Once in a Blue moon
Chapter 3: The Mark of a Student
Mitsu didn't talk much, but she thought a lot. It unnerved her fellow Sen Members, who had long learned that it was Mitsu's way of coping with her tragic past, not that she was planning to kill them with her Saiyan power. Many times they would find her, drifting with that odd look on her face, her pupils focused on the middle distance as if seeing something that only she could see. At first, the Sen Members would shake her out of it in fear of her doing something drastic, as if she was suddenly possessed by a force of a cruel Saiyan and would attack instantly; but soon they learned that she would snap out of it if left alone and they shared a measure of sympathy with her situation. She was a victim of an empowered being. She had never committed an offence against Prince Vegeta, or even Lord Frieza. She was just born under a bad star, and that made her vulnerable. She had been cruelly abused and mocked for her flaws.
Mitsu landed softly onto the arched bridge that led her back to the Palace, a sanctuary she had spent the majority of her time in, wallowing in her grief. Recently, she has gotten better and had been spending more time outside rather being isolated in her room. But even with the glorious sunlight, the peaceful atmosphere, and cheerful residents, Mitsu was unable to stop herself from recalling the memories of her only happiness, like a precious jewel she did not wish to lose, she wanted to think back onto the past.
Numbly, she walked towards her destination, afraid of forgetting the Saiyan named Raditz...
...Mitsu was lying on her side in her makeshift straw bed with the pitiful covers drawn tight up to her neck. The cavern she resided in was her only home, what she had been able to scavenge. Luckily for her, no one had claimed it. It was far from the residential patch of land, even though the walking distance was almost unbearable to put up with. Unable to fly, she was anchored to the dirt of the earth, like the disgraceful scum she was.
Though one thought made her chest flutter with glee, and she savoured it. The male Saiyan. He smiled at her! It was short-lived however. Mitsu was exhausted running back to her cavern after being consumed with fear of being caught. It was risk that was totally worth it. She was assured that he wasn't a figment of her imagination, that he was real.
The aching hunger was slowly beginning to return, urging her to sleep. It would hopefully help her forget the famine for a few hours, if she was lucky. Closing her eyes, she tried to force herself to sleep, while the fear of being found would always stress her. She hated sleeping, but it was a perfect time-killer, and it certainly helped ease the pain once she fell into slumber-
Her heart stopped, her ears straining for a sound.
Did she hear something?
Suddenly, her head began to pound, her blood chilling when she heard the sound of footsteps approaching her, a shadow slowly crawling up the red-brown wall she was facing. Her eyes widened in distress and she drew the covers closer to her.
Oh no!
Too afraid in looking at the intruder, or closing her eyes, Mitsu was forced to watch the shadow grow, her invader coming closer. Eventually, the footsteps stopped, but even by now Mitsu could feel the presence of a being standing right behind her. The sensation of hunger had been dismissed, and replaced it was the aching, hollow feeling of dread.
She heard the intruder crouching behind her, its breathing becoming audible now. Choking on a whimper, Mitsu prayed for her life, her hands clenching so hard around the cover her flesh began to itch in ache.
Movement.
Then she noticed something just before her. She strained to look up without moving her head, pretending to be asleep. It was some sort of small improvised bag, a blanket tied at the top, concealing something inside. She recognised the gloved-hand, adorn in the same brown and black armour she admired.
The invaded slowly began to retreat back.
Wait, was that-?
"Wait!" She croaked, suddenly sitting up and turning around. Her eyes darted to the cavern's mouth, and standing there was the long-haired Saiyan. Silhouetted against the sunlight, the Saiyan turned to her, and for a moment he was frozen in the fierce light, one side of his face an incredible white and the other an impassable black, half-angel and half-demon. And then the moment passed, and an amused smirk appeared on the Saiyan's face.
"So, you are awake," he observed, his voice low. Mitsu's blood thickened upon hearing his voice, spellbound. "You're the Saiyaness that tried to steal from me before," It wasn't a question, it was a statement.
Mitsu said nothing at first, scared in what would happen if she answered correctly. But somehow she felt obliged in responding, so she nodded submissively. The male Saiyan stood there, folding his arms across his chest as his Scouter beeped crazily at her, emitting sharp electronic noises, examining her. "I must admit, I wasn't expecting anyone to be around here. Particularly a Saiyan," His Scouter finished scanning, and he chuckled softly at its results. "Heh, no wonder I was unable to sense you,"
"I-I wanted to t-thank you, for before," Mitsu squeaked, sensing something dangerous coming her way. She had the expression of fear and horror that he had seen when he first met her.
The male Saiyan tilted his head dismissively. He wasn't here for that.
"Say, what is a Saiyaness like yourself doing out here alone?"
Mitsu struggled to speak, scared. Thankfully, the male Saiyan answered for her. "Oh, that makes sense now. You're the Saiyan-Runt, aren't you?"
She nodded again, shivering and sweating. He approached her slowly and crouched down to her level, staring at her intensely. Mitsu edged away from him. "What's wrong? Are you scared?"
"O-Of course, I am," Mitsu stammered, forcing herself to talk. "A p-powerful Saiyan-Warrior such as yourself...c-could easily kill me," Mitsu frowned, feeling as though she had given this Saiyan a suggestion. To her surprise, he took delight in her comment, but for other reasons.
"Yes, I am a true Saiyan-Warrior! I could easily kill you, right here, right now...but I won't," His voice was low, a deep-bass tone with an unusual twang to it. Mitsu couldn't quite place her finger on it, but it was a voice she'd gladly listen to for hours. She wanted him to keep talking. "I'm Raditz, an Elite Saiyan-Warrior," He watched as Mitsu's eyes widen in growing surprise.
"A-An Elite Saiyan-Warrior?" She piped up, both of her hands covering her mouth. "You're more powerful than I thought you were! T-There isn't that many Elites,"
A smirk twisted Raditz's face; taking delight in the respect he was being given. It wasn't often he was admired. He was enjoying it more than he assumed. She wasn't quivering with fear, she was shuddering with astonishment! "I-I'm Mitsu!" She continued shakily, bowing down to Raditz. He blinked at her actions, finding it more charming each moment. He was beginning to like this Saiyaness!
"So, Mitsu, what brought you to see me?" He grinned, sitting on his knees before her. He was going to be here a little longer than he thought.
"I wanted to say thank you," She repeated, resuming back to her original statement. "For giving me t-the meat before. It's the most I have eaten in weeks," She seemed to have relaxed slightly.
"Tell me, how long have you been living...like this?" Raditz asked, his eyes scanning the cave in slight disgust.
Mitsu's eyes fell.
"For a while," She said in a small voice, sitting up. "About a couple of months,"
"Hmm, makes sense why I haven't seen you before," Raditz replied, folding his arms once more. "I was away on an assignment with Prince Vegeta,"
Mitsu gasped, catching Raditz's attention.
"You work with the Prince Vegeta?" Raditz nodded. He felt slightly disturbed to see the small Saiyaness lean really close to him, her eyes thick with fascination. "What's it like? Where did you go? How many planets have you've been on?"
Raditz blinked, holding his hand up as if to hold her back. But it did nothing. She was already a few inches away from his face. Her skin shone with sweat and dirt and her black hair hung lank across her cheeks, but her eyes were open and she was watching him with interest and awe. Enjoying this attention, Raditz chuckled.
"Well..."
And so, for a long while, Raditz found himself observing her as he explained what he had done during his time away from home, noting details about her. Her Saiyan-Armour, for one. Tattered and brittle and muddied, and no doubt it was at least the most pitiful armour. Despite her dirtied appearance, she had small, pretty features, and wide black eyes which looked out from beneath her black hair. Her voice, too; small and soft, yet her words were perfectly pronounced, the product of an intelligent Saiyan. It made Raditz curious to see why this was the Saiyan-Runt that was forsaken out of their clan. It clearly wasn't because she was a Runt. To have survived the first few months after birth, she had shown signs of being a strong warrior. Perhaps she was incapable of fighting, just like his mother Gine, but she was able to work as a meat distributer, so why wasn't Mitsu working like that instead? It was a question Raditz felt the need to ask another time.
Right now he was enjoying himself far too much in the company of the Saiyaness-reject, eagerly basking in the admiration Mitsu gave him endlessly. He had revealed the small supply of food he had gathered for her, wrapped in a simple blanket. Mitsu had to force herself not to hug the Saiyan-Warrior, in case it would offend him. But she offered him some of the food, and together they talked - mostly about Raditz's conquests.
He fished out the small, wilted flower and questioned her about it.
"It was a gift," She replied, before her face was invaded with humiliation. "I'm sorry it's not a lot. I don't have much to offer,"
A smirk tugged at the end of his lips.
"Your presence is enough, Mitsu,"
He watched as her face bloomed into a bright red. It was true what he said: Mitsu's forever- adoration for him was intoxicating, and he didn't want it to stop.
So this is what it's like to be admired! Finally, someone who saw him as a strong, amazing warrior. No wonder Prince Vegeta demanded it constantly.
Once they ran out of food, Raditz asked if Mitsu craved for some more. She nodded weakly and licked her lips, finishing with a meek smile that made her look like a satisfied kitten. At least her Saiyan stomach was still intact.
Raditz nodded, standing up suddenly.
"Stay here. I'll get you some more," And with that, he hurried out of the cavern's mouth and shot off into the air, a bolt of concussion blasting inside the cavern, nearly knocking Mitsu to the ground. Enraptured by the force behind it, she couldn't stop smiling and rushed outside, seeing the figure of Raditz lower himself into the vast village she was forbidden to enter. His journey took him a couple of seconds, which was incredible, compared to Mitsu's travel on foot. He was remarkable!
Mitsu watched after him, her eyes welling with tears to see that an Angel has descended upon her...
...The memory flickered in her mind, becoming blank to the world. She had made her way through the Palace, scaling the long staircase towards the top floor, where Tarian's room resided. Once she found her door, she tapped her knuckles on the door, waiting for a voice.
No answer.
She opened the door and stepped inside, still intent on her own private thoughts.
"It's rather rude walking in without permission like that," said a voice, gently.
Mitsu was startled out of her introspection, turning to the one who spoke to her.
A tall, slender Saiyaness stood at the corner of her room, smiling kindly. Mitsu, a little embarrassed, bowed down at her fellow Saiyaness.
"Ah, I'm so sorry. Forgive me. I...didn't expect anyone to be here,"
Tarian was leaning onto the wall. The room was similar to Mitsu's, except Tarian's room possessed several items she had gathered throughout her previous journeys. Figures made of different metals dotted her room, decorating it, along with an array of multi-coloured flowers in vases. Just like Mitsu, she had a soft bed, a balcony, and a simple wooden chest of draws for her belongings. The rooms were simple, but they each had their own way of making it their own.
Mitsu couldn't help feeling a little in awe of Tarian. Perhaps a couple of years older than Mitsu, she was already one of the heads of the Sen Members Warriors. Mitsu had recalled Olfa stating that age held no meaning on this Planet, and Tarian was evidence of that. It was apparent in the way the others treated her, with a gracious respect and admiration that was a hint of the faith they had in her. Mitsu had been meaning to ask her about it sometime, how she had got to where she was, but it seemed that there was never the opportunity. They were always busy. Everyone was expected to pitch in, whether it is at a wood-gathering, drawing up water from the rivers, or helping to improve one's power-level. And then there were battle-training, practice in the use of their Ki, relaxing in the Gardens and Spas, tending to the Stone Gardens or helping the young families; all things that Gurēdo had insisted Mitsu to take part in. It would keep her mind off her troubles, he had said. And he had been right. There was no time to brood over long on Planet Sen.
"So, what brings you to my room, Mitsu?" Tarian asked, bringing Mitsu out of her thoughts.
"Well, Elder Gurēdo wanted you. He says that he and the other Elders wish to talk with you, in the Temple in about twenty minutes,"
A sweet smile played Tarian's lips, her ebony eyes flicking to her balcony, feeling the breeze entering through her long black hair.
"Oh, he did, now?" She chuckled, walking towards the balcony in a dreamy elegance she always held. She sighed contently, looking at the beautiful skies that blessed Planet Sen, the distant voices of joyful Members soft in the air. "He probably wants to talk to me about the Tournament this month," Tarian trailed off, hearing no response. She turned around, and saw the little Saiyaness staring blankly at the Scouter that rested on her side-table. Tarian cocked a thin brow at her, observing her expression.
Suddenly, Mitsu looked lost, her features as still as a spectacular painting of woe and trouble...
... "It must be amazing to wear one of those things," Mitsu beamed, peering closely at Raditz, eyeing the device up and down curiously.
"What? You've never wore one of these before?" He asked, tapping the side of his Scouter.
The little Saiyaness shook her head. Raditz smirked wryly. "It's called a Scouter." He introduced her to it. He pushed his finger into the button at the side of his device, and the green pane of his Scouter began to flicker with yellow symbols Mitsu did not understand, noises emitted from it. "They help us Saiyan-Warriors track nearby enemies. We can find other Warriors, transmit messages, and even reveal power-levels,"
He watched as Mitsu's wide eyes sparkled in amazement.
"Really?" She began to jump on the spot excitingly, like a little girl. "What's my power-level? What is it?"
The male Saiyan rolled his eyes, unable to stop his smile growing on his face. Then he shook his head, surprised how someone could get so excited in a device that was so mundane to a Saiyan-Warrior. She was like a forgotten Princess, and he was a Prince showing her the world she had been locked away from for many years. He gladly explained things to her. It was evident that she cherished Raditz, worshipped him, his word was law to her. He was the All-Seeing eye for her world. No one has ever given him such respect, and he adored it.
"Okay," he said at a length. "Let's see your power-level," He pressed the button once more, staring at Mitsu. The green-pane indicated arrows directed at her, scanning her. Once it emitted a few beeps, he smirked in sweet amusement. "Aww, how adorable!"
"What is it? Am I Level-100? Or maybe 1000?"
"Your Power-Level is only a 55,"
He watched as Mitsu's elation drained instantly from her features, disappointment quickly followed. That was certainly a tiny power-level; the Saiyans weren't lying about that. She bit her lower lip, frowning. Raditz placed a hand on her shoulder, a warm smile on his face. "Don't worry, little Mitsu. I've been to planets where power-levels were a measly 5! Sometimes a mere 1!" He rubbed her shoulder sympathetically. "For a Saiyan who hasn't trained at all, that's pretty good,"
Mitsu was not convinced. She looked away, afraid of Raditz seeing the tears brimming her lashes.
"It's true what they say. I am pathetic,"
"Oh shut up," Mitsu shot a confused look at him, and was blessed with a confident smile, one that comforted her, the sunshine to her storms. "It's a start." Raditz reassured her. "Besides, once we start training, you'll improve quickly. I can assure you!"
Mitsu blinked.
"T-Training?" Where did this come from?
Raditz tutted.
"You didn't think I wouldn't train you, did you?"
The little Saiyaness stared at Raditz for a time, perplexity painted on her pretty face. This was sudden!
"Train me?"
"Of course. Don't you want to be a powerful Elite Saiyan-Warrior like myself?" Raditz grinned with self-confidence. "I don't do much in my spare time. Might as well make some use of it!"
His words touched the heart that has been wounded for so long. It was a lifting sensation of encouragement, lifting her spirits to the fact that someone actually cared her enough to train her. Her words trapped in her throat, Raditz watched as a series of emotions battled in Mitsu's face. For a split-second, she was confused, her black eyebrow cocking, believing it was a trick. Then she looked at him, realised who he was, and a smile blossomed. Tears fell from her striking eyes. Happy tears. She suddenly leapt up, wrapping her petit arms around Raditz's muscular neck and clung onto him, her feet dangling from the ground. The public display of affection startled the male Saiyan, freezing in his position. He felt Mitsu's face digging in his shoulder, embracing his thick black quills tightly, and he liked it. Slowly, he placed his leans hands onto her lower back, hugging her back in slight uncertainty.
"Thank you," Was all he could make out in the wavering muffled voice. "Thank you, Raditz! You're the best Saiyan on Planet Vegeta!"
A sudden rouse of confidence and respect rushed inside of Raditz, a smirk growing on his lips and he couldn't stop it. For the first time, he wasn't the Saiyan being looked down upon. He had found another who was in a worse place, seeking for sanctuary, a hero. And then she found him, like an Angel sent down to save her, Raditz was the light Mitsu had been begging for. It suddenly felt good being Raditz the Saiyan.
He hugged her a little firmer, his life becoming better for himself. Perhaps she too was an Angel sent to save him from his depression.
Raditz's Scouter beeped nosily between the Saiyans, interrupting their moment.
Raditz broke the embrace, placing the tiny Saiyaness back onto the ground gently, both turning to the Scouter.
"What's wrong?" Mitsu asked in a small voice.
Raditz read the symbols on the Scouter, taking note of the information. According to his Scouter, Mitsu's power-level has risen slightly, from 55 to 60. It wasn't a big difference, but one that intrigued Raditz. Why did that happen?
He dismissed his question and smiled at Mitsu.
"Your power-level has gone up to 60," He saw the delight on Mitsu's face brighten once more. "Told you you'll get better!"
"That's amazing!" Mitsu beamed, looking at her tiny hands. "I don't know how, but that's fantastic!" She looked back up at Raditz. "Being with you seemed to have brighten my world more each day,"
It was Raditz's turn to be touched by the words. He felt a soft heat gathering in his cheeks, blushing faintly. He suddenly wanted to distract himself from it. He removed the Scouter from his ear and held it to her.
"You try it, Mitsu,"
Mitsu gasped, looking at Raditz as if he had dared her to do something drastic in front of King Vegeta.
"C-Can I?"
"Sure," He placed it in her hands, finding it amusing how she had to practically cup the Scouter with both hands to hold it steady. She placed it against her ear, unsure what to do with it. The male Saiyan leaned over, his hands fiddling around the Scouter, and fitted it on there.
"Whoa," She mewed, feeling the weight of it. "It's really heavy. Feels like my head could snap off,"
"Well, it is my Scouter. If you had one, it'd be smaller for you," He leaned down, grinning. "Look at me and press the button at the side. You can scan my power-level,"
"B-But I don't understand the language on this," She cried, but Raditz shook his head.
"No need to worry, little Mitsu. Just read out the numbers. The rest of the information is classified for Saiyan-Warriors, hence the different language,"
Mitsu cooed, nodding slowly as she understood the reason behind the alien language. Gingerly, her slim index finger reached at the side of the Scouter, searching for the button until; at last, she found it and pressed it. The Scouter began to beep wildly, highlighting Raditz's frame with a yellow outline, as arrows pointed at him, scanning.
Raditz grinned smugly to watch Mitsu's face drain in horror.
"Your power-level is 1300?!" She practically screamed, almost falling backwards in overwhelming astonishment. Raditz chuckled.
"It's rather scary, isn't it?"
"Y-Yes. But it's truly incredible!" She placed a hand over her heart, as if unable to contain of revelation. "How did you do it?"
"Lots of training! Eating well, and being able to connect with your Saiyan Soul. What did you expect from an Elite-Warrior?" Raditz haughtily replied. "One day, you'll be there, Mitsu. Of course, by then, I'll probably be..." he paused, his eyes reaching to the rocky ceiling of the cavern as he searched for the numbers, cocking his lip for a moment, then added: "Maaaaybe over 9000,"
Mitsu exhaled slowly and deeply, taken aback by the figures.
"I know, for sure, that I'll be safe with you, Raditz,"
"Of course," Raditz said, his voice dropping to a soft hum. Suddenly, the cockiness vanished from his handsome face and what replaced it was utter sincerity. "I'll protect you, Mitsu,"
Mitsu smiled, her black eyes regarding him in utter adoration. After a short moment, Raditz frowned, rubbing the side of his head as he pondered for a moment. "Hmm, if I'm going to make a real Saiyan out of you, I'm going to need to find a way of marking you as my student,"
Mitsu looked a little nervous at the prospect. She wasn't sure what he meant by that. He ruffled his black locks for a time, his eyes searching. He looked down, and abruptly snapped his fingers. "Ah!" he cried out suddenly, startling Mitsu. "I got it!"
Mitsu watched as Raditz reached for the crimson accessory band that hugged around his right arm, removing it. He repeated the process with his right thigh, pulling the band off. He grasped onto the two bands and held them to Mitsu. "Put these on. That way, you're holding my name in your training,"
Excitingly, Mitsu took the bands immediately, pulling them over her right arm, mirroring its position with Raditz's remaining two bands. She did the same with her thigh. They hugged around her thigh and arm comfortably firm, for they expanded around easily, fitted with the soft curves of her small anatomy. Once she adjusted them, she beamed a smile at Raditz, holding her hands out.
"What do you think, Master Raditz?" She asked proudly, glee evident in her voice.
Raditz folded his arms, admiring his student.
"You look like a student of Raditz the Elite Saiyan-Warrior," He grinned, an intimidating look of hunger for combat invaded his face. "Okay, let's begin, Mitsu!"...
..."Mitsu?"
Mitsu blinked, suddenly reverting back to reality and turned to the source of the voice, seeing Tarian bowing down at her height. "You alright? You looked lost in thoughts there,"
Mitsu stammered for an answer, and then gave up trying to explain herself. Her gaze fell to the floor.
"I'm alright, just thinking,"
"Thinking of what?" Tarian had plenty of ideas what Mitsu was talking about, but she wanted to see if the little Saiyaness was able to express her problems without trouble. Mitsu stared back at her, her black eyes full of sorrow and anguish. Tarian knew Mitsu was bottling her problems up. She needed to find a way for Mitsu to release them before they hurt her. Tarian stood up, her arms folded behind her back. "Walk with me," She suggested, already making her way out of the door.
Mitsu hesitated for a time, glancing at the Scouter mournfully, before finally coming to a decision and hurried closely behind Tarian.
Mitsu ambled alongside Tarian through the small village, feeling the sun through the petal canopy on her face, hearing the chattering of the village as if for the first time, watching the soft stirring of the delicate blossom petals of the trees. Before, the beauty of this place had fallen on dulled sense; but now, Mitsu was content to bask in it, occasionally stooping to gather the sweet blue berries in the bushes.
"Why did you want me to walk with you, Tarian?" Mitsu asked suddenly, out of nowhere.
Tarian smiled softly, not breaking stride.
"Mitsu, you've been hiding things from us, haven't you?" Tarian asked, her tone not in the faintest bit accusatory. Just curious.
"Hiding?" Mitsu said, surprised into a small laugh. "I'm not-"
"Mitsu," Tarian stopped abruptly, facing the little Saiyaness. "You can stop this little facade. Admit it, you have so much going on your mind," Her eyes held sincerity. It was weird; sometimes Tarian can be so gentle and sweet, far beyond her Saiyan-Nature, and then every so often she would speak in a tone that would remind Mitsu she was talking to another Saiyan. Mitsu swallowed a hard lump, looking away. "Talk to me. What's wrong?"
"I-It's nothing, really," Mitsu said, not wishing to cause a burden on Tarian. Considering her role on Planet Sen, she didn't wish for the other Saiyaness to worry about her problems. Not only that, she feared in being mocked for it. Tarian was very understanding, for a Saiyan, but Mitsu felt the slight disheartening sensation of cynicism. She had only told the Sen Members and the Elders that Raditz was merely a friend she knew back on Planet Vegeta, but what they didn't know was how much he had meant to her, what he had done for her. If anything, Mitsu didn't wanted Raditz to be mocked for his kindness for her, even though he was not present.
"I doubt that," Tarian said, picking a berry from a nearby bush and examined it for a moment. "It's Raditz the Saiyan, I know," She ate the berry as she faced Mitsu. "I have met him before, you know," Mitsu's eyes flickered onto Tarian. She had said nothing, but Tarian knew what she was thinking. "He's a Saiyan-Warrior with long hair. Son of Bardock, elder brother of Kakarot. He's a bit of an arrogant Saiyan, but a good Warrior, nonetheless. He must have done something to make you feel this emotional about him,"
"Raditz saved me, several times," Mitsu said, running her foot along the grass slowly. "I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for him," She fought against tears that threatened her.
A soft smile pulled at Tarian's lips. Ah, finally, a start.
"Look, let's sit down here," Tarian suggested. "You can tell me all about him,"
"But I-" Mitsu began, but Tarian stopped her and placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Mitsu, you clearly need to get this off your chest," Tarian said, looking into her eyes. There was a silence between them for a moment. The two Saiyans walked towards the grassy bank that overlooked the azure lake. Settling down onto the grass, Tarian relaxed and Mitsu joined her. Tarian waited, watching as Mitsu picked at the grass uneasily, looking distracted for a moment; then she looked back at her.
"Raditz is my world," She began, her voice small. "He was the only Saiyan that cared enough about me. He was the one who fed me when I was on the verge of death. He protected me, numerous times, when Saiyans had found me. He even killed them just to keep me alive. He was also the one who taught me how to fly in the first place," She held her hand up, staring at it for a time. "And his Ki-Attack, Weekend," Her hand dropped. "Though I wasn't as strong as him, I was starting to get better thanks to his guidance," Mitsu pulled onto her long sleeves of her kimono and indicated the red bands that clutched around her right arm and leg. Despite being washed, they were torn and dirtied from the previous ambushes and battles Mitsu had endured in. She denied any form of replacement though. They were her only confirmation of Raditz being real. "He gave me these bands to mark me as his Student. They were his before he gave them to me," She smiled at the memory.
"But only Elite Saiyan-Warriors can be Masters. Raditz was only a Middle-Class Saiyan-Warrior,"
"I know..." Mitsu's head sank a little, recalling the terrible lie.
"So, tell me, how did you get here?" Tarian asked, knowing that she was stepping into tender territory but driven onward by her desire to understand Mitsu's past.
"Vegeta exiled me," Mitsu said. It was pretty much the answer Tarian had expected, but the hostile tone of voice still surprised her.
"I'm sorry," She said. She didn't intend to press her any further, but Mitsu went on anyway, her black eyes glaring at the riverbank.
"Once word got out that I was alive, and that Raditz was helping me, Vegeta got that monster of a Saiyan to kidnap me, and brought me to his Palace,"
"Monster of a Saiyan?" Tarian blinked, thinking for a moment. "You mean Nappa?"
Mitsu nodded once, her face darkened a little.
"Vegeta confronted me in the Great Hall, acting so high and mighty...as if that fiend could ever become as honourable as his father!" Then the shadow passed, and she frowned. "He got Raditz too, and nearly killed me. Raditz took the blow for me though, protecting me. It angered Vegeta, but he gave us an option: That I should be exiled from my home-planet and Raditz trained under Vegeta, to 'erase the softness I have diseased him with', or we both got killed by him," Mitsu's head bowed. "I wanted to be exiled, only to give Raditz the chance in becoming an Elite Saiyan-Warrior. It was my gift for him, in saying thank you for everything he has done for me...and yet," She paused, and took a shuddering sigh. "I sometimes feel as though I was tricked, conned in believing that Raditz is being trained to become an amazing Saiyan-Warrior,"
"Knowing Prince Vegeta, he will," Tarian prompted, trying to lighten the situation.
"I doubt it," Mitsu said darkly, not missing a beat. "Vegeta has a habit of denying the wishes of others. I should know..."
Tarian stared at the Saiyaness, taken back to see her expressing wrath, as if for the first time. Eventually, the fury softened, and Mitsu resumed back into the meek, shy Saiyaness she was before. "I have been exiled from my own home-planet, and I cannot go there to see Raditz anymore. No matter what I do, I won't be strong enough to fight the Saiyans there, and it would probably make Raditz's life worse,"
Tarian could tell that the little Saiyan was downplaying her experiences, because she didn't want to talk about them in any more detail than she had to. There was more in what she hadn't said than in what she had. A little Saiyan-Runt, surviving and staying hidden for a few years in a world in which she was both alone and hunted...it was an incredible accomplishment. The price she had paid for Raditz's wish was her own existence, forced to be exiled. She made no mention of why she did not explain this to the Elders in as much details as she had done for Tarian, but Tarian could guess. She feared that she would be judged, just as she has been through all of her life. She didn't wanted Raditz to be put in a bad light.
Certainly, she had given Raditz a bad name in front of the Prince of all Saiyans.
Tarian sighed and placed a sisterly arm around her shoulders. No wonder she seemed so distant. No wonder she had isolated herself from everyone on this Planet when she first arrived. She had probably seen more horrors in her years on Planet Vegeta than the average Warrior would in a lifetime. Mitsu had desperately been trying to figure out a way of reuniting with Raditz without their home-planet or the Prince being involved. But with Prince Vegeta now training Raditz personally and she had no idea when Raditz was working away, Mitsu was lost, drifting without direction. Tarian was currently in that position too, the sensation of wandering aimlessly in searching for an important person from their past. Luckily for Tarian, she had a single form of contact with this important person. Mitsu, on the other hand, was thrown into sea without a raft.
In that moment, she felt a strong connection with the little Saiyaness. Both of them had suffered similar fates; but whereas Tarian's journey into the unknown had started long ago, Mitsu's was just beginning.
"I don't want to lose him, Tarian," Mitsu whimpered.
"What makes you say that?"
"Vegeta nearly killed me. He can easily kill Raditz if he wanted to," Her eyes flew to the sky, full of tears now. "What if he's already dead?" She faced Tarian, desperation in her eyes. "I-I can't live with that thought!"
Tarian secretly flinched at her pained words, a lifetime of training making the reaction an instinct.
"You can't assume that, Mitsu. Raditz had killed a few Saiyans off to save you, remember?" Tarian said, as if that was a plus point.
"But Vegeta is stronger than those Saiyans," Mitsu muttered, her voice shaking.
"That may be true, but don't forget, Frieza is stronger than Vegeta,"
There was a long silence, during which they both thought over what Tarian said. Of course, Frieza...the Ice-Demon that had destroyed many lives. He was the very reason why they were gathering on this remote planet, training in hopes they can defeat the fiend once and for all, before he erased all life-forms of the Universe.
Not wishing to talk about Frieza, or Vegeta, Mitsu shook her head, a small tear rolling down her cheek.
"I want Raditz back," She stated, wiping the tear away with the back of her hand.
"I know you do," Tarian turned to look back over the riverbank. "If you want, I'll have a word with the Elders. Maybe they can do something," She said, uncertainty thick in her voice. Considering Raditz was working under Prince Vegeta, Tarian knew personally how awful and cruel Prince Vegeta was. Would it be safe to bring back a Saiyan-Warrior to this planet? Tarian would have liked to believe that Raditz was this kind Saiyan Mitsu described, but she found herself unable to trust the statement. It was nothing against Mitsu, Tarian was certain Mitsu was telling the truth, but there was something about Raditz Tarian felt uncomfortable with. She had encountered the male Saiyan herself several times in the past, and each encounter was often tense. Now that he was under the hands of Prince Vegeta, something told Tarian that Raditz may have escalated into something far more frightening and deadly.
She shook her head. Perhaps she was simply over-thinking. Raditz could be a wonderful addition to their cause. Of course, they would need to explain to him why he needed to defy against the Icejin he were working for in the first place. It was going to be a tough process, but Tarian was determined to help Mitsu. It was about time her nightmare ended. "You must really like Raditz, don't you?"
Mitsu gave her a look, watching Tarian smile impishly.
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Well...look at it this way: A male Saiyan warrior saving you, protecting you...sounds like a fairytale to me,"
"What are you trying to say?" Mitsu piped up, her heart-broken tears forgotten.
Tarian was surprised into laughing.
"I'm saying that you sound like you are infatuated by him! You know, in love," She laughed again, high and clear, to see Mitsu's face flush into a deep red. "My, you and Raditz really do make a cute couple now that I think about it," She teased.
"S-Stop it!" Mitsu cried out, playfully pushing the female Saiyan onto the ground. Tarian couldn't help but giggle, glad to have cheered up Mitsu for a moment. Though she wasn't lying. She was unable to stop seeing Mitsu being in love with Raditz. She had this adoration for him. Not many Saiyans reacted that way towards another Saiyan, but Tarian was delighted to see it. It was like she was witnessing an ancient love-ritual their ancestors had experienced centuries ago.
"I bet you made all sorts of goo-goo eyes when he's around!" Tarian grinned, steamrolling on. "With all of those powerful muscles, he'd be a prince in your eyes! Just imagine: Prince Raditz and Princess Mitsu-!"
"Cut it out!" Mitsu piped up, her face flushing a bright pinkish-red. The very thought of it seemed absurd to Mitsu, but she was unable to ignore the image in her head.
But the moment of delight was fleeting, and the two Saiyans calmed down, being brought back down to earth.
"I should really go see the Elders now," Tarian said at last, standing up. Mitsu followed her.
"Of course," She said. "I'm going to see Carameja and Olfa in the Gardens,"
"You best get going then," Tarian smiled, waving a hand at her. "I'll catch you when I can,"
They bid goodbye and separated to opposite directions.
Tarian halted for a moment, looked over her shoulder and examined Mitsu for a time as she walked over the arched bridge towards the Gardens. If she didn't know the Saiyaness personally, she wouldn't have been able to comprehend how much trauma she had experienced back on Planet Vegeta. While Mitsu may not be a typically strong Saiyan Warrior, she was certainly strong in her own ways. Many would have destroyed themselves long ago, yet here was Mitsu, still breathing and believing. She truly believes that she has a chance of reuniting with Raditz. Tarian couldn't help but feel a pang of sorrow for the little Saiyaness. To be separated by someone whom she clearly loved was definitely soul-destroying; Tarian knew that from personal experience herself. She recalled how hard it was for her to accept fate, and it nearly destroyed her. Then she looks at Mitsu, and sees a Saiyan with hidden strength. She had been mocked for her physical strength for so long that she was oblivious to her genuine power. Mitsu had faith somewhere deep inside, and it was itching to get out. Tarian admired that very much.
AUTHOR'S NOTES:-
Hey my lovelies, I hope everything is doing fine, and enjoying this installment. I had this written a while ago, but forgot I had finished it and finally submitted it now. Be aware, some chapters are gonna get longer. Enjoy, my lovelies! More is on the way! Check out my deviantART page for pictures~
Just a few pointers:-
-After a bit of research, I only managed to figure out that Raditz's power-level is 1500 when he arrived on earth. Considering that scene happened well before his arrival on Earth, I dropped it down to 1300. [Just wanted to point that out in case it confused anyone]
- Yes, I did put in an Over 9000 joke. IT AMUSED ME!
- Forgive me for the layout of this. It's much better on DevianART, for some reason certain things I do for these chapters tend to annoy Fanfiction, and it screws it up. Please bear with it. ;-;