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Bardock's story

Chapter 20: Rescue Bardock (part 2)

As the semi-conscious Bardock was being dragged by a furious Roka, Tora, Fasha, Shugesh and Borgos had commandeered a table at the diner and were patiently waiting for the food they ordered. However, it didn't take them long to realise that Bardock had vanished.

"Where is he now?" Fasha grumbled, "It's not the first time he's disappeared on us."

"Where do you think he is?" Borgos asked.

"I wish I knew, where ever he is, he'd better get here quick."

"I think I know where he is." Tora suddenly admitted.

The other three turned and stared at him wide eyed.

"He's with that Kayla again."

"Really?"

"He has to be. There's no other explanation. She's got him under her spell."

"Maybe it's the real deal, Tora," Fasha stated, "I know the circumstances aren't ideal but maybe Bardock and Kayla actually love each other. And when you fall in love like that, it's hard to resist. Trust me, I remember how it feels."

Tora's expression softened as he realised what Fasha was saying. She and Takeo had been in love and it broke her heart when he died.

But, as the four comrades sat waiting, a saiyan they recognised came running towards them looking concerned.

"Hey," He called, "I've just seen Bardock being dragged in to the palace by Roka. He looked out of it."

"What?" They exclaimed.

"Was anyone else with them?" Tora asked.

"No"

"Fasha, go and find Kayla. Then meet us as the palace."

"Why?"

"I think she's the reason for Roka dragging Bardock to the palace."

Understanding, Fasha headed off to try and find Kayla while Tora led Shugesh and Borgos to the palace.

Meanwhile, King Vegeta was stood by his throne reading. Kolra had brought updates of the planet's daily activities for him to read. They were discussing the events professionally when their attention was diverted to a large commotion entering the throne room. When they looked up, Kolra's eyes widened at the sight she was watching while Vegeta frowned. Roka was marching towards them dragged another saiyan behind him by their tail.

"What the…?"

"Sire, Mother," Roka boomed, "There is something that I believe I need to bring to your attention."

They both watched as Roka dragged Bardock to where the King could see him. By now, Bardock was regaining consciousness and taking in his surroundings. Then he spotted the toes of King Vegeta's boots. He slowly looked up to see the ruler's impressive stature. He then noticed the elegant older woman stood next to him.

'That must Kolra, Kayla's mother.' He concluded.

Then he heard Roka's voice.

"My sister, Kayla, the saiyaness of my King desires, has been fraternising with this pathetic low-level."

For the first time in a long time, pure fear spread through Bardock. Behind and in front were two of the most powerful saiyans on the planet and the cruellest woman. There was no way he'd stand and chance if they both attacked.

"What? Roka, don't be ridiculous. Kayla knows better."

"Sorry, mother, but I've seen it with my own eyes."

Kolra just stood, mouth open in shock. Vegeta's brow furrowed as he digested Roka's words. Kayla, one of the prettiest saiyans on the planet and a higher elite, had been seeing this useless low-level behind his back? Vegeta scowled as he looked down at the now kneeling Bardock.

"Is this the truth?" He demanded.

"It's as I say, Sire," Roka replied, "As ashamed as I am to say so, my sister has indeed been seen with this low-level."

"My name is Bardock." Bardock finally growled.

In an instant, Bardock regretted opening his mouth as the King's boot connected with his jaw. Quickly he regained his composure and jumped to his feet, but not for long. By the time Tora, Borgos and Shugesh arrived, King Vegeta was in full punishment mode, beating in to Bardock.

While Vegeta was letting his anger out, Kayla was in the medical centre with Plenthor. She had explained to the doctor about suddenly being ill then feeling fine just as suddenly. Concerned, Plenthor had checked Kayla over and ran tests. Now, Kayla was lying on an exam table while Plenthor consulted the computer. As she lay waiting, Kayla wondered what could happen if she was right about the diagnosis. It would certainly change her and Bardock's lives forever and it would make King Vegeta think twice about making her his mate.

'Well, he'll change his mind when he realises what Bardock and I did that night.'

Soon she was brought out of her trance by Plenthor walking over with his findings.

"Well?" she asked.

Plenthor actually smiled.

But as Kayla was receiving clearly good news, they were about to be disturbed. Fasha had been told to find Kayla at the medical centre and was rushing to get there in time. She charged through the halls until she caught sight of her target. She skidded to a stop then turned to the room. Kayla was sat on the table, holding a paper and wearing huge beaming smile. But Fasha had something more important.

"You're Kayla, right?"

"Eh, yes," Kayla replied, "You're one of Bardock's friends, aren't you?"

"Yeah, I'm Fasha. Listen, you need to follow me. Bardock's been seen being dragged to the palace by your brother."

"What!"

Without wasting time, Kayla dropped the paper and ran after Fasha.

It was almost a miracle that Bardock had managed to fight back against King Vegeta for so long. The elite were taken back by the so-called low-level's stubbornness. He was able to counter many of King Vegeta's attacks. But soon, Bardock's disadvantage was coming true. Tora, Shugesh and Borgos tried desperately to save him but the King's guards held them back. Soon, a thoroughly weakened Bardock collapsed, exhausted and battered. As he lay there, struggling to push himself off the floor, Vegeta stepped a little closer then held out his hand in front of him. His splayed his fingers as he built up the energy blast in his hand. His eyes focused on Bardock's battered frame, all the anger towards this man obvious.

"I cannot possibly think why an exquisite creature such as Kayla would be attracted to a pathetic fool like you."

Bardock couldn't reply as he used as much strength as he could to lift his body off the floor so that he was on his hands and knees.

"Never mind, in a few moments, you'll be eradicated from her life forever, permanently."

All Tora, Shugesh and Borgos could do was watch as their leader was about to die. Roka and Kolra watched unmoved. Soon Vegeta's blast was ready. Bardock, though couldn't see the attack, knew what was coming.

Suddenly, he heard hurried footsteps and loud gasps and exclaims. Then he heard her voice echo.

"Enough! Stop this now!"

As King Vegeta was about to release his blast, he was frozen to the spot. Out of nowhere, Kayla stood between him and Bardock. Her arms were out wide and her eyes were strong and angry, focused on him.

"Kayla? What are you doing?"

"I am putting a stop to this. I can't let you hurt Bardock."

"Kayla, don't disgrace yourself further," Kolra snapped, "Let the King destroy that bastard and you can be queen, like you are supposed to."

"No, I can't let any of you kill the father of my baby."

The whole palace fell silent in an instant. The energy blast fizzled out of Vegeta's hand as everyone stared at Kayla. She lowered her hands and a proud smile spread over her face.

"You all heard right. I'm pregnant with Bardock's baby."

"B-but when?" Kolra asked.

"That night I fled from the palace after King Vegeta asked me to move in. Bardock and I met some time before I was introduced to the King and we've seen each other plenty of times since."

Kolra marched over to her daughter and glared at her. "What? How can you be so foolish? You are one of the elite! You have no business with low level."

"Mom, I didn't plan this! This isn't out of spite. I love Bardock. You must remember how that feels. Or did father mean nothing to you?"

Kolra's eyes widen in slight surprise.

"Saiyans or not, we should be allowed to fall for anyone else without worrying about the consequences."

"But…"

"Enough."

Everyone stopped and turned to see King Vegeta turning to face his throne.

"I want everyone to leave Kayla and I alone, right now," He ordered, "I believe we have something to discuss."

Kayla sighed; she knew what he was talking about. Roka and Kolra walked out first as Tora and the others dashed to Bardock's side. Kayla turned around to see the condition her lover was in. Wounds and blood littered his body and his breathing was laboured. Tora could see the worry in her eyes, she genuinely cared about Bardock. He placed a hand on her shoulder and smiled gently when she looked up at him. It then that Tora saw why Bardock was under Kayla's spell, her emerald green eyes were hypnotising.

"Hey, he'll be fine. Bardock's been through worse than this." Tora assured her.

"Look after him, Tora."

Tora winked confidently as Shugesh and Borgos hoisted Bardock up on to his feet and set off for the medical centre. Tora and Fasha then followed them. Kayla watched them leave then turned to look at the King.

Vegeta was now sitting on his throne, his head leaning on a hand. He looked deep in thought. Kayla sighed and got to her feet. She walked over then kneeled at the base of the steps.

"You don't need to do that, Kayla." He stated.

"I should," She replied, "I am a subject like anyone else."

"Please, stand."

Kayla did as he ordered and stood, her eyes not leaving Vegeta's.

"It seems we have much to talk about."

Kayla nodded, ready for anything the King wanted to say. This conversation would be a crucial one.

Almost done, just one more chapter. Find out what King Vegeta says to Kayla.