Chapter 8
After a couple of minutes, everyone regained their composure. They now sat more or less in a square. Against one wall, Radditz, Radu, and Kakkarot sat. Radu rested her head against Radditz's shoulder. Against the opposite wall, Lyra, Adrian and Yokito sat. Leaning in the nearest corner was Vegeta.
"Okay, I'll go first." Radu said. She swallowed and looked down at her hands, which had suddenly become extremely fascinating. "He said leadership was strong in me. That I would lead this group to great things, and not only battles. Then he told me to keep my wits about me." At this point, she was blushing.
"The master told me that I was strong, but that I had to learn to trust in my own ability. Then he said to depend on myself, but to put trust in those who put their trust in me." He shook his head. "Man! I'll never forget that!"
Kakkarot cleared his throat. "He said that I had a lot of potential. That I had so much power in me, but that I was satisfied in the small increments in which I can control it. Then he said someday it would all be at my disposal and that he hoped I would be ready. And then I got this staff."
"The master told me that someday, I would come to appreciate my mental pillow more. He said to trust you. He told me a good bit about fighting and it all came down to his last statement: 'fight you will and fight you must.' He said that being half Saiyain wouldn't hinder my training." She shrugged. "I guess my mother's people fought as well." Before she could continue, Vegeta interrupted her.
"How do you know that your father was the Saiyain and your mother a different species?" He demanded.
"Master Sakuno told me." With a tiny smile, she told them about him searching her mind to find out about her past. "He said that he knew the arts of my mother's people and that he would harness the ability in me to a skill I could use. Oh! And he would teach me how to use this!" She stood up and grabbed a staff from against the wall. It was a staff of dark wood with two indents for the hands and clear stones in the shape of crescent moons at each end.
"It's a ki staff. If I put a little ki into it, it can shoot numerous shots. That way, I don't waste any ki! I can use this nifty little tool!" With a wink, she flashed a peace sign.
"Right." Adrian murmured, stretching it into two syllables. "Well, he said that I made a lot of fights that I really didn't have to, and that fighting was strong in my blood. Then he said I was strong in spirit, and that such strength in the spirit has not been seen in any female in a long time."
"Well, before the good master got angry with my brain waves, he said that I was loyal and that I was flexible and a pillar of support. Then he went on for a bit about how I would have to make many choices, and how I might be able to overcome the bad choices. Then he refused to say anymore. Oh yeah, and I got the ninja stars."
Vegeta snorted. "Yeah, I hadn't noticed." He said sarcastically. "After insulting me, he lectured me and told me why I was at training camp. How my father had been too nice to me and how I am going to have to fix the problem." Vegeta left some parts out, not wanting to worry his friends. "Finally, he told me about an underground court that, once I returned from camp, I would head. Apparently, he is going to teach me many things that come with being a prince. I can't wait." He turned to Lyra.
"Lyra, we go back after lunch tomorrow for our first lesson." He said.
"Why would Lyra have to go with you?" Yokito asked, suspicious.
"Well, the Master is going to be teaching me some things. Didn't you hear me say that before?" She asked.
"Whatever." He muttered.
There was silence for a few moments.
"Hey!" Radu said. What are we doing just sitting here? I mean, there's a door right there. Why don't we go?"
"Yeah!" Kakkarot agreed.
Everyone stood up and followed Radu out the door. When they walked out, they had walked out of the door that Presa had come out of to bring them in to see Master Sakuno.
"Uhhh." Radu said. The friends just stood there, flabbergasted (A/N: what a cool word!). The three guards looked up. They took off their scouters.
"Hey! You guys are out!" K'Naki greeted them. He stood up.
"How did it go?" Gio said, standing up as well.
"Yeah! Isn't the Master a jerk?" Palmer said. He stood up last.
"Do you think we should go through the door again?" Yokito murmured.
"Nah. What if we end up in the desert?" Kakkarot whispered.
"Or on another planet." Lyra said softly.
"Well, if it leads to Master Sakuno, I don't want to risk his attitude." Radditz said.
"Is it just me, or does it seem earlier then it should be, judging by the amount of time we spent in that room?" Vegeta said.
"Yeah. that is a little weird." Adrian agreed.
The guards just stood there, confused by their strange attitude and equally strange conversation.
"Eh hehehe." Radu laughed weakly. "Yeah, it went fine! Right guys?"
Everyone gave out little murmurs.
"So! Where to next?" Radu tried again.
Well, first you get your supplies and then we'll see the head of camp so you can know your schedule." K'Naki said.
~~~~~~~In supply tent~~~~~~~ The supplies coordinator was a brisk young woman named Talia.
"Alright," She began, once she had everyone's attention. "The list of supplies for new recruits is the same for both male and female beyond getting it from the respective bin. You'll receive; one chest for all possessions, three sets of training armor, 3 body suits, 3 training gi's, 1 uniform of the training camp, 1 pair of training boots, 1 pair of everyday footwear, 1 winter robe, a basic scouter, a basic first aid kit, 2 pairs of gloves, and. that should cover it. The uniform is only to be worn on special occasions. After dinner they have announcements. You should find out then when you need to wear them.
"When anything breaks, rips, burns, or is rendered unusable, come to me and I'll give you a replacement. When you run out of a certain item in your first aid kit, come to me. And when you have specific instructions from a teacher to get something, come and get it. And don't lie about it! I know when you are lying!
"If you are missing something from home, talk to me and I'll set you up with it. That is, if I deem that particular item necessary. Guards, help out your respective people in finding what they need." She turned around and continued to write.
Everyone started spreading out, grabbing what he or she needed. Gio walked beside Adrian and they conversed quietly.
"So why were you guys so bewildered when you came out?" He asked.
"Oh. no reason really. Just the whole experience of talking to a seer." Adrian said. She wasn't sure if she should talk to Gio about what she had seen.
"Alright. Let's see if you do better with the next question." She glanced sharply at him, but he smiled at her to show he was joking.
"What's up with Yokito?"
"Oh, now that is a long story." She was silent for a moment. She was grateful that Gio didn't try to pump her for information.
"Okay," she began. "If I tell you, promise that you won't talk to anyone else except for maybe K'Naki. But definitely not Palmer. Promise?" Adrian asked.
"Yeah! Of course I promise!" Gio said, tossing two pairs of gloves into her chest.
"When Yokito and I went in there, the master read my future and who I was. He said I liked to fight so much because it was strong in my blood, although because of this is started a lot of fights that I could have avoided or that I shouldn't have even been involved with in the first place. He also said I have a very strong spirit. Then, after he said maybe two things about Yokito, he gave up! He said that Yokito's brain waves were too hard to interpret! He went on a bit about how Yokito would have to make a lot of choices, that if he made the wrong one, would he be able to fix it? It scared me a little but now it has Yokito worked up. Except he's not worked up. He's detached from us!"
She looked around. She grabbed a pair of training boots. She seemed to make up her mind about something.
"Do I have everything?" She mentally thought about things she might have missed.
"No, I think that's everything." Gio said carefully.
"Good! Let's go talk outside. I don't want anyone to hear us."
"Okay." Gio said. They quietly stepped outside the tent. She leaned in and started whispering.
"Yesterday, it became apparent to me that Yokito loves Lyra. It's also clear that Lyra and Vegeta feel something for each other. Well, all around, Lyra loves everybody, but with Vegeta. I don't know what to think. For all I know, she's in love with Yokito! Or no one! All I know is that it's hard for Yokito. If Vegeta wants to, he can take Lyra as his wife! Or worse! His concubine! Its gotta be tearing him up inside." She sighed. With a shake of her head, she finished off. "I don't want this to ruin the friendship the seven of us share."
If Gio was surprised that Adrian confided so much information in him, he kept silent about it. He understood that she would have a hard time telling it to anyone in her group and she clearly needed to flush the knowledge out of her system.
"Adrian, I don't have any advice for you. I can only thank you for telling me, because I'm happy that you got it out of your system." Adrian looked up at him. He smiled.
"Uhh. maybe we should go back inside." Adrian said, clearly flustered. She proceeded to enter the tent. Gio looked after her, an expression of confusion on his face. What did I do wrong?
~~~~~~~At the head of camp's tent~~~~~~~
K'Naki stopped outside of a tent that was larger then the rest. It was also the closest to the main tent. A man opened the tent flap almost immediately. Radu recognized him as the man at the high table that the guards had talked to after embarrassing them so much.
"Good," the man said. "You've brought them. Follow me inside." He told everyone.
Once everyone was situated, he started talking again.
"I am Master Aiikichi. I run this camp. You are here because you need to know your schedule. Because you are new, it is the same for all of you. Here it is: You'll wake up at the first bell. At this time, you will go to the dining hall and breakfast will be served. If you are late, you miss breakfast. After breakfast, entering in the south entrance, you will go to the training arena with the rest of the new students and you will train under Toto. " He paused, hearing someone groan.
"Yes, I heard about what happened. That was a very foolish thing to do. Although Toto thinks a bit too highly of himself, he is your teacher and you will respect him. He is the best. If I may continue with out further interruption?
"When the second bell rings, class with Toto is over. You are to report to Nurse Petunia and enter the regeneration tanks. When you come out, you'll be stronger then before, and you are here to gain strength. Lunch is an open meal. It lasts for an hour and you can come at any time to get your meal. After lunch, there is a rest hour. You may do whatever you'd like. The training arena will be open. When the third bell rings, you will go to a ki class, also in the training arena. This time you will enter in the west entrance. You will have ki tutelage under the instruction of Savil. When the fourth bell rings, you will have flying lessons under Taladria. When the fifth bell rings, there will be an open supper for forty-five minutes. After dinner, there will be special classes that are for interested students.
"As you can see, all of your classes will take place in the training arena. When you graduate to a higher level, your classes will change, along with your teachers. In your third year, you will start training about two hours everyday in the gravity room. If and when a teacher pulls you aside, asking if you'd like to join a certain class, I would recommend accepting. Some of you may have what it takes to participate in difficult classes.
"Finally, I will remind you not to stint on the use of the regeneration tanks. We have enough for three fourths of the camp to be in one tank each. When you come out, you will be stronger. Also, it makes taking showers obsolete." He smiled finally, a small smile. "I have much faith in this group. Push yourselves. Succeed, no, surpass in reaching the expectations set for you. That is all. Guards, you may take your people to their respective tents. After tonight, you are released from taking care of them." He walked over to the flap and pulled it up. The three guards bowed and walked out.
"Good night. And, my lord, you had best watch that mouth of yours."
Vegeta scowled. When he was out of the tent, he flew into the air.
"Okay." Radditz muttered.
"Umm. yeah, little note, you guys, no one should know that Vegeta is the prince." Radu said.
"Don't worry, we won't say a word." K'Naki said.
"He sure doesn't act like a prince," Yokito muttered. He was walking with Adrian and Yokito. Adrian smirked.
"Yeah no kidding." Yokito said.
"It's kind of like something crawled up his ass and died." Adrian said.
Gio looked at her in shock and started laughing.
"Wow, Addy, what a delicate way of putting it." Yokito said with a smile.
"Yeah, really ladylike." Gio said. Adrian snorted.
They reached G-3 in silence.
"G'night, guys." She said. She went inside the tent.
"Okay," Gio said quickly. "Ready to go to B-5?"
Yokito gave him a strange look. "Yeah sure."
~~~~~~~Inside G-3~~~~~~~ Radu set down her chest with a boom. She sighed. She looked over at the other beds. Adrian was lying down with an arm over her eyes. Radu closed her eyes and imagined Adrian's body in her mind. She imagined walking over to her and tapping her on the shoulder. Adrian opened her eyes in Radu's mental picture, although physically she didn't move.
What's wrong? Are you just tired?
I guess I'm tired, but right now I actually feel pretty good. Umm. just so you know, I told Gio about what went on in the room. You know, with Yokito and all.
Well, that's fine. Radu though, surprised. I mean, it is you're business anyway.
Hey Adrian?
Yeah?
Do you ever get the feeling that Yokito might be sad for another reason?
HI GUYS! Lyra squealed. She had joined their mental conversation. Trying to have a secret conversation without me? Ha! Can't fool me!
Hehe! Radu "giggled." Yeah, you caught us this time.
Hasn't today been fun? I mean, we got to fight, we got a crap load of new stuff, and we're actually at training camp! I mean, this is great!
I agree. I can't wait to start fighting tomorrow.
I can't wait to get my hands on that bastard teacher Toto! Anyway, what Saiyain names their child Toto? It is such a lame name! To go with a really lame person! Adrian growled.
Ehhh. maybe you should let him slide this time. I mean, you heard what Master Aiikichi said. We have to respect him. And he said the Toto was the best. That probably means you couldn't beat him. You'll just have to let it go. Radu said, trying to make amends before the problem got any worse.
Like hell I'm letting go! I'll just have to think of a really good prank to pull.
Maybe that isn't such a good idea. Lyra began.
Whatever he gets, he deserves! Adrian said with finality in her tone. With that, she withdrew from the conversation, turned onto her side, and ignored Lyra and Radu.
What's wrong with her? I think she was being a little angry about that.
Yeah. She was also acting weird before you joined the conversation.
What do you mean?
Well, she asked if I thought there might be another reason for Yokito's sadness.
Huh.
Yeah, really. Well, I'm pretty tired. I'm going to go to sleep.
Yeah. Me too.
I feel better then last night because I've gotten that shower I wanted, even if it consisted in bathing in goo.
They giggled.
~~~~~~~Inside B-5~~~~~~~
When Radditz and Kakkarot walked in the tent, they saw Vegeta lying down on his bed. His eyes were closed but his brow kept furrowing. Yokito was lying face down on his bed. He appeared to be asleep. What Kakkarot and Radditz didn't know was that Vegeta and Yokito were having a mental conversation.
So, why didn't you know there was an underground court? I mean, you are the prince. And isn't it a little stupid to have an underground court? It's not like its bad.
That's what I wanted to know. Apparently all the good secrets of the court are told to me after I get back from purging a planet. I mean, I'm only 18. Goddess forbid they treat me like it.
Well, maybe you didn't act like an adult at the palace. I mean, come on Vegeta. Don't get angry, but you're a spoiled brat. Tutors your whole life, the best men on the planet teaching you how to fight. you didn't exactly pick up any great personality traits at the palace. Certainly not any that a prince would possess.
Listen fool! You think that I asked to be named heir? It's not easy. Five days a week I have to sit all morning and much of the afternoon listening to people complain about the weather, their neighbors, or whatever the hell they want to. And I have to go to the tutors. Haven't you ever noticed how little time I get to spend with you all?
Are you kidding me? You want to hang out with us? But Vegeta, we're so low below you! We're just commoners, born of 2nd class parents! And don't tell me you mind beating up a couple of people to get out of the palace. Yeah, getting everything you want, really tough life, Vegeta.
You know what? I don't know what your problem is! Just because an old man scares you with the threat of tough choices you're as touchy as Adrian and as quick to retort. Well grow up Yokito! You're an adult! And you're at an elite training camp! If you aren't man enough to handle a prediction of your future, how will you take on the real thing?
Has it ever occurred to you that I can't stand the way you treat Lyra?
And Vegeta exploded. He sat up in his bed and yelled,
"WHAT?"
Radditz and Kakkarot were startled into sitting positions.
"You heard me!"
"When did she become part of this conversation?!"
"Well, if you're going to guess reasons why I'm mad, I might as well tell you!" Yokito shouted.
"Idiot! This whole conversation I have been trying to keep a cool demeanor with you! I know that you're as touchy as a two-year-old and I was trying to be fucking sensitive to that fact! But you got all riled up anyway!
"Vegeta, don't be cute now! Sensitive? When have you ever been sensitive in your life?"
"Hold up! Weren't you the one just telling me that I wasn't princely enough? Maybe I was just trying to get the act down for when I'm back at the palace! And you are completely changing the subject! We're talking about my treatment of Lyra! And when did it become your business?"
"Hey, my lord, she is my friend too! And if you're going to break her heart or crush her spirit again, I'm going to get angry!"
Before either of them could say anything, Radditz had grabbed Yokito and clamped a hand over his mouth. Kakkarot had done the same with Vegeta. With their free hands, they made ki balls and brought them to the fighting boys' chests.
"Maybe this is good enough of an incentive to shut up!" Radditz growled. "If either of you say another word, Kakkarot and I are going to kill you!"
"That's right! Now, I don't know what's going on, but you two are fighting like children!" As Kakkarot continued to yell, Yokito made a mental picture of Kakkarot in a dress, big boobs, and a lot of makeup, standing over a cowering chibi Vegeta and chibi Yokito, shaking 'her' finger at them. The only words that came out of "her" mouth were "Womp womp wompwomp womp!" He sent the picture mentally to Radditz and Vegeta. Radditz started laughing and Vegeta choked against Kakkarot's hand. Both ki blasts disappeared.
"What? What's so funny?" Kakkarot demanded, dropping his hand from Vegeta's mouth. Vegeta smirked, still chuckling under his breath.
"This is!" He said, sending the picture to Kakkarot.
"Hey!" Kakkarot exclaimed, though he couldn't keep the smile off his face. He tackled Vegeta and they started mock wrestling. Yokito and Radditz looked at each other and, yelling, they jumped into the match. About ten seconds later, the tent flap opened and three heads popped in. The three people stood there frozen, jaws dropped.
Kakkarot was completely upside-down, being held in the air by a hovering Vegeta. Yokito's hands were poised under Kakkarot's armpits, apparently having just stopped tickling him. Radditz was holding Kakkarot's arms open so that Yokito could continue uninterrupted. The boys stared at their visitors.
Lyra giggled. "Hey, Radu! They're only wearing their body suits with no armor! They look so funny!" Radu hushed her. The boys blushed. Suddenly Lyra looked at her own clothing. "Oh my Goddess! So are we!" She giggled again.
"What do you little boys think you're doing?!" Adrian hissed. "Do you know what time it is?"
"No! Do you?" Kakkarot whispered back, a confused look on his face. "If you think we know, you'd better ask someone else. We don't-" Before he could say anything else, Adrian got a look of fury on her face and flew over to Kakkarot's upside-down body and punched him. Or rather, stopped about one inch from his stomach. Then she tickled him. Kakkarot squirmed.
"Ahh! Adrian -ha ha- stop that! Ha ha!" He wheezed. Vegeta dropped him and as he fell to the ground, he took Adrian, Radditz and Yokito with him. Vegeta laughed from his hovering position. The four on the floor (A/N: wow! That rhymes!) groaned.
Suddenly, Lyra and Radu pulled Vegeta on top of the pile. They sat on his body.
"Ummm. you guys? I can't breath!" Kakkarot's muffled voice came from the bottom of the pile. And then, the tent flap opened again. Palmer, Gio, and K'Naki stuck their heads in. They were greeted with a strange sight. Five Saiyains were heaped in a pile on the floor and Lyra and Radu sat on the top of the pile. And everyone was wearing skin-tight body suits. (Including the guards.)
"Uhh." Gio stuttered. "We heard some loud noises coming from this tent."
"Oh, yeah. That's why me and the girls came here too." Radu said. "So Vegeta, what was all that racket about?"
"Get off of me and I'll tell you!" he growled (though he wasn't really angry).
"Yeah! Get off of him please!" Yokito begged. "I think someone farted down here!"
That set all seven of them off again. Finally, Radu and Lyra hopped off the pile. Vegeta stood up, followed by Adrian, Radditz, and Yokito. Kakkarot stayed on the ground, only stretching out into the prone position. He flipped onto his back and groaned.
"You guys are weird," Palmer said with a shake of his head.
Okay, warning before this convo starts, Radditz called us over here mentally. Let's keep this bond a secret, okay? Radu mentally told the boys, not including the three guards who were still standing in the doorway.
When Radditz registered their clothing, he pulled the girls behind the guys.
"You shouldn't see them wearing only their body suits!" Radditz exclaimed.
"Well, we're all only wearing our body suits!" K'Naki said with a laugh, motioning to his own clothing.
Lyra put an elbow on Radditz's shoulder and the other elbow and Kakkarot's shoulder, who was standing right next to Radditz. Her head popped up in between the two boys.
"And what a lovely shade of blue it is! It accentuates your skin tone very nicely!" Lyra said. Kakkarot and Yokito laughed. K'Naki bowed.
"Thank you. I must say you ladies look stunning." K'Naki said with a fake court drawl. Lyra and Radu giggled and Adrian smiled.
Radu's head appeared behind Yokito. She leaned one elbow on his shoulder and put her head on her arm.
"You haven't seen our beautiful body suits! We have a line of strong men to protect that from happening!" Radu said.
Still talking with the court drawl, K'Naki responded.
"I snuck a look before your noble brother hid the three beautiful girls behind a wall."
This set Lyra off again, giggling. Radu only blushed and Adrian smiled.
"Alright, enough small talk. You came here for a reason, did you not?" Vegeta snapped. He didn't like the way K'Naki was acting, even if it was all in good fun.
Adrian hovered two feet in the air behind Vegeta and leaned her arms on his head. She put her chin on her arms.
"Yeah, you'd better stop before we set our guard dogs on you." She said sarcastically. She saw Gio alternating between looking at her and the floor, all the while blushing. When he caught her eye, she smiled at him.
"Enough!" Vegeta said again, tugging Adrian down. "You're here because you heard some yelling. If you must know, Yokito and I were fighting when Radditz and Kakkarot stopped us. We started fighting and when Adrian joined in, we landed in a pile and Lyra and Radu.well, they sat on the top. Satisfied?"
"Not until you move out of my line of sight," Palmer said, smirking. Then he fell over.
"He is so lame." Adrian muttered. Her hand was poised over Vegeta's shoulder, pointing at where Palmer had previously stood.
Yokito looked over at his sister. "Thank you!" he said.
"Was that necessary?" K'Naki asked, curious. He didn't sound angry, thankfully.
"He had that coming all day." Adrian said with a shrug.
"Well, we'll go now, but you'd best be quiet once the sun sets. Some people are touchy about getting sleep." Gio said. He picked Palmer up and threw him over his shoulder.
"Well, good night." K'Naki said, waving as he walked out.
"We'll take our cue from them. Thanks for protecting our virginity!" Lyra said with a laugh.
"Yeah really," Radu agreed. "What was up with that? It's not like they were going to rape us once they saw us in our body suits! Plus, you guys are allowed to see us!"
Kakkarot turned to Lyra and took her hand. "I have to confess that the first time I saw you in only your body suit, I fell in love with you and your beautiful body." Kakkarot said solemnly. Lyra laughed, then got serious.
"I confess that I've always loved you, Kakkarot," She said, looking adoringly into his eyes. Then they both burst out laughing. Radditz slapped their hands apart.
"Funny, you two." Radditz said. "Do I have to remind you that we are your best friends and we can never think of you in that way?"
As Adrian lay down in her bed after they had returned to G-3, she reflected how she wished that were true.
(A/N) I think this is my favorite chapter yet. So, whom should Vegeta go for? Should Adrian and Gio hook up? Oh, just so you know, my twin and I camp up with the idea for this story. We would stay up just talking about the A/U. She draws all the pictures of the characters. Right now, I think she has maybe 12 done. And she is definitely coming out with more!
-Lady-Thetis
After a couple of minutes, everyone regained their composure. They now sat more or less in a square. Against one wall, Radditz, Radu, and Kakkarot sat. Radu rested her head against Radditz's shoulder. Against the opposite wall, Lyra, Adrian and Yokito sat. Leaning in the nearest corner was Vegeta.
"Okay, I'll go first." Radu said. She swallowed and looked down at her hands, which had suddenly become extremely fascinating. "He said leadership was strong in me. That I would lead this group to great things, and not only battles. Then he told me to keep my wits about me." At this point, she was blushing.
"The master told me that I was strong, but that I had to learn to trust in my own ability. Then he said to depend on myself, but to put trust in those who put their trust in me." He shook his head. "Man! I'll never forget that!"
Kakkarot cleared his throat. "He said that I had a lot of potential. That I had so much power in me, but that I was satisfied in the small increments in which I can control it. Then he said someday it would all be at my disposal and that he hoped I would be ready. And then I got this staff."
"The master told me that someday, I would come to appreciate my mental pillow more. He said to trust you. He told me a good bit about fighting and it all came down to his last statement: 'fight you will and fight you must.' He said that being half Saiyain wouldn't hinder my training." She shrugged. "I guess my mother's people fought as well." Before she could continue, Vegeta interrupted her.
"How do you know that your father was the Saiyain and your mother a different species?" He demanded.
"Master Sakuno told me." With a tiny smile, she told them about him searching her mind to find out about her past. "He said that he knew the arts of my mother's people and that he would harness the ability in me to a skill I could use. Oh! And he would teach me how to use this!" She stood up and grabbed a staff from against the wall. It was a staff of dark wood with two indents for the hands and clear stones in the shape of crescent moons at each end.
"It's a ki staff. If I put a little ki into it, it can shoot numerous shots. That way, I don't waste any ki! I can use this nifty little tool!" With a wink, she flashed a peace sign.
"Right." Adrian murmured, stretching it into two syllables. "Well, he said that I made a lot of fights that I really didn't have to, and that fighting was strong in my blood. Then he said I was strong in spirit, and that such strength in the spirit has not been seen in any female in a long time."
"Well, before the good master got angry with my brain waves, he said that I was loyal and that I was flexible and a pillar of support. Then he went on for a bit about how I would have to make many choices, and how I might be able to overcome the bad choices. Then he refused to say anymore. Oh yeah, and I got the ninja stars."
Vegeta snorted. "Yeah, I hadn't noticed." He said sarcastically. "After insulting me, he lectured me and told me why I was at training camp. How my father had been too nice to me and how I am going to have to fix the problem." Vegeta left some parts out, not wanting to worry his friends. "Finally, he told me about an underground court that, once I returned from camp, I would head. Apparently, he is going to teach me many things that come with being a prince. I can't wait." He turned to Lyra.
"Lyra, we go back after lunch tomorrow for our first lesson." He said.
"Why would Lyra have to go with you?" Yokito asked, suspicious.
"Well, the Master is going to be teaching me some things. Didn't you hear me say that before?" She asked.
"Whatever." He muttered.
There was silence for a few moments.
"Hey!" Radu said. What are we doing just sitting here? I mean, there's a door right there. Why don't we go?"
"Yeah!" Kakkarot agreed.
Everyone stood up and followed Radu out the door. When they walked out, they had walked out of the door that Presa had come out of to bring them in to see Master Sakuno.
"Uhhh." Radu said. The friends just stood there, flabbergasted (A/N: what a cool word!). The three guards looked up. They took off their scouters.
"Hey! You guys are out!" K'Naki greeted them. He stood up.
"How did it go?" Gio said, standing up as well.
"Yeah! Isn't the Master a jerk?" Palmer said. He stood up last.
"Do you think we should go through the door again?" Yokito murmured.
"Nah. What if we end up in the desert?" Kakkarot whispered.
"Or on another planet." Lyra said softly.
"Well, if it leads to Master Sakuno, I don't want to risk his attitude." Radditz said.
"Is it just me, or does it seem earlier then it should be, judging by the amount of time we spent in that room?" Vegeta said.
"Yeah. that is a little weird." Adrian agreed.
The guards just stood there, confused by their strange attitude and equally strange conversation.
"Eh hehehe." Radu laughed weakly. "Yeah, it went fine! Right guys?"
Everyone gave out little murmurs.
"So! Where to next?" Radu tried again.
Well, first you get your supplies and then we'll see the head of camp so you can know your schedule." K'Naki said.
~~~~~~~In supply tent~~~~~~~ The supplies coordinator was a brisk young woman named Talia.
"Alright," She began, once she had everyone's attention. "The list of supplies for new recruits is the same for both male and female beyond getting it from the respective bin. You'll receive; one chest for all possessions, three sets of training armor, 3 body suits, 3 training gi's, 1 uniform of the training camp, 1 pair of training boots, 1 pair of everyday footwear, 1 winter robe, a basic scouter, a basic first aid kit, 2 pairs of gloves, and. that should cover it. The uniform is only to be worn on special occasions. After dinner they have announcements. You should find out then when you need to wear them.
"When anything breaks, rips, burns, or is rendered unusable, come to me and I'll give you a replacement. When you run out of a certain item in your first aid kit, come to me. And when you have specific instructions from a teacher to get something, come and get it. And don't lie about it! I know when you are lying!
"If you are missing something from home, talk to me and I'll set you up with it. That is, if I deem that particular item necessary. Guards, help out your respective people in finding what they need." She turned around and continued to write.
Everyone started spreading out, grabbing what he or she needed. Gio walked beside Adrian and they conversed quietly.
"So why were you guys so bewildered when you came out?" He asked.
"Oh. no reason really. Just the whole experience of talking to a seer." Adrian said. She wasn't sure if she should talk to Gio about what she had seen.
"Alright. Let's see if you do better with the next question." She glanced sharply at him, but he smiled at her to show he was joking.
"What's up with Yokito?"
"Oh, now that is a long story." She was silent for a moment. She was grateful that Gio didn't try to pump her for information.
"Okay," she began. "If I tell you, promise that you won't talk to anyone else except for maybe K'Naki. But definitely not Palmer. Promise?" Adrian asked.
"Yeah! Of course I promise!" Gio said, tossing two pairs of gloves into her chest.
"When Yokito and I went in there, the master read my future and who I was. He said I liked to fight so much because it was strong in my blood, although because of this is started a lot of fights that I could have avoided or that I shouldn't have even been involved with in the first place. He also said I have a very strong spirit. Then, after he said maybe two things about Yokito, he gave up! He said that Yokito's brain waves were too hard to interpret! He went on a bit about how Yokito would have to make a lot of choices, that if he made the wrong one, would he be able to fix it? It scared me a little but now it has Yokito worked up. Except he's not worked up. He's detached from us!"
She looked around. She grabbed a pair of training boots. She seemed to make up her mind about something.
"Do I have everything?" She mentally thought about things she might have missed.
"No, I think that's everything." Gio said carefully.
"Good! Let's go talk outside. I don't want anyone to hear us."
"Okay." Gio said. They quietly stepped outside the tent. She leaned in and started whispering.
"Yesterday, it became apparent to me that Yokito loves Lyra. It's also clear that Lyra and Vegeta feel something for each other. Well, all around, Lyra loves everybody, but with Vegeta. I don't know what to think. For all I know, she's in love with Yokito! Or no one! All I know is that it's hard for Yokito. If Vegeta wants to, he can take Lyra as his wife! Or worse! His concubine! Its gotta be tearing him up inside." She sighed. With a shake of her head, she finished off. "I don't want this to ruin the friendship the seven of us share."
If Gio was surprised that Adrian confided so much information in him, he kept silent about it. He understood that she would have a hard time telling it to anyone in her group and she clearly needed to flush the knowledge out of her system.
"Adrian, I don't have any advice for you. I can only thank you for telling me, because I'm happy that you got it out of your system." Adrian looked up at him. He smiled.
"Uhh. maybe we should go back inside." Adrian said, clearly flustered. She proceeded to enter the tent. Gio looked after her, an expression of confusion on his face. What did I do wrong?
~~~~~~~At the head of camp's tent~~~~~~~
K'Naki stopped outside of a tent that was larger then the rest. It was also the closest to the main tent. A man opened the tent flap almost immediately. Radu recognized him as the man at the high table that the guards had talked to after embarrassing them so much.
"Good," the man said. "You've brought them. Follow me inside." He told everyone.
Once everyone was situated, he started talking again.
"I am Master Aiikichi. I run this camp. You are here because you need to know your schedule. Because you are new, it is the same for all of you. Here it is: You'll wake up at the first bell. At this time, you will go to the dining hall and breakfast will be served. If you are late, you miss breakfast. After breakfast, entering in the south entrance, you will go to the training arena with the rest of the new students and you will train under Toto. " He paused, hearing someone groan.
"Yes, I heard about what happened. That was a very foolish thing to do. Although Toto thinks a bit too highly of himself, he is your teacher and you will respect him. He is the best. If I may continue with out further interruption?
"When the second bell rings, class with Toto is over. You are to report to Nurse Petunia and enter the regeneration tanks. When you come out, you'll be stronger then before, and you are here to gain strength. Lunch is an open meal. It lasts for an hour and you can come at any time to get your meal. After lunch, there is a rest hour. You may do whatever you'd like. The training arena will be open. When the third bell rings, you will go to a ki class, also in the training arena. This time you will enter in the west entrance. You will have ki tutelage under the instruction of Savil. When the fourth bell rings, you will have flying lessons under Taladria. When the fifth bell rings, there will be an open supper for forty-five minutes. After dinner, there will be special classes that are for interested students.
"As you can see, all of your classes will take place in the training arena. When you graduate to a higher level, your classes will change, along with your teachers. In your third year, you will start training about two hours everyday in the gravity room. If and when a teacher pulls you aside, asking if you'd like to join a certain class, I would recommend accepting. Some of you may have what it takes to participate in difficult classes.
"Finally, I will remind you not to stint on the use of the regeneration tanks. We have enough for three fourths of the camp to be in one tank each. When you come out, you will be stronger. Also, it makes taking showers obsolete." He smiled finally, a small smile. "I have much faith in this group. Push yourselves. Succeed, no, surpass in reaching the expectations set for you. That is all. Guards, you may take your people to their respective tents. After tonight, you are released from taking care of them." He walked over to the flap and pulled it up. The three guards bowed and walked out.
"Good night. And, my lord, you had best watch that mouth of yours."
Vegeta scowled. When he was out of the tent, he flew into the air.
"Okay." Radditz muttered.
"Umm. yeah, little note, you guys, no one should know that Vegeta is the prince." Radu said.
"Don't worry, we won't say a word." K'Naki said.
"He sure doesn't act like a prince," Yokito muttered. He was walking with Adrian and Yokito. Adrian smirked.
"Yeah no kidding." Yokito said.
"It's kind of like something crawled up his ass and died." Adrian said.
Gio looked at her in shock and started laughing.
"Wow, Addy, what a delicate way of putting it." Yokito said with a smile.
"Yeah, really ladylike." Gio said. Adrian snorted.
They reached G-3 in silence.
"G'night, guys." She said. She went inside the tent.
"Okay," Gio said quickly. "Ready to go to B-5?"
Yokito gave him a strange look. "Yeah sure."
~~~~~~~Inside G-3~~~~~~~ Radu set down her chest with a boom. She sighed. She looked over at the other beds. Adrian was lying down with an arm over her eyes. Radu closed her eyes and imagined Adrian's body in her mind. She imagined walking over to her and tapping her on the shoulder. Adrian opened her eyes in Radu's mental picture, although physically she didn't move.
What's wrong? Are you just tired?
I guess I'm tired, but right now I actually feel pretty good. Umm. just so you know, I told Gio about what went on in the room. You know, with Yokito and all.
Well, that's fine. Radu though, surprised. I mean, it is you're business anyway.
Hey Adrian?
Yeah?
Do you ever get the feeling that Yokito might be sad for another reason?
HI GUYS! Lyra squealed. She had joined their mental conversation. Trying to have a secret conversation without me? Ha! Can't fool me!
Hehe! Radu "giggled." Yeah, you caught us this time.
Hasn't today been fun? I mean, we got to fight, we got a crap load of new stuff, and we're actually at training camp! I mean, this is great!
I agree. I can't wait to start fighting tomorrow.
I can't wait to get my hands on that bastard teacher Toto! Anyway, what Saiyain names their child Toto? It is such a lame name! To go with a really lame person! Adrian growled.
Ehhh. maybe you should let him slide this time. I mean, you heard what Master Aiikichi said. We have to respect him. And he said the Toto was the best. That probably means you couldn't beat him. You'll just have to let it go. Radu said, trying to make amends before the problem got any worse.
Like hell I'm letting go! I'll just have to think of a really good prank to pull.
Maybe that isn't such a good idea. Lyra began.
Whatever he gets, he deserves! Adrian said with finality in her tone. With that, she withdrew from the conversation, turned onto her side, and ignored Lyra and Radu.
What's wrong with her? I think she was being a little angry about that.
Yeah. She was also acting weird before you joined the conversation.
What do you mean?
Well, she asked if I thought there might be another reason for Yokito's sadness.
Huh.
Yeah, really. Well, I'm pretty tired. I'm going to go to sleep.
Yeah. Me too.
I feel better then last night because I've gotten that shower I wanted, even if it consisted in bathing in goo.
They giggled.
~~~~~~~Inside B-5~~~~~~~
When Radditz and Kakkarot walked in the tent, they saw Vegeta lying down on his bed. His eyes were closed but his brow kept furrowing. Yokito was lying face down on his bed. He appeared to be asleep. What Kakkarot and Radditz didn't know was that Vegeta and Yokito were having a mental conversation.
So, why didn't you know there was an underground court? I mean, you are the prince. And isn't it a little stupid to have an underground court? It's not like its bad.
That's what I wanted to know. Apparently all the good secrets of the court are told to me after I get back from purging a planet. I mean, I'm only 18. Goddess forbid they treat me like it.
Well, maybe you didn't act like an adult at the palace. I mean, come on Vegeta. Don't get angry, but you're a spoiled brat. Tutors your whole life, the best men on the planet teaching you how to fight. you didn't exactly pick up any great personality traits at the palace. Certainly not any that a prince would possess.
Listen fool! You think that I asked to be named heir? It's not easy. Five days a week I have to sit all morning and much of the afternoon listening to people complain about the weather, their neighbors, or whatever the hell they want to. And I have to go to the tutors. Haven't you ever noticed how little time I get to spend with you all?
Are you kidding me? You want to hang out with us? But Vegeta, we're so low below you! We're just commoners, born of 2nd class parents! And don't tell me you mind beating up a couple of people to get out of the palace. Yeah, getting everything you want, really tough life, Vegeta.
You know what? I don't know what your problem is! Just because an old man scares you with the threat of tough choices you're as touchy as Adrian and as quick to retort. Well grow up Yokito! You're an adult! And you're at an elite training camp! If you aren't man enough to handle a prediction of your future, how will you take on the real thing?
Has it ever occurred to you that I can't stand the way you treat Lyra?
And Vegeta exploded. He sat up in his bed and yelled,
"WHAT?"
Radditz and Kakkarot were startled into sitting positions.
"You heard me!"
"When did she become part of this conversation?!"
"Well, if you're going to guess reasons why I'm mad, I might as well tell you!" Yokito shouted.
"Idiot! This whole conversation I have been trying to keep a cool demeanor with you! I know that you're as touchy as a two-year-old and I was trying to be fucking sensitive to that fact! But you got all riled up anyway!
"Vegeta, don't be cute now! Sensitive? When have you ever been sensitive in your life?"
"Hold up! Weren't you the one just telling me that I wasn't princely enough? Maybe I was just trying to get the act down for when I'm back at the palace! And you are completely changing the subject! We're talking about my treatment of Lyra! And when did it become your business?"
"Hey, my lord, she is my friend too! And if you're going to break her heart or crush her spirit again, I'm going to get angry!"
Before either of them could say anything, Radditz had grabbed Yokito and clamped a hand over his mouth. Kakkarot had done the same with Vegeta. With their free hands, they made ki balls and brought them to the fighting boys' chests.
"Maybe this is good enough of an incentive to shut up!" Radditz growled. "If either of you say another word, Kakkarot and I are going to kill you!"
"That's right! Now, I don't know what's going on, but you two are fighting like children!" As Kakkarot continued to yell, Yokito made a mental picture of Kakkarot in a dress, big boobs, and a lot of makeup, standing over a cowering chibi Vegeta and chibi Yokito, shaking 'her' finger at them. The only words that came out of "her" mouth were "Womp womp wompwomp womp!" He sent the picture mentally to Radditz and Vegeta. Radditz started laughing and Vegeta choked against Kakkarot's hand. Both ki blasts disappeared.
"What? What's so funny?" Kakkarot demanded, dropping his hand from Vegeta's mouth. Vegeta smirked, still chuckling under his breath.
"This is!" He said, sending the picture to Kakkarot.
"Hey!" Kakkarot exclaimed, though he couldn't keep the smile off his face. He tackled Vegeta and they started mock wrestling. Yokito and Radditz looked at each other and, yelling, they jumped into the match. About ten seconds later, the tent flap opened and three heads popped in. The three people stood there frozen, jaws dropped.
Kakkarot was completely upside-down, being held in the air by a hovering Vegeta. Yokito's hands were poised under Kakkarot's armpits, apparently having just stopped tickling him. Radditz was holding Kakkarot's arms open so that Yokito could continue uninterrupted. The boys stared at their visitors.
Lyra giggled. "Hey, Radu! They're only wearing their body suits with no armor! They look so funny!" Radu hushed her. The boys blushed. Suddenly Lyra looked at her own clothing. "Oh my Goddess! So are we!" She giggled again.
"What do you little boys think you're doing?!" Adrian hissed. "Do you know what time it is?"
"No! Do you?" Kakkarot whispered back, a confused look on his face. "If you think we know, you'd better ask someone else. We don't-" Before he could say anything else, Adrian got a look of fury on her face and flew over to Kakkarot's upside-down body and punched him. Or rather, stopped about one inch from his stomach. Then she tickled him. Kakkarot squirmed.
"Ahh! Adrian -ha ha- stop that! Ha ha!" He wheezed. Vegeta dropped him and as he fell to the ground, he took Adrian, Radditz and Yokito with him. Vegeta laughed from his hovering position. The four on the floor (A/N: wow! That rhymes!) groaned.
Suddenly, Lyra and Radu pulled Vegeta on top of the pile. They sat on his body.
"Ummm. you guys? I can't breath!" Kakkarot's muffled voice came from the bottom of the pile. And then, the tent flap opened again. Palmer, Gio, and K'Naki stuck their heads in. They were greeted with a strange sight. Five Saiyains were heaped in a pile on the floor and Lyra and Radu sat on the top of the pile. And everyone was wearing skin-tight body suits. (Including the guards.)
"Uhh." Gio stuttered. "We heard some loud noises coming from this tent."
"Oh, yeah. That's why me and the girls came here too." Radu said. "So Vegeta, what was all that racket about?"
"Get off of me and I'll tell you!" he growled (though he wasn't really angry).
"Yeah! Get off of him please!" Yokito begged. "I think someone farted down here!"
That set all seven of them off again. Finally, Radu and Lyra hopped off the pile. Vegeta stood up, followed by Adrian, Radditz, and Yokito. Kakkarot stayed on the ground, only stretching out into the prone position. He flipped onto his back and groaned.
"You guys are weird," Palmer said with a shake of his head.
Okay, warning before this convo starts, Radditz called us over here mentally. Let's keep this bond a secret, okay? Radu mentally told the boys, not including the three guards who were still standing in the doorway.
When Radditz registered their clothing, he pulled the girls behind the guys.
"You shouldn't see them wearing only their body suits!" Radditz exclaimed.
"Well, we're all only wearing our body suits!" K'Naki said with a laugh, motioning to his own clothing.
Lyra put an elbow on Radditz's shoulder and the other elbow and Kakkarot's shoulder, who was standing right next to Radditz. Her head popped up in between the two boys.
"And what a lovely shade of blue it is! It accentuates your skin tone very nicely!" Lyra said. Kakkarot and Yokito laughed. K'Naki bowed.
"Thank you. I must say you ladies look stunning." K'Naki said with a fake court drawl. Lyra and Radu giggled and Adrian smiled.
Radu's head appeared behind Yokito. She leaned one elbow on his shoulder and put her head on her arm.
"You haven't seen our beautiful body suits! We have a line of strong men to protect that from happening!" Radu said.
Still talking with the court drawl, K'Naki responded.
"I snuck a look before your noble brother hid the three beautiful girls behind a wall."
This set Lyra off again, giggling. Radu only blushed and Adrian smiled.
"Alright, enough small talk. You came here for a reason, did you not?" Vegeta snapped. He didn't like the way K'Naki was acting, even if it was all in good fun.
Adrian hovered two feet in the air behind Vegeta and leaned her arms on his head. She put her chin on her arms.
"Yeah, you'd better stop before we set our guard dogs on you." She said sarcastically. She saw Gio alternating between looking at her and the floor, all the while blushing. When he caught her eye, she smiled at him.
"Enough!" Vegeta said again, tugging Adrian down. "You're here because you heard some yelling. If you must know, Yokito and I were fighting when Radditz and Kakkarot stopped us. We started fighting and when Adrian joined in, we landed in a pile and Lyra and Radu.well, they sat on the top. Satisfied?"
"Not until you move out of my line of sight," Palmer said, smirking. Then he fell over.
"He is so lame." Adrian muttered. Her hand was poised over Vegeta's shoulder, pointing at where Palmer had previously stood.
Yokito looked over at his sister. "Thank you!" he said.
"Was that necessary?" K'Naki asked, curious. He didn't sound angry, thankfully.
"He had that coming all day." Adrian said with a shrug.
"Well, we'll go now, but you'd best be quiet once the sun sets. Some people are touchy about getting sleep." Gio said. He picked Palmer up and threw him over his shoulder.
"Well, good night." K'Naki said, waving as he walked out.
"We'll take our cue from them. Thanks for protecting our virginity!" Lyra said with a laugh.
"Yeah really," Radu agreed. "What was up with that? It's not like they were going to rape us once they saw us in our body suits! Plus, you guys are allowed to see us!"
Kakkarot turned to Lyra and took her hand. "I have to confess that the first time I saw you in only your body suit, I fell in love with you and your beautiful body." Kakkarot said solemnly. Lyra laughed, then got serious.
"I confess that I've always loved you, Kakkarot," She said, looking adoringly into his eyes. Then they both burst out laughing. Radditz slapped their hands apart.
"Funny, you two." Radditz said. "Do I have to remind you that we are your best friends and we can never think of you in that way?"
As Adrian lay down in her bed after they had returned to G-3, she reflected how she wished that were true.
(A/N) I think this is my favorite chapter yet. So, whom should Vegeta go for? Should Adrian and Gio hook up? Oh, just so you know, my twin and I camp up with the idea for this story. We would stay up just talking about the A/U. She draws all the pictures of the characters. Right now, I think she has maybe 12 done. And she is definitely coming out with more!
-Lady-Thetis