Salada approached the castle, her chest puffed out and her head held high. It was no small achievement to get the attention of the King, let alone a summons directly to the castle! Among other things, King Braccus was admired by the elite for his cool head and ruthless nature, being just as much of a warrior as the most savage among them but retaining a cold, calculating mind that put his strategic prowess miles ahead of even his most experienced generals. Although his position as head-of-state generally kept himself far from the front lines, it never seemed for a moment that the King had gone soft. In fact, it was as if the opposite happened, his mind ever sharpening, his strength ever increasing as he sat upon that throne, analyzing and commanding the war.

    When Salada approached the castle, the twin guards outside the entrance to the main chamber parted, standing aside like the opening of some grand doorway. The Elite smirked. Even the guard knew of her importance. Good. As it should be. It would be such a shame if she had to punch her way through the castle just to meet the King. After all, some of this architecture...? It would be a shame if some of it was destroyed in they hypothetical crossfire.

    The grand hall was as large and dark as a fairytale fortress, the grand hall so large and empty, one's voice could echo through it for minutes. Long pillars on either side held up the massive ceiling above, tinted windows letting in dim purple light as the Vegeta sun set outside. Tall stone torches were placed periodically leading up to the throne, shadows dancing beneath their lit heads arythmically, ominously, almost in taunting greeting to the young Saiyan warrior. A long and elaborately patterned purple/red carpet lolled out before Salada as she entered, leading right up to the simplistic, stone-like throne of the Saiyan empire.

    The King's throne...

        Salada had to admit, she had craved THAT kind of power from the moment she could throw a punch. Look at everything it symbolized: Simple... Savage... STRONG. Its core design philosophy struck at what the CORE of a Saiyan WAS! But more than the seat, it represented STRENGTH itself. Blood was important when determining one's place below the king... But the king himself was the STRONGEST of them all. He had to be to stand at the top of all warriors, to command them... to make them KNEEL. Salada found herself half-dreaming what kind of strength she would need to command that kind of respect for titles, as she was discovering, meant little... even among her lessers.

    Salada knelt as she came to the foot of the steps leading to the throne, Salada bowing her head in respect before Vegeta's greatest ruler: King Braccus. Everything about him spoke of power: From the intensity of his gaze, to the physique he maintained. The Lord of the Saiyans observed Salada bow before him silently, his piercing eyes stabbing into the woman as if attempting to probe the very soul inside her.

    "Rise, Salada." He rumbled, his voice rolling through the room like a thunder clap. Salada obeyed readily. "Do you know why I have called you here?"

    "...No, my king." She answered honestly, raising her head to meet his eyes. ...Even for her, a PROUD SAIYAN WARRIOR... it was hard to hold his gaze. Braccus rose from his throne and held up an upturned hand. Salada watched as a small flickering silver ball of light formed in his palm, brightening the entire chamber! ...Just looking into it caused a shiver to run up Salada's tail and into her spine. She swallowed, staring at the sphere.

    "In fact, this technique is known as the 'Power Ball.' This technique was discovered long ago and serves as an artificial moon when none is present." He clenched his fist and the sphere dissipated. Salada blinked, her trance broken. "By combining ki and a planet's atmosphere with the correct proportions, the ball can create a certain level of bluntz-waves, enough, in fact, to induce a Great Ape transformation. This technique is taught only to a few Saiyans, ones trusted with power." He eyed Salada. The young warrior couldn't read the intent of his stare.

    "You have been selected to learn this technique. Will you rise to this challenge? Learning this technique will not be easy. It will be a test of your precision in ki-control as well as your power."

    "I will, my lord!" Salada assured, slamming her fist to her chest in salute! "I am ready to begin on your order!" ...Braccus stared at her dispassionately. Her enthusiasm seemed not to faze him in the least!

    "...Then you may begin by creating the sphere in your hand." He grunted, returning to his throne as dropping down into it. Salada smiled, despite herself, and raised an upturned hand!

    ...Needless to say, she spent several days attempting to master the SIMPLE generation of the sphere! Throughout that time, Braccus would say nothing, merely watch quietly from his throne. Every time Salada would conjure a sphere, it was RED, like her KI, not silver, like fresh moonlight! Salada's frustration rose... but she dared not show it before the lord of the Saiyans, her teeth gritting as, upon the fifth day, she conjured a FLAMING, but SILVER BALL OF ENERGY! She looked up to the King, sweat rolling down her face... and spotted the smallest of smiles upon his face.

    "Very well. You may go." He grunted, gesturing with a wave of his hand. "Practice consistency creating the Power ball, but do not attempt to throw it. I will summon you in a week's time. Dismissed."

    "My lord." Salada bowed before him... before making her way outside, her turned back hiding the ambitious smirk spreading across her lips.

EXIT!

WC: 982

WEEK 1 TRAINING FOR POWER BALL COMPLETE!