ki that can be felt by others would be like.
I hope to see you all later,
Bye!)