Zuqetta's Challenge

"Hey, your not a saiyan." Someone in the crowd was speaking up as a small cloaked figure stood in the crowd. He had been in the saiyan capital just running some schemes to make some money. Nothing too crazy. Then he saw a fucking massive ship, felt an even more massive power and then a fucking giant speech was starting. It was that lady Zuqetta who was proclaiming her new status she was challenging for the throne of the saiyan people. She was going to take power and it seemed really turn plant on its head. Rightfully, Saiba-Ban was pretty worried. He didn't know Taori that well but he had made peace on this planet right? That meant war was coming back? And if war came back the saibaman would be in trouble. His whole plan would be ruined. But he knew better to get involved in something like this.

But no one else seemed to be around. It was almost as if there was no one else would take on this challenge. That she would become queen? If she became Queen, then that meant he needed to get in her good graces right away. Or that also meant, wait he could become King? Money signs sprung from his eyes, he'd be super rich! This was a great idea. Wait, he was not a saiyan. He'd be king of all five minutes before everyone turned and left. But maybe..he could use this to get what he wanted. That was his thoughts as the saiyan in the crowd grabbed on his shoulder. "Who the hell.." He was meet by a Saiba-Ban smashing him to the ground. The Saiyan's around him quickly moved away as Saiba-Ban stepped forward. No one else wanted to mess with the Queen to be. Saiba-Ban mustered his courage, his greed and maybe a bit of selflessness.

Stepping fully into the throne room would be the three foot cloaked figure. But soon he was uncloaked as he ripped it free from his body. Standing in his tiny suit was a tiny saibaman! The crowd roared in anger. This guy was not a saiyan? But Saiba-Ban did not care. "Your trying to take the throne? Bu who was here before the saiyans? Or even the tuffles?" He point to himself. "My people. The Saibamen. And we always being stepped on. Underestimated by the masses. I won't put it up with anymore. You can be queen but I got one request. All the Saibamen are going to be allowed to live in peace. Your people won't hunt then anymore as cattle or livestock."

Saiba-Ban would take a few more steps forward to turn himself towards the crowd. "You all might think my kind are just some brainless monsters. But develop based on our environment. And you saiyans along with the tuffles ruined said environment with your constant fighting. So now we can't grow. We grow less and less smart by the generation. I won't put up with it anymore. The Saibamen are not gonna be opposed. I might be the only one of my kind right now with the word to express this, but we are going to be recognized. If that means apart of your kingdom as equals? Fine, I'll deal with it. As a Third Kingdom fine with me. Hell, I'll even work with you do that even if that means I got to take some of your orders." He raise his arms. "I'll indulge in what means to be a 'saiyan'." He finally turn back to Zuqetta.

"You were challenging anyone to face you to be leader. I am not a saiyan. I hardly live on plant. But I am here right now. So I'll give two options. Meet my requests. Don't? Then I'm gonna have to kick your ass." Saiba-Ban pointed towards Zuqetta his body quivering slightly. Clearly not all his confidence was without some bravado. He had no idea if he could kick her ass. Honestly, he'd prob get his ass kicked. But he sorta hoped his boldness would mean that she'd meet his requests, in exchange for working with her. He'd be willing to do that if his people were gonna be treated right. Then he could move them eventually to another planet. He just needed time to make sure they not be wiped out by Zuqetta, who honestly had shown before a lack of appreciation for the saibaman race.



Wc:737
Powerlevel:60,000
Item's:Hetap, Radioactive Hetap.
-
Kp:6/6
Mp:0/6
Damage Meter:0/250

"Surely we're beyond demeaning the challenger's age." A voice: smooth, neutral, and sharp as the clack of heels against stone; a new figure emerged from the great bound doors. Fierce whispers and murmurs bounded among the crowd, precious few recognizing the woman in her garb. Contrary to the gravity of these proceedings AND her most recent bout in the wastes, gone was the faux military garb. Black, blue-heeled & laced boots, baggy sweatpants, and a top cut short of the midriff and elbows. Brilliant blue eyes pierced into the gaze of any who would match hers, nestled neatly behind a pair of seemingly innocuous glasses.

"I suppose introductions for the court are in order," Beneath the cordiality and respect was deep-seated fatigue, akin to watching a mistake unfurl for the thousandth time. "My name is Amara Bloodthorne, and I am alive." A shocking revelation for any in the know. Amara had supposedly died a Hero's death in the Destron-choked wastes, fighting to stop the madman Yangcong before he could do further damage.

"Heir to a noble house, daughter of Garrick - esteemed general of the war, servant to the crown for half a decade of military duty, and Saiyan by birthright. I've lost my family, my honor, and even my tail in service to my people." There was no manipulative urging or attempted emotional provocation in Amara's words. She listed each fact concisely and nigh absent of emotion, as easily as one would read a shopping list.

"...None of that should give or take weight from my words today, but if you are one of many searching for 'legitimacy' to involve me in Saiyan affairs, there you have it." Enough of others claiming her to act on another agenda. No more of them saying she had no right to meddle in the affairs of her home. Amara had changed over the past year and a half, but there would be NO tolerance for any denial of her birthright and tumultuous years of pain as a Saiyan soldier. What she wanted most was for Taori to return and set things straight... but the throne remained absent, and the King unseen.

Amara had already crossed the border betwixt observer and challenger; her unguarded Ki and crackling waves of electricity made no possible confusion in what she was prepared to do. Yet the woman did not move to attack or threaten, moving towards the entryway and leaning against the wall, far from the throne. "I'd like to hear from you first, challenger. Explain the shame you claim has coated the Saiyan people." A quick nod and a guarded gaze fell to the green beast-man. "And your concerns will be addressed today, that is certain, but I'd recommend you wait to see who is favored to take the crown before doling out threats or demands."

Blue-hued photons appeared in a flash, stretchy and viscous as molten rubber. In a matter of seconds, the light was woven and dispersed, leaving behind a small table with an assortment of food items and drinks. "Snacks, if you wish. Seeing as the challenger called for this to be a forum rather a simple matter of reclaiming rulership."

Thread PL: 20,000 | Items: N/A

---

Despite all of these months searching for practically any sign of the ones who would've dared to stab Clove in the back, his own research has come up fruitless. Perhaps his assailants from so long ago really are out of the picture at this point. He had become so determined to find something that he's slowly started to become more and more of a hermit, toiling away all by his lonesome self. What would that even accomplish at this point when there's practically nothing here for him to find. Perhaps at this moment, it would finally be time to confront the king, to speak to Taori, to expose his true identity for the first time in so long.

Then the drones came.

Up high in the sky, Clove could spot a massive ship looming in the air, releasing seemingly hundreds, even thousands of drones towards the grounds of the palace and the streets of the city below. A massive fight broke out, yet despite the seemingly overwhelming numbers, what truly confused Clove was how none of the saiyans were being killed in retaliation. It almost seemed like these drones possessed no weapons, but why? A sudden booming voice suddenly echoes across the landscape, drawing Clove's attention back up towards the ship before being drawn away once more by the drones suddenly displaying holograms of... Zuq?

The young girl he met months ago in the Saiba Wastes? This was her doing? Something must've certainly happened in between their meeting and now to the point where she would pull off this sort of show. She reveals herself at the hanger of the ship and slowly descends down to the palace grounds. Was she looking to challenge Taori for the throne? Just what is she thinking? Clove pushes past anybody else on the streets aside as he moves as fast as he could towards the palace, needing to know just what has gotten into her and, if needed, assist Taori if there is trouble afoot.

By the time he arrives at the scene, it looks like many others have beaten him to the punch. A saiyan he isn't too familiar with is already attempting to converse with Zuq, whose full name was apparently Zuqetta Dreadwyrm, a clan name he hasn't heard in quite some time. On top of that, a saiba-man of all things was also attempting to butt in, though why he would even bother given the fact that he's just a measly saiba-man is beyond Clove. He's just surprised the little guy hasn't attempted to blow anything up already. "And you would speak ill of Taori's name, Zuq?" Clove begins to barge into the conversation, "You truly must have good reason to do so, else there might be trouble heading your way."

Clove's attention then moves over towards the saiba-man, humoring him in the sense that he believes that he has a say over any of them. "I'd also take great care in what you say, saiba-man. What of you to declare such requests of a challenger of the throne, or even any saiyan." He would then turn to the young man and state to him, "Hmm... I would expect a younger saiyan to have greater pride in the saiyan race. Interesting..."

Another face, Dark, arrived at the scene before Clove, a man he was all too familiar with. A strong and powerful saiyan in his own right, yet reckless from the times he has fought alongside him. He too had come out of the curiosity that Zuqetta's challenge brings. "Dark," Clove raises his hand as he approaches, "I don't entirely know if they would be so willing to cooperate. Perhaps recently we have made peace with our tuffle neighbors, but that relationship is still damaged. It might take years for it to truly begin to mend. As for the saiba-men, perhaps scouting would suit them. Foot soldiers, not so likely. That's something geared for us, for us to experience warfare by our own hands."

His attention soon shifts over to another saiyan entering the conversation, except this one was another saiyan that he met back in the Saiba Wastes. That strange sense of familiarity invades his mind yet again, but he never was able to put together just what it all meant, at least until she uttered two words: Amara Bloodthorne. She looked so different from when he last laid eyes upon his daughter, at least before the incident years ago. All this time he had been searching for his assailants, to make sure they're all gone before he can truly embrace her, and now...

"Amara..." he mutters under his breath, his mask and hood still obscuring most of his features as he slowly approaches her, paying little attention to what she or anyone else is saying. "It's truly you. But... Why are you here?"

WC: 832

Active PL: 20,000

HP:  ▰▰▰▰▰▰▰▰▰▰ 270%

KP: 6/6

MP: 1/6

OOC Notes/Items Used: Antisense is Active

Beyond the entrance, down a narrow corridor, and sequestered behind a pair of massive doors lied the Grand Hall of the Saiyan Palace, and to the back of the room, the 'oh so coveted' throne. Zuqetta had entered the room expecting to be immediately assailed by foolhardy Royal Guardsmen; to her surprise however, all were civil. While the lesser elites outside had taken to attacking her in her attempt to challenge Taori for the throne, the Royal Guard at least understood tradition enough to give their respect for any and all who would find their way here for the challenge. Not only to Zuqetta, but to all who would come after; they would bow, and give free reign of the room to an extent.

"I not so humbly request an audience with the King." Zuqetta would state plainly as she entered the room; glancing towards one of the Royal Guards as her drones took up positions within the room to record the encounter.

"My apologies, young Miss Zuqetta!" The voice of a rather old, hobbled Saiyan would speak up as he emerged from around a pillar, "I'm afraid our dear King, Taori, is unfortunately away." He'd explain, "B-but of course, you're more than welcome to wait as we relay a message out to him and his guards! For an event such as this, there is no doubt in my mind that he would arrive with due haste!" He'd finish, rubbing his hands together as he gave an wide, manipulative grin.

Zuqetta looked over the man, it was rare to ever find Saiyans of such an age that it actually showed on their features; most died before they ever had the chance to get old. His strength was negligible, lesser than that of even the common lower class Saiyan; no doubt, he was merely an advisor, an outlier to the norm, and most likely a 'royal' to have claimed such a position without requiring a contest of strength. Zuqetta could see it plainly, his goal was simply to get in good graces with potential challengers so as to maintain his comfortable position and lifestyle; Zuqetta would give a short, heavy breath, for now he would be of no consequence.

"Send your message out, whether he takes me seriously or not, I couldn't care less." Zuqetta would state as she made her way towards the center of the Grand Hall, nearer to the throne itself.

"Of course young Miss, we'll send out the message right away!" The old man would say happily with his unbending, sly grin, "Might we bring you anything while you wait? Food? Beverages? Seating perhaps?" He'd ask as he continued with his attempts at brown nosing.

"Do you take me for a weak, little girl in need of constant fawning and attention?" Zuqetta would question with a glare towards the old man, "The only thing I need of you, is to bring King Taori here, now." She would say firmly as she walked away from the man and continued through the Grand Hall.

The man would state his understanding along with a bow before exiting the area; while Zuqetta may have come off as harsh, in all honesty she had already eaten plenty just before her ship arrived, so she required nothing further. As well, accepting might have made her seem weak; something she simply couldn't allow in front of the 'oh so powerful' royals of all people.

Zuqetta had neared the empty throne now, clenching her fist subtly as she looked upon it; she wanted nothing more than to blast that uncomfortable, archaic looking chair to bits, but restrained herself. Who in the hell would want a chair made of stone anyways? Was it meant to symbolize power? A metal throne would have been better suited if that were the case; or heaven forbid, some gaudy diamond throne, ANYTHING besides this carved rock! Zuqetta would maintain her composure for the moment and turn away from the throne; facing the entrance she had walked away from. Royals of non-combative positions would begin to arrive and talk amongst themselves; along with plenty of low and elite class Saiyans alike. While many hadn't shown to actually fight, plenty wanted not only to spectate, but to have their voices heard as Zuqetta had mentioned in her challenge. If that was what they wanted, they'd have plenty of opportunities; Zuqetta's drones maintained their positions throughout the room, focusing to give a display of each individual who entered for all of their race to see.

A good deal of time has passed and while she hadn't expected Vocado to show, at least not anytime soon, she HAD expected Taori to defend his little position of power; if not for his own sake, then for the sake of the family he allowed to call themselves royals. Occasional messages had come through the hidden earpiece Zuqetta wore; the situation in the Saiba Wastes had de-escalated, which meant it would only be a matter of time before Vocado would at least arrive. In the mean time, Zuqetta had entertained any and all who would step up and stand before her; listening to their grievances on the state of Sadala, and to the changes they wished to see. The majority of the serious requests and comments came from the lower class who wished for equality or at least better conditions; the less serious were often made by elites, wanting more pay or other selfish desires.

Regardless of her personal feelings on the matters each brought to her, she would respond seriously; even towards those who attempted to throw themselves at her with weapons drawn in an attempt to take down what they foolishly believed was no more than a child. For the moment, all had fallen silent around her as groups and cliques spoke amongst themselves; until finally, that silence would be broken, but by a Saibaman of all things and with a request that would leave most Saiyan's in the room bursting in a fit of laughter.

The creature seemed familiar, if only due to his suit and unique ability to talk; and then it hit her. 'Ban? What in the...?' Zuqetta would think to herself with a surprised look as Saiba-ban went on to express his concerns and desires. The little Saibaman showed more grit and determination than most of the Saiyan's that had even shown up; Zuqetta approved of his confidence, but wouldn't allow the emotion to show as she took to merely listening as she had done with all the rest. Rather than one at a time, these moments seemed to come in bursts, and along with Saiba-ban, person after person would begin to show.

First after Saiba-ban would be an absolute unit of a Saiyan, Nasu; a man that towered and exuded power, a far cry from the masses who'd come to spectate. He seemed incredibly familiar, but Zuqetta couldn't quite place from where. He'd acknowledged the Saibaman's pleas, before questioning Zuqetta's intention himself. It was a simple matter to address the two, but before she could, an incredibly loud and familiar voice would shout through the crowds as they approached. 'Dark?' Zuqetta would question to herself, 'But what about-? No, it hardly matters, better he be here than wasting away at that tournament.' She'd think with a deep breath to calm herself as her tail swayed about happily beneath her waist cloak. Dark's arrival was a surprise, but she would need to contain herself and listen to him properly; she couldn't allow herself to express any unnecessary bias. It was unfortunate then that Dark's comments were no different than that of the typical Saiyan. Perhaps he found himself an innovator, but to Zuqetta, he simply sought to change out the current method of Saiyan warfare with another.

Just then, yet another would push through the crowd; this one, not quite as loud or young as Dark, but driven by a comparable determination. It was Clove, a face she couldn't have so easily forgotten; one of the few who'd treated her with consideration when she was younger, and someone who'd helped her to improve and adapt her skills. While their encounter had been brief back then, the knowledge she'd gleamed from their short training had been invaluable. Zuqetta's initial reaction when he mentioned how she spoke of Taori was sarcasm; her opinion of Taori had already hit rock bottom, and the fact that he'd yet to show didn't help, but Clove deserved more respect than that. Still, with Taori being the 'hero' that he was to so many, Zuqetta was growing tired of hearing the same thing with Saiyan after Saiyan striking at her for besmirching their kings name; it was clear many who arrived hadn't understood the point of this gathering. Many saw only a big power, a challenge for the throne, and allowed their brains to stop there. Sure, plenty had voiced their concerns and desires to Zuqetta at this point, but she was NOT the Queen; she was willing to listen on the chance that she took the position this day, but that was NOT the point of this gathering.

The drones Zuqetta had sent across the room had taken in each and every person that entered; recording their actions, their comments and concerns, and broadcasting these moments to across Sadala for all to see. From Saiba-ban and Dark's outbursts, to Clove and Nasu's remarks; as Clove finished his statement to Dark, yet another would enter. This one announced themselves about as loudly as Dark, though in a much more refined manner; Zuqetta almost couldn't help but to snicker a bit as it showed the stereotypical difference between the low class and the elite.

The woman's name was Amara Bloodthorne, a name Zuqetta had come across several times during her investigations into hers and Zerori's family matters, but not someone she'd taken an interest in. Her announcement and declaration of life had sent a collective gasp throughout the crowds, with all falling silent while the royals began to mummer amongst themselves. Was she like Taori? Some honorary hero? For Zuqetta, it hardly mattered; what was most important was that this individual seemed to have the clearest head amongst all those who had joined so far, and displayed the kind of traits Zuqetta was looking for in a leader. Zuqetta listened carefully as Amara spoke, wincing slightly as Amara explained the trials she'd gone through; though she hardly seemed concerned for her own well being, and moved immediately to questioning Zuqetta's intent.

Clove had seemed to take an interest in the woman for whatever reason; was it because she was a decorated hero? Maybe he thought she'd defend Taori's honor? No, it suddenly hit her, Amara... that was the name of Clove's daughter; Zuqetta remembered the request he'd made, but she'd never stumbled across the woman in her travels to ever relay the message. Was it the same Amara though? Or was Clove going senile? The woman had stated her fathers name was Garrick, and by her own admission she'd lost her family... There was a mystery here and Zuqetta was well out of the loop; she at least had the tact to leave it alone for the moment, now wasn't the time nor place to bring up such potentially sensitive issues.

Concerns and comments had been given in quick succession, and before the gathered group could begin bickering amongst themselves, Zuqetta was ready to chime in. The was until yet ANOTHER low class Saiyan would- oh wait, it was just Jagaimo. Zuqetta found herself more than a bit surprised to see Jagaimo here; she hadn't seen the girl since Namek, but she at least knew Jagaimo had participated in the tournament on Konats. She reeked of alcohol... what had she been doing before arriving? Regardless, as Amara worked a magic similar to Ward's and Zerori's to conjure a table of snacks and refreshments, Jagaimo would go about questioning Zuqetta's intention here as well.

It had been hours by this point, and yet it seemed that Taori had no intention of showing; and strangely enough, neither did Vocado. She'd hoped to face the King in an official capacity, but that wasn't going to happen; she'd also hoped to learn of what Vocado encountered out in the Ruined Metropolis, though it appeared that'd have to wait. Taking in a deep breath as Jagaimo finished her remarks, Zuqetta would finally take to making her responses; as quick and succinct as she could, beginning with the one who seemed to understand the least of all, Jagaimo.

"As you said, I am QUITE happy with my life outside of this world, but my being here today has nothing to do with that, such is why Lilith isn't here with me." Zuqetta would state firmly as her gaze narrowed on Jagaimo, "And if you believe I'm here to simply throw around my power and take that empty seat behind me, then you'll find yourself SORELY mistaken. I made my intention clear for the Saiyan people to come and make their concerns known, and even YOURS is on display for all to see and hear." She'd comment before turning her gaze away from Jagaimo with one final remark, "As Amara said, age isn't something to be berated here, and neither is status. My idea of a TRUE Saiyan, and yours, is NOT the same." She'd finish; no longer interested in giving Jagaimo's childish, or possibly drunken, remarks anymore weight. She'd answered Jagaimo with the same respect she'd been presented; and with the same respect she'd given many like Jagaimo, her attention now would turn towards Saiba-ban and Nasu.

"What you want is a fair concern, Ban." Zuqetta would remark, "But I'm not the ruler here, and unless you intend to contend with all other in attendance here, I'd suggest taking Amara's advice for now. Should it be decided I take the final lead here, I'll listen to your concerns, no problem." She'd finish, clearing her throat as she nearly dropped her serious demeanor, "As for you, big guy." Zuqetta would begin, turning her attention to Nasu, "I don't intend to do anything, not by myself at least." She'd state plainly before panning her gaze across all in attendance; her drones doing well to focus in on these final challengers to the throne.

"Let me make this clear one last time to those who seem to misunderstand!" She'd shout as her tail beat against the ground, "This continued manner of having a SOLE ruler dictate the every action of our people is what led us to where we are in the first place!" She'd exclaim with a scowl, "Many have asked what I intend to do, and that's foolish. While my actions might make ME seem like the fool here, I'm not so naive as to lack self awareness! I'm young, overconfident, brash... and perhaps most importantly, I'm angry..." Zuqetta would explain as her energy began to flicker wildly around her, "Angry at those who fail to listen, angry at the mistakes I've made in the past, and ANGRY at the TUFFLES who stole my mother from me!!" She'd shout as her tail slammed into the ground beneath her, cracking the floor while her energy began to rage, "If I was to take the SOLE decision on matters concerning our people, I would FIX Taori's MISTAKE, and RID OUR WORLD of those who've stolen from me!!!" She'd continue shouting in a nearly blind rage before biting her lower lip and taking a deep breath to calm herself; her raging energy settling down as she did, "But that... would simply lead us into another unnecessary war, and I'd only end up losing more of the things I care about." Zuqetta would say calmly, "That is why I've so publicly hosted this challenge, and that is why I broadcast it for all to see. Decisions regarding our nation shouldn't be dictated by one person alone, no matter their strength, whomsoever should rule should do so with the counsel and consideration of the people they intend to lead." She'd finish with a calming breath before turning her attention next toward Dark and Amara.

Zuqetta could feel a pain in her chest as she looked upon Dark; she didn't want to talk down to him or speak to him in a 'serious' manner, but she couldn't allow her feelings to sway her judgement. His comments were no different than that of their ancestors, and would surely be favorable amongst the populace; even Clove had taken his remarks into consideration, with suggestions to adapt the method. Dark's comments though would completely go against Saiba-ban's demand; while it may have looked like an opportunity for mutual cooperation, Zuqetta knew better. For the Saiyans, it would quickly become no more than enslavement; the Saiba of the wastes would be fodder, sent out to die, and the Tuffles would likely be treated no better. He had a fair point about preparing for the worst however; Zuqetta had seen the powers that lie beyond Plant, and it was clear that even combined, the Tuffles and Saiyans would be hard pressed to defend themselves should an all out invasion occur.

"Such archaic mannerisms." Zuqetta would say cold and harshly as she looked upon Dark, "You say 'Warriors', but all I've found amongst our people is savages and barbarians. In the past, our people MAY have been a proud warrior race, but up to this day, I've found their power wanting. Few picked from here and there, you and I included, might exhibit strength; but the vast majority of our people are weaklings who partake in nothing more than slaughter, banditry, and debauchery. Your so-called 'changes' would merely be a refinement of those 'core' Saiyan traits." She'd state firmly before looking towards Amara, giving a glance towards Clove at the same time, "The shame I speak of, is exactly why that seat back there is empty." Zuqetta would state, thumbing back towards the throne, "I don't care who intends to defend him and his 'honor', I only ask, where is he? Why can he not defend his OWN honor? While many might be upset that I've initiated this challenge, this is a right given to ALL of us; I've simply exerted that right, nothing more and nothing less." Zuqetta would explain as she took another breath to keep herself in control.

Zuqetta could feel the energy exerting from Amara and Nasu both and found herself impressed; they held such control over their powers, they'd have been perfect picks for the throne. She found it difficult to maintain her own composure during this whole event while also pushing her power to its limit. Rage was what fueled her, and she felt she was in constant threat of losing herself to it and simply lashing out against those who had attended. She wasn't fit to lead a nation, and she knew that; she wanted someone who was, and failing that, wanted someone who could aid her in doing so should she have been forced to take up the mantle herself. If Taori had shown, then perhaps things could have been different; or even if Vocado had shown, and yet neither the King nor his right hand man attended... To them, she was likely just an upstart child, that same sour tune; Zuqetta would ignore such thoughts for the time however, it was clear that the two main characters had no intention of showing their faces, so it was time to move on with this gathering and get to the crux of it all.

"We do need a smart leader, but we also need someone who can see beyond the memories of the past; learn from that past, and move forward." Zuqetta would remark in regards to Dark's comment, "We need someone with power, power is the only reason I can stand here today and be taken seriously at all, instead of merely being brushed aside and ignored like the child I once was." She'd explain, in regards to Jagaimo's statements, "We need someone who can see past their own hatred, no matter how much it pains them, and no matter what others might think of them for their decisions." She'd continue in regards the Clove's suspicion, "Someone who can not only be a prime example of a True Saiyan, but that can be an inspiration to rise up to. Someone that our race can see as a reason to improve, not for the sake of themselves, but for the sake of our people." She'd include with a glance towards Nasu, "And not simply someone chained to this world, flaunting their title as a noble such as I have; but someone who has traveled the galaxy and has made themselves aware of not only its threats, but also its benefits and wonders." She'd finish with her final remark falling upon Amara; before immediately remembering that Saiba-ban was in attendance, "Oh and of course, someone who can take into consideration ALL of our planets inhabitants." She'd actually finish, feeling just a tad bit embarrassed to have momentarily forgotten about Ban.



"I've given my thoughts, and responses on the matter; but let me make this clear-" Zuqetta would begin for one final remark, "I don't care about sitting on that rock. I only care about protecting my people, and if any of you can help keep my people safe, then I am MORE than willing to step aside and accept you taking up that seat." She'd state before taking a step back and materializing her massive greatsword; stabbing it into the ground before continuing, "But this IS a challenge after all, be it through conversation or combat, just as there are those who have no intention of allowing me on that throne, I have no intention of allowing someone I don't deem worthy to sit up there either." She'd finish with a furrowed brow; panning her gaze across all in attendance.

With that, the challenge was now in full swing, and both debates and contests of strength could take place. Zuqetta hoped for a more civilized approach to the determination of they who would be ruler, but understood her people well enough to not delude herself. Dark certainly wasn't about to give up without a fight, and a big guy like Nasu didn't seem like he'd allow such a thing as a mere conversation to sway this decision either. Zuqetta awaited their responses with anticipation; even if it wasn't she who took the throne, this would hopefully end with someone far more wise and actively involved with their people than the previous two rulers had been.

Another saiyan arrives at the scene, and another one that Clove recognizes, though it has been quite some time since he has last seen her. Jagaimo has come to insert herself into the riveting conversation, asking the saibaman to give Zuqetta some time to explain herself before speaking on what the monarch of the saiyans should be doing for the people, a perspective clashing amidst the many others that have come as well. He gives her a small wave and asks, "Jagaimo, how long has it been?" His attention, however, would shift right back over to Zuqetta as she prepares to address everyone who has come to interject.

Everybody was now crowded inside of the throne room, standing right by the empty throne, which bid ill for Taori. Just where has he gone, and where could Alpinia be? The elder saiyan hopes that nothing terrible has befallen the two. His worries quickly shift over as Zuqetta addresses Jagaimo's comments before moving on to her true motives, motives that quite surprised Clove as to her intentions. She wasn't here entirely to take over the throne and become saiyan queen, but rather that she truly desires good leadership for the people, whether it be through her or from someone else.

With all of the hiding that Clove himself had been doing, he wasn't able to truly experience life within the saiyan territory in quite some time, so he doesn't know the full extent of what lives people were living under Taori. Hell, at this point he's more familiar with living amongst the beasts of the Saiba Wastes, or more accurately fending off the beasts. As he further ponders on Zuqetta's words and responses to everybody else, the saibaman speaks up himself, addressing Clove's earlier comment and adds on a desire for education. Educating saibamen? Seems rather absurd to Clove, but that wasn't the most pressing matter at the moment.

The little one goes on about how he can, in fact, provide money and deals for the saiyans, which might explain why he's got a business suit on. Clove decides against responding to him considering how he can't prove that the saibaman doesn't have money, and that would only spiral into an argument with, well, a saibaman, which if things go south can end up damaging the throne room. He will hold his tongue on that matter.

It was now Nasu's turn to speak, giving his own perspective on anger and using it as a tool, a perspective that Clove too has learned over his many years within the military. The comment about 'coming back from the dead' did make the elder chuckle a bit given how he's thought to be dead, or at least his true identity is. He then goes on about potentially proposing what Arcose had recently done, that being forming a triumvirate of kings and queens to rule over Plant. Once more, he was about to interject and give his own views on this whole politics shenanigans until Amara began to take her own turn, going on about how the saiyans should be considering stronger relations with the tuffles, that the monarchy should be replaced with a meritocracy.

It was quite shocking to hear all of this from her of all people. After all, she was practically brought up within the saiyan army like everybody else, and yet here she was being so bold as to outright demand a complete restructuring, pointing out that pretty much anybody with the greatest strength can just walk in, take the throne for a few months, then leave like nothing ever happened. It certainly seemed like a problem, though once more, military expertise and fighting was Clove's realm, not politics.

"It certainly wouldn't be easy, I would say," Clove finally begins to speak up, "Many saiyans are waking up to ideas similar to what many here propose, but many others still fundamentally believe in tradition. It has been well integrated into almost everyone since birth, and unless they choose to grow out of that mentality, it will prove quite difficult to convince them otherwise. Not only will one must deal with figuring out how these new systems will properly function, but also be prepared for opposition. I do not say that I am opposed in any sort of way, quite the opposite. Rather, I warn of the great strife and conflict that will eventually come out of such a change."

Once he gets his own miniature speech in, he once more turns back towards Amara and asks her, "If you could, may I please have a moment with you, Amara? There is something that you must know." He's not entirely sure if she's even willing to move away for even a brief moment, but whether or not she's willing to do so or not, she must know, and if others see it for themselves, then so be it.

Word Count: 823
Total Word Count: 1,655