Meeting Royalty

As they reach the throne room, a sea of Saiyan warriors parts for them, their expressions a mix of awe and fear. Aria whispers something in his ear that sounds suspiciously like "try not to blow anything up," which only makes him chuckle. He sits down on the throne, feeling the power of his new position. The throne, made from an indestructible metal, is surprisingly comfortable.

"Welcome, Lord Kade," a deep voice booms through the chamber. The Saiyan King, Thalos, steps forward, his towering frame casting a shadow over the room. His wild dark brown hair streaked with silver, intense golden eyes, and a body covered in battle-worn scars exude an aura of unbridled power and experience.

Kade feels a twinge of apprehension but stands tall. "Thank you for receiving us, King Thalos," he says, trying to mimic the stoic confidence he's seen in his favorite anime protagonists.

The king's gaze shifts to Aria, his expression unreadable. "Your Highness, what brings the God of Destruction to our realm?"

Aria floats gracefully beside Kade, her hand resting on the pommel of her staff. "King Thalos, we come in peace. Kade wishes to learn from the strongest Saiyans, to better serve his role and understand his place in the multiverse."

Thalos's eyes narrow. "Is that so? Then he shall undergo the ancient trials of our kind. Only the worthy may gaze upon the sacred scrolls of Saiyan power."

Kade's heart races. "Trials? Like, 'fetch me a dragonball' kind of trials?"

Aria elbows him gently. "Be serious, Kade."

Thalos raises an eyebrow. "Indeed, your highness. But perhaps a more... direct approach will suffice. If you wish to understand our ways, you must first prove your might."

Kade's eyes light up with excitement. "Oh, I'm totally down for that!" He cracks his knuckles, the sound echoing through the grand hall. "Bring it on, old man!"

Aria sighs, shaking her head at Kade's lack of tact. "King Thalos, please, Kade is still new to all of this. Can't we start with something a bit less... confrontational?"

Thalos chuckles, his sternness fading into amusement. "Very well, young god. If you wish to challenge our might, I shall indulge you." He gestures to the open space outside the throne room. "But remember, this is not just for show. You must fight with intention and respect."

Kade nods solemnly, though his eyes gleam with excitement. "You got it!"

The palace quickly buzzes with the news. The royal arena, a colossal dome made of gleaming crystal and metal, would host the evening's event. The Saiyans, curious about the new god's power, chattered among themselves as they gathered, eager to witness the display.

Kade, on the other hand, felt a mix of excitement and dread. He had been training hard, but facing the Saiyan elite in front of a live audience was no joke. Aria, noticing his nerves, gave him a comforting pat on the back. "Just be yourself, Kade. Remember, this is about learning, not just showing off."

But Kade had other plans. "Thanks, Aria, but I've got this," he said with a wink. "Besides, I heard there are some pretty epic parties happening in the Saiyan city. I think I'll go check those out."

Aria rolled her eyes. "Kade, we're here to build alliances, not your dating profile. Focus on the trials."

Ignoring Aria's sage advice, Kade sailed through the gleaming halls of the Saiyan Palace, his eyes scanning the crowd for potential romantic conquests. The Saiyan women, with their fiery personalities and combat prowess, were an alluring challenge. He figured if he could win their hearts, the battle would be a breeze.

Finding an open balcony, Kade leaped off it and shot through the air like a meteor, the wind rushing past him as he flew towards a nearby training ground. The scene below grew clearer as he descended—a group of saiyans, sweat glistening on their skin, sparred but nothing as advanced as he had seen from the other gods. His eyes, however, fell on a group of saiyan women who had taken a break from their training.

One of them stood out—tall, muscular, with wild, fiery red hair and sharp golden eyes that gleamed with excitement at the sight of a challenge. She wore a primal, fur-lined battle suit that accentuated her athletic physique, complete with claw-like gauntlets that looked more suited for a gladiator than a god. Her name, according to the whispers he had picked up, was Vala.

Vala, the Battle Maniac, had earned her title through countless battles and a fiery passion that matched the color of her hair. As Kade approached, she sized him up, her gaze unabashedly appraising his strength. Without a word, she leaped into action, her form a blur as she charged at him, fists blazing. Kade's eyes widened in surprise, and he barely managed to dodge the first few blows.

Her punches were like meteor showers, unrelenting and powerful. Yet, Kade remained unfazed, his movements fluid and swift. He sidestepped, twirled, and danced around her, his reflexes and agility belying his newfound power. Vala's fiery gaze grew more intense with each missed hit, her frustration palpable. The surrounding Saiyans watched with a mix of shock and amusement, some whispering to each other in hushed tones about the god who could dodge their fiercest warrior's attacks.

"Tricky little bitch," Vala growled, her breath hot and her eyes narrowed.

"Looks like somebody's a little angry," Kade quipped, dodging another barrage of punches with ease. He couldn't help but smirk at her frustration. "Need a time-out?"

Vala's fists clenched, and she drew in a deep breath. "You think this is a game?" she roared, her aura flaring to life. The air around them crackled with energy as she charged a fiery red blast, the intensity of her power visible to everyone present.

Kade chuckled, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Everything's a game if you play it right." He raised his hand casually, his own aura spiking in response to hers.

Vala's blast shot towards him, a fiery red beam of pure destruction. But with a nonchalant flick of his wrist, Kade slapped it away as if it were a pesky fly. The blast dissipated into the sky, leaving a trail of smoke that painted the heavens a dramatic shade of scarlet.

"You're all passion, no strategy," Kade said with a chuckle, his eyes never leaving Vala's. "A warrior's spirit is commendable, but you've got to think rationally. This isn't just about power, it's about finesse."

Vala's cheeks flushed, the crimson hue matching her fiery locks. "And who are you to lecture me on strategy?" she retorted, her fists clenched at her sides.

"Well, I'm the guy who can still walk after your 'meteor shower,'" Kade said, his smirk growing wider. "Trust me, I've got the experience in destruction."

Vala narrowed her eyes, a smoldering ember of admiration growing within her fiery gaze. She hadn't encountered a challenge like this in a long time, and she liked it. The banter between them grew increasingly playful, the tension of the battlefield shifting into something more... entertaining.

"What's so funny?" she demanded, her voice edged with a hint of curiosity.

Kade shrugged, his aura of power dimming to a gentle hum. "Just thinking, you know, you're not so bad for someone who thinks with their fists."

Vala's expression softened, the anger in her eyes fading. "Maybe I could stand to learn a thing or two from the 'God of Destruction' who dodges like a coward."

Kade chuckled. "Cowardly or clever?"

Vala rolled her eyes. "I'll reserve judgment."

With a sudden burst of speed, she closed the distance between them. Before Kade could react, she had pinned him to the wall, her hands touching his chest, her fingers tracing the lines of his abs. The air crackled with an unspoken tension that had nothing to do with battle.

"You know, Kade," she began, her voice dropping to a sultry purr, "I've never met someone quite like you."