Challenge

It was no longer hot. Our smaller, hotter sun was approaching its eclipse by the larger, cooler one and the days were sliding down the year towards Vejiitasei's brief cold season. And the change in the air was filling me with nervous energy.
       To conserve ki we'd all been forced to switch to full bodysuits - instead of the briefs and crop-top I prefer - which annoyed me even while I accepted that we needed greater protection from the cold. Tamata, of course, was complaining, shivering as she splashed cold water over her face prior to morning training.
       "I could be home with the family, warm and cosy and shut away from the cold, eating when I wanted, sleeping when I felt like it, living easy...."
       I snorted. "Mated, more like. Stuck in some hovel somewhere out in the sticks. Suckling your latest born, or on your knees, serving your mate. Or more likely both at the same time!"
       She growled, then reluctantly nodded. "Oh, yeah.... right.... I knew there was a good reason for me to be here..."
       Choices are few for female Saiya-jin of low-caste family with no particular skills or aim in life.
       Me - well, I was happy. I've always enjoyed the cold season (apart from needing heavier clothing, that is): I like the sharp edge to the morning air, and the sparkling clarity of the night sky, blazing with stars. Frost underfoot and edging every surface, glittering in sunlight too cold to melt the ice. It stirred me, made my pulse race and my body throb, made me want to fling myself skywards, ki sparking around my fingertips...
       I frowned. Wait a minute - this was new. This was more than my usual enjoyment of the season. This felt.... fierce? Joyous? Elemental?

My fingers ran over the bitemark on my neck in a gesture that had become a habit since we'd last met, then down my left arm, feeling the roughness of the scars there even through the bodysuit's fabric. And suddenly, desperately, I wanted to see him again, be with him, lust and desire making me breathless. I clenched my teeth, my hands fisting unconsciously, every muscle tensing.
       "You all right? You've gone pale." Tamata wrapped an arm around my shoulders, anxiety clear in her face. "I can go find a medic if you want..."
       I shook my head. "I'm fine. I just need.... I just need to let off some energy."
       She grinned. "Not on me you don't! You know your ki just shot through the roof? Go pick on Melocoto if you want to spar with someone. I'm sure she'd just love it..."
       Actually, that wasn't such a bad idea. Bad tempered, vicious and surly, Melocoto was nearly twice my size and a thoroughly mean fighter. And right now I really needed to take out some aggression on someone... I grinned, and Tamata looked alarmed.
       "I was just joking.... Oh no - you wouldn't be that stupid. Would you?"
       I shrugged and turned towards the door. "Worst that could happen is I'll get beaten. She can't hurt me too much - Bruzzelo won't let it go too far. Coming?"
       Shaking her head and muttering under her breath, Tamata followed me from the room.

I found her in the arena, working out, showing off to a couple of her cronies. She caught sight of me and paused, sneering.
       "What d'you want?"
       Straight to the point, Melocoto. No beating about the bush. I folded my arms.
       "I want to fight you."
       She stared for a couple of seconds, eyes wide, then doubled over with laughter, tears running down her face. I gritted my teeth and waited for her to finish.
       She pulled herself upright, wiping her eyes, and grinned mirthlessly at me before turning, tossing a comment over her shoulder.
       "You think I'd waste my time fighting something like you? Don't make me laugh!"
       I raised an eyebrow. "You afraid?"
       She stopped and turned back to me, growling.
       "What did you say?"
       "I called you a coward."
       From the corner of my eye I could see Tamata gesticulating wildly, shaking her head and making stop, you idiot-type faces, and Melocoto's friends were staring at me as though I'd suddenly sprouted wings. Melocoto bared her teeth, biceps flexing.
       "For that I'm going to rip your tail off and stuff it up your cunt, you uppity little face-fuck."
       I smirked. She scowled, then spat, "C'mon then, little gem!"
       I bristled, growling. Melocoto sneered, then flung her arms back and thrust herself skywards. I followed close behind.

If I'd been thinking at all rationally at this point, I'm pretty certain I'd have been scared shitless. I know I'm good, but Melocoto had everything on her side except speed. But a sudden need to prove myself, coupled with a jumbled whirlwind of emotions so wild I wanted to do anything else but deal with them, filled my mind to the exclusion of everything else. I was dimly aware of the Commander running out to the arena, though whether to try and stop the fight or simply to watch I would never know - then Melocoto flung herself towards me and all I could think of was how to survive. And, more importantly, win.

It was a short, nasty fight. I honestly can't remember very much of what happened, although Tamata did try to describe it to me, later. Initially I'd had the advantage of speed and agility - but having Melocoto grab my hair and pound me to what felt like a pulp after only fifteen or so minutes did nothing for my survival prospects. I remember twisting out of her grip - leaving a chunk of my hair behind - and lashing out, catching her by surprise, which gave me a short (very short) breathing space. And something that happened on the ground distracted her for a moment, which gave me the opportunity to assess my chances. Which weren't good. I growled at myself. Sod this! I wanted to be worthy of the Prince, didn't I? So start using your head, baka!
       Ki. Use ki. Melocoto tended to rely on her physical skills: she'd never bothered putting much energy into developing other techniques. As she turned back to me, leering, I *reached* out, pulling power to me, filling myself with light...
       I screamed as energy flooded through me, erupting from my hands to slam her hard into the ground below. She twitched once and dropped into unconsciousness.
       I hung in the air, panting, shaking with release, torn, bruised and bloody and not caring. Time enough to worry about the pain later. For now, I'd never felt so powerful, so... combat-high. I raised my face, my body arcing backwards as I howled my exultation to the sky...

Tamata was grinning wildly. "You should have seen their faces! I thought their jaws were going to hit the floor! How did you do it?"
       "Not sure. Felt good though."
       She laughed as she sluiced hot water over my shoulders, and I winced, loudly. She shook her head, gingerly swabbing at me with a soft sponge.
       "You're a bloody mess. Literally."
       I hissed as she grazed a particularly sore laceration. My voice was forced. "Thanks, friend. That's just what I needed to hear right now..."
       She chuckled and continued her ministrations, and I withdrew into myself to try to block the discomfort. Which probably explains why I didn't feel what was coming next.
       Tamata went quiet, smoothing antiseptic cleanser up my back to my waist, her hands light and soothing against my skin. I sighed, slumping slightly into the caress, dropping my head forward and pulling my hair over my shoulder so she could reach my ribs and neck more easily...
       I didn't even register the change in rhythm, nor the larger hands that began to gently knead my shoulders - for a few seconds, anyway. Then my eyes snapped open and I shivered violently as I felt his ki.
       He slid his arms loosely around me, murmuring in my ear, "I think I will need to enhance my ki suppression with you around, little warrior."
       I didn't even dare think about what that might mean... Twisting, I gazed into that precious face. He was smiling very slightly, his eyes somehow soft in the lamplight, his hands suddenly strong against me. Almost - possessive?
       "My lord?"
       He kissed my cheek, one hand settling on my breast, and I winced.
       "You're hurt?"
       "Just bruised, my lord."
       He reached for the spray and quickly and efficiently rinsed the cleanser from my body, then, before I could object, gathered me into his arms. He strode from the room, ignoring Tamata, who had opened the door for him and dropped to one knee as he passed.
       Moments later I found myself being lowered to the Commander's bed. The thought - Bruzzelo's going to love me! - flashed quickly through my head - then was drowned as Vejiita covered my mouth with his...
       Without thinking I wrapped my arms and legs around him, melting into the kiss. *Gods, I've wanted you so...*
       Momentarily surprised, he froze, then chuckled, his breastplate rubbing painfully against the scrapes and bruises across the front of my body.
       *Have you, indeed?*
       It was my turn to freeze. I pulled away from him, staring, my eyes wide and my lips parted.
       "My lord?"
       His lips twitched, and he laid a hand against my face, cradling my cheek, then sat back to inspect me, frowning slightly.
       "You're in pain."
       Well, yes, I was, but... I shrugged, wincing. "My choice, my lord."
       "Hmm..." He folded his arms. "I was impressed."
       "Huh?" Oh, the fight. "Thank you, my lord."
       "I had intended waiting a little longer, to see how you progressed, but after the commander's reports and that display I think you may be better served by training with my own warriors immediately."
       I gaped at him. He raised an eyebrow.
       "The idea displeases you?"
       "No, not at all, my lord! I just... I had no idea..."
       "The commander was instructed to keep the information from you."
       What..? This was all happening a little too fast.
       "But..."
       "You will return with me. In half an hour."
       My jaw dropped. He frowned.
       "There is a problem?"
       "Uh, no, my lord."
       He nodded and rose to his feet. "Very well. Half an hour."
       A few moments after he left the room, Tamata slipped in with some clothes. She frowned, then sat on the edge of the bed, her expression anxious.
       "What's happened?"
       I pulled on the bodysuit, feeling suddenly very cold. Not to mention afraid. I gazed at my friend.
       "He's... I'm being kind of seconded. He's arranged for me to train with his own warriors."
       She very carefully kept her expression neutral.
       "Where?"
       "He didn't say."
       "When?"
       I lowered my eyes.
       "I'm leaving with him. In half an hour."
       "Oh."
       We sat in silence for a moment or two, then she grabbed me into a tight hug.
       "I'm going to miss you."
       "Perhaps... perhaps we can visit?"
       She pulled back slightly. I could see tears glint in her eyes as she forced a chuckle.
       "Maybe..."
       I bit my lip.
       "Will you be all right?"
       "Sure. Will you?"
       I nodded, although to be honest I wasn't entirely sure. Tamata grinned.
       "Just think, though. You'll be near him. You'll get to see him, maybe every day. I wonder if you'll sleep together? Oh, you lucky thing!" She paused and frowned slightly. "Is there anything you need to pack?"
       I shook my head. She hesitated for a moment, then; "Would you do one thing for me?"
       "What?"
       "Well, you remember when you got that insect bite and I got friendly with one of the guys at the palace? Could you see if you can get a message to him? Just to say hi and I haven't forgotten him."
       "I'll try. What's his name?"
       "Kakarotto. His brother Radittsu is one of the Prince's elite guard." Her smile faltered a little. "I liked him a lot. He was funny and kind of sweet when he was by himself."
       I hugged her. "I'll do my best. Are you sure you'll be all right? You won't let any of the others pick on you, will you?"
       "Nah... If anyone tries, I'll just threaten 'em with you!" There was a knock at the door and Pepino stuck her head in.
       "Bruzzelo wants you in his office."
       I nodded and turned to Tamata, unsure of what to say. She sighed and stood up, pulling me with her.
       "C'mon. Don't want to annoy your Prince."
       As we reached the door I paused, wrapping my arms around her waist and pulling her into a hug.
       "I'm going to miss you, too. You're a wonderful friend."
       She patted my back.
       "Same here. Just don't let us down, y'hear?"

"Her? You want me to train with her?"
       We'd stopped for the night at a town of some sort, where the Prince met up with his own company of elite warriors. Radittsu was one of them. He'd not been at all pleased to meet me...
       The Prince stared at the big male, who lowered his head in reluctant apology.
       "An exceptional warrior, as you will no doubt discover for yourself. But not until we return to Vejiitamachi." He turned to me. "Wait here."
       As he prowled from the room, Radittsu sneered down at me, his gaze seemingly focussed on my mane, of all things.
       "Females are only good for one thing." He caught my hair and yanked my head backwards, squeezing my breast painfully with the other hand. I gritted my teeth and refused to wince, forcing fear down. He was so big. But then again, so was Melocoto... "Give me one reason why I shouldn't just take you, right here and now."
       I pulled down the neck of my bodysuit, letting him see the Prince's bitemark.
       "This a good enough reason?"
       "Fuck!" He let go of me quickly and scowled. "Don't think that'll help you when we're training. You'll get no special treatment from me."
       "I would be insulted if I did."
       He frowned at me, the faintest hint of unwilling respect at the back of his eyes. And I breathed a little easier. I knew this wasn't going to be easy, but I'd prefer to keep the animosity to a minimum if I could.
       A servant interrupted us, gesturing for me to follow him, and moments later I was ushered into a room. A quite extraordinary room, with a huge fire burning warmly at one end, several platters of steaming food keeping hot on the hearth. There was a shallow sleeping platform, broad and piled high with furs. And there was the Prince, sprawled gracefully before the fire, silky black robe moulding itself to his powerful body....
       He extended a hand to me, and I moved towards him, mesmerised. As I knelt at his side, he ran his fingers down my face.
       "There's another robe on the bed. Put it on."
       Moments later, cool silk caressing my naked body, I joined him in front of the fire. He gestured to the platters.
       "Help yourself."
       My mouth watering, I piled a plate, then hesitated.
       "Can I get you anything, my lord?"
       He shook his head slightly.
       "Perhaps later."
       He watched me as I ate. Under his scrutiny I finished my meal quickly, then twisted to face him. For a few minutes we simply gazed at each other as the firelight limned his hair with flickering crimson and warmed his skin to a deep golden hue, contouring him in light and shadow against the soft fur of the rug on which we lay.
       Then he smiled slightly, rising to his feet and reaching a hand down to me.
       "Bed, I think."
       He pulled me upright and into his arms, sweeping me off my feet and prowling to the platform, then lowered me to the furs and knelt beside me, sliding the robe away from my body as his fingers stroked my skin, his eyes never leaving mine. I shivered and reached for him...
       He caught my hands, frowning as his gaze swept my body, and I bit my lip. What..?
       He shook his head. "This will hurt."
       I looked down at myself. I was a patchwork of bruises and cuts, abruptly aware of each and every one of them. I fought down a wince.
       "Doesn't matter, my lord." Startled as I was by his consideration, I was not about to let a bit of pain stop me from enjoying him. He raised his eyes to mine, expression hard.
       "I have no intention of damaging you further. It will delay your training."
       Oh. I hadn't thought of that.
       "However..." he added thoughtfully. "Roll over."
       I twisted carefully, tucking my knees and elbows under me, and the Prince ran a finger down my spine, making me shiver, then moved up behind me, pushing my legs apart and covering my body with his own. His arms wrapped around my waist, pulling me to my hands and knees and pushing into me in one smooth motion, his hands sliding down my hips to my groin, fondling and rubbing... I climaxed within seconds, and felt the vibration of his chuckle against my back.
       *Eager little warrior...*
       *Can't help it, my lord.*
       *That pleases me...*
       I slumped down a little, resting my forehead on my arms and raising my tail. The Prince gripped my hips tightly, his fingers bruising, and began to thrust hard, shoving me forwards with each lunge, growling under his breath. I gritted my teeth and smiled to myself. Looked like he'd missed me, too...
       He came powerfully, ramming into me, head thrown back and body arcing backwards, then hauled me upright, arms tight around me as he bit into my neck. I flinched, and he loosed his hold a little, lapping at the wound he'd made. I leaned back against him, panting, my head resting on his shoulder, shaking, wanting more... He took a deep breath and pushed me back down onto the furs, wrapping his tail around my thigh as he began to thrust again, more gently this time, one hand pressed to my belly, the other....
       The other caught my tail, stroking my fur.
       I quivered, then gasped as he nipped the tip, sucking, his teeth pressing into my flesh and his tongue swirling patterns through the fur. I fell flat onto the bed, dragging him with me, the pain from my aching body disregarded as bolt after bolt of pleasure shuddered through me. I think I screamed as I came...
       When I finally came back to myself, I was on my side, the Prince wrapped around my back, holding me, still moving gently within me. He kissed my neck.
       "We will sleep now."
       Exhausted, I nodded and melted back against his chest.

Vejiita was already up and dressed when I awoke. I stretched and watched him for a moment, enjoying the sensuous feel of fur against my skin, our mingled scents, the warmth of the room, but most of all the sheer luxury of being with him. He turned to me, the ghost of a smile around his eyes.
       "You slept soundly."
       "I'm sorry, my lord."
       He chuckled. "It was not a complaint."
       I licked my lips, feeling that familiar heat building in my groin... He turned and regarded me, raising an eyebrow.
       "Insatiable little warrior."
       I grinned. "Then we're well matched, my lord."
       The Prince's expression froze, and I could feel my face pale as I realised what I'd said. I swallowed and rose to my knees, my head lowered, my hands gripping each other in my lap.
       "I'm sorry, my lord. That was inexcusable."
       I closed my eyes and held my breath - then let it out as he sat on the bed and gently cupped a hand under my chin, raising my face to his. He kissed me.
       His tongue stroking mine, his lips supple and soft against mine... I sighed into his mouth and wrapped my arms around him.
       *Maybe it was, little warrior. But I will excuse it. This time.*
       He slid his arms around me, his hands warm on my back, and whispered kisses across my cheek and down my neck, holding me close for a few minutes, then pulled away - perhaps a touch reluctantly.
       "Dress. We have a long way to go today."

At twilight we reached the outskirts of Vejiitamachi. And my new life began.

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