Raska

[Queen Akassa Hattori]

Saiyan military might had been increasing over the recent months. Soldiers were being put through more rigorous sessions, being pushed beyond what they had believed their limits to be. The Queen's directive was to find each individual's limits, then force them beyond it. She had been limited at one time, her power far below her fathers, a man she never thought she would be able to match. When forced though, she had surpassed him in an instant, her Super Saiyan power unleashed to obtain the justice she had been denied. If not for that mental shove, Akassa might have never known the power she no wielded. For years she might have struggled to grow stronger, thinking her limits inferior to that of Tsuyo. What potential remained hidden within those under her command? She had seen her brother reach the level of Super Saiyan, perhaps there were more with such power hidden deep within them. The military's new training regimen would find out if that was the case.

Beyond the improvement of the military branch as a hole, Akassa had begun to gather more powerful and unique allies to her side. First there had been Toa and then Nasu. Next had come Maya, the alien girl having come out of nowhere to settle down in the palace and become what of Akassa's most trusted. The event surrounding Maya's assimilation into the Queen's kingdom had been surprising, yet it had opened up her mind to the possibility of relying on those she had not yet met. Of course trust would still need to be earned, but she was a little more willing to give strangers a chance. For that very reason she stood on the outskirts of the city, having agreed to meet in response to a strange request. The message had been in hushed tones, yet excitement could be recognized in the syllables. Not exactly one to go along with the requests of others, Akassa had been in a light enough mood to entertain this one. General Toa had of course spoken his concern at an ambush, but her level stare had silenced him. He knew better than to question the Queen's ability to defend herself, even if it was just an attempt to look out for her.

The coordinate's supplies had also provided insight into the individual seeking an audience with the Queen. For starters, coordinates had been used, that hinted at some form of above average intelligence. Normally coordinates were reserved for those more tactical or with some military training, not a random delusional person. Second, the area the coordinates indicated were on the outskirts of the city, in a still ruined section that was one of the last on the list for repair. Casualties had been high here as the soldiers had taken a bit longer to respond this far from the center of the city. The distance from the palace implied at uncertainty, as if the individual did not wish to be so close to so many before having met with Akassa first. The latter might be a bit questionable, perhaps even mischievous, but that was for Akassa to find out. She was not worried about handling herself.

Soon after she touched down her senses detected the signature in the structure north of her. It was commendable, close to that of General Toa in his base form, yet unfamiliar. Whoever it was, the Queen had not met her before.

"I agreed to come all the way out here to meet you, the least you could do is show yourself." As she spoke, Akassa let her arms slowly cross over her chest. Behind her, as always, her brown tail gently swayed back and forth. It was never wrapped around her in normal military fashion, the normally useless appendage a weapon the Queen could utilize if need be.

Rubble shifted and the figure belonging to the power signature slide around the crumble corner of what used to be a home. The female, her feminine features and body shape revealing her gender, was unlike any Akassa had seen before. Her blue-silver hair hung down around her shoulders, messy and unkempt, yet still having a luster which meant it wasn't dirty as one might think. The sheen must have been natural, not the look that so many human woman paid for in their Earth salons. Her complexion was much different than a Saiyan or Human, a pale blue, accented by the red that dominated the area around her eyes. Up between thin eyebrows, the girl sported a marking, perhaps a tattoo of an origin Akassa didn't recognize. Glinting from under her thick hair were what appeared to be some sort of silver earrings, the delicate looking jeweler matching the females soft features.

Once you dropped below the girls chin though, the feminine features stopped. She wore a mixed suite of armor and leather, the pauldrons on her shoulders rounded except for the trio of spikes that jutted up alongside her head. Down the rest of her body she wore a similar patchwork of armor, switching between metal and dark leather. Across her front a cloak was clasped to the upper part of her chest, the flowing fabric fluttering some in the wind as she fully revealed herself. The Queen saw no weapons on her, yet her very appearance hinted at some combat experience. An individual usually didn't wear armor simply for a fashion statement.

"Forgive me, Your Majesty. I did not mean to keep you waiting…but wanted to be assured you were alone." While offering her apology the woman's eyes darted up and down Akassa's form with a hint of excitement. She had longed to see the powerful Saiyan Queen in person and now she had actually responded to her request. A smile began to form on her lips.

Having hesitated a moment, Akassa had been giving the girl a chance to continue, but when she did not the Queen spoke. "For what reason do you wish for me to be alone? Who are you?" Curiosity dominated her voice more than anything.

"My name is Raska, Your Grace. I desired to meet you in a one on one setting…so I might truly soak in the experience. Others would…only diminish your presence. That is why I requested to meet you so far from your home." Not seeming as shy now, Raska was gliding towards the Queen, her footsteps silent and smooth. Stealth had always been her friend and over the years the graceful movements it required heavily influenced her natural movements.

"Tell me Raska, is there any particular reason you wished to meet me? I do not have time to waste in order to entertain all those that wish for an audience…especially those without a purpose." A hint of agitation crept into Akassa's words, not at all pleased if she had been dragged out here simply for this girl to fulfill her desire to meet the Queen of New Vegeta.

"I would never seek to do such a thing." Drawing closer, but staying at more than an arm's length, Raska circles the half-saiyan. Wanting to take in the details of the Queen, she was being careful not to invade her personal space. The power that radiated from her natural form was incredible…and she was rumored to have so much more stored within her. As she circled Raska would notice the female's eyebrow arching, a definite signal that she best explain herself and her actions.

"I have heard of your ascension to the throne…many have throughout the stars. Is it true that you defeated your father with relative ease?" It was what she had heard, but was it the truth?

"That is true. I was given no choice in the matter; he had failed me and the Saiyan people. You have yet to answer my question." This Raska was an odd on, in a different way than Maya was. She must be after something; this did not seem like a meeting simply to satisfy the desire of meeting the Queen.

"That is correct, I have not, allow me to explain. You might classify me as…what is the common term…mercenary. I perform tasks for those with the finances to hire me. I am good at what I do. Yet…I grow bored of such a life. There is no fun in such trivial things. I found myself in search of something knew…and then I heard of the power you possess…this Super Saiyan form. Is that also true, do you possess such a thing?" With the question asked, Raska stops before the Queen, tongue running along her upper lip in anticipation of the answer. Beyond her work Raska had always been drawn to power. From what she had gathered…Akassa was the most powerful being in the galaxy.

"It is. Again, the answer to my question?"

Raska was grinning wide in reaction to the Queen's words. "Yes, of course. As I said I found my life growing…boring so I came to New Vegeta seeking you out. I have more zeni that I could ever need, yet what good is money without purpose? I was hoping…I might join your legions, serve Queen Akassa Hattori and see what excitement that might bring…with one condition."

The idea had appeal, Akassa always looking to bring more into the fold under her command, but there was of course a catch. If this girl thought the Queen of New Vegeta was one so easy to barter with she was sorely mistaken. "I am not against having someone of your supposed experience serving under my banner, but I do not bend to the whims of others, nor do I make deals based on the demands of others." The commanding tone she often used with soldiers and the like was full force this time, the idea of a condition rubbing Akassa the wrong way.

Realizing her error, Raska was quick to incline her head. "I did not mean to offend Your Grace; I only wished to see the power I have heard so much about." Head dipped Raska felt nervous for having possibly angered the powerful woman…yet…it was exciting at the same time.

The gesture and words were met with a snort. Such a simple thing was all the woman wished for? If she was to work for Akassa the form was bound to be witnessed at one point or another, there was no harm in showing it to her now.

Letting her arms drop from her chest, Akassa reached deep within her for the power that was her Super Saiyan form. The process had become so easy over the past months, her constant training allowing her to pull on the power with increased ease. In an instant her signature multiplied twelve fold, her golden aura bursting to life around her. Black hair lifted into the air as it color shifted to match the Ki that flowed around her body, the red bangs the only part remaining unchanged. The debris surrounding the Queen had been blown away by the surge of power, Raska herself having stepped back to brace against the waves of energy. Never before had she seen such power so close, it was…intoxicating.

The alien had always been attracted to those with power, her whole existence as a mercy doubling as a way to get close to other individuals, whether they were clients or targets. Ultimately, she had found herself…disappointed. This though…this was incredible. The rumors she had heard were true, Akassa Hattori had far surpassed any other in the galaxy and on top of that, she ruled her own planet. Eyes squinting as she looked to the golden figure, she felt the desire to be a part of the Queen's future all the more. A being of the void, one from the deep reaches of space, she did not care for what that future might entail…as long as it held entertainment. She had no home, had no ties and had no reason not to swear herself to the Queen of the Saiyans…at least for the time being.

With the power she asked to see so clearly on display, Raska would unleash her full power, rippling teal aura flowing around her. Dropping to a knee she throws her right arm across her chest, fist closed in a proper Saiyan salute. Raska had done her research. "I live to serve, My Queen." With as odd as the girl had been so far, her words rang true. Fundamentally she was simple, entertainment and comforts the only things she really wished for in life. Surely a Queen could offer both in abundance. For a moment longer she remained on one knee, eyes lifting some before shoving back to her feet.

"So you believe the tales now?" Akassa letting her aura disappear as she sinks back to her base level.

"The stories and rumors do not do you justice, My Queen." Reverence was now part of the girl's tone, Raska's voice often shifting to portray her current disposition.

"I am glad not to disappoint. Now, come with me. If you are to be serving under me, an individual of your potential will not be quartered with the common soldier. My palace has plenty of space, I am sure you can find a room to your liking." The Queen turning as she lifts into the air. Raska did the same, black swirling energy aiding her in the task.

"You honor me with such a thing. Might my quarters be close in proximity to your own?"

"Within the same section of the palace compound, but not close. I prefer my space when retiring to my quarters and do not wish to be bothered unless the situation is dire." The stern glare directed at the fresh recruit said it all; test her words at your own risk. Despite Raska's desire to test that statement, she probably wouldn't. From what she had heard, the Queen was known to have a temper.

With the palace soon coming into view, Raska found herself growing excited all over again. In her years she had spent plenty of nights at luxurious inns and brothels, but nothing like this. The sheer size of the compound impressive, second only to the power she had just witnesses. Spires and towers rose up into the sky far above the normal skyline of New Vegeta. The two highest peaks were slightly obscured by low altitude clouds, one of the towers no doubt the Queen's private quarters. What was the other for Raska wondered, something as deserving as the Queen's own living area?

All around the perimeter ran high walls, perfectly capable of keeping anyone creature out that did not know how to take to the air. The gates that doted the fortified wall were massive in their own right, plenty tall enough to fit a Saiyan in Oozaru form. The natural river that flowed around the compound provided it with its own medieval style mote and all the water the palace could ever need. In one section turbines had even been added in to supply more power to the giant structure. Aside from all that, the largest part of the compound was the training grounds that stretched out behind the palace. It fast size was a necessity when housing fighters such as the Super Saiyan Queen.

How exciting that this was going to be her new home.

When Akassa began to descend, Raska followed, not a single guard rising to greet or intercept them as they closed in. The very fact she flew alongside the Queen was akin to a golden pass, all knowing not to question the woman or get in her way without serious justification. The pair would set down on a balcony, the doors leading out to it having been left wide open. Strolling in behind the Queen, Raska almost had a literal skip to her step, excitement bubbling over as she took her first steps into the castle. Not just the castle, but Akassa's personal quarters. The very place she had been told not to go without permission was the first area she saw. The plush furniture and interior hinted at a much more feminine side of the warrior Queen.

The room was only an entry point though, Akassa leading the alien right out and down the hall. Soon they reached a staircase, dropping down farther into the structure. With the half-saiyan leading in silence, Raska quietly began to hum while taking in the details of the interior. Everything was so well kept and clean, it all looked so fresh. There must have been countless people employed within the compound to keep it in such shape. Raska liked clean things.

Eventually they found themselves in another plush bedroom, blues and greens dominating the color scheme of the area. When Akassa motioned with her hand for the girl to enter Raska did so with a huge grin spreading across her face. It was wonderful! Soft couches, long billowing curtains on the windows and it had windows! They were no longer at the top of the tower, but still high enough that she had quite the decent view of the area behind the palace. Why was this beautiful room just sitting empty? Judging by the sheer size of the estate, there must have been countless rooms left for special guests and…allies. Scampering over to the window, peering at the training area down below the girl's mirth was reeled in by the voice coming from behind her, the feminine tone accompanied by the closing of a door.

I am glad you approve. I have given you something, now I ask for what I desire in return. What are you and where are you from? In detail." Akassa may have been getting better at trusting others, but she was blunt as ever. If the girl was going to work for her, she wanted to know of her origins.

"Of course, My Queen." Was the immediate response as the alien hops onto one of the soft couches, one of HER soft couches.

"I am Raska, but more than that I am Lystan. My people hail from the void, the few of them that still exist. We are born of the nether and draw upon it for all of our power. Although I have "kin," I use that term loosely. My people are having no real cultural structure nor do we seek to establish bonds with those similar to us. The very essence of the void drives us apart from each other, the vast nothing we are created from pushing us towards individuality. That said, we are not exactly born…but just exist, I cannot honestly explain how we come to be. One day I just was, there is nothing deeper to it than that. Perhaps it is the very makeup of the void magic that courses through us.

In many ways void magic is similar to Ki, the ability to shape and wield it is something all Lystan possess. With its origin different than that of your normal Ki, it does have a few unique attributes though. Nether energy has been known to negate other sources of energy if used properly; hits fluctuations altered enough to directly oppose the normal flow of Ki, but that is not its natural state. I can show you if you wish, it's much easier to understand when seen. I am confident a woman with as much battle experience as you would notice the slight differences with ease.

Any who, I will not divert to far, we began my life as you see me now. Fully grown from at least the moment I can first remember, Lystans do not age. We are not immortal, but like the elves from the human tales I shall remain like this until my time in the Universe ends. Early on I found combat to entertain me to a great extent so naturally mercenary work came easy. While lucrative such a field of work is…repetitive, so many in the galaxy have simply minds with small goals. I think I might end myself if I have to eliminate one more target for the sake of petty rivalry; assassination is so droll compared to outright combat. As I said before, that combined with what I have heard of you is why I am here…do you wish for more details?"

Having taken a seat across from the girl, Akassa nods slowly at the information. Raska was not afraid to speak in her presence that was for sure, the alien definitely not the shy type despite the way she had requested they meet. This void energy peaked the Queens interest, the strange explanation not one she had heard before. These extra traits the energy possessed were of great interest to the ever evolving fighting, but she would down play it for now. In time she would see the power of this nether in action.

"That will do for now. I do expect to hear more in the future, but everything in time." Akassa rising to her feet, Raska matching her shift in position in a show of respect. "I have much to attend to this day so I will allow you to settle in. I will inform the guards of your presence, allowing you access to most of the palace as long as you cause no issues. We shall speak soon Raska." It was the polite way of saying "You are bring watched," without coming right out and saying it. The half-saiyan figured the girl was intelligent enough to understand. No one knew was allowed into the palace without receiving a probationary period, no matter how loyal they appeared to be.

"You honor me, My Queen." Having risen to her feet, Raska again presses her fist to her chest in military salute. The gesture drew a small smile from the Queen before she turned to take her leave. Holding the pose until Akassa had left the room; Raska lets her arm drop as the door clicks shut. Grinning wide she drops back onto the comfy sofa. If she had known aligning herself with the Saiyan Queen was this easy, she would have done it months ago! Twisting and dropping onto her back, Raska props her legs up over the armrest of the couch. Feet casually kicking in the air she takes a moment to relax, eyes scan the filigree that decorated the ceiling of the room. What a beautiful place to call home and what a beautiful woman to call Queen. Life was good.

Of course, serving under Akassa's banner and being trusted by the Super Saiyan were two entirely different things. A fact Raska would take time to realize.



Zeni please!

[graderr]

1,578z