Chapter 108
With the light from several screens illuminating her, her leg jittering with unrest as she keenly observes those outside her realm, Washu impatiently taps hard on her desk. She pulls out a handkerchief from a pocket of her lab coat and wipes at her face. A gentle hand of a man rests on her shoulder. It infuriates her to no end that her hidden weapon remains veiled and unused. Cowardice and distrust is all she can think of for reasons – analytics be damned she wants only vengeance. Her hand moves a cursor to select and replay a surveillance recording of Yamcha beating down the Queen of Saiyans. The same hands that debilitated the warrior queen stops her from doing so. Yamcha nudges a plate of now cooling food towards her and reminds her yet again she has to eat at some point.
She looks down at it and picks at a few morsels. Her other hand scrolls across to a different monitor with an extensive view of Mihoshi's family tree for the past 50 generations and all medical records accompanying them. It is easy enough for her to recite her own family tree until the number at each generation becomes too substantial but when her descendants exponentially grew into the millions and her want to track them faded gaps must have occurred. Strict lineage is easy. Adultery, non-disclosed parentage of children and gamete donations muddy the waters of who and how people could have a minute blood relation to her in this modern day. She then quietly whispers to herself the small number of ovum she has left frozen in storage and the names of her lost close descendants. Washu selects an option to launch another large scale cyber attack on the already damaged systems of Kagato without hesitation.
"... Mihoshi will hate me if I restrict her and coddle her, but- but I can't let her go out there. Not near them." Washu rests her head back on the chest of Yamcha and looks up at him with worry and a fear of rejection.
He simply reminds her that Prince Vegeta protected her simulation within Kagato's trap and does not seek to antagonise her when she controls his training room as noted by his barring of his mother from entering it. She stares up at him. Washu hangs her head. She wipes at her moist eyes and insults herself over how she only cares for Mihoshi's well being now she knows that they hold some familial relation. Yamcha shushes her tenderly. A lot of guilt and self hate is filling Washu. Kagato's plan only succeeded due to her introductions to the training room of being able to remotely control it and seal it in alternate dimensions. She built a machine capable of creating fatal simulations to all but Gogeta and she failed to secure it properly out of arrogance – even after all the acts of Lady Seto proving the scientist to be fallible and holding weak spots. She almost got her dear friend Misaki killed. In a burst of anger she hits her desk.
The floating cushion she is on gets turned about. Yamcha puts his arms around her and picks her up to carry her away from the monitors that are serving no purpose in distracting her from her grief. Her arms latch onto him instantly. Tears break through and as she is escorted to somewhere else she croakily tells Yamcha that they have to get the Queen into the training room for the Blutz wave training as she cannot control her Oozaru form. That Great Ape did kill Tuffles and she cannot have any chance of that rampage occurring again. He puts her down and releases her at a location within the laboratory where Mihoshi is. The kind policewoman with a smile approaches Washu and offers to play games and have fun with her – calling her by the new nickname of 'Nana' – and Washu cannot decline the want of her descendant. Yamcha smiles weakly at Mihoshi and nods at her as he leaves the realm of Washu.
" … How much of a fool can you be?" Vegeta growls out.
At his feet his mother lays sprawled and knocked out. His black eyes fix on the red eyes of the young Juraian.
" Do you serve no other purpose than to antagonise any other woman within your sight? How did you think your childish rant would play out? Of course I knew all you said. Is this the outcome you want, the one you needlessly prompted for, a new war?" He seethes in anger at Ayeka.
Upon her outburst at the Saiyans for them to reconsider their stance it took no time at all for her well intended words to propagate violence. Queen Vegeta of the Saiyans was made excruciatingly aware of the basic political state of this discussion and for which faction she was speaking on behalf of. The only thing she heard was that the Saiyan Empire itself was not going to be the victor, the only thing she knew was that at this moment in time her Saiyan Empire was not waging a war against Jurai to win and that she will rectify. Moving faster than light gives Prince Vegeta a great ease in countering the slowness of sound and can cancel out words from his mother easily. As her persistence and attempts grew to formally declare a war against Jurai and those who would dare call her people 'monkeys' he ended up with little choice but to take her out of the equation.
"Azusa and Seto, you are the only two I shall speak to on this. The rest of you hold no place in this meeting. Ayeka is trying to start a war and that is an annoyance I would rather do without. If no solution to this is found then I am working on a tight schedule as to how long I feel the want to stop my mother, and how long until it might be necessary for me to execute her."
He turns his back and walks to distance himself from the audience so that privacy can be had. By this point both Misaki and Seto have swum ashore and the elder Juraian takes all this in her stride with little showing on her face as she walks in the same direction as Prince Vegeta. Mortified, Ayeka calls out to him. He makes no reaction and Kaia places her hands on her to quiet Ayeka. Azusa gives a stern look to his daughter and repeats his words to her about controlling her anger before walking to join Vegeta. Ryoko's form flits and vanishes a dozen times on the spot. She tries to teleport to Vegeta and is denied each time by being teleported back to where she started. With a groan she raises an accusatory eyebrow at Ayeka.
Out of the house walks Yamcha. The queen laying on the floor much like how he left her earlier. He sees Misaki look at him and he shakes his head. Washu shall not be able to help them now. The mother goes to her daughters to calm them and be there for them. Yamcha walks past them towards Vegeta, the Emperor and the Devil Princess. The angered prince snorts and comments on his lack of royal blood and what he thinks he is doing intruding on this conversation. Yamcha points out that he is the only one here with any right to be on this planet they are trying to turn into a battleground. For that Vegeta allows him to stay, this would-be fighter has showed some backbone and he can serve as some neutral mediator. The scar faced bandit goes on to mention that Washu does want Queen Vegeta at some point to be trained to control her Oozaru form so that it can never hurt her again – to this the Prince idly agrees though wonders what he can use to get through to her when she is a beast.
"I do not want death to be the end result in this. Is there no way for you to strip her of her rank and authority?" Azusa queries.
" … None I know of. I can challenge her for her position within my family yet my victory comes at either her death or surrender, and she will not surrender with breath in her body. If other ways exist then they are not ones Nappa taught me and things only she knows."
"There need be no urgency in all this. You can teleport, to easily postpone this time can be bought by misplacing the Queen off world. However, I feel that I do have a solution to this if anyone wants to hear it. I mean no insult towards your race Prince Vegeta, however your Saiyan nature can be used to our advantage here. War is not what she wants, she wants a victory, and war is not a unique way to gain that, we can allow her a substitute for war. Would not a set of formidable challenges and competitions be acceptable? Using our tournament as one for an example so combat is allowed yet death not." She lets a small smile play on her face. Lady Seto extends a hand to Vegeta. "War gives one victory. Keeping us alive allows her many chances at glory to decorate her crown. And, with Dr Hakubi being a citizen of Jurai she can have opportunities for revenge."
"To spare one's life in Saiyan culture is the highest form of disrespect, so long as Jurai is fine with living with that besmirching your name then I shall force her to accept this challenge."
He takes her hand and firmly shakes. Seto smiles and looks to Yamcha who nods in agreement that an option without war is one to be aimed for. Azusa agrees that this solution shall work for now and the finer details of these challenges can be decided upon when the Queen recovers. Nodding in satisfaction Lady Seto eyes Vegeta seriously and with a stark shift to a glacial tone asks him where his bathroom is located as she is currently soaked in lake water. He motions his head towards her daughter Misaki for she knows and also could use a bath. With a modest bow she excuses herself and walks away from the group of men.
There is still an issue at hand. The Emperor of Jurai reminds Vegeta that they still have a technical war with the Saiyan race through the Planet Trade Organisation. Prince Vegeta rolls his eyes with disinterest. He states that he has already openly rebelled against Frieza and his allegiance to them is less than Jurai's. His plan was to subtly push towards the idea of the Saiyan Empire becoming independent from the extinct conglomerate of Frieza and have his mother suggest this idea as if it were her own. Ayeka's comments put that plan to rest quickly. The emperor strokes his purple beard and muses why Vegeta never opted for this path before to make this easier. With a smirk Prince Vegeta answers that his mother did not exist then and neither did the faction of Saiyan Empire without her, Azusa can take this null result over a non-existent enemy and the Saiyans lose all ties with Frieza and regain their freedom.
"... Does your other fiancée of Miss Ryoko then become the sole known member of the Cold Empire? Is- will a deal of peace have to be broached through her also?" Azusa pauses in thought for taking Vegeta out of the equation does not render the Planet Trade Organisation empty. Vegeta equally pauses then shrugs.
"You only broach peace with myself as that is your only chance of victory against the might of Saiyans, your wife has already demonstrated her ability to single handedly win a war against just Ryoko. Though, first my mother needs to agree to leaving Frieza's forces and then the matter of Ryoko is your issue."
"As a neutral party would she not be within her right to enlist aid from a mercenary such as yourself? That resets us to the start if you aid her in victory against Jurai."
"If I am to work as a mercenary as you say then I require payment for my services. Ryoko is destitute, she has already spent all her money and incurred a substantial financial debt to myself. Her mistrust of Jurai is lessened, and her previous life as a citizen on a Juraian colony could be a good starting point for yourself."
With her mother and grandmother having left to clean themselves of lake water and Ryoko offering her a stinging remark about starting a war with her in-law, the maiden Princess of Jurai quietly excuses herself. Sasami goes to follow her and the elder sister tells her instead to go to their mother as she has important matters to take care of. Ayeka ascends the stairs and enters her room. Closing the door behind her she leans back against it and pauses, reflecting on her choice, for half a minute. She removes her tiara from her brow and inspects it. She looks at the small marks on the inside of it from where she took shavings to form Vegeta's ring. Her fingers trace over these grooves before she dons it and looks about her room at her belongings. From out of a wardrobe she retrieves a large suitcase and with a heavy heart sets it down on what once was Sasami's bed. She crouches and kneels and rests her head in her arms on the suitcase.
"Professing of wanting me to act off emotion and instinct you have not provided a stellar example. My mother need not die, war does not come to Jurai, and your father now has to deal with Ryoko as the sole member of the Planet Trade Organisation." A gruff voice comes from immediately behind Ayeka.
"... To enter my chamber without permission nor welcome is an impolite transgression against myself."
"And you hold it gravely against me that I do not transgress further."
A powerful silence takes over the room as Ayeka remains motionless where she kneels. Those words wound her for the truth of it. She knew at some point that he would make a move and invoke whatever cunning plan he has. For his prior words to her having been ridiculing her idiocy and of potentially igniting a new galactic conflict she can hear no positivity in his presence.
"After humiliating me in public do you now seek to shame me in private too and leave me no escape from your cruelties?" Ayeka turns her head and looks through her purple hair to curse his presence. " I apologise for my inexcusable usage of racist language against your people. With that said your business here should be concluded so please leave."
"All of this is being done for-"
"I was never this destructive, violent and angry before you, Saiyan, started corrupting me! Is this your vengeance against my wants to better you, to lessen and debase me? My mother is right that she did not raise a spiteful child and yet- yet around you negativity surrounds all and controls me." A screech of self hatred and blame comes from the downed princess. The reds of her eyes fixing accusation at Vegeta.
"When I first met you hate and bile was already flowing from your tongue towards Ryoko as I awoke. The instigation is not myself but your freedom." The dirt thrown at him does not stick as he refutes it with an undeniable fact.
"So you claim that I-I-I have always been a vile woman? Are those the words you wish to tell me? I take it then you do wish to cause more undue hurt to me by likening myself to the same kind of villainous harpy as Ryoko."
"That is not the person I saw when you wished to train with me. As a Saiyan I enjoy sparring to a conversation, and likewise I learn far more about an individual in how they conduct themselves within a fight. As a person you are naturally timid, cautious and suffer a kindness not allowing you to strike with any intent to injure myself. All of us have a fuse for our rage. You tell me to act with emotion. You should know that when you act with emotion you do not get the liberty to choose only the good – like your mirth after I proposed or your aggression in you few instigated kiss – but also the negative emotions which you do succumb to."
"... That is not the only fight you have seen me in. You have not let me forget my savage intent against Ryoko nor my appalling predilection towards relishing her pain. This is not who I should be."
Standing there the prince does not like the self pitying tone that has taken a hold of this princess. He did not think her to be so on the brink over her outbursts or that his shouting at her over her careless words would tip her over the edge this much. She is upset over who she is and who she fears she might be. Vegeta knows of those personal doubts and misgivings. He has greatly altered himself and those feelings of not being able to recognise who you are did elicit fear within him. He takes a step so that he stands at the side of Ayeka and she burrows her head into her arms and away from his eyes that she fears hold great judgement over her.
"Whilst you are wallowing here I do hope you see the reflection that is myself, and how the opposite of this is the state of my identity and the identity you have as a goal to further. We all change with time. You are less so changing, more discovering yourself for the first time now you are free from Jurai and your parents. Maybe the truth of who you are displeases you or is not as you hoped. Willingly changing your persona is beyond any of us. Though, if you need guidance or counselling in the control of your darker traits then that is something I can freely offer to my princess."
"I am as much your princess as I am Brother Yosho's. That offer I unfortunately refuse as you cannot aid me when I am on Jurai and yourself here. Can you say no kindness to me, or even remotely try and comfort me rather than rub in what a horrible person I am?" Biting down onto the suitcase first before seething out this rejection she denounces him. Ayeka makes clear her painful purpose in being in her room.
"What you see as negative I do not. Sure there are some failings on your part but what annoys me more is when you force yourself to act like a … well, to be honest like an emotionless 'princess' always well spoken and polite without fail. Fire and passion are the qualities I look for in a person. And sometimes fires burn those around."
"Why should I care if how I act is more in line with the base and devolved wants of a Saiyan compared to … what as a Juraian Princess I should embody?" The hate consuming her does not let up as it lashes out in insults. She takes in a shuddering breath and morosely shakes her head.
"Is that truly the case? Both your mother and father have showcased a loss of control at some point and albeit even a violent tendency. Hell, your mother has the rage in her to become some deity slaying monster if the Kais are correct for once. If you should embody Jurai then should not also the Empress and Emperor be the role model to follow, if so then you succeed in that front."
"You are a father, you should be well aware of the phrase 'do as I say not as I do'. My parents are not perfect, their failings should not be an excuse for my own. You always side with how you believe a Saiyan should behave and be-damn yourself for straying from their barbaric way so stow your hypocritical musings on my own failings." Ayeka spits these words in his direction. Reflecting onto him all the hurt she has suffered in the mirror conversations of getting Vegeta to accept his own changed identity. She swipes a hand aggressively to the side to ward off Vegeta and his proximity to herself.
"Again, like I said, you openly conflict against my mindset to carry on acting in only a Saiyan fashion because you deem my current changes to be an improvement. I know of arrogance and pride but have they blinded you so much that the same cannot be true for that of Jurai too? You are a jealous woman with a temper and a malicious violent streak when it breaks-"
"No! I'm not, I can't be, I-I should be better-"
" That is only when your rage breaks you. That is not your entire self. Simple control over your anger can limit this, through my Super Saiyan transformations I know how to curb my rage to my will. As for your jealousy there is some blame on my part for my actions towards both yourself and Ryoko that incurs-"
"Oh Tsunami, where have I gone wrong? I see it now. You think that both myself and that crass pirate are similar, don't you? Your- your attractions to women are to the same violent and horrible breed of lowly curs. You put me on the same level as her! Why-"
Words that should not have been said are spouted from the near hysterical young woman. In her woe at realising there has to be common ground between herself and Ryoko and being horrified as to how far this extends Ayeka does something unforgivable. Her disgust at what she does when not in control breeds another thoughtless act out of emotion. Too wrapped up in herself and her own failings she takes no care over what she is saying towards Vegeta, and the other woman in his heart.
A hand rests itself onto her shoulder. She goes to remove it and recoil from him but a strength enters the grip that she cannot be rid of and hurts her. Looking up in fear at this possible aggression towards herself within her bedroom she does not pay attention to the face of the man and only to the offending hand and how to get her release.
" Think on your words more carefully before spouting them out. Retract those words on the type of women I prefer or you can pray for your own forgiveness at Bulma's grave."
Low. Horrible. Curs. All those words she expelled out of self hatred towards Vegeta she addressed to all women in his life. Disrespecting and dishonouring the dead like that he will not tolerate.
Ashamed again at herself she realises herself and her actions. Her hatred at what she does is propagating itself and causing hurt to those it should not. The pain in her shoulder disappears as she solemnly goes to stand. She lost control, she lost all control and cared for nothing but herself. Disgraced beyond reproach she stands before Vegeta and takes the final step towards him. She needs to calm down. Self loathing and throwing a tantrum is accomplishing nothing for her. Bowing her head down at him Ayeka utters a quiet apology. Walking into him she rests her forehead against his and apologises again as she waits for him to calm her hysteria down as he has done before. Vegeta's arms go around her and her imprisonment from this embrace shall not come undone until he senses through her ki that she is calm and one with herself. Just as she was there for him at his weakest moment grieving for his wife he is here for her as she fails and falls. This time in his embrace she does not struggle for release.
The unconscious state of Queen Vegeta does not outlast the calming down of Princess Ayeka. With a start and a growl she jumps to her feet ready to continue where she left off and glances about to find the threat that is her son. She takes three steps as dizziness contorts her balance and she blinks the remnants of concussion from her aching skull. War and glory for the Saiyans is her immediate goal. Last time when her King declared it as a proxy through the Cold Empire the Juraians and their leader suffered a loss she wants to replicate. A golden beacon of light and lightning appears before her. The grandson she accepts as Saiyan smiles at her in his Super Saiyan 2 state. This threat and muzzle to her she understands. With his father gone Trunks takes up the job of looking after the Saiyan Queen and behind the lad she sees the black haired and scar faced man who has defeated her earlier.
The planning that went on during her knocking out is explained to her by both Azusa and Yamcha. Her eyes narrow as she wraps her tail tightly about her waist. This thought of keeping Jurai alive through the disgrace of sparing them is tantalising however she knows this mercy for what it is. Relinquishing her control of the Planet Trade Organisation would lose her all claim on Frieza's land and resources yet as a Saiyan this bothers her little as then she can fight to recapture them. Her trust in strangers is low. Her trust in anyone associated with Washu is negligible. She calls for her son to see if these people are telling the truth to her and what his decision truly is. A taunt comes from Trunks about her being unable to make a decision as Queen by herself which she rightly ignores with the reply that Prince Vegeta is her senior advisor and counsellor.
She stands with a deep set frown on her face for a few minutes. Telepathic communications have been sent to her head from her son after Trunks contacted Vegeta. This is a plan he agrees to in the broad sense though there are many details missing. Freedom from Frieza and that past is all the reason that Queen Vegeta hears. This does not prevent her from ever declaring war in the future but instead enables her to do it under her own banner. Her gaze goes to Ryoko. She points at the cyan haired rogue. She then asks how she goes about leaving the Planet Trade Organisation and leaving Ryoko in control of it. Ryoko blinks questioningly and makes a confused sound.
"The former King of Saiyans took care of the political nonsense I would rather do without. When do you think in my reign I personally ever had want to learn of this aspect of rule? What do I have to do to sever my allegiance with Frieza and gain independence?" Having been a warrior queen with great emphasis on the warrior part and her reign being cut short by her second child there are several factors of being a monarch that elude her. Declaring wars she knows, or presumes to at least, declaring independence sounds more complex to her.
"How the hell would I know? I ain't some stuck up high born. Just do whatever your Saiyan laws say." Ryoko can only incredulously shrug off this question aimed at her. This is a weird state for her to be in and she is not keen on Vegeta wanting to leave her side to take a more neutral stance towards Jurai and Ayeka.
" … Ah. … If Prince Vegeta knows not of the laws then I assume Frieza eradicated them. My agenda has gotten busy. First I train to master my tail and its power, then I shall … I will create as much of the Saiyan Empire's legal system as I can be bothered to. Then we Saiyans shall be free and independent, then following that Super Saiyan for myself and Kakarot."
Nodding to herself in affirmation of the grand tasks set before her the onlookers of this scene are not that impressed. She is Queen in name only having brought it with her from the grave. The Saiyan race and culture was well and truly made extinct by Frieza. To restart the Saiyan Empire she has nowhere but the bottom to start from. Luckily for her a populace of 3 Saiyans and 3 going on 4 hybrids is not that hard to manage. The bare minimum of a legal system for getting the job of freedom done should not take her that long and her son being older than her has plenty of experience to aid her in getting that completed. She grins to herself.
With a resigned sigh Azusa states that Jurai is not sticking around on Earth any longer than this day so until the Saiyans are complete creating a civilisation for themselves he cannot finalise any deal with Ryoko over her unequivocal surrender to Jurai. The Queen bounds up to him and Trunks and Yamcha move closer to defend. She eagerly asks about this fighting tournament mentioned as a challenge between her people and Jurai and the galactic spread of competitors she might face. Azusa finds that Seto did not mention anything to do with handling a battle crazed Saiyan woman wishing to join a prestigious tournament on his home planet. He knows that both Goku and Prince Vegeta are to disguise themselves in their transformations and this is not an option here for her only transformation is distinctly Saiyan and known and feared. Azusa calmly explains that with Goku and Vegeta acting as competitors her victory is already assured and her own personal need to compete is null since she cannot defeat the Super Saiyans. Queen Vegeta persists. This was a term promised to her. She wants in on the tournament. She wants more. She wants something, anything to aid her regain her pride and power that the advent of Super Saiyans and her death has robbed her of. Whilst she has the job of making the Saiyan Empire she tasks Azusa with detailing the challenges she is to face against his people.
Upstairs in a quiet room a hug comes to an end. Ayeka steps back with a flushed face from prolonged intimacy and humbly apologises again. She then reaffirms that her own personal failings or this small act do not alter what Vegeta has done or of her plan to leave with Jurai. He simply asks her if the issue surrounding Ryoko's false tail and the contract of a mated pair is an offence he can rectify by taking Ryoko's tail for Ayeka to use. She nods that this does cause her hurt but a contract made is not one that can so simply be undone nor is it how he himself views engagements to his fiancées. Out of a pocket he pulls the pearl ring she discarded and holds it up. Her ruby eyes focus on it and then force themselves to drift away as if in disinterest. Ayeka shakes her head again.
"A peace talk between the two most powerful factions in the galaxy takes place solely on your personal behalf. You know that I kill within my training room, and that those simulations are not real people. Within-"
"I did not exist within your mind or heart. You cared only for the pragmatism of the situation and forsook me as irrelevant." Her gaze manages to stay on Vegeta as the subject of her pain is broached.
"Ayeka, you are not capable of reading minds. Those assumptions betray your innate jealousy." Vegeta points out that her thoughts are not necessarily fact.
"Is there a point to whether I can violate another's private thoughts or not? I either was not a factor in your decision with -with her, or I was … not a strong enough reason for yourself." Moisture is present in the corner of her eyes. She nods her head to affirm her decision to herself. "And through that neither possibility leaves me a reason for b-being here."
"Ebb and flow. Where do you think my thoughts to Ryoko are as I stand here?" He counters that this is not always the case and he is here due to her importance to him.
"Your thoughts lie only to yourself. My departure strips you of access to our tournament and that is all you desire from me."
"Sorry princess but that tournament is now one of many terms being promised to the Saiyan Empire as a bribe to stop my mother declaring war on you. I have my tournament and my victory with or without you. So ask yourself again why I stand here?"
"... I am but another challenge from Jurai that you seek victory over. This, you shall not have. Please leave here. I cannot sustain this much longer."
That is a hard point to argue. Her behaviour is challenging and her actions are making things difficult for him. Vegeta cannot deny that he holds Saiyan attractions as that is what he is, he cannot lie that doing any of this is easy for him. Ayeka holds a pained expression seeing her truth stick without rebuttal. She slowly seats herself down on Sasami's bed beside her unpacked case. This is a painful decision being clouded all the more by the lingering warmth of her exited embrace. The pearl ring is still in his hands. Her eyes spy the same dichotomy that he will never wear the one she gave him.
"I don't want this. For myself or for you. Leaving you here with but Ryoko and your mother to undo the kindness of Bulma is a sour thought. In under 2 months I shall have been unsuccessful in 2 engagements, both to princes, and both with them having been fooling around with other women behind my back. That stain on my reputation shall fade in time, if I stay here you shall only tarnish me further with your … transgressions and un-want to take responsibility." Her thoughts are not but to herself. For Vegeta's sake she does want to aid him in his journey towards finding himself and leaving his past behind him. She no longer thinks that she can be the one to do this for him. "Now you need not be alone. You have your mother to tie you back to your Saiyan heritage and culture. Your Empire is revived. You have a-a contract with a woman who is more than willing to join your ranks as Saiyan. With time I even see Miss Ryoko becoming quite apt at caring for your son as she settles down. … What need do you have of me besides insurance and a safety net if you displease Ryoko to- … to the same point that I am at."
Words resigning herself to a future without him spell out her clarity on this matter, her decision might be rash but it is thought out. The side of Saiyans aligns itself better with that of Ryoko. Her red eyes watch his face for any sign of a lie or of emotion. She questions what makes her special to him. He does not answer immediately and that is answer enough for her.
"What thinking is keeping your silver tongue restrained? I am not hoping for some miraculous emotional breakdown from you, where are the cunning words to put me in my place and beg me to stay?" Silence in this circumstance feels too much like a resignation or a retreat to come from her proud and combative prince, Ayeka wants to know where his opposition has fled. She beseeches for him to answer, and possibly for him to overturn her thoughts.
"They are being kept from being spoken. Too many of my thoughts on how to get you to stay lead to unwanted hostility, threats, bribes, embellished truths or belittlement of yourself. So I shall not speak them. … I shall respect the wishes of the Lady. I shall not act out of self interest to be cruel to yourself and force you to stay."
Her decision he shall respect. The independence he has helped nurture within her on Earth he shall not now deny. He has many things he could say to force her to stay here – and the crux of that is it would be forcing her. Vegeta is well aware of all the pain he puts her through and how many times she has come close to breaking. Now he shall stand aside and allow her freedom. Ayeka smiles. This selfless kindness is what she has always sought from him. Here it arrives too late and only in parting. Anything Vegeta wants can and will be, she has no way of leaving the planet if he disallows it and she has her permission to return with her family and recuperate.
Then her smile gets interrupted. His hand with the pearl engagement ring reaches to her and drops it into her lap in stark contrast to his words. Vegeta smirks.
"Engagements are a long and drawn out procedure according to Juraian standards. This small break need be no severance. There are already 3 guaranteed times for us to meet again so this is no farewell or breaking of our engagement. Washu holds her wedding on this planet. Your grandmother said that she can repair your ship and it requires yourself to pilot it. Finally, I do have my tournament which your mother is competing in. Time for reflection and thought I grant you, I had mine when I trained for a year and you can have yours now. This Saiyan Prince shall not give up on you."
Ayeka leans back away from her prince and his aggressive words of not giving up and pursuing her still cause a blush on her face. He is correct in what he says that this is not a final time for her to see him. She looks down at the ring in her lap as he confidently smiles at her.
"Two, not three. Since my entire family will be travelling here for Washu's wedding then at the same time my grandmother Lady Seto can organise that time frame to be used for repairing Ryuoh you so carelessly wrecked." She pushes back. It shall not be easy for him to win her over like that. Ayeka deliberately picks up the ring and does not wear it, instead she secrets it within a pocket inside her sleeve.
"One is all I need. Stay in touch with at least Washu, you leaving my protection shall put you in jeopardy. If something similar to Kain happens on Jurai I cannot get there to protect you."
"Your concern is most welcome. So far no attacks from Kagato have been aimed directly at Jurai so in the following week it is not that likely an assault shall take place after Miss Washu has dealt him a severe blow." Ayeka pauses. The protection offered the rest of her family devoid of Super Saiyans shall defend her on her home. She casually glances about her room. The aching in her heart is becoming unbearable. "I wish to pack now, your assistance here is not necessary. Be thankful you have one less distraction from training-"
Her green hair is down and slightly damp as Lady Seto waltzes into the room. She knows how to quickly bathe and become presentable at a moment's notice, her clothes now dry and clean from the lake water, she has no hesitation in interrupting this scene. Ayeka looks to her grandmother in moderate surprise. The elder Juraian looks to the Saiyan.
"The more that my sweet granddaughter gets pushed away the more I shall enter the frame. I am all for Ayeka distancing herself from you, however it is also in my interest for Jurai to hold strong bonds with Saiyans to maintain our safety and truce with yourselves. Unless you can suggest any alternatives my courting of your esteemed self shall begin the moment Ayeka decides that you are not worthy of her. With your stance on monogamy being what it is and your mother the Queen's aversion to other species you remain a bachelor most suitable for my wants." One bond connecting the military might of the Saiyans to her people is all she requires for their empire to prosper in unrivalled peace. She looks at Vegeta for only as long as is necessary.
" … What a terrifying notion for the universe to cower before our combined might. My stance on monogamy still applies to your current spouse." The woman knows his answer to her proposal already so all he states is the hardest point for her to overcome. She shall have to forsake her own husband for the political tie to himself and that in turn shall also hurt her own cherished daughter Misaki.
"Is it not preferable that whilst you train I hold myself company and distraction? Your pride and ego are the problems here. Number 1, with no equal, you will allow me to find romance in no other for what you believe that might say about yourself. … That bridge can be crossed with time. I have held a happy and fulfilled marriage for a long time, having pushed enough arranged marriages onto others I can accept this penance by going through one concerning myself. I shall aid Ayeka in packing her luggage, we hold no need for you."
Vegeta excuses himself and promptly leaves the room. The grandmother turns and smiles at Ayeka. She holds a wary expression towards the Devil Princess of Jurai – some of the things said then do not sound like ones that needed to be said within her presence. Seto jokes that Ayeka need not be so on edge as she has no want to peruse her private diary. Ayeka knows to be cautious around the actions of Seto. Her privacy has been invaded for a reason and she does not think it to be just to clash swords with Vegeta.
" … Do you hold a wish for me to stay with Lord Vegeta?" Ayeka asks. Seto looks at her and her face holds no answer. " Speaking of- of you forcing yourself to think of relations with Vegeta and divorcing grandfather over my sake sounds to me like you are giving me reasons to not abandon this engagement."
"It is only fair that your choice is made knowing all the ramifications and consequences. How adamant are you in your choice to leave?" Seto answers as a seasoned veteran of politics. She nods her head in question to Ayeka's still empty bags.
"I hold little fear over the possibilities you inform me of. Ryoko shall not fail in a competition against yourself once I have left – she goes out shopping for b-bri-bridal gowns soon anyhow."
"You have never seen me pursue a man nor of the methods I can use to … even the playing field against that pirate. It does pain my heart that I am the first woman here to talk to you, Dr Hakubi is not someone I ever intend on making an enemy of and likewise you should think on your actions towards her."
The puzzled expression on her granddaughter's face is as expected, and Seto is judging her greatly now that she has heard those words as to her next actions. Washu is pertinent to this discussion and it is a low blow to hit Ayeka with given her extremely vulnerable state. Seto understands the emotional turmoil keeping Washu from intercepting Ayeka herself. It is simple logic; Mihoshi is only on this planet because Ayeka is. With Ayeka announcing her intent to depart then so too shall she rip the freshly reunited family apart. She shall take Mihoshi from Washu due to her actions. This she must understand. Ayeka now knows of the harsh words that Vegeta did not dare to use against her to sway her mind. She grimaces. Ayeka makes the connection. Her actions shall cause immediate hurt to a friend. It is a horrible thought, yet staying here and letting herself stay passive towards Vegeta and his actions she cannot tolerate.
" … That … There are ways-"
"There are ways so long as we maintain employment of Detective Kuramitsu and Makibi which we shall not when their services are no longer necessary. The Galaxy Police by themselves hold no jurisdiction here and my dear friend Washu knows that she cannot keep Detective Kuramitsu locked away to herself. That can of worms shall also be cast open within their family when Detective Kuramitsu requests personal leave - maybe with some of her relatives – to see Dr Hakubi and that could throw some of the higher echelons of the Galaxy Police into disarray … Further disarray I should probably say as your brother's second marriage is guaranteed a small amount of turmoil." Her cold smile grows as she throws the next pebble into the disturbed waters. More ripples shall be observed.
Another frown of confusion furrows the brow of her granddaughter. Seto slowly nods in confirmation even though she has had no word about the success of the matchmaking she set up before leaving. Ayeka's frown then takes on the countenance of anger and annoyance.
"Excuse me, but what is this about my brother you had the idea to wed me to due to a lack of alternate candidates?" The fate of holding an incestuous marriage she was saved from by Vegeta and now Seto is blabbing about that possibly not having been necessary from this sudden second woman now appearing in the picture.
"Your thoughts drift too quickly to yourself my dear. Prince Yosho has, under my discretion, been introduced to a fine woman from Airai. With our growing involvement with the Saiyans I thought it prudent to fly this under the radar promptly and be done with that enemy so we can focus purely on those Saiyans. Of course, Ayeka, time and place. If you crashed here a week or two later your engagement would not be. This opportunity arose and I saw to it that action was promptly taken. If you do ask after yourself then this growing want of yours for monogamy is the larger issue for alternate suitors."
"Monogamy was no issue for yourself-"
"I was not royalty then. It does not matter anyhow, there are no others of a high enough standing for your hand in marriage that are also trustworthy and deserving of it-"
"You have not taken such tones with me before Grandmother. Do you not hold any respect for myself any-more? I do not like it when Lord Vegeta talks down to me so I shall not abide it from your infamous lips." Ayeka snaps. She does not want to think or be talked to about any other arranged marriages on her behalf or romance with any other men. She wants for no more meddling from her family. These tactics of belittlement and back handed insults she is familiar and she expects them far more from a cruel Saiyan than her own family member in her time of need.
"It does reassure me greatly this … youthful passion in yourself is all there is. So angry, so jealous, so bitter and so scared. This eases my heart to see your wrathful emotions flow strong and free and hold no signs of what your Mother does." A small outburst from Ayeka she cares little from. She says all this with reason as the talk continues down the strict rails of her plan. Ayeka's eyes go wide with shock at this prospect she has not considered. "Since Dr Hakubi never could tell that my daughter was a 'Counteractor' the only proof I shall accept is that your uncontrolled bursts of emotions have as of yet produced no similar shows of power. The Kais do not believe it to be genetic or part of the Power of the Juraian Royal Family yet I am taking their views with some conservative doubt. Of course I shall also be keeping a continual eye on both yourself and little Sasami. Goku or Vegeta, who do you think will be more suitable as a teacher since I do have a want for Missy to get this power under her control?"
"You are purposefully changing the topic before I can get a word in edgeways! If I give you an answer you shall read some deep meaning to it-"
"All answers give meaning and come with reasons whether you intend to give them or not. This is important however and it concerns your mother's well-being. What is your answer, and do not say Lord Vegeta purely out of spite to waste his time nor Goku to spite Vegeta through choosing someone as his better."
"... Goku has had trainers, has been trained and understands the training of others. The harshness of Lord Vegeta's training that I hold first hand experience with would not mesh well with my mother's persona. He has demonstrated grand abilities in control of his emotions yet on the other hand what emotions he holds are not those that are present within my mother. The persona of Goku is more akin to my mother, and Goku is a more willing individual to accept this offer. … And no I am not choosing Goku here to allow Lord Vegeta more time for him to train and possibly win the tournament."
"Yes, that sounds right to me. Goku, on one of our returns to this planet, can aid Missy. Ayeka, when Lord Vegeta left your mood towards him was quite amicable and pleasant if sombre over the context of it all, with my few words to you your tune has taken a sour turn and he has done little to warrant this. Think on this."
"Or I can instead think on how that has been your agenda for the past several thousand years – to make people act and think as you want." Ayeka shall not fall for the bait. She knows that her grandmother is a master manipulator and pulls all the strings, it is little failing on her behalf for dancing to her tune when the blame should lie on the one maliciously puppeteering her.
"A somewhat exaggerated version of your constant poking and prodding at Vegeta to not be a Saiyan by that definition, is it not? I shall retrieve my daughter now to aid you in packing, I have an employee left unattended that I feel is quite the 'exhibit' for Queen Vegeta."
With a short bow of common courtesy, the Devil Princess accomplishes what she intended and leaves the room and the conversation in the state she wants. She drops in on her daughter briefly explaining the situation and how Ayeka requires her mother for comfort, and of her possible fears over inheriting the 'Counteractor'. Seto strolls down the stairs and observes the door under the stairs for a few seconds. Planting the seeds of an idea should work and rectify a few things here with her most valued source of information. Her secondary source of information is outside and quaking in her boots.
Kaia has had her blindfold taken from her. Queen Vegeta spoke similar words as her son did of the shame and lack of pride in hiding her true self over fears of how others view her. The gloves tell her of this frightening woman. However, it is her other ability to perceive that truly terrifies Kaia. Through empathy she can sense the emotions of Queen Vegeta and of the malice, the hatred and the enormous levels of disgust and horror she feels at the mere thought of her and her physical and genetic disposition. An underlying amount was always present from Prince Vegeta yet he never acted out from his instinctual aversion to her disability. His mother is only tolerating her existence as a Super Saiyan supervises her.
Whilst the son trains, Trunks and Yamcha keep a watchful eye on Queen Vegeta. The Saiyan woman is keenly inspecting this oddity that is so grotesque to her. Short answers are asked concerning her, her weakness, her failings within her body, and every answer drives Queen Vegeta to distance herself from something that would never be tolerated to survive on her planet. Morbid curiosity drives this examination as an angry Ryoko tries to fend off the Queen and defend Kaia – which only serves to provoke the Queen in wanting to fight her again.
Lady Seto promptly enters the scene and takes the one she callously marooned on this planet under her wing. This is her employee and she shall not be at liberty to exchange words with the Queen of Saiyans lest she let national secrets slip – or that is the excuse used to silence Queen Vegeta. The short woman insults the pair; the elderly and the infirm. Seto ignores this and puts Kaia's blindfold back on. Since this is also someone that she is prevented from killing, Queen Vegeta marches off to her son and his wondrous training room. As soon as she approaches it the power for it deactivates. Prince Vegeta loudly sighs. His mother enters and demands to exercise her right to get stronger. He asks her if she has only transformed into an Oozaru once, to this she nods. Vegeta summons a power ball in his hand and waits a few seconds. This is the one exception that Washu shall allow. The power returns, he closes the door and fires the ball of Blutz waves into the air as he begins a simulation of a wasteland to contain their bulk.