Pokemonrex - Sorry about the romance! But I added a bit of humor and suspense!

**********Episode 35***********
**The Bright Festival Lights part 1**
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. Zucina's back pressed against the wall as Aspa advanced with a dress and Fasha with a make-up kit. "Now that you bathed in the public bath-house in the scented area," explained Fasha, "we'll start by plucking your eyebrows so they look decent, then -"
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. "Like HELL you will," screamed Zucina, getting nervous.
. Aspa chuckled. "Mistress should not be so afraid of own friends. We only try to help. This dress fitted especially for you."
. "Don't worry, Zuni-chan," said Fasha in a soothing voice. But a dark aura swirled around her. "You'll be just fine."
. Zucina had a sweatdrop. "Eeep!"
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. Tora, Totepo, Panbukin, and Bardock walked down the metallic street talking about their plans for that night. They were on their way to pick up the women of their party, and Panbukin could not stop laughing at the thought of Zucina in a dress. "Fasha is givin' that dog a make-over!?!"
. "That's what she told me," replied Tora, fighting back a snigger. "So we're picking her up at Zucina's. Aspa may come too."
. They were each dressing in what was considered 'formal armor,' a requirement for men. It was pretty much the same as their battle armor, only the color was far more metallic. Bardock's had a special design on his, designating himself as a Third-Class officer. They all wore different color capes: Totepo dark-green, Tora white, Panbukin beige, and Bardock black. As a lieutenant, he wore silver wristbands.
. Bardock fumbled with his bands. 'Kuso, these things are annoying!'
. "Oy, Bardock," said Tora. "Why are you wearing only black and white? Why not your usual colors?"
. "Fasha asked me to wear black."
. "Uh-oh."
. "Nan?"
. "I think she's trying to set you up with Zucina."
. Bardock's heart stopped. "R-really?"
. "Yeah. Frightening isn't is? Well, you'd better get your real date!" They were now outside of Olivia's apartment. Bardock nodded, straightened his armor, walked up to the door, and knocked.
. It opened after less then two knocks. Olivia tried not to squeal with delight on Bardock's looks. She herself was wearing a short, red dress with sparkles toward the bottom. She had red shoes, black pantyhose, a black choaker with a red jewel hanging from it, and a red braclet. Her black/red make-up enhanced her eyes and lips, making Bardock draw his breath. Her hair, as usual, spiked around her head, hanging down to her midback.
. "You look great," said Bardock in earnest.
. Olivia giggled. "So do you!" She grabbed Bardock's arm and ran to catch up with the rest of the group.
. Outside of Zucina's apartment, they heard someone calling. "Yo! Hey! Wait up!" It was Cole and Sprouta flying from above. They landed, dressed in gold/red/black armor and cape, Cole beamed at the look on his comrades' faces. "Miss me?"
. "I thought you weren't comin'," said Panbukin.
. Sprouta wore a long, green, sleeveless dress. "Cole changed his mind. And I'd like to know why, too."
. Cole shrugged. "Just thought I'd chill for a while. Life is too short to dwell on revenge!"
. This satisfied all but Bardock. The lieutenant couldn't help but feel a bit of an edge in his friend's voice. Still, he decided to ignore it for tonight.
, Tora hopped up the steps and opened the door. Fasha stepped out, giving her chosen mate a kiss on the cheek. She wore a light pink dress with a plunging back and a wide skirt. Her hair was curled out, and her make-up shimmered in the light. "My enchantress," commented Tora, kissing her hand.
. Fasha laughed, then shooed him away from the door. "Everyone," she announced. "I'd like to introduce you all to my miracle! Lady Zucina of Cucumbra!"
. Zucina emerged, and there was a collective gasp as she decended the stairs. The noblewoman wore a tight, black dress with a slit up to her midthigh, accentuating her hour-glass figure, and black boots. A purple scarf was draped over her bare shoulders and met in the center with a purple flower. On her neck, a strand of small diamonds glistened, and black gloves rose to her elbows. Her hair was fluffed into a mushroom, waving gently around her face. She wore light purple/white make-up that shone around her sparkleing eyes.
. Positively mezmerized, Bardock left Olivia's side and strode up the stairs. Zucina took in his black boots, pants, and cape, with his white/black armor and silver wristcuffs with as much admiration. As if magnitized, their hand stretched out to meet, and Bardock helped her down the rest of the stairs. They came down with all of the grace of two royals.
. All of those present (minus Fasha, who giggled madly) were in shock. Totepo put a hand on Panbukin in surprise. Tora's jaw literally touched the ground. Sprouta whispered to her mate "I thought she was a boy!" Panbukin kept repeating to himself "Its only Zucina. Its only Zucina." But he interrupted himself and burst out "Oh Hell, mate with me! I'm old, fat, and smell but I'll lick your BOOTS to get that BOOTY!!"
. Zucina focused on Cole. "You have not yet said anything, Cole-kun," she stated in a soft, regal voice. "Do you not think I look better?"
. "You always have been beautiful, Zuni-chan," said Cole bending down to kiss her gloved hand. "Its only come to the surface."
, Olivia studied Bardock's face and glowed green with jealousy. "She's the last person I'd expect to sell out like that."
. "Like what," asked Zucina in her usual, tom-boy tone.
. "Puh-lease! The girly-look just doesn't suit a long-time manly cross-dresser!"
. Zucina snarled. Olivia smirked. "You're such a fake! Everything about you is false!"
. "Speaking of false," growled Zucina, and she dove at the girl in anger, reached into her dress, and took something out. "What's this?" She had removed a small, round, think pad. "Still think I'M false!?!"
. Tora held Olivia back while Bardock, Cole, and Panbukin held back Zucina. Panbukin couldn't help but pop a feel, and Zucina smacked him. "You'd think in this get-up, I'd be treated like a lady," said Zucina angrily. "I guess I was wrong!"
. Olivia, blushing from embarrassment and anger, grabbed hold of Bardock's arm. "Let's go, Bardock," she said haughtly, and dragged him away.
. Zucina snorted. "Look! Taking him like he's a fuckin' ornament!"
. "Calm down," Fasha sighed. "In this Game of Love, he IS the prize!"
. "If I have to change to get him to notice me, maybe he isn't bloody well worth it!" And with that, she stormed off.
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. -Uno-sama. Is everything set up to your liking?-
. -Yes. You have done well. The festival to perfect setting for the beginning of the end of Una's little pet monkey. On to the next phase.-
. -I am ready, Uno-sama.-
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[Commercial Break]
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. The Double Nuevo Lunar Festival began at sunset with a speech from the esteemed King Vegeta, dressed in royal robes and armor. The streets crowded alongside the booths and games to hear their beloved king speak, taking in his tribute to the double moons of the planet, stating that even while the moons remain dark for the night, the Sayin soul ever shines on.
. Bardock-tachi marveled at the various games, foods, and events along the streets. Lanterns lit the area, music boomed from the alien band, laughter and party sounds were everywhere.
. "Sugoi," said Sprouta happily.
. "Hey, Ring-Toss," exclaimed Tora pointing to a booth. "I love Ring-Toss!" He and Fasha ran to play. Totepo pointed out an arm wrestling table surrounded by muscle-bound men and many women. He and Panbukin headed off toward it.
. "We should find out when the dance contest starts," said Olivia.
. "Good idea," said Zucina, not taking her eyes off her opponent. "Want to enter, Cole? Sprouta?"
. "No thanks," said Cole. "You kids have fun." He escorted his mate towards a ride similar to a human Ferris Wheel.
. "I think its this way," said Bardock, taking his date's hand. Olivia noticed this and grinned at Zucina behind the oblivious Bardock. "Where's your dance partner," asked Olivia evilly.
. Zucina, angered by the gesture and words said nothing. But a strange Sayin man came out of nowhere and took her hand. "I'll dance with you," he said, patting her cheek. A group of men formed around the woman. She growled at their condescending remarks and, with one swift roundhouse kick, knocked them all unconscious in a ring around her. "Honestly," she sighed, stepping over them. But she tripped on one's nose, and fell forward.
. As she did, a strong hand grasped hers to steady her. "Such brutes," a deep, gentle voice said, "forcing themselves upon you. Disgusting!"
. Zucina raised her eyes to the owner of the voice. The man was dressed in a dark red, velvet cloak that hooded his face. Zucina could make out a smile within the darkness. "Even low level soldiers must understand the importance of asking a lady before making any advancement."
. Zucina felt herself blush. The man's voice sent chills up her spine, and she couldn't help but feel grateful for his help. "I quite agreed," she responded.
. He lifted her to safe ground, bent down, and kissed her glove. "Dear woman," he breathed. "Surely you are an angel sent down by the great Goddess! What business has an angel among us mortals?"
. Zucina snorted. She had heard this sort of speech so many times before she went to STP. She always got the same line. To run along the usual drill, and because she was bored, she said, "I suppose you think I'm a gift for you."
. "Am I worthy of an angel?" Zucina jumped at the man's answer. All always said "Yes," but he didn't!! He arose, but bowed. "How can I possibly claim you are a gift for me, when you are not mine? Say the slightest word, and I will offer myself as a gift for you, my angel!"
. Zucina's heart raced. 'Oh my! I . . . I never expected this! He's actually asking for me? Giving me a choice? But his cuffs say that he's an elite! Dare I hope?' "Will you join me for the dance?"
. "It would be my utmost honor to dance with such a powerful angel."
. "Powerful?"
. "Of course," said the man indicating the fallen soldiers behind him. "Strong enough to be a princess; Princess of the Angels."
. This settled it. Zucina's eyes filled with stars, and she felt as though she were floating on Cloud 9. The man's smile, sweet words, sexy baritone voice, and respectful manner had won her. "Shall the Princess allow me to buy Her a drink before the contest. It starts in an hour."
. "O . . . kay . . ."
. "Marvelous." He took her hand gently, but firmly. His touch was cold, but it only sent a rush of emotion through Zucina, submitting herself to be lead away.
. Bardock and Olivia watched this, astounded by their fellow Sayin's actions. "Well, well, well," said Olivia. "She got herself quite a guy! Talk about a one-in-a-million shot, ne?" But Bardock remained silent, his eyes in shadow. "C'mon, Olli-chan," he said in a low voice. "Let's check out the games."
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. The couple had a great time, despite Bardock's constant scan of the crowd for Zucina. He bought Olivia some cotton-candy-like food, rode a few rides alongside her, and won many games and a couple of stuffed animals for her. She cheered each time he blew away the bull's eye with his ki, never missing a shot.
. "Hey," whispered a Sayin in line to his companion. "That guy's great!"
. "Yeah," the other agreed. "Hasn't lost a target! Amazing!"
. Yet another whispered, "I was in STP; that guy won almost every match he fought in the tournaments! Three-time champ!"
. "But, ain't that the Low Level Loser?"
. Bardock turned angrily at the sound of his old nic name, and the Sayins backed away. Olivia touched his arm soothingly, leading him away from a possible fight. "Don't be mad," she said.
. "I HATE the sound o' that name!"
. "You haven't been called it lately, have you?"
. Bardock turned his head to the multi-colored lights above him. "Yeah, once. But Zucina was jus'-"
. Olivia flinched. "Don't think of her! She's a mean witch! But those guys back their, they aren't!"
. "Nani?"
. Olivia smiled at his boyish, confused face. "You're getting a good reputation now. People are starting to respect you as an equal, maybe higher! You heard them; they will spread the word. You are finally getting what you deserve!"
. Bardock stared at her eyes. She really meant it. She loved him and supported him with all of her heart without batting an eye. Her upside-down U eyes spoke nothing but true understanding and compassion, one in which Bardock was grateful for.
. He squeezed her hand smiling. "You know somethin', I ain't never noticed how pretty you really are, Olivia." And, for the first time that night, the name and face of Zucina disappeared from his mind.

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Sup! Cole here!
The dance is the fight, and the dance floor a battle field. Sparks really fly as Zucina and Bardock's old feelings of rivalry flare up, pulled in with their hidden passion. But, wait! Someone has come to break up the contest! Nipper has a lot of balls hitting Olivia right in front of Bardock. But what will he do?
Find out next time on DragonballBC: Bright Festival Lights part 2
Fun Fact - I came up with DBBC after I made DBUF and DBE. Although I haven't typed these up, I enjoyed making up DBBC (their prologue in a sense) more because I had so much leeway on personalities. The other two long fanfics will be typed up after DBBC's completion, take place 50 years after it, and I assure with will have Bardock as a main character (and yes, he will meet Goku).