Disclaimer: I don't own anything to do with Dragonball Z. The amazing Akria Toriyama does. I only own the plot and my own characters
Bardock's story
Chapter 15: A royal meeting
After two more hours of sparring, Bardock and Kayla showered in their respective bathrooms then met up again outside the lobby.
"Thanks again for today, Bardock," Kayla smiled, "it's fun having a decent sparring partner."
"Yeah, it was fun for me too," Bardock smiled back.
"Well, I'd better get going. I doubt my mother or Roka will be pleased if I turn up late."
Bardock nodded then got a surprise when Kayla kissed his scar again.
"You like kissing my scar, don't you?"
"I like to think it makes it feel better, even though it probably doesn't even hurt."
"Well, it works."
Then, after making sure no one he knew was around, Bardock returned the favour by taking Kayla's hand and kissing the back. It was hard for her to hide the slight blush on her cheeks.
"See you soon, Bardock."
"Bye Kayla."
She then took to the sky, flying home. Bardock stood watching until she disappeared from view. 'Wow'. He then lifted off and headed back to the barracks. Once there, he caught up with his crew and they set for dinner then the bar.
Contrast to Bardock's relatively laid-back evening plans, Kayla's evening was about to take unwelcome turn. When she landed then went inside, she was surprised to see her brother stood against the wall, clearly waiting for her. She could tell he was annoyed but he was being calm.
"Hello, Kayla," He said slowly, "How was your spar with the Bardock?"
She felt her stomach churn. How did Roka know she had been with Bardock again? She hadn't seen her brother all day to tell him she'd be out. So how could he know? But she managed to look defiant rather than caught.
"I have no idea what you mean. I haven't seen Bardock since you pretty much chased him away after our first training session. It's no wonder that I haven't got any friends when you keep scaring them away."
"Oh, I know exactly what I mean. I saw you… and that scum… at the training centre outside the city. And I saw you and him making out."
Kayla stood staring at her brother. He had been following her. Surely, she was allowed some privacy from her own brother.
"You really need to get a private life of your own, Roka, instead of trying to ruin mine."
Kayla tried to walk solidly past him, only to be stopped by him grabbing her arm.
"You are disgracing this family by even talking to Bardock. He's a low-level, always was and always will be. And we are the elite; we have no time for them."
"They are saiyans like us. Why should we be treated differently? Anyway, I really like Bardock. He has more personality and charm than any bastard who calls themselves elite."
Roka's anger was boiling as Kayla refused to be intimidated by him. He was so close to pushing her against the wall.
But, just before this sibling argument got worse, they were interrupted by a rather eloquent voice calling their names. A few seconds later, their mother, Kolra appeared. She was a very poised and elegant woman who always carried an air of aristocracy. Like her daughter, she had long flowing black hair, decorated with red and silver beads, but she had dark violet eyes. She worked at the palace as the King's chief scribe and dressed as such. Her armour was gold and white with gold straps, with a short blue cape, white gloves and boots and a pink scouter.
"Ah, Kayla, it's about time you came home," She said, "Doctor Sports really should know better than to keep you with him all day. Honestly, that man needs to just die already."
Kayla nearly bit her own tongue off at the nastiness in her mother's words. Unlike Sage and Kayla, Kolra was much more typical of a saiyan, insensitive, selfish and spiteful.
"Anyway, go and get smartened up. We have an appointment with King Vegeta."
Kayla was suddenly confused. An appointment with the King? Since when? She then glanced at Roka and saw he was also dressed in his ceremonial armour. Confused but not willing to anger her mother, she did as she was told and went to get ready in her bedroom.
A little while later, Kayla was on her way to the palace with her mother and brother. She was dressed in armour similar to her mother's, except the cape had been replaced by a long white cloak. As they approached the palace, Kayla's eyes were drawn upwards by the huge round turrets that made the palace stand out over the rest of city. The last time she was this close to the palace was when she was a child and the building was even bigger back then. The family were greeted at the door by two of royal guards. They bowed then led the Kolra and her children in to the palace. Kayla instantly felt out of place. Her mother and brother walked through the impressive building as if they didn't care about where they were, carrying themselves proudly.
"Mother, why are we here?" She asked.
"I told you, Kayla," Kolra replied abruptly, "We are meeting the King."
"But why does he want to see us? Surely he's got more 'pressing' issues to deal with."
Kolra stopped and turned to Kayla fully. "For once in your life, would you do as you are asked, without questioning every time."
Kayla stared, annoyed, in to her mother's irate face. If there was one thing Kolra was famous for, it was her temper. She could get incredibly angry very quickly, especially with Kayla. Eventually, Kolra turned back around then they carried on following the royal guards.
Finally, the guard led them to one of the King's more private rooms. It was room wasn't as grand as the huge throne room where most saiyans saw the King but it still felt lavish. Dominating the room was a huge roaring fire. The room was coloured in deep purple and rich reds and there were some very comfortable sofas. Then Kayla got her first real glimpse of the Saiyan King. Vegeta was stood at a window gazing out over his kingdom while holding a glass of brandy. Even from the side-on view, Kayla could see he was as impressive as his reputation made him out to be. His dark brown hair was like a mass of brown flames and he had a beard and moustache with the same dark hair. He held himself firm and tall with his tail wrapped round his waist as he wore the royal armour, complete with insignia and long cape.
"Sire, Lady Kolra is here as you requested." One of guards told him.
King Vegeta turned to see Kolra and her offspring bow to him. Kayla glanced up to notice that Vegeta's eyes seemed to be focused on her. Or was it just her imagination.
"My King," Kolra greeted, "It's an honour to be in your presence."
"The honour is mine, Ma'am." He smiled confidently.
He then turned to Roka and Kayla. "Sire, this is my son, Roka, and my daughter, Kayla."
The King firmly shook hands with Roka then turned to Kayla. She was stunned when the most powerful saiyan on the planet took her hand in his and kissed it. It sent a slight shiver down her spine. Bardock had performed the same gesture just a few hours earlier. Surely, this wasn't going where she thought.
"Kayla, you look beautiful tonight," He said smoothly, "Your eyes just seem to sparkle."
"Thank you, Sire," Kayla replied politely, "And you look impressive tonight."
This certainly got a smile from the King. He then took the family to his private dining room for dinner. The room, although only intended to have a small number of people sat in it, was just as impressive as the rest of the palace. In the centre were a dark wood table and eight chairs. The King's chair was covered in a sumptuous royal blue throw while the other chairs were covered in red throws. As the four saiyans sat down, servants brought out a banquet fit for a king. The food was completely mouth-watering and smelt amazing. Kayla hadn't eaten since her sparring session with Bardock so the sight and smell of freshly cooked warm food was like torture. The King sat at the head of the table with Kolra and Kayla on either side of him and Roka sat next to his mother. Then they began eating.
But unlike other saiyans, The King and his guests ate steadily and unusually politely. This gentle pace was making Kayla very uncomfortable. Her stomach was growling angrily, urging her to cut loose and start eating like she normally would. Unconsciously, her tail released itself from her waist and flicked stiffly from side to side. The three other diners saw the gesture and it made Kolra annoyed.
"Kayla" She warned.
However, King Vegeta seemed opposite, close to amusement.
"I take it you are very hungry, Kayla," He smiled.
"Yes, Sire," She admitted, "I was training earlier and haven't had time to eat since breakfast."
"I completely understand. I am always famished after training. Please, don't hold back in front of me. I'd rather you be happy and comfortable than hungry."
Kayla stared in to Vegeta's face to see how relaxed he was. He was giving her permission to be herself. With a tiny lick of her lips, Kayla let loose and started eating like a typical hungry saiyan. She couldn't help the slight blush on her face but hunger pushed her on. She could feel her mother's eyes glaring at her. But Kayla just closed her eyes and carried on. Her mind started picturing herself eating with Bardock, both of them racing frantically through a huge pile of food, all the while Bardock looking more and more irresistible. 'What I wouldn't give to be with that rough diamond now.' She thought.
After all the food was eaten, it was soon time to leave for home. The King shook hands with Roka then placed a kiss on Kolra's hand. Then he turned to Kayla.
"It has been a pleasure and honour to meet you, Kayla," He said.
"And you, My King." Kayla smiled politely.
"I would like to you again, soon. But for now, goodnight."
Then he took Kayla's hand and kissed it again. This time, Kayla noticed that the kiss was rather lingering, as if Vegeta was savouring the feel of her skin. When he finally let her go, she and her family took to the air, flying home. As they flew, Kayla noticed her mother looking at her out the corner of her eyes.
"Well, it looks like you made an impression on the King." She said.
"It seems so." Kayla replied shyly.
"If all goes well, you could be his queen."
Kayla nearly froze. It hit her. Tonight's dinner party was intended to introduce her to the King in hope that she would be his mate one day. But she had already fallen for Bardock. What was she supposed to do now?"
Talk about competition for Bardock now, huh? Reviews please.