Saiya-jin style
"Cosmic Flare!"
"What?! Idiot!" The male saiya-jin jumped out of the way of his sparring partner's attack with a yelp.
"What the hell do you mean idiot?!" The female snarled as she lunged at her fellow saiya-jin. The male dodged her blow and jumped out of reach.
"That was one of your ultimate attacks! You could have killed me!!"
"Don't be stupid… That wasn't even 50% power…" She flicked her long, spiky, black hair back out of her face. She walked over to him. He stared her straight in the face right before he fell onto his rear as she swept his legs out from under him. She grinned down at him.
"Velvet… You can be childish sometimes…" He groaned as he got up and rubbed his sore spot. The female, Velvet, simply smiled.
"As can you, little brother…." Velvet ruffled his hair playfully. Zephyr, the male, whined his complaint before fixing his already unruly hair. He was quite tall, 6ft or so, with dark brown, spiky hair that stood on end. He wore vest type armour, blue in colour. He wore black wristbands that ran the length of his forearm. The female was half a foot or so smaller. The same type of spiky hair, but hers was jet-black. She had two spiky bangs that framed the side of her face. She wore a tight, black training suit and also had black wristbands up her forearms. Both had long, brown tails that flicked about behind them.
"I've told you not to do that!"
"Oh, stop whining!" She told him firmly. He looked down at her and sighed.
"I don't know why I take orders from you…"
"I'm older than you, that's why! And soon, I'll be the queen of this planet!"
"So?! Nothing big!"
"Oh please…" She smiled. Zephyr smiled back.
"You're lucky to have a mate already…."
"Oh come off it! You're still a child so you couldn't have a mate anyway! Besides, it wasn't my choice…." She said, a hint of sadness in her voice as she sat down. Zephyr sat beside her.
"Aren't you happy with your mate, sister?"
"Oh no, he's great! An amazing warrior and all… quite a looker too…" She giggled. Her brother smiled.
"Then why are you complaining? Your skills are known across the planet! No other saiya-jin apart from the prince himself would dare challenge you… And to top it off, you get to be queen!"
"I know… You're right…" Velvet smiled. "Well, up for another round of me kicking your sorry tail?!"
"Bring it on! We'll see who kicks whose tail!"
Zephyr ducked a blow as Velvet leapt at him. He twisted to the side and punch out at her. Velvet dodged under his fist but was hit hard on the shoulder. She gritted her teeth and elbowed her brother hard in the side. Zephyr felt the pain through his armour. Velvet leapt back before lunging at her brother again. As she struck out, Zephyr brought his arms to his chest to block. There was a loud crack at the connection and the two began punching, kicking and blocking furiously.
"You can hit faster than that! Give me a challenge!" Velvet shouted as she ducked under his fist and brought her own up to connect hard with his jaw. Zephyr's head snapped back at the force. Velvet kneed him in the ribs, causing him to double up over her knee. She used it to her advantage and brought her elbow up to knock him in the face. Zephyr fell back and lay on the ground, panting heavily.
"I think… you broke my nose…" He complained as he clung to his bleeding nose. Velvet grinned.
"I'll do a lot more than that if you don't get up!" She walked over and yanked him up by the hair. Zephyr roared in pain before punching her hard in the stomach. Velvet let go as the wind escaped her lungs. She fell to one knee and clung to her stomach. "Steady, brother!"
"Well, that hurt!"
"There was no need for that… What chance have I with the royal family if I can't bear children?"
"Someone has high hopes…" Zephyr grinned as he sat down. He wiped the blood from his nose. "Besides, I'll never get a mate if you mangle my face!"
"Your face already looks mangled!"
"Wanna say that again?!" Zephyr jumped to his feet and the two engaged in battle once more.
Ikra could see Velvet and Zephyr's fight on her scouter. She took to the skies and headed in that direction. When she landed, the two were on the ground, exhausted from training. Velvet got up with a smile as her friend arrived.
"Ikra! Long time no see!"
"Too long a time, Velvet!" Ikra greeted with a grin. "But you didn't honestly think I wouldn't come to see you before the gathering…"
"I hoped not!" Velvet laughed. "So where've you been?"
"Finding myself a mate…" Ikra grinned with pride. Velvet grinned too.
"Oh? And where is he?"
"I left him behind… We just got back from Planet Getsar… I've never had so much fun before!"
"Is that because of this man?"
"No! There was a huge battle… that's how I met him…"
"I see…" Velvet smiled as she helped her brother to his feet.
"Still training, eh? Why don't you go to a different planet for training… It'd be a lot better…"
"Probably… but I'm not allowed to leave the planet…" Velvet groaned. Zephyr dusted himself off and turned to Ikra.
"It's the king's orders that she stays here…" Zephyr explained for his sister. Ever since Freiza's defeat, the saiya-jins had begun to travel to other planets by the king's orders to help in wars at a reasonable price. Or, if they felt like it, just to raise some hell…
"Hah! No fun for you, then!"
"I disagree…." Velvet said with a smile. " My bonding is in two days!"
"Two days?! Geez, I didn't think it was so soon! That's the night of the gathering!"
"I know… The prince is made to battle his mate first…" Velvet said as she balled her fist up and slammed it into the palm of her other hand. "I HAVE to win…"
"I have to battle Sheikh…." Ikra said with grin. "She also wants my mate…"
"Sheikh? No luck, Ikra…. She's second to me in way of power…"
"Yes, but I'm third!" Ikra reminded her friend quickly. Velvet smiled.
"Who is your mate anyways?"
"A real cutie by the name of 'Kakarotto'… Ever heard of him?"
"Of course! He's one of the strongest on the planet!" Velvet exclaimed. Her brother looked just as shocked.
"You really met Kakarotto? Bardock-san's son? And he's going to be your mate?!"
"Considering I win… which I shall!" Ikra proclaimed. Velvet smiled.
"Well, let's go meet him… I want to meet my best friend's mate-to-be…"
"I really hate these things…" Zephyr complained as he attached his blue scouter to his face. Velvet pulled her armour over her head. Ikra made a face.
"How can you stand those shoulder pads? I hate them…" Ikra told her as she pointed to her own vest-like armour. Unlike Zephyr's, her's had metal link straps and was light blue and green. Both the females had leg protectors at either side. Velvet stuck her tongue out in a jest.
"I happen to like them!" She said as she fixed her own scouter. The three then set off in the direction of the last landing site.
"Better take your scouter off…" Ikra suggested as they near the barren landsite. When they arrived, a tall saiya-jin male greeted them. He was about a foot taller than Zephyr and had broad shoulders. He wore the same vest armour as Zephyr. His hair came to many points in a fan across his head. Ikra smiled up at him.
"Kakarotto, I've brought two friends to meet you…"
"Is that so? Who are…. Velvet?!" Kakarotto stared in surprise before smiling.
"Kakarotto, we finally meet…. I've heard a lot about you.."
"As I have of you… shall I call you your highness?" Kakarotto bowed out of respect, causing Velvet to laugh.
"No need, Kakarotto…"
"Prince Vegeta is looking forward to the gathering…"
"And you would know… How is it to be an Elite?"
"Aren't you one?" Kakarotto asked. Velvet smiled.
"My brother, Zephyr, is… But I'm not even allowed to battle until after the festival… Besides, associating with other males isn't allowed…"
"Then…" Kakarotto looked a little worried. Velvet shook her head.
"No worries… You're different since the prince respects you…"
"I see…. So, this must be your brother…"
"Yes, this is Zephyr…"
"It's an honour, Kakarotto-san…" Zephyr bowed low.
"Quite young, aren't you?" Kakarotto smiled. Zephyr blushed.
"14 earlier this year… four years younger than my sister…"
"So who is you commander?"
"Your own brother…"
"Raditz? That's probably why I've never met you…" Kakarotto mused out loud. Suddenly, a voice was heard from behind.
"Kakarotto-san! The Prince wants to see you!"
"At once, brother… Sorry, but I must take my leave…" Kakarotto said with a bow. Velvet didn't miss the little wink he gave Ikra before he turned and headed over to his brother. Velvet, Zephyr and Ikra decided it was best to leave…
The next day, Velvet was awoken early.
"Velvet-san, the king wishes to see you…" Raditz said firmly. Velvet obediantly got to her feet and pulled on her armour. She followed Raditz out of her home into the air before making her way to the castle. They landed at the gate and guards let them past. Raditz led her through the corridors. Velvet kept her posture straight as they entered the throne room. King Vegeta sat on the throne with an emotionless face. The queen was nowhere to be seen. Nappa stood at the King's right side and at his left side… Velvet strained to keep her eyes from wandering as she approached the king and bent down on one knee before him, head bowed down.
"You asked to see me, your majesty?"
"Indeed. Velvet-san, you are by no doubt aware of tomorrow's festivity… Am I right?"
"You are, my king…" She said as she lifted her head to face him. Her eyes threatened to wander to that on his left but she kept them straight ahead.
"Report here tomorrow before sunset… You will be required to battle as soon as the moon rises. Because of the time of year, the moon is only full in the sky for three hours… No more, no less… Do you understand?"
"I do, my king…" Velvet bowed her head again.
"Good. You may go now…" King Vegeta told her. Velvet rose to her feet and bowed. Through her long bangs, she caught a glimpse of Prince Vegeta at the king's side. He was standing straight, his arms folded across his muscular chest. He wore no armour, simply the royal blue training suit that did a great job of showing his impressive frame. He was watching her, but not with the same piercing glare as Nappa. Something in his eyes was unrecognisable to her. Velvet stood up straight and turned before exiting the room.
The rest of the day was spent training intensely with Ikra and Zephyr for Velvet. She knew that Vegeta was training just as hard and he was going to be difficult to defeat. That night, Velvet couldn't sleep. Zephyr came into her room and she turned to face him.
"Can't sleep?" He asked quietly as he saw his sister watching him. Velvet shook her head.
"Not tired at all… I can't stop thinking… worrying…"
"Don't worry…" Zephyr walked over and sat on the edge of Velvet's bed. "You'll win, for sure!"
"Thanks…" Velvet smiled as she sat up. "I'm just nervous…"
"I don't blame you… I'm nervous myself!"
"Think about it… Tomorrow, my entire life is decided… If I win, I become queen with Vegeta as my mate. If I lose…"
"Don't talk like that…" Zephyr wrapped an arm around his sister. "An attitude like that won't help you win…"
"You're right… I'd best get to sleep…" Velvet said slowly. Zephyr hugged his sister before standing up.
"Sleep well, sister…" He smiled as she lay down.
"Only.. another… hour or so… to go…" Velvet said between breaths as she dodged Ikra and Zephyr's attacks. Deciding that it would help, she had asked the two to attack her at once. Still, she found it too easy… She was too fast - one of her strong suits.
"You'd best get ready… Bathe and stuff…" Zephyr suggested as he fell back onto his rump, panting. Ikra sat beside him.
"Well, this is it… You get to battle with the prince! I would die for that chance.. see just how good he is…"
"It won't be easy…" Zephyr said with worry. "I overheard Commander Raditz-san talking to the prince about something… He was telling him not to do something during the battle…"
"Any idea what it was?" Velvet asked. Zephyr shook his head. "Well, I'm going to bathe… Want to join me?" She asked Ikra. Ikra nodded and got up.
"I'm going ahead to the gathering… I'll be watching your match, don't dare lose!" Zephyr smiled as he took off. Velvet watched him with a smile.
"I won't…" she said under her breath. The two females made their way to a nearby spring and stripped down before wading in.
"D'ya think Sheikh will be a challenge?" Ikra asked as she leant back against the edge of the spring, the steam rising off her naked shoulders. Velvet smiled.
"Maybe… But still… You'll kick her ass and win your mate!"
"I hope so… Kakarotto is such a great catch…" Ikra said dreamily.
"So is Vegeta… he's incredibly hot…"
"Is that so?" A voice asked with a hint of amusement. Both females instinctively dropped down to shoulder height in the water.
"Who's there?!" Velvet demanded. She gasped as she saw the owner of the voice steeped out from behind the high rocks around the spring. Velvet dropped down to chin depth in the water and blushed deep red.
"That was interesting to find out…" Vegeta chuckled. Velvet wrapped her arms around herself. "Glad to see my mate doesn't hate me…" He purred as he leant against the rock casually, his tail twitching slightly. Velvet shivered at the tone of his voice.
"W.. What are you doing here?"
"Felt like a wander before our match…" Vegeta told her as he approached the edge of the spring were she was. Velvet backed up a little, causing Vegeta to grin. "Afraid?"
"Of what you might try, yes…" Velvet joked.
"Not 'till tonight, I'm afraid…" Vegeta said in a low tone once again. Velvet looked up at him as she practically melted at his words.
"How long have you been watching, Vegeta-san?" Ikra asked timidly. Vegeta shrugged.
"Not long… I just overheard Velvet-chan's last comment and decided to come for a look…" He explained. Velvet had to keep from smiling at the little 'chan' he added. "Well, I can't stay for long… My father expects me back a.s.a.p.…. See you tonight, Velvet-chan…" Vegeta said with a mischievous grin before taking off. Velvet watched him go, her heart racing.
"I was wrong about him… He's ULTRA incredibly hot…"
"The King has been waiting for you…" Raditz greeted as Velvet landed before him. The sun was setting and very soon, the moon would be visible and the festivities would begin. Raditz led Velvet to a large courtyard where the king stood.
"Velvet-san, the battle will begin soon. Let me escort you to the designated battle area." King Vegeta turned, his cape flapping behind him. Velvet wrapped her tail around her waist and followed him. They came to a large clearing. Hundred of saiya-jins surrounded area. Some were battling, some were talking but as soon as the king arrived, everyone stopped and turned to watch him. Velvet felt uncomfortable with everyone watching her. She removed her scouter and handed it to Nappa, who took it away. Velvet walked into the clearing and saw Vegeta standing in the middle. His tail was flicking about behind him with excitement. He had his arms folded across his chest. He stood tall and proud, his trademark sneer upon his face. Velvet walked closer and watched as he pulled his armour over his head and tossed it aside. She stopped a few metres in front of him.
"Ready to be defeated?" Vegeta teased. Velvet grinned.
"I shall be the victor, Vegeta. I can assure you…"
"You are aware that we will not be transforming… aren't you?"
"What?!" Velvet couldn't hide her surprise. Raditz approached her and handed her a tall glass. Inside, a red sticky liquid filled it almost to the top. She looked up as Vegeta was handed his own glass by Nappa. He grinned as he approached her.
"Bottoms up…" He held the glass out to her. Velvet eyed it warily.
"I have my own glass…"
"You must drink half of mine and half of your own… As do I. It's some sort of ritual, now let's get it over with before the moon appears…" Vegeta stretched his arm further. Velvet looked around and saw that all the saiya-jins around the clearing had their own drink of the liquid in a large glass that was being passed round. She took the glass from him and handed him her own. Vegeta raised the glass to his mouth, slowly and deliberately. She watched with wide eyes as he licked the rim teasingly before tipping his head back and consuming half the liquid. A small trickle ran down the side of his mouth and he wiped it with a single finger. Velvet didn't move as he reached his finger out and traced her lips, leaving a trail of liquid. "Enjoy…" He said quietly before motioning for her to take a drink. Velvet licked her lips to try and calm the immense tingling where Vegeta's finger had trailed. She raised the glass and took a sip before gulping down half of it. She felt the thick liquid ooze down her throat, leaving a burning sensation as it went. As soon as it hit her stomach, Velvet's body began to tingle. She felt a jolt run through her body and course through her veins. She gasped as her heart pounded in her chest.
"What… what is it?" She asked as she licked her lips, savouring the metallic taste. Vegeta grinned.
"Blood…" He said simply as he gave the other glass to her and took his own. "Now finish it quick before the moon appears!" He advised before finishing the rest in the glass. Velvet did the same. It had the same electrifying effect. Vegeta tossed the glass aside and Velvet did the same. By now, the night had truly descended and the only light was provided by the pale moonlight. Velvet looked up at the moon and stared at it. She felt no urge, except to fight. Velvet felt her body surge with power. She looked back at Vegeta with a grin.
"Look like that concoction worked… Now, let's begin…."
Velvet backed up and dropped down into her fighting stance. In the distance, a few roars could be heard from oozaru saiya-jins. Velvet wished she could join them. All the saiya-jins around hadn't transformed either. Velvet motioned to them.
"Why did they take a drink?"
"To stop them from disturbing our battle… Don't worry, it wears off before too long.. They'll still be able to transform later." Vegeta told her as he dropped into a stance. "The blood and other ingredients paralyses the gland in our tails for an hour or so…"
"Then let's not waste that hour…" Velvet sneered. Vegeta sneered back.
"Your call…" He told her with a grin. All around them fell silent. Velvet decided to go for it and made a lunge at Vegeta. She struck out but Vegeta easily dodged it. The two began striking and evading like a well-practised dance. Vegeta was fast compared to other saiya-jins Velvet had fought. She forced herself faster and changed her strategy. Still, Vegeta seemed to anticipate her every move.
"You're… not bad!" She smirked as she dodged Vegeta's blow. Vegeta aimed another blow at her side and hit right on target. Velvet snarled and brought her elbow up hard and fast, smacking right into his jaw with a crack.
"You're not bad yourself…" Vegeta admitted as he leapt back and rubbed his jaw. He was quick to jump at her again. Velvet jumped into the air to avoid a kick and Vegeta jumped up after her. The two were slowly rising into the air as they battled in close combat. Velvet managed to kick Vegeta in the chest. He roared and brought his fists down on her back, sending her plummeting to the ground at an incredible speed. Velvet crashed into the ground, kicking up a huge dust cloud on impact. She rose onto her hands and knees, gritting her teeth. She neglected to cough among the dust and looked up. Vegeta was hurtling towards her with his fist cocked. Velvet quickly rolled out of the way as Vegeta's fist embedded into the ground where she had just been. Velvet flipped to her feet and flew at Vegeta. The two blurred out of sight, an occasional thud ringing through the air whenever someone landed a hit. All the spectators watched in awe.
"She's doing great!" Zephyr exclaimed happily as he watched the two blurred out of sight. Ikra grinned.
"She is… Vegeta's quite the little warrior and she's holding out fine…"
"She got a few good hits in…"
"Yeah, but so did he…." Ikra said coldly. Under her breath, she continued "And soon, it'll be my turn to battle for a mate…" She turned back to the battle.
Velvet coughed up some blood as Vegeta rammed his elbow hard into her gut. He pounded her back, sending her into the ground again. Velvet couldn't get up in time as Vegeta repeatedly pummelled her stomach. Her armour cracked before falling apart. Velvet spat more blood to the side before drawing her knee up fast to cripple him in the right place. She would have if Vegeta hadn't seen it coming. He managed to shift so that he received the full blow into his leg instead. He jumped to his feet and snarled.
"What the fuck are you trying to do?!" He yelled at the wounded saiya-jin female. Velvet got back to her feet.
"I should ask you the same…" She snarled in a husky voice as she clutched her stomach. Vegeta charged at her, ramming his knee into her chest. He spun, kicking her across the jaw and sending her skidding along the ground. Velvet managed to sit up as Vegeta lunged at her. She brought her legs up, connecting with his stomach before flipping him over her. She couldn't get up in time as Vegeta flipped onto his feet and jumped onto her. He pinned her arms to her side and straddled her waist. He leant down so his face was inches from hers and purred.
"You're quite a fighter… I have to admit that…. And, being cute as you are, you'd probably be an exciting mate…" Vegeta told her with a smirk. Velvet looked up at him. His face bore a few scratches and bruises but he still looked handsome… They were in a rather compromising position and Velvet almost forgot her injuries as she looked at the prince. He was grinning at her in a way that made her pulse race. Knowing she'd be captured in his spell, Velvet struggled to free her hands but to no avail.
"Vegeta! Let me go!" She roared at him. Vegeta smirked even more.
"What's wrong? You're going have to get used to this if you become my mate… But then again, you're not are you?"
"What….?"
"You're weak, you just like to think otherwise. You're nothing but a pretty face with an impressive record. What made you think that you were worth my time?!"
"What?!" Velvet's temper rose as Vegeta continued to insult her.
"You heard me… You're nothing but a low class worm… Not worth the title of Queen of the Saiya-jins!" Vegeta pinned her wrist with his knee, freeing one of his hands. Vegeta punched her across the jaw with such power, it brought tears to Velvet's eyes. He continued to strike her, causing her to whimper in pain. He stopped as she yelped.
"Vegeta…"
"You're pathetic…"
"How dare you!!" She screamed as she glared at him with hateful eyes. Vegeta raised a single eyebrow as her body quaked with power. Velvet gazed at the moon and felt power surge through her. She was infuriated and her power was rising. Vegeta watched with curiosity as Velvet's canine teeth grew a little longer and her eyes began to fade. He gasped as her eyes came back as a deep blue colour. Her hair flashed brightly, causing him to shield his eyes. When he looked back, her hair had twisted upwards and turned golden. Vegeta was suddenly thrown off her as Velvet roared, her power flaring to incredible heights. Vegeta picked himself up and stared in surprise.
"I don't believe it…."
"What happened?! Why does she look like that?" Ikra asked with confusion. Zephyr grinned as he watched his sister. Her hair glowed golden and her long tail that swished behind her was also golden. Her aura flared with energy.
"Super Saiya-jin…"
"What?!"
"I heard Raditz-san talking about it with Kakarotto-san… I don't know much about it but… she's sure to win now…" Zephyr explained. Ikra turned back to the clearing and her jaw dropped.
"The legend…."
Velvet got up and stared at Vegeta coldly. She ignored the commotion around her. All she could see was Vegeta and she knew that he was her target.
"So… you've become a Super Saiya-jin…" Vegeta grinned as he folded his arms. Velvet smirked.
"And now, you will be mine…" Velvet blurred out of sight. Vegeta snarled and looked around for her. He yelped as he felt a sting on his rear. He spun to see Velvet only a foot or so away from him, her arms folded across her torso. He rubbed his sore spot.
"What the hell….?"
"Enjoy that, eh Veggie-chan?" She grinned. Vegeta fumed.
"What?! Why you little…" He lunged at her and struck out. Velvet disappeared and reappeared behind him, whipping him again with her tail. Vegeta tried to hit her but she kept doing the same, a constant smirk on her face. Vegeta snarled. "How dare you mock me, low class woman!"
"Try and stop me…" Velvet coaxed as she unfolded her arms. "No more games… until tonight, that is…"
"Don't count on it!" Vegeta roared as he lunged at her. He swiped at her mercilessly but Velvet dodged them easily.
"Is that the best you've got, princey?"
"What?! You'll pay for that!" Vegeta snarled as he struck out at her shoulder. He hit it, but to no effect. Velvet swept his leg out from under him and grabbed it. Vegeta gasped as he was lifted into the air and brought back down hard. Velvet advanced quickly on the fallen saiya-jin. She punched him repeatedly in the face, chest and stomach before rising to her feet and kicking him hard in the side. Vegeta skidded along the ground in a cloud of dust. Velvet folded her arms and grinned. Vegeta got back up with his back to her. Velvet's grin faded as Vegeta began to chuckle. This turned into a maniacal laugh as he turned to her.
"What's so bloody funny?"
"You're not bad! I must say, I'm impressed… But I've decided to show you MY little secret…" He grinned. Velvet watched as Vegeta balled his hands into fists and powered up. The ground shook violently as he did so and jagged cracks ran along the earth. Velvet watched him with interest. Vegeta began to yell loudly as his aura burst into flame with a blinding flash. When it faded, another Super Saiya-jin stood before them all.
All the spectators, including the King himself, were utterly confused. The legend said one super saiya-jin but now, there was two. Raditz and Nappa cursed under their breath as Vegeta approached Velvet.
"Well? Like the new look?"
"Not bad… But you're a lot cuter in your usual form…"
"I may not be as 'cute' but I'm sure as hell more powerful…"
"So I see…" Velvet grinned as a few spectators complained at the sudden explosion of the scouter they had activated. Vegeta laughed.
"Fools…. Did they think those machines could stand the power of a Super Saiya-jin? Or two?"
"Obviously so… Now that you're more powerful, shall we begin?"
"Whenever you're ready…" Vegeta grinned. Simultaneously, the two golden haired fighters ran at each other. In a haze, the two battled at twice the speed as before and with twice the power too. Velvet received a few blows to the stomach and hip whilst Vegeta's chest and arms were taking most of the hits. The two continued to battle in such a way for quite a while until they were closer to the ground.
"This is amazing to watch…" Zephyr grinned as he caught a glimpse of the fighters. Ikra nodded in agreement until they were approached by a tall female saiya-jin. She had cosmic blue hair that fell untidily down her back and cascaded over her shoulders. She had piercing grey eyes that stared as she spoke.
"Ikra, I presume?"
"Yes…"
"I believe we have an appointment…. To fight!" The woman scowled. Ikra snarled.
"Sheikh… Still think you can defeat me?"
"I don't think… I know!" Sheikh snarled. Ikra sighed and got up to her feet.
"Fine… Let's get this over with… I want to see my friend defeat the saiya-jin prince…"
"Hah! She has a much chance as you do! If not less…"
"What did you say?! Bitch!" Ikra yelled and lunged at Sheikh, ramming her elbow across Sheikh's jaw. Zephyr watched as the two women snarled at each other before taking off into the night sky to battle. He shook his head.
"Women…"
Velvet managed to get a hit in and sent Vegeta down into the ground. She sped after him and straddled his waist, pinning his arms up by his head. She pushed them a little farther up and Vegeta growled.
"Temper, temper…"
"You may have me pinned, but you can't move either…" Vegeta chuckled. Velvet scowled. He was right… No way to move to get a hit in without him taking of advantage of it.... She shifted on his stomach and Vegeta grinned. "Getting comfortable…?"
"Shut up! I'm trying to think…"
"Oh, so that's distracting?"
"No… I mean, yes, I mean, no!" Velvet said in a rush. A sly grin crept across Vegeta's face.
"Really…" Vegeta purred in a deep, sexy tone. Velvet cursed under her breath. If she had a weakness, Vegeta just found it… "So tell me… what are your plans after you hope to defeat me?"
"What does it matter? You'll find out soon…"
"Looking forward to it… even if I win…." Vegeta half-smiled. Velvet yipped as she felt something run up the length of her spine. She didn't move but tried to look round with her eyes. She flicked her tail up and wrapped it round the offending object; Vegeta's own tail. Velvet tried to control Vegeta's tail with hers to stop it from distracting her but it was hard. Vegeta seemed incredibly amused by the whole thing.
"Stop it!" Velvet fumed. Vegeta simply laughed.
"What's wrong? Don't you like a bit of fun?"
"Not like that whilst I'm battling!" Velvet whined as she tried to pin his tail. Vegeta flicked his tail up and wrapped it around her waist. She could feel it tightening through her skin-tight suit. She drew in a breath and tried to calm her racing pulse. "Trust you, Vegeta…"
"Nah, I'd rather not… I've had fun but now, it's time to end this…" Vegeta smile turned to an evil grin as he tightened his tail. Velvet growled as her waist was constricted. Vegeta had such power in his tail alone. Suddenly, Vegeta's power flared up and Velvet was thrown off. She looked up to see Vegeta bearing down on her. Jumping to her feet, she blocked his assault.
Ikra landed in a clearing far from Vegeta and Velvet's fight. Sheikh landed in front of her. The two stared each other down from a distance. Suddenly, Sheikh blurred of view and reappeared beside Ikra. Ikra managed to block a powerful strike to her side. The two began punching at each other wildly, neither flinching if the other hit their target. Ikra slammed the palm of her hand into Sheikh's chin, snapping her head back. Ikra used that time to pummel Sheikh repeatedly in the stomach. Sheikh was thrown to the ground and was quick to leap at Ikra. Ikra gasped as she saw the fist come at her as Sheikh punched her right in the face. Ikra ignored the blood that ran from her nose and the two continued to punch, kick and block. Sheikh screeched as she elbowed Ikra in the ribs.
"Kakarotto will be MINE!"
Velvet spat out a sickening mixture of blood and saliva as she was struck right in the stomach. Vegeta backhanded her across the face. Velvet landed on her stomach as she slid along the ground. She spat out more blood as she felt Vegeta's boot rest against her back before applying pressure.
"You were a lot of fun… I wouldn't have minding have you as my life partner…" Vegeta said softly. Velvet went limp below him. Vegeta sighed. "I've never had such a challenge… it's unfortunate that this had to happen but…." Vegeta aimed at the back of her head with a flattened palm. "At least I get to use my new attack… Big…. Bang… At-" Vegeta was cut off as his entire body suddenly trembled as every nerve was blocked. He gasped before falling to the ground beside Velvet. Velvet smiled and stood up weakly.
"Gotcha…"
"What… did you… do…" Vegeta asked weakly, his body twitching involuntarily. Velvet smiled.
"I hit you right… here…" Velvet reached down and poked the spot just above Vegeta's tail. His whole body went into spasm.
"Clever bitch…" Vegeta gasped. His power was falling. Velvet rose off the ground and held her arm out, gripping her elbow with her free hand.
"Sorry, Vegeta… but this has to be done…. Cosmic Flare!" Velvet screamed. A surge of power gathered at her palm. Vegeta managed to look over his shoulder in time to see the powerful blast descend upon him. Velvet watched as the energy surrounded him before exploding in an array of colours. Velvet waited until the blast had faded, debris scattering everywhere. She floated down into the dust cloud and landed. As the dust settled, she saw what she needed to see. A few feet in front of her, Vegeta's limp body lay partially buried by dirt. He was no longer a Super Saiya-jin but he was powerful enough to move if her tried, but not to fight. Velvet walked over and knelt beside him. She touched his back tenderly, tracing a large cut through his training suit and flesh from the debris. The saiya-jins that were watching burst in action, applauding and cheering. Velvet stood up triumphantly. Her body ached as she powered down from Super Saiya-jin. She turned as she felt a hand on her shoulder to see King Vegeta.
"Well done… you have defeated my son… Now, you are his mate and you will become queen. Now take him where you wish. You, or he, cannot return to the castle for three days… It's tradition." King Vegeta smiled. Velvet bowed with a smile.
"At once…" She said quietly as she went to the fallen prince. She knelt down and picked him up before lifting him over her shoulder. With a final look around at the other saiya-jins, she took off into the air, waving to her brother that was cheering for her.
"This… isn't over yet…" Sheikh said weakly. She was suffering from numerous gashes and a few broken bones. Ikra was just as bad. The two had been engaged in a gruesome battle and both had lost a lot of blood. Ikra sneered.
"It's time to end this… Kakarotto will be mine…" Ikra said with confidence. She lunged as Sheikh, knocking her down. She jumped onto the other saiya-jin and began to pound her mercilessly. Sheikh screeched in pain as Ikra wrapped her hands around her opponent's neck. She tightened until Sheikh was blue in the face.
"Kakarotto…."
"Is mine…" Ikra finished as she lifted one hand above her head. Sheikh opened her eyes to see an energy powered fist drive into her forehead. Sheikh's eyes widened and her pupils dilated as Ikra drove her fist through Sheikh's head, cracking her skull in half. For good measure, she drove her other fist through Sheikh's ribcage. Ikra pulled her hands out with a sickening sucking noise before falling back to the ground. She fought back the tears in her eyes. "So much pain… I've never experienced…" Ikra trailed off as she sat up to look at the body beside her. A puddle of dark red liquid oozed from numerous wounds and Ikra had to get up to avoid being engulfed. She shuffled backwards, clinging to the hole in her armour that bared her own wound. Ikra felt light headed and weak as she dropped to her knees. A tear ran down her cheek but she smiled. "My mate will…." Ikra blacked out as she dropped onto her front.
Velvet flew further and further from the clearing, passing a few rampaging oozaru's as she did so. If she didn't find somewhere hidden from the moon's light, she and Vegeta would be joining them soon. They only had a few more minutes. Velvet flew as fast as she could until she spotted a cave at the foot of a mountain. She landed at the entrance. After carefully laying Vegeta down, she searched the inside. It wasn't damp or draughty…. Perfect for hiding until the moon disappeared again… Velvet went back to pick Vegeta up and took him over to a raised platform of rock. It was smooth and had a small indent that would mean Vegeta was a bit comfortable at least. Velvet laid him down gently.
"This should do for a while, don't you think?" She asked the inanimate prince. She smiled down at him before acknowledging just how many cuts he had. Velvet frowned and stroked his forehead, pushing a few strands of his hair away from his eyes. "Might as well get some sleep… I really wish I was home so I could get you cleaned up…" Velvet said with concern. She sat down and leant against the platform before drifting into an uncomfortable sleep.
When Ikra awoke, she was no longer in the forest. In fact, she wasn't even outdoors. She was in a dark room. Ikra tried to sit up before feeling an immense pain in her stomach. She lay back down and looked under the sheets of the bed she was in.
"Oh shit…" She moaned as she saw the gash across her mid-flank, even through the darkness thanks to her saiya-jin eyesight. The sheets were soaked with blood. She watched as the door to the room opened.
"Oh! You're awake!"
"K… Kakarotto?!" Ikra could hardly believe her eyes. She watched him walk over to her and light a small candle by her bedside using a tiny ki ball. He had brought bandages, cloths and a bowl of water. He sat on the edge of the bed and dipped one of the cloths into the water.
"This'll sting a bit… It's salt water…" He warned as he moved to dab the edges of the wound. Ikra yelped in pain.
"Ow, ow, ow, ow, ow, OW!!"
"Sorry… I have to get it cleaned…"
"Ouch! Oh god, that hurts!" She cried through gritted teeth. Kakarotto cleaned the wound as best he could. He picked up the bandages.
"Uh…"
"What's wrong?" Ikra asked, trying not to smile as she noticed a blush creep into his cheeks.
"It's just… you'll have to take that off so I can bandage you up…" He said sheepishly. Ikra smiled and pulled the hem of her top free from her waistband. She lifted it over the cut gently and stopped just above it.
"Easy as that…" She teased. Kakarotto blushed a little more before helping her to sit up. Ikra giggled. She couldn't help think how cute he looked when he blushed…. Her giggling stopped as Kakarotto began to carefully bandage her well-muscled stomach, his hands brushing against her skin the odd time. When that happened, a tingle ran down Ikra's spine. His hands were so powerful and yet so gentle as he helped her…. When he'd done, Ikra lay back down and pulled her top back down over her stomach.
"Well, any other cuts?" Kakarotto asked.
"Under here… That's the only one that hurts…" Ikra told him as she motioned towards her back. Kakarotto helped her remove the remains of her armour so that only her training suit remained. Ikra rolled onto her front carefully. Her stomach ached a bit but nothing like before.
"This is kinda awkward…" Kakarotto complained. Ikra sat up carefully.
"I know… I'll tell you what, turn round a sec…" She told him. Kakarotto obediantly turned away. Ikra quickly removed her top and pulled one of the non-blood-stained sheets around her. "Okay…"
"What did you… oh!" Kakarotto smiled. "It'll be easier now… Now, lie down and relax until I get you cleaned up…"
Velvet kept waking up. She couldn't sleep from her wounds and because of her surroundings. She looked towards the mouth of the cave and happily noticed the absence of moonlight outside. She got up and stretched.
"Must have slept for a while…" She yawned. "Zephyr will probably go to hang out with Navet… so we have the house to ourselves for a couple of days…" Velvet grinned in the direction of the sleeping saiya-jin. She wandered over and carefully lifted him up. After a quick check to make sure there was indeed no moon, she took off and set off in the direction of her home. When she got there, Zephyr was indeed out of the house. She carried Vegeta to the bedroom and laid him down before going off to get herself cleaned up.
"So you killed her?"
"Yes… I couldn't stop myself… It was…"
"Strange… to kill your own kind?"
"Yes…" Ikra sighed into the pillow as Kakarotto cleaned her back. It was criss-crossed with scrapes and cuts from tiny stones that had worked their way into her armour during battle. Ikra sighed again as she relaxed even more. Never before had she had someone to care for her like Kakarotto… He wasn't the average saiya-jin; he was gentle and kind. She nearly fell asleep as he rubbed her bared back gently with the wet cloth.
"Well, you're now my mate… for life…" Kakarotto all but whispered in her ear, causing her to shiver. Ikra suddenly stiffened as she felt his teeth sink into her neck. She gasped, more from shock than pain.
"Kakarotto…" She breathed the words quietly as her body trembled. He sank his teeth a little deeper, drawing blood from her neck. The sensation was strange but pleasurable. She gasped again as he pulled away, licking at the blood that trickled down her neck and shoulder. Her eyes fell shut.
"Now I've claimed you… It's your turn…" He said quietly as he kissed her neck, cleaning the blood that dribbled from the tiny pierce marks. She looked over her shoulder at him.
"You mean I have to bite you?!"
"Yep…" He grinned, causing her stomach to flutter. He leaned down so that his neck was alongside her face. Ikra was a bit unsure as she leant forward, her lips coming in contact with his neck. Kakarotto leaned closer, coaxing her. Ikra bared her teeth before biting deep into his thick neck. As she sunk her teeth deeper, Kakarotto emitted a low, purring noise. Ikra couldn't believe he was enjoying this so much… She drew her teeth out and sucked at the blood around the small wound. Kakarotto was still purring as she did so, his head tilting closer to hers. Ikra grinned and bit in again.
Velvet's eyes flickered open when she felt something moving underneath her. She looked up to see Vegeta looking down at her in confusion.
"How the…? Where the…? Did we…?" He looked down at her as she rested her head on his bare chest. Velvet smiled as she sat up.
"I brought you here, this is my home, and no we did not…" Velvet answered all at once. Vegeta sat up and rubbed his head.
"I feel like I've missed something…." He looked down at his chest. "Where's my shirt?!"
"I took it off to clean your wounds…" Velvet explained as she got up. Vegeta watched her with wide eyes.
"You defeated me….."
"Yep, you're my mate now, Veggie-chan!"
"What did you call me?!" Vegeta roared. Velvet laughed and repeated it.
"Veggie-chan! Veggie-chan!" She teased. Vegeta snarled before jumping off the bed and advancing towards her. Velvet backed up against the wall, still laughing.
"Wanna say it again?" He asked as he closed the gap between them so they were in contact. Vegeta slammed his palms against the wall at either side of her, stopping her from moving. He grinned. "Well?"
"Well what, Veggie-chan?"
"That's it!" Vegeta yelled with a smirk. Velvet ducked as he leaned forward. She ducked under his arm and scampered to the other side of the room, giggling like crazy.
"Still a bit sluggish, are we?" She teased when she was at a safe distance. Vegeta grinned.
"Want me to disprove that?"
"What do you have in mind?"
"You…" He purred. Velvet smiled as Vegeta approached her slowly. He walked right up to her, stopping inches in front of her. The two simply stared at each other for a moment. Vegeta broke the tension by grabbing Velvet and tossing her onto the bed. Velvet gasped in surprise as the saiya-jin prince was suddenly on her, his body pressed against hers. She looked up at him as he grinned before pressing his lips firmly against hers.
Ikra awoke to the sunlight creeping in the window. She squinted and turned to hide from the light. As she did, she came face-to-face with Kakarotto. She smiled as she nuzzled against his chest. He had his arms around her and she never wanted for him to let go. Despite her wounds, Ikra and Kakarotto had done what should be done the first night with a mate. Because of her injuries, he had been surprisingly gentle. Ikra sighed and wondered if the same had happened for Velvet and Vegeta… Had she even won the battle? Ikra put a wager on yes… She knew she would probably see her friend that afternoon. She knew how the prince wasn't to return after his defeat for three days. She didn't know why but hey, who was going to argue with a Super Saiya-jin? She shifted a little to get more comfortable, resting her head under Kakarotto's chin. She smiled when she felt him stir. Ikra looked up at him.
"Morning, Kakarotto…"
"Morning, Ikra-chan…." He smiled as he kissed her forehead. Ikra smiled back. "How long have you been awake?"
"A few minutes or so…" She replied. Kakarotto closed his eyes again.
"What now? Do you have any plans?"
"None… Except maybe go see Velvet later…"
"Good… there's no reason to get up then…." He chuckled. Ikra smiled. Her smile grew wider as she saw the bite mark on his neck; a reminder of their loyalty to each other. Ikra nuzzled back into his chest and closed her eyes. Life was going to be good…
Velvet awoke as she felt something brushing against her back. Without opening her eyes, she reached her tail up to identify it. She opened her eyes and yelped as she felt something grab her tail, not hard, but enough to startle her. She looked up down to see Vegeta smiling down at her.
"Well, well… About time you woke up…" Vegeta joked as he stroked her cheek. Velvet groaned.
"Only you would wake someone up early after a night like last night…" She whined as she snuggled back into Vegeta shoulder. Vegeta used the arm he had curled under her to pull her closer.
"Who says it's over…?" He purred in her ear. Velvet grinned as she looked up at him.
"You cannot be serious…."
"Oh yes I can…" Vegeta grinned. Velvet couldn't help but laugh.
"Well, aren't we the horny little saiya-jin prince!" She giggled. Vegeta shrugged.
"What's a guy to do…?"
"Let his mate rest would be a good suggestion…" Velvet teased. Vegeta flipped her over so that her was on top of her.
"Where's the fun in that?"
"Well, if you let her rest then she'll have plenty of energy for next time…"
"Fair enough…" Vegeta said with a sigh. He leant down and kissed her before rolling over to lie on his side. Velvet rolled to face him, clutching the sheets to her chest. She smiled.
"You're unbelievable, Vegeta…"
"I know…" Vegeta joked. Velvet laughed before rolling onto her other side. She smiled as Vegeta wrapped his arms around her from behind.
"What do you want?!" She teased as he rested his head on her shoulder.
"Another taste?"
"No… one bite is enough, thank you… Maybe later…"
"You think I'm bad now… but you have to spend the rest of your life with me…"
"I know… And I'm not complaining…" She smiled. Vegeta smiled back and kissed her shoulder before resting his head on the pillow behind her. There was a companionable silence for a few moments… "Vegeta?"
"Yeah?"
"Do they expect us to have lotsa brats anytime soon?"
"I sure as hell hope not…" Vegeta groaned. "But… we don't have to worry about that just yet… You needed to rest…" He soothed as he traced a small circle on her stomach with his hand. Velvet smiled. Right now, she imagined Ikra and Kakarotto to be doing something along the same lines…. But she would worry about that later… What mattered was that she had her mate and no one would take him away….