Update right on schedule. This was originally two episdoes, but I squeezed it all into one for sake of pace. I can't put up with these fillers anymore!!!! I'll just come up with a movie, okay?!?!
************Episode 32***********
**Zucina's Pride; Bardock's Anger**
"Great job, Tora," said Cole smiling. "Smart planning!"
"Like he intended it," laughed Zucina. But she still gave Tora a hearty slap on the back. "Smashing! Truly brilliant!!"
"I'd have been better if my opponent wasn't a girl," complained Tora.
"You fight me," Zucina pointed out.
"You don't count! You ain't that girly!"
Zucina paused, then grinned. "You're lucky I'm in such a good mood. I'll punish you later."
Cole laughed at the look of horror of Tora's face. He was no doubt remembering what Zucina told Cole she'd do to Tora (see last episode at the commercial break). Suddenly, Cole heard a soft 'psst" somewhere behind him. He turned around and noticed Bardock hiding in the large leaves of a nearby tree. Only part of his face was visible. "What's with you," he asked.
"I got a problem," Bardock whispered tentatively.
"Just go in the bushes. No one'll notice-"
"Do you have a set of my real battle armor in the ship?"
"Nan-da? You're supposed to be a girl, Kakkara."
"Therein lies the problem." Bardock lifted the large leaf to reveal his usual spikes and smudged make-up. "I ain't gonna pass of as a girl now!"
"What the HELL-? Bardock!!"
"Gimme a break! I know you said not to show mercy, but I couldn't let the cat drown!! [bad joke!] The wig fell into the sand, and she wiped off some a the powder! Now I look like some kinda fucked-up drag queen!"
Cole tried his best not laugh at his young friend's embarrassment. "Well, you still have your figure! Just say you're trying to get in touch with your feminine side."
Bardock blushed furiously from anger and humiliation. "HELP!!"
Cole slapped his face in frustration. "Dammit, Bardock! I was going to have you fight next! We get the princess if we win two right away."
A growl came from beside Cole. Zucina heard, and was practically glowing green with jealousy. "What about me?"
Bardock gulped at her look, but Cole didn't flinch. "You've been lapsing on your training, Zucina. Bardock is stronger and more qualified to fight. You've been relying too much on that sword and not your own skills."
"Is the next fighterr rrrready," called Sayami impatiently.
Zucina glared at Cole defiantly. "You've favored Bardock too often, Cole. Sticking up for him, following his plans, making him lieutenant- *I* happen to be your pupil too! I'll show you 'lapse in training'!" She turned on her heel and strode forward into the center of the battle field. "Who is my opponent?"
A six foot tall Catrl with purple fur and long red hair stepped forward. His black muscle shirt and tight blue jeans bulged with muscle. He snarled, revealing sharp, drooling fangs. "I am Tabberrr, yourrrrr opponent."
Zucina waved a hand in front of her nose. "Tabber, ever hear of a toothbrush?"
Tabber, instead of swiping, brought two giant fists down on the spot Zucina had stood. Now, she soared over his head, landing light-footed on his shoulder. "Phew! How about deodorant?" He swiped at her, but she phased out, and the cat scratched himself, blood trickling from his head.
Zucina couldn't help but laugh evilly. She tossed her sword aside, landing next to Cole. "No need for that," she announced.
Tabber roared, and jumped at the girl. Zucina dodged every punch of the fury, and supplied one strong one of her own. The fist connected with his stomach, and he crashed to the ground. Zucina, feeling bold, pulled out two of the cat's whiskers, one on each side, and banged them on his head like drumsticks.
"Alright Zucina," cheered Tora. Cole made no reaction. Bardock had left to the ship in search of his masculine clothes. [Poor guy!]
Zucina leapt over Tabber's attempt to grab her, and tossed the whiskers at Sayami. They stabbed into the ground inches from his paws. Zucina started her own punching/kicking fury, only wanting to scare the cat with her speed. Tabber blocked every kick, but was obviously startled by her precision. He sent out a small, accurate ki blast. Zucina dodged it, using it as a spring-board, and sent one of her own. The cat concentrated on concealing it out, giving the Sayin time to power up a larger beam. No particular style, just enough to hopefully knock him out. The beam hit, creating a dust cloud around the cat.
Zucina punched the air in victory. No creature had ever survived a beam of hers that strong before. She bowed at the leader. "Next challenger, please!"
Bardock arrived, relieved to find things going so well. Tora whooped, but again Cole didn't move. He kept his eyes on the cloud, which Zucina had her back to.
Sure enough, a purple clawed hand shot out and grabbed Zucina's tail. The affect was instant. Her eyelids drooped, her muscles laxed, and entire body lost power. Tabber pulled slightly, and she fell over, crying out in pain.
Cole groaned and shook his head. "Pride goeth before the fall," he quoted from a wise alien he had met. "Darn, arrogant woman."
Tora and Bardock tensed. The pain of a squeezed tail was unbearable to all Sayins to a point where they loose their powers. Zucina clawed the ground weakly, shutting her eyes, intent on shutting out the pain.
Sayami laughed at the sight, thoroughly enjoying himself. He stroked the girl seductively. "Please, rrrrrelax my dearrrrr. Once this is over, they monkeys will be killed, the planet a shambles, and I'll make a woman out of you." The girl cried through her gag, frightened.
Bardock glowered. 'Sick bastard! How dare he touch a child like that!?'
Tabber chuckled. "Not so tough without your strength, are you Sayin?" He squeezed harder. Zucina made an audible moan, but did not scream; her dignity forbade it. The cat noticed her increased pain and decided to have some fun. He lifted her by the tail and started swinging her over his head. The limp girl made no protest.
Bardock's fists tightened. 'Zucina . . .'
Tabber cackled, watching the dazed look of suffering on the girl's small face. He slammed her down to the ground. The area cracked from the impact. This gave him another idea. He swung her around again, running to the border of the field, and brought her down on a bunch of sharp rocks nearby. Zucina made a small noise, but no scream. The Sayins and Catrl heard a crack. Whether it was Zucina's armor of ribs, Bardock didn't care. He tensed at the thought of his friend being in so much pain.
The Catrl repeated this method of torture several times. Each time, Zucina let out only a grunt. Blood began seeping out of her armor and mouth. "C;mon," the cat purred. "I wanna hear you scream!"
Zucina coughed up a lot of blood. "S-sod off," gurgled.
Bardock sped over to where Zucina could hear him. "Zuni-chan!! Stop this!! Give up!! What are you trying to prove by killing yourself?"
Tabber ignored the boy, but stopped to catch his breath. Zucina was a mess! Other then being dirty from the dust, several cuts lined her face, her armor was busted, blood trickled from the sides of her mouth. She struggled to look Bardock right in the eyes. "Never," she growled.
"Damn your arrogance!! If you-"
Fire shone in her eyes. "Don't you fucking DARE interfere, Low Level Loser!!"
===========================================================
[Commercial Break]
===========================================================
Bardock gasped. Zucina hadn't mentioned his old moniker since they were enemies. Why now? He was too shocked to be mad. "Zu-Zuni-chan . . . I don't want you killed . . ."
"Too bad," purred Tabber. He forced Zucina to her feet and grabbed her small head in his large paw. His needle claws cut into her face, causing yet more blood to line her face. She barred her teeth, baring the sting. "Cause she's as good as dead." Then, Tabber made one fatal error - he let go of Zucina's tail!
Zucina opened her eyes all the way, the fire doubling. She took off her white (now with red and brown patches). She lifted her exposed hand, put it around the cat's arm, and stabbed it with her own "claws." Tabber gasped only a moment before Zucina tore his forearm off completely!
The Catrl howled in utter agony, clutching the stump of his arm. Zucina flipped backwards, but landed unsteadily. She was too injured to really continue. Still, she powered up a Galick Gun and prepared to fire. Tabber realized her plan, and powered up his own finishing move.
The beams collided in mid-air. The Galick Gun immediately lost momentum, because Zucina swayed from the force. Much of her inner torso had been shattered, and the damage was costly. The collision point began moving in her direction, until it was only less then a foot away from her face. Sweat poured down Zucina's face, and death from such an impact appeared imminent.
Bardock had had it! He powered up, fearing for his friend's life. "SOLAR STRIKE!!!!" The small gold ball flew and landed on target. The large Catrl disintegrated in a rather small explosion from the blasts.
Bardock shielded his eyes from the glare, then uncovered them to find Zucina. She had been knocked away and landed against a tree.
"No fairrrr!! Interrrvention!!" Sayami hissed angrily. "You lose that rround! Tabberrrrr would have won!"
"And killed her," Bardock added in fury. "I don't like unfair play, 'specially when it involves the live a my friends!"
"Then do you disrrregard the firrst fight?"
"It doesn't matter." Bardock scowled. "Either way, we got one more fight. And I choose to fight you!"
"Me? Sayami? You, a pathetic Sayin boy, challenge one of the grrrrrreatest warriorrrs in Lord Krrrrrang's army?!?"
Bardock said not a word. Instead, he had only to beckon the ruler with his index finger. The Catrl stood, dropped his robe to reveal a red bodysuit, and sprung to attack.
All of the anger Bardock had pent up inside during the ordeal raged through and drove him on. His power level sky-rocketed. His concentration doubled. At that moment, he was a perfect warrior. Every punch he made during his fury against the Catrl landed, accurately and sturdily. Already, the powerful cat began to weaken.
Sayami snarled and attempted a Claw Punch, in which he powered up his claw so they elongated into sharp spears. But Bardock out-ran it, and did a round-house kick. The first time missed, but the finish hit its target. Sayami doubled over, Bardock took both his fists and jammed them into Sayami's back, forcing him into the ground.
The once Low Level Loser now possessed skills that made Cole's jaw drop. Zucina opened her eyes and saw Bardock's fight. She remembered her first battle with Bardock, where she had won but with great consequences. She remembered her vow to him to one day become stronger. She remembered Bardock's letter, informing him of his appointment to lieutenant under Cole. She also remembered the supremacy she felt over Bardock as she held the Idsa Sword for the first time.
Zucina looked over at the look of awe on Cole's face as Bardock continued his fight. He used to look at her that way as she trained. He often said that she was gifted for a girl her age and size. Now, it was Bardock he favored, and it broke her heart. She had failed her vow. She had failed to impress her parents. She had failed earning Cole's respect. And, worst of all, when she tried to reclaim all of that in battle today, she lost.
Bardock ended his battle with Sayami quickly, knocking the creature out. He then turned to the Catrl, who quivered in his presense. "I have beaten your master. The princess is mine!" One Catrl threw him the princess in fear. Bardock caught the girl and straightened her up. He unties her and gently asked, "Are you okay, Hime-sama?"*
Princess Caliope nodded, wiping away her tears.
"Let get outta here," warned Tora, pointed at the Catrl. The cat creatures were trying to revived their leader, grumbling something about attack.
"Right," confirmed Cole. "You take the girl, Bardock, get Zucina."
"Hai!" Bardock ran over to help his friend. "C'mon, Zucina. Get up! Time to go." But Zucina kept her face away. She still felt degraded and bitter for Bardock's need to save her. How could a Sayin be so powerful in battle, but tender to his allies. It made no sense for a Sayin!
"Oh, I get it! You can't move!" Before Zucina could protest, he lifted her off the ground and onto his shoulders. "Don't worry, Zuni-chan! I'll always be there to save yer tail!" And he smiled at her.
The smile touched Zucina's heart. She blushed out of jealousy, anger, and another feeling she couldn't quite place. Whatever that feeling was, she only felt it near Bardock.
The three standing fighters ran as fast as they could, carrying their respective loads carefully. Tora glanced over his shoulder and saw all of the remaining Cartl chasing after them on all four paws. "KUSO!! We have to get to the palace!"
Cole glimpsed back also, groaning in frustration. "I'll take care of them. You get the girls to safety!" He turned around, skidding to a halt facing the Catrl. He held out his arms and closed his eyes. Energy flowed through him from the trees and ground. "Oh mystic, splendid Erutan," he prayed. "Grant me this favor. Let me used your power." He opened his eyes. A rumble began. Cole swung his arms together, and brought two fingers up with one sweep. Suddenly, the ground cracked, and the Catrl were plunged into the depths of the planet.
Cole turned back to his friends once the earthquake ended, grinning at their stunned faces. "Wassmatter? Ain't you never seen a great power before?"
"What-was-that," Tora asked breathlessly.
"Let's just say I got friends in high places," Cole stated. "Let's get back to the palace."
"That doesn't excuse the fact that you tricked us!!," screamed General Rami angrily.
Tora grinned. "Silly Rami, tricks are for kids," he joked.**
Empress Cleo hugged her daughter. "Oh, I'm so happy you're safe," she rumbled in her deep voice. "My darling child! I was worried you died in the hands of those ruffians."
"They mustn't have been too difficult, if a third class team managed to kill them all," commented Nappa.
King Vegeta stared at Zucina, her broken body still unclean and mangled. "Is she alright," he asked, almost concerned. Cole nodded solemnly. "Good. I don't want to give Cleo the impression we are push-overs."
The regal empress arose and faced the king. "Noble Sayins, I am eternally in your debt."
Princess Caliope stepped forward and winked at Bardock. "That one helped me the most, Momma. He's wonderful!" The empress placed a hand on her head. "I realize my girl is not much to look at. But, as she grows, she will become as beautiful as her mother. That is why I offer you her as a mate."
In classic anime fashion, Bardock turned to stone from gross overload. "I think that's a 'hell no', Your Majesty," said Tora.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
* - Hime-sama = princess
** - If you don't get this joke, you don't watch enough TV commercials! Think "Trix"!
Hello everyone! Zucina here!
Why am I so un-concentrated all of the time, while Bardock is the picture of warrior art? Why do I have to be left on the backburner? I refuse to believe its because I'm a girl! Meanwhile, Cole gets a terrible message from Nappa, and Bardock is saddled on a date with Olivia. But why does he need MY help?! HE'S Cole's favorite!!
Next time on DragonballBC: A New Challenge: Dance Lessons
Fun Fact - While mythology states Amazon women are as beautiful as they are strong, I thought I'd put in a new twist for their counterparts. After all, "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder."
************Episode 32***********
**Zucina's Pride; Bardock's Anger**
"Great job, Tora," said Cole smiling. "Smart planning!"
"Like he intended it," laughed Zucina. But she still gave Tora a hearty slap on the back. "Smashing! Truly brilliant!!"
"I'd have been better if my opponent wasn't a girl," complained Tora.
"You fight me," Zucina pointed out.
"You don't count! You ain't that girly!"
Zucina paused, then grinned. "You're lucky I'm in such a good mood. I'll punish you later."
Cole laughed at the look of horror of Tora's face. He was no doubt remembering what Zucina told Cole she'd do to Tora (see last episode at the commercial break). Suddenly, Cole heard a soft 'psst" somewhere behind him. He turned around and noticed Bardock hiding in the large leaves of a nearby tree. Only part of his face was visible. "What's with you," he asked.
"I got a problem," Bardock whispered tentatively.
"Just go in the bushes. No one'll notice-"
"Do you have a set of my real battle armor in the ship?"
"Nan-da? You're supposed to be a girl, Kakkara."
"Therein lies the problem." Bardock lifted the large leaf to reveal his usual spikes and smudged make-up. "I ain't gonna pass of as a girl now!"
"What the HELL-? Bardock!!"
"Gimme a break! I know you said not to show mercy, but I couldn't let the cat drown!! [bad joke!] The wig fell into the sand, and she wiped off some a the powder! Now I look like some kinda fucked-up drag queen!"
Cole tried his best not laugh at his young friend's embarrassment. "Well, you still have your figure! Just say you're trying to get in touch with your feminine side."
Bardock blushed furiously from anger and humiliation. "HELP!!"
Cole slapped his face in frustration. "Dammit, Bardock! I was going to have you fight next! We get the princess if we win two right away."
A growl came from beside Cole. Zucina heard, and was practically glowing green with jealousy. "What about me?"
Bardock gulped at her look, but Cole didn't flinch. "You've been lapsing on your training, Zucina. Bardock is stronger and more qualified to fight. You've been relying too much on that sword and not your own skills."
"Is the next fighterr rrrready," called Sayami impatiently.
Zucina glared at Cole defiantly. "You've favored Bardock too often, Cole. Sticking up for him, following his plans, making him lieutenant- *I* happen to be your pupil too! I'll show you 'lapse in training'!" She turned on her heel and strode forward into the center of the battle field. "Who is my opponent?"
A six foot tall Catrl with purple fur and long red hair stepped forward. His black muscle shirt and tight blue jeans bulged with muscle. He snarled, revealing sharp, drooling fangs. "I am Tabberrr, yourrrrr opponent."
Zucina waved a hand in front of her nose. "Tabber, ever hear of a toothbrush?"
Tabber, instead of swiping, brought two giant fists down on the spot Zucina had stood. Now, she soared over his head, landing light-footed on his shoulder. "Phew! How about deodorant?" He swiped at her, but she phased out, and the cat scratched himself, blood trickling from his head.
Zucina couldn't help but laugh evilly. She tossed her sword aside, landing next to Cole. "No need for that," she announced.
Tabber roared, and jumped at the girl. Zucina dodged every punch of the fury, and supplied one strong one of her own. The fist connected with his stomach, and he crashed to the ground. Zucina, feeling bold, pulled out two of the cat's whiskers, one on each side, and banged them on his head like drumsticks.
"Alright Zucina," cheered Tora. Cole made no reaction. Bardock had left to the ship in search of his masculine clothes. [Poor guy!]
Zucina leapt over Tabber's attempt to grab her, and tossed the whiskers at Sayami. They stabbed into the ground inches from his paws. Zucina started her own punching/kicking fury, only wanting to scare the cat with her speed. Tabber blocked every kick, but was obviously startled by her precision. He sent out a small, accurate ki blast. Zucina dodged it, using it as a spring-board, and sent one of her own. The cat concentrated on concealing it out, giving the Sayin time to power up a larger beam. No particular style, just enough to hopefully knock him out. The beam hit, creating a dust cloud around the cat.
Zucina punched the air in victory. No creature had ever survived a beam of hers that strong before. She bowed at the leader. "Next challenger, please!"
Bardock arrived, relieved to find things going so well. Tora whooped, but again Cole didn't move. He kept his eyes on the cloud, which Zucina had her back to.
Sure enough, a purple clawed hand shot out and grabbed Zucina's tail. The affect was instant. Her eyelids drooped, her muscles laxed, and entire body lost power. Tabber pulled slightly, and she fell over, crying out in pain.
Cole groaned and shook his head. "Pride goeth before the fall," he quoted from a wise alien he had met. "Darn, arrogant woman."
Tora and Bardock tensed. The pain of a squeezed tail was unbearable to all Sayins to a point where they loose their powers. Zucina clawed the ground weakly, shutting her eyes, intent on shutting out the pain.
Sayami laughed at the sight, thoroughly enjoying himself. He stroked the girl seductively. "Please, rrrrrelax my dearrrrr. Once this is over, they monkeys will be killed, the planet a shambles, and I'll make a woman out of you." The girl cried through her gag, frightened.
Bardock glowered. 'Sick bastard! How dare he touch a child like that!?'
Tabber chuckled. "Not so tough without your strength, are you Sayin?" He squeezed harder. Zucina made an audible moan, but did not scream; her dignity forbade it. The cat noticed her increased pain and decided to have some fun. He lifted her by the tail and started swinging her over his head. The limp girl made no protest.
Bardock's fists tightened. 'Zucina . . .'
Tabber cackled, watching the dazed look of suffering on the girl's small face. He slammed her down to the ground. The area cracked from the impact. This gave him another idea. He swung her around again, running to the border of the field, and brought her down on a bunch of sharp rocks nearby. Zucina made a small noise, but no scream. The Sayins and Catrl heard a crack. Whether it was Zucina's armor of ribs, Bardock didn't care. He tensed at the thought of his friend being in so much pain.
The Catrl repeated this method of torture several times. Each time, Zucina let out only a grunt. Blood began seeping out of her armor and mouth. "C;mon," the cat purred. "I wanna hear you scream!"
Zucina coughed up a lot of blood. "S-sod off," gurgled.
Bardock sped over to where Zucina could hear him. "Zuni-chan!! Stop this!! Give up!! What are you trying to prove by killing yourself?"
Tabber ignored the boy, but stopped to catch his breath. Zucina was a mess! Other then being dirty from the dust, several cuts lined her face, her armor was busted, blood trickled from the sides of her mouth. She struggled to look Bardock right in the eyes. "Never," she growled.
"Damn your arrogance!! If you-"
Fire shone in her eyes. "Don't you fucking DARE interfere, Low Level Loser!!"
===========================================================
[Commercial Break]
===========================================================
Bardock gasped. Zucina hadn't mentioned his old moniker since they were enemies. Why now? He was too shocked to be mad. "Zu-Zuni-chan . . . I don't want you killed . . ."
"Too bad," purred Tabber. He forced Zucina to her feet and grabbed her small head in his large paw. His needle claws cut into her face, causing yet more blood to line her face. She barred her teeth, baring the sting. "Cause she's as good as dead." Then, Tabber made one fatal error - he let go of Zucina's tail!
Zucina opened her eyes all the way, the fire doubling. She took off her white (now with red and brown patches). She lifted her exposed hand, put it around the cat's arm, and stabbed it with her own "claws." Tabber gasped only a moment before Zucina tore his forearm off completely!
The Catrl howled in utter agony, clutching the stump of his arm. Zucina flipped backwards, but landed unsteadily. She was too injured to really continue. Still, she powered up a Galick Gun and prepared to fire. Tabber realized her plan, and powered up his own finishing move.
The beams collided in mid-air. The Galick Gun immediately lost momentum, because Zucina swayed from the force. Much of her inner torso had been shattered, and the damage was costly. The collision point began moving in her direction, until it was only less then a foot away from her face. Sweat poured down Zucina's face, and death from such an impact appeared imminent.
Bardock had had it! He powered up, fearing for his friend's life. "SOLAR STRIKE!!!!" The small gold ball flew and landed on target. The large Catrl disintegrated in a rather small explosion from the blasts.
Bardock shielded his eyes from the glare, then uncovered them to find Zucina. She had been knocked away and landed against a tree.
"No fairrrr!! Interrrvention!!" Sayami hissed angrily. "You lose that rround! Tabberrrrr would have won!"
"And killed her," Bardock added in fury. "I don't like unfair play, 'specially when it involves the live a my friends!"
"Then do you disrrregard the firrst fight?"
"It doesn't matter." Bardock scowled. "Either way, we got one more fight. And I choose to fight you!"
"Me? Sayami? You, a pathetic Sayin boy, challenge one of the grrrrrreatest warriorrrs in Lord Krrrrrang's army?!?"
Bardock said not a word. Instead, he had only to beckon the ruler with his index finger. The Catrl stood, dropped his robe to reveal a red bodysuit, and sprung to attack.
All of the anger Bardock had pent up inside during the ordeal raged through and drove him on. His power level sky-rocketed. His concentration doubled. At that moment, he was a perfect warrior. Every punch he made during his fury against the Catrl landed, accurately and sturdily. Already, the powerful cat began to weaken.
Sayami snarled and attempted a Claw Punch, in which he powered up his claw so they elongated into sharp spears. But Bardock out-ran it, and did a round-house kick. The first time missed, but the finish hit its target. Sayami doubled over, Bardock took both his fists and jammed them into Sayami's back, forcing him into the ground.
The once Low Level Loser now possessed skills that made Cole's jaw drop. Zucina opened her eyes and saw Bardock's fight. She remembered her first battle with Bardock, where she had won but with great consequences. She remembered her vow to him to one day become stronger. She remembered Bardock's letter, informing him of his appointment to lieutenant under Cole. She also remembered the supremacy she felt over Bardock as she held the Idsa Sword for the first time.
Zucina looked over at the look of awe on Cole's face as Bardock continued his fight. He used to look at her that way as she trained. He often said that she was gifted for a girl her age and size. Now, it was Bardock he favored, and it broke her heart. She had failed her vow. She had failed to impress her parents. She had failed earning Cole's respect. And, worst of all, when she tried to reclaim all of that in battle today, she lost.
Bardock ended his battle with Sayami quickly, knocking the creature out. He then turned to the Catrl, who quivered in his presense. "I have beaten your master. The princess is mine!" One Catrl threw him the princess in fear. Bardock caught the girl and straightened her up. He unties her and gently asked, "Are you okay, Hime-sama?"*
Princess Caliope nodded, wiping away her tears.
"Let get outta here," warned Tora, pointed at the Catrl. The cat creatures were trying to revived their leader, grumbling something about attack.
"Right," confirmed Cole. "You take the girl, Bardock, get Zucina."
"Hai!" Bardock ran over to help his friend. "C'mon, Zucina. Get up! Time to go." But Zucina kept her face away. She still felt degraded and bitter for Bardock's need to save her. How could a Sayin be so powerful in battle, but tender to his allies. It made no sense for a Sayin!
"Oh, I get it! You can't move!" Before Zucina could protest, he lifted her off the ground and onto his shoulders. "Don't worry, Zuni-chan! I'll always be there to save yer tail!" And he smiled at her.
The smile touched Zucina's heart. She blushed out of jealousy, anger, and another feeling she couldn't quite place. Whatever that feeling was, she only felt it near Bardock.
The three standing fighters ran as fast as they could, carrying their respective loads carefully. Tora glanced over his shoulder and saw all of the remaining Cartl chasing after them on all four paws. "KUSO!! We have to get to the palace!"
Cole glimpsed back also, groaning in frustration. "I'll take care of them. You get the girls to safety!" He turned around, skidding to a halt facing the Catrl. He held out his arms and closed his eyes. Energy flowed through him from the trees and ground. "Oh mystic, splendid Erutan," he prayed. "Grant me this favor. Let me used your power." He opened his eyes. A rumble began. Cole swung his arms together, and brought two fingers up with one sweep. Suddenly, the ground cracked, and the Catrl were plunged into the depths of the planet.
Cole turned back to his friends once the earthquake ended, grinning at their stunned faces. "Wassmatter? Ain't you never seen a great power before?"
"What-was-that," Tora asked breathlessly.
"Let's just say I got friends in high places," Cole stated. "Let's get back to the palace."
"That doesn't excuse the fact that you tricked us!!," screamed General Rami angrily.
Tora grinned. "Silly Rami, tricks are for kids," he joked.**
Empress Cleo hugged her daughter. "Oh, I'm so happy you're safe," she rumbled in her deep voice. "My darling child! I was worried you died in the hands of those ruffians."
"They mustn't have been too difficult, if a third class team managed to kill them all," commented Nappa.
King Vegeta stared at Zucina, her broken body still unclean and mangled. "Is she alright," he asked, almost concerned. Cole nodded solemnly. "Good. I don't want to give Cleo the impression we are push-overs."
The regal empress arose and faced the king. "Noble Sayins, I am eternally in your debt."
Princess Caliope stepped forward and winked at Bardock. "That one helped me the most, Momma. He's wonderful!" The empress placed a hand on her head. "I realize my girl is not much to look at. But, as she grows, she will become as beautiful as her mother. That is why I offer you her as a mate."
In classic anime fashion, Bardock turned to stone from gross overload. "I think that's a 'hell no', Your Majesty," said Tora.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
* - Hime-sama = princess
** - If you don't get this joke, you don't watch enough TV commercials! Think "Trix"!
Hello everyone! Zucina here!
Why am I so un-concentrated all of the time, while Bardock is the picture of warrior art? Why do I have to be left on the backburner? I refuse to believe its because I'm a girl! Meanwhile, Cole gets a terrible message from Nappa, and Bardock is saddled on a date with Olivia. But why does he need MY help?! HE'S Cole's favorite!!
Next time on DragonballBC: A New Challenge: Dance Lessons
Fun Fact - While mythology states Amazon women are as beautiful as they are strong, I thought I'd put in a new twist for their counterparts. After all, "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder."