Chapter 15: The Golden Duel
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Swirling in every direction outwards, the energy of Kassava's aura rapidly expanded in size. The energy swirled violently around the newly transformed Super Saiyan's body, the glare shining brilliantly off her narrowed turquoise pupils trained on the matching eyes of Goku, who stood a few feet away with a small smirk. He lifted both arms up, tensing them tightly while he shifted his legs out into a controlled stance.
"Now, we can get serious. Show me what you've got!"
The rage boiled over in Kassava's expression, the woman letting out a near deafening scream as wind rapidly blasted the ground around the two outwards from the force. Goku's eyes widened slightly, taking in the sight before quickly feinting to the left, narrowly dodging the now outstretched right fist from Kassava. She grunted, spinning around before she sailed too far forward and launching her left leg in a roundhouse kick to Goku's chest. Goku's eyes narrowed fiercely, easily catching the outstretched leg and gripping Kassava's angle before launching his left fist out in a powerful jab at her stomach. Kassava's eyes went wide, cringing heavily from the blow but retaliating with another strike at Goku's cheek with her left fist before he could follow up the blow.
Both Super Saiyans stumbled backwards, each caressing the wounded areas from the strikes. Kassava roared once again, rapidly bolting up to Goku and throwing her right fist out at his chest. Goku grunted, quickly slapping her fist away with his arm and retaliating with another jab to the woman's stomach. Kassava yelped, unable to prevent herself from stumbling backwards and leaving herself open to the powerful boot slamming into the side of her head. She cried out in pain, blasting backwards and bouncing along the ground with rocks and debris shooting out in her wake.
Kassava laid in the ground for a moment, the scratches along her face fresh from the impact she made into the ground. Her eyes remained narrowed, grunting in frustration as she rose to her feet steadily. Her eyes diverted down to the ripped black gi top dangling from her shoulders, her eyebrows twitching.
What the hell kind of armor is this?! It just rips out of no where and protects me from nothing!!
She angrily snarled, her left hand ripping the torn cloth and discarding it to the side, leaving her clad only in the black sports bra for her top. Her turquoise eyes shifted to the side, however, the sound of Whis' voice in her ear catching her attention.
::Hello my dear! This is Whis: your master has stepped out for the moment.::
Kassava kept her strong glare, her voice raising slightly.
"What?!"
The feint sound of Whis chuckling to himself barely registered in Kassava's mind before he spoke again.
::Your new found power explodes with anger, but do not lose yourself in its destructive capabilities. Look up and stare at your opponent.::
Kassava turned her eyes up, the fall and rise of her chest still heavy with her labored breathing. Her eyes locked squarely on the sight of Super Saiyan Goku staring her down, his smirk having turned into a full grin as he stood poised in his defensive form.
::This is Goku, one of the most skilled warriors you will ever face. If you continue to waste your energy in trying to quickly overcome him, you will tire yourself out in minutes. Channel your ki, and focus your rage.::
Kassava snarled once in response before speaking.
"My rage is the only reason why I'm still standing! If I don't let it out, I'll fall anyway!"
She blinked, Whis' following statement catching her offguard.
::I never said to let go of your rage. Only to focus it.::
Kassava paused for a moment, her panting slowing slightly. She kept a strong glare, tensing her arms and moving into her own offensive stance. Her hands trembled heavily, staring back at Goku while Whis continued.
::That's the way. Feel the power diminish slightly...but the rise of something else. Feel the weight on your mind lessen, the dense fog of anger dispersing and your vision becoming clear once again.::
The surging energy rapidly exploding outward around Kassava began to shrink, condensing around the woman in a contained swirl of golden light. Kassava glanced around for a moment, her eyes wide at the sight before turning her attention back forward.
::Much better! Now that your vision is clear and your control over the power established, tell me: what do you see?::
Kassava raised an eyebrow, the uncertainty clear in her voice.
"Umm....Goku?"
::That's right: Goku. Not your insecurities, not Vegetto's approval: Goku. He is your real enemy now...::
Kassava leaned forward, the energy of her aura surging slightly.
::Take him down.::
Kassava tensed, bolting forward at the command in a golden dash towards Goku. Her right arm shot forward once again, aiming towards Goku's cheek. Goku narrowed his eyes at the sight, shifting his arm and swinging it to slap the blow away. However, he let out a small gasp from the lack of weight to steady his balance in the counter, his stance giving way slightly as he turned his eyes to see that his counter was made towards an afterimage of Kassava. Goku then winced, stumbling forward from the elbow driving into his upper back before quickly spinning around to swing at Kassava, who rapidly ducked.
Her arms instinctively went up, Goku's leg following up with his original counterattack in a sweeping kick on the ground to kick her back across the ground. Still standing upright on the ground, Kassava slowed to a halt as Goku charged towards her, the two launching into a rapid succession of punches in kicks. Locked in a heated exchange, neither warrior seemed to upend the other in their counter attacks before Kassava suddenly bolted upwards into the air to break the flurry of relenting blows. Goku immediately followed after her, attempting to continue the attack with a quick jab with his right arm. Kassava whirled around as Goku sailed towards her, using the new gap in distance to catch the blow and swing the larger Saiyan around over her back in a controlled toss. Goku cried out, spinning and tumbling back towards the ground, yelping at the powerful follow up kick on his back from Kassava's right leg.
He quickly flipped upright, springing off the ground and shooting into the air as Kassava sailed past where he had landed seconds before, her fist crashing into the ground. Her head lifted in time to see Goku dashing back down towards her, both of his hands clasped together in a swinging axe handle.
"HA!"
Kassava grunted, both arms flying up and blocking the powerful strike with her forearms. She cringed heavily, the ground beneath the two denting further from the force of the blow. The weight of Goku's arms continued to push down on her arms, both warriors grunting in a bid to overpower the other. Kassava huffed, suddenly shifting her legs behind her body and vaulting forward in a small dash, her head crashing into Goku's stomach and sailing forward above the ground for a moment. She roared, launching her right arm and striking Goku in his chin as the two flew outwards across the ground. Goku used the momentum to spin around and swing his left arm, backhanding Kassava across the face with an outstretched fist to send her flying in the opposite direction. She crashed into a nearby rock platuea, disappearing from sight as Goku dashed into the darkness after her.
The golden glow of his aura illuminated a small fraction of the new cave created in the wake of Kassava's impact, Goku glancing all around him in a desperate bid to sense her energy. His eyes narrowed, glancing down.
I should be able to sense her...there's no way she could suppress her energy in this state. I just have to-
His eyes immediately shot to the left, sensing the growing surge of energy. A massive golden ball of ki shot past Goku's face by mere inches, the Super Saiyan having feinted backwards to avoid being struck. He gasped, barely throwing up his arms in time to catch the uppercut aimed at his chest. Kassava let out another ground shaking roar, blasting upwards into the rock ceiling in a dash and slamming Goku through the plateau ceiling itself. Goku winced slightly, the rubble of the rock blinding both of their vision as they shot upwards into the air. He snarled as he shot his right knee up, using it to punt Kassava across the top of the plateau they now floated above and leaping back onto solid ground to recover. Kassava rapidly regained her balance, sliding along the ground and rubbing the small trail of blood from the side of her mouth before bolting forward once more.
Goku's arm shot up, catching Kassava's right fist while shooting out his own free hand towards her face. His eyes widened, the blow having landed cleanly in Kassava's outstretched hand with the two locking each other's arms in place. Struggling for control, both warriors shot their knees out, colliding in devastating blows before pulling back. Kassava and Goku then reeled their heads back, slamming their foreheads together in perfect synchronization to break the hold. Kassava recovered first, surging forward and kicking Goku with her right leg to send him flying across the ground.
The Saiyan bounced along the ground, kicking up dirt and rubble in his wake while Kassava bolted after him, attempting to give him no time to recover. Her eyes remained trained on the Saiyan, but widened at the sight of Goku suddenly flipping upright and regaining his balance to skid along the ground. With his feet driving into the ground and soon sliding to a halt, Goku's arms had remained clasped behind his back until Kassava came within inches of striking him.
"KAMEHAMEHA!!!"
Kassava gasped, rapidly pulling her arms and curling tightly into a ball as Goku's outstretched palms launched out forward, the massive surge of blue energy engulfing her in point blank range and sending her flying in the opposite direction, disappearing into the violent energy surging outward.
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Whis' eyes widened a bit at the sight of the beam firing, yet his voice remained calm and controlled.
"Oh my."
The Supreme Kai of Time turned her head up to Whis, frowning.
"Do you think it was too much for her?"
Whis chuckled in response.
"Of course not! The blast wasn't nearly strong enough to kill her."
He blinked, his eyes turning to the ceiling as he rubbed his chin.
"Or...at least I think it wasn't."
The Supreme Kai of Time sighed heavily, turning her attention back to the scroll.
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Goku panted lightly, his arms still stretched out in the stance of the Kamehameha. He watched the massive trail of smoke billowing off the ground and into the air. His narrowed eyes scanned the cloud as he straightened himself out, his arms falling to his sides. He stood in silence for a few seconds before suddenly swinging his right arm out in a slow swipe, a burst of wind erupting in the direction his arm swung and dispersing the smoke to reveal the large cone-like crater left in the wake of his blast. A small smirk rose from his lips, and he bowed his head slightly while closing his eyes.
"You're pretty good. I didn't think you were fast enough to get out of that."
Goku then slowly turned on his heel, now standing face to face with Kassava. The female Super Saiyan kept her narrowed eyes locked with his, her fists clenched at her sides and standing a few meters away. Goku slowly raised his arms in a defensive stance once more, but blinked at the somewhat timid voice coming from Kassava.
"Why are you doing this?"
Goku blinked, confused at Kassava's somber expression as she spoke once more.
"You could've easily killed me back there, and you're holding back now. Why are you just toying with me?"
Goku stared back with a frown, his confused expression remaining.
"Toying with you? I'm fighting at one hundred percent!"
Kassava blinked in response, watching Goku break out into a grin once more.
"I've been trying to find a way to counter you, but you just keep getting the hits in! It's been a long time since I've fought someone as good at fighting as you!"
Kassava stared back incredulously, blinked once hard.
"Then...why are you so carefree?"
The exhaustion was clear in her voice.
"Is this all just a game to you?!"
Goku's grin lowered a little bit, remaining tense.
"No...it's not a game."
Kassava deadpanned, watching Goku's grin widened even further as he chuckled.
"It's a fight!"
Kassava continued to blink for a few seconds, letting out a deep sigh.
"So this...is the legendary Goku? I thought you were some sort of genius...not a stupid punch jockey."
She raised her clench fists.
"You weren't nearly this stupid the last time I saw you on Earth!"
Goku raised an eyebrow.
"The last time? We've met before?"
Kassava shook her head once.
"No...I mean yes. Look...it's complicated, ok?"
Goku narrowed his eyes, shifting his feet slightly further apart.
"Alright then. Are you ready for round two now? I can't wait and see what other moves you have left."
Kassava frowned.
"I don't want to fight anymore. I just...wanted to transform. Now that I've done it...I just want to go home."
Goku kept narrowed eyes, his voice falling flat.
"What if I threaten to kill you? Would that change your mind?"
Kassava glanced away.
"Maybe? I'd have to keep fighting you...if that was the case."
Her head perked up, however, the feeling of Goku's energy suddenly disappearing catching her attention. Her eyes watched Goku's hair drop from its spiked form back into the black messy style, his smile wide after letting out a deep sigh.
"Yeah, I can tell your heart's not in it, friend. Just like how I knew Frieza wasn't really your pal either."
Kassava raised an eyebrow.
"How did you know that?"
Goku raised his finger, pointing towards the sky.
"You don't look like one of his soldiers, and you didn't sound like you were eager to help him either. Even if you said those things about Krillin."
Kassava bowed her head slightly.
"Sorry. I...didn't mean it."
"It's ok!"
Kassava blinked, turning her head up to see Goku now looming over her with a smile.
"We can always wish him back with the Dragon Balls. But if I let you go now, you have to promise me one thing. Ok?"
Kassava raised her eyebrow once more.
"And what's that?"
Goku grinned from ear to ear, his tone raising in pitch slightly.
"A rematch! It wouldn't be as fun, fighting you now if your heart's not in it. But the next time you feel like you're ready to really finish one out, come find me!"
He held out his right hand.
"Deal?"
Kassava's eyes remained wide, perplexed at the carefree gesture and staring down at Goku's arm for a moment. She shook her head, recollecting herself and meeting Goku's eyes once more, smiling as she shook his hand.
"Alright, you've got a deal."
Goku nodded once back in response, turning around and rising up into the sky. He waved with his right hand, glowing with white energy.
"I'll be waiting, Kassava!"
Kassava gasped lightly, watching Goku soon bolt out across the open Namekian sky, leaving her alone on the plateau to her thoughts.
He remembered my name.
She glanced down, her entire body beginning to glow with the familiar white light and soon disappearing from sight.
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The light began to fade away rapidly, Kassava stepping out into the Time Vault timidly in her confusion. She glanced around for a moment, her turquoise eyes glancing around and soon finding Whis, who smiled down at her.
"Good show, Kassava. You fought well."
Kassava kept a flat expression, her eyes soon leaving Whis.
"Where's Vegetto?"
Whis stifled a small chuckle.
"He's probably outside the vault meditating. You should've seen him."
Kassava frowned in response, turning her head down.
"I made him mad, didn't I? I shouldn't have begged him for help like that."
Whis nodded.
"Perhaps not, but he wasn't ignoring you. He didn't get mad at you either."
Kassava raised an eyebrow, turning towards the Supreme Kai of Time who placed her hands on her hips.
"I've seen him get upset at Trunks for failing him, or when he gets mad at others for a mission gone wrong. I've never seen him like this before."
Whis kept his half smile.
"It's because he loves her."
The Supreme Kai of Time reached up, rubbing her forehead.
"Whis...love is a very strong emotional connection. That's not what this is."
Whis blinked, the explanation from the Supreme Kai clearly confusing him.
"Really? How many stages of love are there?"
Kassava stared back at Whis with her mouth slightly open.
"You can't be serious right now."
Whis shrugged his shoulders slightly.
"I was under the impression that he was upset because he couldn't help you. Whatever emotional connection you've established is clearly there: why else would he care about you dying if you didn't mean some sort of sentimental value to him outside of being his rival? And if that emotional bond is not love, then what is it?"
The Elder Kai shook his head.
"Love is more than just an emotional bond. In all my years studying mortals in this universe, I have come to known their tendencies best and have become an expert on these relationships they form."
Whis perked up slightly, turning his attention to the Elder Kai eagerly.
"Oh?"
The Elder Kai grinned.
"In order for Vegetto to love her, he must also have the desire to mate with her for reproductive purposes. Without the physical attraction, it can't be true love. A husband and wife who do not bear children selfishly bring their race closer to extinction."
Whis rubbed his chin, narrowing his eyes slightly.
"I see. So love requires both an emotional and a physical bond?"
The Supreme Kai of Time groaned loudly, letting her arms droop.
"You're both idiots!"
Kassava shook her head, giggling to herself for a moment.
"Well...while you two educate Whis here on...whatever topic that is...I'm going to go talk to Vegetto."
She turned her eyes to Whis, however, watching the taller angel swing his staff out to block her path before she could bolt out of the room.
"Oh, one more thing."
Kassava blinked, staring back at Whis who regained his small smile.
"You haven't reverted back to your normal form yet. Maintain that transformation: Vegetto's next training for you involves you staying in that form for a prolonged period of time."
Kassava nodded once in recognition, watching Whis turn back to the Elder Kai with an intrigued expression.
"Now...if love requires both physical and emotional connections, then what is it when an individual feels both, but only acts upon one?"
The Elder Kai rubbed his chin for a moment, thinking heavily as Kassava soon left the three gods alone in the vault.
"Well...I suppose it's love because they still hold the feelings without stating them. Now, if it involves her sister, then that's another realm of opportunities we can explore."
Whis narrowed his eyes.
"A sister? What does that have to do with anything?"
The Elder Kai lifted a finger, closing his eyes.
"Because an identical candidate that shares the same physical qualities can alter your connections. If a mortal had a physical attraction towards the same qualities, they could develop the emotional connection unwittingly to the identical twin. Therefore, falling in love with them."
Whis' eyes perked, nodding once.
"Ah yes...I can see how that would occur. You are very well versed on this topic."
The Supreme Kai of Time facepalmed.
"No! He really isn't!"
She sighed heavily, placing her hands back on her hips.
"Ok Whis. There are many different types of love, starting with family and emotional."
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With his legs crossed underneath him, Vegetto sat with his gloved hands gripping onto his knees, his eyes shut. He held a relaxed expression, breathing in steadily and turning his head slightly to the sound of footsteps shifting through the grass behind him, a familiar voice speaking first.
"You seem a little tense."
Vegetto kept his head forward, his dual voice flat.
"I thought you would be upset with me."
Trunks stared down with narrowed eyes, moving around to Vegetto's left side and looming over him.
"You did break my favorite sword...again."
Vegetto scoffed lightly.
"Maybe you should stop bringing it then."
Trunks' glare intensified slightly.
"Always a lesson to teach me, huh? Can't ever apologize for hurting me?"
Vegetto finally turned his head up.
"Why? Am I wrong?"
Trunks instantly replied, his voice tense but still flat.
"No."
Vegetto grunted, turning his attention back to the serene pond in front of him.
"Then you won't get an apology out of me."
Trunks crossed his arms.
"How about for nearly killing me? Gonna apologize for that or just sit on your high horse?"
Vegetto glanced down for a moment, inhaling deeply before slowly pushing himself off the ground.
"You choose the wrong side, you got hurt for it. Don't blame me for your stupid decisions."
Trunks moved slightly to stand directly in front of Vegetto, locking his glare with his.
"Yeah, I can see that now. Maybe it was a stupid decision, wanting respect from you. Since you can't ever admit when you go too far."
Vegetto glanced away immediately, turning slightly.
"Let's not do this now, Trunks. I don't want to fight you, and I'd rather not make things worse without-"
"Hey guys!"
Vegetto and Trunks both perked up, turning towards Kassava who casually strode up to the two. Trunks' eyes widened first, looking over the various bruises and cuts that nearly covered her entire up body, Kassava blinking in confusion at the sight of Trunks' concerned expression.
"What the hell happened to you?"
Vegetto kept wide eyes as well, looking her over.
"You...did it."
Trunks turned his head, staring at Vegetto while Kassava grinned, proudly placing her hands on her hips.
"Yup! I'm a Super Saiyan now!"
Trunks continued to stare back at Vegetto, watching with wide eyes as the fused warrior broke out into a small smirk.
"Took you long enough."
Kassava grimaced slightly, frowning for a second before scoffing back at Vegetto.
"Well...maybe it would've been faster if someone knew how to train his students properly."
Vegetto sighed lightly, shrugging his shoulders.
"Maybe."
Trunks' mouth slowly opened in shock, staring at Vegetto while he crossed his arms.
"In any case, you've ascended. We should get started on the next lesson right away, seeing that you're still in that form."
Kassava nodded her head once, reaching up and scratching inside her blonde spikes.
"Yeah, Whis said it'd be about about staying in this form for a long time or something?"
Vegetto nodded.
"Yes, the Super Saiyan transformation is a great powerup. But it drains your stamina almost as quickly as the Kaioken: you must learn to master the form if you want to utilize its power to its full potential. In order to that, you'll need to let your body get used to the form's effect on your body."
He uncrossed his arms.
"You'll need to hold that form for about...one week if you want to be able to sustain that form without any loss in stamina."
Kassava raised an eyebrow.
"So that's it? Stay Super Saiyan for one week?"
Vegetto nodded, his smirk growing.
"That's correct. After one week, you'll be ready to face your final test."
He raised his right arm, his thumb pointing to himself.
"We are going to have a rematch: you have one week to master that transformation and come up with a plan to defeat me."
Kassava's eyes widened, the color leaving her face. She shook her head rapidly, regaining her focus and speaking in quick sentences.
"Wait wait wait, what? Don't you remember what happened last time?"
Vegetto stifled a small chuckle.
"Yes, but this time, you have tools at your disposal. Our rematch will go very differently than the first spar we had."
Kassava shook her head.
"And what if you beat me down horribly again?!"
Vegetto's smirk morphed into a warm smile, locking his eyes with her.
"I won't."
Kassava blinked, caught offguard by the sudden shift in the fused warrior's tone.
"You're not going to lose this time, Kassava. I can feel it. You're the most intelligent warrior I've ever seen, and now, you have the raw power to overcome me. You just have to figure out a plan to win, and execute it perfectly."
Trunks frowned, glancing away at Vegetto's last comment while Kassava nearly mimicked his exact expression, for different reasons. She dropped her shoulders, keeping her frown strong.
"Do you really mean it? Or are you just trying to get me to do something with a lie again?"
Vegetto's smile disappeared, staring back at her.
"I'm...sorry about that. This is nothing like what I told you earlier: I really believe you have what it takes to win here. Just..."
Kassava perked her head up, the uncharacteristic shift in Vegetto's tone drawing her attention.
"Please trust me on this."
Kassava rubbed her chin in response, narrowing her eyes slightly.
"Hmmm...I'll trust you on one condition."
Vegetto raised an eyebrow, watching Kassava break out into a small smirk.
"Be honest about what we talked about earlier."
The confusion was clear on Vegetto's expression, eyeing her as he spoke with a flat tone.
"What we talked about?"
Kassava grunted lightly, using both hands to gesture to her upper body.
"How do I look?"
Vegetto paused for a moment, his response slow.
"You look like a mess?"
Kassava deadpanned at the response, facepalming and wiping some of the blood away from her forehead.
"No, you idiot! I meant, do I look good with the blonde hair like you thought?"
Vegetto's eyes widened, perking up at the realization.
"Oh, right that!"
He chuckled nervously, scratching the back of his head.
"Yeah yeah, of course you do!"
Kassava's glare intensified.
"You're not just saying that?"
Vegetto quickly dropped his arm, recollecting himself.
"No, I mean it. You do..uh...look beautiful."
Kassava broke out into a smirk, placing her hands on her hips proudly.
"Thank you. But that's only part of my condition, you know."
Vegetto blinked, watching her wag a finger at him with a grin.
"If I beat you, you get what you want. But I deserve something from this too besides bragging rights."
Vegetto raised his eyebrow once again.
"Like what?"
Kassava's grin widened.
"You have to take me out to dinner if I beat you. And pay for it all."
Vegetto's eyes narrowed, but the fused warrior broke out into a smirk as well.
"That's it? Fine, I can accept those terms."
Trunks blinked, watching the two reach out and shake hands. Vegetto turned on his heel first, starting his stride towards the Time Vault.
"Don't worry about any missions at the Time Vault: I can take care of anything Towa might throw at us. Take Trunks here, maybe he can teach you a few things about fighting so you can be prepared for the rematch."
He kept a strong smirk, finally leaving the two behind while Kassava turned towards Trunks. Her happy expression diminished, seeing Trunks' somber expression. Her eyes perked up slightly, the sight of Trunks' lips lifting into a small half smile confusing her a bit before he spoke.
"The last time I saw him like this, is when I transformed into a Super Saiyan Blue for the first time. It's been a long time since I've seen him happy for a change."
Kassava blinked hard.
"Wait...Super Saiyan Blue? What is that?"
Trunks frowned, turning towards her.
"He didn't tell you about that form?"
Kassava shook her head once in response, Trunks rubbing his chin.
"Oh...well that might be a small problem then. Well...here let me show you."
Kassava took a step back instinctively, watching Trunks suddenly clench his fists together and let out a thunderous roar. The entire ground shook, gusts of fierce winds shaking the whole area as Kassava yelped, being thrown back from the powerful force. The blinding white light that had engulfed Trunks' body shattered into shards shortly afterwards, the blue aura rapidly engulfing his entire body as his hair and pupils changed to a match shade of blue.
Kassava gasped, her mouth wide open as she stared at the sight of the glittering blue particles floating up around his body.
"This is the latest Saiyan transformation, Super Saiyan Blue. You attain this form by harnessing the power of the gods, and then amplifying that energy as a Super Saiyan. Originally, the form was nearly too taxing on the body to maintain when you weren't fully recovered and able to withstand the drain it had on your stamina. But like how Vegetto instructed you to master the original Super Saiyan transformation, we've managed to acclimate our bodies to the elevated state. With perfect ki control and our bodies being used to the form's effects, we can utilize the power of a god to near perfect potential."
Kassava blinked hard.
"The...power of a...WHAT?!?!"
Trunks blinked, watching Kassava angrily swing her arms down. Her golden aura rapidly flared up in the display of rage, her voice raised into a shout.
"Why the hell didn't any of you tell me this BEFORE I made that bet with him?!?!?!"
Trunks rubbed his chin.
"Well...he wouldn't have lied to you about it if he really thought you could win. Either he thinks you can overcome the form, or he doesn't plan to use it. In any case, I don't think it would really change anything."
The blue aura rapidly dissippated, Trunks having descended down to his normal state and smiling back at Kassava.
"Why don't we go pay your brother a visit? Maybe we can all work something out and come up with a plan after you've recovered a little bit from your training."
Kassava grunted, crossing her arms and silently following after Trunks as the two exited the Time Nest back into Canton City.
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"But if she really loved Yamcha, then why did she ditch him for Vegeta?"
The Supreme Kai of Time pinched the bridge of her nose, the Elder Kai smirking in his confident argument.
"Because no matter what way you look at it, romantic love requires a physical attraction. It is impossible to deny it."
Vegetto eyed the Elder Kai warily as he moved up to the group, having heard part of the conversation once he had entered the Time Vault.
"What on earth are you going on about this time, old man?"
Whis kept a half smile.
"You're looking a little more enthusiastic than usual. I take it your conversation with Kassava went well?"
Vegetto kept a smirk.
"Yes, she's ready for her final test. I'm giving her a week to master the Super Saiyan transformation. Once she's done that, we're going to fight again in a rematch."
Whis' smile immediately dropped.
"A rematch? So soon?"
Vegetto nodded.
"She'll need to see how far she's come, in another test. I've manged to convince her that she can beat me, but even though she'll fail in being able to beat me, it'll be the perfect opportunity to introduce her to the Super Saiyan Blue transformation. As well as do away with the foolish techniques she will cling to in the rematch."
Whis narrowed his eyes slightly, his voice flat.
"So...you're already sure of her strategy to beat you?"
Vegetto nodded once more.
"She'll try to combine the Kaioken with the Super Saiyan form. With a ten times multiplier, she'll be a little shy of Kakarot's power as a Super Saiyan 3. It won't nearly be enough to contend with me, and I'll show her that relying on that technique is dangerous. It'll help in showing her the efficiency of mastering Super Saiyan Blue instead once she reaches that level."
Whis kept his frown, staring down at Vegetto.
"You're forgetting an important detail again. You may have gotten away with betraying her trust this time, but if she finds out you're lying again, don't you think that might break her spirit?"
Vegetto kept a small frown, sighing lightly.
"No. I have a plan to make it up to her after she loses: we made a deal. She wanted me to take her out for dinner one night if she beats me, and if I honor that deal even when she loses, I'm sure she'll be content enough with the results. She'll learn the valuable lesson of humility and get what she wants all at once."
Whis' unconvinced expression remained, staring down at Vegetto and speaking with a flat tone.
"I see."
He mused to himself for a moment, suddenly breaking out into a half smile and nodding to the three.
"If you'll excuse me, I have to return to Lord Beerus for a moment. If Zamasu shows up, do call and I will be happy to return right away."
The angel quickly turned on his heel, moving out of the vault to leave the Kais behind with Vegetto. The fused warrior watched Whis leave with narrowed eyes, a frown etched on his face. The Supreme Kai of Time raised an eyebrow, staring up.
"Is something wrong Vegetto?"
Vegetto kept his attention locked on the exit even after Whis disappeared, his dual voice flat.
"He's up to something."
The Supreme Kai of Time sighed, shaking her head.
"Well, whatever it is, I'm sure it can't hurt too much. In the mean time, while you wait for Kassava to master the form, we should make sure Zamasu and Towa don't show up and take advantage of you being distracted. Let's take a look at the scroll and go out on a few patrols, alright?"
Vegetto nodded curtly in response, moving towards the table and turning his attention to the scroll.
"Now, we can get serious. Show me what you've got!"
The rage boiled over in Kassava's expression, the woman letting out a near deafening scream as wind rapidly blasted the ground around the two outwards from the force. Goku's eyes widened slightly, taking in the sight before quickly feinting to the left, narrowly dodging the now outstretched right fist from Kassava. She grunted, spinning around before she sailed too far forward and launching her left leg in a roundhouse kick to Goku's chest. Goku's eyes narrowed fiercely, easily catching the outstretched leg and gripping Kassava's angle before launching his left fist out in a powerful jab at her stomach. Kassava's eyes went wide, cringing heavily from the blow but retaliating with another strike at Goku's cheek with her left fist before he could follow up the blow.
Both Super Saiyans stumbled backwards, each caressing the wounded areas from the strikes. Kassava roared once again, rapidly bolting up to Goku and throwing her right fist out at his chest. Goku grunted, quickly slapping her fist away with his arm and retaliating with another jab to the woman's stomach. Kassava yelped, unable to prevent herself from stumbling backwards and leaving herself open to the powerful boot slamming into the side of her head. She cried out in pain, blasting backwards and bouncing along the ground with rocks and debris shooting out in her wake.
Kassava laid in the ground for a moment, the scratches along her face fresh from the impact she made into the ground. Her eyes remained narrowed, grunting in frustration as she rose to her feet steadily. Her eyes diverted down to the ripped black gi top dangling from her shoulders, her eyebrows twitching.
What the hell kind of armor is this?! It just rips out of no where and protects me from nothing!!
She angrily snarled, her left hand ripping the torn cloth and discarding it to the side, leaving her clad only in the black sports bra for her top. Her turquoise eyes shifted to the side, however, the sound of Whis' voice in her ear catching her attention.
::Hello my dear! This is Whis: your master has stepped out for the moment.::
Kassava kept her strong glare, her voice raising slightly.
"What?!"
The feint sound of Whis chuckling to himself barely registered in Kassava's mind before he spoke again.
::Your new found power explodes with anger, but do not lose yourself in its destructive capabilities. Look up and stare at your opponent.::
Kassava turned her eyes up, the fall and rise of her chest still heavy with her labored breathing. Her eyes locked squarely on the sight of Super Saiyan Goku staring her down, his smirk having turned into a full grin as he stood poised in his defensive form.
::This is Goku, one of the most skilled warriors you will ever face. If you continue to waste your energy in trying to quickly overcome him, you will tire yourself out in minutes. Channel your ki, and focus your rage.::
Kassava snarled once in response before speaking.
"My rage is the only reason why I'm still standing! If I don't let it out, I'll fall anyway!"
She blinked, Whis' following statement catching her offguard.
::I never said to let go of your rage. Only to focus it.::
Kassava paused for a moment, her panting slowing slightly. She kept a strong glare, tensing her arms and moving into her own offensive stance. Her hands trembled heavily, staring back at Goku while Whis continued.
::That's the way. Feel the power diminish slightly...but the rise of something else. Feel the weight on your mind lessen, the dense fog of anger dispersing and your vision becoming clear once again.::
The surging energy rapidly exploding outward around Kassava began to shrink, condensing around the woman in a contained swirl of golden light. Kassava glanced around for a moment, her eyes wide at the sight before turning her attention back forward.
::Much better! Now that your vision is clear and your control over the power established, tell me: what do you see?::
Kassava raised an eyebrow, the uncertainty clear in her voice.
"Umm....Goku?"
::That's right: Goku. Not your insecurities, not Vegetto's approval: Goku. He is your real enemy now...::
Kassava leaned forward, the energy of her aura surging slightly.
::Take him down.::
Kassava tensed, bolting forward at the command in a golden dash towards Goku. Her right arm shot forward once again, aiming towards Goku's cheek. Goku narrowed his eyes at the sight, shifting his arm and swinging it to slap the blow away. However, he let out a small gasp from the lack of weight to steady his balance in the counter, his stance giving way slightly as he turned his eyes to see that his counter was made towards an afterimage of Kassava. Goku then winced, stumbling forward from the elbow driving into his upper back before quickly spinning around to swing at Kassava, who rapidly ducked.
Her arms instinctively went up, Goku's leg following up with his original counterattack in a sweeping kick on the ground to kick her back across the ground. Still standing upright on the ground, Kassava slowed to a halt as Goku charged towards her, the two launching into a rapid succession of punches in kicks. Locked in a heated exchange, neither warrior seemed to upend the other in their counter attacks before Kassava suddenly bolted upwards into the air to break the flurry of relenting blows. Goku immediately followed after her, attempting to continue the attack with a quick jab with his right arm. Kassava whirled around as Goku sailed towards her, using the new gap in distance to catch the blow and swing the larger Saiyan around over her back in a controlled toss. Goku cried out, spinning and tumbling back towards the ground, yelping at the powerful follow up kick on his back from Kassava's right leg.
He quickly flipped upright, springing off the ground and shooting into the air as Kassava sailed past where he had landed seconds before, her fist crashing into the ground. Her head lifted in time to see Goku dashing back down towards her, both of his hands clasped together in a swinging axe handle.
"HA!"
Kassava grunted, both arms flying up and blocking the powerful strike with her forearms. She cringed heavily, the ground beneath the two denting further from the force of the blow. The weight of Goku's arms continued to push down on her arms, both warriors grunting in a bid to overpower the other. Kassava huffed, suddenly shifting her legs behind her body and vaulting forward in a small dash, her head crashing into Goku's stomach and sailing forward above the ground for a moment. She roared, launching her right arm and striking Goku in his chin as the two flew outwards across the ground. Goku used the momentum to spin around and swing his left arm, backhanding Kassava across the face with an outstretched fist to send her flying in the opposite direction. She crashed into a nearby rock platuea, disappearing from sight as Goku dashed into the darkness after her.
The golden glow of his aura illuminated a small fraction of the new cave created in the wake of Kassava's impact, Goku glancing all around him in a desperate bid to sense her energy. His eyes narrowed, glancing down.
I should be able to sense her...there's no way she could suppress her energy in this state. I just have to-
His eyes immediately shot to the left, sensing the growing surge of energy. A massive golden ball of ki shot past Goku's face by mere inches, the Super Saiyan having feinted backwards to avoid being struck. He gasped, barely throwing up his arms in time to catch the uppercut aimed at his chest. Kassava let out another ground shaking roar, blasting upwards into the rock ceiling in a dash and slamming Goku through the plateau ceiling itself. Goku winced slightly, the rubble of the rock blinding both of their vision as they shot upwards into the air. He snarled as he shot his right knee up, using it to punt Kassava across the top of the plateau they now floated above and leaping back onto solid ground to recover. Kassava rapidly regained her balance, sliding along the ground and rubbing the small trail of blood from the side of her mouth before bolting forward once more.
Goku's arm shot up, catching Kassava's right fist while shooting out his own free hand towards her face. His eyes widened, the blow having landed cleanly in Kassava's outstretched hand with the two locking each other's arms in place. Struggling for control, both warriors shot their knees out, colliding in devastating blows before pulling back. Kassava and Goku then reeled their heads back, slamming their foreheads together in perfect synchronization to break the hold. Kassava recovered first, surging forward and kicking Goku with her right leg to send him flying across the ground.
The Saiyan bounced along the ground, kicking up dirt and rubble in his wake while Kassava bolted after him, attempting to give him no time to recover. Her eyes remained trained on the Saiyan, but widened at the sight of Goku suddenly flipping upright and regaining his balance to skid along the ground. With his feet driving into the ground and soon sliding to a halt, Goku's arms had remained clasped behind his back until Kassava came within inches of striking him.
"KAMEHAMEHA!!!"
Kassava gasped, rapidly pulling her arms and curling tightly into a ball as Goku's outstretched palms launched out forward, the massive surge of blue energy engulfing her in point blank range and sending her flying in the opposite direction, disappearing into the violent energy surging outward.
====================================
Whis' eyes widened a bit at the sight of the beam firing, yet his voice remained calm and controlled.
"Oh my."
The Supreme Kai of Time turned her head up to Whis, frowning.
"Do you think it was too much for her?"
Whis chuckled in response.
"Of course not! The blast wasn't nearly strong enough to kill her."
He blinked, his eyes turning to the ceiling as he rubbed his chin.
"Or...at least I think it wasn't."
The Supreme Kai of Time sighed heavily, turning her attention back to the scroll.
===========================================
Goku panted lightly, his arms still stretched out in the stance of the Kamehameha. He watched the massive trail of smoke billowing off the ground and into the air. His narrowed eyes scanned the cloud as he straightened himself out, his arms falling to his sides. He stood in silence for a few seconds before suddenly swinging his right arm out in a slow swipe, a burst of wind erupting in the direction his arm swung and dispersing the smoke to reveal the large cone-like crater left in the wake of his blast. A small smirk rose from his lips, and he bowed his head slightly while closing his eyes.
"You're pretty good. I didn't think you were fast enough to get out of that."
Goku then slowly turned on his heel, now standing face to face with Kassava. The female Super Saiyan kept her narrowed eyes locked with his, her fists clenched at her sides and standing a few meters away. Goku slowly raised his arms in a defensive stance once more, but blinked at the somewhat timid voice coming from Kassava.
"Why are you doing this?"
Goku blinked, confused at Kassava's somber expression as she spoke once more.
"You could've easily killed me back there, and you're holding back now. Why are you just toying with me?"
Goku stared back with a frown, his confused expression remaining.
"Toying with you? I'm fighting at one hundred percent!"
Kassava blinked in response, watching Goku break out into a grin once more.
"I've been trying to find a way to counter you, but you just keep getting the hits in! It's been a long time since I've fought someone as good at fighting as you!"
Kassava stared back incredulously, blinked once hard.
"Then...why are you so carefree?"
The exhaustion was clear in her voice.
"Is this all just a game to you?!"
Goku's grin lowered a little bit, remaining tense.
"No...it's not a game."
Kassava deadpanned, watching Goku's grin widened even further as he chuckled.
"It's a fight!"
Kassava continued to blink for a few seconds, letting out a deep sigh.
"So this...is the legendary Goku? I thought you were some sort of genius...not a stupid punch jockey."
She raised her clench fists.
"You weren't nearly this stupid the last time I saw you on Earth!"
Goku raised an eyebrow.
"The last time? We've met before?"
Kassava shook her head once.
"No...I mean yes. Look...it's complicated, ok?"
Goku narrowed his eyes, shifting his feet slightly further apart.
"Alright then. Are you ready for round two now? I can't wait and see what other moves you have left."
Kassava frowned.
"I don't want to fight anymore. I just...wanted to transform. Now that I've done it...I just want to go home."
Goku kept narrowed eyes, his voice falling flat.
"What if I threaten to kill you? Would that change your mind?"
Kassava glanced away.
"Maybe? I'd have to keep fighting you...if that was the case."
Her head perked up, however, the feeling of Goku's energy suddenly disappearing catching her attention. Her eyes watched Goku's hair drop from its spiked form back into the black messy style, his smile wide after letting out a deep sigh.
"Yeah, I can tell your heart's not in it, friend. Just like how I knew Frieza wasn't really your pal either."
Kassava raised an eyebrow.
"How did you know that?"
Goku raised his finger, pointing towards the sky.
"You don't look like one of his soldiers, and you didn't sound like you were eager to help him either. Even if you said those things about Krillin."
Kassava bowed her head slightly.
"Sorry. I...didn't mean it."
"It's ok!"
Kassava blinked, turning her head up to see Goku now looming over her with a smile.
"We can always wish him back with the Dragon Balls. But if I let you go now, you have to promise me one thing. Ok?"
Kassava raised her eyebrow once more.
"And what's that?"
Goku grinned from ear to ear, his tone raising in pitch slightly.
"A rematch! It wouldn't be as fun, fighting you now if your heart's not in it. But the next time you feel like you're ready to really finish one out, come find me!"
He held out his right hand.
"Deal?"
Kassava's eyes remained wide, perplexed at the carefree gesture and staring down at Goku's arm for a moment. She shook her head, recollecting herself and meeting Goku's eyes once more, smiling as she shook his hand.
"Alright, you've got a deal."
Goku nodded once back in response, turning around and rising up into the sky. He waved with his right hand, glowing with white energy.
"I'll be waiting, Kassava!"
Kassava gasped lightly, watching Goku soon bolt out across the open Namekian sky, leaving her alone on the plateau to her thoughts.
He remembered my name.
She glanced down, her entire body beginning to glow with the familiar white light and soon disappearing from sight.
======================================
The light began to fade away rapidly, Kassava stepping out into the Time Vault timidly in her confusion. She glanced around for a moment, her turquoise eyes glancing around and soon finding Whis, who smiled down at her.
"Good show, Kassava. You fought well."
Kassava kept a flat expression, her eyes soon leaving Whis.
"Where's Vegetto?"
Whis stifled a small chuckle.
"He's probably outside the vault meditating. You should've seen him."
Kassava frowned in response, turning her head down.
"I made him mad, didn't I? I shouldn't have begged him for help like that."
Whis nodded.
"Perhaps not, but he wasn't ignoring you. He didn't get mad at you either."
Kassava raised an eyebrow, turning towards the Supreme Kai of Time who placed her hands on her hips.
"I've seen him get upset at Trunks for failing him, or when he gets mad at others for a mission gone wrong. I've never seen him like this before."
Whis kept his half smile.
"It's because he loves her."
The Supreme Kai of Time reached up, rubbing her forehead.
"Whis...love is a very strong emotional connection. That's not what this is."
Whis blinked, the explanation from the Supreme Kai clearly confusing him.
"Really? How many stages of love are there?"
Kassava stared back at Whis with her mouth slightly open.
"You can't be serious right now."
Whis shrugged his shoulders slightly.
"I was under the impression that he was upset because he couldn't help you. Whatever emotional connection you've established is clearly there: why else would he care about you dying if you didn't mean some sort of sentimental value to him outside of being his rival? And if that emotional bond is not love, then what is it?"
The Elder Kai shook his head.
"Love is more than just an emotional bond. In all my years studying mortals in this universe, I have come to known their tendencies best and have become an expert on these relationships they form."
Whis perked up slightly, turning his attention to the Elder Kai eagerly.
"Oh?"
The Elder Kai grinned.
"In order for Vegetto to love her, he must also have the desire to mate with her for reproductive purposes. Without the physical attraction, it can't be true love. A husband and wife who do not bear children selfishly bring their race closer to extinction."
Whis rubbed his chin, narrowing his eyes slightly.
"I see. So love requires both an emotional and a physical bond?"
The Supreme Kai of Time groaned loudly, letting her arms droop.
"You're both idiots!"
Kassava shook her head, giggling to herself for a moment.
"Well...while you two educate Whis here on...whatever topic that is...I'm going to go talk to Vegetto."
She turned her eyes to Whis, however, watching the taller angel swing his staff out to block her path before she could bolt out of the room.
"Oh, one more thing."
Kassava blinked, staring back at Whis who regained his small smile.
"You haven't reverted back to your normal form yet. Maintain that transformation: Vegetto's next training for you involves you staying in that form for a prolonged period of time."
Kassava nodded once in recognition, watching Whis turn back to the Elder Kai with an intrigued expression.
"Now...if love requires both physical and emotional connections, then what is it when an individual feels both, but only acts upon one?"
The Elder Kai rubbed his chin for a moment, thinking heavily as Kassava soon left the three gods alone in the vault.
"Well...I suppose it's love because they still hold the feelings without stating them. Now, if it involves her sister, then that's another realm of opportunities we can explore."
Whis narrowed his eyes.
"A sister? What does that have to do with anything?"
The Elder Kai lifted a finger, closing his eyes.
"Because an identical candidate that shares the same physical qualities can alter your connections. If a mortal had a physical attraction towards the same qualities, they could develop the emotional connection unwittingly to the identical twin. Therefore, falling in love with them."
Whis' eyes perked, nodding once.
"Ah yes...I can see how that would occur. You are very well versed on this topic."
The Supreme Kai of Time facepalmed.
"No! He really isn't!"
She sighed heavily, placing her hands back on her hips.
"Ok Whis. There are many different types of love, starting with family and emotional."
=======================================
With his legs crossed underneath him, Vegetto sat with his gloved hands gripping onto his knees, his eyes shut. He held a relaxed expression, breathing in steadily and turning his head slightly to the sound of footsteps shifting through the grass behind him, a familiar voice speaking first.
"You seem a little tense."
Vegetto kept his head forward, his dual voice flat.
"I thought you would be upset with me."
Trunks stared down with narrowed eyes, moving around to Vegetto's left side and looming over him.
"You did break my favorite sword...again."
Vegetto scoffed lightly.
"Maybe you should stop bringing it then."
Trunks' glare intensified slightly.
"Always a lesson to teach me, huh? Can't ever apologize for hurting me?"
Vegetto finally turned his head up.
"Why? Am I wrong?"
Trunks instantly replied, his voice tense but still flat.
"No."
Vegetto grunted, turning his attention back to the serene pond in front of him.
"Then you won't get an apology out of me."
Trunks crossed his arms.
"How about for nearly killing me? Gonna apologize for that or just sit on your high horse?"
Vegetto glanced down for a moment, inhaling deeply before slowly pushing himself off the ground.
"You choose the wrong side, you got hurt for it. Don't blame me for your stupid decisions."
Trunks moved slightly to stand directly in front of Vegetto, locking his glare with his.
"Yeah, I can see that now. Maybe it was a stupid decision, wanting respect from you. Since you can't ever admit when you go too far."
Vegetto glanced away immediately, turning slightly.
"Let's not do this now, Trunks. I don't want to fight you, and I'd rather not make things worse without-"
"Hey guys!"
Vegetto and Trunks both perked up, turning towards Kassava who casually strode up to the two. Trunks' eyes widened first, looking over the various bruises and cuts that nearly covered her entire up body, Kassava blinking in confusion at the sight of Trunks' concerned expression.
"What the hell happened to you?"
Vegetto kept wide eyes as well, looking her over.
"You...did it."
Trunks turned his head, staring at Vegetto while Kassava grinned, proudly placing her hands on her hips.
"Yup! I'm a Super Saiyan now!"
Trunks continued to stare back at Vegetto, watching with wide eyes as the fused warrior broke out into a small smirk.
"Took you long enough."
Kassava grimaced slightly, frowning for a second before scoffing back at Vegetto.
"Well...maybe it would've been faster if someone knew how to train his students properly."
Vegetto sighed lightly, shrugging his shoulders.
"Maybe."
Trunks' mouth slowly opened in shock, staring at Vegetto while he crossed his arms.
"In any case, you've ascended. We should get started on the next lesson right away, seeing that you're still in that form."
Kassava nodded her head once, reaching up and scratching inside her blonde spikes.
"Yeah, Whis said it'd be about about staying in this form for a long time or something?"
Vegetto nodded.
"Yes, the Super Saiyan transformation is a great powerup. But it drains your stamina almost as quickly as the Kaioken: you must learn to master the form if you want to utilize its power to its full potential. In order to that, you'll need to let your body get used to the form's effect on your body."
He uncrossed his arms.
"You'll need to hold that form for about...one week if you want to be able to sustain that form without any loss in stamina."
Kassava raised an eyebrow.
"So that's it? Stay Super Saiyan for one week?"
Vegetto nodded, his smirk growing.
"That's correct. After one week, you'll be ready to face your final test."
He raised his right arm, his thumb pointing to himself.
"We are going to have a rematch: you have one week to master that transformation and come up with a plan to defeat me."
Kassava's eyes widened, the color leaving her face. She shook her head rapidly, regaining her focus and speaking in quick sentences.
"Wait wait wait, what? Don't you remember what happened last time?"
Vegetto stifled a small chuckle.
"Yes, but this time, you have tools at your disposal. Our rematch will go very differently than the first spar we had."
Kassava shook her head.
"And what if you beat me down horribly again?!"
Vegetto's smirk morphed into a warm smile, locking his eyes with her.
"I won't."
Kassava blinked, caught offguard by the sudden shift in the fused warrior's tone.
"You're not going to lose this time, Kassava. I can feel it. You're the most intelligent warrior I've ever seen, and now, you have the raw power to overcome me. You just have to figure out a plan to win, and execute it perfectly."
Trunks frowned, glancing away at Vegetto's last comment while Kassava nearly mimicked his exact expression, for different reasons. She dropped her shoulders, keeping her frown strong.
"Do you really mean it? Or are you just trying to get me to do something with a lie again?"
Vegetto's smile disappeared, staring back at her.
"I'm...sorry about that. This is nothing like what I told you earlier: I really believe you have what it takes to win here. Just..."
Kassava perked her head up, the uncharacteristic shift in Vegetto's tone drawing her attention.
"Please trust me on this."
Kassava rubbed her chin in response, narrowing her eyes slightly.
"Hmmm...I'll trust you on one condition."
Vegetto raised an eyebrow, watching Kassava break out into a small smirk.
"Be honest about what we talked about earlier."
The confusion was clear on Vegetto's expression, eyeing her as he spoke with a flat tone.
"What we talked about?"
Kassava grunted lightly, using both hands to gesture to her upper body.
"How do I look?"
Vegetto paused for a moment, his response slow.
"You look like a mess?"
Kassava deadpanned at the response, facepalming and wiping some of the blood away from her forehead.
"No, you idiot! I meant, do I look good with the blonde hair like you thought?"
Vegetto's eyes widened, perking up at the realization.
"Oh, right that!"
He chuckled nervously, scratching the back of his head.
"Yeah yeah, of course you do!"
Kassava's glare intensified.
"You're not just saying that?"
Vegetto quickly dropped his arm, recollecting himself.
"No, I mean it. You do..uh...look beautiful."
Kassava broke out into a smirk, placing her hands on her hips proudly.
"Thank you. But that's only part of my condition, you know."
Vegetto blinked, watching her wag a finger at him with a grin.
"If I beat you, you get what you want. But I deserve something from this too besides bragging rights."
Vegetto raised his eyebrow once again.
"Like what?"
Kassava's grin widened.
"You have to take me out to dinner if I beat you. And pay for it all."
Vegetto's eyes narrowed, but the fused warrior broke out into a smirk as well.
"That's it? Fine, I can accept those terms."
Trunks blinked, watching the two reach out and shake hands. Vegetto turned on his heel first, starting his stride towards the Time Vault.
"Don't worry about any missions at the Time Vault: I can take care of anything Towa might throw at us. Take Trunks here, maybe he can teach you a few things about fighting so you can be prepared for the rematch."
He kept a strong smirk, finally leaving the two behind while Kassava turned towards Trunks. Her happy expression diminished, seeing Trunks' somber expression. Her eyes perked up slightly, the sight of Trunks' lips lifting into a small half smile confusing her a bit before he spoke.
"The last time I saw him like this, is when I transformed into a Super Saiyan Blue for the first time. It's been a long time since I've seen him happy for a change."
Kassava blinked hard.
"Wait...Super Saiyan Blue? What is that?"
Trunks frowned, turning towards her.
"He didn't tell you about that form?"
Kassava shook her head once in response, Trunks rubbing his chin.
"Oh...well that might be a small problem then. Well...here let me show you."
Kassava took a step back instinctively, watching Trunks suddenly clench his fists together and let out a thunderous roar. The entire ground shook, gusts of fierce winds shaking the whole area as Kassava yelped, being thrown back from the powerful force. The blinding white light that had engulfed Trunks' body shattered into shards shortly afterwards, the blue aura rapidly engulfing his entire body as his hair and pupils changed to a match shade of blue.
Kassava gasped, her mouth wide open as she stared at the sight of the glittering blue particles floating up around his body.
"This is the latest Saiyan transformation, Super Saiyan Blue. You attain this form by harnessing the power of the gods, and then amplifying that energy as a Super Saiyan. Originally, the form was nearly too taxing on the body to maintain when you weren't fully recovered and able to withstand the drain it had on your stamina. But like how Vegetto instructed you to master the original Super Saiyan transformation, we've managed to acclimate our bodies to the elevated state. With perfect ki control and our bodies being used to the form's effects, we can utilize the power of a god to near perfect potential."
Kassava blinked hard.
"The...power of a...WHAT?!?!"
Trunks blinked, watching Kassava angrily swing her arms down. Her golden aura rapidly flared up in the display of rage, her voice raised into a shout.
"Why the hell didn't any of you tell me this BEFORE I made that bet with him?!?!?!"
Trunks rubbed his chin.
"Well...he wouldn't have lied to you about it if he really thought you could win. Either he thinks you can overcome the form, or he doesn't plan to use it. In any case, I don't think it would really change anything."
The blue aura rapidly dissippated, Trunks having descended down to his normal state and smiling back at Kassava.
"Why don't we go pay your brother a visit? Maybe we can all work something out and come up with a plan after you've recovered a little bit from your training."
Kassava grunted, crossing her arms and silently following after Trunks as the two exited the Time Nest back into Canton City.
=====================================
"But if she really loved Yamcha, then why did she ditch him for Vegeta?"
The Supreme Kai of Time pinched the bridge of her nose, the Elder Kai smirking in his confident argument.
"Because no matter what way you look at it, romantic love requires a physical attraction. It is impossible to deny it."
Vegetto eyed the Elder Kai warily as he moved up to the group, having heard part of the conversation once he had entered the Time Vault.
"What on earth are you going on about this time, old man?"
Whis kept a half smile.
"You're looking a little more enthusiastic than usual. I take it your conversation with Kassava went well?"
Vegetto kept a smirk.
"Yes, she's ready for her final test. I'm giving her a week to master the Super Saiyan transformation. Once she's done that, we're going to fight again in a rematch."
Whis' smile immediately dropped.
"A rematch? So soon?"
Vegetto nodded.
"She'll need to see how far she's come, in another test. I've manged to convince her that she can beat me, but even though she'll fail in being able to beat me, it'll be the perfect opportunity to introduce her to the Super Saiyan Blue transformation. As well as do away with the foolish techniques she will cling to in the rematch."
Whis narrowed his eyes slightly, his voice flat.
"So...you're already sure of her strategy to beat you?"
Vegetto nodded once more.
"She'll try to combine the Kaioken with the Super Saiyan form. With a ten times multiplier, she'll be a little shy of Kakarot's power as a Super Saiyan 3. It won't nearly be enough to contend with me, and I'll show her that relying on that technique is dangerous. It'll help in showing her the efficiency of mastering Super Saiyan Blue instead once she reaches that level."
Whis kept his frown, staring down at Vegetto.
"You're forgetting an important detail again. You may have gotten away with betraying her trust this time, but if she finds out you're lying again, don't you think that might break her spirit?"
Vegetto kept a small frown, sighing lightly.
"No. I have a plan to make it up to her after she loses: we made a deal. She wanted me to take her out for dinner one night if she beats me, and if I honor that deal even when she loses, I'm sure she'll be content enough with the results. She'll learn the valuable lesson of humility and get what she wants all at once."
Whis' unconvinced expression remained, staring down at Vegetto and speaking with a flat tone.
"I see."
He mused to himself for a moment, suddenly breaking out into a half smile and nodding to the three.
"If you'll excuse me, I have to return to Lord Beerus for a moment. If Zamasu shows up, do call and I will be happy to return right away."
The angel quickly turned on his heel, moving out of the vault to leave the Kais behind with Vegetto. The fused warrior watched Whis leave with narrowed eyes, a frown etched on his face. The Supreme Kai of Time raised an eyebrow, staring up.
"Is something wrong Vegetto?"
Vegetto kept his attention locked on the exit even after Whis disappeared, his dual voice flat.
"He's up to something."
The Supreme Kai of Time sighed, shaking her head.
"Well, whatever it is, I'm sure it can't hurt too much. In the mean time, while you wait for Kassava to master the form, we should make sure Zamasu and Towa don't show up and take advantage of you being distracted. Let's take a look at the scroll and go out on a few patrols, alright?"
Vegetto nodded curtly in response, moving towards the table and turning his attention to the scroll.