Chapter Three -- Hell in front, the Abyss to the sides and the Angel of Death behind...
Fifteen minutes later Xiae woke up and stood, slowly streching, every muscle in her body quivering. She shivered in the cold half light of the false dawn, the short nightie she was wearing was absolutely no help whatso ever, she could lay back down with her warm Vegeta but she was restless. She raised her ki slightly and walked over to the wardrobe, pulling out a fawn tank type top and a pair of black cargo pants. She looked back over at the bed, as Vegeta lay there, she felt her heart leap with some untamable emotion. She walked slowly into the shower, turned on the water, pulled off her nightie and climbed into the hot water. The water was relaxing and she sighed softly as she looked at the scars that crisscrossed her body, so many battles won, so many wounds, some of the scars were silvery white, old scars from old beatings, old pains, while others were newer, fiery red and stood out stark against her pale skin. Finally Xiae finished and climbed out. She dressed quickly, pulling on the top and pants. She walked into the main room again and knelt by the bed, staring into Vegeta's face *Kami, he is so handsome* and then snapped back to reality.
Wake up! said Xiae as she unceremoniously tipped Vegeta off the bed. Time for me to whip you in a sparring match…remember?
Vegeta sat up rubbing the base of his tail and glared daggers at Xiae The way I remember it I was going to kick you
In your imagination maybe, but in real life, get real Vegeta. That has as much chance of happening as Kakkarot has of growing a brain
No, in your imagination maybe, but as I am the all mighty Prince of the saiya-jins. There is no way you could even contemplate defeating me
Yeah, yeah, whatever you say…Anyways, Piccolo and Gohan have finished sparring and are both in the regen tanks
okay Vegeta stood up and walked across the room. They both knew that he was the stronger, but the verbal sparring before the match was just as fun as the fight itself, besides it wouldn't feel right without the ego boosting banter. A white aura formed around Vegeta as he concentrated. When it faded away he was dressed in loose fitting cargo pants and a deep blue tee-shirt.
"Show off" muttered Xiae under her breath, Vegeta had learnt the technique off Piccolo and for all Xiae's efforts she could not master it. Xiae grabbed her sword from beside the bed and strapped it to her back, then picked up the five daggers she always carried and placed them in their various sheaths. One in each of her boots, one strapped to her thigh, one on the front of her swords scabbard, laying crosswise over her chest and the other strapped to her side. She pulled her hair back and tied it with a scrap of cloth, then she sat down and meditated while she waited for Vegeta.
Vegeta walked into the room he should have spent the night in and grabbed his sword. He half drew the blade and felt the quivering raw energy course through his body. The razor edge of the blade glowed dimly a dark jade, the impossibly sharp edge tempered in his own blood, and the blood of Karesh. The kami of his planet before it was destroyed. Karesh had helped both Xiae and Vegeta forge their blades when he had found them wandering the palace. He had helped them enchant the blades, and then taught them the 'Daystar' way of the blade, Xiae had learnt more off him as well, the ways of magic and demons. Vegeta shook his head and resheathed the blade, he had no time for half forgotten memories. He strapped the blade on and walked back into Xiae's room. "Lets eat then train okay?"
"Aye, my prince." Xiae stood and walked over to Vegeta, and then into the kitchen. She took out two capsules and popped them open. An immense array of food covered the table.
The two ate with incredible speed, even for a saiya-jin. A person placing more food on the table would have lost an arm, but while Xiae ate with some degree of manners, using the chopsticks and eating with her mouth closed, Vegeta simply concentrated on shoveling as much food into his mouth as fast as he could. The results of this were not pretty. Finally when they finished the two sat back, Xiae took one look at Vegeta's face and giggled, his lips were still covered in food. She smirked, an evil grin stretching accross her face and leant forward, taking Vegeta's chin in her hand, guided it to her own and kissed him, hard. Vegeta kissed back, drawing his hands up and encircling her surprisingly slender shoulders. "Mmmmmm, nice, tasty" murmured Xiae softy as the two pulled apart for a second, before continuing the kiss.
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"Warning Gravity 2200x normal. Warning Gravity 2200x normal"
Vegeta gritted his teeth and blasted across the room, sword drawn, they had been sparring for 10 hours straight and he was damned if he was going to give up now. Xiae waited, a teasing half smile playing across her face, knowing how much that could irritate the arrogant saiya-jin prince, but she was breathing hard, leaning against the wall of the gravity chamber, blood dripping from many small wounds. She was almost beaten, as much as she hated to admit it, Vegeta was the stronger warrior, but she wasn't going to let that stop her. She watched as Vegeta came towards her, forcing her aching muscles to obey as she dropped to the ground and skidded across the floor, away from his blow. Vegeta turned around and looked at Xiae, the gold fading from her bowed head. The time had come to end this.
"Azure wrath" A burst of brilliant blue energy shot from Vegeta's other hand and flew toward Xiae. Xiae looked up to see the blast coming straight for her. *Now or never* she thought grimly and called on the last of her energy, holding out her hands.
"Vixen Blaze" she whispered, more in her mind, than aloud. The blood red flaming ball of energy formed just as Vegeta's attack hit. The two powers collided and then Vegeta's attack was absorbed. Xiae slumped to the floor panting, and then looked up. She struggled slowly to her feet; this victory was going to be hers. She drew her sword, her muscles protesting every movement. Vegeta saw her draw her sword, and readied himself. The two flew at each other, sparks flying from the blades as they collided with force. Attack, parry, attack, parry, the two fought like a pair demonic gods aflame and at war in the after realm, sparks flying like fireworks. The blades swirling like whirlwind, a deadly dance where to misstep was death. Then Xiae stopped short, the tip of ShadowFang just pricking her breast bone.
"I win Xiae, you're dead" said Vegeta, panting heavily, blood pouring down his face from a cut just above his eye.
"But I would have taken ye with me Vegeta. Look down." Vegeta looked, the blade of LightningTalon lay across his stomach. One wrong move and he could have been disemboweled. "Double death and no losers, my prince"
"Very well" replied Vegeta, putting up his blade and wincing slightly. " I knew you had improved Xiae but that was incredible"
"I know I am." purred Xiae smugly, looking for all the world like the cat that had eaten the canary.
"Modest aren't you?" chided Vegeta softly, pushing her off balance.
"Not my fault, I got that from you" said Xiae as she pulled herself up...again. "Gravity off computer"
"Acknowledged" Xiae and Vegeta breathed a sigh of relief as the gravity in the room decreased suddenly. They walked out of the training chamber slowly, feeling the deep muscle ache that comes from sparring or fighting all out. Vegeta's eyes followed Xiae, her clothes mere rags, barely concealing anything. What was left of her shirt was starting to giveway at the seams and her cargoes were all but a mini skirt, and Vegeta, being male could not but hope that her shirt would give way.
I heard that! laughed Xiae, and no, the seams are not going to give... Vegeta looked sheepishly at Xiae, he had forgotten for a moment Xiae's telepathic powers were so strong. They walked towards the entrance of the cave, utterly drained, exausted, unaware of the eyes that watched from above.
In an alcove above the cave, Khalad stood, loading his crossbow carefully, making sure not to prick himself on the drugged bolt. The Mistress would pay well to know that her instructions had been carried out the seer was out of action and if he was lucky he would have enough to purchase the favours of the temple whores or if the Mistress was especially pleased she would repay him with her own favours. Khalad raised the bow and took careful aim...and ever so gently squeezed the trigger. The bolt flew straight and true striking the seer in the shoulder. He had no wish to kill her, as the Mistress wanted to save that for herself, but to prevent the saiya-jin finding the gems of Amora this was the surest way, and if the seer went insane it was an added bonus. It was a shame that there was another standing with the seer in Khalad's opinion, otherwise he could have had some fun with her.
Vegeta caught the saiya-jin warrioress as she fell, the drug acting immediately on her sparring weakened body. The bolt, it has barbs, don't try and pull it back Vegeta quickly pushed the bolt the rest of the way through Xiae's shoulder in accordance with her instructions, snapped off the barbed head and then withdrew the shaft. Xiae's eyes slowly closed and her body went limp.
Xiae! Vegeta's silent call bounced back painfully, as if there was a mental wall between him and Xiae. He calmed his racing heart and listened, she was still breathing but was not responding in any way. Had she merely fainted or fallen into a coma he would have felt his words echo through her mind rather than this painful recoil. He lifted her up to his shoulder and raced into the house, in his hand he still held the head of the bolt. Whoever did that to Xiae would pay.
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"I've seen this poison before, Bulma" said Prince Vegeta, looking at the results of Bulma's tests on the crossbow bolt. Bulma was not the only one with brains, on board Freeza's ships Vegeta had been the most intelligent aside from Freeza himself. One of the many ways Vegeta had served the ugly tryant was to develop new weapons for those guards with insufficent power levels to use ki attacks. There was noone else around and so Vegeta spoke nicely to his mate. "Its called azash. It suspends the mind inside the body. The girl can see, feel and hear everything, but she can't get her body to respond"
"Okay...is there an antidote?"
"No, only time can clear the drug from her body" despite himself Vegeta felt a twinge of pity for the saiya-jin girl. He had been poisoned by the drug once and he knew what Xiae would be going through.
"How long?"
"Depends on her strength, I'd say month to a month and a half."
"I suppose I had better tell Xiae's Vegeta now" Bulma walked out of the room to tell the other Vegeta the results. Prince Vegeta scowled as his blue haired human mate left the room, then he walked over to the results again.
Bulma found Vegeta in the gravity chamber, training at 1600x gravity with her latest robots, or rather destroying them. Bulma was shocked, those robots could put up with super saiya-jin4 Vegeta and Goku and come through relatively unscathed, and Vegeta Nightfalcon, in super saiya-jin2 or what appeared to be super saiya-jin2 was splintering them in to piles of rubble and wires, but then he was also using his sword. Bulma walked to the door of the chamber and switched off the artificial gravity. "Vegeta?"
"What do you want." snarled the enraged warrior as he destroyed another of the robots. Bulma gulped, not even her Vegeta's voice when she had first seen him on Namek or in the arguments she had with him on earth came close to the barely controlled rage and hatred that was in the young saiya-jin princes voice.
"I've finished analysing the drug. Vegeta recognised it, called it azash. It has suspended Xiae's mind inside her body, she can feel, hear and see everything but she just cannot get her body to respond, it should wear off in about a month, month and a half." Vegeta nodded slightly and Bulma watched as the fire died out of the warriors eyes and his hair faded back to its normal black. He didn't say a word but walked past her and headed for the ship where Xiae lay in the infirmary.
Vegeta walked through the door into the room where Xiae lay, connected up to an IV drip, her chest barely moving with her soft breathing. He sat down on the bed beside the poisoned saiya-jin girl and took her hand. Vegeta sat there a long time without saying anything, just stroking Xiae's hand, then he started to speak. He told Xiae about the drugs effects, how Buffy's training was going and his achievement of super saiya-jin2, when he had finished, he kissed her softly on the forehead and left.
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"No no no Buffy, arm down! Otherwise your enemy will be able to do this" said Gohan as he caught Buffy off guard as they sparred, blasting her in the stomach so she was thrown back several feet. She had only come out of the tanks a few days ago, but was catching on quickly to the idea of ki and how to use it and her power level was increasing at a phenomenal rate. From her starting power level of 500 to 100 000 in four days. Both Gohan and Piccolo were training with the slayer and teaching her how to fight properly. Buffy landed in a handspring and flipped right way up again, blood trickling from one corner of her mouth.
Piccolo watched from the sidelines as the young saiya-jin warrior suddenly found himself doubling over in pain as Buffy punched him in the kidneys with all her strength. Piccolo bit back a slight grin, the girl, who he had previously thought a weak fool, had natural talent. Gohan recovered and the pair were at it again. Buffy pulled back and drew her hands up to her chest in one swift movement. A fraction of a second later a powerful beam of purple ki streamed from her hands and hit Gohan squarely in the face. Buffy put all she had into the attack but it still wasn't enough, Gohan pushed the beam aside with a great amount of difficulty and phased behind Buffy, punching her squarely in the solar plexus as he passed. Buffy fell to the ground panting and her power level dropped, exhausted.
"Hey, you are getting much better Buffy" said Gohan as he flew down ad helped her up, "You almost got me with that attack of yours, what is it called?"
"It hasn't really got a name, it just came to me as we fought"
"Well with a little practice that blast will be strong enough to almost take me out"
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Vegeta jumped slightly, Xiae's hand had just tightened. He looked at her, she was quivering all over, he looked curiously at her, but his look was tinged with worry. The other Vegeta had told him this would happen as she came out from the drugs influence, but he had also warned his cross dimensional counterpart that there was a high possibility Xiae could die in the process and the fact that she was recovering only 10 days after she had been attacked was not comforting. This was due to the drugs highly toxic nature, the quicker the recovery, the higher the risks. Xiae's slender body contorted, back arched and hands clawing air, power level rising rapidly. Her breath came in pants, too slowly at times and at other times racing. Vegeta placed his hand on her neck and felt her pulse, he couldn't count the beats, they were going too fast, one continuous blur. Suddenly her power started to fall, rapidly along with her heart beat...
"NO! You must fight it Xiae!" Vegeta unconsciously powered up, past super saiya-jin into super saiya-jin2 destroying the room around him, as it became clear to him what he must do, or die in the attempt. I break my soul into two pieces, this half I give for ye to keep Vegeta chanted the ancient ritual softly in his mind, bending down and biting the dying saiya-jin girl on the base of the neck, drawing blood. The blood tasted sweet in his mouth, and her scent even more so, a scent of cool clear water, lemon blossom and mint, he then forced his power, his life, his memories into Xiae's body through the bite. Her power level stopped falling. By my soul and my life's blood I claim ye... Xiae Nightstorm, daughter of Cabbagio and Cherry. By my power and my honour I claim ye, ye is mine now and always Vegeta let go of her neck. Xiae stirred, her eyes opening, her body healed by the power Vegeta had given her. She sat up swaying slightly, saying not a word. Her fingers ran softly over the bite mark on her neck, then she continued the ritual.
I break my soul into two pieces, this half I give for ye to keep chanted the flame haired warrioress leaning close to Vegeta and suddenly sinking her teeth into his neck.By my soul and my life's blood I claim ye... Xiae's power and memories flowed into Vegeta and she inhaled deeply, her nostrils filled with his scent of woodsmoke, honey and cinnamon. Prince Vegeta Nightfalcon, son of King Vegeta and Maracuja. By my power and my honour I claim ye, ye is mine now and always Xiae released her hold on Vegeta, and drew the sheet around her as she stood up and disconnected the IV line. Vegeta leant forward slightly and kissed her softly on the lips, Xiae kissed back, a kiss that tasted of blood and power
Where shall we hunt?
There is a place not far from here, I've been hunting there over the past few days. replied Vegeta as he concentrated slightly and formed a white aura around Xiae, when it cleared, she was wearing a tight deep blue singlet top, tight fitting black cargo shorts and black leather lace up boots. Xiae smiled as she felt Vegeta's reaction to her clothes through the link they now shared. He concentrated once more and four sheathed and belted daggers appeared in his right hand, he passed two to Xiae, who strapped them to her thighs and smiled. She swayed slightly, her balance still not quite right.
Lets go then
Very well replied Vegeta slipping an arm around Xiae's waist and carrying her.
I can fly myself you know...said Xiae hinted darkly.
I know, but I want to, and besides youre still not strong enough to fly yourself
Like hell I am not strong enough to fly myself!
Vegeta smoothed a strand of hair away from Xiae's face as they flew over night dark woods Well I want to, and you will need your strength for later said Vegeta, a teasing note in his voice. Xiae said nothing in response but blushed instead.
The two soon came to Vegeta's hunting ground, a large meadow bordered on two sides by cliffs and on one side by a deep stream. A large herd of deer grazed peacefully in the moonlight. Vegeta and Xiae crept up on the herd from down wind, making no sound as they moved stealthily through the dry grasses. They made their choice, a large buck in his prime, the leader of the herd and then struck, killing the beast by slitting its throat. The rest of the herd scattered, and the two saiya-jin retreated to the edge of the stream with their kill. Vegeta swiftly skinned and gutted the deer with the familiarity of long practice. He then cut a long strip of meat and offered it to Xiae in accordance with the ritual. She ate it slowly, savouring the taste of the bloody raw meat, then they started to eat in earnest, finishing the deer in a matter of minutes. Vegeta looked at Xiae, her arms, legs and face red with the deer's blood, Xiae stretched her arms behind her head and winced as the dried blood pulled at her skin. Time to wash... Xiae walked over to the edge of the stream coming? she questioned as she stripped off her clothes. Vegeta smirked evilly and followed.
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read and review people, I need to know what you think so I can write more
Fifteen minutes later Xiae woke up and stood, slowly streching, every muscle in her body quivering. She shivered in the cold half light of the false dawn, the short nightie she was wearing was absolutely no help whatso ever, she could lay back down with her warm Vegeta but she was restless. She raised her ki slightly and walked over to the wardrobe, pulling out a fawn tank type top and a pair of black cargo pants. She looked back over at the bed, as Vegeta lay there, she felt her heart leap with some untamable emotion. She walked slowly into the shower, turned on the water, pulled off her nightie and climbed into the hot water. The water was relaxing and she sighed softly as she looked at the scars that crisscrossed her body, so many battles won, so many wounds, some of the scars were silvery white, old scars from old beatings, old pains, while others were newer, fiery red and stood out stark against her pale skin. Finally Xiae finished and climbed out. She dressed quickly, pulling on the top and pants. She walked into the main room again and knelt by the bed, staring into Vegeta's face *Kami, he is so handsome* and then snapped back to reality.
Wake up! said Xiae as she unceremoniously tipped Vegeta off the bed. Time for me to whip you in a sparring match…remember?
Vegeta sat up rubbing the base of his tail and glared daggers at Xiae The way I remember it I was going to kick you
In your imagination maybe, but in real life, get real Vegeta. That has as much chance of happening as Kakkarot has of growing a brain
No, in your imagination maybe, but as I am the all mighty Prince of the saiya-jins. There is no way you could even contemplate defeating me
Yeah, yeah, whatever you say…Anyways, Piccolo and Gohan have finished sparring and are both in the regen tanks
okay Vegeta stood up and walked across the room. They both knew that he was the stronger, but the verbal sparring before the match was just as fun as the fight itself, besides it wouldn't feel right without the ego boosting banter. A white aura formed around Vegeta as he concentrated. When it faded away he was dressed in loose fitting cargo pants and a deep blue tee-shirt.
"Show off" muttered Xiae under her breath, Vegeta had learnt the technique off Piccolo and for all Xiae's efforts she could not master it. Xiae grabbed her sword from beside the bed and strapped it to her back, then picked up the five daggers she always carried and placed them in their various sheaths. One in each of her boots, one strapped to her thigh, one on the front of her swords scabbard, laying crosswise over her chest and the other strapped to her side. She pulled her hair back and tied it with a scrap of cloth, then she sat down and meditated while she waited for Vegeta.
Vegeta walked into the room he should have spent the night in and grabbed his sword. He half drew the blade and felt the quivering raw energy course through his body. The razor edge of the blade glowed dimly a dark jade, the impossibly sharp edge tempered in his own blood, and the blood of Karesh. The kami of his planet before it was destroyed. Karesh had helped both Xiae and Vegeta forge their blades when he had found them wandering the palace. He had helped them enchant the blades, and then taught them the 'Daystar' way of the blade, Xiae had learnt more off him as well, the ways of magic and demons. Vegeta shook his head and resheathed the blade, he had no time for half forgotten memories. He strapped the blade on and walked back into Xiae's room. "Lets eat then train okay?"
"Aye, my prince." Xiae stood and walked over to Vegeta, and then into the kitchen. She took out two capsules and popped them open. An immense array of food covered the table.
The two ate with incredible speed, even for a saiya-jin. A person placing more food on the table would have lost an arm, but while Xiae ate with some degree of manners, using the chopsticks and eating with her mouth closed, Vegeta simply concentrated on shoveling as much food into his mouth as fast as he could. The results of this were not pretty. Finally when they finished the two sat back, Xiae took one look at Vegeta's face and giggled, his lips were still covered in food. She smirked, an evil grin stretching accross her face and leant forward, taking Vegeta's chin in her hand, guided it to her own and kissed him, hard. Vegeta kissed back, drawing his hands up and encircling her surprisingly slender shoulders. "Mmmmmm, nice, tasty" murmured Xiae softy as the two pulled apart for a second, before continuing the kiss.
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"Warning Gravity 2200x normal. Warning Gravity 2200x normal"
Vegeta gritted his teeth and blasted across the room, sword drawn, they had been sparring for 10 hours straight and he was damned if he was going to give up now. Xiae waited, a teasing half smile playing across her face, knowing how much that could irritate the arrogant saiya-jin prince, but she was breathing hard, leaning against the wall of the gravity chamber, blood dripping from many small wounds. She was almost beaten, as much as she hated to admit it, Vegeta was the stronger warrior, but she wasn't going to let that stop her. She watched as Vegeta came towards her, forcing her aching muscles to obey as she dropped to the ground and skidded across the floor, away from his blow. Vegeta turned around and looked at Xiae, the gold fading from her bowed head. The time had come to end this.
"Azure wrath" A burst of brilliant blue energy shot from Vegeta's other hand and flew toward Xiae. Xiae looked up to see the blast coming straight for her. *Now or never* she thought grimly and called on the last of her energy, holding out her hands.
"Vixen Blaze" she whispered, more in her mind, than aloud. The blood red flaming ball of energy formed just as Vegeta's attack hit. The two powers collided and then Vegeta's attack was absorbed. Xiae slumped to the floor panting, and then looked up. She struggled slowly to her feet; this victory was going to be hers. She drew her sword, her muscles protesting every movement. Vegeta saw her draw her sword, and readied himself. The two flew at each other, sparks flying from the blades as they collided with force. Attack, parry, attack, parry, the two fought like a pair demonic gods aflame and at war in the after realm, sparks flying like fireworks. The blades swirling like whirlwind, a deadly dance where to misstep was death. Then Xiae stopped short, the tip of ShadowFang just pricking her breast bone.
"I win Xiae, you're dead" said Vegeta, panting heavily, blood pouring down his face from a cut just above his eye.
"But I would have taken ye with me Vegeta. Look down." Vegeta looked, the blade of LightningTalon lay across his stomach. One wrong move and he could have been disemboweled. "Double death and no losers, my prince"
"Very well" replied Vegeta, putting up his blade and wincing slightly. " I knew you had improved Xiae but that was incredible"
"I know I am." purred Xiae smugly, looking for all the world like the cat that had eaten the canary.
"Modest aren't you?" chided Vegeta softly, pushing her off balance.
"Not my fault, I got that from you" said Xiae as she pulled herself up...again. "Gravity off computer"
"Acknowledged" Xiae and Vegeta breathed a sigh of relief as the gravity in the room decreased suddenly. They walked out of the training chamber slowly, feeling the deep muscle ache that comes from sparring or fighting all out. Vegeta's eyes followed Xiae, her clothes mere rags, barely concealing anything. What was left of her shirt was starting to giveway at the seams and her cargoes were all but a mini skirt, and Vegeta, being male could not but hope that her shirt would give way.
I heard that! laughed Xiae, and no, the seams are not going to give... Vegeta looked sheepishly at Xiae, he had forgotten for a moment Xiae's telepathic powers were so strong. They walked towards the entrance of the cave, utterly drained, exausted, unaware of the eyes that watched from above.
In an alcove above the cave, Khalad stood, loading his crossbow carefully, making sure not to prick himself on the drugged bolt. The Mistress would pay well to know that her instructions had been carried out the seer was out of action and if he was lucky he would have enough to purchase the favours of the temple whores or if the Mistress was especially pleased she would repay him with her own favours. Khalad raised the bow and took careful aim...and ever so gently squeezed the trigger. The bolt flew straight and true striking the seer in the shoulder. He had no wish to kill her, as the Mistress wanted to save that for herself, but to prevent the saiya-jin finding the gems of Amora this was the surest way, and if the seer went insane it was an added bonus. It was a shame that there was another standing with the seer in Khalad's opinion, otherwise he could have had some fun with her.
Vegeta caught the saiya-jin warrioress as she fell, the drug acting immediately on her sparring weakened body. The bolt, it has barbs, don't try and pull it back Vegeta quickly pushed the bolt the rest of the way through Xiae's shoulder in accordance with her instructions, snapped off the barbed head and then withdrew the shaft. Xiae's eyes slowly closed and her body went limp.
Xiae! Vegeta's silent call bounced back painfully, as if there was a mental wall between him and Xiae. He calmed his racing heart and listened, she was still breathing but was not responding in any way. Had she merely fainted or fallen into a coma he would have felt his words echo through her mind rather than this painful recoil. He lifted her up to his shoulder and raced into the house, in his hand he still held the head of the bolt. Whoever did that to Xiae would pay.
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"I've seen this poison before, Bulma" said Prince Vegeta, looking at the results of Bulma's tests on the crossbow bolt. Bulma was not the only one with brains, on board Freeza's ships Vegeta had been the most intelligent aside from Freeza himself. One of the many ways Vegeta had served the ugly tryant was to develop new weapons for those guards with insufficent power levels to use ki attacks. There was noone else around and so Vegeta spoke nicely to his mate. "Its called azash. It suspends the mind inside the body. The girl can see, feel and hear everything, but she can't get her body to respond"
"Okay...is there an antidote?"
"No, only time can clear the drug from her body" despite himself Vegeta felt a twinge of pity for the saiya-jin girl. He had been poisoned by the drug once and he knew what Xiae would be going through.
"How long?"
"Depends on her strength, I'd say month to a month and a half."
"I suppose I had better tell Xiae's Vegeta now" Bulma walked out of the room to tell the other Vegeta the results. Prince Vegeta scowled as his blue haired human mate left the room, then he walked over to the results again.
Bulma found Vegeta in the gravity chamber, training at 1600x gravity with her latest robots, or rather destroying them. Bulma was shocked, those robots could put up with super saiya-jin4 Vegeta and Goku and come through relatively unscathed, and Vegeta Nightfalcon, in super saiya-jin2 or what appeared to be super saiya-jin2 was splintering them in to piles of rubble and wires, but then he was also using his sword. Bulma walked to the door of the chamber and switched off the artificial gravity. "Vegeta?"
"What do you want." snarled the enraged warrior as he destroyed another of the robots. Bulma gulped, not even her Vegeta's voice when she had first seen him on Namek or in the arguments she had with him on earth came close to the barely controlled rage and hatred that was in the young saiya-jin princes voice.
"I've finished analysing the drug. Vegeta recognised it, called it azash. It has suspended Xiae's mind inside her body, she can feel, hear and see everything but she just cannot get her body to respond, it should wear off in about a month, month and a half." Vegeta nodded slightly and Bulma watched as the fire died out of the warriors eyes and his hair faded back to its normal black. He didn't say a word but walked past her and headed for the ship where Xiae lay in the infirmary.
Vegeta walked through the door into the room where Xiae lay, connected up to an IV drip, her chest barely moving with her soft breathing. He sat down on the bed beside the poisoned saiya-jin girl and took her hand. Vegeta sat there a long time without saying anything, just stroking Xiae's hand, then he started to speak. He told Xiae about the drugs effects, how Buffy's training was going and his achievement of super saiya-jin2, when he had finished, he kissed her softly on the forehead and left.
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"No no no Buffy, arm down! Otherwise your enemy will be able to do this" said Gohan as he caught Buffy off guard as they sparred, blasting her in the stomach so she was thrown back several feet. She had only come out of the tanks a few days ago, but was catching on quickly to the idea of ki and how to use it and her power level was increasing at a phenomenal rate. From her starting power level of 500 to 100 000 in four days. Both Gohan and Piccolo were training with the slayer and teaching her how to fight properly. Buffy landed in a handspring and flipped right way up again, blood trickling from one corner of her mouth.
Piccolo watched from the sidelines as the young saiya-jin warrior suddenly found himself doubling over in pain as Buffy punched him in the kidneys with all her strength. Piccolo bit back a slight grin, the girl, who he had previously thought a weak fool, had natural talent. Gohan recovered and the pair were at it again. Buffy pulled back and drew her hands up to her chest in one swift movement. A fraction of a second later a powerful beam of purple ki streamed from her hands and hit Gohan squarely in the face. Buffy put all she had into the attack but it still wasn't enough, Gohan pushed the beam aside with a great amount of difficulty and phased behind Buffy, punching her squarely in the solar plexus as he passed. Buffy fell to the ground panting and her power level dropped, exhausted.
"Hey, you are getting much better Buffy" said Gohan as he flew down ad helped her up, "You almost got me with that attack of yours, what is it called?"
"It hasn't really got a name, it just came to me as we fought"
"Well with a little practice that blast will be strong enough to almost take me out"
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Vegeta jumped slightly, Xiae's hand had just tightened. He looked at her, she was quivering all over, he looked curiously at her, but his look was tinged with worry. The other Vegeta had told him this would happen as she came out from the drugs influence, but he had also warned his cross dimensional counterpart that there was a high possibility Xiae could die in the process and the fact that she was recovering only 10 days after she had been attacked was not comforting. This was due to the drugs highly toxic nature, the quicker the recovery, the higher the risks. Xiae's slender body contorted, back arched and hands clawing air, power level rising rapidly. Her breath came in pants, too slowly at times and at other times racing. Vegeta placed his hand on her neck and felt her pulse, he couldn't count the beats, they were going too fast, one continuous blur. Suddenly her power started to fall, rapidly along with her heart beat...
"NO! You must fight it Xiae!" Vegeta unconsciously powered up, past super saiya-jin into super saiya-jin2 destroying the room around him, as it became clear to him what he must do, or die in the attempt. I break my soul into two pieces, this half I give for ye to keep Vegeta chanted the ancient ritual softly in his mind, bending down and biting the dying saiya-jin girl on the base of the neck, drawing blood. The blood tasted sweet in his mouth, and her scent even more so, a scent of cool clear water, lemon blossom and mint, he then forced his power, his life, his memories into Xiae's body through the bite. Her power level stopped falling. By my soul and my life's blood I claim ye... Xiae Nightstorm, daughter of Cabbagio and Cherry. By my power and my honour I claim ye, ye is mine now and always Vegeta let go of her neck. Xiae stirred, her eyes opening, her body healed by the power Vegeta had given her. She sat up swaying slightly, saying not a word. Her fingers ran softly over the bite mark on her neck, then she continued the ritual.
I break my soul into two pieces, this half I give for ye to keep chanted the flame haired warrioress leaning close to Vegeta and suddenly sinking her teeth into his neck.By my soul and my life's blood I claim ye... Xiae's power and memories flowed into Vegeta and she inhaled deeply, her nostrils filled with his scent of woodsmoke, honey and cinnamon. Prince Vegeta Nightfalcon, son of King Vegeta and Maracuja. By my power and my honour I claim ye, ye is mine now and always Xiae released her hold on Vegeta, and drew the sheet around her as she stood up and disconnected the IV line. Vegeta leant forward slightly and kissed her softly on the lips, Xiae kissed back, a kiss that tasted of blood and power
Where shall we hunt?
There is a place not far from here, I've been hunting there over the past few days. replied Vegeta as he concentrated slightly and formed a white aura around Xiae, when it cleared, she was wearing a tight deep blue singlet top, tight fitting black cargo shorts and black leather lace up boots. Xiae smiled as she felt Vegeta's reaction to her clothes through the link they now shared. He concentrated once more and four sheathed and belted daggers appeared in his right hand, he passed two to Xiae, who strapped them to her thighs and smiled. She swayed slightly, her balance still not quite right.
Lets go then
Very well replied Vegeta slipping an arm around Xiae's waist and carrying her.
I can fly myself you know...said Xiae hinted darkly.
I know, but I want to, and besides youre still not strong enough to fly yourself
Like hell I am not strong enough to fly myself!
Vegeta smoothed a strand of hair away from Xiae's face as they flew over night dark woods Well I want to, and you will need your strength for later said Vegeta, a teasing note in his voice. Xiae said nothing in response but blushed instead.
The two soon came to Vegeta's hunting ground, a large meadow bordered on two sides by cliffs and on one side by a deep stream. A large herd of deer grazed peacefully in the moonlight. Vegeta and Xiae crept up on the herd from down wind, making no sound as they moved stealthily through the dry grasses. They made their choice, a large buck in his prime, the leader of the herd and then struck, killing the beast by slitting its throat. The rest of the herd scattered, and the two saiya-jin retreated to the edge of the stream with their kill. Vegeta swiftly skinned and gutted the deer with the familiarity of long practice. He then cut a long strip of meat and offered it to Xiae in accordance with the ritual. She ate it slowly, savouring the taste of the bloody raw meat, then they started to eat in earnest, finishing the deer in a matter of minutes. Vegeta looked at Xiae, her arms, legs and face red with the deer's blood, Xiae stretched her arms behind her head and winced as the dried blood pulled at her skin. Time to wash... Xiae walked over to the edge of the stream coming? she questioned as she stripped off her clothes. Vegeta smirked evilly and followed.
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read and review people, I need to know what you think so I can write more