Chapter 88

Ayeka cannot help but worry. The Sun is setting now. The day is over. Neither Washu, nor Vegeta and Kaia have returned back. A note scrawled in Ryoko's handwriting is all she has to go off. Trunks will not interrupt his father's training and is making the most out of the rarity of the vacant training room – though keeping his power minimal in case Kaia returns. Her only companions have been Kiyone and Mihoshi. Waiting upon her like the princess she is, it did not take long for Ayeka to find out that her father is the cause for their heightened attention towards her. No communication to her has been received, only the policewomen are getting orders and messages. Luckily the partnered friends can cook so they manage to make it through the day.

Seated on the sofa not paying much attention to the documentary being shown, Ayeka questions them to learn more about their time in the academy. More specifically she is interested in their education. As a princess of a species that are long lived, Juraians do prioritise learning. Through their time training within the Galaxy Police academy they both have earnt degrees within criminal law. Mihoshi brags that she got one more mark than Kiyone on their final exam. This aggravates her partner for reminding her about all her hard work studying to be shown up by the carefree blonde.

Being a young princess of the Juraian Empire she is expected to study well into her adult life and maintain her learning in those fields for the centuries she will exist for. A science, a humanity and an art are the bare essentials that she will have to get a degree within. All her prior thinking and planning on these matters revolved around her future of marrying her brother Yosho and taking the throne. Now her future is uncertain as to the part she shall play within Juraian politics. There are many options. Many subjects she could learn and devote herself to. But, she can only begin her learning upon returning to Jurai. Her art subject she is comfortable in. Drawing and sketching in her spare time has seen to that. Specialising her knowledge within other fields is not something she has done. One thought does stick out to her though. If she marries Vegeta then her main responsibility will be the maintaining of relationships between Jurai and Earth and Saiyans – this technically would grant her the stewardship over the largest military force on offer to Jurai; Vegeta and Goku.

The quiet evening is disturbed as two women teleport just outside the house. With the Sun getting low, Ryoko is quick in flying into the building to leave Kaia to use her cane for navigation. Ryoko waves and smiles. Ryo-Ohki bounds into her arms. Ayeka immediately stands and rushes past the floating pirate towards her long time friend. The sound of training ends as Trunks senses the arrivals. Ayeka can see the tiredness on her friend's freckled face, it has been a long day for her, and she goes to take her free hand to aid in guiding her.

Gold light touches down by the lake. There is a confident smirk on his face. The water behind him is undisturbed by his presence. Kaia glances behind her and makes a slight frown before continuing on. All it took was sunrise to sundown and progress has been made. Ayeka is quick in taking a defensive position between herself and Kaia. Ryoko floats over and places Ryo-Ohki on Kaia's shoulder since these two have not met yet.

"Princess, calm down. We've been working hard and now Super Saiyan doesn't hurt Kaia. Vegey's harsh in his training but he gets results, and I made sure Kaia was all looked after and happy." Ryoko dismisses the need for Ayeka to defend her friend from Vegeta and his power. "He's been on his best behaviour as well – or as good as to be expected with his training hurting Kaia. But, now she broke a barrier and got accustomed. Seems like she just needed a little trial by fire, with me holding her hand along the way. So that makes me far more useful to Kaia than you, so I'm the better friend now."

"If only you worked as hard as well, Miss Ryoko. Through all your play and teasing of me I am still unable to sense your own magnificent power. And no need to boast, I can only handle this 'limited' Super Saiyan as he calls it with him holding back the majority of his power." Kaia curbs the taunting of Ryoko. Jealousy over Vegeta she can understand but she wishes for no rivalry between these two to be born over herself. She will not be a competition for Ryoko to win.

"... You've got 1 second Kaia before I hit you." Feline eyes gleam. She curls her fist and goes to swing.

Grabbing onto her friend and shielding her with her own body, Ayeka moves in the way to take the blow for Kaia. A cerulean shield emanates around them. The protective layer stays strong. No sound of impact comes. Kaia shakes her head to herself and lets out a groan. Ryoko impishly chuckles to herself. Ki has been summoned and the ploy is complete.

"You won't tell me about Vegey, so give me a reading on how prim and proper this fair maiden really is. What thoughts are going on inside her head?" She lazily spins in the air. A Cheshire grin on her face for her nemesis has danced perfectly to her tune. Ryoko will not hit Kaia. She will get Ayeka to unknowingly betray herself though.

"Ears, now! I am not some tool for you to haphazardly wield for your own amusement." Kaia is mad. It is not her fault, it happens without decision, and she will not tolerate being utilised offensively against her dear friend. She does not wish to invade the minds of people without their consent. She gestures where she hears Ryoko's voice to administer the proper discipline. Emotions run into her body until the shield is dispelled.

Melding in a more comprehensive manner, the mind of the Juraian Princess spills into Kaia as the circuit of ki between them exists. Kaia moves to separate them and her motions lose their urgency when the barrier falls. Ayeka is not following what is going on. Mind reading is not a skill she associates with her friend and she has touched her before this with no result – but never when activating ki. She looks to her blind friend. Kaia's face easily reveals all. No empathetic ability is needed to read the emotions of Kaia. Ryoko giggles to herself and goes nowhere near the grabbing hands wanting to punish her fun.

With a hiss Ryoko teleports higher. Mihoshi's outstretched hands almost upon her sensitive appendages to do what Kaia could not. Ryo-Ohki mimics the sound next to Kaia and then quietens when a hand pets her. No light announces his presence. No static fills the air. Kaia and Ryoko are always aware of his ki. Trunks exits the training room and walks up to his father stood immediately behind the Juraians. Vegeta nods at his son. Ayeka is taken aback by him suddenly being so close. She has not spoken to him since they parted the day before. The princess bows her head to him and welcomes him back to his home. For the sake of an explanation Vegeta states that Kaia has the ability to sense only emotions and not thoughts through contact with ki or by sensing a large energy like himself. Kaia confirms this and humbly apologises to Ayeka whom she was forced into sensing and would apologise to Vegeta however he is aware of how he radiates his ki and the effect it has on her. Ayeka is unsure what exactly 'reading emotions' would reveal to Kaia, she has confided within her friend before and so trusts her with this.

The Super Saiyan Vegeta motions his head to his son to walk with him outside. Trunks wants to follow his father in more than walking, he wants to transform but even with his lesser strength he cannot maintain the transformation at the low level of power that his father is. Vegeta perfected the transformation years ago, his son has not. Ryoko watches the father and son leave without a word to her. It is all well and good that this does not hurt Kaia and only discomforts her with proximity yet something major is missing; the light from his transformation. She watches. Her eyes turn to Kaia. Kaia knows Vegeta's emotions, she is not showing any distress.

Ayeka queries her friend over this additional feat she is capable of and her well-being following a day outside for 'training'. She is escorted to the sofa and sits down heavily. Food and drink was provided to her by Ryoko. The gravity of Earth has drained her minimal stamina. Mentally she is exhausted. To break through to this level of ki sensing not causing pain required a good deal of long exposure to pain. His transformations were not pleasant experiences. Luckily she became accustomed. After that Vegeta worked on his side of the training for ki control, flying closer and closer until he minimised his radiated energy to this level. So far no ki of his is hidden. One step at a time he is working. He plans to lessen the needed energy for his other transformations and thus allow him to stay in Super Saiyan 3 form for extended periods.

The Princess of Jurai is glad that her friend is safe. That all three returned without issue or trouble. It warms her heart to see Vegeta able to smile again. Her red eyes glance to the woman who spent a day with her prince. Ryoko slyly grins at this. After a brief catch up, Kaia voices her wish for sleep and rest. Washu's laboratory is still vacant of its resident genius. If Gohan is still within then she might be able to find her way, though if he leaves they are unsure whether or not she could exit that realm. Mihoshi walks over to the door underneath the stairs. The blonde cop opens the door and then looks around and moves a stack of the video games she played this afternoon to keep the door open. Problem solved in her books. They then explain what has been done to Kaia. She accepts this makeshift solution and is tried beyond caring. Ryoko offers to fly her in and take her where she goes, without hesitation Kaia declines out of mistrust of whatever this pirate could try and do when she is trying to sleep, Mihoshi then makes the offer of guiding her as she is of the opinion that she is gifted at finding her way about in the laboratory. Those two then disappear off.

Outside in the dying gloom of the day father and son talk. Vegeta commends the strength of his child. He was facing his mother's death properly and by himself for longer than he whist he failed to do so. He visited before and stayed with him for a long time when he was grieving himself. Vegeta is proud of his son and now states that he is there for him. In brief he discusses yesterday. He warns his son of Kaia's empathy and to keep his ki in check if he does wish for privacy. Progress has been made. Vegeta puts an arm around his only child. Trunks hugs back.

Ryoko stares out of the window at this scene. Privacy is not a concern of hers. She smiles. In some way, whether big or small, she has helped this to happen. In this she takes great pleasure and pride. That is a happy Vegeta, and she got to spend all day with him to make him feel that way. Purring to herself she looks back down at her rival. Ryoko lolls about in the air and waits for the question to be asked. Not just Vegeta, she got to have fun with another person that Ayeka would like to have spent time with. Ayeka keeps her questions to herself and restrains herself from falling into a trap of Ryoko's. Kiyone busies herself reporting to Azusa of Kaia's safe return from her excursion on Earth with Vegeta. Ayeka is not keen on her father being so indirect and not messaging her herself. Remembering the circumstances of their last talk and the image shown she does want a chance to clear the air even if it will be awkward and embarrassing.

Several minutes pass with father and son outside. The eternal itch then intervenes and pulls at Vegeta. Their conversation and moment is over. Training can begin. He and his son enter his house. A grinning face appears before him. A multi-form of Vegeta enters the training room with Trunks. The Saiyan crosses his arms as he raises an eyebrow at Ryoko. His other version cannot see nor sense Kaia and gets the answer that she is resting, his power can now be unleashed fully in training. The training room bulkhead slams shut and light emanates through the porthole from two Super Saiyans.

Ryoko just hovers there smiling at him. She is content and has already received his thanks for the aid she gave him. Today was as fun as a day of training could be. Today she has proved herself to him in her competency in not annoying him nor disrupting his training. His hair is black, yet thankfully with Kaia resting within Washu's laboratory and her having tested her own resistance to his ki she should be able to have her soothing golden light tonight without issue. Being able to converse with him for hours with minimal interruption has made her day. Her nerves have not felt this calmed in a long time. Kaia's company is also to be thanked for this. One topic she has not yet discussed for the princess behind her will have her say on it soon enough. For now she is enjoying being a physical barrier separating these two royals as she grins at him.

Waiting for Ryoko to break her silence normally does not take this long with her constant want for attention. Vegeta takes a step forward. Her eyes narrow and she hovers back a few inches. Feline eyes glance down at the lower half of his outfit due to his approach. She then floats those few inches back closer to him. He winks at Ryoko and then looks over her shoulder and past her to Ayeka whose attention is on him.

"My princess, one of those dates that I promised you. Tomorrow." Vegeta smiles as he puts on a confident air and makes the request himself towards Ayeka whilst purposefully aggravating the floating woman barring his way. He then winks at Ayeka as even without Kaia's empathy he feels a wave of anger from Ryoko.

With unseen speed his multi-form moves past Ryoko as she snarls and hisses in the air. Her face explodes into a blush. Ayeka's mouth hangs agape at this unexpected forwardness. Vegeta shoots a look in the direction of Kiyone and she makes herself scarce. He tilts his head to the side and dodges a fiery sword from behind, takes one step to the side to evade the follow-up slash and then wraps his tail around the sword to stop it.

"Bastard! You spend all day with me and ya can't even wait to get back for this hussy-" A furious face teleports between him and Ayeka. Ryoko growls with red flaring around her skin.

"Ryoko, most of today you have been talking about 'turns' – and fooling around with another woman yourself. You tagged along today for a day with myself. Is it not fair that Lady Ayeka can also enjoy that privilege?" With the same logic she uses to try and extort deeds from him he wields it and knocks back her complaint with an aloof attitude that only serves to enrage her further.

"There's a big ol' difference between flying next to you training and a damn date!"

"You said it yourself that until my sweet princess Ayeka enjoys her agreed upon two dates then you do not get to enjoy the same. Be patient, Ryoko."

Such patronisation irks her. Her fangs grind together in her mouth, her ears stand erect and her aura flames about her. Ryoko knows he is doing this on purpose to get under her skin. That does not stop it from succeeding. The reasons why are simple, she was more disruptive to his training than she believes herself to be. Swinging a fist at him would be gratifying. It feels like striking him is exactly what he wants her to do. She growls, furious and unable to do much to change this situation.

"L-L-Lord Vege-Vegeta, … is-is this OK?" The arguments of Ryoko mean little to her, with concern she asks Vegeta. Ayeka does not want him to be hurting or feeling guilt by pushing himself to please her.

"Of course." Vegeta does not hesitate as he answers.

"No, no – but yesterday … such pain cannot just disappear. I would not want-"

The Saiyan steps past Ryoko and towards the blushing Juraian. She worries for him and he understands her concern. Ayeka attempted to be a pillar to support him yesterday, she was there for him even when the support became more mutual when she broke down herself. Vegeta cups her cheek with a hand. Her eyes glance at this touching as do Ryoko's. Vegeta finishes her sentence for her.

"Would not want to help me forget that grief if only momentarily? I promised you 'good memories' to make up for my wrongs, you planned this and decided on the time-frame of after your mother's leave. I am the Prince of All Saiyans, I am not in the habit of asking for something that I do not want for."

His offensive is effecting her as he has planned. Ayeka's heart is racing. Her emotions are being drawn out and led by his words. Speaking of a want flames her own desires. Even if indirectly she is taking this as something of importance, of an ask for help from her. She is being pursued by him, her company is being wanted by him, she is going to help him with his grief and moving on. Ayeka nods her head ever so slightly at his bewitching words. Vegeta's arrogant smirk grows.

"Don't listen to him, Ayeka. He ain't alright. He showed me his knob this morning!" Ryoko roars out. She knows how to manipulate and tease people and she can see it clear as day before her. This is even more aberrant behaviour from Vegeta. If he is still testing her in some way then she shall call him out on this. She shall shout and scream if need be and if that impedes this date then she wins a greater prize.

A frown of confusion lessens the blush on Ayeka's face. Her head moves away from the hand of the Saiyan as she looks at Ryoko after her seemingly random outburst.

"What a repulsive and obvious lie. What manner of God convinced you to spout such nonsense?" Annoyed that her moment with Vegeta is ruined by such a nonsensical statement, Ayeka looks in disgust at what she assumes to be a pathetically desperate ploy from Ryoko's jealousy. Ryoko snarls as Vegeta's words of not being believed come true.

"I would prefer it if no part of this Prince's body were to be described as repulsive, though I do quite enjoy being called a 'God' every now and again."

The anger of Ryoko is stifled as she joins Ayeka in being confused. She was not expecting Vegeta to actually own up to this deed. His ego knows few boundaries. Vegeta shall not lie. For Ryoko this is some improvement to the conversation, in some odd way he is standing up for her and making it so she is not believed to be a liar. However, this is another odd act she is adding to the list. Ayeka pauses. She takes a step back. Her confusion is growing. Vegeta casually sits on the arm of the sofa.

"The results of that little test are that Ryoko still has minimal sexual want towards myself, her issues are there, but she is not too blind to only think of herself and questioned me on that act. If she did not want to see me naked she would do well to not follow me when I change clothes." He calmly states his reasoning as he looks across between each woman. Ryoko holds her tongue for he has not lied and those are the reasons he previously gave to her.

"What-wh-what! You voluntarily exposed yourself to that harpy? Ryoko is right, there has to be something wrong with you. This is not how you act." Justified anger comes from Ayeka. She feels wronged and betrayed by this action of Vegeta that he seemingly holds no shame nor guilt over. He bared himself to her rival, he cannot pretend that it means nothing especially when he is so acutely aware of both of their feelings for him. This is not princely behaviour. Juraian logs materialise into the air around her. She stomps her foot. Ayeka is quite mad. "No! No, you shall not have the pleasure of my companionship on a date if this is what you do when I sleep! I will not condone my fiancée acting as some perverted exhibitionist. What reason have you to explain this lunacy?"

"I am not in the habit of repeating myself. I said. I was testing Ryoko's wants. I called her bluff on sex. She joked about it, and now she will not and will no longer make those requests. Being unable to touch her this was the intimacy I had open to me. I take no shame in my supreme Saiyan body. Ryoko is my fiancé too. The visual image of my genitalia is something I recall you having immortalised within your sketches anyway, so be careful how you call it shameful as it will reflect back upon yourself." He states. He muzzled Ryoko's bluff of sexual desire effectively. He had her show the mental wherewithal to not have a breakdown over it and of following up his purposefully unusual behaviour. His body is his own to do with as he wishes, nudity is nothing new and he has committed far graver sexual acts towards Ryoko before.

"Her drawings and you showing the real thing are quite different, bub. This ain't what you do. I joke, you normally try to ignore it, not show your front facing tail. I am complaining about this, not gloating, that can't be all you wanted from that 'test'. Why should I trust you checking up and testing how I'm faring if ya pull stunts like this? Maybe Vegey's the loco one." Ryoko snarls at Vegeta and sides with Ayeka on this, aiding her in defending against the attack on her own perverted acts that have rendered her momentarily speechless.

"... Sure. Let's go with that." With a blasé shrug, he nods.

"No, Vegey. … The fuck? You're not supposed to agree to that one either. I'm not talking about you being a psycho kill crazy bastard." A loud groan comes from Ryoko as Vegeta goes against the grain again by, for some reason, agreeing with her insult. She has little clue what is going on within his head any-more. Ryoko summons her sword and then drops it and lets it fizzle out.

"Neither am I referring to that. I am far from the mental norm of a Saiyan. The population of this planet and it not being cinders and ash testify to my abnormality. Insane for a Saiyan is not an inclination towards violence and death but the opposite. Or did you think myself having a family, talking of the non-Saiyan custom of love and marriage and a decade of mental conditioning and indoctrination by Earth would hold me in a state that would not be strange for a Saiyan?" Matter-of-factly he explains his response to Ryoko's insult. Vegeta casually removes the boot from his withered foot and stretches his toes. He shares his perspective on what the Earth life is doing to him and of those continually trying to warp his mindset away from that of a Saiyan.

A noise comes from the throat of Ayeka. This sight of his foot is new to her. It looks unnatural. Also this is an act of undressing which raises her guard against him. Her red eyes are wary of him. She locks her gaze with his. This princess is not blind to what this is, by removing his shoe and revealing this physical manifestation of his grief he is trying to elicit sympathy to win her over to his side. Ayeka will not allow herself to be swayed by his cunning.

"Lord Vegeta, you are making me very cross right now. Cease with these tactics of distraction, of changing the subject and leading our emotions with your words. Has he been like this all day?"

Ryoko shakes her head. She would not have returned with a smile on her face if Vegeta had been like this to her, when he is training there is little else he does.

"Whatever action I take, so long as it involves Ryoko, there will always be repercussions from yourself. There is no favouritism here, if I had reason to I would do the same to you – though I can think of no reason that would ever bring me to that point. I lose enough sleep already having to stay Super Saiyan for Ryoko to drift off to sleep. Even more when I have to do this repeatedly when her nightmares strike. Her being in the same room as me I need to know that no other disturbances are likely to occur. I have satisfied myself with this crude experiment that I am in no danger of her invading my bed and losing even more sleep dealing with those antics." Vegeta slips off his other boot. He stretches his toes against the wooden floor. He can explain his reasons and try to ward off her envy yet he knows it is basically wasted breath. Them shouting at him will not change what he decided to do. It worked for all intents and purposes and that is all he cares for.

Guardian logs dotting the air form a protective wall around Ayeka. Her small fists are clenched tight. Her red-eyed glare is redirected. Vegeta is speaking of something he no longer should be. Ryoko has spent an entire day with Vegeta and failed to tell him of her ultimatum. She shakes her head. Seething with anger she takes a few breaths. They do not calm her. Both of these criminals are acting reprehensibly before her. One hand goes to the seashell necklace. This shall not stand. She shall right this. With these words she shall ensure Vegeta never has to take such ill-advised actions.

" … Very well. Miss Ryoko must not have been very talkative today it seems for she has not passed on some news that I informed her of last evening. You shall be pleased to hear that henceforth you shall have absolutely 0 disturbance from Ryoko. She shall not be bedding in your room again." The princess' voice oozes malice as she stares down her rival. In her eyes Ryoko did not say this and in doing so led to Vegeta being an idiot. The blame is cast on both. She shall enforce her demands now. Her guardian logs move about randomly in the air.

"Dammit Ayeka, not now! I need him for this-"

"These last few nights you have gone without and I see no ill effect. There is no need. I am not negotiating." She shoots down her opponent's argument immediately. Ayeka's voice is rising in volume. Simple observation is all she needs.

This time Ryoko's sword materialises and stays in her hand. She just joined Ayeka in a brief alliance against Vegeta, and now her friend is not saying very friendly things. She will not have her light in the darkness removed. Red resumes around Ryoko.

"Bitch, shut up. You have no clue. I ain't going through all that again. I don't care what you think. Vegey will heal me and he wants to. He just said he don't do what he don't want to, and he's never asked me to leave his room."

"Though he has made it apparent recently through his actions, he has not been in that room with you. With Vegeta's base and idiotic actions I am even more convinced in this. I cannot trust you, Prince Vegeta. You admit to a perverted action in that room with her. I shall not trust you to sleep anywhere near her. There is no way I shall allow this to carry on. Both of you are untrustworthy." Her conviction in this before was unwavering. Now she has an added reason for Ryoko to remove herself from Vegeta's side. Words will not sway her. Nothing shall stand in Ayeka's way of Ryoko holding a room independent of anyone else. Her fiancée shall have this parasite cut from his side.

"So what? You go to sleep before me and Vegey. How will you ever know what we get up to at night? You have no way to force what you want. I am not listening to the preachings of some jealous Juraian! He ain't continuing to sleep with you, that was a one off."

Ryoko lands right in front of Ayeka with her aura blazing around her. She holds a confident smirk in this. Only force will cast her from the Super Saiyan she needs, and Ayeka is far from strong enough to accomplish this. Ryoko is a woman who gets what she wants, and whom does not allow a Juraian to stand between her and her wants. A hard shove comes from Ayeka and pushes her back. The princess is ignoring that threatening behaviour. Ayeka is being aggressive in her own right.

"Silence! That is not my intention and you know it. You know the pain of Vegeta sleeping next to another woman yourself now. I am not allowing you in his room, and I am not allowing Vegeta anywhere near your own. Remove your bed-"

"Make me. And you might want to remember what I said: Vegey decides. Not you. And anyway, I think this is quite the showing of colours really, Vegeta should take this as a sign as to how controlling you are. I wouldn't want to be with a woman like that dictating my every move."

"You hardly have any room to talk with the lists of demands you constantly reel off, all your wants and your threats you make if I decide not to indulge you. … That and you are way off the mark if you believe those kind of traits are unappealing to those with Saiyan blood." Vegeta finally intervenes in this feud. He stands. Watching these two women butt heads is quite enthralling, his Saiyan blood relishes their strength and the conflict. He hears both arguments. He understands both wants. There is only one he can side with. "Ayeka, you had me promise to do everything under my power to help Ryoko. I do not wish to leave her to degrade. My guilt in this is too great. I am not in the habit of surrendering mid-fight, and I hold a duty to Ryoko to see this through."

"Case closed. He wants to help me." With a dark chuckle as Vegeta takes her side, Ryoko relishes her victory and steps forward into Ayeka and fully knocks her down. She keeps her sword lowered, but there in case the princess needs a reminder. Jealousy will not prevail over her need for the man she loves to heal her broken mind.

That blow stings. A simple tumble hardly hurts. Vegeta has sided incorrectly. She can hear so clearly the right motivation behind his choice, of wanting to help and of trying to rectify his sins – however she shall not agree. That promise she had him make has turned on its master yet again and dealt her a great blow. Those few words of hers have offered Ryoko such wealth from her proposal being accepted and now to Vegeta's permission for her to stay sleeping with him. It cuts deep. He wants to help and Ayeka shall enlighten him on how this is not the way. Slowly she pushes herself up to her feet and brushes down her clothes.

"... What aid do you give her?" Ayeka's voice previously so full of wroth is now quavering. She faces Vegeta directly. The man who has sided with Ryoko over her, and curses his chivalry in this. "When she awakes in fear to the same man that terrorises her sleep what aid does she receive from you? What good does your presence give beyond that of a convenient light source or an indulgence of her wants?"

"Jealousy is blinding you in this argument. I am no doctor and even I know how powerful the placebo effect can be, Ryoko believes this aids her so in some way it is helping undo the wrongs I did. Beyond some heat that a simple radiator could have produced, when you were bedridden from illness and I cared for your own self what purpose did I serve? The fact that I am there helps her. She is making it so instead of fear when she sees me she thinks of comfort." His voice is calm. Vegeta counters her with little effort. A smug Ryoko stands beside him.

"She has complained about it! Your foul moods and tempers conspire against this psychiatric help. Is the time I woke up to her screaming of you touching her when you forcibly silenced her any aid? I said I am not negotiating! This is a final decision." Ayeka's temper breaks again. This will help Vegeta and he is not allowing it, provide him peace and rest that he needs. With Ryoko sleeping there it has done no see-able good.

A sword levels itself with Ayeka. Her wounded eyes view this weapon. Ryoko is planning to keep this victory.

"Not your decision. Vegeta's decision! How are you scared we might fuck when I still can't touch him? We don't care for whatever Juraian rules you want to impose, that isn't us. Mihoshi and Kiyone sleep together, you and your sister did, it's not sexual so why is it different? Is it so wrong that he's trying to help me and not you? All the time you rub one out to the shining white knight fantasy when he saves you, this is my time now."

"Vegeta, do you do this- this- is it because you swore a promise to me, or because the promise concerns her?"

Ayeka's voice breaks as she screams. This whole situation with Ryoko would never have come about without that damned promise she had him make and his Saiyan stubbornness is keeping. Ryoko lets out a snort from her nose. Her opponent is not going to be putting up much of a fight, emotion rules the tongue of the princess and Vegeta rarely listens to that. She gets rid of her sword, smiling confidently for she has no need for it now. Vegeta sighs.

"... I won't warrant that hysteria with an answer. Could a compromise not easily be-"

"No negotiations. What is so hard about that for you to understand? My honour and pride lie in shambles every time that woman lies next to you. It is a pain I feel that will only be ended when this inexcusable act ceases!"

"Ryoko, you're listening at least to me, if we go back to you sleeping in the corridor so that you can still see me and my light-"

"Hurting- it-it hurts when... No training!" She shouts and grabs at the front of Vegeta's outfit. This is another promise, one she might at least be able to wrangle in her favour. He is not paying attention to her reasons and he shall once she exiles him from his training.

"That is for a completely different situation where jealousy is no factor." The Saiyan shakes his head. This is not a time that hand can be played against him. Before she has time to react, Vegeta is behind Ayeka. He securely holds one arm around her waist to pin her arms and the other covers her mouth. He looks across to the rogue celebrating a victory she did little to achieve. "You downplayed her opinion a bit this morning. What did you do to make her so hell-bent against you?"

"Against us, Vegey. I told ya, she thinks I'm really hurting you and that you're too weak to handle having me sleep near you. She's challenging your strength so you have to keep sleeping with me, right?" Ryoko purrs out, greatly satisfied with how things are.

"You can cease with that simple ploy as well." Vegeta barks. His pride will not be wielded against him. He is no idiot to be played by Ryoko.

A woman's body bucks against him. Grappled and held against her will, Ayeka struggles against Vegeta's strength. Muffled shouts come from her mouth that he holds firmly shut. Her head blocks most of his vision due to their equal height. That head then hits against his and lessens her movements for a few seconds as it hurt her far more than him. She squirms and writhes and tries with all her might for release. Her eyes burn with a great fury. Ayeka makes her position awkward as she steps as far out as she can and still stand so that she distances her lower half – the part she can move – as far from his body as she can. He exposed himself to another and she is not feeling it to be appropriate to be pressed up with her rear against him. Her guardian logs circle around him as does a sphere of cerulean energy encapsulate them. Vegeta destroys her defences.

"And if you hadn't shoved your cock in my face she wouldn't have as much room to argue." It entertains Ryoko to see Ayeka fight in vain against Vegeta. She manages a snide comment against the Saiyan. A helpless princess brings so many possibilities into her head. Vegeta will not agree but imagining the fun excites her.

Nails bite and pinch against his hips. Ayeka is giving it all that she has for her freedom. Being held like this is not something she wants. Even gagged by Vegeta she manages to make a lot of noise in protest. Another headbutt hits the prince in the nose. Ayeka makes a whimper. That hurt her. Vegeta is being very careful in how he holds her, she cannot escape but she should not be in pain – bar that she causes to herself.

"Now, Ayeka. I am not releasing you until you calm down. Okay? Hush now. As a princess you should be more diplomatic than this emotional mess. Hush and calm down." Sternly, he speaks into her ear. This is the situation, he will not let her go until he is satisfied that the she can hold a proper conversation.

The hand covering Ayeka's mouth becomes wet. Her anger has burst. She cries. Efforts for release are still there but with far less energy. She does not like being held against her will. Last time she was like this she ended up biting Vegeta when he held her down in the sand. All she wants to do is help him and he is not letting her speak. She was scolding him on his inappropriate behaviour and for her this level of physical intimacy is inappropriate, and non-consensual. Ayeka cries. Vegeta does not let go.

"Dunk her in the lake. Cool her head off. Please. For me." A devil coos. Ryoko circles about in the air around the two royals.

A violet energy shield materialises and blocks Ryoko's path. Vegeta looks at her. He is trying to defuse the situation so that they can talk as adults, Ryoko shall not stoke the flames when he is waiting for Ayeka to calm down. With a huff Ryoko flies over to the sofa and lounges down on it. Ayeka is still crying. There is great pain whenever Ryoko sleeps with Vegeta, and he is allowing and wanting for it, siding with Ryoko against her. He stole her friend away with him, and then spent a whole day hurting Kaia and being with Ryoko. She has not even managed to talk in the slightest with him about how he is faring since his grieving. Ayeka lets out her pain and emotions. For the second day in a row she cries in Vegeta's arms.

Minutes pass. Ryoko is bored . Under the watchful eye of Vegeta she behaves. The tears of Ayeka have slowed. She is fighting less in his grip. Vegeta removes his hand from her face. She takes a deep breath. With hurt eyes she turns and looks at her captor.

"I-I'm calm now. Release m-me." Ayeka manages a hoarse whisper. Her throat hurts from her gagged screams.

Vegeta shakes his head and declines. He has been married for 10 years. Silence is not an indicator of calmness. Her not arguing and fighting is only her being part way to the goal. Her emotions are still there, like embers ready to blaze up at any ignition. Vegeta states that she is not fully calm and continues his hold. Ayeka falls silent and hangs her head. This is a very dishonourable way to be treated. She feels like a scolded child when she was acting with the best of intentions. A soft whimper comes from her. Ryoko's eyebrows raise. She is tired of waiting for something already decided to be concluded.

Ryoko sits up. She looks over at Vegeta. Him holding Ayeka like this does not spark any particular jealousy. Instead, she is more concerned about Vegeta holding a woman in bondage against her will. It would be so easy right now to mock Ayeka for her lack of decorum and her punishment, but that would only serve to lengthen the time Ryoko has to watch this display. Ayeka's head turns around and she pleads again for her release. Vegeta is merciless. She has been granted her mouth, that is all. More minutes pass.

The scene gains another participant. Metal creaks. Trunks pushes open the bulkhead door and descends from his Super Saiyan state. Even with how loud he and his father train he can hear shouting perfectly well, and talking to the version of his father whom is training he knows what is occurring. He looks across to Vegeta restraining Ayeka.

"I'm with Ayeka on this. I don't really like you sleeping near my dad." Trunks chooses his side.

Vegeta's attention goes to his child. Ryoko watches Vegeta. She then stands. In her head she curses. Trunks explains that he does not think it is helping Ryoko that much and that it might help things if his dad did get more sleep.

"... Fine." Her arms cross tight across her chest. Ryoko sullenly admits defeat.

Against her rival Ayeka she will never back down and shall contest her for Vegeta at any opportunity. A battle against Vegeta's child is one she knows she is destined to lose. She cannot come between father and son, it will only serve to lessen her position with Vegeta and make Trunks dislike her more. Her eyes are on the ground. The smug sense of victory has left her. She has been evicted from her lover's room. Ayeka is looking at her rival in shock that she surrendered so easily.

"For what little help it is, I can become Super Saiyan and shine." Trunks offers in return for his stance against her. He does not want to be mean towards Ryoko, nor does he want her suffering and turning back into the ruin she was. This is a compromise.

With a dejected sigh, Ryoko looks up to Vegeta. She tries to crack a joke about whether he would permit her to share a room with Trunks. He nods. Light remains for her, even if it is from another. Vegeta adds additional condition: not to make his son's room reek of alcohol. Ryoko floats off out of the room. The silver lining she can see is that she can try to work on making Trunks like her more, maybe even favour her over Ayeka. Showing her fear and terror to a child, and having to depend on Vegeta's son for support is going to be a humbling experience.

Trunks' job is done. He returns back to the training room to the more powerful form of his father. Ayeka has her victory given to her by an ally. The two royals are left by themselves. With this Vegeta releases Ayeka from his grasp. She falls forward slightly and then takes a few steps. Her hands are returned to her and so she wipes at her face. She made a miserable sight of herself and her throat is sore from her wailing and shouting.

"... This is not over. I may or may not have calmed and composed myself, the issue remains of your p-perverse act." In a loud whisper, Ayeka returns the conversation to the original issue. Her back is turned to him.

"And I refer you back to my previous reasons of judging both Ryoko's carnal desires and her mental ability to pick up on and question my behaviour. My body is not something she has not seen before." There is little more that Vegeta can say that he has not already.

"Intent. The difference is that you-you showed with intent."

"Yes, the intents I just said. I showed a woman terrified of touching me myself, there can be no follow up to that act – not with her the way she is. She flew backwards, as I expected."

" … The past will not change, nor will my forgiveness come easily. Hugging me like that, the disrespect-"

"Ayeka. Hugging? It was a grapple. Your words are betraying where you mind lies. If you want to know then yes I have had to hold Bulma in a similar manner to stop an argument. You were not listening, you were shouting, and ranting, I saved you face by interfering and stopping you from continuing to act in such an unrefined manner." Vegeta steps closer and closes the gap between himself and Ayeka. He has this situation under perfect control.

"We discussed myself and physical intimacy. I- … I don't like that feeling of helplessness. Of you holding complete dominion over me. It scares me." Her head turns slightly to look at him. She shakes her head. Saving face is one thing, it still scared her and made her uneasy being in his grasp and unable to move.

"Then you should have controlled yourself better." The Saiyan is not making any excuses for what he did. He took a counter-action to Ayeka's emotional outburst. He walks around her so that he is in front of her. "My other option of binding you with my powers would have frightened you more. At least this way you got a 'hug' out of it."

A small blush seeps into her face. It is hard for her to hold the stare of Vegeta. He is acting so calm and collected, showing no signs of anger. She wants to know what transpired yesterday for him, the signs of pain so clear on his face the other day have all but vanished. He smiles.

"Tomorrow. Our date. What time?" The aggressive push is made again by Vegeta.

He leans closer to her. Ayeka's eyes go wide and her blush deepens. She leans back. She takes a sharp inhalation and her mouth hangs open for a few seconds before she closes it. His tail lists from side to side. Black eyes penetrate her. He waits to enact the next part of his calculated plan. Ayeka lifts a hand to cover one of her flushed cheeks.

"... I would prefer we discussed your emotional state following on from yesterday. Depression can manifest in many forms. After I returned, after Ryoko came back with your ring ..." She would rather the discussion lead itself more to how Vegeta is faring than this out-of-character pursuit of herself. She does not know how to respond so she changes the topic. Ayeka's eyes glance about rather than look him in the eye.

His tail curls about her wrist and her eyes snap to him.

"That wedding ring was to assure Ryoko of my return. I did not give it to you prior as … you already had issues with a ring that day."

"I know. I could not have held it, much like Ryoko was unable and only Ryo-Ohki could. Yesterday-"

"Yesterday you saw a ring that I intend to gift to you tomorrow, on our date. Now hurry up and accept." Vegeta has all his pieces in place and claims his victory. Any resistance past this point is futile, he offers a prize he knows she is unable to refuse. He smirks. The trap closes. His tail strokes against her wrist.

A high pitched nervous and excited sound comes from Ayeka's tightly closed lips. One violent shiver of anticipation runs the course of her spine and electrifies her. Those special words have set her heart ablaze. The amount that she is leaning away from her prince lessens.

"B-... Bribery is a very unbecoming form of persuasion." With her face exuding heat and her hoarse throat struggling, she manages this small flail in the face of Vegeta.

What he is offering her is far greater than what Ryoko received this morning. Both of them have seen Vegeta's body, neither so far has been gifted an engagement ring. Ayeka is battling to keep a silly and joyous smile from her face. This Saiyan is in the wrong here, he has committed a sin he will not repent over, has offended her by holding her and now is trying to twist her with his words. Like a marionette she is dancing to his tune. But for her pride in herself she struggles with this token resistance. He will give her something she wants, both a date and something far more special, and he wants it too. This fact of him actively going after her tugs at her emotions to no end. She is trying to resist.

"So far I have managed to keep the whereabouts of your engagement ring from the prying eyes of a thief, if you do not accept who is to say if she might steal more than a glance at myself." He hunts this young maiden. His tail releases her hand, and instead he cups her chin with a rough finger. Vegeta watches as her lips part, her pupils have dilated.

"... Bribery and blackmail. I wa- I am not too sure about your offer. If-if I am to take you up then this would part me from my good friend Kaia for another day." She sounds unsure of her own words as she speaks them. No movement has been taken from Ayeka to free herself from Vegeta's hand.

Giving into him and allowing him this win so easily is an undesirable thought. She wants to discipline him for his actions and yet with this she is being pulled in two directions with her wants – and one side is being pulled far stronger than the other. Her pulse is sounding loud in her ears. Desire exists within her. Vegeta is acting out of the ordinary, that much is true, but if his actions are leading him towards her and her awaiting love then her complaints are few.

Vegeta lets go of her. Her body hangs where he left it, expectant and wanting. He steps barefoot about until he is behind her, his gaze facing towards the training room to indicate her time is short to accept his deal. Ayeka turns, a hand semi-outstretched in the air towards him. She does not want him to leave. Her pride does not want to be bent to his will. Vegeta breathes deeply in and out and he wraps his tail about his waist.

"Then you better persuade me well on our date as to how long I allow her to stay in my home."

"I-I-I do not have a- … I have not got you y-your ring yet." One final argument exists in the hazed mind of Ayeka filled with the sweet words of her prince. No longer is this a strict refusal. Her excuses to both herself and to him have run dry.

"Good thing you asked for 2 dates then."