Blizzard's Outpost -

The fight had been an epic one, but whether it had been from lack of power or technique; Blizzard had been the ultimate victor. Having been left unconscious, Zuqetta's fate was left up to those around her; and whether her luck was considered good or bad, it was what ultimately led to her current situation and location. Lifted by the tail and kidnapped by Blizzard from the Ruined Metropolis, Zuqetta's mind would play back the many events that led her to where she was now while she dreamt.

She would remember her father, and the hate she felt towards him from being locked away from the world for so many years. She would remember Vennel, and the love and joy she felt to enjoy her newfound freedom with the one she called her big sister. She recalled Yangcong, and the conflicting plethora of feelings that came due to the dark magic cast upon her.

Her mind would switch to Rensou and Onnio; feeling fear and dread from having never heard from them again.

The battle she had at the beach with Azoth would suddenly play in her mind, with the memory of his daring role of destroying Yangcong's Amulet; before suddenly, the dreams would come to an end, leaving nothing but darkness.

Finally, the image of Zerori fighting against some giant ape would appear; the Oozaru would be victorious, grabbing Zerori, lifting her towards his massive maw, and...!

"ZERORI!!"

In a sudden fright, Zuqetta would snap awake; jumping to her feet and swinging her arm like as if she still held her sword. Only for her knees to give, causing her to immediately collapse from the prior exhaustion as her senses began to return.

"W-where...?" Zuqetta would question, holding a hand to her head with a pained expression as she struggled to catch her breath. Her body was still heavily wounded, with cuts, bruises, and scratches all over. As her eyes adjusted to the bright white room, a quick look around would quickly set her mind back in order.

"Oh, Major L-" Zuqetta began, before feeling a sharp pain shoot down her back, "...Blizzard, heh, so I guess I lost then?" Zuqetta questioned with a sigh before falling backwards, "Ahhhhhhh, that figures!" She groaned, "You havin' like, a MILLION arms is no fair at all!!"

As she spoke, her stomach would growl ferociously, causing Zuqetta to raise her arm over her face with a bit of embarrassment. Not only had she lost so one sided, but now the person who defeated her was getting to see her in such a weakened and humiliated state. She would glance around a bit more as her tail flicked about with slight agitation; questioning where she was, this place didn't look like a med bay after all.

---

With the medical crew's arrival, Zuqetta would suddenly find herself hoisted up as a pair of physicians and a medical robot scanned her and looked over her wounds carefully. Though initially startled by their aggressive manner, the crew was quick and efficient; leaving Zuqetta little to not time to even bother to protest. More over, she was a bit perplexed to see an Arcosian and Saiyan actually working together; making her wonder what exactly this place was. It wasn't as though there wasn't medical personnel in Sadala, but the position was sorely lacking; especially since besides being thrown into a rejuvenation tank, Saiyan 'medical help' was just, shut up and fight harder.

"Hmph, not like I asked for your help..." Zuqetta would mutter under her breath with a pout, before reluctantly accepting the capsule.

As the medical crew applied the spray on salves, Zuqetta would click the capsule; which would release a satisfying 'poof' before revealing the food within. The meal seemed light compared to the amenities she was used to on Azoths ship; but perhaps being spoiled so much had made her a lot more soft, and in more ways than one. It had been a long time since she'd had a 'spartan styled' meal, and strangely enough, despite how little it was, she enjoyed it greatly. The taste was faint, and mostly bland; and with water for a beverage, there was hardly a reason to feel enjoyment. Still, it reminded her of Vennel, and placed her heart at ease.

"So." Zuqetta began as she shoveled spoonfuls of the potted meat into her mouth, "Who the heck are you anyways?" She would ask, before immediately amending her question, "Like, you're Major Blizzard... but I'm not from Arcose, so who is that? Are you one of Azoth's friends??" She would ask curiously as she continued to eat.

As her belly filled and the rejuvenation salve did it's work of healing her body; so to would the coat she wore begin to mend. With the vestment being a magical gift from Zerori, the fabric would seemingly repair itself in relation to Zuqetta's own well being.

---

As Major Blizzard began to explain his story, Zuqetta would sit up properly and listen intently; finishing off the food she had been given, saving the water for last to clear her throat. It was interesting to hear of the background of another; especially of one so old, one who had come from Arcose of all places. Since leaving Planet Plant the first time around, Zuqetta had learned a great deal of other alien species; though that was mostly of the Earthlings and their lot. She knew she still had more to learn, but could never find the right time in which to ask others like Azoth of where they derived; and books and logs could only explain so much, they didn't hold the same emotion as a story told directly from another.

"Can you... still not use Ki?" Zuqetta would ask as she rose to her feet, staring intently at Blizzards uncloaked body, "Is this just you? Or is this a condition your whole family has??"

Zuqetta was curious, but as soon as the question was spoke she would reel back slightly; she knew all too well how talks of ones family could be a touchy subject. Still, she wouldn't retract her question, her curiosity was far too great. Rather, she would allow Blizzard to continue on; meanwhile, throwing out her arm to manifest her own massive greatsword as she had done previously. It was clear by Blizzards previous words and his current actions what it was he intended to do. He had mentioned over and over how she could improve with training, and much like with Vennel, that was the most likely reason why she was here right now. Zuqetta was no longer that same small, apprehensive child she had once been; an opponent much stronger than her had bested her in combat and now offered to train her, she would easily accept.

---

Zuqetta felt sorry for Blizzard, hearing that he was the only one in his family to suffer from such a debilitation. Yet, Blizzard showed no signs of weakness or emotion to the prospect; he had worked hard all his life, and turned his weakness into a strength like no other. Zuqetta thought about her own upbringing, about the strict training she had received from her father. Such a weak man her father was; while he taught her to punch and kick, and even taught her to control her Oozaru form, he never taught her anything even remotely similar to actual technique. Zuqetta's growth may have forever been stunted if not for Vennel; for before the two met, Zuqetta hadn't even known how to use Ki.

Blizzard was different however; it wasn't that no one had taught him, he simply couldn't, yet was still strong...

"Understood." Zuqetta would say plainly as she lifted her sword; spreading her stance into a defensive form.

As the massive Arcosian dashed towards her, Zuqetta would remember her training with Yangcong; a specific type of training, one forced upon her by the amulet she once wore. Anger and frustration would quickly begin to well up within her; still, she would raise her sword swiftly to block against the overhead strike. Like an instinctual sixth sense though, she would just barely take notice of the sudden second attack that accompanied the first. With a firm kick off the ground, Zuqetta would used her clashed sword for balance to quickly back away; with the tip of Blizzards second sword grazing slightly against Zuqetta's stomach, singeing her jacket slightly.

As she gained her distance, she would quickly take up a defensive stance once more; not saying a word, merely focusing on the training at hand. Her deep breathing however were an easy indicator of frustration, as she simply couldn't rid herself of the thoughts and memories surrounding Yangcong. To become an assassin was never her intention, she simply wanted the strength to protect her people; but he...

For the briefest of moments, Zuqetta would become distracted; shaking her head as she tried to ignore the memories of the past.

---

Listening to Blizzard's words, Zuqetta would grip the hilt of her sword firmly; taking a deep breath to calm herself as she pushed aside her invasive thoughts. Yangcong wasn't someone she wanted to think about any longer, but after what Azoth had told her, it annoyed her to no end that she wouldn't be able to exact any form of revenge...

But, that wasn't what she wanted...

Before her head could be filled with any more invasive thoughts, Blizzard would launch out at her once again. Doing as the old man had instructed, her eyes would dart between each of his blades as he positioned them appropriately upon his form. An overhead strike was coming, but luckily it was in the form of a single blow; making it an easy target to guard against with her massive sword. As she lifted her sword to do so however, she thought intently on Blizzards words, before coming to a realization.

Two of his swords were behind him, and two were to his sides; whether this was too defend or attack, she was unsure, but she couldn't just discount them due to an obvious oncoming attack. Furthermore, she had felt Blizzards strength during their fight back in the Ruined Metropolis; to block his oncoming strike would mean to use all of her strength, leaving her wide open to his other swords.

With little more time to think, Zuqetta's sword would lift above her; ready to defend against the over head strike. This wouldn't be where she would stop however, as upon impact being made between Blizzards blades and her, she would allow her footing to give way; dropping to the ground. In the single, swift moment; Zuqetta's tail would beat against the ground, propelling her forward as she blocked Blizzards strike. Her sword would grind and gaze against both of his; but with her small size compared to his, she would easily duck between his legs.

As she did so, she would attempt to counter attack with a strike against either one of his legs; with the awkwardly large size of her sword however, she would find the attempt futile given she needed to also focus on a possible attack from his rear swords as she passed behind him. Once the attempting strike was made, she would quickly kick against the ground to launch herself forward at an even faster rate; doing her best to avoid a potential second attack as she gained distance once more, all the while focusing on the use of her sword as a shield.

---

Zuqetta had succeeded in her play, managing to defend against the oncoming series of strikes before gaining distance. As she had feared however, she had failed to land any level of decent damage against Blizzard; the angle of her slide and the cumbersome size of her sword had worked against her. Still, Blizzard had taken to praise her for her efforts, before attempting to give another form of advice; advice that focused on an alternative means of combat.

Zuqetta's eyes would narrow upon Blizzards form, displaying a clear vibe of defiance in her expression.

"Got it..."

She had nothing against Blizzard; even if she was upset from having been bested in their previous fight, she held no grudge. She simply struggled to cope with becoming an apprentice to yet another individual; something she seemed to do often. Her father had been terrible, whereas Vennel was nice; Yangcong had been evil, while Azoth was good. It made her wonder what Blizzard would be as a master, and what his intentions down the line would be. After all, what reason would someone so powerful have to train a child of a completely different race?

Focusing on the task before, Zuqetta would pay close attention as Blizzard came down upon her with his mighty form; lunging his energy blades forward in a stabbing motion straight towards her.

Sidestepping, Zuqetta would defend against the strike with her sword before kicking off from the ground to gain distance and launching herself into the air. If it was the blade beam Blizzard wanted, then it was the blade beam that he would get! Lifting her sword above her head, Zuqetta would repeat the aforementioned attack; slicing downward several times to send wave after wave of cascading blade beams down upon her foe!

---

As Zuqetta launched her myriad of strikes, a smirk would begin to creep onto her face at the excitement of the fight; something she would quickly become aware of, giving a swift shake of her head and focusing with a sharp gaze. She would cease her onslaught as the many blade beams rained down upon Major Blizzard; taking this brief moment to catch her breath. It was a moment that was to be short lived however, as the seemingly distracted Blizzard would instantly snap to attention; once more growing in size and doubling in power as he did so.

"Back ta boss monster form huh?" Zuqetta would mutter to herself as she readied her blade.

Effortlessly, Blizzard would seem to smack aside wave after wave of the blade beams; all while continuing his instruction. He wanted her to overpower an attack with another attack; but she failed to believe such a thing was likely to work. Blizzard had already confirmed that he couldn't utilize energy of his own, so there was no way he could have possibly-

"What-!?"

It was then, while lost in her own thought, that she would be caught off guard by Blizzards incredible display. Though he was incapable of using ki, and so incapable of fighting at long range; Zuqetta's belief would be tried as Blizzard did exactly as he preached. With a powerful slash of his own, Blizzard would send Zuqetta's own attack flying right back at her, and at double the force than she had initially sent it at!

Her body would attempt to move, wanting to dodge; but her actions would be split as she attempted to do just as Blizzard had done. As such, as she lifted her blade high, she would be lacking in power as she brought it down, slamming it into the returned blade beam. she would be pushed higher and higher as she used all of her strength to attempt to redirect the attack; gritting her teeth as she wore an almost enraged expression. Until finally, the clash would come to an end as she crashed into the ceiling above; with the blade beam over taking her and detonating, causing her to fall from the air and careen to the floor below.

As she fell, she cursed her indecisiveness; the fundamentals of combat had been made clear to her in the past, but what Blizzard brought to the table was beyond what she knew. an attack had been sent her way, and so she wanted to dodge or block, just as she was taught; but to strike back? It seemed unconventional and almost even impossible, you wouldn't deflect a bullet with another bullet after all; and just Blizzard PROVED it was possible.

Before hitting the ground, Zuqetta would release a swift breath and resume flight; just enough to slow herself before making contact with the ground. Looking back towards Blizzard, she would seemingly have a frustrated expression; after wiping her face with her arm however, she would quickly pull on her cat-eared hood to hide herself as she resumed a fighting stance.

"Heh hehe, that was crazy..." She'd say, "I don't wanna hafta transform, but I might need ta." She'd state as a hidden smile stretched across her face beneath her hood.

She was having fun again, even if the end result would be her losing, she still found herself having fun. She tried to force the feeling down, she didn't want to be as primitive as her kin; but the feeling only grew stronger as the fight went on. Just as with Azoth, she knew that a fight against Blizzard would be a losing fight; but an irrational feeling within her didn't care, the thrill was all that mattered, not winning or losing.

With that, Zuqetta would dash out towards the massive monster; strangely enough, decreasing the size of her sword as she closed the distance. Once upon him, Zuqetta would resume the fight, striking at him in close combat; with her smaller blade however, her strikes would prove exceedingly quickly and a bit more precise.

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